The Best $20 I Ever Spent at Walmart: A Year with the MX Master 2S
I’m the kind of person who appreciates a tool that just works. Growing up in a small Kansas town, you learn pretty quickly that "flashy" doesn't mean "functional." My dad, a public accountant, didn't care about the brand of his calculator—he cared that it didn't die in the middle of tax season. I carry that same mindset into my design firm. Whether I’m knee-deep in packaging design or a 3D visualization project, I don't have time for gear that needs constant babysitting.
A year ago, I found two Logitech MX Master 2S (Bluetooth Edition) mice on the clearance rack at Walmart for $20 each. Even at its normal retail price, this older model is a steal compared to the newer versions, and honestly, it might be the most practical piece of tech on my desk.
Why It Actually Matters for Designers
If you’re working with hundreds of layers in Affinity or Photoshop, you know the literal pain of scrolling. The MX Master 2S has a small button on top that toggles the flywheel on the scroll wheel. It’s fun to fidget with, sure, but it’s a lifesaver when you need to fly through a massive project file.
The ergonomics are solid. It feels "hefty" in a way that suggests it won't shatter if it gets knocked off the desk by my miniature Australian Shepherd. I have smaller hands, and while the mouse feels a bit compact at times, it’s never caused enough discomfort to make me go back to a standard peripheral.
The Reality Check: It’s Not Perfect
I’m not a "mom blogger" who’s going to tell you this mouse changed my spiritual life. It’s a tool, and tools have quirks.
The "Hook" Issue: The way the plastic curls over the main buttons means it can occasionally hook onto a stray wire on your desk. It’s a minor annoyance, but it happens.
The Size: If you have massive hands, you might find this model a little cramped for long-term use.
The Tech Gap: Yes, it’s an older model. You aren't getting the ultra-quiet clicks or the slightly improved sensor of the 3S, but you also aren't paying double the price.
The Battery Factor
The biggest "win" for me has been the fact that it’s rechargeable. Between running a business, being a new dad to a one-year-old, and trying to stay active in the Knights of Columbus, the last thing I want to do is hunt for AA batteries.
I rarely have to charge this thing. It pays for itself in the time you save not swapping batteries, and it’s one less thing to think about when life is already chaotic (like trying to get through Mass with a toddler).
Verdict
If you can find one of these, grab it. It’s sleek, functional, and survives the grit of a real workday. If you want to check out the current pricing or the updated version, you can find it here: Logitech MX Master 2S on Amazon.
It’s a straightforward upgrade for anyone doing serious digital art or branding work who doesn't want to waste money on "new for the sake of new."