Be wary buying MX Master 3 for Mac

[brdtoledo]

I just tried my mx master 3 with 16" m1 pro, and it lacks of precision... I don't know how to explain, it does not have lag but its somehow hard to click small buttons or things like this when I need precision.

I don't have this problem with 5$ wired mouse.

Its connected via BT. Logi options+ beta also installed.
Any tips?

Experiencing the lack of precision as well over BT with my Logitech M720.

I have always had this issue with my G602. I am on here trying to see if the Master 3 could replace my G602 since Logi software won't recognize it anymore with my new M1 Pro. The master 3 doesn't have as many buttons as I need though. Thanks for the info.

This is because of the polling rate. For some reason (maybe better tracking on uneven surfaces and battery life) Logitech decided to limit it to just 125Hz on this sensor. We even don't have the option to change it.

I don't know how people use this mouse. It's a total crap from Logitech.

The best solution *by far* (staying with Logitech) is to use a proper "G" grade mouse with a proper 1000Hz polling rate dongle and a 3th party software to customize the keys. I myself use the G703 with Mac Mouse Fix and it's so much better...

I really don't understand how this mouse is so popular among YouTubers and those so called influencers. The 125Hz polling rate is unbearable and the Logitech crap software is the icing on the cake.

 

[JohnnyMoe]

TLDR: Having issues with MX Master 3 for Mac with my M1 Air. I tried two of them to no avail, and now use another cheaper mouse without problems. Caution buying.
I'm on Big Sur 11.2.3.
I bought the MX Master 3 for Mac back in January. On startup it was fine. Everything worked as expected, and I tweaked settings with the Logi Options software. One day the mouse suddenly reverted settings. The following issues were:

• Scroll direction would flip
• Previous/forward buttons on side stopped working
• The gesture button (and the gestures I had customized in Logi Options) stopped working. When I press the gesture button, the cmd + tab selector comes up.
• Logi Options stopped changing the mouse settings. I will toggle a setting, like swap left and right buttons, but the mouse does not "match" the software.

Despite my attempts, nothing seemed to solve these issues. I tried the following:

• I turned the mouse off then on
• I connected the mouse via USB-C to my laptop
• I powered off and on the laptop
• I "forgot" the mouse, and reconnected.
• I did the above, this time connecting on the second profile instead of the default first
• I "forgot" the mouse through Logi Options
• I uninstalled Logi Options
• I reinstalled Logi Options

The mouse continued to display these issues for a few days and then started functioning properly (with my custom settings). It worked for another couple days before the issues popped up again. It's as if there are two "states": One where the mouse works as expected, the other having the same issues again and again. The mouse switches seemingly at random between them.
I gave up and contacted support. After a while (they were backed up due to Christmas) and a few emails Logitech ended up sending me a brand new MX Master 3 for Mac. I appreciate that; the problem is that the exact same issues persisted.
For this second, brand new mouse, I connected with Logi Options completely uninstalled. The mouse worked fine with default settings. Another couple days passed, and same flip-flop issues began again.
I tried installing SteerMouse. It's a program for customizing your mouse. Still, the mouse would flip-flop between a working and broken state.
I use a G305 with the dongle now. With SteerMouse, it works as expected. Problem is SteerMouse costs $20.
Pretty disappointing that a mouse branded for Mac caused me such issues. For how expensive the mouse is I really just expect it to work. I guess simple is better.

I too was having multiple problems with this mouse and my 2015 model Mac. I tried many methods and spent hours researching the problem, then found this solution at Apple communities page by Bram Beekman:


The problem is due to the dongle receiver being too close to the USB port. It picks up electronic noise generated by the computer's parts, interfering with the signals passing from the mouse. In addition, I found the problem specific to Logitech's Unifying receiver, which handles up to six devices. I suspect that there is just too much tiny electronics crammed into the tiny chunk of plastic and metal.

The solution is to install an extender, a male-female USB cord. It moves the receiver away from the computer. Even a couple of inches helps, but in severe cases, you may need to use a longer cord.
Posted on Apr 24, 2021 9:10 AM

 

[aelaan1234]

This is because of the polling rate. For some reason (maybe better tracking on uneven surfaces and battery life) Logitech decided to limit it to just 125Hz on this sensor. We even don't have the option to change it.

I don't know how people use this mouse. It's a total crap from Logitech.

The best solution *by far* (staying with Logitech) is to use a proper "G" grade mouse with a proper 1000Hz polling rate dongle and a 3th party software to customize the keys. I myself use the G703 with Mac Mouse Fix and it's so much better...

I really don't understand how this mouse is so popular among YouTubers and those so called influencers. The 125Hz polling rate is unbearable and the Logitech crap software is the icing on the cake.

