12 ms·

Solaar is a Linux manager for many Logitech keyboards, mice, and other devices

693 points by teekert 2y ago

s2l 2y ago
This has been part of standard ubuntu repos for sometime. (apt install solaar)
loufe 2y ago
I've had an MX Master mouse (the "2" for maybe 8-9 years then the "3" for 2-3 years now) and love it. Great performance, great battery life, fantastic design and feel. On Windows I definitely do not love the 150Mb program to manage it (surely sending a torrent of unnecessary telemetry data back to Logitech. I found Solaar a couple months ago after getting repeatedly frustrated with bluetooth connection issues. It really is exactly what it needs to be. Better interface than Logitech's, simple, lightweight. Devs have my thanks; what a great show of the goodness of open source software.
- hnuser123456 2y ago
  Logitech's might be a large download, but their Windows software still seems far more optimized than Corsair's. After a few days of uptime, Corsair's processes would have nearly an hour of CPU time. Logitech's would have a couple minutes at most. I replaced all my Corsair equipment with Logitech or others after seeing that.
  - myself248 2y ago
    Why does a mouse need an app, again?
    - dmonitor 2y ago
      reprogrammable buttons, adjustable dpi, customizeable lights, etc
      - Phlebsy 2y ago
        Personally, I can understand that for initial setup but hate that the way they're implemented means that it has to always be running, and it frequently has to be restarted to recognize the mouse correctly and apply those settings. Many keyboards have figured this out and don't require anything to be running to keep their settings across multiple devices so it feels like logitech will never improve in this area for the sake of keeping their bloat/spyware on your machine.
        egypturnash 2y ago
        One big thing your keyboards probably aren't doing that mouse drivers are: different settings for different apps.
      - m463 2y ago
        some mice can have the config saved onboard, then don't require a driver.
        Brian_K_White 2y ago
        we need qmk for mice
        bloopernova 2y ago
        The ploopy mouse has QMK. Layers on a mouse are very useful! https://ploopy.co/mouse/ https://ploopy.co/mouse/
        Brian_K_White 2y ago
        nice
        MoreMoore 2y ago
        This looks awesome. Now I just hope somebody will someday a 20 button version.
      - 2y ago
    - juancb 2y ago
      Because there's a computer in your mouse and you need software on your host computer to talk to and peogram the mouse's computer. That of course would make it optional like with most programmable keyboards but then there's the need to manage pairing via their wireless dongles and then it quickly becomes necessary. Outside of it all being intentionally proprietary I don't see why they couldn't take an approach similar to VIA in managing their devices. There's also prior work for flashing microcontrollers from the web browser, I'm thinking of ESP32s specifically. https://www.caniusevia.com/ https://www.caniusevia.com/
      - brokenmachine 2y ago
        Logitech devices are probably based on old code from older devices before WebUSB was a thing.
    - bayindirh 2y ago
      To be able to program all the configurable buttons, and upload the macros and settings to the profiles present on the mouse itself, so you can use all the features of your mouse, tailored to you, even if you don’t have the software on the target device you’re using your mouse. Yes, Logitech’s high end mice store settings themselves. The app is just a programming interface. It sometimes does per program profile switch, too, IIRC.
      - lsaferite 2y ago
        And yet, my keyboard can do almost (no per-program switching) all of the same FROM A WEB PAGE. WebHID should be all that's needed for advanced input devices. If you want some sort of per-program profile switching, sure, release a dedicated app that handles sending a special HID command sequence to trigger a profile switch.
        deleted 2y ago
        [deleted]
        xboxnolifes 2y ago
        And if Logitech had a webpage to configure settings, HN would be up in arms about not being able to configure while offline.
        Fnoord 2y ago
        Wooting has their utility offline and online. I guess it uses WebHID.
        lsaferite 2y ago
        If the webpage was required to be connected back to Logitech to function, yeah, deservedly so. If, like Via, it can run fully offline then all you'd need is to save the page for offline use and that would be acceptable.
        Scion9066 2y ago
        They do have a web page to do pairing at least: https://logiwebconnect.com/ https://logiwebconnect.com/
    - newsclues 2y ago
      Exactly, the OS should have the functionality and UI.
    - bigstrat2003 2y ago
      To be fair, it doesn't. I have Logitech mice and I have never once installed an app for them. They work great just with normal USB HID drivers.
    - happymellon 2y ago
      To pair the mouse with the Universal Receiver/Bolt dongle rather than Bluetooth, and then to expose the other APIs such as battery levels.
    - dmd 2y ago
      So your mouse driver can have AI in it, apparently. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-builder.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-build...
      - fwn 2y ago
        > So your mouse driver can have AI in it, apparently. Just to highlight: The offline installer (supposedly for business environments) does not include AI. It can be installed directly on top of the regular application. https://prosupport.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/10991109278871-Logitech-Options-Offline-Installer https://prosupport.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/10991109278871...
    - dghlsakjg 2y ago
      It doesn't need the app. You can use their stuff without it. If you want to use some of their more advanced features, you need to use the app. For example, I have it setup so that if my macbook is on, I can push my cursor to the far left of my windows screen and my mouse will automatically switch to the macbook bringing along anything in the clipboard.
    - HeavyStorm 2y ago
      My mouse have loads of features like programmable buttons. I don't think it should be memory resident - probably could work by opening, configuring, saving to firmware and shutting down, but at least its existence is justified. Wasn't it shit, I would be OK with it.
  - sebazzz 2y ago
    Bruce Dawson has a blog post about Corsair. Apparently their processes constantly leak handles.
  - sirsinsalot 2y ago
    I found the Logitech software absolutely horrid, and a massive resource hog. There was weird agent software hogging CPU and using memory. Also, why does my mouse config software need AI features? Uninstalled.
    - brewtide 2y ago
      Same. It also, on install, turned on a feature letting me know caps pick on/off every time I hit it ,but on the screen. It drove me nuts until I finally realized it started after installing... My new mouse. No need Logitech. It's a mouse.
- LeoPanthera 2y ago
  > surely sending a torrent of unnecessary telemetry data back to Logitech To give Logitech some credit, there's an off switch for "diagnostic data" right there in the settings.
  - bigfishrunning 2y ago
    If they want more credit, they should make it an on switch
    - rizky05 2y ago
      [dead]
    - ghjfrdghibt 2y ago
      I think it's implicit that a switch has to be on/off. Do you mean opt-in rather than opt-out?
      - ziddoap 2y ago
        Not parent, but yes. A switch that must be turned on (opt-in), rather than a switch that must be turned off (opt-out).
      - bdavbdav 2y ago
        That would imply there’s a third, indeterminate state prior to opting one way or another (which is the ideal situation - ask on install with a non defaulted option)
        teddyh 2y ago
        A master programmer passed a novice programmer one day. The master noted the novice’s preoccupation with a hand‐held computer game. “Excuse me”, he said, “may I examine it?” The novice bolted to attention and handed the device to the master. “I see that the device claims to have three levels of play: Easy, Medium and Hard”, said the master. “Yet every such device has another level of play, where the device seeks not to conquer the human, nor to be conquered by the human.” “Pray, great master”, implored the novice, “how does one find this mysterious setting?” The master dropped the device to the ground and crushed it underfoot. And suddenly the novice was enlightened. — The Tao of Programming, Geoffrey James
- orev 2y ago
  This says it’s for Linux, and a search doesn’t find a Windows version. Are you using this on Windows?
  - loufe 2y ago
    I suppose that could have been clearer. I use Windows on my desktop and Linux on my laptop.
- bayindirh 2y ago
  I never had Bluetooth connection issues with my Logitech hardware, but I wanted mine to work without an OS (i.e. with a Bolt receiver). Solaar handled the pairing in 30 seconds flat, and I can't be happier. The only thing is, since Bolt doesn't look like proper BT to the OS, battery levels can only be monitored from Solaar itself.
  - throwaway314155 2y ago
    What's a Bolt receiver?
    - resoluteteeth 2y ago
      Bolt is logitech's newer wireless protocol (with devices using a dongle rather than bluetooth) that's supposed to be more secure than the older one.
      - seaal 2y ago
        I think the real highlight of the Bolt receiver is being able to pair up to 6 devices with just a single receiver.
        selcuka 2y ago
        The old unifying receiver was also able to pair up to 6 devices.
        teekert 2y ago
        I think the real highlight is that it is not backwards compatible. So I now have an MX Keys and an MX Master 3s, both on their own dongle.
        bayindirh 2y ago
