Logitech M90 Wired Mouse Review: Reliable Budget Pick
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up simply: “Plug it in, and it just works.” The Logitech Wired Mouse M90 Black USB earns a solid 8.9/10 from aggregated user feedback, blending long-term reliability with bare-bones functionality. While praised for precision and comfort over hours of desk work, criticisms target its loud scroll wheel, basic sensor, and occasional build inconsistencies. For office users, budget buyers, and anyone who values durability over extra features, it’s a consistent performer—but gamers and design professionals may want more.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable optical tracking for everyday tasks | Loud scroll wheel noted by many users |
| Comfortable ambidextrous design | Too light for some, causing accidental movement |
| Long 1.8m cord offers flexibility | Some units suffer from defective buttons |
| Extremely affordable price | Not ideal for high-DPI gaming or design work |
| Simple plug-and-play setup, no software needed | Rigid cable limits portability |
| Works well on most surfaces, even without a mouse pad | Plastic body can feel cheap and get dirty quickly |
Claims vs Reality
Logitech markets the M90 as “just the basics” with high-definition optical tracking (1000 DPI), comfortable ambidextrous design, and a setup so simple “you can just plug the cable into a USB port and use it right away.” On paper, that’s exactly what many buyers experience—Trustpilot users frequently mention “fast and easy setup” and “accurate cursor control.”
However, digging deeper into user reports reveals that the DPI claim holds for standard office work but not for professional-level precision. Reddit user u/Chris* said they’ve “used this mouse for gaming for almost a year” with comfort, but admitted they’ve “never tried anything else yet” and couldn’t gauge its performance against higher-end sensors.
Similarly, while marketed as ambidextrous, some ProductReview.com.au users note shape and size issues. Dennis from NSW lamented, “The mouse is too small to be comfortable unless you have small hands, and the body and scroll wheel are all hard plastic.” This clashes with the “full-size comfort” marketing promise.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, affordability is the leading selling point. A verified Amazon buyer remarked, “For the money this is a great mouse,” while a ProductReview user described it as “cheap and precise.” Office workers and students in particular benefit—its wired connection means no battery fuss, and the optical sensor works well for spreadsheets, word processing, and basic browser use. Jay from NSW reported, “Got it from JB Hi-Fi years ago and it just works, wired and no batteries required.”
Longevity is another celebrated trait. One Trustpilot reviewer proudly stated, “For 8 years of operation, nothing broke. Excellent optical sensor that even reads mirror surfaces.” This confidence in build quality reassures buyers who value stability in daily-use peripherals.
Common Complaints
The most consistent negative is the noise from the scroll wheel, described variably as a “loud chirping cricket” (Fakespot analysis) or “noticeably creaky” (Revain reviewer). In quiet work environments, this can be intrusive. Button defects also plague some batches; several Trustpilot users reported units where “left button stuck” or failed after minimal use.
Weight is another divider. Multiple reports call it “too light,” with one Revain user complaining that it “constantly strives to fly off the table” due to vibrations. For graphic designers or gamers needing stable contact, this becomes more than a minor annoyance.
Durability isn’t universal—while some units last years, others arrive or quickly become defective. One ProductReview user had “to send the mouse to the trash after a month” due to poor tracking and discomfort. Such inconsistencies suggest manufacturing variances across production runs.
Divisive Features
The rigid, “oak” cable divides opinion. School IT staff laud its robustness—“great size, shape… cord is plenty” (Marty VH, QLD)—whereas mobile users find it cumbersome. Optical tracking is similarly split: office users find it “precise enough to get me going up in rank in my games” (Wilson L, QLD), but design professionals complain of “micro pixel jerks” making graphic work difficult.
Gamers are particularly divided. Chris Kozy from QLD called it “an excellent gaming mouse on a budget,” but Reddit discussions often steer budget gamers toward alternatives with higher polling rates or adjustable DPI.
Trust & Reliability
Fakespot’s analysis shows over 80% high-quality reviews with minimal deception detected, suggesting a trustworthy feedback pool. Trustpilot long-term stories bolster durability claims—some users report 18 months of heavy use before minor wear and tear, others stretch that to nearly a decade.
Yet, the scattered reports of rapid defects raise caution. The guarantee process works—users got replacements—but identical issues in replacements hint at persistent flaws in certain batches. This isn’t indicative of a scam, but it does suggest QC gaps.
Reddit discussions comparing wired to wireless mice highlight security and latency benefits for M90 users. One user emphasized, “It can never have lower latency than a simple cable on the cheapest mouse you can get,” underscoring its reliability for those wary of wireless vulnerabilities.
Alternatives
Community recommendations often point budget-conscious gamers toward Redragon models around €10, claiming they “blow most mouses out of the water” with additional features like optical scroll and adjustable DPI. For graphics-heavy work, several Trustpilot voices prefer the A4Tech X7 series, citing sensors “a hundred times better” for specialized tasks.
However, these alternatives may sacrifice Logitech’s reputation for long-term durability. One Revain reviewer noted overpaying for M90 means “paying for the brand and in general for quality”—something off-brand competitors can’t always guarantee.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings show prices between USD $12–19, Amazon US listings go as low as $7.20, and overseas markets report even cheaper rates. Reddit users in Argentina quote just $2.20 locally. Resale value is minimal given its basic nature, but its low entry cost makes replacement a non-issue for most.
Buying tips from community discussions include: prioritize reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit units, and if possible, test the scroll wheel before committing—noise levels vary slightly between batches.
FAQ
Q: Is the Logitech M90 good for gaming?
A: For casual gaming, yes—users like Chris Kozy praise it as “excellent on a budget.” But for precision-based or competitive gaming, adjustable DPI and higher polling rates found on mid-range models are preferable.
Q: Does it work without a mouse pad?
A: Yes. Multiple reviews confirm smooth tracking even on bare desks. One Amazon buyer celebrated it as “a smooth mover—with or without a mouse pad.”
Q: How noisy is the scroll wheel?
A: Noise varies; some find it unobtrusive, others liken it to a “chirping cricket.” In quiet settings, this can stand out.
Q: Can it be used by left-handed people?
A: Yes. Its symmetrical design accommodates both hands comfortably, though size may feel small for users with larger palms.
Q: How long does it typically last?
A: Lifespan varies from under a month in defective cases to over 8 years for many satisfied buyers. Longevity seems tied to manufacturing batches and handling.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious office worker, student, or casual gamer needing reliable day-to-day function without battery maintenance. Avoid if you require high-DPI precision, silent operation, or specialized gaming performance. Pro tip from community: If you’re sensitive to scroll noise, opt to test in-store or look toward similarly priced Redragon or A4Tech models for quieter operation.
