Samenvatting
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Introduction
Logitech is releasing the third version of their super popular wireless office mouse with the MX Master 3. Logitech is a company known for its quality peripherals. Over the past few years, they’ve been making better quality stuff, but prices have also gone up a bit.
In this review, we received an MX Master 3 from Logitech in the color “Mid Grey”. Because we have a MX Master 2 (the predecessor) ourselves, we can make some comparisons here and there and we will do so. At the time of writing the mouse is on firmware version 019.000.00013. The mouse is currently available for about 100 euro.
Specifications
If we look at the specifications, a number of things stand out right away. For example, Logitech mentions a new scroll wheel for this mouse, compared to the previous mice. In addition, app-specific adjustments are possible and the mouse can be used on any surface (including glass) with 4000 DPI accuracy. The battery life is 70 days on a full charge, but if it is empty you can use it wirelessly for another 3 hours with USB-C after 1 minute charging.
More information can be found on the website of the manufacturer.
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Height x Width x Depth | 4.91 in (124.9 mm) x 3.31 in (84.3 mm) x2.0 in (51 mm ) |
| Weight | 5.0 oz (141 g) |
| USB Receiver Height x Width x Depth | 0.72 in (18.4 mm) x 0.56 in (14.4 mm) x .26 in (6.6 mm) |
| Weight | 0.07 oz (2 g) |
| SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS | |
| USB Receiver | |
| Required | available USB port |
| Operating system | Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, Linux |
| Bluetooth® | |
| Required | Bluetooth low energy technology |
| Operating system | Windows 8, Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, iPadOS 13.1 or later, Linux |
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Sensor technology | Darkfield high precision |
| Nominal value | 1000 dpi |
| DPI (Minimal and maximal value) | 200 to 4000 dpi (can be set in increments of 50 dpi) |
| Buttons | 7 buttons (Left/Right click, Back/Forward, App Switch, Wheel mode shift, Middle click) |
| Scroll Wheel | Yes, with auto shift |
| Thumbwheel | Yes |
| Gesture button | Yes |
| Wireless operating distance | 10m8 |
| Wireless technology | Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology |
| Battery | |
| Battery type | Rechargeable Li Po (500 mAh) battery (Get three hours of use from a one minute quick charge) |
| Optional software | Logitech Options and Logitech Flow |
| PACKAGE CONTENTS | |
| Inside the box | Mouse, USB receiver, USB C charging cable (USB A to USB C) ,user documentation |
| WARRANTY INFORMATION | |
| 2-year manufacturer's guarantee | |
| PART NUMBER | |
| Graphite | PN: 910 005620 |
| Mid Grey | PN: 910 005692 |
Unboxing
On the front of the black box (pun intended), we find a large image of the mouse with an explanation of something Logitech apparently finds very important: the scroll wheel. On the back we see more about this scrollwheel, some about comfort, app-specific advantages, some about software and some about the sensor. On the side of the box you’ll find images and text explaining what’s in the box. At the top of the box is a plastic tab to hang the product in the shop and a sticker that seals the box.
So in the box itself we find:
- The mouse
- The USB receiver
- USB-C charging cable (USB-A to USB-C)
- Documentation
Design
Compared to the Logitech MX Master 2, the Logitech has a more businesslike and futuristic look; the design has become less round and more square. This is especially noticeable on the left and right mouse buttons, which run somewhat to the right. The corners on the outside are a bit rounded, but still. We also think it’s an advantage that the left mouse button does not have a gutter on the left side, because other mice can only sit dirty in it. The gray version of the Master 3 has, as we said earlier, a somewhat futuristic look and would therefore fit very well with MacBook Pro’s for example.
