[6-Year Usage Review] Introducing the Appearance and Usability of Logicool's Trackball Mouse MX ERGO
![[6-Year Usage Review] Introducing the Appearance and Usability of Logicool's Trackball Mouse MX ERGO](img/ogp.jpg)
I purchased Logicool's MX series trackball mouse "MX ERGO" in 2020.
Since then, I've used it diligently for 8 hours every day, and now I can't imagine working without its feel and functionality.
This is my second unit, and I plan to buy the same one again if it breaks.
Why do I feel this way?
I'll introduce the appearance, usability, and device pairing of the MX ERGO.
My Mouse History
- Elecom's cheap one (approx. 2 years)
- Elecom's cheap one (approx. 2 years)
- Logicool MX Master (approx. 4 years)
- Logicool M575S (approx. 2 months) (trackball)
- MX ERGO (3 years) (trackball)
- MX ERGO 2nd unit (3 years) (trackball)
I've also written a long-term usage review for the "MX KEYS" from the same MX series.
Please take a look if you're interested.
![[6-Year Usage Review] Introducing the Appearance and Usability of Logicool's MX KEYS](/mx_keys/img/thumb.jpg)
Table of Contents
Product Introduction
The mouse I own and am introducing in this article is the old model, "MX ERGO," but
The model currently on sale is the new "MX ERGO S".
Logicool Silent Wireless Trackball Mouse MXTB2 MX ERGO S Bluetooth Logibolt Wireless windows mac iPad OS Chrome Android Trackball Mouse Graphite Domestic Genuine Product
If this was helpful, purchasing through these buttons would be greatly appreciated!
The appearance is almost identical, and while there are slight differences in features, it feels like a natural evolution.
| Feature | MX ERGO (Old) | MX ERGO S (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Standard | Unifying / Bluetooth | Logi Bolt / Bluetooth |
| Receiver | Unifying Receiver included | Logi Bolt Receiver included |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Other | Silent Click |
It's great that the charging port is now USB-C. (I want to upgrade soon)
If you're buying now, please note that you'll be getting the new "MX ERGO S" model.
Two Warranty Periods
Also, there are two sales types with warranty periods of 1 year and 2 years, and the one with a 2-year warranty is here (excluding Mercari)
Logicool Silent Wireless Trackball Mouse MXTB2 MX ERGO S Bluetooth Logibolt Wireless windows mac iPad OS Chrome Android Trackball Mouse Graphite Domestic Genuine Product
As of the time of writing, there's a phenomenon on Amazon where the 2-year warranty version is cheaper.
The one with a 1-year warranty is here. (excluding Mercari)
[Amazon.co.jp Exclusive] Logicool Silent Wireless Trackball Mouse MXTB2d MX ERGO S Bluetooth Logibolt Wireless windows mac iPad OS Chrome Android Trackball Mouse Graphite Domestic Genuine Product *Amazon.co.jp Exclusive with Wallpaper Download
If this was helpful, purchasing through these buttons would be greatly appreciated!
For about an extra 1000 yen, you get an additional year of warranty, so personally, I recommend the 2-year warranty.
As I'll mention later, the MX ERGO I'm currently using is my second unit; the first one developed issues after about 3 years.
Appearance and Usability
First, let's look at its appearance.
In addition to the left and right clicks, there are 3 buttons (above/below the index finger, and at the thumb position).
As I'll explain later, you can register gestures and more using the Logi Options+ software, allowing you to assign more than 3 functions.
(Click to enlarge)
The material is primarily plastic, but unlike cheap alternatives, it has a substantial weight and a premium feel.
The palm rest has a rubber-like texture, making it non-slip.
The charging port is located at the top.
The photo shows the old model with Micro-USB, but the new MX ERGO S has USB-C. (I want to upgrade soon)
The angle can be adjusted in two stages.
The image above shows the steeper angle, which is how I usually use it.
You can also set it to a flatter angle.
I find it uncomfortable as my pinky finger tends to float.
The bottom of the mouse has a metal plate, allowing you to adjust the angle with a satisfying magnetic click.
This is what the ball side looks like.
I previously used a Logicool M575S (5000 yen at the time) for about 2 months to practice with a trackball.
Cheap trackballs felt light, both the mouse body and the ball, and somewhat rough or difficult to use.
However, the MX ERGO feels substantial overall, making precise pointer operations much easier.
This is what the bottom and the metal plate look like.
The metal plate is attached only by magnets.
There's also a power switch on the bottom.
The battery is built-in.
My current second unit has been in use for 3 years. I don't usually turn off the power switch, but the charge seems to last for about 2-3 months.
To remove the ball, insert a thin rod into the hole on the back.
You can clean the ball and the inside, making maintenance easy.
Logicool Silent Wireless Trackball Mouse MXTB2 MX ERGO S Bluetooth Logibolt Wireless windows mac iPad OS Chrome Android Trackball Mouse Graphite Domestic Genuine Product
If this was helpful, purchasing through these buttons would be greatly appreciated!
The Story of It Breaking in 3 Years
I bought my first MX ERGO in 2020, and in 2023, chattering occurred (a phenomenon where holding down the left click repeatedly switches between ON and OFF), so I bought the same one again.
(This was quite critical as drag-and-drop operations would be interrupted.)
My current second unit has also been in use for nearly 3 years, and so far, there have been no issues.
