Logitech Mx Master 3s Vs 3 Is The Quiet Click Feature Worth The Upgrade

The Logitech MX Master series has long been a favorite among professionals who demand precision, comfort, and productivity from their peripherals. When Logitech released the MX Master 3S in late 2022 as an update to the already excellent MX Master 3, many users were left wondering: is this more than just a minor refresh? The headline feature—“Quiet Clicks”—promises up to 90% less click noise while maintaining the same tactile feedback. But does that justify the upgrade for those already using the MX Master 3?

This isn't just about decibels. It's about workflow harmony, office etiquette, remote work dynamics, and subtle ergonomic refinements. To answer whether the quiet click is worth it, we need to examine not only sound levels but also build quality, sensor improvements, battery life, software integration, and real-world usability across different environments.

Understanding the Key Differences

At first glance, the MX Master 3S and MX Master 3 look nearly identical. Both share the same sculpted ergonomic design, thumb wheel, gesture button, mag-speed scroll wheel, and multi-device connectivity via Bluetooth or USB receiver. However, beneath the surface, several meaningful changes have been made.

• Click Noise Reduction: The most advertised change—Logitech claims up to 90% less clicking sound on the primary left and right buttons.
• Improved Sensor: The 3S features the newer Darkfield 4K DPI sensor with enhanced tracking accuracy on challenging surfaces like glass or glossy desks.
• Same Battery Life: Both models offer up to 70 days of use on a full charge (with backlighting off), powered by a USB-C charging port.
• Build Consistency: Materials, weight (141g), and overall feel remain unchanged—same rubberized side grips, premium plastic shell, and magnetic attachment for wireless charging docks.

Despite these similarities, the cumulative effect of small upgrades can influence user satisfaction over time, especially in shared or quiet environments.

Tip: If you frequently work in libraries, conference rooms, or shared living spaces, even moderate reductions in mouse click volume can significantly improve ambient comfort.

How “Quiet Click” Works: Engineering Behind the Silence

The term “quiet click” might suggest a softer actuation force or mushy response, but that’s not the case here. Logitech retained the familiar 50-gram actuation force—identical to the MX Master 3—so the tactile feedback remains satisfying and precise. Instead, they redesigned the internal switch mechanism to dampen vibrations and reduce acoustic resonance without altering responsiveness.

Using what Logitech calls “Silent Touch” technology, the new micro-switches incorporate internal damping materials and optimized mechanical pathways that absorb impact energy at the moment of click registration. This results in a sharp, clean input signal to your system—but far less audible snap.

“The goal wasn’t to make a silent mouse, but to eliminate unnecessary noise pollution in professional settings.” — Utku Sen, Senior Product Designer at Logitech

In lab tests, Logitech measured average click noise dropping from ~58 dB (MX Master 3) to ~45 dB (MX Master 3S)—a reduction comparable to switching from normal conversation volume to a quiet library ambiance. While not completely silent, the difference is immediately noticeable when typing or navigating spreadsheets in silence.

Performance Comparison: Real-World Use Cases

To assess whether the upgrade matters beyond specs, let’s evaluate both mice across common scenarios:

Use Case	MX Master 3 Experience	MX Master 3S Advantage
Open Office Environment	Clean clicks, but audible enough to disturb nearby colleagues during long sessions.	Significantly reduced auditory footprint; better for collaborative spaces.
Home Office / Shared Space	Can be disruptive if partner or family members are sleeping or concentrating.	Much less intrusive; ideal for night work or early mornings.
Video Conferencing	Mouse clicks often picked up by sensitive mics, causing distractions.	Nearly eliminates background noise interference during calls.
Precision Tasks (Design, Coding)	Excellent cursor control and responsive buttons.	Slightly improved sensor stability on reflective surfaces; same high performance.
Battery & Charging	USB-C fast charging; 3-minute charge = 3 hours of use.	Identical power management and charging behavior.

One freelance graphic designer working remotely noted: “I used the MX Master 3 for two years and loved it—until I started doing client Zoom calls from my bedroom studio. My mouse clicks kept interrupting audio recordings. After switching to the 3S, my voiceovers became cleaner, and my partner stopped complaining about nighttime noise.”

Mini Case Study: Remote Worker in a Shared Apartment

Alex, a software developer based in Berlin, works flexible hours due to global team coordination. He shares a one-bedroom apartment with his partner, who teaches online classes during the day. Using the MX Master 3, Alex found that his frequent clicking—especially during debugging sessions—was disturbing her lectures.

