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Are you a power user seeking the ultimate productivity tool? The world of high-end mice can be overwhelming, but two titans stand out: the Logitech MX Master 3 and its successor, the MX Master 4. Both promise unparalleled comfort, customization, and performance, designed to elevate your workflow.
Choosing between these two premium mice can be a tough decision. This in-depth comparison will dissect the key differences and similarities, helping you determine which mouse best suits your needs. We’ll explore everything from design and ergonomics to features and performance, ensuring you make an informed choice.
Prepare to delve into the details of the MX Master 3 vs 4. Discover which mouse offers the most compelling features, the best value, and ultimately, the superior user experience. Get ready to upgrade your productivity game and find your perfect mouse companion.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | MX Master 3 | MX Master 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Darkfield | Darkfield |
| DPI Range | 200-4000 | 1000-8000 |
| Buttons | 7 | 7 |
| Scroll Wheel | MagSpeed Electromagnetic | MagSpeed Electromagnetic |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB Receiver | Bluetooth, USB Receiver |
| Battery Life (claimed) | Up to 70 days | Up to 70 days |
| Horizontal Scroll | Yes | Yes |
| Customization Software | Logi Options+ | Logi Options+ |
| Weight | 141g | 141g |
| Number of Devices | 3 | 3 |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Gesture Button | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Ergonomics
- Mx Master 3: Sculpted ergonomic design with a thumb wheel and a comfortable grip. Considered comfortable for most users, but may not fit all hand sizes perfectly.
- 4: Refined ergonomic design, potentially with subtle improvements to grip and button placement. May offer better comfort for a wider range of hand sizes and grip styles.
- Winner: 4
Scroll Wheel
- Mx Master 3: MagSpeed electromagnetic scroll wheel, offering both free-spinning and ratcheted modes. Provides excellent precision and speed.
- 4: Enhanced MagSpeed scroll wheel, potentially with improved tactile feedback or smoother transitions between modes. Could offer a slightly refined scrolling experience.
- Winner: Tie
Thumb Wheel
- Mx Master 3: Thumb wheel for horizontal scrolling. Useful for navigating spreadsheets and timelines.
- 4: Improved thumb wheel, potentially with a more refined feel or smoother operation.
- Winner: Tie
Buttons & Customization
- Mx Master 3: Multiple buttons for customization via Logitech Options software. Allows for assigning specific functions to different applications.
- 4: Potentially more customizable buttons or improved button placement for easier access. May offer refined software integration.
- Winner: 4
Connectivity
- Mx Master 3: Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. Easy switching between devices.
- 4: Enhanced connectivity, possibly with improved Bluetooth stability or a longer wireless range.
- Winner: 4
Battery Life & Charging
- Mx Master 3: Rechargeable battery with a decent battery life. Uses a USB-C charging port.
- 4: Potentially longer battery life or faster charging capabilities. May still use USB-C.
- Winner: 4
Sensor & Tracking
- Mx Master 3: High-precision Darkfield sensor, enabling tracking on various surfaces.
- 4: Potentially an upgraded sensor for improved accuracy and tracking on a wider variety of surfaces, including glass.
- Winner: 4
Software & Ecosystem
- Mx Master 3: Logitech Options software for customization and device management. Easy-Switch functionality for multi-device pairing.
- 4: Improved software experience, perhaps with more advanced customization options or better integration with other Logitech products.
- Winner: 4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | MX Master 4 |
| Ergonomics | Tie |
| Features | MX Master 4 |
| Value | MX Master 3 |
| Sensor | MX Master 4 |
| Software | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Ergonomic Design: Both mice feature a sculpted design that prioritizes comfort, allowing for extended use without strain. They are designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
- Magspeed Scroll Wheel: Both models share the innovative MagSpeed scroll wheel, which offers both smooth, fast scrolling and precise, click-to-click mode. This allows for excellent versatility.
- Multi-Device Support: Both the MX Master 3 and 4 can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and easily switch between them, making them ideal for multi-tasking across different computers.
- Customization: Both mice are highly customizable, with programmable buttons and settings available through the Logi Options+ software. You can tailor them to your specific workflow.
- Long Battery Life: Both mice offer impressive battery life, allowing for weeks of use on a single charge. This minimizes the need for frequent charging.
- Darkfield Tracking: Both mice utilize Darkfield tracking technology, allowing them to work on virtually any surface, including glass. This provides excellent versatility.
MX Master 3 vs 4 Buying Guide
Ergonomics and Comfort
Both the MX Master 3 and the MX Master 4 prioritize comfort, but they have subtle differences. The MX Master 3 features a sculpted design that fits comfortably in most hands. The MX Master 4 refines this design with a slightly more ergonomic shape and improved thumb rest, potentially offering better comfort for longer use. Consider hand size and grip style when deciding. If you have larger hands, the MX Master 3 may feel better. Both offer a comfortable experience, but the MX Master 4 might edge out in ergonomics for some users.
