MX Master 3S and other Logitech mac accessories review

Mac owners sometimes feel left out when it comes to keyboards and mice. Windows users have so many choices! You can use a Windows keyboard or mouse with your Mac, but the experience can come with compromises. Like having to stare at a Windows key while wondering where the Command key is. If that’s you, you’ll be happy to hear that Logitech recently launched a trio of new accessories specifically for Mac users: the MX Master 3S Bluetooth optical mouse for Mac, the Lift vertical ergonomic mouse for Mac, and the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac.

MX Master 3S Bluetooth optical mouse for Mac

 MX Master 3S and other Logitech mac accessories review

Mac users who have been using the standard wireless mouse that came with their system are missing out. Don’t get me wrong, the mouse Apple supplies is a decent one, but the Logitech MX Master 3S Bluetooth optical mouse is on a different level.

The body of the MX Master 3S is sculpted to be ergonomic and comfortable to use for extended sessions—Logitech has been perfecting this form factor for years. It is equipped with multiple buttons which offer a soft, tactile click. Each can be programmed for a wide range of apps using the company’s free Logi+ software. The integrated battery charges using USB-C and lasts up to 70 hours on a charge. It connects wirelessly to your device using Bluetooth and is also compatible with Logi Bolt USB receivers. A button on the bottom of the mouse lets you switch between three different devices. Its optical sensor offers 8K of resolution and tracks on virtually any surface.

 MX Master 3S and other Logitech mac accessories review
New MX Master 3S for Mac (L) and previous versions of this iconic mouse.

But my favourite feature is the scroll wheels. There are two on this mouse, one on top, one on the side. They are made of machined steel and the top one features MagSpeed electronic scrolling with dynamic inertia. In other words spin the scroll wheel and it will continue to spin on its own for a bit and can whip through up to 1,000 lines per second. Click the switch on top of the mouse, and the main MagSpeed wheel gains silent detents that make scrolling extremely precise.

I’ve been using a Logitech MX Master for Mac series Bluetooth mouse for a number of years now and you probably couldn’t pay me to switch. It’s worth noting that the unique design is meant for right-handed users and there is currently no option available for lefties.

Lift vertical ergonomic mouse for Mac

MX Master 3S

The second mouse I had the opportunity to test is a new one to me: the Lift vertical ergonomic Bluetooth mouse for Mac.

The design of this mouse borders on extreme—it is nearly as tall as it is long! That approach means ergonomic, comfortable, and productive mousing for hours at a time. The grip is softly textured, while the mouse’s 57-degree angle of lift results in the user’s hand being in what Logitech describes as a “natural handshake” position, for reduced pressure on the wrist.

Buttons and a scroll wheel are positioned on the sides, not the top surface of this mouse. The four buttons can be customized using Logi+ software, and a button on the bottom lets you instantly switch between three different Mac or iPadOS devices. Instead of being rechargeable, this mouse runs on a single AA battery, which is included in the box. A battery should last for up to two years of use, so you shouldn’t have to worry about constantly replacing it. When it does come time for a new battery, the compartment door on the bottom of the mouse is held in place with magnets, so it is super easy to pop open. 

One thing to know about the Lift mouse is that Logitech’s designers had small and medium-hand, right-hand users in their target. I’m right-handed, but I found this mouse just too small for my hands. If you’re not sure about sizing, you might want to consider popping by your local Best Buy store and trying one out.

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac

 Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac review

I was thrilled when Logitech sent me a new MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac to test out a few months back. I work on a Mac all day and as a writer/editor, the keyboard is a critical component. I’m pretty picky about keyboards, in fact. My preference is for a mechanical keyboard (the tactile feedback helps with typing speed and accuracy), I want backlighting (I keep the lights off in my office during the day so the lighting can be a little dim), and I want it to be wireless, because who wants wires? I also want the keyboard to be Mac native, but I usually have to make do with a keyboard meant for Windows PC use and deal with the fact that it lacks a Command key. Compact is a nice to have—I don’t have much use for a standalone numeric keypad so I’d rather have the extra desk space.

The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac is very nearly a perfect solution. First, it’s made specifically for the Mac, so Mac users will find the key layout familiar. You can pair it with up to three different devices.

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac
The
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac is smaller than a full-sized keyboard.

It’s equipped with mechanical switches, although they are of the quiet variety so you can’t fully reproduce the sound of an old-school newsroom. It’s wireless (Bluetooth) and is rated for up to 15 days of use on a charge. I plug it into USB-C for a charge every two weeks—that’s much better battery life than most backlit wireless keyboards I’ve used. There is a slight downside to that battery life, though. The white LED backlights stay on during full darkness, but in dim lighting they automatically turn off until your hand approaches the keyboard to conserve battery power. There’s no way to change that, so far as I’ve been able to find.