He upgraded to the MX Master 3S primarily for the quiet click promise. After four weeks of use, he reported: “The difference is subtle but transformative. I no longer hesitate to navigate code mid-call. My partner hasn’t once asked me to ‘mouse quieter.’ That peace of mind is worth more than the €30 price bump.”

This scenario underscores how peripheral choices can affect interpersonal dynamics in hybrid living/working environments—a growing reality post-pandemic.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

If you're still deciding whether to upgrade from the MX Master 3 to the 3S, consider the following checklist. Answer “yes” to any of these to determine if the 3S brings tangible value:

1. Do you work in a quiet environment where mouse noise could disturb others?
2. Are you frequently on video or audio calls where background sounds are noticeable?
3. Do you use your mouse on glass-top desks or other difficult surfaces?
4. Have you experienced inconsistent tracking with the MX Master 3 on certain desk materials?
5. Are you replacing a worn-out MX Master 3 and want the latest version?
6. Do you value marginal gains in workplace comfort and professionalism?

If three or more apply, the upgrade makes practical sense. For others—especially those satisfied with their current setup—the benefits may not outweigh the cost unless purchased on sale or bundled.

Tip: Check refurbished programs or retailer discounts—many users find the 3S available at near-MX Master 3 pricing during seasonal sales.

Software and Compatibility: No Major Changes

Both mice rely on Logitech Options+ software for customization. You can reassign buttons, adjust pointer speed, fine-tune scroll behavior, and manage device pairing across three simultaneous connections (via Bluetooth or included USB receiver).

No new features were introduced in Options+ specifically for the 3S. Profiles, gesture controls, and cross-computer navigation via Logi Bolt or Flow remain identical. macOS and Windows support is equally robust, though some Linux users report needing third-party tools like Solaar for full functionality.

However, firmware updates released alongside the 3S have occasionally improved stability for older MX Master 3 units too—suggesting that some backend optimizations benefit both generations.

Longevity and Durability: Same Build, Same Expectations

Logitech rates both mice for 50 million click durability—more than sufficient for five or more years of daily professional use. There is no evidence that the quieter switches compromise longevity. In fact, reduced mechanical stress from internal dampening could theoretically extend switch lifespan under heavy usage.

Users reporting failure points typically cite issues unrelated to the click mechanism: USB-C port wear, battery degradation after 3+ years, or surface finish chipping from frequent hand contact. These factors remain unchanged between models.

“Ergonomic excellence starts with consistency. The MX Master 3S preserves everything that worked—then removes what didn’t need to be there: noise.” — Lena Park, UX Hardware Analyst at TechDesk Review

FAQ: Common Questions About the MX Master 3S vs 3

Does the quiet click affect responsiveness?

No. The actuation force and registration timing are identical. Input lag remains imperceptible in everyday tasks and even rapid-click workflows like photo editing or spreadsheet navigation.

Can I pair the MX Master 3S with my existing Unifying Receiver?

Yes, but only if your receiver supports Bluetooth LE or the newer Logi Bolt protocol. Older Unifying Receivers may not recognize the 3S. Most new purchases include a compatible receiver.

Is the MX Master 3S worth buying if I don’t own the MX Master 3?

Absolutely. If you’re entering the MX Master line for the first time, the 3S is now the definitive model. It supersedes the 3 in all retail channels and offers superior acoustics and tracking out of the box.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Logitech MX Master 3S isn’t a revolutionary leap—it’s an evolutionary refinement. For most users already happy with the MX Master 3, the quiet click alone may not justify immediate replacement. But for those in noise-sensitive roles—podcasters, remote educators, healthcare workers, writers, or anyone sharing space with others—the reduction in auditory disruption delivers real, measurable quality-of-life improvement.

Additionally, the upgraded Darkfield sensor provides greater confidence when working on unconventional desk surfaces, eliminating one of the few lingering frustrations of the previous model.

If your current MX Master 3 is functioning well, there’s no urgency to upgrade. Wait for a discount or bundle deal. But if you're experiencing wear, inconsistent tracking, or simply want the most refined version of this flagship mouse, the MX Master 3S earns its place as the quiet achiever in modern productivity gear.

🚀 Ready to reduce noise and refine your workflow? Consider the MX Master 3S—not because it's flashy, but because it respects the silence you—and your colleagues—deserve.