The Logitech MX Master 3S: A Silent Click Towards Productivity Perfection?
Logitech’s MX Master series has always been a favorite among productivity enthusiasts, offering premium design, ergonomic comfort, and advanced features. The latest iteration, the MX Master 3S, takes a subtle but significant step forward with the introduction of Quiet Click, a feature that promises to drastically minimize the clicking sound of the mouse buttons. While this might seem like a niche addition, it’s one that resonates deeply with anyone who values a serene work environment or needs to work in shared spaces. After spending weeks with the MX Master 3S, I’ve discovered that this seemingly small improvement is actually a game-changer, and here’s why.
Logitech MX Master 3S: Price and What’s in the Box
The Logitech MX Master 3S comes at a premium price point of Rs. 10,995 in India, which is significantly higher than the $99.99 (roughly Rs. 7,900) it retails for in the US. However, the box does include the essential Logi Bolt USB receiver, which is a welcome inclusion. While the absence of a dedicated carry case in the Indian package might sting a bit, the inclusion of the receiver at this price is a positive gesture.
A Familiar Design with Subtle Tweaks
The MX Master 3S maintains the ergonomic and comfortable design of its predecessor, the MX Master 3. At first glance, it’s hard to differentiate the two, especially if you’re familiar with the previous model. The most noticeable change is the subtle texture on the left and right click buttons, which now feels more plasticky compared to the rubbery texture of the Master 3. The rest of the upper surface retains the familiar rubberized material that provides a comfortable grip.
The new Pale Grey color option adds a fresh perspective to the lineup, offering a stark contrast to the Mid Grey finish of the previous model. The ergonomic design continues to be a strong point, comfortably accommodating medium and large hands. The placement and feel of the customizable side buttons remain unchanged, although the gesture key, located below the thumb, still requires a bit of effort to press.
The MagSpeed Scroll Wheel: A Highlight that Doesn’t Fade
The MagSpeed electromagnetic scroll wheel is back, and it’s just as impressive as before. The scrolling experience is incredibly smooth and silent, making it a joy to navigate through long documents or web pages. The wheel’s stopping mechanism, thanks to its well-crafted aluminum roller, is quick and efficient, making the MagSpeed scroll wheel a standout feature. While the scrolling works flawlessly on Windows computers, macOS users might still prefer Apple’s Magic Mouse for greater accuracy.
The thumb scroll wheel, a helpful feature for horizontal scrolling through large spreadsheets, unfortunately remains unchanged. It feels tight and lacks any momentum, requiring constant flicking for navigation, which can be tiresome for large documents.
While the design is clearly catering to right-handed users, the MX Anywhere 3, a smaller and ambidextrous mouse, offers a suitable alternative for left-handed users.
Advanced Customization with Logi Options+
Logitech MX Master 3S relies on the updated Logi Options+ app, available for Mac and Windows. This robust software provides a centralized control center for customizing the mouse to your liking. It offers a wide range of options for customizing the functions of the mouse buttons, allowing you to configure global settings that apply across all apps or create app-specific configurations.
The app shines in its ability to manage Flow, a feature that allows seamless multi-device control using a single mouse. By installing the software on several devices and connecting them to the same Wi-Fi network, you can seamlessly move your mouse cursor between devices. The experience is smooth and natural, similar to what Apple’s Universal Control feature offers but with the added benefit of cross-platform compatibility. Flow also allows you to copy and paste files between devices, although drag and drop functionality is not yet supported.
The Easy-Switch feature, located at the bottom of the mouse, allows you to switch between connected devices (iPad, MacBook, or Windows laptop) with a simple button press. Devices can be connected via Bluetooth or the Bolt receiver.
Performance: A Glimpse of Both Positive and Negative
While the Logi Options+ app proved to be a gem for managing customizations, Bluetooth connectivity introduced a few frustrating hiccups during my experience. After a few weeks of seemingly smooth operation, the MX Master 3S started randomly disconnecting from my 2018 MacBook Pro. This issue appears to be widespread, with numerous reports of Bluetooth connectivity issues with Apple’s M1 SoC. For users invested in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize customizability, opting for the Logitech Unifying or Bolt receiver seems to resolve these issues. However, doing so comes at the cost of sacrificing a USB port on your device, which might not be ideal for users with limited ports, such as MacBook Air users.
