Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse - the Porsche 911 of mice!
Writing product reviews is actually more difficult than most people think, in particular when that product is something that a lot of people use on a daily basis and tend not to make really in-depth purchasing decisions about, like buying a mouse for your computer. However, even the most mundane products can be exciting in the right hands and MX Master 4 is certainly one of those! Let me explain why it is so special and indulge me as I compare this little chunk of plastic to a Porsche 911!
Writing product reviews is actually more difficult than most people think, in particular when that product is something that a lot of people use on a daily basis and tend not to make really in-depth purchasing decisions about, like buying a mouse for your computer. However, even the most mundane products can be exciting in the right hands and MX Master 4 is certainly one of those! Let me explain why it is so special and indulge me as I compare this little chunk of plastic to a Porsche 911!
❤️ PLEASE NOTE - No AI was used to make this article. It is my own work based on my experiences and created in my own time. This item was purchased with my own money and is not in collaboration with Logitech. If you would like to support the blog, please consider making a small donation.
🔨 Build Quality
Out of the box, the MX Master 4 doesn’t feel a whole lot different to the previous iterations. I have been using the MX Master series for years, this being my fourth one now and instantly, your hand sculpts to the familiar layout - no new learning curve here. The mouse feels robust enough and is made from a healthy mix of recycled plastics. Like previous versions, longevity doesn’t feel like it will be an issue which is on par with what you would expect from a premium product like this.
Logitech have reformulated some of the ‘touch points’ of the mouse with improved stain resistance where your hand rests on the mouse and subtly transparent main buttons have a near silent click but feel incredibly satisfying to use. The attention to detail from Logitech on those touch points is very welcome. One of my main complaints of previous versions is that they develop a slightly greasy looking sheen on the main contact points. Logitech seems to have addressed this with their choice of new materials but in truth, time will tell how well it holds up.
The additional customisable buttons and scroll wheels all feel very similar to the previous version which is actually great to see. Logitech’s ‘MagSpeed’ scroll wheel is probably the best in the business and as I will be repeating a lot throughout this review - if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Elsewhere, battery life and connectivity seem to be solid, most likely improved from previous versions but this obviously depends on personal usage. I am using the Mac version of the MX Master 4 and it connected quickly to my Mac and no issues since.
Source: Youtube - Oliur / Ultralinx
😎 Getting the most from the Master
OK, so this is where things get interesting (no, really!) but first let me cover a few basics. In it’s most fundamental use case, for connecting to devices and pointing at things - this mouse is already excellent. It is comfortable to use, feels great in the hand and does everything you would expect a mouse to do. Honestly, how much can ‘Mouse technology’ really change? Well, turns out, quite a bit… Logitech has added a few features that kind of make you think ‘why has nobody else done this before’... I’ll start with haptic feedback.
Ok, so in essence most mice have some kind of feedback - afterall, that satisfying click of the mouse button or scroll pad does indicate that a button has been pressed and therefore an action has been initiated. However, Logitech has taken this much further. The first time you turn the mouse you get a satisfying buzz - and no I’m really not that excited about using mice, you genuinely get a little buzz, similar to that of a mobile phone receiving a call. It feels a little odd to start but it very quickly becomes an incredibly sensory thing that just adds to the user experience.
I must admit, I turned the feedback down a little as I thought the original factory setting was a bit much but you very quickly get used to the subtle buzz of actions being taken. The haptics main purpose is to support Logitech’s new ‘Action Rings’, the second main feature of the mouse and one that I think will have most users excited about upgrading to this device.
🖥️ Customisation and Action Rings
If you are looking to buy this mouse for any particular feature, it really should be the Action Rings. In its most basic sense, the Action RIngs are just customisable shortcuts that reveal a beautifully designed onscreen overlay with popular actions. The Actions can be programmed to specific software with Photoshop and Lightroom being supported straight out of the box. However, the actions can be customised so most shortcuts can be assigned.
Even whilst navigating the general OS of your computer, a quick tap on the Action key reveals a set of thoughtful actions and the aforementioned haptic feedback makes scrolling the actions feel immersive and gives you a better sense of connection with your device - sounds weird but once you try it, it becomes a little addictive.