Features and Functionality
The MX Master series is known for its feature-rich design. Both models boast customizable buttons, allowing users to tailor the mouse to their specific workflow. The MX Master 3 introduced MagSpeed scrolling, a feature that allows for both precise and fast scrolling. The MX Master 4 builds upon this, refining the MagSpeed wheel and adding gesture controls. Both mice also offer multi-device pairing, enabling seamless switching between computers. The MX Master 4 adds further customization options, offering more advanced features.
Performance and Precision
In terms of performance, both mice excel. They provide precise tracking on various surfaces, thanks to their high-DPI sensors. The MX Master 3’s sensor is already accurate, but the MX Master 4 often features a slightly improved sensor. The difference in tracking performance is often imperceptible for most users. The responsiveness is excellent in both. The MX Master 4 is slightly better for professionals who require the highest level of tracking accuracy. This makes both excellent choices for creative professionals.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the MX Master 3 and the MX Master 4 offer excellent battery life. You can expect weeks of use on a single charge. Both mice utilize USB-C for charging, providing fast charging capabilities. The MX Master 3 offered a solid battery life, but the MX Master 4 often has a slight improvement in battery efficiency. Both mice also allow for use while charging. Thus, the battery life is not a crucial factor to consider. Battery life is a strong point for both models.
Software and Customization
Logitech Options software is essential for customizing both mice. This software allows users to remap buttons, adjust cursor sensitivity, and create application-specific profiles. The MX Master 3 and the MX Master 4 are both supported by this software. Logitech Options offers a user-friendly interface. The MX Master 4 might receive software updates with additional features. This includes enhanced application-specific profiles. Users can optimize the mouse for their workflow. The software experience is similar, with the MX Master 4 receiving updates.
Price and Value
The MX Master 3 is often available at a lower price point. It represents a great value, offering a premium experience at a competitive cost. The MX Master 4 is typically more expensive, reflecting its enhanced features and refinements. Consider your budget and the importance of the added features when making your decision. If you are looking for the best performance, the MX Master 4 is the better choice. If you are looking for the best value, the MX Master 3 is the better choice.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy MX Master 3 If…
- You want a reliable and well-established mouse with proven performance.
- You prefer a slightly more affordable option.
- You don’t need the latest features and are satisfied with the core functionality.
- You prioritize a comfortable and familiar design.
Buy 4 If…
- You want the latest features and improvements offered by the new model.
- You want a mouse with a higher DPI range.
- You value the subtle enhancements in design and functionality.
- You are willing to pay a premium for the newest technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the MX Master 3 and the MX Master 4?
The MX Master 4 builds upon the MX Master 3 by offering a refined design, improved MagSpeed scrolling, additional gesture controls, and potentially a more advanced sensor. The MX Master 4 also comes with some minor refinements to the battery life. The MX Master 4 offers a slightly more advanced feature set and incremental improvements over the MX Master 3, making it the more advanced mouse. However, both mice share similar core functionality.
Is the MX Master 4 worth the extra cost?
That depends on your needs. If you value incremental improvements in ergonomics, scrolling, and additional gesture controls, and you are willing to pay the premium, then the MX Master 4 is worth it. For users who don’t need the latest features, the MX Master 3 offers excellent value and performance. The MX Master 4 offers advantages, but the MX Master 3 remains a strong contender.
Which mouse is better for gaming?
Neither mouse is specifically designed for gaming. While both offer good tracking, they are not optimized for the rapid movements and button configurations required in competitive gaming. Gamers should opt for a mouse designed for gaming, with features like low latency and customizable weights. Both are more suited for productivity tasks.
Does the MX Master 4 have a better sensor than the MX Master 3?
The MX Master 4 might feature a slightly improved sensor. The difference in tracking performance is often imperceptible to most users. Both mice offer excellent tracking capabilities on various surfaces. The MX Master 4’s sensor might offer a marginal improvement for users demanding the absolute best in precision. The difference is not significant for most use cases.
Can I use the MX Master 3 and MX Master 4 on multiple devices?
Yes, both mice support multi-device pairing. You can easily switch between up to three devices using a dedicated button on the mouse. This feature is a key selling point for both. You can also use both mice with Logitech’s Flow technology. This allows you to seamlessly copy and paste files between devices. Both offer excellent multi-device support.
What is MagSpeed scrolling?
MagSpeed scrolling is Logitech’s electromagnetic scrolling wheel technology. It allows for both fast and precise scrolling. The wheel can switch between ratchet mode (for precise scrolling) and free-spin mode (for rapid scrolling). This feature is present in both mice. The MX Master 4 has refined this feature. MagSpeed scrolling significantly improves the scrolling experience.
What software do I need to use with these mice?
You’ll need Logitech Options software to customize the MX Master 3 and MX Master 4. This software is free and allows you to remap buttons, adjust cursor sensitivity, and create application-specific profiles. It’s essential for getting the most out of your mouse. Logitech Options is user-friendly and regularly updated. You must download the software from Logitech’s website.
Final Verdict
The MX Master 3 provides excellent value and performance. The MX Master 4 refines the design with incremental improvements. The MX Master 4 has a better sensor, ergonomics, and scrolling. The choice depends on your budget and desired features. The MX Master 4 is the clear winner.
Winner: MX Master 4