Logitech MX Master 4: The Productivity Mouse Reimagined

For years, the Logitech MX Master series has reigned supreme as the ultimate productivity mouse, celebrated for its versatile sensor, rapid scroll wheel, and invaluable horizontal scroll. Now, the Logitech MX Master 4 arrives with notable enhancements, including a new haptic thumb pad and gesture controls. While primarily designed for work, this mouse can complement a gaming setup, especially for those who favor lightweight gaming mice with minimal features over multi-function models. We’ve thoroughly tested the MX Master 4 to determine if it upholds its reputation as the definitive choice for professionals.

Specs

Features

The MX Master 4 largely retains the robust macro capabilities of its predecessors, the MX Master 3 and 3S. It features the standard left and right-click buttons alongside a versatile scroll wheel. A dedicated wheel shift button allows for seamless transitions between a precise, notched scrolling mode and a smooth, free-spinning one, perfect for navigating lengthy documents or fine-tuning images. To its left, a second scroll wheel offers horizontal movement, enhancing efficiency in applications that support it. Additionally, two conventional back and forward buttons are located on the mouse’s side, flanking the two most significant new additions.

Positioned before the back/forward buttons is a new gesture button. Holding this button down enables directional mouse movements (forward, back, left, right) to trigger custom functions. By default, these control Windows desktop features, but users can customize them via software.

A major new feature is the haptic pad beneath the thumb, replacing the traditional thumb button. This soft, rubberized pad simulates a button click using a haptic feedback system when pressed, which only functions when the mouse is powered on. Activating this pad launches the ‘Actions Ring,’ a customizable software overlay providing quick access to up to eight context-sensitive functions for various applications like Photoshop or Chrome. Users can download free plugins or manually configure functions for each app.

Beyond these innovations, the MX Master 4 largely mirrors older models. It continues to use Logitech’s Darkfield sensor, enabling precise tracking on nearly any flat surface, including reflective ones like glass. The sensor’s DPI has been boosted to 8,000. It’s important to note that despite its advancements, this mouse is not designed for gaming due to its sensor optimization and wireless connection, which prioritizes connectivity strength (reportedly 2x stronger with a new chip and antenna) over gaming-specific speed requirements. It connects wirelessly via a compact USB-C dongle.

Design and comfort

The ergonomic shape that defines the MX Master series is preserved in the MX Master 4. However, a significant design alteration marks a step backward. The core shape, featuring a roughly 15° slope to the right, aims to reduce forearm twisting. While some users find this angle beneficial for ergonomics, it might not offer a drastic improvement over vertical or flat mice for everyone. Theoretically, it’s also designed for a comfortable palm grip, but personal experience suggests that longer fingers might struggle to comfortably reach the scroll wheel and other buttons, and the horizontal scroll wheel’s raised section can interfere with a natural palm resting position. Many users might prefer a flatter design that better accommodates a full palm grip.

A notable downgrade is the removal of the all-encompassing rubber coating found on the MX Master 3 and 3S. This grippy surface previously offered excellent passive hand adhesion, regardless of skin moisture. Without it, the palm tends to slide more easily, necessitating a firmer grip. Fortunately, the left side features a rubberized thumb rest, including the haptic pad, which provides some essential grip. A small rubber patch on the right side also assists with fingertip grip.

The mouse’s considerable weight, at 151g, is another drawback. Being heavier than the MX Master 3 and nearly triple the weight of many ultralight gaming mice, its heft combined with the less grippy surface makes it less maneuverable than its predecessors. Aesthetically, the mouse looks sleek, with new translucent plastic accents on the main buttons. It’s available in graphite, a darker charcoal, and pale gray, with Mac-specific versions in Space Black and White Silver.

Software

To truly maximize the MX Master 4’s potential, installing Logitech’s Options+ software is essential. This application unlocks advanced features like gestures and Action Rings, significantly expanding the mouse’s capabilities. It also provides access to Logitech Flow, a multi-computer function allowing seamless switching between connected devices and even cross-computer copy-pasting.

