Logitech doesn’t fail in offering versatile gaming mouse products for purchase. If it’s your first time venturing into a PC setup and investing in parts, it’s best to get the most suitable products, particularly mouse products that will suit your budget.
Nobody wants to spend a significant amount of money to find out that some items don’t complement personal use. A computer mouse is one of these things. There are many product lines and series that may serve as excellent choices for you. However, it is understandable that you want to get the most value out of your buck.
In this guide, let’s talk about the Logitech G502 and the Logitech MX Master 3. Both mouse models may vary in some aspects. Still, they certainly don’t miss in making a statement of Logitech’s core competency, which is this: “… bring people together through music, gaming, video, and computing.”
Let this comparison and review guide help you discern between the two models.
Main Differences
- The Logitech G502 is a gaming mouse while the Logitech MX Master 3 is more for working on the PC.
- The Logitech G502 has a higher maximum DPI and more programmable buttons.
- The G502 uses an LED sensor. The MX Master 3 uses a laser sensor. Therefore, the latter can also be used on glass surfaces.
- The Logitech MX Master 3 has a thumbwheel, which the G502 does not have.
- The Logitech G502 has an RGB light, the MX Master 3 does not.
- You can adjust the weight of the G502 using additional weights. This is not possible with the MX Master 3.
Comparison – Logitech G502 vs MX Master 3
Logitech G502 Lightspeed | Logitech MX Master 3 | |
 |  | |
DPI | 100 DPI to 25,600 DPI | 200 DPI to 4,000 DPI |
DPI Adjustment Steps | 50 DPI | 50 DPI |
Sensor | HERO (Optical - LED) | Darkfield (Laser) |
Number of Buttons | 12 | 8 |
Number of Side Buttons | 3 | 3 |
Programmable Buttons | ||
Scroll Wheel | notched + free wheel | notched + free wheel |
Scroll Wheel Steps | 24 | 24 |
Scroll Wheel Tilt | ||
Thumb Wheel | free wheel | |
RGB | no lighting | |
Connection | Receiver, USB port | Bluetooth, Receiver, USB |
Cable Length | 1.9 m / 6.2 ft. | 1,3 m / 4.3 ft. |
Changeable Cable | Micro USB | USB-C |
Windows | Windows 7 or later | Windows 10 or later |
macOS | macOS 10.11 or later | macOS 10.15 or later |
Chrome OS | ||
Optional extra weights | 5 x 3.6 g | |
Weight | 113 g to 132 g | 141 g |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Hand Size Recommendation | ||
Small Hand | ||
Medium Hand | ||
Large Hand | ||
Extra Large Hand | ||
Compatible Software | Logitech G Hub | Logitech Options |
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
DPI Adjustment | ||
RGB Settings | ||
Profile Conifguration | ||
On-Board Memory |
Logitech G502 Lightspeed | Logitech MX Master 3 |
| | |
DPI 100 DPI to 25,600 DPI | DPI 200 DPI to 4,000 DPI |
DPI Adjustment Steps 50 DPI | DPI Adjustment Steps 50 DPI |
Sensor HERO (Optical - LED) | Sensor Darkfield (Laser) |
Number of Buttons 12 | Number of Buttons 8 |
Number of Side Buttons 3 | Number of Side Buttons 3 |
Programmable Buttons | Programmable Buttons |
Scroll Wheel notched + free wheel | Scroll Wheel notched + free wheel |
Scroll Wheel Steps 24 | Scroll Wheel Steps 24 |
Scroll Wheel Tilt | Scroll Wheel Tilt |
Thumb Wheel | Thumb Wheel free wheel |
RGB | RGB no lighting |
Connection Receiver, USB port | Connection Bluetooth, Receiver, USB |
Cable Length 1.9 m / 6.2 ft. | Cable Length 1,3 m / 4.3 ft. |
Changeable Cable Micro USB | Changeable Cable USB-C |
Windows Windows 7 or later | Windows Windows 10 or later |
macOS macOS 10.11 or later | macOS macOS 10.15 or later |
Chrome OS | Chrome OS |
Optional extra weights 5 x 3.6 g | Optional extra weights |
Weight 113 g to 132 g | Weight 141 g |
Warranty 2 years | Warranty 2 years |
Recommented Hand Size | Recommented Hand Size |
Small Hand | Small Hand |
Medium Hand | Medium Hand |
Large Hand | Large Hand |
Extra Large Hand | Extra Large Hand |
Compatible Software Logitech G Hub | Compatible Software Logitech Options |
Windows | Windows |
macOS | macOS |
DPI Adjustment | DPI Adjustment |
RGB Settings | RGB Settings |
Profile Conifguration | Profile Conifguration |
On-Board Memory | On-Board Memory |
Connection and Installation
One of the most obvious choices to choose a mouse is the connection of the model to the PC. The G502 Lightspeed connects using a cable wire to the receiver socket. On the other hand, the MX Master 3 connects via Bluetooth capability. Nevertheless, you still have the option to use receivers for both models for a wireless function.
