Logitech MX Master 3S Review
Premium Productivity or Pricey Gamble?
As someone who spends most of the day clicking, scrolling, and switching between multiple systems, the right mouse is more than a tool — it’s an extension of your workflow. I’ve been using the Logitech MX Master 3S for several months now, and here’s my honest take: it’s probably the best productivity mouse I’ve used… but it’s not without flaws, especially here in South Africa.
💼 Designed for the Power User
The MX Master 3S is unapologetically built for professionals — whether you’re managing cloud infrastructure, editing massive Excel sheets, working across VMs, or flipping through browser tabs like a digital ninja.
Right out the box, it feels premium. The sculpted design supports a full palm grip, with a comfortable thumb rest and a matte finish that doesn’t attract fingerprints. I found it especially comfortable during long work sessions — the kind where you barely notice how much time has passed (or how many tickets you’ve resolved).
🔧 Features That Matter (and Work)
- Ultra-precise sensor: With up to 8,000 DPI, the Darkfield sensor works on any surface — including glass. I use a wooden desk, and the tracking has been flawless.
- MagSpeed scroll wheel: The standout feature. You can flick through pages at lightning speed or scroll with precise control, and it intelligently switches between ratchet and free-spin modes.
- Silent clicks: Logitech claims 90% quieter clicks than the MX Master 3. I won’t measure the decibels, but I can say this — it’s incredibly satisfying to click without the clack.
- Customisable buttons: With Logi Options+, you can map buttons for specific apps. I have different shortcuts for Excel, Chrome, and Visual Studio Code — a massive productivity boost.
- Multi-device control: Connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt receiver. It works seamlessly across macOS, Windows, and Linux (although the full customization tools are mostly Mac/Windows-bound).
🇿🇦 The South African Price Tag
Here’s the kicker: it’s expensive in South Africa.
You’re looking at R2,400 to R2,900, depending on the retailer and availability. Compared to international pricing (around $99–$120 USD), the local cost feels steep, especially when there are great mice available at half the price.
For context:
- That’s more than some entry-level graphics tablets.
- It’s 3–4x more than decent wireless mice from other reputable brands.
- And you don’t even get a USB dongle storage compartment at this price.
So yes — this is an investment, not a casual purchase.
✅ What I Love
✔️ Comfort and ergonomics: Your hand feels supported, and it reduces fatigue on long workdays.
✔️ Battery life: Logitech claims up to 70 days on a full charge. I get about two months with heavy daily use. One minute of charging gives roughly 3 hours of use — great in a pinch.
✔️ Productivity-focused features: The button mapping, app-specific profiles, and Logi Flow (cross-device clipboard sharing!) are game-changers.
✔️ Great for hybrid setups: Perfect for anyone using a desktop, laptop, or even a server terminal together — just tap to switch.
❌ What’s Not So Great
❗ Durability concerns: There are growing reports of left or right click issues within 12–18 months — especially double-clicking problems. Some users on Reddit and forums have had to RMA or replace the device. At this price, that’s frustrating.
❗ No onboard memory: Custom settings are software-dependent. So if you switch to a device without Logi Options+, you lose your mapped buttons.
❗ Not lightweight: Weighing around 140g, it’s not ideal for users who prefer fingertip grips or fast movement — especially if you’re used to lighter gaming mice.
❗ Right-hand only: Sorry, lefties — no love from Logitech on this one.
🆚 Should You Buy It?
If your day is packed with multitasking, spreadsheet wrangling, and tab-hopping — and you value comfort and customization — yes, this is probably the best productivity mouse on the market.
But…
If you’re cost-conscious, or if you’re looking for a long-term, ultra-durable option, you might want to consider alternatives like:
- Logitech MX Anywhere 3S — more compact, travel-friendly.
- Razer Pro Click V2 — same price point, gamer-grade precision.
- Keychron M6 or other lightweight options — better for minimalist setups.
⚙️ Comparison Table
| Feature | Logitech MX Master 3S | Razer Pro Click V2 | Logitech MX Anywhere 3S | Keychron M6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Darkfield (8,000 DPI) | Optical (16,000 DPI) | Darkfield (8,000 DPI) | PAW3395 (26,000 DPI) |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 days | Up to 400 hours | Up to 70 days | 70–100 hours |
| Weight | ~141g | ~88g | ~99g | ~68g |
| Wireless Tech | Logi Bolt / Bluetooth | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz | Logi Bolt / Bluetooth | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz |
| Multi-Device Support | Yes (3 Devices) | Yes (4 Devices) | Yes (3 Devices) | Yes |
| Custom Button Mapping | Yes (via Logi Options+) | Yes (Razer Synapse) | Yes (via Logi Options+) | Yes (VIA/QMK supported) |
| Scroll Wheel | MagSpeed (silent, fast) | Tactile / Smooth Hybrid | MagSpeed | Tactile (standard) |
| Silent Clicks | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Ergonomic Shape | Right-hand, palm grip | Right-hand, palm grip | Compact, ambidextrous | Ambidextrous |
| South African Price (est) | R2,400–R2,900 | R2,300–R2,700 | R1,999–R2,500 | R1,400–R1,700 |
🧭 Verdict from the Comparison
- Best for Comfort & Workflow: Logitech MX Master 3S
- Best for Lightweight Use: Keychron M6
- Best for Portability: MX Anywhere 3S
- Best for Versatility & Power Users: Razer Pro Click V2
🔚 Final Verdict
The Logitech MX Master 3S is the Rolls Royce of productivity mice — but it’s priced like one too.
If you can justify the cost, it will elevate your workflow. Just be aware of its potential longevity issues and make sure the fit suits your hand.
🟢 Rating: 8.5/10
🛒 Price in SA: ~R2,400–R2,900
🎯 Best for: Engineers, creatives, developers, analysts, and power users.
As someone who owns and used the Logitech MX Master 3S, The MX Anywhere 3S as well as the extreme Logitech Gaming offering, the G502 X Plus, I can say, the MX Master 3S is hands down the best and most comfortable mouse for all day use in the office, whilst working on quotes, Spreadsheets and Spec sheets. it handles all I throw at it each and every day.
Let me know your experience with the MX Master 3S — or if you’ve found a better mouse for less. I’m always keen to discover new gear that delivers real value, especially here in South Africa where every rand counts.
One last thing. If you buy this mouse, Look after it with a hard case cover like the one below. Cost is around R300 for something that will protect your mouse for years to come.
