This year, Logitech introduced its first mechanical keyboard designed for the workplace: the MX Mechanical. He also arrived accompanied by a mouse premium: the MX Master 3Sa peripheral similar to its predecessor, but with some interesting changes, such as less sound or higher resolution.
These products now go a step further thanks to a new version designed specifically for Mac. And, honestly, I think they are two of the best peripherals that can be purchased today to accompany an Apple computer.
How does it change compared to the universal version?
The Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac does not change excessively compared to the universal MX Master 3S. Only the color varies, which in this new version is a white tone with silver details. The idea is that it fits better with the usual aesthetics in Apple products.
Something similar happens with the Logitech MX Mechanical for Mac. The list is a bit longer, but the changes are more superficial than functional:
- Only a mini version of the keyboard is released.
- It is only sold in white with silver details.
- The function of certain keys changes to fit seamlessly with macOS.
What is it like to use a Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac?
The MX Master 3S has a lot of positives. However, one that I particularly like is how does it fit with the hand. Compared to Apple’s Magic Mouse – which, in the case of this Mac version, is its main rival – Logitech’s is undoubtedly more comfortable.
The explanation lies in several aspects: it has a shape that fits perfectly in the hand, the buttons are located in the right places, etc. However, the biggest key is, in my opinion, the being able to rest the palm of the hand on the mouse itself.
To understand what I mean, let’s take a look at how to use Apple’s Magic Mouse. The mouse itself is scrolled with the thumb, ring finger, and little finger. The index finger and the middle finger are in the air to click or perform gestures. Meanwhile, the palm of the hand is barely in contact with the surface of the mouse, as it has a fairly low profile.
With the Logitech MX Master 3S, however, it is different. The entire hand is in contact with the mouse. It is as if you wrap it with your hand. This has a double benefit: on the one hand, it is a bit more comfortable (the whole hand can rest on the surface of the mouse); on the other, it gives you a little more control over the movements of the mouse.
The main price to pay regarding the Magic Mouse is the integration with the system and the possibility of performing gestures. The top of Apple’s mouse, remember, is touchscreen, so you can swipe with two fingers to switch between full-screen apps, do scroll very naturally, etc. Gestures that you can’t perform with the Logitech MX Master 3S.
You could say that the way to interact with the macOS interface using an MX Master 3S is more conventional, based on clicks and cursor movement. The Magic Mouse, on the other hand, is a kind of hybrid between trackpad and mouse that goes a bit further and makes possible other ways to interact with the UI.
Beyond what is mentioned, the Logitech MX Master 3S has other virtues that, in my opinion, are worth highlighting:
- It can be connected with up to three devices at the same time. This is great if you use multiple computers in your day to day life. For example: if you work from home, you can pair this mouse with both your work and personal computers. And, to switch between one or the other, you just have to press a button.
- Key noise has been significantly reduced. The difference is noticeable if you compare it to other mice or even the MX Master 3, its predecessor.
- The wheel has two modes: scroll free (the wheel turns without resistance) or in steps (you receive feedback as if it were a toothed gear). To switch, just press a button located under the aforementioned wheel. Personally, the free spin mode seems to me the best for its naturalness, although it is somewhat subjective.
- A scroll softer. If you install the Logi Options app on Mac, you can enable “smooth scrolling,” a feature that smooths out line breaks when you click scroll. It is not as organic or smooth as with the Magic Mouse, but it is much better than with any conventional mouse.
- An 8000 DPI sensor. The mouse is quite precise, which is very useful in many situations. The 8000 DPI also allows for a very high scrolling speed – useful for those who use multiple screens simultaneously.
- You can recharge the mouse as you use it using a USB-C cable.
What is it like to use an MX Mechanical for Mac?
MX Mechanical for Mac, on the other hand, also has many positive things. The model that I have had the opportunity to test has the switches that Logitech baptizes as “tactile”. The description they make of them on the website is as follows, for those who are not familiar with mechanical keyboards:
Mechanical key switches with a nice tactile bump for precise feedback, reactive key reset, and less noise so you don’t disturb those around you.
Of this keyboard, by the way, a full version will not be marketed, only mini. For me, it is not a problem at all. What’s more: I prefer them that way. They take up less space on your desktop, and you also have less hand movement when switching between keyboard and mouse. The latter may seem insignificant, but if you are used to compact keyboards, as I am, you notice that extra movement when you change to a full one.
Personal leanings aside, nothing negative can be said about the Logitech MX Mechanical for Mac. The keys have an excellent response –something that is appreciated if your daily work is to write texts–, the noise level is low considering that it is a mechanical keyboard, it has an automatic backlight system, the battery lasts a lot, it recharges via USB-C, you can connect up to three devices at the same time… And this version, being designed specifically for Mac, has specific keys for macOS, such as one that activates the do not disturb mode or the emoticon selector.
Logitech MX Mechanical and MX Master 3S for Mac: price, availability and where to buy
These Logitech peripherals will go on sale this September both on the brand’s website and at authorized resellers, including Amazon. The company has not disclosed prices in euros, but in dollars:
- MX Master 3S for Mac: $99.99
- MX Mechanical Mini for Mac: $149.99
Along with these two accessories, the brand has also launched a version of the Lift mouse for Mac, as well as a new color of the K380. These will also hit stores throughout the month of September.