The Bluetooth option is one of the significant differences between the two. Both models have wires in the package, and however, the MX Master 3 only has a cable wire that caters to charging the device.
The cables come in more than 1 meter in length. The G502 Lightspeed has a 1.9-meter cable that connects to the PC. The MX Master 3 has a 1.3-meter cable for recharging purposes only.
Both models have software for easy OS installation. While the G502 Lightspeed works on Logitech G HUB software, the MX Master 3 has the Logitech Options software. The former displays functions and customizations for programmable mouse buttons and creates mouse profiles using the software. The latter includes mouse settings and a battery and Bluetooth connection indicator.
Both models are compatible with Windows Operating System and Mac OS.
DPI
DPI stands for “dots per inch,” which means the number of steps the cursor moves in an inch. The DPI measure can affect the movement of the cursor on the screen. If you ever lightly move the mouse on a surface, some cursors don’t move too far, while others are “sensitive” and move far away.
The G502 Lightspeed has a DPI range of 100 to 25,600. The MX Master 3 has a DPI range of 200 to 4,000. You can set the DPI of the mouse in the software to suit your cursor movement preferences.
Optical Sensor
Optical sensor technology differs in both mouse models and considers it as one of the prominent variation points of both mouse units. With the different sensors present, it means the capabilities of the mouse are affected as well. The surface you’ll be using the mouse on is something you will be considering first-hand.
The G502 Lightspeed makes use of optical LED sensor technology with the HERO 25K sensor model. The MX Master 3 makes use of Laser sensor technology with the Darkfield sensor model.
In terms of surface movement and effect, the MX Master 3 comes off as better. With the laser technology, the mouse can move on glass surfaces, whereas the G502 cannot. This feature will surely be a major factor in your decision-making.
Ergonomics
Usability and user-friendly aspects of any technological device can make or break the success of the product. No matter how nice the cursor features are, if they don’t fit hand use ergonomically, it doesn’t matter.
Remember, if you use the mouse on hours end, your hand stays gripping the device. Bad designs and forms can cause cramps or discomfort during mouse use. Make sure the contours of the mouse perfectly fit with the size and shape of your hand.
Form and design
The G502 has a more detailed design since it has a lot of buttons. RGB lights are also present in the Lightspeed model, which you can customize in the product’s software. The model’s build may look aggressive and solid as it has a lot of buttons around the matte surface of the mouse.
The MX Master 3 has a more professional and sleeker look with soft edges. The latex design of the MX Master 3 makes it high-end looking with an edge for extended thumb rest (for right hand).
The only disadvantage of the form and design is the ambidexterity of the models. The mouse units suit right-handed people better, and however, this factor will not be a huge problem for most mouse users.
Hand size
The G502 has a 63 mm grip width, while the MX Master 3 has a 58 mm grip width. The mouse models suit hand sizes that range from medium size to extra-large sizes. This is equivalent to 17 cm to 24 cm for both models, covering the wrist line to the middle fingertip.
Grip style
The grip recommendations for both models include a palm grip and claw grip, given the most suitable hand sizes. G502 supports the fingertip grip for large to extra-large hand sizes; MX Master 3 has the best fingertip grip with extra-large hand sizes only.
Special Functions
It’s time to bring out the hidden weapons and features for each model.
- The G502 has 21 programmable inputs to its buttons, while the MX Master 3 only has 6
- The G502 doesn’t have a thumbwheel, while the MX Master 3 has a freewheel near the thumb rest.
- The G502 has better 12 ms click latency than MX Master 3 with 16 ms click latency (using receiver connection since it is the common ground for both devices).
- The G502 doesn’t provide gesture support, unlike the MX Master 3 that has gesture support and a tactile surface that detects finger movement.
Price
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed costs a bit hefty at 130 USD, while the Logitech MX Master 3 costs 100 USD.
Conclusion – Logitech G502 vs MX Master 3
Now it’s time for you to choose the next mouse model for purchase. Both the G502 Lightspeed and the MX Master 3 are at a higher tier compared to other models in terms of cost. The decision point comes down to the basics of your personal preference, particularly your budget, and how much you are willing to shell out for the aforementioned features.
If you’re going to use the mouse for playing computer games, the G502 works better. With the high number of programmable buttons, you can customize profiles depending on the game you are playing. The mouse model works on both wired cable connection and wireless receiver connection. You always have the advantage of less lagging from the device.
If you’re looking for the next mouse for office use, the MX Master 3 is a better deal. The Bluetooth capability of the model allows for efficient mouse use to Bluetooth-enabled laptops and desktops. Moreover, the sleek design of the MX Master 3 holds out for more heavy professional use that doesn’t sacrifice functionality and durability.
