When it comes to mice for work (and a bit of play), there are a few high-end options on the market. The MX Master 2S is the newest kid on the block from Logitech, while Microsoft's new Surface Precision mouse looks to build off that company's reputation and design, with some small twists.
Which is better? Let's find out.
Surface Precision vs. MX Master 2S tech spec showdown
On paper – and in real life – there are many overlapping features and similarities between these two mice, making naming a winner very subjective.
| Category | Surface Precision | Logitech Master MX 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Ergonomic desktop | Ergonomic desktop |
| Materials | Machined aluminum Molded TPE side grip and thumb rest | Molded TPE/plastic |
| Colors | Light Grey or Black | Graphite, Midnight Teal, or Light Grey |
| Buttons | Seven including Back/Forward and middle click | Seven including Back/Forward and middle click Gesture buttons |
| Scroll wheel | Main wheel | Main wheel with auto-shift Secondary thumb wheel |
| Dots-per-inch (DPI) | 400 to 3,200 | 200 to 4,000 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0/4.1/4.2 Low Energy USB 2.1 | Bluetooth Low Energy Advanced 2.4 GHz with Unifying receiver (dongle) |
| Range | At least 5 meters | 10 meters |
| Power supply | Rechargeable (USB) | Rechargeable (USB) |
| Battery | Up to 90 days | Up to 70 days |
| Weight | 135 g | 145 g |
| Price | $99 | $99 |
In my experience, the most significant differences come down to a few areas:
- The MX Master 2S has an optional 2.4GHz dongle, which gives a superior connection. The downside is there is no way to store it, and it's easy to lose.
- The Surface Precision Mouse can be used wired with its USB cable. That is, the signal goes over the wire instead of Bluetooth. That may seem obvious, but the Logitech can only charge via USB and not operate while wired.
- Thumb scroll wheel; the Logitech has one, the Surface Precision does not.
- Both support multiple PC usages at the same time through their proprietary software.
- The Logitech is louder for clicking and scrolling but has a mechanical scroll wheel versus the non-mechanical one in the Surface Precision.
- The Surface Precision is 10 grams lighter and has a lower profile, making it slightly better for travel.
Are any of those features automatic dealbreakers? It depends on what you are looking for and what you prioritize. There are arguments for and against some of those abilities, but not everyone will agree that a thumb wheel is "killer" or that being 10 grams lighter (or quieter for clicking) is even worthy of a mention.
Real-world usage
In my time with both mice I found them to be very comfortable. If you gave me either mouse and forced me to use it exclusively I'd shrug and be happy about it.
For accuracy, the Logitech technically can lower the dots per inch (DPI) to 200 versus the 400 in the Surface Precision. Likewise, the Logitech can go higher to 4,000 DPI versus 3,200 in the Microsoft one. Those are minor differences, however, especially when you compare to the 16,000 DPI found in the Razer Basilisk wired gaming mouse.
Regarding programmability, both mice through their respective proprietary software can have their buttons assigned to virtually any tasks, macro, or key combination and even with specific programs. I like the look and feel of the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center a bit more than Logitech's, but you are rarely spending any significant time in either app. Both are great though.
Battery life for both goes well into the two-month range but I do like how I can use the Microsoft Surface Precision wire to charge and for the signal, too. The 2.4GHz optional dongle for the Logitech gives a superior connection, but for travel, it's a nightmare as it takes up an extra port and is quickly lost without a storage compartment being available.
The button layout, while similar in function, is defined differently on each mouse. The Logitech stacks the back and forward side buttons, which I find aggravating to use without looking. The Surface Precision goes for the more traditional horizontal layout that is much easier to discern – you reach forward for forward, back for the back button, middle-click is the middle button. With the Logitech, I have to reach back for forward (top) and back (bottom), and that does not feel very natural.
There's no clear winner
The Logitech MX Master 2S and the Microsoft Surface Precision are both at the top of their games for professionals and those who need a high-end desktop mouse. Neither has a significant flaw or deal killer, and those differences matter only for personal preference.
Pricing is $99 for both, but the Logitech can be found for $95 in the graphite color (black). Meanwhile, if you're a student, you can pick up the Surface Precision for $89 with an education discount through Microsoft.
As to which is "better," it comes down to subjective opinion. Some people feel very strongly about having a thumb scroll wheel out of habit, while others will enjoy the more conservative and less aggressive design of the Surface Precision.
If you're a previous Logitech MX mouse user – and have been happy – you will find it easier to upgrade to the new MX Master 2S. The Surface Precision won't offer any significant advantages, but it will bring some user adjustment to the different layout.
