For years, the Logitech MX Master series has been the undisputed champion of work and productivity mice. Its unique blend of a versatile sensor, ultra-fast scroll wheel, and a handy horizontal scroll wheel, all packaged in a comfortable design, has made it a favorite for getting tasks done efficiently. Now, the Logitech MX Master 4 arrives with significant updates, including a new haptic thumb pad and gesture button.
While a productivity mouse might not be the first choice for a gaming setup, for those who split their time between work and play, a device like this can be an excellent addition. This is especially true if you prefer lightweight gaming mice with minimal features, reserving a dedicated tool for your demanding work tasks. We’ve thoroughly tested the new MX Master 4 to see if this latest iteration maintains its status as the go-to work mouse.
Key Specifications
- Sensor: Logitech Darkfield
- Buttons: 8 on top, two underneath, two scroll wheels
- DPI: 200-8,000
- Weight: 151g
- Connections: Bluetooth low energy (BLE), USB-C
- Battery Life: Up to 70 days
- Extras: USB-C dongle included
- Price: $119.99 / £119.99
Innovative Features for Enhanced Workflow
Many core macro features of the MX Master 4 are carried over from its predecessors, the MX Master 3 and 3S. You’ll find the standard left and right buttons, with the signature MagSpeed scroll wheel nestled between them. A dedicated button behind the scroll wheel allows you to toggle between a precise, notched feel and an incredibly smooth, free-spinning mode – perfect for rapidly navigating long documents or fine-tuning zoom levels in design software like Photoshop.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 mouse showcasing main buttons and scroll wheels]
To the left, a second scroll wheel provides horizontal movement. While it doesn’t offer the free-spinning action of the main wheel, it’s invaluable for side-to-side scrolling in applications that lack this functionality or require a modifier key. Further left, you’ll find two conventional back and forward buttons. However, this new MX Master introduces two significant new features here.
Positioned just in front of the back/forward buttons is a new gesture button. By holding this button down and moving the mouse in different directions (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, or switching between virtual desktops. All these gestures are fully customizable through the software.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 with gesture button highlighted]
The other major addition is the haptic pad located under your thumb, replacing the traditional thumb button found on previous models. This soft rubber pad responds to pressure, and a haptic system simulates the sensation of a button click. The haptics are clearly discernible, as the pad offers no resistance when the mouse is powered off. When pressed, this pad activates the Actions Ring, a customizable software overlay providing quick access to up to eight functions. These rings are context-aware, meaning different sets of functions can appear depending on the application you’re using, be it Photoshop, Premiere, Chrome, or your desktop. While you’ll need a Logitech account to download app-specific plugins, they are free, or you can manually configure your own functions for each application.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 with the haptic thumb pad and Action Ring interface]
Beyond these new elements, the MX Master 4 largely maintains the design philosophy of earlier models. It features the acclaimed Darkfield sensor, capable of tracking accurately on virtually any flat surface, including reflective metal and glass. The sensor’s maximum DPI has also been increased to 8,000, although this extreme sensitivity is primarily useful for multi-monitor setups rather than daily use.
It’s worth noting that the MX Master range is not designed for gaming. Its sensors are not optimized for rapid movements, and its wireless connection, utilizing a compact USB-C dongle, prioritizes connectivity strength (reportedly twice as strong with a new chip and antennae) over the low latency required for gaming.
Design Evolution and Comfort Considerations
The ergonomic shape that has contributed significantly to the MX Master series’ popularity is largely preserved in the MX Master 4. However, there’s one notable design change that impacts comfort.
[Image: Side view of Logitech MX Master 4, highlighting its ergonomic curve]
The core shape remains consistent, featuring a gentle slope towards the right (approximately 15 degrees) designed to reduce forearm pronation. While some users highly value this ergonomic tilt, I personally find its effect less pronounced compared to truly vertical mice or flatter, symmetrical designs. This preference is subjective, and many find this style exceptionally comfortable.
The mouse is theoretically optimized for a palm grip, where the entire hand rests on the device. However, individuals with longer fingers might find it challenging to comfortably reach all buttons and the scroll wheel. The raised section housing the horizontal scroll wheel can also feel intrusive rather than supportive for certain hand sizes. For a true, comfortable palm grip, I often prefer flatter mice with extended backs.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 from above, showcasing its dimensions]
A significant change that I perceive as a downgrade is the removal of the all-over rubber coating present on the MX Master 3 and 3S. The previous rubberized surface offered superior passive grip, regardless of hand temperature or moisture. The new, smoother exterior means your palm can slide more easily, requiring a slightly firmer grip. This affects the overall user experience.
[Image: Top-down view of Logitech MX Master 4, showing the new plastic surface]
Fortunately, the left side, which cradles your thumb and houses the haptic pad, retains a rubberized texture, providing improved grip. A smaller rubber patch on the right side also ensures a decent grip for fingertip users.
Another factor impacting handling is the mouse’s weight. At 151g, the MX Master 4 is even heavier than its already substantial predecessor, making it significantly heavier than many ultralight gaming mice. While it’s not designed for rapid, competitive movements, its considerable weight, coupled with the less-grippy top surface, makes it feel less wieldy than earlier versions.
