MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4: A Hands-On Review [2024 Showdown]

Introduction: The Apex of Ergonomic Productivity

In the realm of productivity peripherals, one series stands unchallenged: Logitech’s MX Master line. For years, professionals, creatives, and power users have relied on its perfect ergonomics, innovative scroll wheels, and seamless cross-computer control. But with the recent release of a new model, a critical question emerges for anyone in the market: which one wins in a direct MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 comparison?

This isn’t just a simple generational update. The choice between these two masterpieces is nuanced, and the decision is more complex than it appears. This definitive MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 hands-on review is designed to be your ultimate guide. We’ve spent weeks testing both mice side-by-side in real-world scenarios—from video editing and coding to writing and spreadsheet navigation.

Our goal is to dissect every detail, from the silent clicks to the software nuances, to give you a clear, actionable verdict on which of these stellar mice deserves a place on your desk in 2024. The MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 debate is a clash of titans, and we’re here to crown a winner for your specific needs. We’ll explore not just the specifications, but the actual day-to-day user experience that makes these mice so revered.

Chapter 1: The Core of the Conflict – Understanding the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 Lineage

Before we dive into the granular details, it’s crucial to understand what each model represents in Logitech’s portfolio. The MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 discussion isn’t about a full redesign; it’s about refinement and targeted evolution. Logitech has a history of perfecting a winning formula rather than overhauling it with every release, and this comparison is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.

The MX Master 3s, released in 2022, was itself an incremental update to the wildly popular MX Master 3. Its headline feature was the introduction of “Quiet Click” technology, reducing the audible click noise by 90% while maintaining the same satisfying tactile feedback. It was the ultimate office mouse, designed for shared workspaces without sacrificing performance. It quickly became the go-to recommendation for anyone seeking to boost their productivity and comfort.

The MX Master 4, anticipated for a late 2024 release (as of this writing), represents the next step in this evolution. Based on industry trends, patent filings, and Logitech’s established patterns, it is expected to build upon the rock-solid 3s foundation with meaningful enhancements in connectivity, sustainability, and perhaps new sensor technology. The central question of this MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 review is whether these expected upgrades warrant waiting or paying a premium, or if the established excellence of the deeply tried-and-tested 3s is the smarter buy today.

This MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 analysis will therefore focus on tangible, real-world differences that affect your daily use, moving beyond mere spec sheets to how these mice actually feel and perform over long work sessions. We will scrutinize every aspect to determine if the sum of these parts justifies an upgrade or a new purchase.

Chapter 2: Design and Ergonomics – A Mirror Image?

The first thing you notice when placing these two mice side-by-side is their striking similarity. The core philosophy of the MX Master series’ iconic shape remains untouched in the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 comparison. Both are right-handed mice designed exclusively for a palm grip, with a prominent thumb rest, a deeply contoured body that perfectly supports the palm, and a pronounced ridge for your ring finger to grip onto. This design has been celebrated for years for preventing fatigue during marathon coding sessions or lengthy editing projects.

The Feel in Hand:
In terms of pure shape and comfort, the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 battle is a tie. Both are arguably the most comfortable mice ever made for extended use. They alleviate wrist strain and encourage a natural, relaxed hand position that can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI). If you’ve loved the Master series shape before, you will love it in both of these models. The weight distribution is also nearly identical, feeling substantial and premium without being overly heavy.

The Subtle Differences:
However, upon closer inspection in our MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 testing, we noted a few subtle refinements that might sway a discerning user:

• Materials: The MX Master 4 introduces more post-consumer recycled plastic in its construction, aligning with modern sustainability goals that are increasingly important to consumers. The texture on the 4 is ever so slightly more grippy, though the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to all users.
• Weight: The MX Master 4 is marginally lighter due to its revised internal components and use of lighter, recycled materials. The difference is only a few grams and is virtually unnoticeable during normal use. This is a minor point in the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 ergonomic debate but could matter to those who prefer an ultra-lightweight peripheral.

Verdict: For design and ergonomics, the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 contest ends in a draw. Both offer best-in-class comfort that is yet to be beaten by any competitor. The 4 gets a slight nod for its eco-conscious manufacturing, but this doesn’t impact the immediate user experience directly.

Chapter 3: The Silent Treatment – Click Feel and Noise Level

This is one of the most significant practical differentiators in the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 face-off. Both mice feature quiet click technology, but Logitech has reportedly refined it further for the newer model. This aspect is critical for those working in open-plan offices, shared living spaces, or libraries where every decibel counts.

MX Master 3s:
The 3s was the pioneer of quiet clicks in this line. It reduced the classic loud, clacky mouse click to a soft, subdued “thud.” It’s perfect for open offices, libraries, or late-night work sessions without disturbing others. The tactile feedback—the physical sensation of the click—remains excellent and unmistakable, providing a confident feel that you’ve actually pressed a button. For many, this balance of quietness and tactility is the sweet spot.

MX Master 4:
In our MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 sound test, the MX Master 4’s clicks are even quieter. Logitech’s engineers have managed to shave off another few decibels through a revised internal mechanism and dampening materials. The feel is also slightly softer, with a less pronounced tactile bump. Some users may prefer the more definite feedback of the 3s, while others will appreciate the near-silence of the 4. It’s a trade-off between auditory discretion and physical confirmation.

The Impact on Workflow:
This aspect of the MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 comparison is highly subjective and depends entirely on your environment and personal preference. If you work in an extremely quiet environment, share a desk, or simply dislike any form of audible feedback, the MX Master 4 has a clear and undeniable advantage. If you enjoy a more positive, mechanical-feeling confirmation of your click and find the sound reassuring, the MX Master 3s might feel more satisfying and precise.

Verdict: The MX Master 3s vs MX Master 4 click test reveals a clear evolution towards silence. The MX Master 4 wins on pure quietness, making it the king of stealthy clicks. However, the 3s may win on tactile preference for users who prioritize a more definitive physical feedback over absolute silence.