Logitech M90 Mouse Review: Budget-Friendly, Reliable Pick
A Reddit user summed it up simply: “I use this $8 mouse and it’s the greatest thing ever.” The Logitech Wired Mouse M90 Black USB might not win any design innovation awards, but with scores as high as 9.77/10 on BestViewsReviews and Amazon ratings up to 4.8 stars, it’s carved a niche as a dependable, budget-friendly tool for everyday computing. While its modest 1000 DPI optical tracking won’t satisfy the most demanding gamers or design professionals, years of anecdotal evidence suggest it can endure daily use without breaking — a rare feat at this price point.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — ideal for budget-conscious users needing a simple, wired optical mouse for basic tasks, but not for precision-heavy gaming or design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable, often under $10 | Loud scroll wheel in some units |
| Durable — some users report 6+ years of use | Too light, can slide unintentionally |
| No batteries required | Sensor may struggle with reflective surfaces |
| Plug-and-play simplicity | Limited to 1000 DPI, no adjustability |
| Comfortable ambidextrous design | Reports of defective buttons in certain batches |
| Works on most surfaces | Plastic can feel cheap and make hands sweat |
Claims vs Reality
Logitech markets the M90 as “plug-and-play simplicity” — a corded mouse you can use instantly without drivers. Digging deeper into reports, this claim holds true. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Set up is fast and easy. Just plug the cable into a USB port and use it right away.” Even more telling, Trustpilot users repeated how many replacements arrived working flawlessly after defective units failed.
Another key marketing point is high-definition optical tracking at 1000 DPI. Logitech promises “smooth cursor control for precise tracking and easy text selection.” Reddit user u/MouseReview** tested it for gaming and found “125 Hz, checked — 8ms response time is enough! Price!” But others found certain conditions reduced accuracy. One Trustpilot reviewer complained of “micro pixel jerks, making it difficult to work with graphics.”
The claim of ergonomic, “full-size comfort” for any hand orientation is mostly validated, though small-handed and ambidextrous users benefited most. On ProductReview.com.au, Jay NSW said: “Precise mouse and buttons are easy on fingers… cheap and precise.” However, Dennis noted “too small to be comfortable unless you have small hands,” showing the ergonomics aren’t universal.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For students, office workers, and casual gamers, the M90’s simplicity is a virtue. Reddit user u/*** shared: “I have been using this mouse for gaming for almost a year… yet it’s small but comfortable for me.” This minimalism resonates with those who dislike battery maintenance. Chris Kozy from ProductReview.com.au echoed this: “It’s cheap and it’s good… no need to spend $60+ for a proper gaming mouse.”
Its durability is another win. One Trustpilot user boasted, “For 8 years of operation, nothing broke… reads even a mirror surface.” This longevity surfaces across Reddit and Amazon, driving repeat purchases despite the basic specs.
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Plug-and-play USB functionality ensures compatibility across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux without fuss. As one happy Amazon buyer put it: “No false moves… smooth mover — with or without a mouse pad.”
Common Complaints
A recurring irritation is the scroll wheel noise. BestViewsReviews captured it as “loud,” with Trustpilot users calling it “noisy scrolling” that, while tolerable in office environments, can be distracting in quiet spaces.
Build quality, while generally praised, suffers in certain batches. Multiple Trustpilot accounts warned of defective left-click buttons causing unintended double clicks or failing to register. One reviewer lamented: “Because contact is lost, a single click may be interpreted as a double click… very detrimental to one’s career.”
The ultra-light weight, though portable, introduces frustration. Users on Trustpilot described accidental movements from vibrations, making precision tasks like graphic design difficult.
Divisive Features
The M90’s low DPI and absence of advanced controls split opinion. Casual gamers celebrated its adequacy — Wilson L remarked it was “precise enough to get me going up in rank in my games” despite lacking higher polling rates — but professionals decried its limits. Graphic designers cited inaccurate tracking on reflective media, steering them toward higher-end models.
Plastic quality also sparks debate. Some laud the absence of chemical odor and smooth finish, while others describe it as “unpleasant to the touch… quickly gets dirty and makes your hand sweat.”
Trust & Reliability
Patterns on Trustpilot reveal sporadic quality control issues but an overall resilience once a working unit is in hand. Faulty clicks and scroll issues emerge in isolated cases within the first month, often resolved under warranty. Yet long-term owners tell a different story — with several citing usage spanning years without degradation.
On Reddit, even gamers admitted sticking with it out of necessity and comfort despite budget constraints. “Had this mouse for almost a year… still don’t understand why anyone would pay more than 20 euro for just a mouse,” one user mused, underscoring perceived value despite potential compromises.
Alternatives
Community discussions frequently mention alternatives like the A4Tech X7 for better sensors, Redragon mice for entry-level gaming, and Logitech’s own higher-end G502 or MX Master for premium ergonomics. Compared to these, the M90 sacrifices DPI control, build heft, and extra buttons in exchange for simplicity and price.
As one Redditor exploring a Xanova upgrade put it: “M90 is cheaper… but what attracted me to Xanova was sensor, onboard chip, and cool RGB.” The takeaway: M90 is for those okay with the basics; alternatives suit specialized needs better.
Price & Value
On eBay, the M90 typically lands between $12–$19 USD, slightly higher than Amazon’s sub-$10 deals in some regions. Global buyers report varying accessibility — Reddit user in Argentina grabbed it for “700 ARS, roughly $2.2 USD,” making it an even greater bargain.
Resale isn’t a strong suit due to low purchase prices and abundant supply, but community buying tips stress grabbing it from trusted retailers to avoid defective batches, especially given occasional button and wheel issues.
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FAQ
Q: Is the Logitech M90 good for gaming?
A: For casual gaming, yes — many users report ranking up in multiplayer titles with it. But competitive or high-DPI needs are better met with specialized gaming mice.
Q: Does it work on reflective surfaces?
A: Often, but not always. Some owners praise its sensor for reading mirror surfaces, others note stutter on glossy desks.
Q: How durable is it long-term?
A: Reports vary — some have used it for over 6 years without issue, while others encountered defects within months. Warranty coverage helps mitigate risk.
Q: Is the scroll wheel really loud?
A: In some units, yes. It’s often noted in quiet environments but blends into background noise in busy offices.
Q: Can left-handed users use it comfortably?
A: Yes, its ambidextrous design supports both hand orientations, making it a viable option for left-handed individuals.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a budget-conscious student, office worker, or casual gamer needing a reliable, no-hassle wired mouse. Avoid if your workflow involves precision design, competitive gaming, or silent environments sensitive to scroll noise. Pro tip from the community: test clicks and scroll on arrival — early defects tend to show within weeks, and replacements often solve the problem.
