Who more and who less likes to investigate the technology market always looking for the best options. In mice for Mac and even iPad we can find many options. The Magic Mouse 2 is the official version of Apple in this field, but shortly after looking at recommendations we find devices such as Logitech’s MX Master 3. The big question is, is this a real alternative to apple mouse? We analyze in this article its main differences.
Different design and ergonomics
The first thing we notice when looking at both mice together is that they have a completely different aesthetic. In Magic Mouse 2 we can see that Apple has opted for a much flatter and more portable design. This could be a positive point in the face of usability, although for many it may end up being uncomfortable at hand because it is not ergonomic. Finally it could end up causing problems in the wrists if they are used for many hours. But in return you have a mouse with a very small and very light size that allows it to be transported comfortably in any backpack.
Another aspect in which the design of the Magic Mouse 2 stands out is because of the place where they have decided to “hide” the charging port. This is located at the bottom of the mouse, which means that the minimalism that characterizes it is not visible and does not corrupt the naked eye. This could perhaps be a drawback for some, since it completely makes it impossible to use it while charging. In any case, considering that it should not be loaded regularly, it could end up being a simple detail. As for colors , we can find it in both white and space gray.
In the case of the Logitech MX Master 3 we find a much more ergonomic design and prepared to be able to work for many hours with it. It adapts perfectly to the shape of the hand thanks to its curves and the shape of its base on which the thumb can rest (if you are right-handed). It weighs more than the Apple mouse, although the truth is that it is not excessive and it is not important, since after all it will not be a problem to carry it in your backpack. Its charging port in this case is on the front, leaving the bottom for some buttons. The general appearance gives the impression of facing a more robust mouse with a mechanical aesthetic, although we will see in the following sections whether this also makes it more complete or not.
Facing Specifications
The Magic Mouse 2 stands out for having only one function button that can be converted into two depending on the use you are going to give it. That is to say, that its surface is one in itself that serves for everything and in certain cases the left part can be sectioned to have the classic main button and the right for the secondary. However, this simplicity can be very positive if we also add that you can perform gestures with it such as swiping on a page or opening certain windows of an interface with two fingers. These are specifically the functions that we find:
- Secondary click.
- Swipe up or down with one finger.
- Smart zoom.
- Open Mission Control.
- Toggle between apps full screen.
- Swipe to turn pages.
With this gesture system you will be much more productive while you are working, although on the contrary there is the fact that they cannot be customized. This is where another of the Logitech MX Master differences lies, which includes up to seven buttons . On the one hand we have the main button, the secondary button, the wheel and already on the side we find more function buttons as well as a wheel with horizontal displacement. The great advantage of these buttons is that they can be customized to have a much more complete mouse with functions added to the classic ones. This is highlighted in multiple actions, such as professional video editing, since functions can be included depending on the application or program to be used.
Something outstanding about the scroll wheel of the MX Master is that it can be adjusted to suit each person’s taste, being able to obtain a haptic sensation when using it or deactivating it completely from the button underneath it. This is not found in the Magic Mouse 2, since it does not have a wheel, but neither does any type of haptic sensor that allows obtaining a similar experience when moving with it through an interface.
As for dimensions and sizes , we find that the Logitech mouse is more robust with measures of 8.42 x 12.58 x 5.09 centimeters and a weight of 180 grams. The Magic Mouse 2 for its part weighs 99 grams and has dimensions of 2.16 x 5.71 x 11.35 centimeters.
Both peripherals also have Bluetooth technology , so you can use it in the vast majority of modern devices. In the case of Mac and iPad you will not find any problem to establish this connection, although there is a notable difference. Although they can be connected to several devices at the same time, in the Apple we will have to be continuously linking each time we change equipment, while the Logitech has a button at the bottom that serves as a switch to change its connection on up to 3 computers, making it much easier to switch from using it on an iPad to a Mac or vice versa.
Usability on Mac and iPad
The Magic Mouse works perfectly on the Mac and in fact it is the computer that works best, not for nothing is the mouse that comes standard on iMac devices, unless you want to choose a Magic Trackpad with its consequent difference from price. Without getting the same experience as with a trackpad, the truth is that this mouse could be a hybrid with this other thanks to its built-in gestures that we have talked about previously. Being able to customize some parameters such as speed or the aforementioned gestures is a very favorable point for this.
Those who have not used it will never feel strange, since it is rare to find mice that provide a similar design and experience. It even becomes uncomfortable as we mentioned previously when referring to its design. However, one gets used to it quickly and what could be a handicap at the beginning ends up becoming something essential. However, in iPadOS it has points to improve and not only for the mouse itself but for the operating system that still limits many functions to mice. In any case, it is extremely comfortable to be able to have exclusive gestures to move around the interface, close windows, open other and more functions.
For its part, the Logitech MX Master 3 is a blessing for Macs , especially if the user who uses it performs intensive work in which they use applications full of functionalities. The aforementioned buttons and the possibility of customizing them make this device a multi-purpose device. Its smooth movement and the comfort provided by its design make it a tireless companion of fatigue. There is also a ” for Mac ” version that has greater precision and fluidity on Apple computers. Something similar happens on the iPad and despite not having the gestures of the Apple mouse, these are counteracted by the possibility of adding specific functions for the buttons; from opening the dock or the control center to taking screenshots, a whole range of possibilities with which to almost completely forget about touching the touch screen.
Fair or expensive prices?
At first it must be said that these are two high-end mice , so their price is in line with it. Assessing whether this price is deserved, whether it is expensive or even cheap is already a personal matter for each one. Officially, the Magic Mouse 2 is priced at 85 euros . The Logitech MX Master 3 of 115 euros , a difference that from the beginning makes the Apple model more affordable, although once again we stick to the personal considerations of each and whether or not he is willing to pay more for this other. In any case, we can find these mice in many physical stores and online, and may have a discount such as those that appear from time to time on Amazon.
Which one is more worthwhile?
The million dollar question. Leaving aside the price and after having made intensive use of these mice, the truth is that we could not bet on one clearly. In fact we believe that being able to have both can be a great advantage depending on the situation. They can be combined between several devices, since one can be used for the iPad and the other for the Mac, although they can also be useful on the same computer, adapting them for certain uses. We understand that buying both if you do not have one is not a valid option for many, so we recommend that you carry out a self-assessment of your needs and check to what extent the advantages of each can serve you in your daily life and, based on this, choose one or the other.