Logitech Unveils Its Ultimate Input Tool for Content Creators

A year ago, Logitech quietly acquired Loupedeck, a leading manufacturer of input devices used by content creators in software suites like Photoshop and Lightroom. Loupedeck devices are programmable alternatives to mice and keyboards with endless shortcuts, providing a more efficient workflow for some of the most popular creative programs.

The Loupedeck concept is great, but I don’t think it ever got the attention it deserved. Now, with the acquisition by a major mouse maker, we’ll see the Loupedeck technology get the full Logitech marketing, development, and distribution treatment, which will help bring the Loupedeck concept into the mainstream.

The new Logitech MX Creative Console is an ingenious product that has been designed from the ground up to provide deep integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud software. Logitech has worked incredibly closely with Adobe, and this clever product will change the way millions of content creators interact with their favorite software suites.

Logitech has taken the raw essence of the Loupedeck and transformed it into an accessible product that can replace a mouse, trackpad, or keyboard to take full advantage of almost any creative software suite, especially Adobe’s Creative Cloud. It’s the first advanced tool that can streamline and accelerate creative workflows by putting essential controls at your fingertips, giving content creators more time to focus on creating engaging content.

The Logitech MX Creative Console consists of two parts. The first is a customizable keyboard with nine color LCD keys on multiple pages that are filled with pre-defined configurations and actions. All nine LCD keys have adjustable brightness levels up to 600 nits, making them ideal for use in dark assembly rooms.

The keyboard also has two buttons for scrolling through 15 pages of customizable actions that can be assigned to each of the LCD keys. That’s a total of 135 different starting points that can be programmed in countless ways. The keyboard unit connects to the host computer via a detachable USB-C 2.0 high-speed cable, which also provides power to illuminate those LCD keys.

The second part of the MX Creative console is the numeric keypad. This is a smart analog navigation controller for various actions such as running, zooming, scrolling, cycling, and adjusting settings in software. The main control element is a large aluminum disc with a precision friction bearing that has a great analog feel. There is also a knurled roller for smooth navigation when scrolling through windows or menu items. Four fully customizable buttons can be programmed for various other actions.

The numeric keypad can connect to up to three different devices via Bluetooth or Logitech’s high-security wireless dongle technology for keyboards and mice. This easy-switch feature lets creators move between, say, two computers and a tablet, or whatever setup they want to use. The numeric keypad is powered by a couple of AAA batteries and should last up to 18 months before they need replacing.

Logi Options+ was developed by Logitech for advanced programming of its keyboards and mice. Now it has been enhanced with Loupedeck technology, albeit with a cleaner and more logical interface. Using Logi Options+, content creators can customize their workflow to the way they like to work, which can change depending on the application they are using. MX Creative Console puts applications, tools, and controls at your fingertips.

Another innovative feature available when using the numeric keypad is the Logi Actions Ring. Press the button and a graphical on-screen overlay or HUD can be invoked, showing a selection of settings or adjustments that can be easily accessed with a mouse click or button press. The Logi Actions Ring can be programmed to suit exactly how a person likes to work, or it can draw its selections from any installed Creative Console plug-in.

Logitech worked closely with Adobe to develop MX Creative Console, which provides deep integration with Adobe software. This API integration can be customized with plug-ins for popular Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Illustrator.

For example, if you launch Adobe Photoshop, the LCD keys on your keyboard change to provide a fresh range of tool options. You can then use the numeric keypad to adjust individual settings, whether it’s brush size, opacity, or almost any other parameter that can speed up your creative workflow.

If you’re still wondering whether the MX Creative Console is for you, the fact that anyone who buys the device gets a free three-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps membership might convince you. And if you’re already an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber, you can extend your membership for another three months for free.

In addition to mainstream creative titles like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Lightroom, MX Creative Console will also feature deep integration with other popular software packages. Logitech Marketplace also allows users to develop and exchange their own MX Creative Console configurations, and share them with other users or download other configurations. I love how Logitech organically allows its users to develop and extend tools like MX Creative Console.

Verdict: The MX Creative Console is a device of pure genius. Within a few hours of use, you’ll discover new and more efficient ways to work with your favorite creative software, which will significantly speed up your workflow. No more wasting time moving your mouse all over the screen to adjust brush size or set a different value. The only limit to the MX Creative Console is your imagination. The Logi Options+ software is intuitive and makes it easy to transform the MX Creative Console into a powerhouse of productivity and creativity. Logitech has taken the incredible technology of the Loupedeck and put it into an affordable and more accessible device. By splitting the MX Creative Console into its keyboard and number pad components, Logitech has unlocked the incredible power of the Loupedeck and made it easier and more intuitive to use. If you use creative software suites like Adobe Creative Cloud, the MX Creative Console is your new personal assistant for rocket-powering your creativity. You even get a three-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud. That’s the icing on the cake. I highly recommend it.

Prices and availability: The MX Creative Console is available today in Pale Grey and Graphite. The device is made with up to 72% post-consumer recycled plastic, low-carbon aluminum, micro-textures instead of paint, and FSC-certified packaging. It’s priced at $199.99 / £199.99 / €199.99, including three months of Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps.

Technical data:

MX Creative Keyboard:

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 97.1 x 77.9 x 25.5 mm.
• Weight: 96g.

MX Creative Dialpad:

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 92.1 x 93.7 x 33.8 mm.
• Weight: 128g.

Stand:

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 112.7 x 58.5 x 20.5 mm.
• Weight: 61g.

System requirements

• Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology
• Windows 10 or newer.
• Apple macOS 13 or later.
• USB-C port.