Logitech "MX Master 3S" vs "MX Master 3S for mac" ?

[unknownx]

I thought the "for mac"-version was obvious for someone who has a mac. (I'm currently waiting for my new M2 Mini)

But i read a lot of problems with both versions over at Reddit. Mouse lag etc, Especially with M1 macs.

No one seem to know why the "for mac"-version is actually better for mac, not even Logitech support.

Any ideas ? I know it's a popular mouse for mac users, so which one do you have and why?

 

[BikGer2]

From what I know, the version for Mac just lacks a usb receiver, has a usb-c to usb-c cable and is a little different colored. Personally, I went with the normal version because it gives you the option to use a usb receiver in case you have issues with bluetooth.

 

[Beefbowl]

I don’t have the 3s but I have one each of the “for mac” and “not for mac” version of the Master 3.

As far as I can tell, the differences are just the color and that with the “not for mac” the charging cable was USB-A to USB-C and the “for mac” came with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable. The “not for mac” may have come with a mouse dongle as well but I can’t recall.

As far as bluetooth issues, the MX Master did feel a little choppy at times, but I moved where my M1 Mini sits and it’s been smooth ever since. It feels like it just has a little shorter range than the Magic Mouse. I don’t think that was specific to the “for mac” version.

 

[mfram]

The mouse is the same in the "for Mac" version except for the color. And it doesn't come with the Logitech unifying receiver. The receiver is actually useful, so I specifically didn't get the "for Mac" version of my MX 3S mouse. Both the normal and "for Mac" versions of the mouse support Bluetooth which is what I use to connect to my Mac. I find what when the mouse first attaches to the Mac the pointer is a little "choppy". But then it smooths out after about 10-15 seconds. I blame it on the Mac since I don't get that effect on the other computers I attach the mouse to.

 

[xraydoc]

Even though I find it a bit too big for my hand, I find myself going back to it every now and then.

Anyway, I bought the non-Mac version, as I actually prefer the RF dongle to Bluetooth. Everything seems smoother. Seems like the dongle has a better "resolution" if that makes sense. I will say I find it the same way on my PC at work -- dongle > BT.

I only use the mouse when I'm at my desk, anyway. When I'm on the go, I use the trackpad of my laptop. For whatever reason, and I'm presuming it's related to the angle at which I use it, but the desktop Magic Trackpad gives me uncomfortable wrist fatigue after a short while. I'm sure it's carpal tunnel-related.

 

[JaredJenkinsDesign]

Others have stated the main differences between the Mac and non-Mac version and personally, I prefer the non-Mac since the receiver can be handy to have.

As for the Apple Silicon scrolling issues, I had issues with my Mac Studio at first. Make sure you install the Logi Options+ app and enable smooth scrolling. That seemed to help me the most. I also use the receiver instead of bluetooth as it appears to be a bit smoother experience as well.

 

[xraydoc]

Others have stated the main differences between the Mac and non-Mac version and personally, I prefer the non-Mac since the receiver can be handy to have.

As for the Apple Silicon scrolling issues, I had issues with my Mac Studio at first. Make sure you install the Logi Options+ app and enable smooth scrolling. That seemed to help me the most. I also use the receiver instead of bluetooth as it appears to be a bit smoother experience as well.

For smooth scrolling & mouse drivers, I'm a fan of Smooze Pro. No connection to the product, just a happy user. Very customizable smooth scrolling and kinetics. The only downside with the MX3S is that it doesn't seem to support/recognize the thumb button at the base of the thumb rest. A little bit of a bummer but I prefer not to have Logitech software installed for whatever reason.

 

[unknownx]

I bought the non-mac version. Had massive bluetooth problems on my iMac, and after reading about M1 macs it feels more safe for the M2, just in case Thanks for the tips!

 

[3Rock]

I have the Mac version and I was concerned that I would have issues as others had and should have gotten the unified receiver version, but with my new MacBook Pro M2 with the latest version of Ventura, I have noticed no issues which is a blessing, but I will be purchasing the non-Mac version with a unified receiver soon.

 

[likegadgets]

With my MX3S I had all kinds of lag issues and sound interference issues with the MX3S Windows version on my M1 MAX (either using the receiver or connected to the bluetooth on the M1 MAX) - Logitech software installed . Since I replaced the M1 MAX with an M2 MAX that has Bluetooth 5.3, all perfect - Appears the new Bluetooth iteration solved the connectivity problem

 

[xraydoc]

With my MX3S I had all kinds of lag issues and sound interference issues with the MX3S Windows version on my M1 MAX (either using the receiver or connected to the bluetooth on the M1 MAX)

Very odd that you had issues even using the RF receiver. Bluetooth issues is one thing, but the RF dongle has been found to be very reliable and smooth even on machines with crappy BT issues. I wonder if something else, some other kind of radiofrequency interference, was causing the problems.

 

[jmat46]

hi guys, i have a 15 inch macbook air, has anyone tried it on this computer? What configuration does it have or problems does it give you?

 

[touchUpInside]

The Rtngs comparison indicates that the 3S click noise is very quiet versus loud on the 3.

 

[normalgeek]

With my MX3S I had all kinds of lag issues and sound interference issues with the MX3S Windows version on my M1 MAX (either using the receiver or connected to the bluetooth on the M1 MAX) - Logitech software installed . Since I replaced the M1 MAX with an M2 MAX that has Bluetooth 5.3, all perfect - Appears the new Bluetooth iteration solved the connectivity problem

Thanks! This is super helpful to know about Bluetooth 5.3 being a key issue. Can I ask if you're using AutoCAD? I'm using AutoCAD LT for Mac (version 2025) on an M1 MacBook Pro 13" and the MX3S (Windows version) is a bit choppy, like you described. I may just get an M3 (or M2) MacBook Pro for this reason.

Would love to hear if you, or anyone else, has experience with this and can provide any thoughts on whether a new Mac would make a significant difference.

 

[Bearygoodfries1]

I thought the "for mac"-version was obvious for someone who has a mac. (I'm currently waiting for my new M2 Mini)

But i read a lot of problems with both versions over at Reddit. Mouse lag etc, Especially with M1 macs.

No one seem to know why the "for mac"-version is actually better for mac, not even Logitech support.

Any ideas ? I know it's a popular mouse for mac users, so which one do you have and why?

Oh wow, so I don’t have a faulty mouse then.

It works flawlessly on my Windows computer but takes a while to connect to my Mac and sometimes disconnects.

 

[normalgeek]

Got a new Mac (M3 MacBook Pro w/ M3 Pro chip) but it didn't help either.

Decided to just use the trackpad on my Mac and the Logitech mouse on Windows (I actually got the MX3S for Mac, to see if that would help -- didn't -- but it works fine with Windows and was cheaper to boot, so I kept it.

Maybe it'll work better with Macs in the future someday. Ya never know...

 

[VitoBotta]

I had the 3S for Mac for a few weeks before selling it (long story, it was not a problem with the mouse but some other reason), and it worked great with Bluetooth for me. I was disappointed to discover that there was no receiver in the box though.