Logitech MX Master 4: A Deep Dive into the Reimagined Productivity Mouse

For years, the Logitech MX Master series has reigned supreme as the undisputed champion of work and productivity mice. Its winning formula combines a sensor capable of tracking on almost any surface, a lightning-fast scroll wheel, and a highly useful secondary horizontal scroll wheel, all meticulously crafted into a comfortable design. Now, the latest iteration, the Logitech MX Master 4, arrives with notable enhancements, including a brand-new haptic thumb pad and an innovative gestures button.

While a dedicated productivity mouse might not seem like an obvious inclusion for a gaming setup, if your PC serves dual duty for both work and play, a device like this can be a fantastic complement. This is especially true if you prefer minimalist, ultra-light gaming mice with few features, such as the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, over more versatile, multi-function gaming mice like the Logitech G502 X Plus. Regardless, we’ve thoroughly tested the new MX Master 4 over several weeks to determine if this latest version maintains its status as the top choice for those seeking the ultimate work mouse.

Key Specifications

Features Overview

Many of the core macro features of the MX Master 4 are carried over from its predecessors, the MX Master 3 and 3S. This includes the standard two primary left and right buttons, with a versatile scroll wheel positioned between them. Directly behind this, the wheel shift button allows for seamless transitions between a precise, notched scrolling experience and a smooth, free-spinning mode—perfect for rapidly navigating extensive documents or making granular adjustments in design software like Photoshop.

To the left, a secondary scroll wheel enables effortless horizontal movement. While it doesn’t share the free-spinning capability of the main wheel, it significantly enhances navigation in many applications that might otherwise lack this function or require a key modifier, such as Photoshop’s Ctrl-scroll for horizontal movement.

Further left, conveniently placed on the side of the mouse, are two standard back and forward buttons. This area also introduces two of the most significant new features of this MX Master version.

Situated in front of the back/forward buttons is a new gesture button. By holding this down and moving the mouse forward, back, left, or right, you can trigger assigned functions. By default, these gestures control various Windows desktop actions, such as opening the Windows menu, minimizing windows to show the desktop, and switching between virtual desktops. All these gestures are fully customizable via the accompanying software.

The final major new addition is the haptic pad located beneath your thumb, replacing the more traditional thumb button found on the 3 and 3S models. This soft, rubberized pad provides a haptic response, mimicking a button click when pressed. The haptic nature is evident when the mouse is off, as the pad simply squishes without any tactile feedback.

Upon activation, this pad reveals the Actions Ring, a software overlay that grants quick access to up to eight functions. These rings are context-aware, meaning they present different sets of functions depending on the application in use—be it Photoshop, Premiere, Chrome, or your desktop—if you choose to download the relevant plugins. While a Logitech account login is required to access these free app plugins, you can also manually configure your own custom functions for each application.

Beyond these innovations, the MX Master 4 largely mirrors previous models. It retains the proven Darkfield sensor, a hallmark of MX Master mice, ensuring flawless tracking on virtually any flat surface, including reflective metals and glass. The sensor’s maximum DPI has also been boosted to 8,000.

However, it’s important to note that the Master range remains unsuitable for gaming, as its sensors are not optimized for the rapid movements required. Similarly, the mouse’s wireless connection, facilitated by a compact USB-C dongle, prioritizes connectivity strength over speed, with Logitech touting a twofold increase in reliability thanks to new chip and antenna technology.

Design and Ergonomics

A significant factor in the enduring popularity of the MX Master series has been its distinctive shape, which the MX Master 4 largely preserves. However, a key design alteration introduces what feels like a step backward.

Starting with the positives, the fundamental shape remains. It features a notable slope towards the right side (approximately 15°), theoretically designed to reduce forearm pronation. Personally, I find this tilt insufficient to provide a significant ergonomic advantage over a truly vertical mouse or a flatter, symmetrical design, though many users highly praise this ergonomic style.

Theoretically, this mouse is also ideal for a palm grip, where the entire hand rests over the device. However, with my longer fingers (20cm from wrist to middle fingertip), I find it challenging to comfortably reach the scroll wheel and other buttons while maintaining a true palm grip.

Moreover, the elevated section housing the horizontal scroll wheel can, for me, slightly impede a comfortable palm grip, feeling more like an obstruction than support. I generally prefer flatter mice with extended back sections, like the G Pro X Superlight 2, for optimal palm comfort.

Crucially, a regrettable change in this new model is the removal of the all-encompassing rubber coating found on the MX Master 3 and 3S. That prior surface offered passive grip regardless of hand conditions, whereas the new surface causes the palm to slide more easily, necessitating a firmer grip. I consider this a significant downgrade.

Fortunately, the left side features a rubberized platform for the thumb, which also incorporates the haptic thumb pad, providing improved grip. Similarly, a rubber patch on the right side ensures the mouse can still be comfortably held with a fingertip grip.

However, working against overall grip is the mouse’s substantial weight. At 151g, it’s even heavier than the already chunky MX Master 3, nearly tripling the weight of many ultralight gaming mice. While not designed for high-speed, competitive use, a device that must be lifted and maneuvered with fingertips benefits from being lighter. This, coupled with the less-grippy top surface, marks a clear reduction in ease of handling compared to its predecessor.

