I needed to find a mouse for recording music, because after a long session, my hand was starting to cramp up. I also wanted a mouse that would speed up my workflow.
After tons of research, I concluded that Logitech's MX 3 Master is the best choice for musicians. I've been using it for about year and a half now, so I've put together this review of the MX 3 Master and why it's the best mouse for recording music, including some tips for setting up your hot keys.
This review has been updated as of October 2020 and March 2022.
Note, some of the links below my be affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission at no cost to you if you purchase through my link.
Best Mouse for Musicians 2022 - Logitech MX 3 Master Review
Time marches on, technology improves, and there is a new king of the mouse world! Logitech's MX 3 Master is my new go to choice for home recording.
Note: there appear to be different versions for the Mac and PC. I'm using the Mac version with at 2020 iMac and it works great, but just be sure to order the correct version.
This review will focus on three aspects of Logitech's amazing new mouse, which is the perfect choice for any DAW.
First we'll look at features, then comfort, and finally software.
The MX3 Master excels in all of these areas, and offering an ergonomic experience with a highly flexible set of controls that are easy to map. I really can recommend it enough for musicians.
The Features that Make the MX 3 the Best Mouse for Home Recording
But before we go further, I do want to highlight this mouse's killer feature: an additional horizontal scroll wheel, which lets you easily scroll left to right in your DAW's transport.
To begin with, the MX 3 is an incredible mouse for basic purposes. It rolls smoothly, and it tracks well on lots of surfaces. It's available in either bluetooth or wireless USB dongle, so you can have your choice.
I like the bluetooth version, because that way I don't have to use up a USB input on my computer (I've got too much gear plugged in!)
As noted above, the MX 3's killer feature, and the reason I think it's now the best mouse for recording, is the inclusion of two scroll wheels. There is the traditional vertical scroll wheel between the two mouse button, plus a horizontal scroll wheel controlled by the thumb.
I never knew how much I was missing a horizontal scroll wheel until I got this mouse. It makes editing in the DAW speedy and convenient as you can zoom through the sequencer. It also makes scrolling through a DAW's mixer view way faster if you have a lot of tracks. You can also use it to zoom in and out horizontally in most DAWs.
In addition to the two scroll wheels, there are seven programable buttons on the mouse, all conveniently place to avoid strain or misclicks. There are four on the top of the MX 3 (the vertical scroll wheel can be depressed). There are two buttons under the horizontal scroll, and the pad where your thumb rests can also be depressed.
I like to use the buttons on the side of the mouse to jump between my DAW's various views, while I have customized the ones on the top for common editing tools.
Overall I find the layout of the buttons very comfortable and easy to use, with the exception of the bonus fourth button on the top. My previous mouse had more buttons, but they were so bunched up that I would often misclick.
Why the MX 3's Comfort and Ergonomics Make it a Great Mouse for Music Producers
When you're producing music you need to make hundreds or thousands of precise little edits and moves. Having an uncomfortable, unergonomic mouse is killer. Not only can you do long term damage to your body with a bad mouse, you also can get fatigued from it.
The MX 3 is the most comfortable, ergonomic mouse I've ever used. It is effortless it move around, and the hand rests in a wonderful, relaxed position. The rubber coating on the mouse also feels really nice.
And the ease of getting to the buttons is also much appreciated.
The Logitech MX 3's Software
The Logitech MX 3 Master includes a great piece of software called Logi Options which allows you to quickly and easily assign specific hotkeys to any buttons. The software is simple to use, taking the pain out of programming your mouse.
Plus it lets you easily create specific hot key maps on your mouse for any piece of software on your computer, from Word to Final Cut Pro.
Concluding thoughts on Review of the Logitech MX 3 Master
In my 30+ years of using a computer (with a mouse - I'm old enough to remember doing everything through DOS without the benefit of a crappy little mouse), I don't think I've ever used a more comfortable or powerful mouse. Nor one that is so usable.
The Logitech MX 3 Master has greatly sped up my music production work flow, while keeping my hand fresh and relaxed enough to jump into a guitar take without any fatigue.
I really have never been this excited to review a mouse. It's a little weird.
The MX 3 Master has great battery life and a stable wireless connection. I use the mouse every day for at least five or six hours, but I find that I only need to charge it every 4 months or so.
But there are a few shortcomings. I find that sometimes the scroll wheels are a bit jumpy/sensitive if you give them a really long swipe.
Additionally, while this mouse is incredibly comfortable and ergonomic, it will only fit on the right hand. If you use your mouse with your left hand, you'll need to look elsewhere. That said, I am left handed, but use a mouse with my right hand, and find it to work wonderfully.
Video Review of the Logitech MX 3 Master Mouse
For those who'd like to see the mouse and software in action, here's a video review of the MX 3 Master.
Other Good Mouse Choices for Home Recording
After I lot of research, I settled on the Logitech G602 as the best mouse for recording music.
The Best Mouse Hotkeys for Recording
The Logitech G602 makes using Reason so much faster. It’s got 11 buttons that are super easy to program, a comfortable ergonomic grip, and a hassle free wireless design. With Reason, this works great because I’ve mapped 3 of the buttons to each of the major screens (mixer, rack, and sequencer). I’ve mapped three more buttons to the razor tool, the selection tools, and the mute tool in the sequencer. Another button quickly flips around the rack.And two more buttons… well I’m still trying to figure out the best use for them. Maybe zoom? How would you use them?It’s amazing how much the new mouse speeds up my workflow, I can still quickly navigate when one hand is on my (instrument) keyboard or guitar, or taking notes.
Video Review of the Best Mouse for Recording in Reason
For more great reviews of guitars and accessories, check out this expert roundup.
From a Frustrated Producer in a Ragtag Bedroom Studio to Major Placements on TV Earning $1,000s!
My name is Evan, and I've been making music since around 3rd grade. I'm from San Diego, California, but I've lived in Washington, DC for the last 20 years.
While I still have a full-time day job, I have created systems that have allowed me to produce dozens of songs a year in my spare time.
My songs have been on Netflix, TV shows like the 90 Day Fiance, an award-winning indie film, and NPR’s “All Thing Considered.” They've also been streamed millions of times.
In addition to being a music producer, I am passionate about teaching people how they can make professional-sounding music and earn money licensing it, all in their spare time.
Thousands of musicians, like yourself, have trusted me to guide their musical journey. My YouTube videos have been watched nearly a million times. And my story has been in Forbes, Side Hustle Nation, and the Side Hustle School.