Within Options+, the ‘Buttons’ section offers extensive customization for all controls except the main left and right clicks. For example, the horizontal scroll wheel can be reassigned to control volume, gestures can manage media playback instead of Windows desktop functions, and the thumb pad can activate Task View rather than the Action Rings.

The ‘Feel’ section allows users to fine-tune the mouse’s responsiveness, including scroll wheel sensitivity and the intensity of the vertical scroll wheel’s tactile notches. Haptic pad sensitivity and pointer speed are also adjustable.

The ‘Haptics’ section provides control over the haptic feedback intensity; a lower setting might be preferred over the default medium, which some find distracting. Haptic buzzing during Action Ring selections can also be disabled, and the haptics can be set to turn off when battery levels are low.

The ‘Easy-Switch’ screen primarily displays connected devices, allowing users to cycle through them via a button on the mouse’s underside or through Action Rings. While it shows connections, it doesn’t offer direct configuration. Additional software features include battery life display, left/right button swapping, and firmware update checks.

The Action Rings, triggered by the haptic thumb pad, present an on-screen overlay of up to eight functions, remaining active until an action is selected or dismissed. These rings are highly customizable for individual applications, with hundreds of plugins available for common programs, offering specialized functions and icons. Configuring Action Rings, along with Flow and gestures, can be time-consuming, requiring users to consider their workflows and preferred access points. However, the effort yields an impressive level of personalized functionality.

Performance

The Logitech Darkfield sensor, a laser-based technology exclusive to Logitech, offers exceptional tracking performance. Unlike optical or conventional laser sensors, it functions reliably on almost any flat surface, including polished metal, mirrors, and glass. While a flat surface is still necessary, its versatility is remarkable.

The increased maximum DPI of 8,000 might be excessive for typical setups, often resulting in overly fast and erratic pointer movement. However, it could prove beneficial for users with extensive multi-monitor configurations needing to traverse vast desktop spaces quickly.

The mouse’s primary scroll wheel stands out as a key feature. While similar free-spinning options exist on other mice, Logitech’s implementation feels particularly effortless. It intelligently transitions from a precise, notched mode for fine control to a hyper-fast, free-spinning mode with a quick flick, allowing users to scroll through documents at an impressive rate of up to 1,000 lines per second.

The main left and right buttons feature a softer, quieter click compared to the crisp, taut switches found in gaming mice. This design choice aims to reduce auditory distractions, a welcome change for some users, though it might not be a concern for everyone. Furthermore, Logitech has improved the horizontal scroll wheel’s tactile feel, making it noticeably smoother and more responsive than on the MX Master 3, enhancing its utility for navigating documents. Overall, the MX Master 4 excels in its core performance aspects, delivering consistent tracking and intuitive, effortlessly operable controls.

Battery life

The Logitech MX Master 4 boasts an outstanding battery life, with claims of several months of use on a single charge. Our tests confirmed this, showing minimal daily battery depletion in the Options+ software. This impressive longevity is a distinct advantage of its optimized sensor, which doesn’t require the high polling rates typical of gaming mice. Conveniently, charging occurs via a USB-C port located at the front of the mouse, offering a rapid power-up that provides an incredible three hours of usage from just a one-minute charge.

Price

Priced at $119.99, the Logitech MX Master 4 falls into the premium category. However, considering its extensive feature set, this price is quite reasonable. Many high-end gaming mice, with fewer functionalities, often come at a higher cost.

Verdict

The Logitech MX Master 4 unequivocally retains its status as the premier productivity mouse. Its innovative gesture controls and Action Rings are superb additions to an already successful design. Nevertheless, the increased weight and the regrettable absence of the previous all-rubber exterior noticeably compromise its grip and handling. While not a complete deal-breaker, this change may feel like a significant regression for some users.

Despite these minor setbacks, the MX Master 4 excels in every other aspect, solidifying its position as the top choice for serious professionals. For those seeking complementary peripherals, consider exploring options for keyboards or mouse pads that enhance your setup.