A year after the acquisition of Loupedeck, Logitech unveils its first controller, called MX Creative Console. No more traditional monolithic housing: the Swiss brand has chosen to separate the functions into two distinct modules, in order to improve ergonomics and handling.

This unique approach is accompanied by an aggressive pricing positioning: at €229, the MX Creative Console is positioned well below competing solutions like Elgato’s Stream Deck or Razer’s Stream Controller.

But is Logitech’s solution also convincing? To find out, we used it for a few weeks.

Buy the MX Creative Console

A console in two parts

The MX Creative Console consists of two complementary elements. The MX Creative DialPad is the heart of the system with its imposing free-rotating central dial. Accompanied by a secondary dial and four programmable buttons, it connects via Bluetooth and can memorize up to three different devices. Its impressive battery life of 18 months on AAA batteries gives it great freedom of use.

The second part of the console is the MX Creative keyboard. Connected via USB-C (to reduce latency), it consists of nine visible programmable keys and two navigation buttons. The set can manage up to 15 pages of shortcuts per application. A non-adjustable inclined stand is provided.

This separation into two modules allows a more ergonomic layout according to needs. The keyboard’s adjustable backlight makes it easier to work in low light conditions. The strength of the MX Creative Console lies in the infinite possibilities offered. You can in fact create chain actions with a single click, import your own icons or configure shortcut pages.

© Logitech

Personalization takes place via Logitech Options+ software. In reality, she is the brains behind the MX Creative Console. The intuitive interface allows you to configure each element by simply dragging and dropping actions. For example, we created a set of applications that we use most on a daily basis (Slack, Trello, the web browser, the writing software, the proofreading software, Apple Music, etc.).

Pre-recorded configurations for certain creative applications are integrated directly into the software. To offer this level of customization, Logitech has sealed several partnerships. Thus, the MX Creative Console supports the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, etc.), Capture One, Ableton, but also videoconferencing applications (Zoom, Discord) and streaming (OBS, Twitch).

The collaboration with Adobe is undoubtedly the most interesting since Logitech is offering three months of subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud. Also a way to convince new users.

Simple and intuitive

Mx Creative Console Productivity Test
© Logitech

The MX Creative Console naturally finds its place in the arsenal of creative professionals looking to optimize their workflow. Photographers will appreciate the quick access to editing tools, graphic designers and video editors will gain efficiency in their navigation between the different functions, while streamers and content creators will be able to efficiently manage their live broadcasts.

The device particularly excels at automating repetitive tasks : serial photo editing, application of presets, custom exports… The possibilities are vast and the learning curve relatively gentle thanks to Logitech’s intuitive approach.

But the MX Creative Cloud isn’t just a tool for creatives. If we edit photos and videos, we also appreciated increased productivity for everyday tasks. We are one of those users who navigate between dozens of different applications and software throughout the day.

Although navigation shortcuts and gestures have greatly simplified our work, the MX Creative Console takes the experience to an unparalleled level. So much so that we have the sensation of operating in slow motion when working at a workstation that lacks it. Well done Logitech, we are stung.

Everything is not perfect

Test Mx Creative Console Wheel
© Logitech

If the MX Creative Console convinces us, certain aspects deserve to be refined. The lack of haptic feedback or notches on the main dial can make fine adjustments tricky, especially in applications like Lightroom where precision is essential. Configuring custom profiles can sometimes be cumbersome, especially when organizing shortcut pages or sharing actions between profiles.

Limitations related to the APIs of compatible software can also frustrate: for example, the inability to directly access Camera Raw in Photoshop or to define precise numerical values ​​​​in certain fields. These restrictions are not attributable to Logitech but nevertheless impact the user experience.

Finally, we would like Logitech to seal more partnerships with creative software other than Adobe. The MX Creative Console is not optimized for Affinity Photo, DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro X.

Buy the MX Creative Console

Our opinion on the Logitech MX Creative Console

With the MX Creative Console, Logitech has successfully entered the creative controller market. The modular approach, although surprising at first, ultimately turns out to be more interesting in use because it is more flexible. If certain software aspects still need to be refined, the whole constitutes an excellent entry point into the world of professional controllers.

Its low price of €229 and its versatility make it a wise investment for creatives wishing to increase productivity without breaking the bank. But not only that. The MX Creative Console can also support any user navigating daily through dozens of applications. We look forward to future software developments which will allow us to fully exploit the potential of this solution which could well be included in your future setup.

MX Creative Console

229€

Test Mx Creative Console

We love

  • More flexible two-part concept
  • High level of customization
  • Intuitive and ergonomic
  • Careful design
  • Attractive price compared to the competition

We like less

  • Sometimes laborious customization
  • Some applications not supported
  • More partnerships with other creative software would be welcome


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