Logitech MX Master 4 vs. MX Master 3S: Which Is Quieter?
The Logitech MX Master 4 and MX Master 3S are two of the quietest premium productivity mice available—but the newer model is not automatically the quieter one.
Both mice use Logitech’s Quiet Click technology. Both carry the same manufacturer claim of 90% less left- and right-click noise compared with the older MX Master 3. Logitech does not publish a direct noise-level comparison between the MX Master 4 and MX Master 3S.
That makes the answer surprisingly simple:
The MX Master 4 and MX Master 3S are effectively tied for primary-button noise. If quietness is your main reason for buying, choose the less expensive MX Master 3S. Buy the MX Master 4 for its haptic feedback, Actions Ring, improved materials and USB-C receiver—not because you expect substantially quieter clicks.
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The Decision in 30 Seconds
Choose the Logitech MX Master 3S if:
- Quiet clicking is your highest priority
- You want the better value
- You prefer a slightly smaller and lighter mouse
- You do not need haptic feedback or the Actions Ring
- Your computer has convenient USB-A ports
Choose the Logitech MX Master 4 if:
- You are buying your first premium MX Master mouse
- You want Logitech’s newest productivity controls
- You prefer a USB-C wireless receiver
- You want haptic feedback for shortcuts and notifications
- You value the more durable, easier-to-clean exterior
- The higher price does not bother you
QuietTechReport recommendation: The MX Master 3S is the smarter purchase for someone shopping specifically for a quiet mouse. The MX Master 4 is the better-equipped mouse, but it does not have a proven noise advantage.
MX Master 4 vs. MX Master 3S Comparison
| Feature | Logitech MX Master 4 | Logitech MX Master 3S | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official click-noise claim | 90% less than MX Master 3 | 90% less than MX Master 3 | Tie |
| Directly proven quieter than the other? | No | No | Tie |
| Primary-button character | Soft and subdued | Soft and subdued | Tie |
| Main scroll wheel | MagSpeed electromagnetic | MagSpeed electromagnetic | Tie |
| Sensor range | 200–8,000 DPI | 200–8,000 DPI | Tie |
| Battery claim | Up to 70 days | Up to 70 days | Tie |
| Quick charging | 1 minute for up to 3 hours | 1 minute for up to 3 hours | Tie |
| Multi-device pairing | Up to three devices | Up to three devices | Tie |
| Included receiver on standard model | Logi Bolt USB-C | Logi Bolt USB-A | Depends on computer |
| Weight | 150 grams | 141 grams | MX Master 3S |
| Dimensions | 128.2 × 88.4 × 50.8 mm | 124.9 × 84.3 × 51 mm | MX Master 3S is more compact |
| Haptic feedback | Yes | No | MX Master 4 |
| Actions Ring | Yes | No | MX Master 4 |
| Exterior | Textured, stain-resistant materials | Rubberized coating | MX Master 4 for durability |
| Best reason to buy | New controls and materials | Quiet performance and value | Depends on priorities |
Which Mouse Is Actually Quieter?
There is no verified overall noise winner.
Logitech says the MX Master 4’s Quiet Click technology reduces click noise by 90%, but the comparison is against the older MX Master 3—not the MX Master 3S. Logitech makes the same 90% reduction claim for the MX Master 3S.
The company’s MX Master 3S product page specifies that its claim applies to the sound power level of the left and right buttons, measured from one meter away. The MX Master 4 business datasheet also lists a 90% reduction compared with the MX Master 3.
Because both percentages use the MX Master 3 as the reference, neither figure proves that the MX Master 4 is quieter than the 3S.
Independent impressions support the same conclusion. Tom’s Guide found that the MX Master 4 was not appreciably quieter than the 3S, while Engadget characterized the new model as retaining the same ultra-quiet clicks as its predecessor.
Small differences in tone or button feel may be noticeable in a side-by-side listening test. One mouse might sound slightly deeper, softer or less sharp to a particular listener. However, those differences are not enough to establish a dependable noise advantage across different units, desks and rooms.
