Logitech MX Creative Console: Full Guide

The Logitech MX Creative Console is a two-part productivity device designed to speed up creative software workflows by combining a customizable keypad and a contextual dial. You get a 9-key keypad with a dial for navigating timelines and layers, plus a separate number pad for palettes and shortcuts. This guide explains what it does, how it works, who it suits, and what to consider before buying.

Background and Positioning

The MX Creative Console launched in late 2023 as Logitech’s rebranded and refined version of the Loupedeck CT, a device originally aimed at photo and video editors. Logitech acquired Loupedeck in 2023 and has since integrated the hardware into its MX line, which is known for ergonomic keyboards and mice. The console is positioned as a bridge between traditional shortcut keyboards and full control surfaces like the Stream Deck or the discontinued Loupedeck+.

Unlike gaming-oriented macro pads, the MX Creative Console is explicitly designed for creative professionals—editors, designers, and digital artists—who work in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and similar apps. The hardware is not a drawing tablet; it does not replace a mouse or stylus. Instead, it gives you physical buttons and a dial to control software functions that are normally buried in menus or keyboard shortcuts.

Hardware and Layout

The console ships in two separate pieces: the keypad and the dial pad. The keypad (called the MX Creative Keypad) has nine customizable keys arranged in a 3×3 grid, with a large clickable dial on the top right corner. The dial pad (called the MX Creative Dial Pad) is a separate circular device with a rotating outer ring and a push-button center. Both connect to your computer via a single USB-C receiver or Bluetooth, and both are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries.

The keypad keys are backlit with adjustable brightness, and each key has a small LCD screen that displays the assigned function or icon. The dial pad has no screen; it communicates its current context through the software overlay on your monitor. The build quality is solid, with a matte plastic finish and rubberized grips on the base, similar to other MX peripherals.

How It Works with Software

The MX Creative Console relies on the Logitech Options+ software (or the older Loupedeck software, depending on the model) to map functions to keys and the dial. You create profiles for each application, and the console automatically switches profiles when you switch apps. For example, in Adobe Premiere Pro, the dial can be set to scrub through the timeline, zoom in and out, or adjust audio levels; the keys can trigger cut, copy, paste, ripple delete, or any custom macro.

In Photoshop, the dial often controls brush size, zoom, or layer opacity, while the keys handle undo, save, or toggle visibility. The Logitech software includes pre-made profiles for popular Adobe apps, but you can create your own from scratch. You can also assign keyboard shortcuts, text strings, or launch applications to any key. The dial supports both continuous rotation and detented steps, which is useful for precise adjustments.

Who Should Buy It

The MX Creative Console is a niche tool. It is most valuable for people who spend hours daily in creative software and who already use keyboard shortcuts heavily. If you are a video editor who constantly toggles between tools in Premiere or After Effects, the console can reduce hand movement and improve speed. Similarly, a photographer who batch-edits in Lightroom or Photoshop may find the dial invaluable for adjusting sliders without dragging a mouse.

On the other hand, if you are a casual user who opens Photoshop once a month, the console is overkill. It is also less useful for pure coding, office work, or gaming, as its software support is focused on creative apps. The dial pad, while innovative, may feel redundant if you already have a mouse with a free-spinning scroll wheel.

Common Problems and Limitations

Several users report that the Logitech Options+ software is occasionally buggy, with profiles not switching automatically or keys not responding until the app is restarted. The console also relies on a constant connection; if the Bluetooth drops, the keys become inert. Another limitation is that the keypad has only nine keys, which may be too few for complex workflows like After Effects, where you might need dozens of shortcuts. You can create multiple pages of keys and switch between them with a dedicated key, but that adds an extra step.

The dial pad is often criticized for being too sensitive or for not having enough resistance, making fine adjustments difficult. Also, the console does not work with Adobe software on Linux, and some features require the software to be running in the background, which can be a resource drain on older computers.

Comparison with Alternatives

The most direct competitor is the Elgato Stream Deck, which offers more keys (up to 32 on the XL model) and a larger ecosystem of plugins. However, the Stream Deck lacks a contextual dial, which is the MX Creative Console’s main advantage. The Loupedeck+ and Loupedeck CT (now discontinued but still available used) offer more physical controls but have a steeper learning curve and less polished software.

Another alternative is to use a programmable macro keyboard like the Razer Tartarus or a standard numpad with software like AutoHotkey. These are cheaper but require more manual setup and lack the visual feedback of LCD keys. For a professional who values a plug-and-play experience with Adobe apps, the MX Creative Console is a strong choice, but for flexibility and raw button count, the Stream Deck wins.

Cost and Value

The MX Creative Console typically retails for around $200, which is comparable to a Stream Deck XL but more expensive than a basic macro pad. The price is justified by the build quality, the dial, and the included software profiles. However, you are paying for a niche tool, and the value depends entirely on how much you use it. If it saves you 30 minutes a day, it pays for itself in a few months. If you only edit videos occasionally, the cost is hard to justify.

There are no recurring subscription fees, and the software is free to download. The console is also available in a bundle with an MX keyboard or mouse, which can reduce the overall cost if you need both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MX Creative Console work with Mac and Windows?

Yes, the console is compatible with both macOS and Windows. Logitech provides the Options+ software for both platforms, and the console connects via USB-C receiver or Bluetooth. Linux is not officially supported.

Can I use the dial for anything other than Adobe apps?

Yes, you can map the dial to any function that supports a scroll wheel or arrow keys, such as volume control, browser zoom, or even scrolling through code. However, the pre-made profiles are mostly for Adobe apps, so you will need to configure other software manually.

How many profiles can I save?

There is no hard limit; you can create as many profiles as you want in the Logitech Options+ software. Each profile is tied to a specific application, and the console switches automatically when you switch apps.

Is the MX Creative Console worth it for a beginner?

Probably not. Beginners rarely have established workflows that benefit from physical shortcuts. It is better to learn keyboard shortcuts first and then consider the console if you hit a speed limit.

Can I replace the keycaps or customize the dial’s resistance?

No, the keycaps are not removable, and the dial’s resistance is fixed. The only customization is through the software, where you can change key functions and dial behavior.

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