Sorry to rattle this up again but after a few months away and seeing the Logitech options+ has come out (beta) I truly had hoped the issues with my trackpad disabling would have been resolved. Weeks I have communicated with the developers at Logitech. I had to explain it at least 8 times what I was seeing. Connect your mouse to the MacBook laptop through bluetooth. Do not use the unified receiver, there is no need for that thing to stick inches outside of the MacBook because there are no usb-c unified receivers (thanks Logitech). When a mouse is connected to the laptop I want to disable to trackpad so that I do not, by accident, let the cursor jump all over the place. The setting is in Accessibility and the checkmark pin Pointer Control - Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present. Nope, doesn't work on the MacBook, the cursor still moves freely around.

Now, when I bought the MX Master 3 for Mac I had hopes that this would resolve it, but no... And that mouse doesn't even come with a unifying usb connector.

Hey... a very cheap Microsoft mouse does it perfectly, also over bluetooth. A more expensive mouse from Microsoft also works the way it is intended. The Logitech mouse is flawed in so many ways. Not on Windows mind you.... And that is where these so called influencers get their sponsorship money and the clicks to proof how great of a mouse it is. It is true that this mouse is my most favourite because it fits in my hand just perfectly.

Of course the mouse works fine with the unifying receiver, burning through battery charges like crazy and having a ding-dong sticking out of my new computer.
I am actually looking at another mouse, I will miss how well it fits in my hand but I can't stand the crap Logitech is refusing to fix.

 

[bounce_bounce]

I think I can settle this, but not in a way that is satisfactory for all.

TLDR;

1. If you travel lots with your mac, don't buy a Logitech mouse if you care about mouse latency
2. If you use your Mac at a desk mainly, buy the non-"Mac" version (it does exactly what the "Mac" one does, but it also comes with the crucial USB receiver which doubles your polling rate)
3. NEVER BUY THE "MAC" version of any Logitech mouse.

-----

The MX Master 3s (or others) come with a USB receiver, the "Mac" variants do not.

DO NOT buy the mac variant, and if you travel a lot, don't buy either (as you'll be stuck in dongle-land forever).

If you use your mac at a desk a lot, get the non-"Mac" version, and use the USB receiver.

Over native Mac Bluetooth, the mouse polls at about 60Hz, which is too slow. If you use the USB receiver you will get 125Hz+. As other users have stated, you can see this on a high refresh rate monitor (mine is 175Hz), but you can also use a mouse polling rate test on the web, google "mouse polling rate test", and make sure you move your mouse constantly whilst testing.

Hope this is helpful.

I am very happily now using my MX Master 3s with my Mac, it's a great mouse, it just comes with caveats.

 

[etc]

Over native Mac Bluetooth, the mouse polls at about 60Hz, which is too slow. If you use the USB receiver you will get 125Hz+. As other users have stated, you can see this on a high refresh rate monitor (mine is 175Hz), but you can also use a mouse polling rate test on the web, google "mouse polling rate test", and make sure you move your mouse constantly whilst testing.

Mine 3s connected via BT shows around 120 Hz in polling rate test 🤨

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Mine 3s connected via BT shows around 120 Hz in polling rate test 🤨

Have you a link to polling rate test pls?

 

[jaze22]

Just upgraded from a Performance MX to a MX Master 2S. Ugh, still crap on MacOs and doesn't feel as premium or comfortable to use as my original mouse.

 

[MacGizmo]

I have a Logi MX Master 3 for Mac, connected via Bluetooth. It polls between 120 and 130Hz using the top 5 sites listed on google.

 

[etc]

Have you a link to polling rate test pls?

Mouse Polling Rate Checker 🖱️ | DeviceTests

Quickly test your mouse's polling rate online with our live polling rate checker.

devicetests.com

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Mouse Polling Rate Checker 🖱️ | DeviceTests

Quickly test your mouse's polling rate online with our live polling rate checker.

devicetests.com

thanks . using BT on my mx master 3 , i get 125hz max, but in reality i don't go over 90hz ,averaging 85-90

with the logi controller (usb ) i do get 120hz , with an average of 115hz

can you show a screenshot of yours ? it looks like mx master 3s has been improved

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

I have a Logi MX Master 3 for Mac, connected via Bluetooth. It polls between 120 and 130Hz using the top 5 sites listed on google.

that's so weird, i dont go nearly as high , i max out at 90hz with my mx master 3 for mac

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

 

[jaze22]

If your in the UK you can purchase an Asda tech Wireless Mouse: https://groceries.asda.com/product/computing-accessories/asda-tech-wireless-mouse/1000370064151

It's like a clone of the Logitech Performance MX. I currently have a Logitech Performance MX, and a Logitech MX Master 2S. This Asda mouse feels more premium, I really like the scroll wheel. Unlike the vastly more expensive Logitech mice, this Asda mouse works perfect with no lag on an M1 Mac.