Chapter 1: My Disappointment with the Apple Magic Mouse

The Apple Magic Mouse has consistently let me down. Despite my loyalty to its various versions, I recognize that within the Apple ecosystem, it’s often best to stick with Apple hardware. Let’s be real: Apple is notorious for its proprietary designs. There have been instances where third-party charging cables have malfunctioned with Apple products, even causing fires—what a scary thought! It’s hard to resist spending an extra $40 on Apple's overpriced accessories when faced with that risk.

Surprisingly, the Apple Magic Mouse, a product from a company that prides itself on design, leaves much to be desired. In fact, I find it quite uncomfortable to use. Its design is almost the opposite of ergonomic. I even purchased small pads to enhance its comfort, but they did little to alleviate the fundamental issue: the mouse simply isn’t designed with ergonomics in mind. I’ve experimented with various Microsoft mice and others, only to tuck them away in a cabinet, never to see the light of day again—just another purchase gone to waste.

Chapter 2: Exploring the Logitech MX Master 3

After hearing rave reviews from fellow Apple users about the Logitech MX Master 3, I decided to give it a try. Priced at $99, I was initially skeptical about whether it would be worth the investment. However, I figured if it didn’t meet my expectations, I could always return it.

I had some concerns because many Logitech devices often require a USB dongle, which I had no intention of using with my MacBook Pro. The MacBook features only USB-C ports, so the thought of needing a dongle for a dongle was ludicrous. I was determined to make this work via Bluetooth, and thankfully, it connected seamlessly, even with the M1 chipset. While some users have reported slow Bluetooth speeds, I didn’t encounter any issues. I did test the dongle, but found no significant advantages.

The first thing I noticed about the MX Master 3 was its comfortable grip. I typically don’t prioritize ergonomics, as I’ve always liked the Apple Keyboard over more elaborate ergonomic designs. However, the Logitech’s build quality felt a bit less robust compared to the Apple Magic Mouse. Yet, if Apple had created this mouse, it would likely be a stunning work of art priced at $500. Despite that, the MX Master 3 maintains good overall quality.

Once connected, I found the pointer response so sharp that I had to reduce the tracking speed. The mouse’s tracking was indeed faster than the Magic Mouse, but it took some adjustments to get it just right. With a DPI of up to 4000, it performs exceptionally well, even on glass surfaces. It’s important to take the time to customize it to your preferences, as it can be a bit bothersome until you do.

The first video provides an in-depth look at the Apple Magic Mouse, exploring its design flaws and user experience.

Customization Features That Impress

While the look and feel of the MX Master 3 are impressive, its customization options are where it truly excels. With the Logi Options+ software, you can assign different functions to the mouse buttons based on your workflow, either globally or per application. For instance, I often have too many web browser tabs open, so I programmed a button to close the current tab while using the browser. The same button can delete messages when I’m in my email client. Being able to mute calls or start videos in Teams and Zoom without removing my hands from the mouse is a significant time-saver, particularly for repetitive tasks like email deletion.

The customization capabilities extend to key combinations and wheel settings, allowing you to perform tasks like zooming or adjusting system volume. The mouse even accommodates some classic Apple gestures, enabling you to switch desktops and access Mission Control on your Mac. This thoughtful feature acknowledges the Mac audience and enhances compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem. Moreover, the Logitech MX Master 3 can pair with up to three devices with just a single button press, eliminating the need for repeated pairing processes.