Aesthetically, the mouse sports a sleek look, enhanced by the new translucent plastic accents on the main buttons. It’s available in the graphite color shown, a darker graphite/charcoal, and pale gray, with the Mac version offering Space Black and White Silver.

Software and Configuration

To fully unleash the potential of the MX Master 4, installing Logitech’s Options+ software is essential. This software activates the gestures and Action Rings, significantly expanding the mouse’s capabilities, and provides access to Logitech Flow, the company’s multi-computer feature that allows seamless switching between connected devices and even copy-pasting across them.

The Options+ interface begins with the Buttons section, where you can customize all main controls except the left and right click. For instance, you can configure the second scroll wheel to adjust volume instead of horizontal scrolling, set gestures to control media playback instead of Windows Desktop functions, or assign the thumb pad button to open task view rather than the Action Rings.

The next section allows for fine-tuning the mouse’s feel. Here, you can adjust the sensitivity of both scroll wheels, including the intensity of the vertical scroll wheel’s notches when not in free-spinning mode. The haptic pad’s sensitivity and the pointer speed are also adjustable.

The Haptics section provides control over the intensity of the feedback. I found the default medium setting somewhat distracting and preferred the low setting. I also chose to disable the haptic buzz when hovering over options in the Action Rings, as it was triggered by default. Haptics can also be automatically disabled when the mouse’s battery is low.

The final primary screen is designed for setting up Easy-Switch connections, displaying the devices to which the MX Master 4 is connected. It allows you to cycle through these devices using the button on the mouse’s underside (or via other configurable controls like Action Rings), though this screen primarily serves as a status display.

Additional software features include a battery life indicator in Options+, an option to swap left and right button functions (within the settings), and a facility to check for firmware updates.

Delving deeper into Action Rings, these overlays appear when the haptic thumb pad is pressed and remain visible until an action is selected, the central close button is clicked, or you click elsewhere on the screen. You have complete freedom to customize the commands for any application and download plugins for a vast array of programs, providing swift access to common functions, complete with matching icons.

Setting up Action Rings is managed in a dedicated section of Options+ separate from the general mouse settings. This is where you can meticulously configure them to your liking. Similar to Flow and gestures, the initial setup can be time-consuming. Even with app plugins, I often found myself customizing most settings to suit my workflow, requiring careful consideration of frequently used apps, essential functions, ideal ring placement, and memorizing their locations. However, once configured, this provides an unparalleled level of accessible functionality.

Performance Assessment

Logitech’s Dark Field sensor, a proprietary laser-based technology, distinguishes itself from optical and conventional laser sensors by enabling the mouse to operate on virtually any surface. Unlike optical sensors that require a uniform, matte finish for optimal tracking, the MX Master 4 tracks flawlessly on polished metal, mirrors, glass, and more. While it still demands a reasonably flat surface, its versatility is remarkable.

The increase in maximum DPI to 8,000 might not benefit most users with standard setups, as it often feels excessively fast and jittery. However, those with expansive multi-monitor configurations may find it advantageous for quickly traversing large desktop areas.

Regarding the performance of the mouse’s other core features, its main scroll wheel is arguably its standout component. While other mice, such as the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, offer similar freewheeling options, the MX Master 4’s implementation is remarkably effortless. I particularly appreciate its ability to transition from a tactile, notched feel for precise movements to a free-spinning mode with a flick of the wheel, allowing for incredibly rapid document navigation—Logitech claims up to 1,000 lines per second.

In terms of button performance, the main left and right clicks don’t feel optimized for gaming, lacking the crisp, taught feedback of dedicated gaming switches. They aren’t mushy, but Logitech has focused on making them as quiet as possible. For those sensitive to click noise, this is a welcome improvement, though the clicks on older models never particularly bothered me. The Razer Deathadder V4 Pro, by contrast, offers a much more distinct click.

Logitech has also subtly loosened the feel of the horizontal scroll wheel, significantly enhancing its usability. It now feels much quicker and smoother for sideways navigation through documents, a noticeable improvement over the slightly stiff feel of the previous version.

Battery Longevity

The Logitech MX Master 4 delivers exceptional battery life, with Logitech promising several months of use on a single charge. Our tests confirmed this, as the mouse’s reported battery life in Options+ typically dropped by only single percentage digits after each day of use. This impressive endurance is a clear benefit of not requiring a super-fast sensor with a high polling rate.

Charging is conveniently handled via the USB-C port on the mouse’s front. Furthermore, the mouse boasts a remarkable fast-charging capability, providing a staggering three hours of additional use from just one minute of charging.

Pricing

The Logitech MX Master 4 is priced at $119.99, which, while not a budget option, represents fair value given the extensive features packed into this mouse. Many high-end gaming mice often cost considerably more while offering far fewer functionalities.

Final Verdict

The Logitech MX Master 4 firmly holds its crown as the premier productivity mouse. Its new gesture controls and Action Ring features are excellent additions to an already winning formula. However, the increased weight and the regrettable removal of its all-rubber exterior noticeably diminish its grippability compared to previous MX Master mice. While not a complete deal-breaker, this ergonomic change may be a significant drawback for some users.

Nonetheless, in every other aspect, there’s no doubt that this remains the best mouse for those who prioritize serious work efficiency.

If you’re seeking the perfect keyboard or mouse mat to complement your chosen mouse, explore our guides for the best gaming keyboard and best gaming mouse pad.