Verdict: 8/10
Logitech’s MX Master 4 truly shines as a feature-packed productivity powerhouse, thanks to its innovative haptic touchpad and versatile Action Rings. However, its new, less grippy exterior and increased weight mean it sacrifices some of the ergonomic comfort found in earlier models.
Pros:
- Unrivaled functionality for professional tasks.
- The horizontal scroll wheel revolutionizes navigation.
- Incredibly useful fast-spin scroll wheel.
- Exceptional battery life that lasts for months.
- Advanced sensor technology works seamlessly on almost any surface.
Cons:
- The outer surface lacks the superior grip of the MX Master 3.
- Noticeably heavier, which can impact maneuverability.
- Not designed or suitable for gaming.
For years, the Logitech MX Master series has reigned supreme as the ultimate productivity mouse, cherished for its versatile sensor, lightning-fast scroll wheel, and intuitive horizontal scroll. Now, the latest iteration, the Logitech MX Master 4, arrives with exciting updates, most notably a redesigned haptic thumb pad and gesture controls.
Our review process involves extensive testing of hardware, ensuring we provide unbiased and honest insights to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Specifications
| Logitech MX Master 4 specs | |
| Sensor | Logitech Darkfield |
| Buttons | 8 on top, two underneath, two scroll wheels |
| Switches | Not stated |
| DPI | 8,000 |
| Weight | 151g |
| Connections | 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Polling rate | Not stated |
| Battery | 70 days |
| Extras | USB-C dongle |
| Price | $119.99 / £119.99 |
Key Features
The MX Master 4 largely retains the impressive macro capabilities of its predecessors, the MX Master 3 and 3S. You’ll find the familiar two main click buttons, with a versatile scroll wheel nestled between them. A dedicated “wheel shift” button instantly toggles this scroll wheel between a precise, notched mode and a fluid, free-spinning mode – perfect for rapid document navigation or fine-tuned image adjustments.
To the left, a second scroll wheel offers seamless horizontal movement, a feature invaluable in applications that might otherwise require complex key combinations for sideways scrolling. Flanking this, on the mouse’s side, are the customary back and forward buttons, but it’s here that the MX Master 4 introduces its most notable new enhancements.
Positioned just ahead of the back/forward buttons is a brand-new gesture button. By holding this button and moving the mouse in different directions (forward, back, left, or right), you can trigger various functions. By default, these gestures control Windows desktop features, such as opening the Start menu or switching between virtual desktops, but they are fully customizable via the accompanying software.
Another significant addition is the haptic pad, replacing the traditional thumb button found on earlier models. This soft, rubberized pad provides tactile feedback, mimicking the sensation of a physical click when pressed. This haptic system is entirely software-driven, meaning it only responds when the mouse is powered on.
Activating this haptic pad brings up the innovative Actions Ring – a dynamic, on-screen overlay offering quick access to up to eight customizable functions. These rings are context-aware, meaning they can display different sets of commands depending on the application you’re using (e.g., Photoshop, Chrome). You’ll need a Logitech account to download application-specific plugins, which are provided free of charge, or you can manually configure your own custom actions.
Beyond these new features, the MX Master 4 largely maintains the core design principles of its predecessors. It continues to utilize the acclaimed Darkfield sensor, renowned for its ability to track accurately on virtually any flat surface, including polished metal and glass. The maximum DPI has also been boosted to 8,000, offering enhanced precision.
However, it’s important to note that despite its advancements, the Master series is still not suited for gaming. Its sensor and wireless connection are optimized for productivity, not the high-speed, low-latency demands of competitive gaming. Instead, Logitech has focused on connection stability, claiming a twofold increase in strength thanks to updated internal components.
Design and Comfort
The long-standing popularity of the MX Master series owes much to its distinctive shape, a core design element that the MX Master 4 proudly retains. However, one significant design alteration feels like a step backward.
Starting with the positives, the ergonomic contours remain consistent. The mouse features a notable 15° slope towards the right, a design choice intended to alleviate forearm twisting. While some users find this angle highly beneficial for ergonomic comfort, my personal experience suggests it doesn’t quite replicate the relief offered by a truly vertical mouse or a more symmetrical design.
The mouse is theoretically ideal for a palm grip, where the entire hand rests over the device. Yet, for users with longer fingers (like myself, with a 20cm measurement from wrist to fingertip), reaching the scroll wheel and other buttons comfortably can be challenging. I found that the elevated section housing the horizontal scroll wheel sometimes pressed uncomfortably into my hand rather than providing gentle support. I personally prefer a flatter, longer mouse design, such as that of a specific lightweight gaming mouse, for a truly comfortable palm rest.
However, comfort is highly subjective, and individual preferences vary widely. A more universal concern with this new model is the removal of the all-encompassing rubber coating that graced the MX Master 3 and 3S. That previous surface offered exceptional passive grip, regardless of hand temperature or moisture. The new surface, in contrast, allows the palm to slide more easily, requiring a firmer grip, which I consider a notable downgrade.
Thankfully, the left side, where your thumb rests, features a rubberized platform that includes the haptic thumb pad, offering improved grip in that crucial area. A similar patch of rubber on the right side helps with a fingertip grip.
Adding to the ergonomic challenge is the mouse’s considerable weight. At 151g, the MX Master 4 is even heavier than the already substantial MX Master 3, nearly tripling the weight of many ultralight gaming mice. While not intended for high-speed flicking, this weight, combined with the less grippy top surface, makes the mouse feel less agile and comfortable to reposition, marking a clear step down in usability compared to its predecessor.