Quietness verdict
For normal office use, video meetings, late-night work and shared spaces, the primary buttons are essentially a tie.
Primary Click Noise
The left and right buttons are the quietest parts of both mice. Their sound is subdued and less piercing than the conventional click produced by the original MX Master 3.
Neither mouse is completely silent. A person sitting immediately beside you may still hear repeated clicking in a very quiet room. However, the sound is unlikely to dominate a normal office, enter most microphones prominently or disturb someone across the room.
This makes either mouse suitable for:
- Shared offices
- Libraries and study areas
- Video calls
- Recording and streaming desks
- Working beside a sleeping partner
- Early-morning or late-night computer use
The quiet-click claim applies specifically to the primary buttons. It should not be interpreted as proof that every control on either mouse is equally quiet.
Scroll-Wheel Noise
Both mice use Logitech’s MagSpeed electromagnetic main wheel. It can switch between controlled ratcheted scrolling and fast free-spinning movement.
In free-spin mode, both wheels are remarkably smooth and quiet. Ratchet mode creates more audible tactile steps, although it remains refined compared with the coarse plastic wheels found on many inexpensive mice.
The horizontal thumb wheel is also relatively discreet, but it is not completely silent. Rapid spreadsheet navigation or timeline editing can produce more mechanical movement than a single left click.
The following controls may be more noticeable than the primary buttons:
- Main-wheel click
- Wheel mode-shift button
- Back and forward buttons
- Gesture or Actions Ring button
- Device-switching button underneath the mouse
If absolute minimum noise matters, use free-spin scrolling when practical and avoid repeatedly pressing the secondary controls during calls or recordings.
Can the MX Master 4’s Haptics Make It Noisier?
The MX Master 4 adds a Haptic Sense Panel in the thumb-rest area. It can provide tactile feedback for gestures, shortcuts, connectivity changes, notifications and certain app-specific actions.
Haptic feedback does not replace the primary switches and does not make the left or right buttons quieter. It is an additional feature.
The feedback is designed to be felt through the hand rather than heard across a room. Nevertheless, vibration can sometimes transfer into a lightweight or hollow desk. Logitech allows the feedback intensity to be adjusted, and it can be disabled through Logi Options+.
For the quietest possible setup:
- Open Logi Options+.
- Select the MX Master 4.
- Reduce the haptic intensity to its lowest setting.
- Disable feedback for actions where it is unnecessary.
- Place the mouse on a dense fabric or rubber mouse mat.
The MX Master 3S has no haptic motor, so it is the simpler option for anyone who wants to eliminate that potential vibration source entirely.
Logitech MX Master 4: Better Features, Not Proven Quieter
The MX Master 4 is Logitech’s more advanced productivity mouse. Its biggest additions are the customizable haptic panel and Actions Ring, which brings shortcuts and tools directly to the cursor.
These features can be useful for editing, design, spreadsheets, browser navigation and repetitive office workflows. The Actions Ring can also provide a more convenient way to move among connected computers without reaching for the device button underneath the mouse.
Its exterior uses more exposed textured plastic and less of the soft rubberized coating found on the 3S. That should make the mouse easier to clean and less susceptible to the shiny or tacky wear that can develop on soft-touch surfaces over time.
The tradeoff is size and weight. At approximately 150 grams, the MX Master 4 is nine grams heavier than the 3S. It is also slightly longer and wider. That substantial shape works best for medium to large right hands and relaxed productivity movements.
