Logitech "logi-options+" is crapware. How-To update mouse firmware without “logi-options+”?

[Quotenfrau]

Hi

Logitech "logi-options+" is crapware. Saw it on friends MacBook.

logi-options+

Homebrew’s package index

formulae.brew.sh

How-To update mouse firmware without “logi-options+”? Is there an alternative?

 

[Fishrrman]

I've used Logitech mice for decades now.
But I have NEVER used the Logitech software to control them.

Instead, I use either
Steermouse
or
USB Overdrive (this works on keyboards, too)

Both have trial periods.
I recommend you try BOTH of them. I actually use Steermouse for my mouse, and USB Overdrive for my Macally keyboard. They co-exist with each other.

Mouse firmware update?
I've never bothered.
I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[maflynn]

How-To update mouse firmware

First, let me just say I use a wired mouse, an old microsoft mouse that never has failed me - so I'm a little surprisd to learn that mice have firmware - color me surprised. Secondly, what in the latest firmware update that would improve the usage of the mouse? Thirdly, your only option may be to install the crapware, flash the mouse, and then uninstall the software.

Personally, I'd probably not bother updating the firmware, but then, see my first point, I'm old school, with the emphasis on old

 

[MacGizmo]

I see people complaining about Logitech's software drivers all the time. I've been using it for years and never had a single problem with it.

That being said, I agree with the others here that a firmware update seems unnecessary. If the mouse moves and clicks, what possible use could a firmware update provide (barring some magical new functionality that drives a change in the way the hardware actually works)?

 

[TheIntruder]

In situations like this, I just install the software on a spare experimental boot volume to change settings or update, then go back to running third-party driver-free on my primary boot volume, as with my current Steelseries mouse.

Steelseries actually wins by 1) providing Mac support to begin with, especially as a gaming device maker, and 2) giving even their cheapest models onboard memory, so they aren't reliant on drivers to retain their settings.

Logitech's software has a poor reputation dating back a long time, and someone once did a tally of all the number of driver packages they have to support their various products, which required more than one hand to count.

Options+ actually seems relatively lightweight compared to their bloatware of the past, but their hardware, like my MX Keys, is mostly functional without it, lacking some key customization that I don't use.

 

[Quotenfrau]

In situations like this, I just install the software on a spare experimental boot volume to change settings or update, then go back to running third-party driver-free on my primary boot volume, as with my current Steelseries mouse.

You mean 2x installation of macOS? Dual boot?

 

[TheIntruder]

You mean 2x installation of macOS? Dual boot?

It can be, but I prefer to keep a 1:1 volume/drive ratio for stuff I intend to keep around, so I have bootable volumes on different external drives, and use them to audition software, including OSes, before committing to installing it on my primary boot drive.

Doesn't matter if something is not to my liking on one of those sacrificial drives.

 

[Quotenfrau]

I don't understand at all how you do that technically. I don't understand your testing approach. Sorry.

 

[BigBlur]

Options+ actually seems relatively lightweight compared to their bloatware of the past, but their hardware, like my MX Keys, is mostly functional without it, lacking some key customization that I don't use.

I agree. I have it installed for my keyboard and wouldn’t consider it to be bloatware. It has been out of sight, out of mind. No annoying pop-ups, menu bar icons, or anything like that. Maybe it’s different when you use a mouse?

 

[TheIntruder]

I don't understand at all how you do that technically. I don't understand your testing approach. Sorry.

Simply creating a different bootable OS drive, and installing the software to be tested on it, instead of the primary drive you normally use, and don't want "polluted."

Unfortunately, the process of creating a boot drive is more complicated than is used to be with Macs, but there are plenty of instructions out there on how to download the OS package, create a bootable installer itself, and use it to prepare a fresh, bare OS on any drive you choose.

I agree. I have it installed for my keyboard and wouldn’t consider it to be bloatware. It has been out of sight, out of mind. No annoying pop-ups, menu bar icons, or anything like that. Maybe it’s different when you use a mouse?

Not as many settings to change on a keyboard, but I think Logi also consciously tried to build slimmer packages.

Now, I just gotta figure out why my MX Keys has recently begun to constantly turn the backlight on when it shouldn't be, and kill its battery.

 

[Cuesca]

Kinda disappointing that the MX line of devices still depends on this crap. I really hate how the mouse lags waiting for the software to kick in every time I log in.

 

[Fishrrman]

Once again, I will say it:
If you have a Logitech mouse, don't bother with their software.

Instead, try either USB Overdrive or Steermouse.
Or... try BOTH of them.
I like USB Overdrive for my keyboard, and Steermouse for the Logi mouse...

 

[timmah339]

Logitech releases a standalone firmware update tool for both macOS and Windows: https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035037273-Firmware-Update-Tool

edit: this tool is no longer officially supported but I think it still works?