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)
I still have a small fleet of M570 trackballs in service, I keep having to swap out the switches but what else is my soldering iron doing, amirite? My keyboard is from Cooler Master, a Masterkeys Pro M White LEDs, and they never made bloatware for it. The lights are configurable from the keyboard itself. That’s the kind of thing I look for.
Buy open hardware with open source firmware.
I’m typing this from a Corne-ish Zen and you can see my firmware (ZMK) with my keymap at https://github.com/Utopiah/zmk-config-zen-2/blob/main/config/corneish_zen.keymap#L27
Nobody can touch this but me. No update can break it. Yet, it’s more feature rich than most keyboards.
There are equivalents for most peripherals. It’s not cheap, usually even MORE expensive than already pricey ones like Logitech (I have an MX Vertical, still) but IMHO it’s worth it. It’s good right now, pragmatically speaking, but also morally speaking.
I advise against swimming upstream, namely NOT buying hardware that have such enshitification practices because if they don’t do it today, they might tomorrow when there is more pressure from shareholders. Also by buying alternatives you are economically supporting people whom you believe are providing better solutions for yourself and others.
PS: a gateway to such projects is https://crowdsupply.com which is a kind of KickStarter. I bought a dozen things there, all delivered and working.
I’d hope that a $300 keyboard that was designed to be customized would.
What I meant to say is that a lot of commercial keyboards are sold with some “customizable” they are. And it’s partly true, you have tool allowing to make some shortcut on popular OSes. It might be sufficient for some people … but it is NOT the same as putting your own firmware in it.
I’m not advocating for a $300 keyboard over a $30 one, “just” for genuine customization. Some that doesn’t have arbitrary limitations from the manufacturer and doesn’t have support for only some OSes which in turns (well Windows and MacOS not to name them) also promote a consumer only with limited control options, as OP is saying about enshitification.
Can you please provide the link to your keyboard?
Happy to, it is a Corne-ish Zen (6 columns (3x6) / Rose Gold) that I bought as a group buy from https://splitkb.com , ordered in May 2022 and received in January 2023. I’ve been using it daily, at home and on the move, since.
It’s not cheap but if you work hours a day on a computer, if you have pain in the hands or wrist as I did, finding the “right” keyboard for you, both ergonomically speaking and software wise, is worth every penny IMHO.
They don’t have it anymore it seems but they have a lot of quality alternatives I’m sure.
It looks like https://lowprokb.ca/products/corne-ish-zen?variant=42051226796196
Most of these systems have FOSS Linux equivalents. Sooooo
Then share them and actually help answer the question.
You think you’re helping, but you’re just making people hate linux users even more
ok, I’m sorry that you are upset that in a closed system like Microsoft you often don’t have a choice with organizations ramming their enshitification into your user experience. but some stupid hate against people who have been working to give you an alternative is just not ok.
It’s worth noting that not only did I not have to create this meme, I didn’t have to Google that hard to find it.
Every thing you type makes me hate linux all that much more
Maybe if you hate things because people recommend them instead of what they are good or bad for then you are ignorant
Did you ever think that you hate Linux because that’s what you have decided you are going to do, and not because you should and not because people are making you?
The blind egotism and arrogance of Linux users really is quite twatish. You guys are just insufferable. Being right doesnt make you less insufferable.
Sent from Linux
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
Removed by mod
This just in, child online upset that people recommend the open source solution to an issue caused by proprietary crap.
In other news, OP who had said question responds to helpful suggestion with “Cool!!!”
We at OPBR (Orrk Public Broadcast Radio, your favorite pirate news satire group) think that someone needs to cool their beans
Dude, chill.
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.
Can you help me solve keyboard chattering then please? I’ve got some from Massdrop from a few years back that are pretty unusable without program to dechatter/debounce them.
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.
I suppose technically any keyboard with a programmable controller could be considered to have software even if you don’t need to run, but I was thinking more along the lines of Logitech or Razer always memory resident garbage.
Dygma is second to nobody and has software.
While that keyboard isn’t for me, I’ll admit that look good and does in fact have software. Good counter point. Also, that software appears to just for reconfiguration of the layout and probably macros so I bet it doesn’t need to be run all the time, or even at all if you like the standard layout. That is how software for hardware should be done.
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?
The cherry stream has all the keys I need, presses feel good, and it just works.
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.
Anker has a nice “vertical” mouse that has a wired variant. For keyboards I usually just check for an obscure Chinese brand
I used to love Anker, but after the performance of their MagSafe batteries and recent recall, I’m hesitant to recommend them anymore 🤷
That’s fair.
Ducky Keyboards are pretty good (but ex)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It may be possible it has features you don’t know about that are only enabled with the software. I have a Logitech mouse but only download the software because there was a macro fix for a broken clicker.
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!
Good recommendation.
I’d be stuck in the ASUS ROG bloatware environment with BSODs were it not for G Hub! Great app.
You need to share some context for that statement lol. What are you talking about?
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.
That’s the thing, I used to be able to set profiles, set what the buttons do as well as the DPI in each profile and their colour, and it used to store in memory.
They removed it. You need this application for it, now. Or think it makes sense all of this can’t be stored in memory. Point is still that the only colour setting without this is bright rainbow patterns.
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 🤣
Just build your own keyboard.
Just build one, huh? It’s super simple and easy. Doesn’t require special tools or anything. No special skills. Surely it’s cheap too. 🙄
Not hating on building your own keyboard at all, but it’s definitely not so simple as to suggest it like “just build one” lol.
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’ve had a kit for a gherkin for years but my soldering skills suck. It might be that my iron doesn’t get to the correct temp though. I have no idea. Every time I’ve soldered stuff it feels random what’s happening. It makes me wonder if the tip is not at a consistent temperature.
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.
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?
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.
It’s very simple, and works very well. When I got a new PC it took 7 months for me to realize I didn’t have the software, and as usual was because I wanted to change a mouse button.
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)
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).
Maybe even akko?