When I first saw this feature advertised, I thought it sounded a little gimmicky - in particular as I already have a lot of shortcuts set up on my Mac and for editing, I already use (and love) the TourBox - so why would I need to add even more confusion to my editing process? Well, it turns out that I can now pretty much edit anything I need to with one hand!
This might sound like a somewhat shallow win, but in truth, it is a timesaving masterpiece and even though I still insist on using the TourBox for some actions (who doesn’t like a ‘twiddly knob’!) I could easily carry out most actions on the MX Master 4 and when travelling, I really only need to carry the mouse now.
For both Lightroom and Final Cut - my two main pieces of editing software, a combination of customised buttons and the new Action Ring get me through 95% of my main editing actions. I only really use the keyboard or TourBox for very specific tasks that are so ingrained in my personal workflow that I can’t really seem to change. For most users (and photo and video editors, I’m really talking to you here!) the MX Master 4 is by far the most useful mouse… No actually, the most useful customisable user interface that I have ever used… I’m sure professional video editors using multiple thousands of pounds worth of editing desks might have a different experience - but for the rest of us, this little mouse is a brilliant addition!
🤔 upgrade from previous versions?
I would guess that the vast majority of photo/video editors already have a previous version of the MX Master series. So it begs the question, should you upgrade? In short, Yes! My personal experience is that the physical product feels very similar in most aspects to the previous version. This is a good thing, I love the Master 3 and if Logitech has decided to make massive changes, putting buttons in different places and changing the ergonomics - I genuinely wouldn’t even have considered changing my mouse - it’s only because it is so familiar that I thought about upgrading.
Where the real value lies is in the haptic feedback and the Action Rings. It’s clear that Logitech will be investing into this going forwards and with the additional software support and customisation options - I can see the Action Rings becoming a massively beneficial addition to most users - justifying the upgrade even from the most recent generations of this series. It really is one of those things that once you try it, you can't understand why it wasn’t there in the first place.
Source: Youtube - Cameron Dougherty Tech
🔎 QUICK LOOK PRO’S AND CONS
PRO’s
Excellent ergonomics and comfort
Haptic feedback feels like a genuine innovation and something we will see more of
Incredible customisation of buttons and the ‘Action Ring’
Solid battery life and connectivity
Top choice for both professional use and normal day-to-day opperations
CON’S
Definitely cheaper options out there…
The Action Rings usage in apps like Lightroom can be a bit fiddly
The MX Master 3/3S are both great choices if you don’t need the Action Rings
✅ Final THoughts
I started by comparing the MX Master 4 to the Porsche 911 - I’m sure a lot of you will have already worked out the relevance of this but let me explain… Porsche is often accused of being ‘lazy’ when it comes to design. The 911 shape hasn’t really changed that much in over 60 years! At first glance, the MX series is a lot like that - you might be scratching your head as to what has actually changed from the previous version! But like with iPhones, toasters, McDonald’s menu (yeah I’m clutching at straws!) Sometimes simplicity is the key to its success…
Continuing the 911 analogy, you can use the big Porsche to go to the shops and it will get you there and back just like any other car. What a lot of cars can’t do, is get you round the Nurburgring in lightning fast times and leave you with a smile on your face at the end of it! The MX Master 4 is the same… It can do all of the pointy clicky things any other mouse can do… But it also has the potential to save you hours of editing time and leave you with a smile on your face because now, you can spend that saved time on far more interesting things!
🔴 FAQ’s
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The MX currently retails at around £120 (I’ve seen it at $110 in the US) but it does seem like there are fairly regular discounts and I would assume that this may also be a ‘Black Friday’ item when sales come around - check the latest prices on Amazon (affiliate link)
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In short, Yes. The addition of the haptic feedback and action rings make it worth checking out and for the action rings alone, I would consider this worth the cost of the upgrade
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Honestly, this is a very solid mouse for any user and the ActionRings make a lot of day-to-day actions very simple - but for photo and video editors, I think they will get he most additional benefits from this mouse.
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I’m genuinely struggling to think of anything… It’s a great product that I can’t really see how it would be improved… But I said that about the previous product and Logitech proved me wrong with the MX4!
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This is hugely down to personal preference - some may prefer a track pad or vertical mouse but that really is down to your own specific use case. For most people, I think the MX4 is probably the best mouse on the market right now though for photo/video editors, I’m still a big fan of the TourBox and the MX4 hasn’t completely replaced it… yet.
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About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.