Logitech MX Master launched in June 2015 as a $99 premium wireless mouse designed for productivity professionals, featuring ergonomic design, customizable buttons, and multi-device switching. The mouse became the default recommendation for professionals, creatives, and power users, with MX Master 3 (2019) refining the formula to near-perfection.
The Productivity Mouse
MX Master addressed the gap between cheap office mice and expensive gaming mice—professionals needed precision and features without RGB lighting and aggressive gamer aesthetics. The right-handed ergonomic design fit naturally in palm, reducing wrist strain during long work sessions.
Key features included: side scroll wheel (horizontal scrolling in Excel/timelines), thumb rest with gesture button, customizable buttons (7 total), multi-device pairing (3 devices via Bluetooth or USB receiver), and precision scroll wheel with free-spinning mode. The DPI-tunable sensor worked on any surface, including glass.
Logitech Options software enabled button customization per-application—different buttons in Photoshop vs. Chrome vs. Excel. Power users programmed complex workflows, making MX Master extension of their muscle memory.
The Iterative Refinement
MX Master 2S (2017) improved cross-computer functionality—users could move cursor seamlessly between multiple computers and copy-paste across devices (Flow feature). The multi-computer workflow appealed to developers, designers, and IT professionals managing multiple machines.
MX Master 3 (2019, $99.99) refined design with electromagnetic scroll wheel (quieter, more precise), USB-C charging (70-day battery vs. 40-day MX Master 2S), improved ergonomics, and faster scroll ratcheting. The iteration addressed user feedback while maintaining core design.
The Professional Standard
By 2023, MX Master series was the most recommended mouse for office/creative work, appearing in countless “best productivity mouse” lists. The $99-$129 price positioned it as aspirational upgrade from standard mice but accessible compared to $200+ specialty mice.
Logitech expanded the line: MX Master 3S (2022, quieter clicks), MX Master 3 for Mac (color-matched to Apple aesthetic), and left-handed MX Master (filling underserved market). The ecosystem approach—pairing with MX Keys keyboard—created Logitech productivity desktop setups.
The mouse proved professionals valued ergonomics, multi-device functionality, and customization over gaming specs or minimalist aesthetics.
Sources: The Verge MX Master review, Wirecutter best mouse, RTINGS ergonomic mouse testing