        IIUIC, Unifying receiver used a completely different protocol, but Bolt protocol is just supercharged Bluetooth with some low latency and encryption sauces on top.
- adgjlsfhk1 2y ago
  My one gripe with Logitech mice is that none of their "office" mice support high refresh rate polling.
  - jsheard 2y ago
    Also they've been very slow to adopt optical switches compared to other brands, a handful of their high end gaming mice have them, but the vast majority of their range still uses the same old mechanical switches that tend to start erroneously double clicking after a while.
    - bayindirh 2y ago
      If your mouse starts double clicking, play a game of Quake 3 for an hour, or just click a bit more aggressively for the next hour. It clears the problem, per my experience. What I understood is, the switches on these mice (I have G700) are practically abuse-proof. However, they don’t like to be used lightly and start to glitch possibly from fine dust. Using the switches more aggressively cleans them up. My first generation G700 still works great.
      - hedora 2y ago
        That sounds like a job for contact cleaner, assuming it’s possible to non-destructively get a tube next to the switches. I’m about to open my second bottle. My first bottle is from the 1990’s.
        homebrewer 2y ago
        No, it's a job for a sewing needle or a toothpick. Logitech switches can be temporarily fixed by disassembling the switch and adjusting the contact plate inside because it gets bent out of shape and stops registering the clicks correctly. But it's easier (and more reliable) to replace them with higher quality alternatives while you're in there.
        2y ago
- nox101 2y ago
  IIRC I installed the Logitech software in a VM, programmed the the mouse, deleted the VM. All I wanted to do is turn off the rainbow LEDs Next time I get a new mouse I'll try Solaar.
  - beAbU 2y ago
    Sadly the MX family of mousen need the Logitech Software for customisation. It's not saved on the mouse, so if Logi Options is not running the mouse operates in default state, with no custom button mappings, etc.
    - SparkyMcUnicorn 2y ago
      I've used the logitech g305 for at least 6 years now, and thankfully that one lets you write a profile to the chip on the mouse.
    - gosub100 2y ago
      it works fine for me on windows, only annoyance is google maps, switching to street view, one wheel rotation unit acts like 15, so switches back and forth uncommanded to street mode and out
- kreelman 2y ago
  Awesome. Thanks for the info here. I have a couple of useful Logitech peripherals too. It should be quite useful.
- 0points 2y ago
  May I suggest you use the bolt receiver instead of bluetooth, and you will have a much more reliable connection.
  - jwr 2y ago
    That might be true for Windows, on Mac OS I get perfectly reliable connections (years of usage with multiple mice) with Bluetooth. And I don't have to use any stupid dongles.
    - 0points 2y ago
      I wouldn't know. This thread is about Solaar and i suggested parent try the reciever to resolve their bad connectivity. You telling us that your macbook is great helps who exactly? I am a solaar user on arch linux, btw ;-)
  - ninkendo 2y ago
    Using Linux with an MX Master 3S, I see noticeable lag sometimes when moving the mouse cursor around when using the bolt receiver. Using regular Bluetooth gives me no issues.
    - 0points 2y ago
      Parent had this exact issue: > getting repeatedly frustrated with bluetooth connection issues My suggestion to use the bolt reciever was in response to that. Why you suggest to me and parent to just forget about it because you have such great experience is depressing to me. I have the MX Master 3 and MX Keys Mini. Using Solaar on Linux for 2.5 years without a single issue. I did have more issues using pure bluetooth with an external bt antenna (intel bluetooth hardware).
schainks 2y ago
Been using this for years, works exactly as advertised, no issues. Thank you Solaar team for your work and dedication to this useful project!
brocket 2y ago
This saved my butt when I lost my mouse dongle and only had an Ubuntu instance available at the time. I was able to pair my mouse to the same dongle my keyboard used and have been using the software ever since without issue. Thank you!
- Joel_Mckay 2y ago
  The mouse buttons tend to go long before the keyboard, but wireless HID devices tend to be a consumable for most people that use their computer a lot. We issue the wireless keyboards/mice kit as it is cheaper than swapping a proprietary keyboard in your laptop, and less likely to give users an RSI (really not funny if you are a Jr and have to learn this the painful way.) =3
  - nemomarx 2y ago
    why not a corded one, if you'll always be using it with a laptop?
    - Joel_Mckay 2y ago
      In general, for mobile these can get broken up rather quickly, and increase probability of pulling a laptop off a table. For servers and desktop towers, a cabled solution is more secure... and never runs out of batteries. YMMV =3
- gessha 2y ago
  Yooo, I've been so frustrated with Logitech! I have an MX Mechanical Mini keyboard and MX Ergo mouse. For some reason they don't pair to the same dongle because the dongles are different and not interchangeable. In addition, whatever dongle is plugged into the right USB-A port of my laptop always lags for some reason. Does Solaar solve those issues?
  - tecleandor 2y ago
    Solaar mostly changes configuration and helps pairing devices, but it's not part of the drovers, so it might not help you. Anyway I dump some info about dongles here just in case, if you find your devices are compatible you might use Solaar to reset the pairings. IIRC, there are three types of dongles: the old basic ones, that only work with one particular device, the not-that-old "unifying" dongles (they have a red logo with a star or ray of light), and the new ones that are called "bolt" (green logo with a bolt in it). I have mostly experience with the "unifying" receivers. Those can pair to any "unifying" compatible device, and keep connections with up to 6 devices. Bolt dongles work similarly but with better encryption.
prmoustache 2y ago
Pardon my ignorance but why would you need an app to manage keyboards and mice in the first place? Aren't they supported out of the box by generic drivers?
- Hemospectrum 2y ago
  Some of them have software controls for hardware behavior (like optical sensor polling rate and scroll wheel clutch mode) that no OS has built-in support for, because these features are not part of the USB HID standard.
- dandellion 2y ago
  I used to have a Logitech mouse that allowed you to reconfigure some buttons to use shortcuts and things like that. Plus it lets you see if the battery is running low, which I don't think the out of the box drivers do. But for basic mouse use you don't need it.
- pknomad 2y ago
  Fair question. In general, custom configuration on both mice (DPI, refresh rate, etc) and keyboards (tactile response settings [See https://wooting.io/ https://wooting.io/], hot binds, etc). It's a nice to have (almost to the point of necessity) especially when you go to LANs and need a consistent way to load your settings on a computer that's not yours.
- Joel_Mckay 2y ago
  In most cases, most usb wireless hid-devices auto-bind on most linux distros, but some models of mice/keyboards do require wireless pairing after a battery change (they may or may not be Bluetooth.) It is an "install if needed" utility if your mouse seems dead after a battery change or wireless power cycle. =)
- rostigerpudel 2y ago
  Most Logitech devices have settings for particular parameters that are not covered by generic drivers. E.g on my MX Master, I can set what events the buttons (it has 6) will generate. My K810 has borked function keys (they trigger special events instead of just being good old F1). You can switch these back to standard function using software. Edit: typos
CoastalCoder 2y ago
Since we're on the topic of Logitech keyboards, does anyone know of a wired-only keyboard that has the same feel as the "Logitech MX Keys S Wireless"? I love this keyboard's feel, but I need to switch to wired-only for $reasons.
- bluGill 2y ago
  If you can find mechanical switches you like that is your best option. Lacking that, nothing stops you from ripping out the electronics and putting in the controller from a mechanical keyboard. It would be a lot of work to trace the circuit board and figure out where to jump in (and what to cut out), but any mechanical keyboard controller should work (QMK seems to be the most popular today)
  - Dennip 2y ago
    Razer and Cherry both have low profile switches, apparently Kailh are also low profile.
    - bluGill 2y ago
      You seem to not have read/understood OP's problems. He stated mechanical switches are not what he wants. Now if you can suggest switches with a membrane feel that would be helpful - I'm not aware of any but I don't know everything.
      - Dennip 2y ago
        I figured that if they have the same feel as the membrane, them being mechanical is not relevant, as OP never gave a veto on mechanical options. I looked up the estimated travel and actuation pressures for those offerings in comparison to the Logitech.
        CoastalCoder 2y ago
        Thanks, and you're correct. I'm not very knowledgeable about keyboards, so I have no opinion about the switch technology per se. I just know that I love the user aesthetics of the MX Keys.
deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
bnycum 2y ago
Been using Solaar for a few years with a Logitech K400 keyboard with the built-in touchpad. Running on a Raspberry Pi connected to my TV. No issues and works very well. Have never even connected to Logitech's software on a Mac or Windows.
mastazi 2y ago
