I have been using Logitech peripherals for years. Logitech gear always just worked.
Now they demand internet accounts to use the features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased. WTF?
Not only that, have to use wide-open-to-snooping Chrome to adjust the settings. You cannot adjust/use your mouse and keyboard if you just use Firefox.
This only makes sense if they are planning (or are already) tracking my every move online to sell to advertisers or spooks.
What are the good options?
Also, if anybody sees how these changes could be benign, please let me know.
EDIT:
By popular demand:
The keyboard I bought that started this journey: MX Keys S
The key feature that first demanded cloud access: Swithing between computers, now it is requires it to adjust the receivers. I have both a Bolt and a Unifying receiver.
Mouse (actually a trackball) that now is requesting that I use a Chrome Browser to adjust it: M570
Software:
The Logi SetPoint Settings I open from Windows now requires you to log into your Logitech account to make changes to your Unifying or 2.4 ghz usb receiver. This link takes you to a screen that says Logi Web Connect. It does not work unless you use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, & Opera, but reccomends Chrome for the best experience.
Logitech + used to require this to enable options, but I don’t see it on my Windows computer anymore. It is still on my Mac, but upon opening it to confirm for this message, it seems to be announcing that it is now able to incorporate AI into everything I type. (ugggh)
What you want is to go along with the business line of logitechs products and scrap the rest. There is an offline version of Logi Options+ “for air gapped machines” available. https://prosupport.logi.com/hc/en-hk/articles/10991109278871-Logitech-Options-Offline-Installer You may use it in a virtual machine aswell.
Probably not the answer you’re looking for, but switch to Linux and use Piper, a free & open source replacement for the Logitech software, that was created because they don’t offer an official version for Linux
Cool!!!
Disclaimer: I’m a keyboard snob. I can’t think of a single good keyboard that even has software.
I actually use Logitech for all my mice and trackballs, but I also haven’t installed Logitech’s junky software in a long time. Maybe I don’t know what I’m missing.
Fellow keyboard snob here. Gotta say I love keyboard that use VIA/vial for software, It’s open source and can run in a browser without installation.
Wooting keyboards also have the wooting configuration software that is also ran in a browser and is very good.
Just hope one day they all get supported on firefox.
Dygma is second to nobody and has software.
When did you buy the M570? I bought mine 6 years ago and it doesn’t require software, if yours is recent then that’s a new thing
It just changed. It always had the app to program the buttons, but now if you need to change the receiver, it goes to the cloud.
I can’t remember how to do it offhand, but you should be able to save the settings to the hardware itself, then disable Logitech from opening. I changed settings not too long ago (2ish months) and this worked.
There is a way to save a configuration to your mouse and then you can just disable/uninstall the bloatware
Good to know. That seems pretty straightforward.
I recently bought a nice MX series Logitech KB and a mouse that will pair with 3 devices, also Logitech. After seeing how terrible the software is, failing so hard as to temporarily disable the keyboard, repeatedly, I returned both.
My best advice is to either try to use them entirely without the software and all its customizations or sell your hardware, buying something better.
I’m sorry friend.
Jawbone headsets used to be like that. When they were still in business. They made good headsets, but introduced this feature as well to change certain settings.
Apparently that wasn’t taught in business schools.
You could get keychron keyboard or something similar that supports open source key mapping/lighting (or just leave it as is when you get it)
Maybe even akko?
Got a Keychron K8 Pro wireless for work very recently. I was considering the MX Keys S and went to the store try out both of them. I just want to second Keychron as being a viable option instead of Logitech (but nothing will make me switch from MX Anywhere 3S).
The way forward is to stop looking at those as “features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased” and consider them as “unlockables” where you have to pay again by handing over your personal info. Then stop buying their stuff, because it’s absurd to have to pay twice.
I prefer my keyboards and mice as dumb as possible. Preferably with cables, so I never have to worry about charging them.
stop looking at those as “features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased”
Seriously.