Not sure if a mechanical and/or mini keyboard is right for you? If you have questions, you might want to check out this post on computer keyboards I wrote. It’s a few years old, but the basics haven’t changed and it might help you pick the right keyboard for your situation.

Logitech Flow support in mice and keyboards

Logitech Flow

Finally, one of the things that these three Logitech peripherals share is support for Logitech Flow. I don’t use it myself—my two work Macs are kept strictly separated for security reasons—but if you switch between Mac, iPad, or even a Windows PC, Flow lets your cursor move from one device to another, and even copy and paste files between devices. With a multi-device setup, Flow can be a real productivity win and the use of these Logitech peripherals means you need buy only one keyboard and one mouse.

 

If you’re a Mac user—or an iPad owner looking to make the most of the latest capabilities of iPadOS—the MX Master 3S Bluetooth optical mouse for Mac, Lift vertical ergonomic mouse for Mac, and the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard for Mac are all worth checking out.

Brad Moon
Editor Computing solutions
I’m a long-time electronics and gadget geek who’s been fortunate enough to enjoy a career that lets me indulge this interest. I have been writing about technology for several decades for a wide range of outlets including Wired, Gizmodo, Lifehacker, MSN, About.com, Kiplinger, and GeekDad. I’m in my 10th year as a senior contributor for Forbes with a focus on reviewing music-related tech, Apple gear, battery power stations and other consumer electronics. My day job is with the Malware Research Center at AI-native cybersecurity pioneer CrowdStrike.

260 COMMENTS

  1. I like that the body of the MX Master 3S is sculpted to be ergonomic and comfortable to use for extended sessions. Because I totally use my computer for work and off work.

  2. Bonjour/Hi. “The Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Bluetooth mouse is an ergonomic mouse that’s designed to reduce strain on the user’s wrist and forearm” I think this is very important. Thanks.

  3. The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini wireless keyboard being able to pair with 3 devices and having a smaller size seems very convenient to use around the house.

  4. I would benefit the most from the body design of the MX Master 3S mouse because it is sculpted to be ergonomic and comfortable to use for extended sessions.

  5. My favourite feature is the Logitech Flow because it allows me to easily move between devices and even transfer files between devices.

  6. A dual scroll wheel? That sounds like it would take some getting used to, but once having done so it would expedite page navigation tremendously!

  7. Lift vertical ergonomic mouse for Mac because it can be used with very little hand strain while using. This is because the Buttons and a scroll wheel are positioned on the sides, not the top surface of this mouse.

  8. My favourite feature is the ergonomic design to reduce strain on my wrist as this is an ongoing issue for me

  9. The integrated battery charges using USB-C and lasts up to 70 hours on a charge for the MX Master 3S would be the best feature!

  10. I liket he MX Master 3S Bluetooth optical mouse with 8000 dpi optical sensor because it means its very precise.

  11. Lift vertical ergonomic mouse for Mac because it can be used with very little hand strain while using. This is because the Buttons and a scroll wheel are positioned on the sides, not the top surface of this mouse.

  12. The feature that Brad mentioned that is my favourite is the scroll wheels! It provides convenience and comfort that the average mouse (and my current mouse) doesn’t offer.

  13. I don’t want to miss out – I would love to try the MX Master 3S Bluetooth optical mouse for Mac. I like the featured thumb wheel, I think that would save my hand.

  14. I like the MagSpeed electronic scrolling with dynamic inertia in the top scroll wheel. It is also great that you can easily switch to make scrolling extremely precise.

  15. Reducing strain on my wrist is my most favourite since I’m still looking a good quality product like this ! Thanks for sharing !

  16. My favourite feature has to be the steel scroll wheels on the Logitech Master 3S have a more durable, reliable feeling to it.

  17. scroll wheels. features MagSpeed electronic scrolling with dynamic inertia. spin the scroll wheel and it will continue to spin on its own for a bit and can whip through up to 1,000 lines per second.

  18. Lift vertical ergonomic Bluetooth mouse’s two year battery life so I don’t have to worry about changing batteries.

  19. I love that the MX Mechanical Mini Wireless Keyboard for Mac holds a charge for up to 15 days because I really don’t like having to constantly charge anything.

  20. I like that the battery lasts up to 70 hours, That is so fantastic as short battery life is always a problem for me.

  21. I like the Lift vertical ergonomic Bluetooth mouse’s 57-degree angle of lift. My current setup is not ergonomically sound, and I’d love to help my wrists out a bit.

Comments are closed.