Thanks to Solaar I hot my F1-F12 keys back on a Logitech keyboard that defaults to requiring Fn to use those (on Mac/Win you can change this using an app by Logitech). It’s been working well for a long time. I suggest getting it from their own ppa because the version in your Linux distro might be pretty old
- nakedneuron 2y ago
  same here! big kudos to the devs!
sys_64738 2y ago
Does anybody install the Logitech SW on their computer? Does it phone home?
- tecleandor 2y ago
  Yep. I installed it in my work Mac and it's terrible. It phones home. It's huge. It tries to convince you to install other stuff. Off it goes.
- SlackingOff123 2y ago
  I haven't found a way to reconfigure the side buttons on my Logitech Lift Vertical without that bloated software permanently running in the background on Windows. I'm honestly afraid to check how much it phones home. I wish Solaar got ported to Windows.
jklinger410 2y ago
Flathub version here: https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.pwr_solaar.solaar https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.pwr_solaar.solaar
whalesalad 2y ago
Been using this for years on my Debian 12 install and it’s been very solid. Why it’s on the homepage though is perplexing.
- gertlex 2y ago
  Lightweight software that does one thing well always makes for a great casual conversation topic here. You learn how widespread knowledge of it it is or isn't. And, often adjacent tools that might be of interest are mentioned. Admittedly not "news".
qmr 2y ago
Please port to Windows, I don't want 500mb of shitware to change settings on my mouse.
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
- shiroiushi 2y ago
  The source code is available, so if you think this project is so important, you can do it yourself.
rez9x 2y ago
I tried to get this to work a couple of times and gave up. I was trying to rebind a mouse button (back) to a macro and just gave up after a while. I ended up using the G Hub on a Mac and applying settings to the onboard config. I like the idea of Solaar, but the initial learning curve was more effort than I wanted to put in to rebind a single key.
- jwrallie 2y ago
  If the button already has a function (like back) assigned to it, I think the input-remapper[0] software would work. That is what I use with my deathadder. [0] https://github.com/sezanzeb/input-remapper https://github.com/sezanzeb/input-remapper
shlomo_z 2y ago
But does it have AI like Logitech's other products?
pxc 2y ago
Is there anything like this on Windows? Logitech mice are mostly nice, but one of their major flaws is that their macro capability is not onboard but requires some kind of supplemental software like this, so even just binding a single button to multiple keystrokes as a chord is not possible without G-Hub. Linux has stuff like Solaar and Piper/libratbagd, which is great. For macOS, it looks like SteerMouse does quite nicely, even for mice with many extra buttons. So does G-Hub have any alternatives like this on Windows? It would make recommending Logitech mice to Windows-bound friends and family so much easier. (My favorite forever for these reasons was Roccat, everything their mice can do they can do onboard. Configure your mouse once and you can purge whatever software you've used to do it if you don't like it, without limitations. But hardware quality control with them has long been iffy, and I think since their buyout by Turtle Beach it will only get worse.)
- KennyBlanken 2y ago
  Their major flaw is that they purposefully use shitty switches that fail, sometimes within months. This is true even with their absurdly overpriced gaming mice. I have never had a mouse whose buttons failed until I bought a logitech. Every person I know raves about them until you ask them how many they've had to buy.
  - WhyNotHugo 2y ago
    Warranty will often get you a new one. I had a mouse fail about 2.5 years in and they sent a new one. OTOH, it speaks terribly of their quality; a mouse should work fine for 10-20 years, like some mice from 20 years ago.
    - amlib 2y ago
      Even 20 years ago mices weren't always that reliable. I used to have a Microsoft ball mouse from the late nineties and I remember the micro switch giving up after about 4 years. Even the replacements (albeit much cheaper/more generic brands) from the time didn't fare better, but at least by that point they were all optical. And I say "replacements" because they all didn't last very long, until I got the memo and started buying decent stuff from brands like... logitech. And then there is the conundrum of going with something even more "premium" than a logitech, there's very little guarantee it's really gonna last. You may be paying twice as much for it but it still ends up lasting about as long.
leshenka 2y ago
Is there a same thing for macs? The native logitech solution requires me to install a .pkg and I'm not really a fan of it to say the least. I'd rather install something from homebrew.
- indymike 2y ago
  Logitech used to have a Chrome plug-in that could manage their unifying devices.
- akerr 2y ago
  I use BetterMouse: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42457393 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42457393
  - leshenka 2y ago
    Thank you very much! This one took a bit to get a hang of settings but I'm very happy that I finally can use side buttons again!
mattfrommars 2y ago
For Linux pros here, can anyone explain how is this, in my understanding, driver implementation for Linux to be completely written in Python? My understanding is most for driver code is written in C or C++. The 'new' way of developing - the kernel development is in Rust. How can this work that is written in pure Python?
- wyager 2y ago
  Probably they used LibUSB bindings or something
- zamadatix 2y ago
  > Solaar is not a device driver and responds only to special messages from devices that are otherwise ignored by the Linux input system. The normal Linux drivers implement what's needed to receive the HID message. This just handles some vendor specific messages on top of that. A bit like how a program can send a custom vendor specific TCP message on top of the existing OS network drivers without having to itself be a kernel level network driver.
- indymike 2y ago
  From the second sentence of the readme: Solaar is not a device driver and responds only to special messages from devices that are otherwise ignored by the Linux input system Sounds like this isn't working at the kernel level.
- dicknuckle 2y ago
  It's a manager for the device's extra features, and pairing of dongles since that's not handled by the OS. It replaces a few of the typical Logitech applications that normally do this.
- gosub100 2y ago
  for a more general answer, if you rewind the clock back to the 80s and early 90s: a hardware device required setting a COM port or IRQ, which was often done by physically setting jumpers on the device, and the user was responsible for making sure that, e.g. IRQ21 wasn't already being used by the BIOS or another device on the system. Then, you'd install a device driver that knew the specific memory addresses to read/write to in order to communicate with the controller on the device, based on the proprietary way the company decided to do it. fast forward to today, and the hardware industry has made great advancements in standardizing how devices operate. memory-mapped I/O allows the OS to treat many device drivers the same, they just need to handle manipulation of the memory after it's read/written. for USB, the industry standardized on device classes , so something either acts like a communication device (serial port, JTAG reader), an audio device, a video capture device, or in this case, an HID (human interface device). So based on the general characteristics of how the thing operates, the kernel can do 80% or more of the driver development for you. especially because of the linux credo that "everything is a file" you plug in a usb dongle and you get (hypothetically) a few files called /sys/class/hid/<serialnum>/{control, data}. so you could, say, change the RF channel of the dongle by writing a very specific value to the "control" file, which will get sucked in by the kernel and sent to the device. Or you could get raw kb/mouse data by catting the .../data file. this would in theory, allow you to write a device driver in python by connecting the .../data file to a read handler, processing the input (the hard part, which requires reverse engineering), and emitting the corresponding output, such as the OS command to move the mouse or generate a keyboard event. I made some generalizations here, but this is the main idea.
kdmtctl 2y ago
I'd love to see this ported to Mac. Just discovered the bloody AI prompt builder enabled by default in my mouse driver today. After patiently declining input recording permission for months. Managed to get rid of the most of bloatware using their corporate "Offline" version which supposedly doesn't phone home and doesn't ask for extra permissions. YMMV. https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/11570501236119-Logitech-Options-offline-installer https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/11570501236119-Lo...
- thombles 2y ago
  > AI prompt builder enabled by default in my mouse driver That's so wild I had to go and look up what that could possibly mean. What a world we live in. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-builder.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-build...
  - kdmtctl 2y ago
    I didn’t even check what it could be. I just got the rainbow cursor suddenly on boot, and the process name was enough to instantly uninstall the driver and search for a replacement.
    - hedora 2y ago
      What is a rainbow cursor? Do you mean the mac beach ball, or is it a misguided feature of the mouse?
      - kdmtctl 2y ago
        Beach ball, yes. I've started to call it rainbow cursor 30 years ago on air gapped Macs, and still reluctant to absorb any other names.
  - gosub100 2y ago
