Logitech’s impressive run with the MX Master series has inspired plenty of rivals, and the latest version, despite minute improvements over its predecessor, is still the one to beat. A premium mouse at a premium price, the MX Master 3 makes full use of its rather large right-handed profile with a total of eight buttons on an ergonomically sculpted shape.
Between the primary clickers sits the infamous, tactile scroll wheel that’s now made of machined steel and uses Logitech’s MagSpeed electromagnetic tech for precise control when scrolling line-by-line or super-fast scrolling when in free-spinning mode. The magnetic scroll wheel dynamically adjusts to ratchet or free scroll mode depending on the rolling force applied, though users can still manually switch between them by pressing the dedicated button behind it.
It might seem over-engineered, but Logitech’s decision to use magnets allows for quieter scrolling than traditional designs, and is meant to give improved feedback when rolling over content. Logitech has also refined the Master’s side profile by repositioning the two macro buttons that were previously stacked adjacent to the horizontal scroll wheel.
The uncluttered redesign makes for much easier operation of the two buttons and the horizontal scroll wheel over previous models. The latter feature, which might seem a bit extra at first, can prove invaluable for productivity workflows like navigating between lines of code or a design canvas, formatting documents, or just skimming through web pages. It’s why Logitech has given it the same machined steel treatment as the main scroll wheel, since both are expected to see plenty of use.
Another layer of functionality is provided by the ‘gesture’ button located at the base of the thumb rest. Pressing it opens the Task View in Windows by default, while pressing and swiping in any of the four directions gives access to as many shortcuts. Setting them up and managing all other features of the MX Master 3 is done via Logitech’s Options software.
This program lets you set app-specific customizations, assign macros, tweak scrolling, enable/disable gestures, and receive low-battery notifications. You can’t input a specific DPI value, but a sensitivity slider allows for incremental adjustment between 200-4000 DPI. Logitech Options also gives access to Flow, a cross-platform tool for working seamlessly between Flow-enabled Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. For power users that have work split across multiple platforms, interacting and moving content between them with a single mouse can be quite a handy feature.
Like its predecessor, Logitech claims a 70-day battery life for the MX Master 3. This means a full charge and moderate/heavy use will liberate you for at least a few weeks. It’s also the first in the series to make the switch to USB-C, and also supports quick charging to deliver up to 3 hours of use with a 1-minute charge.
The $100 MX Master 3 is expensive, but Logitech’s hardware and software refinements over several generations are meant to satisfy the most demanding of users. Some may find its 141g/4.97oz weight and size a bit on the larger side, and the non-ambidextrous design leaves left-handed users… empty handed. The ideal choice for people with these concerns is the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which is also our top recommendation in the travel and portability category.
A Solid Alternative: HP 930 Creator
HP’s 930 Creator is another productivity-focused mouse that’s $10 cheaper than the MX Master 3, but is similar in a lot of ways. Besides the familiar design, this right-handed, sizeable mouse can also connect to multiple devices simultaneously (Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz), packs a 60-day battery life rechargeable via USB-C, and weighs in just a little less than the Logitech at 132g/4.66oz.
The 930 Creator has seven programmable buttons from a total of ten, a free spinning scroll wheel and an 800-3000 DPI sensor that can be adjusted with HP’s Accessory Center software. Besides plenty of app-specific profiles and nifty command wheel shortcuts, there’s also an Edge Layout feature in the app that divides the corners of the display into six zones and can trigger certain actions depending on the edge touched by the mouse. It’s a handy feature that can be tricky to use when using multiple displays as each monitor is treated separately and cursor movement between them can lead to accidental triggers.
Like the MX Master 3, this mouse can also move the cursor and files between cross-platform devices, but this ability is limited to Windows and macOS systems only. It is, however, slightly more portable than the Logitech, given the HP’s magnetically removable base that neatly houses its unifying dongle. Though not quite as popular among creatives as the MX Master 3, HP’s 930 Creator is another well-rounded premium mouse with no glaring weaknesses.
A Budget Alternative: Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse
Microsoft’s Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse shows that you don’t have to put up with the ugly designs of yesteryear if you’re after a mainstream office mouse. Packing a 2,400 DPI sensor, this $25 wireless option keeps things simple in terms of features and connectivity, but sports a clean-looking, comfortable design for prolonged use. It also has two programmable buttons on the left side, and a textured, clickable metal scroll wheel on top for everyday computing.
It’s meant to last you over a year with 2x AAA batteries, and there’s also a similarly priced wired model if you prefer. The latter will mean some cable drag, less comfort and limited range, but you won’t have to worry about charging nor any interference issues if your workplace is crowded with other wireless devices.
If $30 is stretching your budget and you need something basic to get things done, then Logitech’s B100 is worth checking out. An 800 DPI optical sensor, wide system compatibility (Windows, macOS, Chrome OS and Linux) and an ambidextrous design make this $7 plug and play mouse one of the most popular budget choices out there.
