Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.

Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3
Reviewed Mar 29, 2021 at 09:38 am
Latest change: Test bench update Feb 22, 2023 at 09:59 am
Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 Picture
7.6
Office/Multimedia
6.6
Video Games (FPS)
7.2
Video Games (MMO)
7.2
Travel

The Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 is a very good wireless office mouse. It has a sturdy-feeling build quality, a professional-looking design, and a right-slanted ergonomic shape that's well suited to all hand sizes depending on grip type. It connects wirelessly with a USB receiver, but it doesn't support Bluetooth. It has two side buttons and a mouse wheel with L/R tilt buttons that you can unlock for free-scrolling. Unfortunately, you can't adjust the CPI or polling rate, and while the companion software is compatible with Windows and macOS, there aren't many customization options.

Our Verdict

7.6 Office/Multimedia

The Logitech M705 is a very good mouse for office use that feels sturdy and has a comfortable, right-slanted ergonomic shape that's suitable for all hand sizes depending on grip type. It connects wirelessly with a USB receiver but doesn't support Bluetooth. It only has five programmable inputs, but the scroll wheel has L/R tilt buttons, and you can unlock it for free-scrolling. It has companion software compatible with both Windows and macOS, though it doesn't offer many options.

Pros
  • Ergonomic right-slanted design with a thumb rest.
  • Good build quality.
  • Mouse and companion software are fully compatible with Windows and macOS.
  • Fairly low click latency.
Cons
  • Can only be connected wirelessly with a USB receiver; no Bluetooth support.
6.6 Video Games (FPS)

The Logitech M705 mouse is inadequate for FPS gaming as it's quite heavy and you can't adjust the polling rate or CPI. It also has a high lift-off distance and sup-par plastic mouse feet that don't glide smoothly across mousepads or tables. That said, it has a sturdy-feeling build quality, fairly low click latency, and a right-slanted ergonomic shape. It's suitable for a palm grip if you have small or medium-sized hands, while a claw or fingertip grip should be comfortable if you have larger hands.

Pros
  • Ergonomic right-slanted design with a thumb rest.
  • Good build quality.
  • Fairly low click latency.
Cons
  • Fixed CPI and polling rate.
  • High lift-off distance.
  • Heavy.
  • Disappointing plastic mouse feet that scratch across mousepads and desks.
7.2 Video Games (MMO)

The Logitech M705 is a mediocre mouse for MMO gaming as It only has two side buttons, a fixed polling rate and CPI, and a high lift-off distance. That said, it does have a solid-feeling build quality and an ergonomic right-slanted shape that's suitable for all hand sizes using most grip types. It also has a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons, and both the mouse and companion software are fully compatible with Windows and macOS.

Pros
  • Ergonomic right-slanted design with a thumb rest.
  • Mouse and companion software are fully compatible with Windows and macOS.
  • Fairly low click latency.
Cons
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
  • Fixed CPI and polling rate.
  • High lift-off distance.
7.2 Travel

The Logitech M705 is only decent for travel. It has a good, sturdy-feeling build quality, an ergonomic right-slanted shape, and onboard storage for its wireless USB receiver. However, it's quite bulky compared to dedicated travel mice, and it may not fit into some laptop cases. The companion software is compatible with Windows and macOS, but it offers very limited options, and there's no onboard memory on the mouse for custom profiles.

Pros
  • Onboard storage for the USB receiver.
  • Good build quality.
  • Mouse and companion software are fully compatible with Windows and macOS.
  • Fairly low click latency.
Cons
  • Can only be connected wirelessly with a USB receiver; no Bluetooth support.
  • Taller and significantly heavier than dedicated travel mice.
  • 7.6 Office/Multimedia
  • 6.6 Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.2 Video Games (MMO)
  • 7.2 Travel
  1. Updated Feb 22, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
  2. Updated Sep 28, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
  3. Updated Sep 21, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
  4. Updated Apr 29, 2021: Fixed a calculation error with the CPI Variation.
  5. Updated Mar 29, 2021: Review published.
  6. Updated Mar 24, 2021: Early access published.
  7. Updated Mar 15, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  8. Updated Mar 15, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  9. Updated Mar 09, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
  10. Updated Mar 04, 2021: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Logitech Marathon M705  has no color or size variants, but it has an older version with the same name and some design differences. The pre-2018 version (model number M-R0009) has a hidden button on the thumb rest and three mouse feet. The unit we tested is the post-2018 variant (model number M-R0073) which lacks the thumb rest button and has four mouse feet. For a statement on the differences between the two versions, refer to this FAQ on Logitech's website. You can see the label for our unit here.