    I worked at a fucking air conditioner manufacturer, and sure as shit they had an AI developer. people are huffing some strong shit.
rational_indian 2y ago
What is the average lifespan of a logitech gaming mouse? I bought 3 over the years and the average life span has been around 2 years.
leeoniya 2y ago
im currently struggling to pair MX mice (anywhere S2 and S3) and keyboard via bluetooth in endeavourOS. works okay with intel ax-210 chipaet/driver on one machine but on another machine i can only get both to pair to a bluetooth 4 (le) dongle but not bluetooth 5+ chipset (realtek or intel 9560). not sure if bluez bug or btusb driver or smth :( any tips?
hedora 2y ago
Huh. I bought a Rii brand keyboard/trackpad combo for my couch because logitech and all other brands I’d heard of only have humorously bad form factors or are out of business (like gyration). Bullet dodged.
LarsDu88 2y ago
I'm using this right now! It's awesome!
- LarsDu88 2y ago
  Did not realize it was written in python of all things! Inspiring me to right now to write more FOSS software!
buserror 2y ago
I use for pairing etc and it's great, but the rule editor is just completely bonkers. I tried several times to add a gesture move for the 'gesture' button on my 3S, and eventually gave up! Seems you need to know the exact keycodes, or names, or whatever key you want to use. Like XF86_MonBrightnessUp. Want to add a combo? not sure how to do that either.
jdndjfhdbr 2y ago
I don't get the use case for this, all Logitech keyboard and mice are supported with the default USB/Bluetooth HID drivers shipped by any OS in the last 20 years
- dmm 2y ago
  You're right. It's not a driver. It's a configuration tool. I use it to associate devices with the little dongles.
aorth 2y ago
Thanks! This is timely. I just spent an hour of my working morning fiddling with my Ergo K860 keyboard after changing it from Bluetooth to Unifying receiver. Having to find the secret reset key sequence, swapping ports, restarting everything, argh!
teekert 2y ago
I only buy Logitech because Solaar exist. It would be nice if they’d get some kickback. I just feel like it needs an AI prompt builder and then it’s finished.
- superb_dev 2y ago
  Was the AI prompt builder sarcastic or a serious suggestion? I can’t figure out how any AI fits into my mouse configuration utility
  - teekert 2y ago
    Sorry, it’s absolutely sarcastic. I thought I wasn’t able to couple my MX Keys to the Bolt dongle and the MX Master 3S to the “Unifying” dongle because I needed Windows (but no, it’s by design!). So I grab my wife’s laptop, install that Logitech garbage and it greets me with an AI prompt builder. I was like that Picard Gif, squared. Unbelievable.
    - superb_dev 2y ago
      It seemed so ridiculous that I thought it must be sarcastic but you never know with how rabid AI people are. Absolutely insane that they included that in the official software!
      - teekert 2y ago
        Yeah, I mean what is the thought process here? - Lets build a plug-in that can put an AI prompt builder under a mouse button! - But nobody would download and use it! - You're right, lets force-feed it through our main app!
bbutkovic 2y ago
I have been using this for my ancient MX Master 2s for quite some time now. I use it mostly to adjust the point where the scrollwheel no longer ratchets and just freewheels (Logitech put an electrically actuated lever that controls the ratchet into their mice), Solaar has an option to tune it, it works amazingly. Not to mention how you can bind keyboard shortcuts to specific "gestures" using the palm button. Solaar is awesome, thank you, Solaar devs!
ensocode 2y ago
That looks great, thanks. Just for info: if needed only for pairing dongles there is an even more lightweight approach https://lekensteyn.nl/logitech-unifying.html https://lekensteyn.nl/logitech-unifying.html
BiteCode_dev 2y ago
Good software, simple, does what it says. I rarely need it; now BT mice work quite well, but sometimes, to avoid pairing one mouse with a new device (and losing the previous one), I will use it.
mathfailure 2y ago
How does its functionality differ from the logiops package?
- Gualdrapo 2y ago
  Can't tell anything about functionality, but logiops does not include a GUI. Solaar tries to pull GTK so that's why I prefer logid I just wanted the screen brightness keys to work and though in past versions it was really funky the latest version has been actually reliable and stable.
steakscience 2y ago
It's so good in fact that I wish it existed for macOS so I wouldn't need to use the official Logitech crap
- terminalbraid 2y ago
  The Logitch Options+ is super hot garbage I tried once. The regular "Options" I don't find to be as obtrusive. But I would use this in a heartbeat if it existed.
- Rebelgecko 2y ago
  If you look on their GitHub there's a WIP Mac version you can try
adamtaylor_13 2y ago
I love my Logitech G602/502 series but after they killed the line it’s time for my money to go to a company that values me. The problem is, I LOVE my 8-programmable buttons and there isn’t another mouse I’ve been able to find that approaches the number of buttons and ergonomics of the G602. The price I’m willing to pay for the right mouse is absurdly high, but it isn’t $200 for a mouse that dies within a year due to shitty switches.
Am4TIfIsER0ppos 2y ago
What does this offer me over piper and libratbag? I only need something to configure the extra 2 buttons on my mouse. If it has its own profiles or a command line interface then I would see some value in using it myself.
mzajc 2y ago
I like this a lot, and the rule editor is able to create some very powerful workflows. My mouse has two side buttons, and I bind one of them plus scrollwheel to virtual desktop switching. Unfortunately this takes complete control of your scrollwheel, so you need to experiment with the rules a little in order to avoid performance issues. Honorable mention: https://github.com/PixlOne/logiops/ https://github.com/PixlOne/logiops/, although its rules are much less powerful.
deadbunny 2y ago
Piper[1] has always worked for me. Granted I only use wired mice. 1. https://github.com/libratbag/piper https://github.com/libratbag/piper
yapyap 2y ago
I like Solaar more than the actual Logitech shit actually cuz 1. you can see actual battery % and 2. you can set actual dpi numbers instead of a f*king slider like the actual logitech app, like the software department for logitech should get fired just for that.
rafaelmn 2y ago
One thing I'm kind of surprised by is that the custom mouse space is so empty, compared to custom keyboard scene. I would like to have some custom micro controller/ZMK based mouse that I can pair with say my wireless split keyboard. Logitech has OK hardware but they don't have basic functionality like sync switching between devices - this would easily be handled by OSS firmware.
- mmazzanti 2y ago
  I've wanted the same for a while. I think there are two main restrictions: - Mouse bodies are harder to make, since they generally have more complex curves compared to a flat keyboard. 3d printing helps a lot, but you don't get the same durability or quality as injection molding - Mouse sensors are strangely hard to find. The "good" sensors on a lot of the high-end mice are difficult to find as individual components. From a quick look at what custom mice exist, they'll often cannibalize an existing mouse for components rather than order things from say DigiKey, like you can for keyboard components
bjoli 2y ago
Does anyone know of a good program to help tweak the mx ergo on linux? I have some xinput tweaks, but I feel I am leaving much on the table - probably by not really understanding xinput. It is also soooo much more comfortable to use the trackball on my mac where I have the Logitech software installed.
jlarocco 2y ago
It's a shame vendor specific software like this is necessary. I wonder why setting DPI and stuff like that were never added to the standards so the baseline drivers can use them?
FrameworkFred 2y ago
I use solaar with a mx master 3s and it's great (thumbscrolling works as it should) except the mouse battery level indicator is uncalibrated...20% at the highest, then it's quickly at 5% where it stays for-e-ver. I gas-up my car when my tank is below 1/4, so it's a little disconcerting to have a red battery indicator with an exclamation point on it...not enough to actually want to use it with the cable plugged in, but still...
ComputerGuru 2y ago
Out-of-the-box Linux distributions give me a desktop notification when my 17-year-old MX mouse (connected via unifying dongle) is low on battery. Does anyone know how to get this on Windows? Nothing worse than the battery dying mid-use.
porkloin 2y ago
Slowly but surely, desktop Linux is developing an ecosystem of quality of life applications like this that make using common peripherals and stuff on Linux not feel so bad. Some of my other current favorites are: - CoolerControl (https://gitlab.com/coolercontrol/coolercontrol https://gitlab.com/coolercontrol/coolercontrol) - fan control/curve designer/temp sensor overview tool. Seriously awesome tool! - LACT (https://github.com/ilya-zlobintsev/LACT https://github.com/ilya-zlobintsev/LACT) - AMD GPU tool for overclocking, etc. Anything you would do with the radeon app on windows - BoatSwain (https://flathub.org/apps/com.feaneron.Boatswain https://flathub.org/apps/com.feaneron.Boatswain) - Elgato StreamDeck tool
HeavyStorm 2y ago
Oh god, someone needs to port this to Windows.
toinebeg 2y ago
I hurt my right wrist on a bike fall, it's long term injury. I found that my left hand is much more compliant with touchpads than mice so I found an old Logitech T650 in second hands. With solaar on Linux, the thing work flawlessly. On Windowsthe device is not supported by the official firmware so no gesture or click. It's a shame !
wisdomalfred 2y ago
[dead]
javanjibril 2y ago
[dead]

