OpenLogi Logitech Options+ Alternative Review

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Why I Ditched Logitech Options+ After Three Years

I used Logitech MX Master 3S for three years with Logitech Options+ as my go-to mouse driver. But recently it got increasingly uncomfortable: background processes, forced account login, cloud sync — why does a mouse driver need all that?

Two weeks ago I found OpenLogi — an open-source Rust alternative that controls MX Master series mice directly over HID++ protocol, remapping buttons, adjusting DPI and SmartShift, without an account and without telemetry, running fully local.

This article is my complete real-world record from installation to daily use, including 3 real pitfalls and solutions.

Why I Needed an Alternative to Logitech Options+

Logitech Options+ has grown bloated. Starting 2024, it started requiring a Logitech account for advanced features, running background processes, and frequently disconnecting from the Logi Bolt receiver on macOS. For someone like me who values local-first and privacy, these issues became unbearable.

OpenLogi's core features:

• **Written in Rust**: High performance, minimal memory footprint (tested: <30MB on macOS)
• **No account, no telemetry**: Fully offline, no data uploaded anywhere
• **TOML configuration file**: All bindings saved locally in `~/.openlogi/config.toml`, easy to backup and sync
• **HID++ protocol**: Direct communication with Logitech mice, no dependency on Logitech cloud services
• **MIT/Apache-2.0 open source**: Transparent and auditable, can self-compile

Installation and Initial Setup

Step 1: Install via Homebrew

brew install --cask aprilnea/tap/openlogi

After installation, OpenLogi.app appears in /Applications and a menu bar icon shows up when launched.

Pitfall 1: Logi Bolt Receiver Not Detected

If you're using the Logi Bolt USB receiver to connect your mouse, OpenLogi may fail to detect the device. Cause: certain firmware versions require an update before HID++ communication works.

Solution:

1. First use the official Logitech Options+ to update mouse firmware (free, firmware updates work without an account)

2. After updating, unplug the Logi Bolt receiver and reinsert it

3. Open OpenLogi — the device should now appear in the list

If firmware update still doesn't work, try connecting via Bluetooth instead. In testing, Bluetooth pairing had a higher success rate than the Logi Bolt receiver.

Step 2: Add Your Mouse

Open OpenLogi — the interface center shows an interactive mouse diagram (based on MX Master 4, current device coverage ~86%). Click on button hotspots in the diagram to assign actions.

For MX Master 3S users: GitHub Issue #35 reports that the 3S sometimes fails to appear in the device list. Testing showed Bluetooth pairing has a higher success rate than Logi Bolt. If you don't see your 3S in the list, put the mouse in pairing mode (hold Bluetooth button for 3 seconds) then click "Add Device."

Step 3: Configure Button Mapping

OpenLogi's button mapping interface is intuitive — click a hotspot on the mouse diagram, then select an action.

Built-in actions include:

• Media controls (play/pause, volume)
• Keyboard shortcuts (Cmd+C, Cmd+V, etc.)
• Launch applications
• Switch profiles

Pitfall 2: Custom Actions Blocked by macOS Security Policies

I found that "simulate keyboard shortcut" actions fail in certain apps like iTerm2. Cause: OpenLogi injects keystrokes through macOS's event tap, and some apps' security policies block these injected events.

Solution: Use "Launch application" actions instead of keyboard shortcuts. For example:

• Configure the side button to launch Raycast (instead of simulating `Cmd+Space`)
• Configure the middle button to launch Obsidian

Less convenient than direct shortcut simulation, but the practical difference is minimal.

Step 4: Configure DPI and SmartShift

DPI adjustment in OpenLogi writes directly to the mouse hardware — no background process needed. Once set, even connecting the same mouse to a different computer keeps the DPI settings.

SmartShift configuration: My MX Master 3S's SmartShift (auto-switch between notched/free-scroll modes) required manual sensitivity calibration in Options+. In OpenLogi, I simply disabled SmartShift and switched to manual mode (press wheel once to toggle) — more predictable in practice.

Configuration File Deep Dive

OpenLogi stores all configuration in ~/.openlogi/config.toml:

[device.MX Master 3S]
dpi = 1600
smartshift = { enabled = false }

[device.MX Master 3S.bindings]
button1 = "primary"
button2 = "secondary"
button3 = "middle-click"
button4 = "back"
button5 = "forward"
wheel-tilt-left = "cmd-left"
wheel-tilt-right = "cmd-right"
gesture = "switch-app"

[profile.Visual Studio Code]
device = "MX Master 3S"
dpi = 1200
bindings.button4 = "cmd-shift-p"  # Command palette
bindings.button5 = "cmd-p"          # Quick open file

Pitfall 3: TOML Format Errors Crash OpenLogi on Startup

If you manually edit config.toml with format errors, OpenLogi crashes without showing the specific error. Common issues:

• Boolean written as `enabled = yes` (correct: `true`)
• Array format errors (correct format: `actions = ["app:Raycast", "app:OBS"]`)

Always keep a backup of the original config file. If it fails to start after editing, delete config.toml and restart OpenLogi — it automatically rebuilds default config.

OpenLogi vs Logitech Options+ Feature Comparison

The biggest gaps are Flow (cross-computer control) and macro recording. If those are must-haves, Options+ remains the only choice. But if like me you only use basic mouse features, OpenLogi's lightweight experience is a meaningful upgrade.

My Real Usage Experience

Two weeks with OpenLogi — the most noticeable change: no more background process. Options+ used to consume 150MB+ constantly; now my desktop is cleaner. On privacy: never needing a Logitech account again, no data going through any cloud service — that peace of mind is hard to quantify.

My key bindings are now synced via Git through config.toml — same config on my work machine and home computer, more controllable than Options+'s cloud sync.

Current biggest limitation: Linux and Windows support are still in development. If your work environment is macOS-only, OpenLogi can fully replace Options+ today. For cross-platform needs, Options+ is still required.

👉 Try OpenLogi now: https://openlogi.org/en

Conclusion

OpenLogi is a local-first Logitech mouse configuration tool written in Rust — excellent performance, privacy-friendly. For programmers, its TOML config file and Git sync capability are unique advantages. macOS users can migrate now; Windows/Linux users can follow the project roadmap.

If you're using an MX Master series mouse, it's worth giving OpenLogi a shot.

📌 This article was AI-assisted generated and human-reviewed | TechPassive — An AI-driven content testing site focused on real tool reviews