Compared To Other Mice

The Logitech Marathon M705 Mouse is an entry-level wireless office mouse that's part of Logitech's lineup aimed at home and professional office settings. It has a similar design language to the Logitech M720 Triathlon, but it lacks Bluetooth and several customization options. That said, it may be a good choice for you if you're looking for a simple wireless office mouse without too many added frills. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best ergonomic mouse, the best wireless mouse, and the best Logitech mouse.

Logitech M720 Triathlon

The Logitech M720 Triathlon and the Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 are office mice with similar looks, but the Triathlon is a better mouse with more features. The Triathlon has a sturdier-feeling build, Bluetooth support, and a button on the thumb rest for gesture commands. It also has better mouse feet made of PTFE rather than plastic and is ideal for a fingertip grip, regardless of hand size. On the other hand, the Marathon is suitable for all hand sizes, depending on grip type. It also has a slightly lower click latency but doesn't support Bluetooth, so it only connects wirelessly with its USB receiver.

Logitech M510

The Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 is a better office mouse than the Logitech M510. The M705 has a more comfortable, right-slanted ergonomic body with a thumb rest and a scroll wheel that you can unlock for free-scrolling. On the other hand, the M510 is an ambidextrous mouse with a longer body better suited for larger hands, though it has a cheaper-feeling build quality. Its mouse feet are PTFE, which is better than the plastic feet on the M705, but neither of them slides very smoothly on mousepads or desks.

Logitech MX Master 3

The Logitech MX Master 3 is a better mouse than the Logitech Marathon Mouse M705. The MX Master 3 has a better build quality, Bluetooth support, a sensor that works on glass, and a larger thumb rest with a gesture control button. It also has both a vertical and horizontal scroll wheel, and you can unlock the vertical wheel manually or automatically for free-scrolling. On the other hand, the M705 is still a very good office mouse, but it only connects via a USB receiver, and you can only toggle free-scrolling manually. That said, it's well suited for all hand sizes, depending on grip type, and its smaller form factor is more portable than the MX Master 3.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3

The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 and Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 are both very good office mice designed for slightly different uses. While the M705 has a more ergonomic and comfortable design suitable to a wider range of grip types, is a bit bulkier, can only connect wirelessly via its USB receiver, and is powered by two AA batteries. On the other hand, the MX Anywhere 3 is designed with travel in mind, so it's much lighter and smaller, making it easier to slip it into laptop bags, and it charges via USB-C. It also supports Bluetooth, allowing it to pair with most laptops without the need for a USB receiver, and its sensor works on glass. Both mice also have two programmable side buttons and scroll wheels that you can unlock for free scrolling.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Lighting Color No Lighting

The Logitech M705 wireless mouse has an ergonomic right-slanted shape and a clean, professional design similar to that of the Logitech M720 Triathlon. The body is all black with a silver highlight on the mouse wheel, rubberized side grips, no RGB lighting, and a logo printed just behind the crest.

Design
Shape
Length 4.4" (111 mm)
Height 1.7" (43 mm)
Width 2.8" (70 mm)
Grip Width
56 mm
7.6
Design
Portability
Volume
20.20 in³ (331 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
Yes

The Logitech M705 is fairly bulky and has a tall profile so it may not fit into some laptop bags. However, there is an onboard compartment for storing the USB receiver.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

The Logitech M705's build quality is good. It has a solid matte plastic body with rubberized side grips. There's a rattling sound that comes from the scroll wheel when the free-scrolling lock is toggled on, but this isn't unusual for a mouse wheel with L/R tilt buttons.

6.4
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
92.6 g
Default Weight
140.7 g
Weight Distribution
Back-heavy
Extra Weights
No
8.5
Design
Comfort Of Use
Left-Handed Friendly
No
Ambidextrous
No
Coating
Matte
Finger Rest
Thumb

The Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 has a right-slanted ergonomic shape with a thumb rest. There are rubberized segments along both sides that provide good grip, and the side buttons should be easily reachable for most people.