693 points by teekert 2y ago

s2l 2y ago

This has been part of standard ubuntu repos for sometime. (apt install solaar)

I've had an MX Master mouse (the "2" for maybe 8-9 years then the "3" for 2-3 years now) and love it. Great performance, great battery life, fantastic design and feel. On Windows I definitely do not love the 150Mb program to manage it (surely sending a torrent of unnecessary telemetry data back to Logitech. I found Solaar a couple months ago after getting repeatedly frustrated with bluetooth connection issues. It really is exactly what it needs to be. Better interface than Logitech's, simple, lightweight. Devs have my thanks; what a great show of the goodness of open source software.

hnuser123456 2y ago
Logitech's might be a large download, but their Windows software still seems far more optimized than Corsair's. After a few days of uptime, Corsair's processes would have nearly an hour of CPU time. Logitech's would have a couple minutes at most. I replaced all my Corsair equipment with Logitech or others after seeing that.
- myself248 2y ago
  Why does a mouse need an app, again?
  - dmonitor 2y ago
    reprogrammable buttons, adjustable dpi, customizeable lights, etc
    - Phlebsy 2y ago
      Personally, I can understand that for initial setup but hate that the way they're implemented means that it has to always be running, and it frequently has to be restarted to recognize the mouse correctly and apply those settings. Many keyboards have figured this out and don't require anything to be running to keep their settings across multiple devices so it feels like logitech will never improve in this area for the sake of keeping their bloat/spyware on your machine.
      - egypturnash 2y ago
        One big thing your keyboards probably aren't doing that mouse drivers are: different settings for different apps.
    - m463 2y ago
      some mice can have the config saved onboard, then don't require a driver.
      - Brian_K_White 2y ago
        we need qmk for mice
        bloopernova 2y ago
        The ploopy mouse has QMK. Layers on a mouse are very useful! https://ploopy.co/mouse/ https://ploopy.co/mouse/
        Brian_K_White 2y ago
        nice
        MoreMoore 2y ago
        This looks awesome. Now I just hope somebody will someday a 20 button version.
    - 2y ago
  - juancb 2y ago
    Because there's a computer in your mouse and you need software on your host computer to talk to and peogram the mouse's computer. That of course would make it optional like with most programmable keyboards but then there's the need to manage pairing via their wireless dongles and then it quickly becomes necessary. Outside of it all being intentionally proprietary I don't see why they couldn't take an approach similar to VIA in managing their devices. There's also prior work for flashing microcontrollers from the web browser, I'm thinking of ESP32s specifically. https://www.caniusevia.com/ https://www.caniusevia.com/
    - brokenmachine 2y ago
      Logitech devices are probably based on old code from older devices before WebUSB was a thing.
  - bayindirh 2y ago
    To be able to program all the configurable buttons, and upload the macros and settings to the profiles present on the mouse itself, so you can use all the features of your mouse, tailored to you, even if you don’t have the software on the target device you’re using your mouse. Yes, Logitech’s high end mice store settings themselves. The app is just a programming interface. It sometimes does per program profile switch, too, IIRC.
    - lsaferite 2y ago
      And yet, my keyboard can do almost (no per-program switching) all of the same FROM A WEB PAGE. WebHID should be all that's needed for advanced input devices. If you want some sort of per-program profile switching, sure, release a dedicated app that handles sending a special HID command sequence to trigger a profile switch.
      - deleted 2y ago
        [deleted]
      - xboxnolifes 2y ago
        And if Logitech had a webpage to configure settings, HN would be up in arms about not being able to configure while offline.
        Fnoord 2y ago
        Wooting has their utility offline and online. I guess it uses WebHID.
        lsaferite 2y ago
        If the webpage was required to be connected back to Logitech to function, yeah, deservedly so. If, like Via, it can run fully offline then all you'd need is to save the page for offline use and that would be acceptable.
        Scion9066 2y ago
        They do have a web page to do pairing at least: https://logiwebconnect.com/ https://logiwebconnect.com/
  - newsclues 2y ago
    Exactly, the OS should have the functionality and UI.
  - bigstrat2003 2y ago
    To be fair, it doesn't. I have Logitech mice and I have never once installed an app for them. They work great just with normal USB HID drivers.
  - happymellon 2y ago
    To pair the mouse with the Universal Receiver/Bolt dongle rather than Bluetooth, and then to expose the other APIs such as battery levels.
  - dmd 2y ago
    So your mouse driver can have AI in it, apparently. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-builder.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-build...
    - fwn 2y ago
      > So your mouse driver can have AI in it, apparently. Just to highlight: The offline installer (supposedly for business environments) does not include AI. It can be installed directly on top of the regular application. https://prosupport.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/10991109278871-Logitech-Options-Offline-Installer https://prosupport.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/10991109278871...
  - dghlsakjg 2y ago
    It doesn't need the app. You can use their stuff without it. If you want to use some of their more advanced features, you need to use the app. For example, I have it setup so that if my macbook is on, I can push my cursor to the far left of my windows screen and my mouse will automatically switch to the macbook bringing along anything in the clipboard.
  - HeavyStorm 2y ago
    My mouse have loads of features like programmable buttons. I don't think it should be memory resident - probably could work by opening, configuring, saving to firmware and shutting down, but at least its existence is justified. Wasn't it shit, I would be OK with it.
- sebazzz 2y ago
  Bruce Dawson has a blog post about Corsair. Apparently their processes constantly leak handles.
- sirsinsalot 2y ago
  I found the Logitech software absolutely horrid, and a massive resource hog. There was weird agent software hogging CPU and using memory. Also, why does my mouse config software need AI features? Uninstalled.
  - brewtide 2y ago
    Same. It also, on install, turned on a feature letting me know caps pick on/off every time I hit it ,but on the screen. It drove me nuts until I finally realized it started after installing... My new mouse. No need Logitech. It's a mouse.
LeoPanthera 2y ago
> surely sending a torrent of unnecessary telemetry data back to Logitech To give Logitech some credit, there's an off switch for "diagnostic data" right there in the settings.
- bigfishrunning 2y ago
  If they want more credit, they should make it an on switch
  - rizky05 2y ago
    [dead]
  - ghjfrdghibt 2y ago
    I think it's implicit that a switch has to be on/off. Do you mean opt-in rather than opt-out?
    - ziddoap 2y ago
      Not parent, but yes. A switch that must be turned on (opt-in), rather than a switch that must be turned off (opt-out).
    - bdavbdav 2y ago
      That would imply there’s a third, indeterminate state prior to opting one way or another (which is the ideal situation - ask on install with a non defaulted option)
      - teddyh 2y ago
        A master programmer passed a novice programmer one day. The master noted the novice’s preoccupation with a hand‐held computer game. “Excuse me”, he said, “may I examine it?” The novice bolted to attention and handed the device to the master. “I see that the device claims to have three levels of play: Easy, Medium and Hard”, said the master. “Yet every such device has another level of play, where the device seeks not to conquer the human, nor to be conquered by the human.” “Pray, great master”, implored the novice, “how does one find this mysterious setting?” The master dropped the device to the ground and crushed it underfoot. And suddenly the novice was enlightened. — The Tao of Programming, Geoffrey James
orev 2y ago
This says it’s for Linux, and a search doesn’t find a Windows version. Are you using this on Windows?
- loufe 2y ago
  I suppose that could have been clearer. I use Windows on my desktop and Linux on my laptop.
bayindirh 2y ago
I never had Bluetooth connection issues with my Logitech hardware, but I wanted mine to work without an OS (i.e. with a Bolt receiver). Solaar handled the pairing in 30 seconds flat, and I can't be happier. The only thing is, since Bolt doesn't look like proper BT to the OS, battery levels can only be monitored from Solaar itself.
- throwaway314155 2y ago
  What's a Bolt receiver?
  - resoluteteeth 2y ago
    Bolt is logitech's newer wireless protocol (with devices using a dongle rather than bluetooth) that's supposed to be more secure than the older one.
    - seaal 2y ago
      I think the real highlight of the Bolt receiver is being able to pair up to 6 devices with just a single receiver.
      - selcuka 2y ago
        The old unifying receiver was also able to pair up to 6 devices.
      - teekert 2y ago
        I think the real highlight is that it is not backwards compatible. So I now have an MX Keys and an MX Master 3s, both on their own dongle.
        bayindirh 2y ago
        IIUIC, Unifying receiver used a completely different protocol, but Bolt protocol is just supercharged Bluetooth with some low latency and encryption sauces on top.
adgjlsfhk1 2y ago
My one gripe with Logitech mice is that none of their "office" mice support high refresh rate polling.
- jsheard 2y ago
  Also they've been very slow to adopt optical switches compared to other brands, a handful of their high end gaming mice have them, but the vast majority of their range still uses the same old mechanical switches that tend to start erroneously double clicking after a while.
  - bayindirh 2y ago
    If your mouse starts double clicking, play a game of Quake 3 for an hour, or just click a bit more aggressively for the next hour. It clears the problem, per my experience. What I understood is, the switches on these mice (I have G700) are practically abuse-proof. However, they don’t like to be used lightly and start to glitch possibly from fine dust. Using the switches more aggressively cleans them up. My first generation G700 still works great.
    - hedora 2y ago
      That sounds like a job for contact cleaner, assuming it’s possible to non-destructively get a tube next to the switches. I’m about to open my second bottle. My first bottle is from the 1990’s.
      - homebrewer 2y ago
        No, it's a job for a sewing needle or a toothpick. Logitech switches can be temporarily fixed by disassembling the switch and adjusting the contact plate inside because it gets bent out of shape and stops registering the clicks correctly. But it's easier (and more reliable) to replace them with higher quality alternatives while you're in there.
        2y ago
nox101 2y ago
IIRC I installed the Logitech software in a VM, programmed the the mouse, deleted the VM. All I wanted to do is turn off the rainbow LEDs Next time I get a new mouse I'll try Solaar.
- beAbU 2y ago
  Sadly the MX family of mousen need the Logitech Software for customisation. It's not saved on the mouse, so if Logi Options is not running the mouse operates in default state, with no custom button mappings, etc.
  - SparkyMcUnicorn 2y ago
    I've used the logitech g305 for at least 6 years now, and thankfully that one lets you write a profile to the chip on the mouse.
  - gosub100 2y ago
    it works fine for me on windows, only annoyance is google maps, switching to street view, one wheel rotation unit acts like 15, so switches back and forth uncommanded to street mode and out
kreelman 2y ago
Awesome. Thanks for the info here. I have a couple of useful Logitech peripherals too. It should be quite useful.
0points 2y ago
May I suggest you use the bolt receiver instead of bluetooth, and you will have a much more reliable connection.
- jwr 2y ago
  That might be true for Windows, on Mac OS I get perfectly reliable connections (years of usage with multiple mice) with Bluetooth. And I don't have to use any stupid dongles.
  - 0points 2y ago
    I wouldn't know. This thread is about Solaar and i suggested parent try the reciever to resolve their bad connectivity. You telling us that your macbook is great helps who exactly? I am a solaar user on arch linux, btw ;-)
- ninkendo 2y ago
  Using Linux with an MX Master 3S, I see noticeable lag sometimes when moving the mouse cursor around when using the bolt receiver. Using regular Bluetooth gives me no issues.
  - 0points 2y ago
    Parent had this exact issue: > getting repeatedly frustrated with bluetooth connection issues My suggestion to use the bolt reciever was in response to that. Why you suggest to me and parent to just forget about it because you have such great experience is depressing to me. I have the MX Master 3 and MX Keys Mini. Using Solaar on Linux for 2.5 years without a single issue. I did have more issues using pure bluetooth with an external bt antenna (intel bluetooth hardware).

