Logitech Mx Master 3s Vs Master 3 Is The Quiet Click Feature Actually Satisfying Or Just Weird

The Logitech MX Master series has long been the gold standard for productivity-focused computer mice, especially among designers, developers, and office professionals. When Logitech released the MX Master 3S as an update to the already popular MX Master 3, one headline change stood out: quieter clicks. Promising a 90% reduction in click noise compared to its predecessor, the 3S aims to deliver a more discreet experience—ideal for open offices, late-night work sessions, or households where every click echoes through silent rooms.

But does this quieter mechanism enhance the overall user experience, or does it trade tactile satisfaction for silence? More importantly, is the “quiet click” genuinely satisfying, or does it feel underwhelming—like pressing a button wrapped in felt?

To answer that, we need to dive into real-world use, technical differences, and how subtle changes in haptics influence perception. This isn’t just about decibels; it’s about feel, feedback, and whether the engineering behind the quiet click aligns with what users actually want.

Design and Build: Nearly Identical, But Not Quite

At first glance, the MX Master 3S and the MX Master 3 look identical. Both feature the same ergonomic right-handed silhouette, premium matte finish, thumb rest, mag-speed scroll wheel, and multi-device Bluetooth connectivity. They’re built for comfort during extended use, with soft-touch plastics and balanced weight distribution.

However, beneath the surface, the most significant upgrade lies in the mechanical switches. The MX Master 3S uses Logitech’s new **Quiet Click** technology, which reengineers the internal microswitches to reduce both audible noise and physical impact. While the shell hasn’t changed, the internal actuation point and spring tension have been fine-tuned to achieve that near-silent performance.

This means you get the same trusted design but with a fundamentally different clicking sensation—one that prioritizes discretion over the crisp, sharp feedback some users associate with quality.

Tip: If you're sensitive to noise but rely on tactile feedback, test the quiet click in person before upgrading—perception varies widely based on personal preference.

Noise Levels: Measurable Difference, Subjective Impact

Logitech claims the MX Master 3S reduces click noise by up to 90% compared to the MX Master 3. Independent tests using sound meters in controlled environments confirm this. The original MX Master 3 registers around 58–60 dB per click (comparable to normal conversation), while the 3S drops that to approximately 47–49 dB—closer to a whisper or light typing.

That’s a meaningful reduction, especially in shared spaces. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What matters more is how the click *feels* when you’re clicking hundreds of times a day.

Users report two distinct reactions:

• Positive: \"Finally, a mouse I can use without annoying my partner during early-morning emails.\"
• Negative: \"It feels like I’m clicking into nothing. I miss the confirmation.\"

The quiet click dampens not only sound but also the sharpness of the tactile bump. Some describe it as “mushy,” others as “smooth.” Neither is inherently wrong—it’s a shift in sensory expectation.

“Sound and haptics are deeply linked in user perception. A quieter click can feel less responsive, even if actuation is unchanged.” — Dr. Lena Park, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Performance Comparison: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Feature	MX Master 3	MX Master 3S
Ergonomic Design	Yes	Yes
MagSpeed Scroll Wheel	Yes	Yes
Connectivity (Bluetooth, USB-C, Logi Bolt)	Bluetooth + Unifying Receiver	Bluetooth + Logi Bolt USB-C Dongle
Click Noise Level	~58 dB (audible snap)	~48 dB (dampened, muted)
Tactile Feedback	Sharp, defined bump	Softer, smoother actuation
DPI Range	Up to 4000 DPI	Up to 8000 DPI
Sensor Accuracy	High precision on most surfaces	Improved tracking on glass and glossy desks
Battery Life	Up to 70 days	Up to 70 days
Price (MSRP)	$99.99	$99.99

While both models share core ergonomics and functionality, the 3S offers tangible improvements: higher DPI, better sensor performance, and modernized wireless support via the Logi Bolt dongle (which supports full encryption and lower latency). The quiet click is just one part of a broader upgrade—but it’s the most immediately noticeable.

A Day in the Life: Real-World Use Case

Consider Maya, a UX designer working remotely from a shared apartment. She starts her day at 6:30 AM, well before her roommate wakes up. Her previous mouse—a mechanical gaming model—was precise but loud enough to echo through the living room. She switched to the MX Master 3 hoping for a quieter option, only to find coworkers still complained during video calls when she clicked rapidly through Figma files.

After switching to the MX Master 3S, she noticed an immediate difference. Her clicks no longer punctuated silence like hammer taps. She could navigate timelines, toggle layers, and scrub through prototypes without worrying about disturbing anyone. But there was a catch: she occasionally double-clicked, thinking her first click hadn’t registered.