Design
Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
No
X.Large Hand
No

This mouse is well-suited to small and medium-sized hands using a palm grip, but if you have large or extra-large hands, your fingers will likely drape over the front.

Design
Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
No

This mouse is suitable for most hand sizes using a claw grip, but if you have extra-large hands, you'll have to use a very aggressive claw grip that likely won't be comfortable.

Design
Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes

This mouse is suitable for most hand sizes using a fingertip grip, but if you have small hands, you may have difficulty reaching both side buttons.

6.3
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Maximum Of Paired Devices
1
Receiver
Yes
Battery Type
2x AA
Use When Charging
No ( Single use batteries)
On/Off Activation
Auto Off And On/Off Switch
Receiver Extender
No
Battery Indicator Yes

The Logitech M705 has mediocre wireless versatility. It connects wirelessly with an included USB receiver but doesn't support Bluetooth. It has an advertised battery life of 36 months, though this isn't something we test. If you'd prefer a simpler, wired office mouse, check out the Logitech M100.

0
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wireless
Cable Length
N/A
Cable Type
No Cable
Permanent Kink
No
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
No Port

This mouse is wireless-only and doesn't have a cable.

5.5
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Bad
Material
Plastic
Extra Included
No

The Logitech M705's mouse feet are plastic, relatively thin, and don't glide smoothly across mousepads or desks. It doesn't come with extra feet, and we've only found third-party feet for the pre-2018 model.

Design
In The Box

  • Logitech Marathon Mouse M705
  • USB receiver
  • 2x AA battery
  • Warranty leaflet

Control
6.5
Control
Additional Buttons
Total Number Of Buttons
8
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
5
Profile Switching Button
No
Gesture Support
No

The Logitech M705 Marathon has two side buttons on the left which you can reprogram, along with the mouse wheel click and L/R tilt buttons. There is a non-programmable button behind the scroll wheel that toggles between free scrolling and incremental scrolling modes. Note that models of this mouse made before 2018 also have a hidden button on the thumb rest, similar to the thumb rest button on the Logitech M720 Triathlon, though this isn't present on the current version which we tested.

6.9
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
13.6 ms
Wired
N/A
Receiver
13.6 ms
Bluetooth
N/A

The Logitech M705 Marathon has good click latency, but it may not be low enough for competitive gamers.

5.9
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
2.70%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
1.79%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
2.75%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
1.26%
Precision Error Between CPI
10.34%
Worst Tracking Error
-18.75%
Minimum CPI
1,000 CPI
Maximum CPI
1,000 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
N/A
7.2
Control
Sensor Latency
Delay To Start Of Movement
30.3 ms
Delay At Half Movement
11.4 ms
Delay To End Of Movement
12.6 ms
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
Logitech Precision Optical Tracking
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
3.6 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
125 Hz

Update 04/29/2021: We fixed an error with the CPI Variation. The correct value is 5%. We updated the review accordingly.

The Logitech M705 Wireless Marathon Mouse has a fixed polling rate of 125Hz, and its CPI is locked at 1000. However, you can adjust pointer speed using the companion software. It also has a high lift-off distance, so you have to raise your mouse quite high when repositioning.

Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel + Free Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
Yes
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel

The mouse wheel has L/R tilt buttons and a grippy textured surface, but the steps don't feel very precise, and there is a loose definition between them. There's also a button behind the wheel that unlocks it for free scrolling. If you'd like a more premium office mouse with a wheel that automatically shifts to free scrolling mode when you scroll quickly, check out the Logitech MX Master.

Control
Noise
Click Noise
Loud

This mouse is loud, but it's unlikely to bother those around you unless you are in a very quiet environment.

Operating System And Software
7.0
Operating System And Software
Compatible Software Option
Software Name Logitech Options
Software Windows Compatibility
Yes
Software macOS Compatibility
Yes
Account Needed
No
On-Board Memory
No
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
No
Polling Rate Adjustment
No
Profile Configuration
Yes
RGB On/Off
No

The companion software for the Logitech M705 Marathon is only decent. It uses Logitech Options which is easy to use but has few customization options. You can reprogram some buttons, but there's no way to adjust the polling rate or CPI settings. That said, there is a setting that adjusts pointer speed, and the software is compatible with both Windows and macOS.

10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully

As the companion software is compatible with Windows and macOS, this mouse is fully compatible with both operating systems.