Logitech’s MX Master 4 provides haptic suggestions, largely only for enjoyable

If you noticed the leaks, you most likely already know that haptics are the large, new factor in Logitech’s $119.99 MX Master 4 wi-fi mouse, coming in October, and now obtainable to preorder at Amazon and Best Buy. No, it’s not including rumble results to YouTube movies or to your favourite web sites (on second thought, I’d prefer to strive that). And, it’s totally different from Logitech’s haptics-based click on system in its Pro X2 Superstrike gaming mouse coming in 2026.

The Haptic Sense Panel embedded in its grippy thumb relaxation vibrates when pressed, opening Logitech’s Action Ring overlay. That overlay could be crammed with no matter app- and system-level shortcuts you need. You may even nest a number of Action Rings inside one, in order for you, letting you drill right down to extraordinarily particular instructions. The haptics is a {hardware} function that, unsurprisingly, requires you to interact fairly closely with the corporate’s software program, Logi Options Plus.

The haptics punctuate each engagement you make with Logitech’s options, from gestures and Action Rings to its Smart Actions (pre-made or customized macros to automate sure duties). My favourite use case for the haptics was one which’s switched off by default; you possibly can allow a setting that gives a small jolt of haptic suggestions whenever you transfer between screens, lowering the quantity of “where on earth is my cursor?” moments every day.

Before digging into the app integration, it’s price sharing what’s new concerning the MX Master 4 itself. It has frosted, semi-transparent foremost buttons that add in a touch of class. Some individuals may be pleased to listen to that this mannequin features a USB-C Bolt transmitter, which the opposite suitable Logitech merchandise (together with the brand new Signature Slim Solar Plus keyboard) can connect with as properly.

In phrases of battery life, Logitech claims it could last as long as 70 days on a full cost (though, setting haptics to “high” depth within the app will yield a shorter lifespan per cost).

Lastly, its gesture button has moved from the thumb grip, the place it was within the MX Master 3S from 2022, to a devoted button subsequent to the opposite two thumb buttons, just under the horizontal scroll wheel. When held, you then transfer the mouse in a cardinal route to execute a desired motion.

Back to the app, Logitech payments the Action Ring as a time-saving function, a substitute for keyboard shortcuts and shifting your cursor throughout the display to click on one thing. You don’t should be an influence consumer to get rather a lot out of this performance. For occasion, I programmed an Action Ring with a button that auto-launches The Verge, and one which opens WordPress, the place we produce articles. There are plugins inside Logitech’s app for a lot of third-party apps. Affinity Photo has a model of the Action Ring that seems after I press the Haptic Sense Panel whereas utilizing the app. It exhibits some instructions that I’m prone to make the most of, like displaying line guides to correctly align objects, or less complicated stuff like copying and pasting property.

To be clear, Action Rings aren’t new. The haptic sensations derived from navigating them, however, are. Clicking the haptics button makes it jolt, as does shifting the cursor between the Action Ring’s bubbles. It’s a small, however pleasant contact that I admire — that’s, after I use Action Rings, which I nonetheless haven’t skilled my mind to depend on after I’m in a move state at work. I’m sorry to my employer, Vox Media, for the entire time I wasted at work after I might have used Action Rings to boost my productiveness!

With haptics being the primary new {hardware} function within the MX Master 4, I don’t essentially assume it’s price upgrading to in case you have the MX Master 3S, because it’s related in some ways. But it’s definitely price getting as a substitute of the 3S when you’re searching for a mouse, for the reason that 4 is launching on the similar $119.99 value that its predecessor sells for. And, as for individuals who haven’t used an MX Master-series mouse earlier than, it’s arduous to overstate the worth of an ergonomically-friendly mouse with a stellar scroll wheel, quiet clicks, and strong battery life. Haptics are only a good add-on.