Suggestions for a new WIRED mouse?

[macstatic]

It's time to get a new mouse (wired, not wireless) and I'd like to hear what people here suggest.
It'll be used for everyday tasks (web browsing, mail, text editing etc.) in addition to creative stuff like image editing/organizing (Lightroom, Photoshop etc.) and making music (Logic Pro X etc.), so I'm wondering if I should step it up a bit and get a multi-button mouse where the different buttons could be configured for different functions. I have no prior experience with this, but thought I'd look into it.

The Logitech MX Master 3 looks interesting with its multiple buttons and sideways scroll wheel, but it's wireless (with no wired option).

The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 also looks like a contender (but doesn't have the sideways scroll wheel), but yet again it's wireless-only.

I'm also considering a trackball, but am not sure how hard it is to adapt, and I can't remember having found any with a sideways scroll option. But I'm open for suggestions.
Bottom line: I'm looking for a step up from a "plain vanilla" mouse and it has to be wired.
It doesn't hurt if it looks good either

 

[enricoclaudio]

I just got a Logi G203 for a Mac mini M1 that I'm setting up for a friend and it works really well. Very impressed with this $29 wired mouse from Logitech.

 

[blicked]

I just keep getting the M500S series. I've worn the paint and texture off of about two of these suckers over the past 15 years or so.

 

[maxsquared]

Why do you only consider wired mouse? You can in theory plugin the MX Master 3 permanently and use it as a "wired" mouse if you like.

 

[macstatic]

I just got a Logi G203 for a Mac mini M1 that I'm setting up for a friend and it works really well. Very impressed with this $29 wired mouse from Logitech.

Yeah, I've been looking at that one. It's a little confusing though as there's a G203 Prodigy, G203 Lightsync and the G102 Lightsync. And I just learnt there's a G103 Prodigy. They're all (at a quick glance at least) identical or very similar to each other. As far as I've learnt the only differences have to do with the type of lighting options they have, but I'm not sure. Perhaps someone here knows.

May I ask what impressed you with this particular mouse? And do you know if it was the "Prodigy" or "Lightsync" version of the G203?

 

[enricoclaudio]

Mine is G203 Lightsync. For only $29.99 you get RGB lighting, 8000 DPI and fully programable buttons with Logi Options software. It's very light and precise. Comfortable in my hand also.

 

[macstatic]

Sounds good!
I've had a plain old Logitech mouse for probably close to 15 years and the scroll button is starting to act up, so this might be a good replacement.

What kind of functions are useful for the additional buttons? Does the Logi Options software come with some pre-configured setups or suggestions for some common software/general use? I'm sure there are everyday tasks that could be done easier, but of course that's of no use until you realize exactly how that can be done (just like a beginner realizing keyboard shortcuts greatly increase productivity over using the mouse for everything)

 

[MajorFubar]

I have a plain old Logictech wired mouse for those rare occasions when the (also permanently wired) trackpad 2 doesn't cut it. But once I enabled three finger drag on the trackpad, which bizarrely is an accessibility option, my mouse started to gather dust. It's still connected though.

 

[macstatic]

I have a plain old Logictech wired mouse for those rare occasions when the (also permanently wired) trackpad 2 doesn't cut it.

Huh? I thought the Trackpad and Trackpad 2 were wireless only.
A trackpad would probably be a nice alternative to a mouse, but I want a wired one.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Logitech B100. You could probably use it as a wrecking ball and it would still work!

 

[rob188888888]

The Apple Magic Trackpad can be used wired if you keep it plugged in via lightning cable

 

[macstatic]

The Apple Magic Trackpad can be used wired if you keep it plugged in via lightning cable

I always thought it was a wireless-only device so I searched for answers and came across this Apple product page where it says:

...... and it also includes a woven USB-C to Lightning Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.

Note it says "pair" which in my experience means "Bluetooth pairing", so I translate this into meaning you still need to use it wirelessly, but it can simultaneously charge its battery through the USB-C to Lightning cable. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Going back to your original post, there DOES seem to be "an option" for keeping the mouse wired.

I went to Logitech's page and noted this:

What it means in practical usage...
If you REALLY want the mouse to be "wired" all the time, just leave it connected via USB using the charging cable.

BUT...
I've been using Logitech wireless mice for years.
I've ALWAYS used the Logitech receivers (NEVER bluetooth).
I've NEVER experienced any problems with them. They work the same whether the charging cable is connected... or not.

I realize why bluetooth for mice can be problematic, and I don't recommend that others use it (it's still their choice, of course).

I DO recommend Logitech mice, and using the Logitech wifi/USB transmitter, or their "unifying receiver".

 

[macstatic]

Thanks for checking, but regardless this means the communication between the mouse and the computer is still wireless, right?

 

[rob188888888]

Note it says "pair" which in my experience means "Bluetooth pairing", so I translate this into meaning you still need to use it wirelessly, but it can simultaneously charge its battery through the USB-C to Lightning cable. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe this is wrong. Both the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad work over USB when connected to a Mac. I have both and can use them with Bluetooth turned off on the Mac as long as they are connected via the lightning port. In System Information, I can see that they are connected via USB and "Not Connected" under Bluetooth.

This of course does not work with the Magic Mouse, because the lightning port is on the bottom...

 

[macstatic]

I never knew! This is only for the 2nd version of the Magic Trackpad?
For Macs without USB-C ports, can a Lightning to a regular USB plug (type-A) be used?

 

[rob188888888]

Yes USB-A works. I don't know the details of the different versions. I think it works on every keyboard/trackpad with a lightning port.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I believe this is wrong. Both the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad work over USB when connected to a Mac. I have both and can use them with Bluetooth turned off on the Mac as long as they are connected via the lightning port. In System Information, I can see that they are connected via USB and "Not Connected" under Bluetooth.

This of course does not work with the Magic Mouse, because the lightning port is on the bottom...

Correct you are

I use my Magic Trackpad connected with lightning and bluetooth off, on both macOS and my Windows install (same machine)

 

[orionquest]

Logitech B100. You could probably use it as a wrecking ball and it would still work!

I can confirm this. I thought I broke mine playing a shooter game, but it keeps on going.

 

[rocketbuc]

I use two Kensington Orbit Trackballs at home and in the office. Great ergonomics, good quality and wired. There is a software that helps to customize the buttons, but for me, the MacOS settings are enough.

 

[macstatic]

I use two Kensington Orbit Trackballs at home and in the office. Great ergonomics, good quality and wired. There is a software that helps to customize the buttons, but for me, the MacOS settings are enough.

I've been considering a trackball as well, but kept putting it off because I fear it might be difficult to adapt. I do however hear that after 1-2 weeks you'll get used to it and many people never want to go back to a regular mouse. Is that your experience as well?
Are there any downsides to using a trackball compared to a regular mouse?

 

[rocketbuc]

@macstatic, I have several wired Apple Mighty Mice and an Apple Trackpad. The regular mice started to hurt my hands, so for ergonomic reasons I started to use the trackballs only. It takes a few days to adapt but the beauty of the Kensington is the scroll wheel. It helps to work very fast in websites, documents, and presentations. I combine this with the maximum tracking speed in macOS so there is no need to "spin the ball" like crazy while working.
No downsides to a regular mouse and I would not go back.

 

[ataq]

I have everything wired at my desk including ethernet...
I'm using the MX Vertical, the grey one where wired is possible. Although it offers a wireless option, the wireless capability turns off immediately once a usb cable is plugged in.
Love the ergonomic mouse!