Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

I think I need to move on from the Magic Mouse

J

jrm27

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 3, 2008
579
31
Unlike many folks, I love the Apple Magic Mouse. I've been using it (or some form of it) since it first came out. When it works, it works great. However, I've had to replace it so many times. It becomes unresponsive, it won't connect, scroll gestures stop working, right clicks stop working, it doesn't respond correctly to my movements and gets hung up in a single spot. My latest mouse just died again and I don't want too spend another $80 on a mouse. Can someone recommend me a decent wireless alternative?

I'm a graphic designer, so I don't a gaming mouse... just something with good ergonomics, good scrolling (gesture-based scrolling is nice, but not needed), wireless functionality, etc... just a good solid basic mouse. Now, I use multiple computers, and if there's a good way to pair the mouse with multiple machines, even better. Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks so much!
 
Obvious answer - Logitech MX Master - the old versions should be cheap on sale, or spring for the Mac version of the new 3 (works on iPad too)
 
  • Like
Reactions: theSeb
I'm happy with the Logitech MX Master 3 I use. It has a nice feature that uses a magnet to provide sort of a clicking feedback when you scroll.
 
Take a look at the Logitech MX Master 3. Get the regular version, not the 'special Mac version'. The Mac version costs the same but doesn't include the dongle.

It works with Bluetooth or the included dongle and can pair with up to three devices. They even claim their software will seamlessly transfer focus from one system to the next, but I've not tried this.

I use it with my work Windows 10 laptop, my Mac mini (occasionally, as I prefer the Magic Trackpad) and even a RaspberryPi I'm playing around with.

I'm quite happy with it.
 
Last edited:
Thanks all! I was looking at that one, but it was roughly the same price as a magic mouse. I picked up a Logitech M720 Triathalon and it just showed up (thank you next day prime). It's nice, and responsive! However, I will say that I am missing the ability to swipe sideways on it. Thanks for the advice! If this one doesn't make the cut, it'll be time to upgrade to the MX Master 3.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Weaselboy and MevetS
Taking my own advice from above, I bought the MX Master 3 (non-Mac version) on the weekend.

I was 50:50 on getting the Anywhere 3, but decided to go with the Master 3 for comfort (even though it's for my laptop bag).

The non-Mac version seems to be identical, but includes the USB receiver as well so you have a non-bluetooth option as well.
 
After a few days with the Triathalon, it's a decent mouse. Worth the $30, but it's lacking a bit. The scroll isn't smooth at all, and I find that I'm really missing the sideways swipe gesture on the magic mouse. I'm a graphic designer and work on projects very zoomed-in... the gestures on the magic mouse allowed me to navigate easily by panning left and right on images. Now, I need to use navigation bars. Not a big deal, but it's just another hiccup in the workflow. does the MX3 have an option for this type of movement? Not gesture-controlled surely, but perhaps a provision for Horizontal scroll as well as Vertical?

EDIT:
I spoke to soon. It looks like I had "smooth scrolling" disabled. And if I hold down "shift" I can scroll horizontally. Ideally I wish I didn't need a modifier key, but the mouse just about has addressed all my concerns for $30! Not bad!
 
Last edited:
I have the MX Master 3. The software is pretty darn good, I must admit. I love the mouse for its comfort and accuracy. That being said, it doesn't have simple gesture support.

I have yet to come across a single mouse that offers gesture support even remotely close to that of the Apple Magic Mouse.
 
  • Like
Reactions: yaboid01 and jrm27
jrm27 said:
After a few days with the Triathalon, it's a decent mouse. Worth the $30, but it's lacking a bit. The scroll isn't smooth at all, and I find that I'm really missing the sideways swipe gesture on the magic mouse. I'm a graphic designer and work on projects very zoomed-in... the gestures on the magic mouse allowed me to navigate easily by panning left and right on images. Now, I need to use navigation bars. Not a big deal, but it's just another hiccup in the workflow. does the MX3 have an option for this type of movement? Not gesture-controlled surely, but perhaps a provision for Horizontal scroll as well as Vertical?

EDIT:
I spoke to soon. It looks like I had "smooth scrolling" disabled. And if I hold down "shift" I can scroll horizontally. Ideally I wish I didn't need a modifier key, but the mouse just about has addressed all my concerns for $30! Not bad!
Click to expand...

Have you configured the mouse in logi options? My M720 is set up to pan when i depress the scroll wheel.
 
nicho said:
Have you configured the mouse in logi options? My M720 is set up to pan when i depress the scroll wheel.
Click to expand...
I have. I set the "forward" "back" buttons too pan, but it's a weird integration for me. I'll look at the scroll wheel as an option.
 
If you want to really customize the mouse, check out a program called SteerMouse. It is worth every penny and it is the software that Logitech should have created for the Mac IMO as it maximizes the capability of their own mice. Right now I am using a MX Master 3 and I love it more each day. Your M720 is also supported and recommended.

SteerMouse

plentycom.jp plentycom.jp
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fishrrman
One more endorsement for "Steermouse".
Will work as good as, or better than, the Logitech control app.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ght56
The Logitech UltraThin mouse works almost as well as the Magic Mouse and supports the same up-down/left-right swiping as the Magic Mouse. They were originally about the same price as the Magic Mouse but are almost $200 on Amazon these days. I suspect they had been discontinued, perhaps there was some sort of patent issue with Apple.

If you can get one at a reasonable price (used perhaps) they are a decent alternative. They are too small for me to use everyday but then I have 4X sized hands, if you are more normal sized it might be fine. I use it mostly with my MacBooks when traveling. It has an A/B switch so you can pair it with two computers and switch between them easily. They also suffer from the same design flaw with the charging port on the bottom which does not allow use when charging.

So far it is the only mouse I have found that has the touch/swipe action like the Magic Mouse.
 
Big fan of Apple's Magic Mouse and Trackpad, but... I'm really impressed with Logitech's MX Master Series products and now have two sets of keyboard and mouse for home and office. The Logitech Options app works quite well, even on Big Sur. Really satisfied on all counts. I also have an older Anywhere for mobile - solid as well. Still have the Magic Mouse in my bag and don't mind changing things up a bit now and then.
 
MuGeN PoWeR said:
then how do you connect? are you using the software which shares the mouse?
Click to expand...
It simply uses Bluetooth.

It's just that the dongle makes it much easier to use/connect and doesn't need the device to have bluetooth enabled.

I buy/use the Amazon version of the MX Master (and buy multiples as spares if I see they're at £30 or less - currently £45) for all my desktop machines, and the MX Anywhere for my laptops. Don't think the MX2 (£70) or MX3 (£90) are worth the £extra.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: MuGeN PoWeR
MevetS said:
Bluetooth. I suggest you spend some time on the Logitech site reading up on the device.

I try to avoid Logitech software whenever possible.
Click to expand...

okay thanks. I had no idea it can work without the dongle. Thanks for your help!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MevetS
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back