What the MX Master 4 does well
- Quiet primary buttons
- Smooth MagSpeed scrolling
- Customizable haptic feedback
- Useful Actions Ring shortcuts
- USB-C Logi Bolt receiver on the standard model
- Stronger manufacturer-rated wireless connectivity
- More durable and stain-resistant exterior
- Excellent app-specific customization
- Up to three paired devices
- Up to 70 days of claimed battery life
What could be better
- No verified click-noise reduction over the MX Master 3S
- Heavier and wider than the previous model
- More expensive
- Haptic feedback is unnecessary for some users
- Still designed only for right-handed use
- Secondary buttons are not as quiet as the primary buttons
- Not ideal for competitive gaming because of its weight and 125 Hz polling rate
QuietTechReport verdict
The MX Master 4 is the better choice for a first-time buyer who wants Logitech’s most capable productivity mouse. Its new controls and improved materials are meaningful upgrades, but quietness alone does not justify paying more than you would for the MX Master 3S.
Logitech MX Master 3S: The Better Quiet-Mouse Value
The MX Master 3S remains an outstanding productivity mouse despite the arrival of its successor.
Its main buttons use the same basic Quiet Click positioning as the MX Master 4, with an official claim of 90% less click noise than the MX Master 3. Its MagSpeed wheel, 8,000-DPI sensor, multi-device support and battery rating also remain highly competitive.
At 141 grams, the 3S is lighter than the MX Master 4. It is still a heavy productivity mouse, but its slightly smaller dimensions may be more comfortable for users who find the new model too broad.
The biggest concern is the rubberized exterior. It can feel warmer and softer in the hand, but long-term wear may become more visible than on the MX Master 4’s revised surface.
The MX Master 3S standard edition typically includes a USB-A Logi Bolt receiver. That may be more convenient for desktop computers but less convenient for newer laptops equipped primarily with USB-C ports.
What the MX Master 3S does well
- Primary clicks are effectively as quiet as the newer model
- Excellent MagSpeed scrolling
- Slightly smaller and lighter design
- Strong spreadsheet and creative-work controls
- 200–8,000 DPI tracking
- Connects with up to three devices
- Up to 70 days of claimed battery life
- Usually offers better value than the MX Master 4
- Mature Logi Options+ customization
What could be better
- No haptic feedback
- No Actions Ring
- Standard receiver uses USB-A
- Rubberized coating may show wear over time
- Device-switching button remains underneath the mouse
- Still large for small hands
- Right-handed design only
- Secondary controls remain audible
QuietTechReport verdict
The MX Master 3S is the comparison winner for readers whose priority is quiet operation. It provides essentially the same primary-click quietness, scrolling performance, sensor range and battery rating for less money.
Should MX Master 3S Owners Upgrade?
Most MX Master 3S owners should keep their current mouse.
Upgrading will not provide a proven reduction in primary-button noise. The sensor range and manufacturer-rated battery life are also unchanged.
Consider upgrading only if at least one of these improvements matters to you:
- You want the Actions Ring
- You can use app-specific haptic feedback
- You prefer a USB-C receiver
- Your 3S coating is worn or difficult to clean
- You need the revised button layout
- You regularly work in a congested wireless environment
- Your existing mouse is developing switch, wheel or battery problems
If your MX Master 3S is comfortable and functioning properly, replacing it solely for quieter clicks would be difficult to justify.
Which Is Better for Shared Offices and Meetings?
For shared workspaces, both mice are excellent.
The soft primary clicks are much less distracting than conventional mouse switches, while the MagSpeed wheel avoids the coarse mechanical sound of many inexpensive scroll wheels.
The MX Master 3S receives the recommendation for this use because it delivers the required quietness without making you pay for unrelated upgrades. The MX Master 4 becomes worthwhile if the Actions Ring and improved connectivity can also make your work faster.
For additional productivity-focused options, see our guide to the best quiet mice for office work.
Which Is Better for Mac?
Both mice work with macOS and can be customized using Logi Options+. Each supports app-specific button assignments, horizontal scrolling and multi-device workflows.
The best choice depends more on size, price and controls than operating-system compatibility:
- Choose the MX Master 3S for quiet clicking and value.
- Choose the MX Master 4 for the Actions Ring, haptic feedback and newer design.
Check the exact edition before ordering. The standard and Mac-specific packages may include different cables, colors or receivers. For more options, see our comparison of the best silent mice for MacBook and Mac.
