The Logitech MX Master 3S is arguably the best productivity mouse currently available. You can read our review for a detailed analysis of its features. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not the most portable option for on-the-go use. This is where the new MX Anywhere 3S comes into play. It aims to encapsulate the same essence as the MX Master series but in a much more compact form that easily fits in a handbag.
Priced at $140, the MX Anywhere 3S proves to be an excellent travel companion. Despite its small size, it offers a comfortable grip, impressive battery life, and the beloved infinite scroll wheel. During my testing in my work-from-home setup, I could clearly see its appeal for road warriors and students who primarily use laptops and tablets.
Charming Design and Excellent Form
The MX Anywhere 3S looks and feels noticeably smaller than the MX Master 3S. It boasts a distinctive shape that swells towards the rear for improved grip, along with textured grooves on the sides for your thumb and pinky. It’s symmetrical in design, making it suitable for left-handed users, although it’s important to note that the thumb buttons are on the left side. The Anywhere 3S is crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic, giving it a soft and premium feel. Despite its compact size, it feels substantial, with a weight of 99g, heavier than some full-sized gaming mice.
This mouse is available in three colors: Graphite, Pale Grey, and Rose, the variant I have for this review. The 3S also shares the same Quiet Click buttons as the MX Master 3S, which is ideal for quiet environments like libraries. Additionally, it features the MagSpeed scroll wheel, offering two modes: ratchet and hyper-fast. You can scroll at speeds of up to 1000 lines per second, which is perfect for quickly skipping through those TLDR privacy notices when installing games and apps. The mouse can automatically switch between scroll modes depending on your scrolling speed. Furthermore, all the buttons on the Anywhere 3S can be remapped using the Logi Options+ software.
Underneath the mouse, you’ll find four PTFE skates that allow it to glide smoothly on any surface. There’s also a pairing button and an 8K DPI sensor that works on various surfaces, including glass, although I didn’t personally test this feature. At the front of the mouse, a USB-C port is provided for charging, but with a battery life of up to 70 days, you’re unlikely to need it frequently. The 3S supports rapid charging, providing 3 hours of usage with just 1 minute of charging. This feature could be a lifesaver, especially for those who often forget to charge their devices.
Connectivity and Productivity
Beyond its attractive design, the Anywhere 3S is a formidable device. It supports Bluetooth connections to up to three devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between them by simply dragging your cursor from one device to another. This feature, known as Flow, is particularly useful for individuals who multitask across multiple devices, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets. To utilize Flow, you’ll need to install the Logi Options+ software on all your devices, but thankfully, the app is compatible with major platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS, and Android.
Bluetooth isn’t your only option; the Anywhere 3S also supports Logi Bolt USB. If you have another MX hardware like the MX Keys, you can share the same USB 2.4GHz connection for both devices. This way, you can use the 3S for activities like gaming (e.g., CoD Warzone) without worrying about the latency often associated with Bluetooth.
The Logi Options+ software is where you can unlock the full potential of your Anywhere 3S. It features a clean, minimal interface that’s incredibly user-friendly. You can customize all the buttons and set up custom profiles tailored to different applications. For instance, you can create mappings for general web browsing, and when you open Adobe Photoshop, the mouse will automatically switch to the preset for that application. While it may not offer as many options and buttons as the larger MX Master 3S, with some creativity, you can make the Anywhere 3S work to your preferences.
Verdict
The MX Anywhere 3S is an excellent mouse, especially for those who are often on the go. There’s really not much to complain about here, considering its purpose. It may not offer as many features as the larger MX Master 3S, but that’s to be expected from a travel mouse. Regardless, it excels in all the areas that matter. It’s comfortable, offers outstanding performance with versatile connectivity options, boasts an impressive battery life, and comes in an appealing pink color. What’s not to like?
Logitech Australia kindly provided the MX Anywhere 3S to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