schainks 2y ago

Been using this for years, works exactly as advertised, no issues. Thank you Solaar team for your work and dedication to this useful project!

brocket 2y ago

This saved my butt when I lost my mouse dongle and only had an Ubuntu instance available at the time. I was able to pair my mouse to the same dongle my keyboard used and have been using the software ever since without issue. Thank you!

Joel_Mckay 2y ago
The mouse buttons tend to go long before the keyboard, but wireless HID devices tend to be a consumable for most people that use their computer a lot. We issue the wireless keyboards/mice kit as it is cheaper than swapping a proprietary keyboard in your laptop, and less likely to give users an RSI (really not funny if you are a Jr and have to learn this the painful way.) =3
- nemomarx 2y ago
  why not a corded one, if you'll always be using it with a laptop?
  - Joel_Mckay 2y ago
    In general, for mobile these can get broken up rather quickly, and increase probability of pulling a laptop off a table. For servers and desktop towers, a cabled solution is more secure... and never runs out of batteries. YMMV =3
gessha 2y ago
Yooo, I've been so frustrated with Logitech! I have an MX Mechanical Mini keyboard and MX Ergo mouse. For some reason they don't pair to the same dongle because the dongles are different and not interchangeable. In addition, whatever dongle is plugged into the right USB-A port of my laptop always lags for some reason. Does Solaar solve those issues?
- tecleandor 2y ago
  Solaar mostly changes configuration and helps pairing devices, but it's not part of the drovers, so it might not help you. Anyway I dump some info about dongles here just in case, if you find your devices are compatible you might use Solaar to reset the pairings. IIRC, there are three types of dongles: the old basic ones, that only work with one particular device, the not-that-old "unifying" dongles (they have a red logo with a star or ray of light), and the new ones that are called "bolt" (green logo with a bolt in it). I have mostly experience with the "unifying" receivers. Those can pair to any "unifying" compatible device, and keep connections with up to 6 devices. Bolt dongles work similarly but with better encryption.

prmoustache 2y ago

Pardon my ignorance but why would you need an app to manage keyboards and mice in the first place? Aren't they supported out of the box by generic drivers?

Hemospectrum 2y ago
Some of them have software controls for hardware behavior (like optical sensor polling rate and scroll wheel clutch mode) that no OS has built-in support for, because these features are not part of the USB HID standard.
dandellion 2y ago
I used to have a Logitech mouse that allowed you to reconfigure some buttons to use shortcuts and things like that. Plus it lets you see if the battery is running low, which I don't think the out of the box drivers do. But for basic mouse use you don't need it.
pknomad 2y ago
Fair question. In general, custom configuration on both mice (DPI, refresh rate, etc) and keyboards (tactile response settings [See https://wooting.io/ https://wooting.io/], hot binds, etc). It's a nice to have (almost to the point of necessity) especially when you go to LANs and need a consistent way to load your settings on a computer that's not yours.
Joel_Mckay 2y ago
In most cases, most usb wireless hid-devices auto-bind on most linux distros, but some models of mice/keyboards do require wireless pairing after a battery change (they may or may not be Bluetooth.) It is an "install if needed" utility if your mouse seems dead after a battery change or wireless power cycle. =)
rostigerpudel 2y ago
Most Logitech devices have settings for particular parameters that are not covered by generic drivers. E.g on my MX Master, I can set what events the buttons (it has 6) will generate. My K810 has borked function keys (they trigger special events instead of just being good old F1). You can switch these back to standard function using software. Edit: typos

CoastalCoder 2y ago

Since we're on the topic of Logitech keyboards, does anyone know of a wired-only keyboard that has the same feel as the "Logitech MX Keys S Wireless"? I love this keyboard's feel, but I need to switch to wired-only for $reasons.

bluGill 2y ago
If you can find mechanical switches you like that is your best option. Lacking that, nothing stops you from ripping out the electronics and putting in the controller from a mechanical keyboard. It would be a lot of work to trace the circuit board and figure out where to jump in (and what to cut out), but any mechanical keyboard controller should work (QMK seems to be the most popular today)
- Dennip 2y ago
  Razer and Cherry both have low profile switches, apparently Kailh are also low profile.
  - bluGill 2y ago
    You seem to not have read/understood OP's problems. He stated mechanical switches are not what he wants. Now if you can suggest switches with a membrane feel that would be helpful - I'm not aware of any but I don't know everything.
    - Dennip 2y ago
      I figured that if they have the same feel as the membrane, them being mechanical is not relevant, as OP never gave a veto on mechanical options. I looked up the estimated travel and actuation pressures for those offerings in comparison to the Logitech.
      - CoastalCoder 2y ago
        Thanks, and you're correct. I'm not very knowledgeable about keyboards, so I have no opinion about the switch technology per se. I just know that I love the user aesthetics of the MX Keys.

deleted 2y ago

[deleted]

bnycum 2y ago

Been using Solaar for a few years with a Logitech K400 keyboard with the built-in touchpad. Running on a Raspberry Pi connected to my TV. No issues and works very well. Have never even connected to Logitech's software on a Mac or Windows.