There might be some variation in quality, but considering the price, I'd rate its durability as 4 stars.
As mentioned earlier, there are two types of warranty periods, 1 year and 2 years, so personally, I recommend the 2-year option.
Pairing and Dedicated Software "Logi Options+"
The MX ERGO can be paired with two devices.
There are two pairing methods: Unifying (Logi Bolt for the current MX ERGO S, which is a dongle) and Bluetooth.
Pressing the "1・2 button" in the middle switches between devices, instantly connecting to the device paired with that number.
Pressing and holding when 1 or 2 is selected enters pairing mode, allowing it to be detected by Logi Options+ or Bluetooth and assigned to that number.
I use my personal and work PCs at the same desk, so this feature is very useful.
This is the included Unifying receiver (dongle). (For the current MX ERGO S, it will be a Logi Bolt receiver)
With Logi Options+, you can pair the MX ERGO and MX KEYS (keyboard) with a single dongle, which means you only need one USB port. You can also set up one dongle for your personal PC and another for your work PC, making management very easy. (More details below)
This is a major selling point.
Logi Options+
If you've bought a Logicool MX series product, you should also install Logi Options+.
Once installed, currently connected devices will be displayed.
Click on MX ERGO to view details.
Click "Buttons" in the menu to configure the functions assigned to each button.
Precision Mode
One of the standout features of the MX ERGO is "Precision Mode."
I've assigned it to the button above my index finger (red frame), but by default, it's at the thumb position (pink).
When Precision Mode is enabled, the pointer speed becomes about 1/15th (by feel).
This is extremely convenient for tasks requiring precise pointer control, such as when working with design data, as you can switch modes instantly.
When Precision Mode is enabled, the light near the thumb illuminates.
While something similar to Precision Mode might be achievable with free software, having it as an officially provided feature offers greater peace of mind.
Gestures
Next, another key feature of the MX ERGO is "Gestures."
I've assigned it to the button "below the index finger," but
While holding this button, if I move the pointer:
To the right, it's assigned to "Ctrl+Tab" (tab navigation)
To the left, it's assigned to "Ctrl+Shift+Tab" (move tab left)
Upwards, it's assigned to "Alt+→" (forward)
Downwards, it's assigned to "Alt+←" (back)
You can freely input the keyboard shortcuts you want to assign.
This means that these four convenient functions for browser operations can be performed with a single button.
These "Gestures" can be configured differently for each application,
allowing you to set them as "this for Global (general), this for Word, this for Figma," and so on.
Additionally, I've assigned the "Ctrl" key to the thumb button.
In a browser, holding this button while clicking a link opens it in a new tab, which I've set up for convenient browser use.
Keyboard shortcuts can be registered not only as key combinations but also as single keys.
Click "Point & Scroll" in the menu to adjust pointer speed and scroll settings.
In the scroll settings, there's a "Smooth Scroll" switch.
On a typical Windows system, scrolling is a step-by-step action. However, when Smooth Scroll is enabled, it feels like a "roll-roll-roll~" motion, with the final scroll amount extending slightly due to inertia.
It's similar to the experience on Mac or smartphones.
While it's a matter of preference, a minor issue is that if you click a dropdown immediately after scrolling in a Windows browser, it might scroll a bit further due to inertia, causing the dropdown to close.
Because of this drawback, I keep it off.
Next, let's look at how to pair dongles and other devices.
Click "Add device" in the top right corner of the Logi Options+ home screen.
Under "Select connection type," "Logi Unifying Receiver" and "Bluetooth" are displayed.
The "Logi Unifying Receiver" displayed here is the dongle currently connected to the PC.
For example, let's say you have an "MX ERGO" and an "MX KEYS (keyboard)," and they each came with "Dongle A" and "Dongle B."
Pair MX ERGO's #1 and MX KEYS's #1 with Dongle A.
Then, let's say you want to pair MX ERGO's #2 and MX KEYS's #2 with Dongle B.
First, connect Dongle A to your PC and pair MX ERGO's #1 and MX KEYS's #1 with Logi Options+.
Next, connect Dongle B to your PC and pair MX ERGO's #2 and MX KEYS's #2 with Logi Options+. This way, you can pair multiple Logicool devices with a single dongle.
Please note that some models only support Unifying receivers, while others only support Logi Bolt.
That concludes my 6-year long-term usage review of Logicool's MX ERGO!
Since it's wireless, your desk stays tidy, you can pair it with multiple devices, and Precision Mode allows for delicate tasks, making it ideal for creators and programmers, don't you think?
While it comes with a hefty price tag, it's a highly satisfying product.
Logicool Silent Wireless Trackball Mouse MXTB2 MX ERGO S Bluetooth Logibolt Wireless windows mac iPad OS Chrome Android Trackball Mouse Graphite Domestic Genuine Product
If this was helpful, purchasing through these buttons would be greatly appreciated!
I've also written a long-term usage review for the "MX KEYS" from the same MX series.
Please take a look if you're interested.
If this was helpful, we'd appreciate your support!
All support received will go toward my child's upbringing.
Author's Baby Registry (Amazon)
Send Support via OFUSE
Alternatively, support by purchasing something through the buttons below.
(You don't have to buy the linked product.)
Support me via Amazon
Support me via Rakuten
Support me via Yahoo! Shopping
PR