Maybe I’m an old timer but my idea of extra features on a mouse or keyboard are simply more inputs: more mouse buttons or wheels, more keys on a keyboard (like media keys). At most that just requires additional hardware, but nothing my OS can’t handle on its own.
What are some good dumb brands yall could recommend for keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals?
I love Zowie mice because their shapes are incredible and they’re built like tanks. One of mine is 15 years old and I still use it for work.
I picked up a wireless Cooler Master mouse on impulse for $20 from a bargain bin and it’s … Actually okay. The software doesn’t even need to stay running. You open the util, change the settings, close it, and that’s it. Downside is the cable… While it is technically USBC, they’ve done that thing where the port is recessed in a specifically shaped divot that only their cable will fit.
Gamestop seems to be releasing competitive options right now.
I’ve been using a Dell keyboard I got at goodwill for $4. It’s great.
Logitech.
G305 for a “standard” mouse
MX Vertical for a vertical mouse
Both are wireless with a dedicated dongle and run off AA batteries. I hope that’s acceptable.G332 or G432 for a headset with decent sound and mic (that even works well over hearing aides)
Keyboard? I dunno, I went with a Das Keyboard Ultimate 4, I love my clickity clacky but it’s not a cheap recommendation
They’ve all served me well for 6 or more years with the exception of the MX Vertical (2 years so far) and are all still spotless. None show any sign of wear or tear and do their job well.
EDIT I see OP had bad experiences specifically with this brand. I’m sorry to see that, disregard my opinions, OP.
Anker has a nice “vertical” mouse that has a wired variant. For keyboards I usually just check for an obscure Chinese brand
Ducky Keyboards are pretty good (but ex)
I hate this so much.
My hp printer doesn’t do shit, if I’m not online and logged in to my hp account. For what if not for collecting datathey have no business collecting.No advice, just shared frustration.
Get a Brother printer, my brother.
Be careful of printers with chipped toner though. Older models still rock.
That’s the plan. Unfortunately I wasn’t in a situation to say no or be picky when my dad offered to buy me a new printer.
All printers print out an image code with each print that we don’t pick up on normally.
It’s why if you’re out of one color you can’t print in b+w.
Everything printed is traceable back to the printer it came from, this is why there are no knock off brand printers and they’re allowed to do whatever the fuck they want to the market.
Old dot matrix printers are free of this totalitarian fear mongering, just saying.
Just build your own keyboard. That’s what I did (and it turned out fantastic) 🤷
Mice are much easier to deal with since there’s 500 million of them to choose from. Just pick a generic, no-name brand that doesn’t need drivers and you’re all set.
Aside: Building a keyboard isn’t rocket science. It’s just a bit tedious (buy a kit). Unless you invent your own 3D printable keyboard switch and stabilizers from scratch then design an analog circuit board to work with them (also from scratch). Then it’s a bit more like rocket science 🤣
I’d like to find a small bluetooth keyboard with mechanical switches that I could use with both my.phone and my 2009 MBP running MX. I need stowable and chargeable with C.
I have time, where would I find a kit for something like that?
Handwired keyboards with a Raspberry Pi or Arduino are achievable: https://github.com/joe-scotto/scottokeebs
I’ve made 2 keyboards with kits (see my post history) and it was good fun and an easy way to get a QMK compatible custom board. Would recommend.
I use RP2040’s for all my homemade boards. Deeply satisfying, and one of the few DIY projects where you can come away feeling like you’ve got something absolutely as usable as a commercial offering.
I’m keen to make a handwired macro board, but the learning curve of programming of QMK from scratch is not something I’m prepared to deal with right now.
I use KMK, which doesn’t require compiling, but instead uses human readable Python, and now there is POG, which I’ve used on my last two and runs you through the process.
It’s unfortunate, really, but there’s only 1 good answer: vote with your wallet.
Research before buying and be thorough. There are companies that don’t do this yet and you could build your own peripherals, there’s some nice DIY kits out there.
Just don’t buy this crap. IMO the only way this’ll change is if it hurts them where they feel it.
I use a Logitech mouse and do not have the problems you are talking about.
