Best Mouse for Recording Music

reviews

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, and April 2025 (still going strong!).

Note, some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission at no cost to you if you purchase through my link.

Best Mouse for Musicians 2025 - 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 a 2020 iMac and a 2024 MacBook Pro and it works great, but just be sure to order the correct version.

The Features that Make the MX 3 the Best Mouse for Home Recording

The MX 3'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.

When it comes to battery life, this thing is great. Even after five years of daily use, I only have to charge it every few months.

In addition to the two scroll wheels, there are seven programmable buttons on the mouse, all conveniently placed to avoid strain or misclicks.

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.

The MX 3 is the most comfortable, ergonomic mouse I've ever used. It is effortless to move around, and the hand rests in a wonderful, relaxed position.

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.

Concluding Thoughts on the Logitech MX 3 Master

In my 30+ years of using a computer, I don't think I've ever used a more comfortable or powerful mouse.

The Logitech MX 3 Master has greatly sped up my music production work flow, while keeping my hand fresh and relaxed.

There are a few shortcomings: the scroll wheels can be a bit jumpy on a long swipe, and this mouse only fits the right hand. If you use your mouse left-handed, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Video Review of the Logitech MX 3 Master Mouse

Other Good Mouse Choices for Home Recording

After a lot of research, I also recommend the Logitech G602.

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, I've mapped buttons to the major screens (mixer, rack, sequencer), plus the razor tool, selection tools, and mute tool. It's amazing how much the new mouse speeds up my workflow.

Video Review of the Best Mouse for Recording in Reason

Once you have your recording setup dialed in, the natural next step is making sure your productions are earning money. If you're not already licensing your music, read our complete guide to making money licensing stock music — a great studio mouse is only useful if great music is coming out of it. See our guide to making money on Pond5 and our ranked list of the best music libraries to get started.

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.

After 3 grueling years of grad school, though I had put aside serious attempts at making music. I found myself spending my days doing work that was dreadfully uncreative, with a ton of student student loan debt.

Which made me feel like my favorite parts of myself were withering.

But I didn't know what to do about it.

Being in my early 30s with tons of student loan debt, in a world where there is "no money in music," I felt like my youthful dreams of trying to "make it big" were dead. Like my music would remain unheard in my head and hard drive.

Frustrated by my inability to get my music heard, I started researching solutions.

Instead, I wanted to find a way where I could focus on making the music and let someone else deal with promoting it.

I realized the music licensing was the perfect opportunity for a solo artist like me to get my music heard, without having to do any promotion. I just need to focus on improving what I could control - my songwriting and my production skills.

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.

You Can Achieve Your Musical Dreams Too - Attend the Free Music Licensing Workshop!