Aesthetically, the mouse is sleek, with new translucent plastic accents on the main buttons adding a modern touch. It’s available in graphite (as reviewed), a darker graphite/charcoal, and pale gray, with Mac-specific versions in Space Black and White Silver.
Intuitive Software and Seamless Setup
Unlocking the full potential of the MX Master 4 requires installing Logitech’s Options+ software. This application provides access to the customizable gestures and Action Rings that truly enhance the mouse’s functionality, alongside Logitech Flow, a multi-computer feature enabling seamless switching and even copy-pasting between different connected systems.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface showing Flow feature]
The ‘Buttons’ section of Options+ allows you to remap most controls, excluding the primary left and right clicks. For example, you can assign the horizontal scroll wheel to control volume, change gesture commands for media playback instead of desktop controls, or configure the thumb pad button to activate task view instead of the Action Rings.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface for button customization]
The ‘Mouse Feel’ section offers adjustments for scroll wheel sensitivity, including the tactile feedback of the vertical scroll wheel’s notches. Haptics pad sensitivity and pointer speed can also be fine-tuned here.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface for adjusting mouse feel and haptics]
The ‘Haptics’ section provides granular control over the feedback intensity. I found the default medium setting a bit distracting and preferred the subtler low setting. Additionally, the haptic buzz can be disabled when hovering over Action Ring options, which I found improved the experience. Haptics can also be automatically disabled when the mouse battery is low.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface for haptics settings]
The ‘Easy-Switch’ screen displays devices connected to the MX Master 4, allowing you to cycle through them via a button on the mouse’s underside or even through custom Action Rings. This screen primarily serves as a status indicator rather than a configuration hub.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface showing Easy-Switch connections]
Additional software features include battery life display, left/right button swapping, and firmware update checks.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface displaying Action Rings]
The Action Rings are a standout feature. These overlays appear when you press the haptic thumb pad and remain active until an action is selected, the central close button is clicked, or you click elsewhere. They are highly customizable; you can set specific commands for any app and download plugins with pre-configured functions and icons for hundreds of applications. While setting up Action Rings and gestures can be time-consuming, requiring thought on which functions are most useful and where they can be quickly accessed, the result is an incredible amount of customizable functionality at your fingertips.
[Image: Logitech Options+ software interface for editing Action Rings]
Reliable Performance for Productivity
The Logitech Darkfield sensor is exceptional. This laser-based technology, exclusive to Logitech, allows the mouse to track accurately on almost any flat surface, including highly reflective materials like polished metal and glass, a capability traditional optical or even conventional laser sensors often lack. It simply requires a reasonably flat surface to function flawlessly.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 tracking on various surfaces]
While the increased maximum DPI to 8,000 may seem excessive for most, it can be beneficial for users with expansive multi-monitor setups, enabling quicker cursor traversal across vast desktop spaces.
The main scroll wheel remains one of the mouse’s most outstanding features. While similar free-wheeling options exist on other mice, Logitech’s implementation is remarkably smooth and intuitive. Its ability to seamlessly switch between a notched, precise mode for slow movements and a free-spinning mode with a harder flick allows for incredible speed, reportedly scrolling up to 1,000 lines per second.
[Image: Close-up of Logitech MX Master 4 scroll wheels]
The primary left and right buttons offer a distinct feel compared to gaming mice. They are designed for quiet operation rather than the crisp, tactile clicks of gaming switches. While not mushy, they possess a subtle softness, a deliberate design choice for those sensitive to clicking noises. The horizontal scroll wheel also feels noticeably smoother and less stiff than on the MX Master 3, significantly improving its usability.
Overall, the MX Master 4 delivers excellent performance where it matters most. Its tracking is flawless, and all controls are intuitively placed and operate effortlessly.
Impressive Battery Life and Convenient Charging
The Logitech MX Master 4 boasts outstanding battery life, with Logitech claiming up to two months of use on a single charge. Our testing corroborated this, with the battery indicator in Options+ showing only marginal drops in percentage after each day of extensive use. This extended battery life is a significant advantage, enabled by the mouse’s non-gaming optimized sensor and its use of Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless connectivity, which consumes far less power than high-polling rate gaming technologies.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 charging via USB-C]
Recharging is handled via a USB-C port located at the front of the mouse. Remarkably, a mere one minute of charging provides enough power for approximately three hours of additional use.
Value and Pricing
Priced at $119.99 / £119.99, the Logitech MX Master 4 isn’t a budget option, but it offers fair value considering its extensive feature set. Many high-end gaming mice, with fewer productivity-focused capabilities, often come at a higher price point.
Final Thoughts
The Logitech MX Master 4 solidifies its position as the leading productivity mouse, with its new gesture and Action Ring features being valuable enhancements to an already strong foundation. However, the increased weight and the shift from an all-rubber exterior detract from its grippability compared to earlier MX Master models. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, some users may find this a noticeable step back in terms of handling comfort.
[Image: Logitech MX Master 4 positioned on a desk, ready for work]
Despite these minor ergonomic concerns, the MX Master 4 remains an exceptional choice for anyone looking to maximize their workflow. For those seeking to complete their setup, consider exploring options for a high-quality keyboard or mouse mat to complement your mouse choice.