Review of the Logitech MX Master 3S: Unlike Any Other

The MX Master line of computer mouse from Logitech has only had a few changes over time. Every now and then, Logitech introduces a new feature that we didn't know we needed or desired, and this ends up being the standard in later editions. The MX Master 3 and MX Master Anywhere 3 both use the MagSpeed electromagnetic scroll wheel, which was most recently introduced.

The newest MX Master 3S from Logitech includes a new Quiet Click feature that claims to drastically lessen the sound of the mouse buttons clicking. It's something I never thought I would need from a productivity mouse, but after using it for a while, I've come to the conclusion that it's difficult to adjust to anything else, and here's why.

Price and box contents for the Logitech MX Master 3S

The Logitech MX Master 3S is packaged with the Logi Bolt USB receiver, a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable, and user instructions. The Master 3S is obviously costly, and I'm glad to note that the receiver is included in the bundle despite its Rs 10,995 price tag. It is still more expensive than the $99.99 it is offered for in the US, though (roughly Rs. 7,900). A carry case, which is included with units sold in the US, is something else I would have loved to have included with the Indian device.

Design by Logitech MX Master 3S

Little has changed in the design of the Logitech MX Master 3S. It's really difficult to distinguish between the two when the MX Master 3 is placed next to it, especially if you've used the older version. The left and right click buttons have a new texture, although they also feel plasticky as opposed to the Master 3's rubbery feeling. The Master 3S's remaining upper surface is covered with the same rubberized material as the previous model.

Side-back design of the Logitech MX Master 3S ndtv LogicPro MX Master 3S LogicPro

The Logitech MX Master 3S boasts an ergonomic layout that is suitable for hands of medium and large sizes.

Another adjustment is a new color choice called Pale Grey, which differs significantly from the Mid Grey finish found on the MX Master 3 in terms of appearance.

The new MX Master 3S still has the same amount of grip as the MX Master 3 in terms of ergonomics, thanks to the upper layer of silicon. Even though the mouse is relatively large for little hands, it comfortably suits medium-sized and large hands. The customizable side buttons are still in the same spot and have the same texture. Yes, pressing down on the gesture key, which is located below the thumb, still requires some effort.

The Logitech MX Master 3S's primary MagSpeed electromagnetic scroll wheel remains unchanged. It is really silent and a delight to use. While scrolling through lengthy online pages, I have occasionally forgotten to stop the scroll wheel from spinning, which I didn't realize until I laid my finger on it. It also stops swiftly as a result of the magnets biting on the skillfully constructed aluminum roller, much like the callipers of a motorcycle's disk brake. On Windows computers, the scrolling is excellent, but on macOS, I still like Apple's Magic Mouse more because the scrolling is much more precise.

MX Master 3S side design by Logitech for ndtv LogicPro MX Master 3S LogicPro

The Logitech MX Master 3S has seven buttons and two scroll wheels overall.

For those who scroll horizontally over expansive Excel files, the thumb scroll wheel is still available and quite helpful. The primary scroll wheel's scrolling mechanism should have been used instead, as it still feels quite stiff and unyielding and has no motion at all. Because it is much smaller than the main scroll wheel, you must constantly flick it to move. If you have a large data sheet or timeline to side-scroll through, this can be extremely tiresome.

There is really no option for left-handed users because the Logitech MX Master 3S is clearly designed for right-handed users. The MX Anywhere 3, which is considerably smaller and features an ambidextrous design, ought to be a good substitute.

Software for Logitech MX Master 3S

The Logi Options+ app, which is accessible on Mac and Windows platforms, is now compatible with the Logitech MX Master 3S. It is a reliable piece of software that outperforms the old Logi Options program in terms of dependability. The software is at the center of the entire MX Master experience because it serves as the command center for all the mouse-based customizations.

The Logi Options app's functionality is mostly carried over into the new program, therefore the degree of customization is also unchanged. However, there are a plethora of options, which in some ways feel limitless. There are two ways to customize the mouse button functions: you can utilize global settings, which are essentially the functions that apply to all programs, or you can customize the button functions specifically for each app. You can select a program from the list and configure the mouse buttons so that they act differently when the program is running.

Top-side design of the Logitech MX Master 3S ndtv LogicPro MX Master 3S LogicPro

The Logitech MX Master 3S's buttons can be completely customized.

There are predefined customizations, which are essentially Logitech's preselected settings, or you can simply alter things to your preferences. On macOS, for instance, the side buttons can be used to switch between desktops, but the same buttons also work to go back and forth between pages when Safari is open. When Safari is open, you can switch between tabs using the thumb scroll wheel, which is often used for side-scrolling in apps. When you use the thumb scroll wheel somewhere else, it reverts to its default position. No matter how many layers or customizations you make, everything functions perfectly and flawlessly.

Like before, the Logi Options+ app activates the Flow feature, which lets the Logitech MX Master 3S to operate with two to three devices at once. All the devices only need to be linked to the same Wi-Fi network and have the software loaded on them. You may then start manipulating the system adjacent to your main display by simply moving your mouse pointer to its edge. Everything functions naturally, much like what is currently available with macOS's Universal Control feature, except that Logitech's solution is not platform-specific and instead works with all major operating systems. However, you cannot drag and drop files between two devices (or platforms); you can only copy and paste them (transfer time varies by file size).