Which Is Better for Gaming?
Neither mouse is designed for competitive gaming.
Both are heavy productivity mice with a maximum 125 Hz polling rate. That is adequate for office work, creative applications, browsing and casual games, but far below the polling rates available from modern gaming mice.
The MX Master 4’s haptic system should not be confused with gaming-oriented haptic triggers. Its feedback focuses on productivity controls and software interactions.
If gaming performance matters as much as quietness, use our guide to the best silent gaming mice instead.
How to Make Either Mouse Even Quieter
The desk beneath a mouse can affect how loud it seems. A thin or hollow desktop may amplify impacts and scrolling vibration.
Try these simple adjustments:
- Use a dense cloth or rubber mouse mat
- Keep the mouse away from hollow desk edges
- Use MagSpeed free-spin mode for long documents
- Avoid striking the buttons with excessive force
- Clean around the scroll wheels without opening the mouse
- Move your microphone farther from the mouse
- Use a directional microphone aimed away from the desk
- Reduce or disable MX Master 4 haptic feedback
- Keep the mouse feet and desk surface free of grit
If a mouse becomes noticeably louder, develops a squeak or starts rattling, follow the safe checks in Why Is My Mouse So Loud? Causes and Safe Fixes before considering disassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MX Master 4 quieter than the MX Master 3S?
Not by a verified or meaningful amount. Logitech rates both mice at 90% less primary-click noise than the MX Master 3, and independent reviewers have not found a substantial advantage for the newer model.
Are the MX Master 4 and MX Master 3S completely silent?
No. Their primary buttons are very quiet, but still produce a soft mechanical sound. Secondary buttons, wheel clicks and ratcheted scrolling are more audible.
Does the MX Master 4 have different quiet switches?
Logitech markets both models using its Quiet Click technology. The company does not publish switch-component details or a direct sound measurement proving that the MX Master 4’s switches are quieter than those in the 3S.
Which mouse has the quieter scroll wheel?
There is no clear winner. Both use Logitech’s MagSpeed electromagnetic wheel. Free-spin mode is extremely quiet, while ratchet mode produces more noticeable tactile steps.
Can other people hear these mice during a video call?
Usually not through a properly positioned microphone. Desk vibration, microphone sensitivity and placement can still affect how much mouse noise is captured.
Is the MX Master 4 worth paying more for?
It can be worth paying more for the Actions Ring, haptic feedback, revised materials and USB-C receiver. It is not worth paying more solely to obtain quieter primary clicks.
Which mouse is better for small hands?
Neither is particularly compact, but the MX Master 3S is slightly smaller, narrower and lighter. It is likely to be the more manageable of the two for smaller hands.
Which mouse has better battery life?
Logitech rates both models for up to 70 days per full charge, with up to three hours of use from a one-minute quick charge. Actual battery life depends on usage and, with the MX Master 4, haptic settings.
Can either mouse be used while charging?
Yes, but the cable charges the battery rather than turning the mouse into a wired USB mouse. A Bluetooth or Logi Bolt wireless connection is still required.
Final Verdict: MX Master 4 or MX Master 3S?
Neither mouse has a verified quietness advantage. Both provide exceptionally subdued primary clicks and a quiet MagSpeed scrolling experience.
For someone choosing primarily on noise, the Logitech MX Master 3S is the winner. It achieves essentially the same quiet performance while costing less and weighing slightly less.
The MX Master 4 is the better overall productivity mouse for a new buyer who wants haptic feedback, the Actions Ring, stronger connectivity and a more durable exterior. Those are legitimate upgrades—but they are feature upgrades, not proven noise upgrades.
Our final recommendation
- Best for quietness and value: Logitech MX Master 3S
- Best for features and long-term ownership: Logitech MX Master 4
- Best upgrade for an existing 3S owner: Keep the MX Master 3S unless you specifically need the new controls
See Also:
Logitech Lift vs. MX Vertical: Which Is Quieter?