mastazi 2y ago

Thanks to Solaar I hot my F1-F12 keys back on a Logitech keyboard that defaults to requiring Fn to use those (on Mac/Win you can change this using an app by Logitech). It’s been working well for a long time. I suggest getting it from their own ppa because the version in your Linux distro might be pretty old

nakedneuron 2y ago
same here! big kudos to the devs!

sys_64738 2y ago

Does anybody install the Logitech SW on their computer? Does it phone home?

tecleandor 2y ago
Yep. I installed it in my work Mac and it's terrible. It phones home. It's huge. It tries to convince you to install other stuff. Off it goes.
SlackingOff123 2y ago
I haven't found a way to reconfigure the side buttons on my Logitech Lift Vertical without that bloated software permanently running in the background on Windows. I'm honestly afraid to check how much it phones home. I wish Solaar got ported to Windows.

jklinger410 2y ago

Flathub version here: https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.pwr_solaar.solaar https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.pwr_solaar.solaar

whalesalad 2y ago

Been using this for years on my Debian 12 install and it’s been very solid. Why it’s on the homepage though is perplexing.

gertlex 2y ago
Lightweight software that does one thing well always makes for a great casual conversation topic here. You learn how widespread knowledge of it it is or isn't. And, often adjacent tools that might be of interest are mentioned. Admittedly not "news".

qmr 2y ago

Please port to Windows, I don't want 500mb of shitware to change settings on my mouse.

deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
shiroiushi 2y ago
The source code is available, so if you think this project is so important, you can do it yourself.

rez9x 2y ago

I tried to get this to work a couple of times and gave up. I was trying to rebind a mouse button (back) to a macro and just gave up after a while. I ended up using the G Hub on a Mac and applying settings to the onboard config. I like the idea of Solaar, but the initial learning curve was more effort than I wanted to put in to rebind a single key.

jwrallie 2y ago
If the button already has a function (like back) assigned to it, I think the input-remapper[0] software would work. That is what I use with my deathadder. [0] https://github.com/sezanzeb/input-remapper https://github.com/sezanzeb/input-remapper

shlomo_z 2y ago

But does it have AI like Logitech's other products?

pxc 2y ago

Is there anything like this on Windows? Logitech mice are mostly nice, but one of their major flaws is that their macro capability is not onboard but requires some kind of supplemental software like this, so even just binding a single button to multiple keystrokes as a chord is not possible without G-Hub. Linux has stuff like Solaar and Piper/libratbagd, which is great. For macOS, it looks like SteerMouse does quite nicely, even for mice with many extra buttons. So does G-Hub have any alternatives like this on Windows? It would make recommending Logitech mice to Windows-bound friends and family so much easier. (My favorite forever for these reasons was Roccat, everything their mice can do they can do onboard. Configure your mouse once and you can purge whatever software you've used to do it if you don't like it, without limitations. But hardware quality control with them has long been iffy, and I think since their buyout by Turtle Beach it will only get worse.)

KennyBlanken 2y ago
Their major flaw is that they purposefully use shitty switches that fail, sometimes within months. This is true even with their absurdly overpriced gaming mice. I have never had a mouse whose buttons failed until I bought a logitech. Every person I know raves about them until you ask them how many they've had to buy.
- WhyNotHugo 2y ago
  Warranty will often get you a new one. I had a mouse fail about 2.5 years in and they sent a new one. OTOH, it speaks terribly of their quality; a mouse should work fine for 10-20 years, like some mice from 20 years ago.
  - amlib 2y ago
    Even 20 years ago mices weren't always that reliable. I used to have a Microsoft ball mouse from the late nineties and I remember the micro switch giving up after about 4 years. Even the replacements (albeit much cheaper/more generic brands) from the time didn't fare better, but at least by that point they were all optical. And I say "replacements" because they all didn't last very long, until I got the memo and started buying decent stuff from brands like... logitech. And then there is the conundrum of going with something even more "premium" than a logitech, there's very little guarantee it's really gonna last. You may be paying twice as much for it but it still ends up lasting about as long.

leshenka 2y ago

Is there a same thing for macs? The native logitech solution requires me to install a .pkg and I'm not really a fan of it to say the least. I'd rather install something from homebrew.

indymike 2y ago
Logitech used to have a Chrome plug-in that could manage their unifying devices.
akerr 2y ago
I use BetterMouse: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42457393 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42457393
- leshenka 2y ago
  Thank you very much! This one took a bit to get a hang of settings but I'm very happy that I finally can use side buttons again!

mattfrommars 2y ago

For Linux pros here, can anyone explain how is this, in my understanding, driver implementation for Linux to be completely written in Python? My understanding is most for driver code is written in C or C++. The 'new' way of developing - the kernel development is in Rust. How can this work that is written in pure Python?

wyager 2y ago
Probably they used LibUSB bindings or something
zamadatix 2y ago
> Solaar is not a device driver and responds only to special messages from devices that are otherwise ignored by the Linux input system. The normal Linux drivers implement what's needed to receive the HID message. This just handles some vendor specific messages on top of that. A bit like how a program can send a custom vendor specific TCP message on top of the existing OS network drivers without having to itself be a kernel level network driver.
indymike 2y ago
From the second sentence of the readme: Solaar is not a device driver and responds only to special messages from devices that are otherwise ignored by the Linux input system Sounds like this isn't working at the kernel level.
dicknuckle 2y ago
It's a manager for the device's extra features, and pairing of dongles since that's not handled by the OS. It replaces a few of the typical Logitech applications that normally do this.
gosub100 2y ago
for a more general answer, if you rewind the clock back to the 80s and early 90s: a hardware device required setting a COM port or IRQ, which was often done by physically setting jumpers on the device, and the user was responsible for making sure that, e.g. IRQ21 wasn't already being used by the BIOS or another device on the system. Then, you'd install a device driver that knew the specific memory addresses to read/write to in order to communicate with the controller on the device, based on the proprietary way the company decided to do it. fast forward to today, and the hardware industry has made great advancements in standardizing how devices operate. memory-mapped I/O allows the OS to treat many device drivers the same, they just need to handle manipulation of the memory after it's read/written. for USB, the industry standardized on device classes , so something either acts like a communication device (serial port, JTAG reader), an audio device, a video capture device, or in this case, an HID (human interface device). So based on the general characteristics of how the thing operates, the kernel can do 80% or more of the driver development for you. especially because of the linux credo that "everything is a file" you plug in a usb dongle and you get (hypothetically) a few files called /sys/class/hid/<serialnum>/{control, data}. so you could, say, change the RF channel of the dongle by writing a very specific value to the "control" file, which will get sucked in by the kernel and sent to the device. Or you could get raw kb/mouse data by catting the .../data file. this would in theory, allow you to write a device driver in python by connecting the .../data file to a read handler, processing the input (the hard part, which requires reverse engineering), and emitting the corresponding output, such as the OS command to move the mouse or generate a keyboard event. I made some generalizations here, but this is the main idea.

kdmtctl 2y ago

I'd love to see this ported to Mac. Just discovered the bloody AI prompt builder enabled by default in my mouse driver today. After patiently declining input recording permission for months. Managed to get rid of the most of bloatware using their corporate "Offline" version which supposedly doesn't phone home and doesn't ask for extra permissions. YMMV. https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/11570501236119-Logitech-Options-offline-installer https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/11570501236119-Lo...

thombles 2y ago
> AI prompt builder enabled by default in my mouse driver That's so wild I had to go and look up what that could possibly mean. What a world we live in. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-builder.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/software/logi-ai-prompt-build...
- kdmtctl 2y ago
  I didn’t even check what it could be. I just got the rainbow cursor suddenly on boot, and the process name was enough to instantly uninstall the driver and search for a replacement.
  - hedora 2y ago
    What is a rainbow cursor? Do you mean the mac beach ball, or is it a misguided feature of the mouse?
    - kdmtctl 2y ago
      Beach ball, yes. I've started to call it rainbow cursor 30 years ago on air gapped Macs, and still reluctant to absorb any other names.
- gosub100 2y ago
  I worked at a fucking air conditioner manufacturer, and sure as shit they had an AI developer. people are huffing some strong shit.

rational_indian 2y ago

What is the average lifespan of a logitech gaming mouse? I bought 3 over the years and the average life span has been around 2 years.

leeoniya 2y ago

im currently struggling to pair MX mice (anywhere S2 and S3) and keyboard via bluetooth in endeavourOS. works okay with intel ax-210 chipaet/driver on one machine but on another machine i can only get both to pair to a bluetooth 4 (le) dongle but not bluetooth 5+ chipset (realtek or intel 9560). not sure if bluez bug or btusb driver or smth :( any tips?

hedora 2y ago

Huh. I bought a Rii brand keyboard/trackpad combo for my couch because logitech and all other brands I’d heard of only have humorously bad form factors or are out of business (like gyration). Bullet dodged.