The Easy-Switch feature, which essentially allows you to switch between controlling an iPad, a MacBook, or a Windows laptop by clicking the Easy-Switch button at the bottom of the mouse, is also available if you don't wish to control multiple devices. Both Bluetooth and the Bolt receiver can be used to connect these items. The same mouse can be paired with Bluetooth and Bolt, and in the Logi Options+ app, it will appear as two different mice.

MX Master 3S by Logitech performance

In terms of managing customizations, the Logi Options+ software worked flawlessly with the MX Master 3S, but I wouldn't say the same about Bluetooth connectivity, which occasionally seemed to detract from the overall MX experience. For a few weeks, using the mouse through Bluetooth seemed to work without any issues, but then it began to erratically disconnect from my 2018 MacBook Pro.

If you still want or need customizations but are deeply involved in the Apple ecosystem, utilizing the Logitech Unifying or Bolt receiver seems to fix the most of the issues with the mouse and Apple's M1 SoC. The only drawback to this approach is that you lose one of your machine's ports, which is not a big deal if you have a desktop or laptop with lots of connections. You must remember to bring your USB hub with a Type-A port, though, if you're using a tiny and light device like a MacBook Air.

Bottom design of the Logitech MX Master 3S ndtv LogicPro MX Master 3S LogicPro

Similar to the earlier MX Master 3, there is an Easy-Switch button for switching between devices at the bottom.

It is a recognized issue that currently doesn't appear to have a remedy because these connectivity problems with Mac laptops were previously present on the previous MX Master 3. I connected to an old Dell Inspiron laptop running Windows and had no issues at all.

As for the MX Master mouse's standout function, I never really considered it necessary until I actually used it. The left and right click buttons' clicking noise has been muffled by Logitech. Even in a quiet area, it can be challenging to hear the silent click when it is active. Only when you bring the mouse up to your ear can you hear the click, which is more like a soft tap.

But it's not only about the sound (or the absence of it); it's also about the clicking sensation. I realized how much effort is truly required to press down on a mouse button after using the (new) Apple Magic Mouse for a few weeks instead of the Logitech MX Master 3S as my primary mouse. Even after using a conventional Logitech M170 mouse, I had no idea how hard the left and right click buttons actually required to be depressed.

Returning to the MX Master 3S, this clickless marvel now feels even more upscale because it operates quietly without any audible clicks and with little force. Overall, it's a pretty fulfilling experience, similar to what you get when you locate the ideal mechanical keyboard with the proper level of shock.

Left side buttons on the TV for the Logitech MX Master 3S LogicPro MX Master 3S LogicPro

The gesture button, which is located below the side buttons and beneath the thumb, is still fairly firm.

All seven mouse buttons provide satisfying tactile input, however I do wish that the future iteration of the MX series will have softer versions of the Gesture button and the middle-click (located on the main scroll wheel).

Additionally, Logitech increased the DPI on the MX Master 3S from 4,000 to 8,000. I finally settled on 1,000 DPI, which felt accurate enough for everyday job duties and while editing photographs. When using multi-monitor setups, the highest DPI is used. I didn't got a chance to test this, but in theory it ought to perform better if you can locate the ideal sweet spot for your system. The tracking was quite good, so I had no trouble using the mouse on a glass surface or even a polished hardwood table.

Over the course of the tests, the battery life was extremely reliable. The 500mAh battery in the Logitech MX Master 3S appears to have been successfully optimized by Logitech. The battery level is still at 50% as I write this review, despite the fact that I used the mouse for a work day (about nine hours), five days a week, and it has been a month and 22 days since the previous complete charge. The mouse should, in essence, easily last over two months on a single charge, which is close to Logitech's estimate of up to 70 days. The MX Master 3S, according to Logitech, can function for nearly three hours after the battery runs out with just a minute of charge.

Verdict

Because the Logitech MX Master 3S isn't a significant improvement over the MX Master 3, which is now selling for around Rs. 8,000, it occupies an awkward position in the market. The 3S is primarily intended for users who want or want 8,000 DPI tracking or the Quiet Click experience.

Though not technically a replacement for the MX Master 3S, Apple's new Magic Mouse (Rs. 7,500 and above) will become the standard mouse for many users of macOS because of how effectively it supports gestures. You can get the Flow feature, software customizations, and the same MagSpeed electromagnetic scrolling experience with Logitech's MX Anywhere 3 (Rs. 7,495), sans a few buttons and the thumb-scroll wheel. Additionally, it is ambidextrous, making it suitable for left-handed users.

Another productivity mouse with programmable buttons is the Razer Pro Click, which costs Rs. 6,699 and only functions well with Windows. Another option is the Logitech G502 ($10,234), a gaming mouse that appears to be well-suited for some productive work. There is a lot of customization available for lead weights to achieve the ideal feel, however the software is more suited for gaming.

When compared to its rivals, the MX Master 3S does not seem excessively pricey given what it offers. But compared to the prior MX Master 3, the price increase is significant. The MX Master 3 pretty much does the same thing at a more affordable price if you don't care for the new features of the Master 3S.

Pros:

Adaptive design

long-lasting battery

Buttons with a lot of customization

precise tracking

Unique is Quiet Click.

excellent companion app

Cons:

Problems with macOS's Bluetooth connectivity. The gesture button is a little difficult to press.

A thumb-scroll wheel could be preferable.

Ratings (Out of 10)

Performance: 8 Design: 10