The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 mouse is the follow-up to the previous Anywhere 2s and has a perk that can help those of us for whom video calls have replaced in-person meetings: customizable side buttons that control camera and mic settings during video chats.

That’s not the only thing the two side buttons on the Anywhere 3 can do, but it’s the most interesting new setting you can choose. In addition to preset actions, there are app-specific actions you can choose from when customizing each button in the Logitech Options software. The newest ones let you press a side button to start/stop your video feed, or mute/unmute you mic, while on a Zoom or Microsoft Teams video call.

App profiles in Logitech Options aren’t new and they remain limited to a handful of apps including Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word and Final Cut Pro. These profiles essentially let you map app-specific shortcuts onto buttons on your mouse or keyboard. The new actions are particularly apropos now as they make it easier to quickly unmute yourself when you need to answer your boss’ questions or turn off your video feed before tending to a child in need. These features are exclusive to the MX Anywhere 3 right now, but since they are just part of app-specific profiles for Zoom and Microsoft Teams, eventually the MX Master 3 will be able to adopt them.

As far as design goes, the MX Anywhere 3 has new silicone side grips and a slightly higher bump on its back that helps it fit into your palm a bit more easily. As someone who’s used to a larger mouse like the MX Master 2s, the Anywhere 3 felt small at first. However, it didn’t take long for you to adjust and make good use of those side buttons — not only during video chats, but also while side-scrolling. You can side-scroll with the mouse by pressing one side button and moving the MagSpeed wheel at the same time. It’s much less cumbersome than it sounds.

The new metal MagSpeed wheel on this mouse is essentially a smaller version of the one on the MX Master 3. It brings electromagnetic scrolling to the Anywhere 3, which is more precise and faster than the previous scrolling mechanism on the Anywhere 2s. The new mouse also has 4000 DPI Darkfield technology which helps it track on any material, even glass, and the wheel has middle-click functionality that you can customize in Logitech Options.

The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is compatible with most operating systems including Chrome OS and Linux, and a version optimized for macOS.

(SD-Agencies)