Logitech MX Master 4 Adds Haptic Feedback for Enhanced Experience
▼ Summary
– The Logitech MX Master 4 wireless mouse, launching in October for $119.99, introduces a new haptic feature via a Haptic Sense Panel on the thumb rest.
– The haptics enable the Action Ring overlay, which allows users to set app- and system-level shortcuts and requires integration with Logi Options Plus software.
– New hardware features include frosted semi-transparent buttons, a USB-C Bolt transmitter, and a claimed battery life of up to 70 days, though haptics intensity affects this.
– The mouse’s gesture button has been relocated from the thumb grip to a dedicated button next to other thumb buttons for easier access to custom actions.
– While haptics are a key addition, the MX Master 4 may not warrant an upgrade from the 3S for current users but is a better choice for new buyers at the same price.
The Logitech MX Master 4 introduces a significant innovation with its new haptic feedback system, setting it apart in the premium productivity mouse market. Priced at $119.99 and scheduled for an October release, this wireless mouse incorporates a Haptic Sense Panel on the thumb rest. When pressed, this panel vibrates and activates the customizable Action Ring overlay, allowing users to access a variety of app and system shortcuts directly from the mouse. Unlike the haptics in Logitech’s upcoming gaming mouse, this feature is designed specifically for productivity enhancements.
Embedded within the grippy thumb area, the Haptic Sense Panel provides tactile feedback each time you interact with Logitech’s software-driven functions. These include gestures, Action Rings, and Smart Actions, which are pre-made or custom macros for automating repetitive tasks. One particularly useful haptic feature, disabled by default, delivers a subtle vibration when the cursor moves between monitors, helping users quickly locate their pointer on screen. To fully utilize these capabilities, you’ll need to engage extensively with Logi Options Plus, Logitech’s configuration software.
Beyond haptics, the MX Master 4 sports several design refinements. Its main buttons now have a frosted, semi-transparent finish that adds a touch of elegance. The mouse includes a USB-C Bolt transmitter, compatible with other Logitech devices like the new Signature Slim Solar Plus keyboard. Logitech promises up to 70 days of battery life on a full charge, though setting haptic intensity to high will reduce this duration. Another notable change is the relocation of the gesture button from the thumb grip to a dedicated spot near the other thumb buttons, just below the horizontal scroll wheel. Holding this button and moving the mouse in a cardinal direction executes your chosen action.
The Action Ring itself is promoted as a tool for saving time, offering an alternative to keyboard shortcuts or navigating across the screen with the cursor. You don’t need to be an expert to benefit from this functionality. For example, you can program an Action Ring to open specific applications or websites instantly. Logitech’s app includes plugins for many third-party programs; in Affinity Photo, pressing the Haptic Sense Panel brings up a context-aware ring with relevant commands like displaying alignment guides or copying assets.
While Action Rings aren’t a new concept, the haptic feedback that accompanies their use is a fresh addition. Each interaction, whether pressing the haptics button or moving between options in the ring, produces a satisfying jolt. This tactile response is a small but appreciated detail, though integrating Action Rings into daily workflow may require some habit formation. For those already using the MX Master 3S, upgrading may not be essential given the similarities between the two models. However, if you’re in the market for a new mouse, the MX Master 4 offers the latest features at the same price as its predecessor. Newcomers to the series will find tremendous value in its ergonomic design, excellent scroll wheel, quiet clicks, and long battery life, with haptics serving as a welcome bonus.
(Source: The Verge)