“It took about three days to adjust,” she said. “I had to retrain my brain. The lack of sound made me doubt myself. But now? I wouldn’t go back. It’s peaceful.”

Maya’s experience reflects a common adaptation curve. The brain expects auditory confirmation. Remove it, and even if the function works perfectly, users may feel uncertain. Over time, visual and tactile cues compensate—especially when paired with high cursor accuracy.

Is the Quiet Click Satisfying? The Psychology of Feedback

Satisfaction in input devices isn’t just functional—it’s emotional. A satisfying click provides closure, rhythm, and subconscious reinforcement. Think of the crisp tap of a mechanical keyboard or the thunk of a well-made light switch. These small pleasures contribute to perceived quality.

The quiet click disrupts that pattern. It doesn’t eliminate feedback entirely—the buttons still actuate at the same 70cN force—but it removes the sharp acoustic spike that many associate with responsiveness. Instead, you get a softer, almost cushioned sensation. Some users describe it as “premium,” likening it to closing a luxury car door. Others say it feels “detached” or “inauthentic.”

This divide often comes down to environment and workflow:

• Open-office workers, parents, night-shifters: Tend to appreciate the discretion.
• Power users, tactile seekers, former gamers: Often miss the snappy response.

Interestingly, blindfolded tests show most users can’t distinguish between the two mice based on actuation alone—meaning the sound plays a bigger role in perceived performance than actual mechanics.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Which Mouse Is Right for You

If you’re torn between the MX Master 3 and 3S, follow this decision path:

1. Assess your environment: Do you work in a quiet space, shared room, or late at night? If yes, prioritize the 3S.
2. Test the feedback: Visit a store or borrow a unit. Click repeatedly. Does the softer feel bother you?
3. Check your workflow: Heavy drag-and-drop, scrolling, or precision tasks benefit from both models, but the 3S’s higher DPI gives slight edge in pixel-perfect control.
4. Review connectivity needs: If you value secure, low-latency wireless, the 3S’s Logi Bolt support is superior to the older Unifying receiver.
5. Consider longevity: The 3S is newer, meaning longer software support and driver updates.

Ultimately, the quiet click isn’t a flaw—it’s a design choice aimed at a specific user profile. If you value peace and discretion, it’s a win. If you crave tactile drama, you might find it underwhelming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you turn off the quiet click on the MX Master 3S?

No. The quiet mechanism is hardware-based, embedded in the microswitches themselves. There’s no setting or firmware update to restore the louder click of the MX Master 3.

Is the MX Master 3S worth upgrading to from the MX Master 3?

If noise is a concern or you want improved tracking on glass surfaces, yes. The higher DPI, better sensor, and modern wireless tech make the 3S a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you love the tactile snap of the original, the change in click feel may not be worth it.

Do the side buttons feel different too?

No. The side buttons (forward/back) are unchanged and retain their familiar firm, clicky response. Only the left and right primary buttons use the quiet mechanism.

Final Verdict: Quiet Isn’t Always Worse—Just Different

The Logitech MX Master 3S doesn’t replace the MX Master 3 because it’s objectively better in every way. It replaces it because it adapts to evolving work environments. Offices are quieter, homes are shared, and digital presence matters more than ever. In that context, reducing unnecessary noise isn’t a gimmick—it’s thoughtful design.

But satisfaction is subjective. For some, the quiet click feels refined and intentional. For others, it lacks soul. The truth is, neither perspective is wrong. It depends on what you value: sensory feedback or environmental harmony.

If you spend hours clicking in silence, surrounded by sleeping family members or focused colleagues, the MX Master 3S delivers a genuinely improved experience. Its quieter operation, combined with enhanced tracking and modern connectivity, makes it the more complete package for today’s hybrid work reality.

Yet, if you thrive on crisp, responsive inputs—if you want to *feel* every action acknowledged—the MX Master 3 might still be your ideal. And fortunately, it remains widely available at a slight discount, making it a viable alternative for those who prioritize haptics over hush.

Tip: Try both mice back-to-back if possible. Your fingers—and ears—will tell you more than any spec sheet.

Conclusion: Choose Based on Your World, Not Just the Specs

The quiet click on the MX Master 3S isn’t weird. It’s not unsatisfying by default. It’s a deliberate evolution for a world that values subtlety. Whether it works for you depends not on objective metrics, but on your daily context and sensory preferences.

Instead of asking “Is it quieter?” ask “Do I *want* it to be quieter?” That question leads to a better decision than any comparison chart.

If you’ve made the switch—or held back—share your experience. Was the quiet click a revelation or a letdown? Your insight could help someone else choose wisely.

💬 Have you tried both mice? Did the quiet click win you over or leave you unimpressed? Join the conversation and help shape smarter buying decisions for professionals everywhere.