Top
The Master 3 has also been given a softer rubbery coating than was present on the Master 2. It also seems to be a somewhat thicker layer but has actually had no influence on the grip. The left and right mouse buttons don’t have this coating and are simply made of hard plastic. In between is a scroll wheel which Logitech calls the MagSpeed Wheel. This wheel is one of the quietest scroll wheels on the market and has a special feature. You can switch on the “ratchet” mode where you scroll with low scrolling speed with “taps” as feedback like a normal mouse, but when you pull one, the wheel keeps spinning “free”. If you don’t want any feedback from the scroll wheel at all, you can activate “freespin” mode by pressing the button above the scroll wheel. The scrollwheel turns almost frictionless in almost every circumstance. How many lines are moved per revolution can of course be set in the software, but we will discuss that later. Next to the horizontal scrollwheel is a light that shows the battery status of the mouse.
Side
On the side of the mouse we find a number of interesting buttons, which, unlike the MX Master 2, have all been given a better location. In the second version we found it difficult to press the forward and backward buttons, because they were very close to each other there. With the new version, we have absolutely no problems with that, but we have to put more power to push the buttons. Another advantage is that the horizontal scrollwheel is enlarged, which makes it easier to use. With the MX master 2, we suffered from the fact that our finger slid along the scroll wheel, which slowed us down.
Front
On the front of the mouse we see something that makes us happy, a USB-C connection for charging the device. Nowadays almost everything is USB-C and this means that we only have to carry one cable with which we can do everything. That saves a lot in mobility.
Bottom
On the bottom we find four gliders, one at the top, bottom, left and right, with which the mouse can move over a surface. Between these sliders is at the top the on/off button with underneath the sensor and underneath the Easyswitch button. When you press that button you can switch between 3 paired devices, that works fast and without fuss.
Ergonomy
First of all, let’s say that all hands are different and this part concerning the ergonomics of the mouse is a bit subjective, go to the shop and take the mouse in your hand! We try to educate you as well as possible by means of pictures. Our hands are more or less the average Dutch man’s hand with a hand length of 18.5 cm and a hand width of 9.5 cm. Measured with the elbow on the table and the hand straight up and the fingers spread.
The Master 2 was already well in the hand, but with the Master 3 we find that even better. It is minimal but still we want to highlight it. When you grab the 3, the protruding part falls to the side with the buttons exactly between your thumb and forefinger. This is also the case with the 2, but then there is still an edge on the membrane. Exactly that problem is solved with the Master 3, so it feels just a bit finer in the hand. Also the space thumb rest is a pleasant feature of the mouse.
Because of the rubber coating on the top of the mouse, you have more grip but at the same time more chance of sweaty hands. If that doesn’t bother you a lot anyway, that’s no problem at all. Luckily you don’t feel the stripes in the coating, as you can see on some images.
Let’s also talk about the buttons and how easily everything is accessible when your hand is on the mouse. The large mouse buttons click well and there is actually no difference with the average mouse. The audible feedback from the mouse is loud and about as loud as with Master 2. Furthermore, it is much easier to reach the forward and backward buttons at the thumb. Where those buttons were a bit hidden away on the Master 2, they are easy to reach here. They are easy enough to push, but it could have been a bit lighter or the button a bit bigger for just that little extra comfort. The steered button, the button under your thumb, presses just fine as well.
Hardware
The mouse seems to have the same 4000 DPI sensor as in the Master 2, which makes it very accurate and very fine. Even better is the fact that the mouse works on any surface, including glass. On our glass side table, the mouse worked without any hiccups to our amazement.
According to Logitech, the mouse works on a full charge for about 70 days, and after three minutes of loading, you should be able to use it for a day. These specifications also match the Master 2, although charging is now via USB-C instead of the old micro USB. With 70 days of battery life we still have little to complain about. We’ll be honest, since we received the mouse for the review, the mouse is still completely full according to the software. After this time, we have no reason to doubt that the battery life of this mouse is fine. We don’t know if the battery life is indeed about 70 days, but even 30 days is fine by us! The mouse gets its power from a 500 mAh lithium polymer battery.
Even if we connect the mouse to a computer via USB-C, the data transmission is not wired but still wireless. So the USB connection is only for charging.
