Choosing a good mouse for our equipment is essential, since it will be an accessory that we will probably use for many hours. Whether for personal or professional use, it is a good idea to know perfectly what it offers in terms of compatibility and comfort. This is why today we analyze the Logitech M330 Silent Plus, a mid-range mouse from which we can draw several conclusions.
Specifications
Whether it is to talk about a mouse or any other device, the truth is the only one hundred percent objective data that can be given are the specifications. In this case it is not an exception and that is why at the bottom of this article you can find a table with the data of this Logitech M330. However, we think some things are worth noting.
The first thing we must say is that this mouse does not work through bluetooth but through a nano USB receiver that is included in the box and that must be connected to the equipment with which we want to use it. If you are going to use it on an iPad or Mac without USB ports, you will have to buy a USB-to-USB-C or Lightning adapter. This can be a problem in principle, but in the end you get used to it and it is still an element that you forget when it is connected.
The way to work is through a class AA battery. This could also be a negative point a priori, since we are used to charging all our devices via cable or charging bases and having to change batteries is somewhat cumbersome. However, the good battery management of this mouse is surprising, since it can last for months. In fact, a battery of this type is included in the box, so you can start using it from the moment you open it. Note that has a switch on / off at the bottom of the same.
When talking about a mouse, it is understood that it will always be used near a screen, but since the circumstances in which it can be used can vary greatly, manufacturers have opted for a wireless technology that allows the M330 to be used at a distance of up to 10 meters. This connection, by the way, works at 2.4 GHz.
As for devices in which it can be used , there is no problem. It is compatible with practically all operating systems that have mouse compatibility, thus being able to use it on computers and tablets with macOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, Linux and even Chrome OS. Of course, these systems must be at least in one of these versions:
- macOS 10.5 or later.
- Windows 7 or later.
- Linux Kernel 2.6 + 2.
- iPadOS 13.4 or later.
- Android 3.1 or later.
Design and ergonomics
When talking about these aspects we are already entering something completely subjective and that can vary depending on many factors such as personal tastes or the size of the hand that each one has. However, we treat this topic based on our experience and the opinion of other users who have tried this Logitech M330.
In design this mouse stands out for being available in three different colors : red, blue or black. In red and blue perhaps it has a special appeal because it is somewhat out of the ordinary, but also for this aspect black combines better with everything and can be more elegant. In any of these versions we find the classic two buttons with which to make the ‘normal’ and the ‘secondary’ clicks. On the other hand, it has a scroll wheel in which we can also find a button with which to obtain other functionalities such as opening windows in the background.
The size of this mouse, 10.5 x 6.79 cm x 3.84 cm makes it extremely portable. In addition to being able to be used in almost any situation, it is comfortable for when we have to use our mobile computer or tablet and we do not want to carry many accessories on it, since it will take up little space in any backpack or briefcase. As we indicated a few paragraphs ago, the size of each hand can be crucial, but as a general rule this mouse adapts perfectly to the hand due to its curved shape.
Also noteworthy are the rubber materials at the bottom , which is where this mouse is held and which is very pleasant. In other mice with other materials we can find ourselves with some discomfort with the passing of the hours, however we have not noticed that with the Logitech M330.
Last, and not least, is that the Silent Plus that has this mouse in its name is evident when clicking with any of the two main buttons. These are not completely silent, but the truth is that it is greatly appreciated that it is not a mechanical sound that can sometimes be very disturbing. Although this, again, is again somewhat subjective and there will be those who care little about this section or who even prefer a more obvious sound.
iPad experience
Despite the fact that in iPadOS 13 external mouse compatibility was already added, the truth is that it was not until iPadOS 13.4 when more functions were added for it. Mice went from being a dedicated accessory for people with vision or mobility problems to being a fully available gadget for all types of users.
The Logitech M330 knows how to make the most of everything that the iPad offers us in this area. We can customize the color, size and speed of the pointer as in any other mouse from Settings, so we can adapt it more to our liking. Then we also get a pleasant experience when performing common mouse actions such as navigating through apps, opening the dock, opening and closing apps and others.
Perhaps dedicated gestures are missing that are available in others such as the Magic Mouse, although we will comment later. In any of the cases we believe that this is a mouse that is more than suitable for use on the iPad, since except for that we do not lose any other functionality.
Mac operation
Talking about mouse functionality in macOS is already quite redundant considering the number of years and versions that this system has accumulated with mouse compatibility. However there are several points to note about using the Logitech M330 and not all of them are positive.
We liked the good disposition of this accessory to go from using it on the iPad to using it on the Mac just by connecting the nano receiver. The connection is established in milliseconds and is fully usable from the first time you connect it. There is no delay when it comes to pressing or moving and if it exists, the truth is that we have not noticed it being minimal.
A negative point of this mouse is that it lacks more buttons with which to add new functions in addition to those already established in its three buttons. It is not that it is essential, since we can continue using our Mac without losing anything, but these buttons would provide excellent shortcuts with which to gain productivity. It is not a tremendously negative aspect, but strange seeing other mid-range mice that do incorporate more buttons.
Alternative to Apple Magic Mouse 2?
We must start from the basis that the Magic Mouse and the Logitech M330 are two completely different accessories despite being two mice compatible with multiple computers. The approach of both is very different. The Magic Mouse is a high-end device that also gains reliability for Apple equipment because it is manufactured by the company itself. The Logitech for its part works very well, but it is still a mid-range mouse.
For price perhaps if we could highlight the Logitech M330, since it starts from 41.50 euros as the official price of the brand, being able to find it sporadically for less on portals like Amazon. The Magic Mouse 2 from Apple for its part has an official price of 85 euros. Even without a price reduction, the Logitech may be worth more to many for being able to perfectly cover their needs.
The aspects in which the Magic Mouse 2 is superior to the Logitech M330 can be decisive for according to which users. We refer, for example, to gestures , which have Apple’s built-in and are not only fully functional in macOS, but in iPadOS they can be very useful to switch between applications, close them, return to the home screen and others.
What the Logitech M330 can boast of is its broad compatibility with other non-Apple operating systems. The Magic Mouse can be used in Windows and other systems with some tricks or by installing certain drivers, but this already becomes a more tedious task than connecting the Logitech receiver and starting to work.
Therefore, and by way of conclusion of this analysis, we must tell you that you must be the one who puts on a scale everything that you need from a mouse. If you want to save money and gestures are not essential for you, as well as the need to connect a nano receiver, the Logitech M330 will certainly meet your expectations. However, analyze all the pros and cons that we highlight, create your own and make a decision.