Gone are the days when a computer mouse had only two buttons and a scroll wheel. Today, you can find plenty of computer mice having a handful of customizable buttons and more than one scroll wheel designed ergonomically to increase the productivity of creators, editors, and programmers.
In addition there are a number of product variants to address compatibility issues with wireless and software.
This makes it very confusing for consumers.
This article will simplify the key differences and similarities between two full featured mice – Logitech MX Master 3 (also called Advanced) and Logitech MX Master 3 for Mac. We also make a recommendation on which one to buy.
Without further ado let’s get into the details.
Table of Contents
Logitech MX Master 3 Vs for Mac – Table of differences
Here’s a quick snapshot of the differences between the two products:
| MX Master 3 | MX Master 3 for Mac | |
| Connectivity | Unifying USB dongle + Bluetooth | Bluetooth (No dongle provided) |
| USB Cable | USB-C to USB-C | USB-C-to USB-A |
| Compatibility | Windows 10,11 or later Linux Chrome OS Mac OS iPad, and Android | Mac OS, iPad OS, Android, and Windows |
| Color | Black & Mid-grey | Space grey |
MX Master 3 Vs. MX Master 3 for Mac – Differences
Connectivity
The main difference between the two mice, is that the original MX Master 3 Advanced comes with a Unifying USB dongle for a dedicated wireless connection and also supports Bluetooth connectivity. But according to many MX Master 3 users, the Bluetooth connection sometimes fails to register or pair with their computers.
On the other hand, Logitech MX Master 3 for Mac doesn’t come with a Unifying dongle to match most Mac designs. Although it only supports Bluetooth connectivity, there is no connection or pairing problem.
Color
Logitech MX Master 3 comes in two colors, i.e., black and mid-grey.
Logitech MX Master 3 for Mac comes in a stylish space grey color to match the Mac look.
Compatibility
Logitech MX Master 3 is compatible with
- Windows 10,11 or later
- Linux
- Chrome OS
- Mac OS
- iPad, and
- Android
MX Master 3 for Mac is compatible with
- Mac OS,
- iPad OS,
- Android, and
- Windows
Charging Cable
Since both mice are rechargeable and contain the charging cable, there is a minor difference in their types. Logitech MX Master 3 comes with USB-C to USB-C cable. MX Master 3 for Mac comes with USB-C-to USB-A cable.
MX Master 3 Vs. MX Master 3 for Mac – Similarities
Design/Shape
The design and shape of both mice are ergonomic and a real treat for the users using the mouse all day long. Both MX Master 3 and Master 3 for Mac are designed so that the users’ wrist is a bit more angled than being flat, and hence it gives more comfort and support to the back of the palm.
Scroll Wheels
Both the mice have a top scroll wheel with a mode switch button. This mode switch button lets the users switch between the more traditional line-by-line scroll mode and the free scroll mode.
Users can toggle between both modes as per their requirements. For example, the free scroll mode lets you quickly scroll through a long excel document. There is a second scroll wheel on the left side of both mice that can be used for horizontal scrolling. This wheel enhances productivity when used in Photoshop or any video or audio editing software that requires frequent horizontal scrolling.
Customizable Buttons
The hot-selling feature of both the mice is the customizable buttons.
There are three customizable buttons with the traditional left and right buttons. Two of the buttons are located right below the horizontal scroll wheel, and a third gesture button is on the thumb side of the mice.
Users can customize these buttons for general and app-specific use using the Logi Options software available for MX Master 3 and MX Master 3 for Mac. For example, the two buttons below the wheel can be customized for copy and paste and volume control in an audio editing app.
Similarly, the thumb button or the gesture button can be used for mission control in Mac. The gesture button gives four further options for customization. That means holding the gesture button and moving the mouse to any of the four pre-configured directions can let you do what you want the mouse to do in that direction.
You can even configure these gestures separately for a unique application. The only catch is that in the case of MX Master 3 for Mac, download and run the Logi Options software first and then pair your mouse. Otherwise, it won’t show up on the available devices.
Battery
Both the mice come with a rechargeable battery and an incredible battery life of 70 days on a single charge.
Moreover, Logitech claims that a one-minute battery charge can give 3 hours of mouse use. Also, the charging ports of both the mice are at the front. This means, unlike the traditional mice, you don’t have to flip the mice upside down for charging, and these mice can be used easily, even when connected to the charger.
Multi-Device Support
Both Logitech MX Master 3 and MX Master 3 for Mac have three buttons at the bottom to support easy switching between three devices at a time. Also, the flow control feature allows the cursor, files, and folders to transfer between the three connected devices without needing to disconnect and reconnect the mice separately. You can copy a file from one machine and paste it straight away to the other connected machine nearby.
Conclusion
Both the Logitech mice have the same basic functionality and design. The main differences are in:
- Connectivity
- Color
- Compatibility
- Charging Cables
If you are used to connecting your wireless devices through Bluetooth or are a regular Mac user, we recommend going with the Logitech MX Master 3 for Mac.
On the other hand, if you prefer connecting through a USB dongle and color isn’t your priority, we suggest going with the regular MX Master 3.