Aesthetically, the mouse looks sleek, with translucent plastic accents on the main buttons adding a modern touch. It’s available in graphite (as reviewed), a darker charcoal, and pale gray, with Mac-specific versions in Space Black and White Silver.
Software and Setup
To fully unlock the potential of the MX Master 4, installing Logitech’s Options+ software is essential. This application provides access to the customizable gestures and Action Rings that significantly enhance the mouse’s capabilities, along with Logitech Flow, a unique feature for seamless multi-computer control, including copy-pasting across devices.
The Options+ interface begins with the “Buttons” section, where you can remap almost all of the mouse’s controls, excluding the primary left and right clicks. For example, you can configure the secondary scroll wheel to adjust volume instead of horizontal scrolling, assign media playback controls to gestures, or change the thumb pad button to activate task view rather than the Action Rings.
Next, the “Feel” section allows you to fine-tune the mouse’s tactile response. Adjustments can be made to the sensitivity of both scroll wheels, including the intensity of the vertical scroll wheel’s notches when not in free-spinning mode. The haptics pad’s sensitivity and the pointer speed are also configurable here.
The “Haptics” section specifically manages the intensity of the tactile feedback. I found the default medium setting a bit intrusive, preferring the lighter low setting. There’s also an option to disable the haptic buzz when selecting items from the Action Rings, as the default setting triggers feedback for each hover. Additionally, haptic feedback can be automatically disabled when the mouse battery is low.
The final main screen is dedicated to “Easy-Switch” connections, displaying which devices the MX Master 4 is currently paired with, allowing you to cycle between them using the button on the mouse’s underside or via custom Action Rings commands. This screen serves as an informational display, showing connected devices rather than offering direct configuration.
Other minor but useful features within the software include a battery life indicator, the ability to swap left and right click buttons (found in the general settings), and a function to check for firmware updates.
Diving deeper into the Action Rings, these interactive overlays appear when you press the haptic thumb pad and remain active until you either click the central close button, select an action, or click anywhere else on the screen. The customization possibilities are vast: you can assign specific commands for any application and download plugins for hundreds of different programs, complete with matching icons for common functions.
Setting up Action Rings is a dedicated process within Options+. While it can be time-consuming to consider all the applications you use, identify essential functions, and then strategically place them for quick access within the ring, the payoff is immense. Once configured and memorized, this system puts an incredible array of personalized functionality right at your fingertips.
Performance
The Logitech Darkfield sensor, a proprietary laser-based technology, is a standout feature of the MX Master 4. Unlike traditional optical or even conventional laser sensors, it offers unparalleled tracking capabilities on nearly any surface – from polished metal and mirrors to glass. While it still requires a reasonably flat surface, its versatility is truly remarkable.
The increased maximum DPI to 8,000 might seem like an overkill for standard setups, as it can feel excessively fast and jittery. However, for users with expansive multi-monitor configurations, this higher DPI can be incredibly useful for swiftly navigating across a vast desktop.
Regarding the other core functionalities, the main scroll wheel arguably remains the mouse’s most exceptional feature. While other mice offer similar free-wheeling options, the MX Master 4’s implementation is effortlessly smooth. I particularly appreciate its intelligent design: it provides a tactile, notched feel for precise, slower movements, but a quick, harder flick automatically disengages the detents, allowing it to spin freely and zip through documents at speeds up to 1,000 lines per second.
The main left and right buttons, however, are not optimized for gaming. They lack the crisp, taught, clicky feel of dedicated gaming switches. Instead, Logitech has prioritized quiet operation, resulting in a slightly softer click feel. While this focus on quietness will be appreciated by those who find loud clicks distracting, it wasn’t a feature I personally missed in older models. In contrast, certain high-performance gaming mice offer a much more satisfying tactile click.
A welcome improvement is the slightly loosened feel of the horizontal scroll wheel, which significantly enhances its usability. It now feels much quicker and smoother to navigate sideways through documents, a noticeable upgrade from the somewhat stiff feel of the previous version.
Battery Life
The Logitech MX Master 4 boasts exceptional battery life, with Logitech claiming up to two months of use on a single charge. Our testing corroborated this, as the battery indicator in Options+ showed only minimal percentage drops after each day of use. This impressive longevity is a clear advantage of not relying on a super-fast sensor with a high polling rate, which typically consumes more power.
Charging is conveniently handled via the USB-C port located on the front of the mouse. Remarkably, just one minute of charging can provide an additional three hours of use, making quick top-ups incredibly efficient.
Price
Priced at $119.99 / £119.99, the Logitech MX Master 4 isn’t a budget option, but it offers fair value given the extensive feature set packed into this productivity mouse. Many high-end gaming mice cost considerably more while providing fewer dedicated productivity features.
Verdict
The Logitech MX Master 4 undoubtedly maintains its status as the leading productivity mouse, with the new gesture and Action Ring features proving to be valuable additions to an already successful design. However, the increased weight and the shift away from the all-rubber exterior noticeably diminish its grippability compared to previous MX Master mice. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, some users may find this a significant ergonomic compromise.
Despite these minor ergonomic concerns, the MX Master 4 excels in every other aspect, solidifying its position as the top choice for anyone serious about optimizing their workflow.
For those looking to complement their new mouse, explore our guides on the best gaming keyboard and best gaming mouse pad for ideal pairings.