Is The Logitech Mx Master 3s Worth Upgrading From The Mx5 For Designers

For creative professionals, especially designers who spend hours in vector editors, photo manipulation suites, and UI prototyping tools, the mouse isn’t just a peripheral—it’s an extension of their hand. The Logitech MX series has long been the gold standard for productivity-focused creatives, with the MX5 (also known as the MX Master 2S) holding a nostalgic place among early adopters. But with the release of the MX Master 3S, Logitech claims significant improvements in precision, comfort, and responsiveness. For those still using the MX5, the question arises: is the upgrade truly worthwhile?

The answer depends on how deeply your daily workflow relies on fine motor control, gesture efficiency, and long-term ergonomic sustainability. While both mice belong to the same lineage—featuring MagSpeed scroll wheels, customizable side buttons, and cross-device pairing—the differences between them are subtle yet meaningful in high-demand design environments.

Ergonomic Design and Long-Term Comfort

Ergonomics matter most when you’re logging 6–10 hours a day in Photoshop, Illustrator, or Figma. The MX5 was already ahead of its time with its sculpted right-hand shape, thumb rest, and soft-touch coating. However, prolonged use revealed minor pressure points along the pinky edge and a slightly forward tilt that could lead to wrist fatigue over months of continuous use.

The MX Master 3S refines this foundation. It retains the same overall silhouette but improves grip texture and subtly repositions the thumb scoop for better weight distribution. More importantly, it introduces a new rubberized coating that resists sweat and wear far better than the MX5’s finish, which tends to peel after two years of heavy use.

Tip: If you experience tingling or numbness during long sessions, consider upgrading not just for features—but for refined ergonomics that reduce strain.

Designers working remotely or across multiple setups will appreciate the consistent hand alignment offered by the 3S. Its base angle promotes a more neutral wrist posture, reducing ulnar deviation—a common contributor to repetitive strain injuries. This may seem like a minor tweak, but over hundreds of hours, it can significantly delay onset of discomfort.

Precision and Tracking Performance

The core argument for upgrading hinges on tracking accuracy. The MX5 uses Logitech’s 4000 DPI Darkfield sensor, capable of operating on almost any surface—including glass. That was revolutionary at the time. But technology has evolved.

The MX Master 3S doubles down with an 8000 DPI sensor and enhanced firmware that reduces cursor jitter and improves motion prediction. In practical terms, this means smoother panning across large artboards in Adobe XD or Affinity Designer, more accurate brush strokes in tablet-like workflows, and fewer micro-corrections when selecting fine details.

For pixel-perfect work—such as icon design or retouching hair strands—this level of precision becomes critical. One designer we spoke with, Lena Torres, who transitioned from MX5 to 3S mid-project on a mobile app interface suite, noted: “I didn’t realize how much I was compensating until I stopped. The 3S eliminated tiny overshoots when resizing layers. My average task completion dropped by about 12%.”

“High-DPI tracking isn’t just about speed—it’s about minimizing cognitive load during detailed tasks.” — Dr. Arjun Patel, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Noise Reduction and Silent Clicks

A lesser-discussed but highly impactful feature of the MX Master 3S is its near-silent clicking mechanism. While the MX5 produces a crisp, tactile click that many users initially enjoy, it can become disruptive in quiet studios, shared offices, or late-night work sessions.

The 3S reduces click noise by up to 90%, thanks to internal dampeners and redesigned microswitches. What’s remarkable is that Logitech achieved this without sacrificing actuation force or feedback. You still get a confident press, but without the sharp ‘tick’ that can irritate over time.

This isn't merely about courtesy—it affects focus. Studies have shown that auditory distractions as brief as 0.5 seconds can disrupt concentration cycles lasting up to 20 minutes. For designers deep in flow state while adjusting gradients or aligning grids, minimizing interruptions—even self-generated ones—is crucial.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Feature	MX5 (MX Master 2S)	MX Master 3S
DPI Sensor	4000 DPI Darkfield	8000 DPI Darkfield + improved algorithm
Scroll Wheel	MagSpeed electromagnetic (fast scroll)	Upgraded MagSpeed with quieter operation
Click Noise	Moderate to loud	Nearly silent (90% reduction)
Ergonomic Coating	Soft-touch (prone to peeling)	Rubberized, wear-resistant
Battery Life	Up to 70 days	Up to 70 days (USB-C fast charge)
Charging Port	Micro-USB	USB-C (modern standard)
Gesture Button	Yes (customizable via Logi Options+)	Yes (enhanced software integration)
Cross-Device Control	Flow support (with limitations)	Full Flow compatibility (secure file drag)

Note the shift from Micro-USB to USB-C. This might seem trivial, but in a world where most laptops now ship with USB-C ports, eliminating the need for adapters streamlines charging. The 3S also supports faster charging—just one minute gives three hours of use.

Workflow Integration and Software Enhancements

Logitech’s updated Logi Options+ software plays a pivotal role in maximizing the value of the MX Master 3S. Unlike the older SetPoint used by MX5-era devices, Logi Options+ allows per-application profiles. For designers, this means setting different button behaviors in Photoshop versus Blender versus Sketch.