LarsDu88 2y ago

I'm using this right now! It's awesome!

LarsDu88 2y ago
Did not realize it was written in python of all things! Inspiring me to right now to write more FOSS software!

buserror 2y ago

I use for pairing etc and it's great, but the rule editor is just completely bonkers. I tried several times to add a gesture move for the 'gesture' button on my 3S, and eventually gave up! Seems you need to know the exact keycodes, or names, or whatever key you want to use. Like XF86_MonBrightnessUp. Want to add a combo? not sure how to do that either.

jdndjfhdbr 2y ago

I don't get the use case for this, all Logitech keyboard and mice are supported with the default USB/Bluetooth HID drivers shipped by any OS in the last 20 years

dmm 2y ago
You're right. It's not a driver. It's a configuration tool. I use it to associate devices with the little dongles.

aorth 2y ago

Thanks! This is timely. I just spent an hour of my working morning fiddling with my Ergo K860 keyboard after changing it from Bluetooth to Unifying receiver. Having to find the secret reset key sequence, swapping ports, restarting everything, argh!

teekert 2y ago

I only buy Logitech because Solaar exist. It would be nice if they’d get some kickback. I just feel like it needs an AI prompt builder and then it’s finished.

superb_dev 2y ago
Was the AI prompt builder sarcastic or a serious suggestion? I can’t figure out how any AI fits into my mouse configuration utility
- teekert 2y ago
  Sorry, it’s absolutely sarcastic. I thought I wasn’t able to couple my MX Keys to the Bolt dongle and the MX Master 3S to the “Unifying” dongle because I needed Windows (but no, it’s by design!). So I grab my wife’s laptop, install that Logitech garbage and it greets me with an AI prompt builder. I was like that Picard Gif, squared. Unbelievable.
  - superb_dev 2y ago
    It seemed so ridiculous that I thought it must be sarcastic but you never know with how rabid AI people are. Absolutely insane that they included that in the official software!
    - teekert 2y ago
      Yeah, I mean what is the thought process here? - Lets build a plug-in that can put an AI prompt builder under a mouse button! - But nobody would download and use it! - You're right, lets force-feed it through our main app!

bbutkovic 2y ago

I have been using this for my ancient MX Master 2s for quite some time now. I use it mostly to adjust the point where the scrollwheel no longer ratchets and just freewheels (Logitech put an electrically actuated lever that controls the ratchet into their mice), Solaar has an option to tune it, it works amazingly. Not to mention how you can bind keyboard shortcuts to specific "gestures" using the palm button. Solaar is awesome, thank you, Solaar devs!

ensocode 2y ago

That looks great, thanks. Just for info: if needed only for pairing dongles there is an even more lightweight approach https://lekensteyn.nl/logitech-unifying.html https://lekensteyn.nl/logitech-unifying.html

BiteCode_dev 2y ago

Good software, simple, does what it says. I rarely need it; now BT mice work quite well, but sometimes, to avoid pairing one mouse with a new device (and losing the previous one), I will use it.

mathfailure 2y ago

How does its functionality differ from the logiops package?

Gualdrapo 2y ago
Can't tell anything about functionality, but logiops does not include a GUI. Solaar tries to pull GTK so that's why I prefer logid I just wanted the screen brightness keys to work and though in past versions it was really funky the latest version has been actually reliable and stable.

steakscience 2y ago

It's so good in fact that I wish it existed for macOS so I wouldn't need to use the official Logitech crap

terminalbraid 2y ago
The Logitch Options+ is super hot garbage I tried once. The regular "Options" I don't find to be as obtrusive. But I would use this in a heartbeat if it existed.
Rebelgecko 2y ago
If you look on their GitHub there's a WIP Mac version you can try

adamtaylor_13 2y ago

I love my Logitech G602/502 series but after they killed the line it’s time for my money to go to a company that values me. The problem is, I LOVE my 8-programmable buttons and there isn’t another mouse I’ve been able to find that approaches the number of buttons and ergonomics of the G602. The price I’m willing to pay for the right mouse is absurdly high, but it isn’t $200 for a mouse that dies within a year due to shitty switches.

Am4TIfIsER0ppos 2y ago

What does this offer me over piper and libratbag? I only need something to configure the extra 2 buttons on my mouse. If it has its own profiles or a command line interface then I would see some value in using it myself.

mzajc 2y ago

I like this a lot, and the rule editor is able to create some very powerful workflows. My mouse has two side buttons, and I bind one of them plus scrollwheel to virtual desktop switching. Unfortunately this takes complete control of your scrollwheel, so you need to experiment with the rules a little in order to avoid performance issues. Honorable mention: https://github.com/PixlOne/logiops/ https://github.com/PixlOne/logiops/, although its rules are much less powerful.

deadbunny 2y ago

Piper[1] has always worked for me. Granted I only use wired mice. 1. https://github.com/libratbag/piper https://github.com/libratbag/piper

yapyap 2y ago

I like Solaar more than the actual Logitech shit actually cuz 1. you can see actual battery % and 2. you can set actual dpi numbers instead of a f*king slider like the actual logitech app, like the software department for logitech should get fired just for that.

rafaelmn 2y ago

One thing I'm kind of surprised by is that the custom mouse space is so empty, compared to custom keyboard scene. I would like to have some custom micro controller/ZMK based mouse that I can pair with say my wireless split keyboard. Logitech has OK hardware but they don't have basic functionality like sync switching between devices - this would easily be handled by OSS firmware.

mmazzanti 2y ago
I've wanted the same for a while. I think there are two main restrictions: - Mouse bodies are harder to make, since they generally have more complex curves compared to a flat keyboard. 3d printing helps a lot, but you don't get the same durability or quality as injection molding - Mouse sensors are strangely hard to find. The "good" sensors on a lot of the high-end mice are difficult to find as individual components. From a quick look at what custom mice exist, they'll often cannibalize an existing mouse for components rather than order things from say DigiKey, like you can for keyboard components

bjoli 2y ago

Does anyone know of a good program to help tweak the mx ergo on linux? I have some xinput tweaks, but I feel I am leaving much on the table - probably by not really understanding xinput. It is also soooo much more comfortable to use the trackball on my mac where I have the Logitech software installed.

jlarocco 2y ago

It's a shame vendor specific software like this is necessary. I wonder why setting DPI and stuff like that were never added to the standards so the baseline drivers can use them?

FrameworkFred 2y ago

I use solaar with a mx master 3s and it's great (thumbscrolling works as it should) except the mouse battery level indicator is uncalibrated...20% at the highest, then it's quickly at 5% where it stays for-e-ver. I gas-up my car when my tank is below 1/4, so it's a little disconcerting to have a red battery indicator with an exclamation point on it...not enough to actually want to use it with the cable plugged in, but still...

ComputerGuru 2y ago

Out-of-the-box Linux distributions give me a desktop notification when my 17-year-old MX mouse (connected via unifying dongle) is low on battery. Does anyone know how to get this on Windows? Nothing worse than the battery dying mid-use.

porkloin 2y ago

Slowly but surely, desktop Linux is developing an ecosystem of quality of life applications like this that make using common peripherals and stuff on Linux not feel so bad. Some of my other current favorites are: - CoolerControl (https://gitlab.com/coolercontrol/coolercontrol https://gitlab.com/coolercontrol/coolercontrol) - fan control/curve designer/temp sensor overview tool. Seriously awesome tool! - LACT (https://github.com/ilya-zlobintsev/LACT https://github.com/ilya-zlobintsev/LACT) - AMD GPU tool for overclocking, etc. Anything you would do with the radeon app on windows - BoatSwain (https://flathub.org/apps/com.feaneron.Boatswain https://flathub.org/apps/com.feaneron.Boatswain) - Elgato StreamDeck tool

HeavyStorm 2y ago

Oh god, someone needs to port this to Windows.

toinebeg 2y ago

I hurt my right wrist on a bike fall, it's long term injury. I found that my left hand is much more compliant with touchpads than mice so I found an old Logitech T650 in second hands. With solaar on Linux, the thing work flawlessly. On Windowsthe device is not supported by the official firmware so no gesture or click. It's a shame !

wisdomalfred 2y ago

[dead]

javanjibril 2y ago

[dead]