Why I Stopped Using My Magic Mouse
Apple’s Magic Mouse is fine for basic stuff, but after years of wrist discomfort and missing features, I finally caved and got a “proper” mouse. The MX Master 3S is what everyone recommends, so here we are.
Two months in, my only regret is not switching sooner.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The shape is weirdly perfect for my hand. It’s sculpted so your palm rests naturally and your fingers fall where the buttons are. After the flat Magic Mouse, this feels almost luxurious.
I work at a desk 8+ hours a day, and the wrist pain I had started to normalize has mostly gone away. Whether that’s the mouse or just having a more natural hand position, I can’t say for certain. But something changed.
The size might be too big if you have smaller hands. My wife tried it and said it felt awkward for her. Definitely worth trying one in person if you can.
That Scroll Wheel
The MagSpeed scroll wheel is genuinely impressive. It can scroll normally with tactile clicks, or you flick it hard and it freewheels through long documents instantly. Switching between modes is automatic based on how fast you move it.
I didn’t think a scroll wheel would be a selling point, but scrolling through a 200-page PDF without wearing out my finger is actually nice.
The horizontal scroll wheel on the thumb is useful for spreadsheets and timelines. I use it less than I expected to, but it’s handy when needed.
Button Customization
There are a lot of buttons:
- Three regular buttons (left, right, middle click)
- Forward/back buttons on the thumb
- A gesture button under your thumb
- A button to switch scroll modes
With Logitech’s Options+ software, you can customize all of them. Different apps can have different mappings. I have Photoshop shortcuts on the thumb buttons, browser navigation for Chrome, and media controls globally.
Setting this up took about 30 minutes but has probably saved me hours since.
Multi-Device Switching
You can pair with up to three devices and switch between them with a button on the bottom. I use it with my work laptop and personal Mac, switching throughout the day without re-pairing.
Logitech Flow lets you move the cursor between computers by just moving to the edge of the screen. Sounds gimmicky but I actually use this - files copy between machines too. Wild.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth or USB receiver (included). I use the USB receiver because the connection feels slightly more reliable, but Bluetooth works fine. Can use both simultaneously for the multi-device setup.
The receiver is tiny and easy to lose. I’ve had to dig it out from behind my desk more than once.
Battery Life Reality
Logitech claims 70 days on a full charge. I’ve been using it for two months and charged it once. So yeah, the battery life is genuinely excellent.
USB-C charging means quick top-ups if you forget. One minute of charging gives hours of use.
The 3S vs 3 Difference
The 3S is the “silent” version. The clicks are much quieter than a standard mouse. In a quiet office or during video calls, this matters. My previous mouse clicks were audible in my mic; this one is barely noticeable.
The sensor also tracks on glass now, which I’ve actually used on a glass coffee table. Minor upgrade but nice.
What I Don’t Love
The software: Logi Options+ is required for customization but it’s bloated and sometimes glitchy. Updates randomly reset settings. On Mac it asks for tons of permissions.
The price: This is an expensive mouse. Like, really expensive for a mouse. It works well enough to justify the cost, but every time I think about the price I wince a little.
The weight: At 141g, it’s heavier than gaming mice. Not a problem for productivity work, but if you’re used to light mice, it takes adjustment.
Right-handed only: If you’re left-handed, this isn’t for you. Logitech has left-handed options but not in this exact design.
Compared to Alternatives
vs Apple Magic Mouse: Better ergonomics, more features, worse aesthetics. Magic Mouse looks nicer; MX Master actually works better.
vs MX Anywhere: The Anywhere is smaller and more portable. If you travel a lot or have smaller hands, it might be better. For desk use, the Master is more comfortable.
vs Gaming Mice: Gaming mice are lighter with higher DPI options but fewer productivity features. Different tools for different jobs.
Who Should Buy This
Great fit for:
- People who work at a desk all day
- Anyone with mouse-related wrist issues
- Multi-computer setups
- Power users who’ll actually customize buttons
- Anyone tired of charging their mouse constantly
Maybe skip if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You prefer light, minimal mice
- You’re left-handed
- You just need something basic for browsing
Bottom Line
The MX Master 3S is overkill for checking email. For actual productivity work - writing, design, spreadsheets, coding - it’s genuinely better than cheaper alternatives.
Is it worth $100? If you use a mouse eight hours a day, five days a week, probably yes. The comfort alone might be worth it for your wrists. If you’re a casual user, you can get 90% of this functionality for a quarter of the price.
I’ve become one of those people who now owns An Opinion About Mice. Worth it.
Prices change frequently. Always verify before purchasing!