• In Photoshop: Assign the thumb button to toggle between brush and eyedropper.
• In Figma: Map the gesture button to open the component menu.
• In Premiere Pro: Use horizontal scroll for timeline scrubbing.

The MX5 supports basic customization, but lacks context-aware remapping. You're stuck with global settings unless you manually switch profiles—a friction point during multitasking.

Additionally, the 3S integrates seamlessly with Logitech Flow, allowing you to move your cursor across up to three computers and even copy-paste files between machines. For designers juggling a MacBook for creative work and a Windows PC for client communication, this eliminates constant cable switching or Bluetooth toggling.

Real-World Case: From MX5 to 3S in a Freelance Studio

Jamal Reed, a freelance UX designer based in Portland, had used his MX5 since 2017. He praised its durability but admitted growing frustration with inconsistent scrolling on textured desk mats and occasional double-clicks due to aging switches.

After borrowing a colleague’s MX Master 3S for a week, he decided to upgrade. Within two days, he noticed immediate changes:

1. Panning across multi-screen mockups in Figma became fluid, with no stutter.
2. The silent clicks allowed him to work during video calls without background noise.
3. His left-hand fatigue decreased because he no longer needed to stabilize the mouse against accidental slips.

“It wasn’t a flashy upgrade,” Jamal said. “But it removed small frictions I’d learned to live with. Now, when I go back to my old MX5, it feels sluggish and loud—like driving a car with stiff steering.”

When the Upgrade Makes Sense—And When It Doesn’t

Not every MX5 user needs to upgrade immediately. Consider making the switch if:

• You frequently work on high-resolution displays (4K+) where precise cursor control matters.
• You suffer from wrist or hand fatigue after extended sessions.
• You use multiple devices and want seamless transitions via Flow.
• Your current mouse shows signs of wear—peeling coating, sticky scroll wheel, or unresponsive buttons.
• You value quiet operation in shared or hybrid workspaces.

On the other hand, hold off if:

• Your MX5 still functions perfectly and meets your daily needs.
• You primarily do low-precision tasks like browsing or document editing.
• You’re planning to switch ecosystems soon (e.g., moving to Apple Magic Trackpad).
• Budget is tight—the MX Master 3S retails around $99, which may be hard to justify for marginal gains.

Tip: Try the MX Master 3S at a physical retailer before buying. Ergonomic preferences are personal—what works for one designer may not suit another.

Step-by-Step: Transitioning Smoothly from MX5 to MX Master 3S

If you decide to upgrade, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Back up your current settings: Export any custom button configurations from Logi Options (if available) before uninstalling old software.
2. Install Logi Options+: Download the latest version from Logitech’s official site and create an account to sync preferences.
3. Pair the new mouse: Connect via Bluetooth or the included Unifying receiver. The 3S supports both simultaneously.
<4> Customize per-app profiles: Start with your primary design tool (e.g., Photoshop) and assign intuitive shortcuts to thumb and gesture buttons.
4. Test across surfaces: Verify tracking on your usual desk, glass, or pad. The 8000 DPI sensor should handle all reliably.
5. Enable Flow (optional): Link your computer(s) in Logi Options+, then test cursor movement between screens.
6. Retire the MX5 wisely: Keep it as a backup, donate it, or repurpose it for a secondary machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the MX Master 3S with non-Logitech keyboards?

Yes. The MX Master 3S pairs independently via Bluetooth or Unifying receiver and works flawlessly with any brand of keyboard, including Apple, Microsoft, and third-party mechanical models.

Does the MX Master 3S improve battery life over the MX5?

No significant improvement in total lifespan—both offer up to 70 days on a full charge. However, the 3S charges faster via USB-C and includes a quick-charge feature (3-minute charge = 3-hour usage).

Is the scroll wheel the same as on the MX5?

It's functionally identical—electromagnetic MagSpeed for instant switch between ratcheted and hyper-fast free-spin modes—but mechanically quieter and more durable under heavy use.

Final Verdict: Should Designers Upgrade?

The Logitech MX Master 3S is not a revolutionary leap from the MX5, but rather an evolutionary refinement—one tailored precisely for professionals who demand consistency, silence, and precision. For designers whose tools are extensions of their creativity, removing friction points adds up. Smoother tracking means fewer corrections. Quieter clicks preserve focus. Better materials extend usability.

If your MX5 is still performing well and you don’t face ergonomic strain or performance issues, there’s no urgent need to replace it. But if you’ve noticed declining responsiveness, discomfort, or inefficiencies in your workflow, the MX Master 3S offers tangible improvements that compound over time.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you view your equipment as disposable or as a long-term investment in your craft. For serious designers, the MX Master 3S isn’t just a mouse—it’s a tool calibrated for excellence.

💬 Have you upgraded from the MX5 to the MX Master 3S? Share your experience, tips, or workflow hacks in the comments below—your insights could help fellow designers make the right choice.