Software
The software package that comes with the mouse for free is called Logitech Options, and there’s also software called Logitech Flow that lets you move your mouse seamlessly from one device to another. For example, from your MacBook Pro to your Windows game PC. It works on macOS, Windows, and Linux via the USB receiver. Via Bluetooth it also works on iPadOS, but we also got it working on Android. Its predecessor had no official support for Linux, but even there the little mouse just worked Plug & Play, with Bluetooth and Dongle.
So the little mouse uses Bluetooth or the receiver for communication. By the way, with a push of a button, at the bottom of the mouse, you can easily switch. We have not been able to match the range of 10 metres ourselves, after 8 metres the little mouse only starts to malfunction and we don’t mind.
In Logitech Options you can change many mouse settings, so you can choose how you want to scroll, you can change speeds, and you can change buttons. For example, you can use the horizontal scroll wheel to adjust volume, zoom, or switch between programs. There are more than enough options in the software and even options for a macro in the form of a keystroke. For example, you can use certain buttons to open the calculator or to open a certain web page, we don’t think you could fall short in any way. You can, if you like, also change the “forward” button to a “sniper-button” by changing the DPI. In that case, pressing it once is low DPI and the second time you are back to the normal setting.
Sustainability
For durability we look at 5 properties:
Sustainable ambitions of the company
- Durable packaging
- Durable design
- Energy efficiency
- Security
When it comes to sustainable ambitions, Logitech scores well. Logitech clearly indicates on their website what they do for our blue friend. For example, all their factories run on 100% green electricity and 94% of their contracted (plastic) smelters are conflict-free.
The packaging of the product is made from a mix of FSC certified forests, FSC Controlled Wood and/or recycled material, which can be seen on the “Mix” FSC label. In addition, there is little plastic on the inside; the greyish part on which the mouse rests is also made of cardboard.
We can say little about the sustainability of the material, other than that the battery can be removed and changed. Three of the four screws that need to be removed are unfortunately under the sliding feet.
In terms of energy efficiency, we find it impressive that the little mouse can do about 70 days with a small 500 mAh battery.
Safety includes the update policy and Logitech is generally good at that. The Logitech Options software keeps the mouse up to date, and knowing Logitech that’s quite a long time. Updating is also fairly easy and shouldn’t cause any problems. The only thing we do find difficult is finding security and certification information on the website.
Conclusion
The Logitech MX Master 3 is a very good mouse that solves the shortcomings of the MX Master 2. For example, the mouse lies even better in the hand, the scroll wheel is much quieter, and the horizontal scroll wheel and thumb buttons are much more accessible. Moreover, the old micro-USB connection has been replaced by the more universal USB-C connection. In addition, Logitech poured a somewhat futuristic sauce over the mouse and also released it in a light gray color. This makes it a good match for the MacBook Pro, because the looks are also important.
The comfort is great with this mouse, it lies comfortably in the hand and we can use it for hours. The scroll wheel is handy, as it can scroll freely, but also with taps. When the mouse is in rattle mode, and gives you a hard crank on the wheel, it stops rattling and more or less scrolls freely. This also makes the mouse nice to scroll with. The big left and right mouse buttons are a bit on the loud side, these could have been a bit quieter in our opinion.
With the software and connectivity of the mouse it’s definitely mustache, in the software there are more than enough options to customize and use the mouse to your liking. There are even app-specific options, for example for Google Chrome, MS Office or Photoshop. The connectivity is very good with plug & play and a distance of 8 meters where the first hiccups start to appear. What is also very good is the battery life. A mouse of this calibre that can work on a battery charge for 70 days is simply great.
The durability is also good, and we’re glad Logitech is helping make the world a better place with this product. All in all, we’re very pleased with the Logitech MX Master 3 and highly recommend it.
- Good battery life
- Rechargeable via USB-C
- Lies well in the hand
- Super nice scroll wheel
- Horizontal scroll wheel is easily accessible
- Many options in the software
- Durable product
- Large mouse buttons are a bit loud
- Premium price
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