© Logitech
A year after the acquisition of Loupedeck, Logitech unveils its first controller, baptized MX Creative Console. Exit the traditional monolithic case: the Swiss brand has chosen to separate the functions into two distinct modules, in order to improve ergonomics and handling.
This new approach is accompanied by an aggressive price positioning: at €229, the MX Creative Console is well below competing solutions such as the Elgato Stream Deck or the Razer Stream Controller.
But is Logitech's solution as convincing?? To find out, we used it for a few weeks.
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The MX Creative Console consists of two complementary components. The MX Creative DialPad is the heart of the system with its imposing central dial that rotates freely. Accompanied by a secondary dial and four programmable buttons, it connects via Bluetooth and can memorize up to three different devices. Its impressive autonomy 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 support is provided.
This separation into two modules allows for a more ergonomic layout according to needs. The adjustable backlighting of the keyboard facilitates work in low light conditions. The strength of the MX Creative Console lies in the infinite possibilities offered. You can indeed create chain actions with a single click, import your own icons or configure shortcut pages.
© Logitech
Customization is done via Logitech Options+ software. In reality, it is the brain of 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 correction software, Apple Music, etc.).
Pre-recorded configurations for certain creative applications are directly integrated 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…), Capture One, Ableton, but also videoconferencing applications (Zoom, Discord) and streaming (OBS, Twitch).
The collaboration with Adobe is undoubtedly the most interesting since Logitech offers three months of subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud. This is also a way to convince new users.
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© Logitech
The MX Creative Console is a natural fit for any creative professional looking to streamline their workflow. Photographers will appreciate the quick access to editing tools, graphic designers and video editors will gain efficiency in navigating between different functions, while streamers and content creators will be able to efficiently manage their live streams.
The device excels particularly in automating repetitive tasks: batch photo editing, applying presets, custom exports… The possibilities are vast and the learning curve is relatively gentle thanks to Logitech's intuitive approach.
But the MX Creative Cloud isn't just a tool for creatives. While we edit photos and videos, we also enjoyed productivity gains for everyday tasks. We are among those users who navigate between dozens of different applications and software throughout the day.
While shortcuts and navigation gestures have greatly simplified our work, the MX Creative Console takes the experience to a new level. So much so that we feel like we are working in slow motion when working on a workstation without them. Well done Logitech, we are stung.
© Logitech
While the MX Creative Console convinces us, some aspects would deserve to be refined. The lack of haptic feedback or detents on the main dial can make fine-tuning tricky, especially in apps like Lightroom where precision is essential. Setting up custom profiles can be cumbersome at times, especially when organizing shortcut pages or sharing actions between profiles.
API limitations in supported software can also be frustrating: for example, not being able to directly access Camera Raw in Photoshop or set precise numeric values in certain fields. These limitations are not Logitech’s fault, but they do impact the user experience.
Finally, we’d like to see Logitech partner more with creative software other than Adobe. The MX Creative Console is not optimized for Affinity Photo, DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro X.
With the MX Creative Console, Logitech has successfully entered the creative controller market. The modular approach, although surprising at first, ultimately proves to be more interesting in use because it is more flexible. While some software aspects still need to be refined, the overall package is an excellent gateway to the world of professional controllers.
Its low price of €229 and its versatility make it a wise investment for creatives looking to increase productivity without breaking the bank. But that's not all. The MX Creative Console can also support any user who navigates dozens of applications on a daily basis. We're eagerly awaiting future software developments that will allow you to fully exploit the potential of this solution, which could well be part of your future setup.
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