I’m a tech journalist and techie, so I have a variety of devices vying for space on my desk. Everything I use, from my dual monitor setup, gaming rig, mechanical keyboard, desktop speakers, and webcam, is essential to my perfect desk setup. Still, I’d be willing to swap these devices for newer/better models. There is one exception, however.
I’ve tested and reviewed many of the best mice, but my favorite mouse that I can’t work without is the Logitech MX Master 3S. Like its predecessor, the Logitech MX Master 3, this peripheral more than earns our Editor’s Choice badge for its versatility. It’s so good that I use it at home and in the office. The fact that several of my colleagues also use the MX Master 3S is a testament to its usefulness. It’s a fantastic mouse.
For more information, check out our full Logitech MX Master 3S review and below I explain why I personally can’t work without this device.
The perfect fit
The ergonomic design of the MX Master 3S feels like an extension of your hand. It’s slightly angled for better wrist support and has a corner where your thumb can rest. The grippy rubber not only feels good, but also prevents your hand from slipping.
This mouse weighs 5 ounces, which is pretty heavy. Although its weight keeps it from being one of the best gaming mice for competitive gamers, I like that the 3S has some heft to it.
The MX Master 3S is my favorite mouse for its ergonomic design alone, but it has one feature that makes it truly exceptional – its smooth scroll wheel.
Next to the scroll wheel is a button that lets you toggle between infinite scrolling and ratchet scrolling. The former glides smoothly, while the latter creates a jolt every time you move the wheel up or down. I leave ratchet scrolling on because I like the haptic feedback it provides, but with a flick of a finger, the wheel instantly switches to infinite scrolling. I scroll through web pages and documents all day, so being able to scroll quickly with a single flick of a finger is a huge time saver.
The secondary thumb scroll wheel is also handy for scrolling through documents like Google Sheets. This wheel doesn’t have infinite or ratcheting scrolling, but I still like how smoothly it glides.
Platform independent
As a computer writer, I’m constantly testing the best Windows laptops, the best MacBooks, and the best computers. A platform-independent mouse is essential, and luckily the MX Master 3S ticks those boxes. Of course, other mice have this feature, but none of them are my favorite!
The 3S can be connected to up to three different devices. You can switch between profiles using a button on the bottom of the mouse. At home, I connected the 3S to my desktop using the included USB dongle and connected it to a MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Max via Bluetooth. Switching between these devices is easy.
The only complaint I have is with the placement of the button. Although the Shift key at the bottom prevents you from accidentally switching profiles, I’m not a fan of having to lift the mouse every time I switch between my computers. It’s a minor inconvenience at most, but it’s still worth mentioning.
The Master Mouse
The Logitech MX Master 3S has other great features. For example, I often forget how much time has passed between charges, which speaks volumes about the mouse’s incredible battery life. I also appreciate how easy it is to reprogram the mouse’s buttons via the Logi Options+ app, which is particularly good for getting the most out of the MX Master 3S. The quiet clicks are another nice extra.
I could go on, but suffice it to say that I love the MX Master 3S. It’s my favorite mouse and the most essential device I use for work. Although it’s pretty expensive at $99, for what it offers, it’s worth every penny. If you’re looking to streamline your workflow, consider getting the MX Master 3S.