Yeah, I’d like to know the specifics, too. My Logi mouse still uses the same application (although they did update terms recently) and while they’ve added some AI shovelware to it the mouse stil remembers its shortcuts with that thing off and I haven’t noticed any changes to how the application is put together.
It’s entirely possible the application is a Chromium-based browser thing, but in any case it still doesn’t require a login (although it does support one) and it will run offline.
Don’t get me wrong, Logi’s approach to this, along with a lot of other hardware manufacturers, sucks really bad. I do appreciate Microsoft, of all people, recently starting to standardize RGB controls, at least. It’s still wonky and interacts weirdly with some third party software, but it’s a start. I don’t need twenty different apps to keep glowy lights and saved shortcuts going.
I added details to the OP
Oh, cool. My current device uses Logitech Options+, which is not the same as the old G Hub and is not the same as what you’re describing.
Which honestly, before we get into the mandatory login and everything else, begs the question… why does Logitech need three different multi-device software hubs? What the hell?
It’s not (just) that manufacturers are trying to mine all this bloatware for data, it’s that most of them are absolutely terrible at making software in the first place.
Me either. I have a G502 and I have the G Hub app to control the features(DPI, button assignments, RGB), but I’ve never needed an account to use it.
I use my 602 (the wireless one) on linux with an open-source mouse app called Piper. Does everything GHub can do - at least as far as my needs go.
Okay lemme check this out and see if this can replace my black tape.
Good luck, my friend!
My G503 started requiring the Windows app to set any other RGB than rainbow patterns.
I had it set to off, it used to store on the mouse, now I need to install and run Windows to have it not flashbang me.
I used black tape. I don’t recommend this dumb thing to anyone, anymore.
That is still an option, but there is a tradeoff. There is a button in the software to enable on-board memory mode.
You lose all your key assignment controls and fine-tuned DPI settings, but it stores on the device. If you want to have those features available, the mouse needs some software on the PC to talk to for more fine-grained control.
Good recommendation.
I’d be stuck in the ASUS ROG bloatware environment with BSODs were it not for G Hub! Great app.
Use Keychron
Personally I would just avoid Logitech. I have noticed their stuff mysteriously breaks every 2-3 years and I have to replace it. It’s like planned obsolescence with them.
It can be frustrating finding a good alternative brand. I’m always on the hunt for one. I’ve had a Das Keyboard for a long time now, and it’s fantastic. My wireless mouse is a Tecknet. It’s not great but it’s pretty good. If there’s a Best Buy close to you it may be worth your time to go there and test drive some peripherals.
My G305 mouse, G322 headset and G432 headset have all served me well for far more than 2 years.
My G503 mouse works, but some features that used to be part of the mouse are now walled behind a Windows app. The mouse mouses just fine, though.
EDIT I see OP had bad experiences with this brand specifically. Disregard my opinions, I’m sorry I missed that part.
I’ve had much the opposite experience, in my case coming from using a variety of Razer peripherals and having them all die early deaths, and then Razer themselves to be completely useless in regards to support even well within their warranty period. I gave up and switched to basically all Logitech stuff, which has been flawless for me for many many years.
If everything from all major brands is going to require Yet Another Fucking Account (thus far Logitech does not appear to, or at least not the stuff from them I have) I will just be forced to switch to buying generic brandless Chinese garbage and deal with replacing it regularly. Generic Chinese crap never has an app or an account requirement.
I don’t think I’ve ever had any Razer stuff. I’ve had terrible luck with Logitech, but if you’ve had good luck with it, I can understand why you might want to stay with it. AFAIK Logitech periphs should “just work” with a PC, Mac Linux, or other GNU-Linux box. But yeah…wouldn’t surprise me if they try to force the cloud issue and/or want a subscription in the future.
Thus far all of my Logitech devices are in the “just works” category, but admittedly none of them are brand new. The most recent is the M510 mouse I use on my office PC. Maybe their newer stuff is all bullshit now; I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn if it were.
If so, it makes me more motivated to finally get around to ordering a new microswitch for the left-clicker on my old Mx518 mouse.