On the other hand, the Windows experience with the MX Master 3S was flawless, running without any problems on an older Dell Inspiron laptop.
The Quiet Click: A Feature that Surprises and Delights
Logitech’s Quiet Click feature is the star of the show. It’s a feature that I never thought I needed until I experienced it firsthand. The left and right click buttons are remarkably quieter than their predecessors, producing a subtle tap-like sound instead of a distinct click. The lack of audible clicks is especially noticeable in quiet environments, creating a more serene workflow.
But the Quiet Click feature goes beyond just reducing noise. The clicking experience itself is noticeably different. After transitioning back to a traditional mouse like Apple’s Magic Mouse, I realized how much force is required to actuate the buttons. Even the regular Logitech M170 mouse felt clunky in comparison.
The Quiet Click feature, combined with the reduced actuation force, creates a remarkably satisfying experience that feels premium and effortless. It’s a feeling akin to discovering the perfect mechanical keyboard, where each keystroke offers just the right amount of tactile feedback.
A Refined Experience with Some Room for Improvement
All seven buttons on the MX Master 3S offer excellent tactile feedback. However, the Gesture button and the middle-click button (located on the main scroll wheel) could benefit from a softer feel in future iterations.
The DPI has been upgraded from 4,000 to 8,000 on the MX Master 3S, which is useful for multi-monitor setups. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to test it on a multi-monitor setup, the higher DPI should, in theory, provide a smoother experience. The mouse itself tracked effectively on both polished wooden and glass surfaces.
The battery life of the MX Master 3S is another strong point. The 500mAh battery, paired with excellent optimization, provided remarkable endurance. Using the mouse for about nine hours a day, five days a week, the battery lasted for over a month and a half with still 50% remaining. This performance closely aligns with Logitech’s claim of up to 70 days of battery life. Furthermore, Logitech claims that a minute of charging provides up to three hours of usage, making it a convenient option for power-hungry workflows.
Verdict: A Premium Mouse with a Price Tag to Match
The Logitech MX Master 3S finds itself in a peculiar position. It’s not a revolutionary upgrade over its predecessor, the MX Master 3, which is now available at a more affordable price point of around Rs. 8,000. The 3S primarily caters to users who are seeking the added benefits of 8,000 DPI tracking or the Quiet Click experience.
While Apple’s new Magic Mouse (Rs. 7,500 onwards) isn’t a direct competitor to the MX Master 3S, it remains a popular choice for macOS users due its gesture support and seamless integration. Logitech’s MX Anywhere 3 (Rs. 7,495) offers Flow functionality, software customization, and the MagSpeed electromagnetic scrolling, but lacks the thumb scroll wheel and some of the buttons available on the Master series. It’s also an ambidextrous option, making it ideal for left-handed users.
Other productivity mice on the market include the Razer Pro Click (Rs. 6,699), which offers customizable buttons but only works with Windows. For those seeking a blend of productivity and gaming features, Logitech’s G502 (Rs. 10,234) presents an interesting option. Though primarily a gaming mouse, it features customizable weights and software tailored for gaming.
When considering the competition, the MX Master 3S doesn’t appear overpriced for its features. However, the price jump compared to the MX Master 3 is significant. If the new features don’t entice you, the MX Master 3 still delivers a solid productivity experience at a more reasonable price point.
Pros:
- Ergonomic Design
- Long Battery Life
- Highly Customizable Buttons
- Accurate Tracking
- Quiet Click feature is unique
- Quality companion app
Cons:
- Bluetooth connectivity issues with macOS
- Gesture button is stiff to press
- Thumb scroll wheel could be improved
Ratings (Out of 10):
- Design: 10
- Performance: 8
- Value for Money: 7
- Overall: 9
The Logitech MX Master 3S delivers an excellent productivity experience, marked by its exceptional ergonomic design, customizable features, and impressive Quiet Click technology. While the price might be a barrier for some, those seeking a high-quality, refined mouse with a touch of serenity will find the MX Master 3S a worthwhile investment.
