How do I avoid enshitification of my keyboard and mouse

Submitted ⁨⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨RestrictedAccount@lemmy.world⁩ to ⁨[deleted]⁩

I have been using Logitech peripherals for years. Logitech gear always just worked.

Now they demand internet accounts to use the features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased. WTF?

Not only that, have to use wide-open-to-snooping Chrome to adjust the settings. You cannot adjust/use your mouse and keyboard if you just use Firefox.

This only makes sense if they are planning (or are already) tracking my every move online to sell to advertisers or spooks.

What are the good options?

Also, if anybody sees how these changes could be benign, please let me know.

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dhork@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
The way forward is to stop looking at those as “features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased” and consider them as “unlockables” where you have to pay again by handing over your personal info. Then stop buying their stuff, because it’s absurd to have to pay twice.

I prefer my keyboards and mice as dumb as possible. Preferably with cables, so I never have to worry about charging them.

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- GamingChairModel@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  
  stop looking at those as “features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased”
  
  Seriously.
  
  Maybe I’m an old timer but my idea of extra features on a mouse or keyboard are simply more inputs: more mouse buttons or wheels, more keys on a keyboard (like media keys). At most that just requires additional hardware, but nothing my OS can’t handle on its own.
  
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- QuantumSparkles@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  What are some good dumb brands yall could recommend for keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals?
  
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  - ch00f@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I’ve been using a Dell keyboard I got at goodwill for $4. It’s great.
    
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  - TSG_Asmodeus@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I love Zowie mice because their shapes are incredible and they’re built like tanks. One of mine is 15 years old and I still use it for work.
    
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  - lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Logitech.
    
    G305 for a “standard” mouse
    MX Vertical for a vertical mouse
    Both are wireless with a dedicated dongle and run off AA batteries. I hope that’s acceptable.
    
    G332 or G432 for a headset (that even works well with hearing aides)
    
    Keyboard? I dunno, I went with a Das Keyboard Ultimate 4, I love my clickity clacky but it’s not a cheap recommendation.
    
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  - aaaaace@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Gamestop seems to be releasing competitive options right now.
    
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  - PlexSheep@infosec.pub ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    The cherry stream has all the keys I need, presses feel good, and it just works.
    
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  - Strayce@lemmy.sdf.org ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I picked up a wireless Cooler Master mouse on impulse for $20 from a bargain bin and it’s … Actually okay. The software doesn’t even need to stay running. You open the util, change the settings, close it, and that’s it. Downside is the cable… While it is technically USBC, they’ve done that thing where the port is recessed in a specifically shaped divot that only their cable will fit.
    
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Andromxda@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Probably not the answer you’re looking for, but switch to Linux and use Piper, a free & open source replacement for the Logitech software, that was created because they don’t offer an official version for Linux

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- RestrictedAccount@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Cool!!!
  
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- Angry_Autist@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  [deleted]
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  - orrk@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    This just in, child online upset that people recommend the open source solution to an issue caused by proprietary crap.
    
    In other news, OP who had said question responds to helpful suggestion with “Cool!!!”
    
    We at OPBR (Orrk Public Broadcast Radio, your favorite pirate news satire group) think that someone needs to cool their beans
    
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  - Olhonestjim@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Dude, chill.
    
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  - msage@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Hey, block me too!
    
    Since the best course of action is not supporting predatory companies, using Linux is THE solution for such problems.
    
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norimee@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I hate this so much.
My hp printer doesn’t do shit, if I’m not online and logged in to my hp account. For what if not for collecting datathey have no business collecting.

No advice, just shared frustration.

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- mysticpickle@lemmy.ca ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Get a Brother printer, my brother.
  
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  - blurg@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Be careful of printers with chipped toner though. Older models still rock.
    
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  - norimee@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    That’s the plan. Unfortunately I wasn’t in a situation to say no or be picky when my dad offered to buy me a new printer.
    
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- cabillaud@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  How valuable are these data ? I mean, dozens of companies already collect and sale them… Honnest question.
  
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tyler@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I use a Logitech mouse and do not have the problems you are talking about.

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- Godort@lemm.ee ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Me either. I have a G502 and I have the G Hub app to control the features(DPI, button assignments, RGB), but I’ve never needed an account to use it.
  
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  - clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I use my 602 (the wireless one) on linux with an open-source mouse app called Piper. Does everything GHub can do - at least as far as my needs go.
    
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  - Serialchemist@ttrpg.network ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Good recommendation.
    
    I’d be stuck in the ASUS ROG bloatware environment with BSODs were it not for G Hub! Great app.
    
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  - lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    My G503 started requiring the Windows app to set any other RGB than rainbow patterns.
    
    I had it set to off, it used to store on the mouse, now I need to install and run Windows to have it not flashbang me.
    
    I used black tape. I don’t recommend this dumb thing to anyone, anymore.
    
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- JackbyDev@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  It may be possible it has features you don’t know about that are only enabled with the software. I have a Logitech mouse but only download the software because there was a macro fix for a broken clicker.
  
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utopiah@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Buy open hardware with open source firmware.

I’m typing this from a Corne-ish Zen and you can see my firmware (ZMK) with my keymap at github.com/Utopiah/…/corneish_zen.keymap#L27

Nobody can touch this but me. No update can break it. Yet, it’s more feature rich than most keyboards.

There are equivalents for most peripherals. It’s not cheap, usually even MORE expensive than already pricey ones like Logitech (I have an MX Vertical, still) but IMHO it’s worth it. It’s good right now, pragmatically speaking, but also morally speaking.

I advise against swimming upstream, namely NOT buying hardware that have such enshitification practices because if they don’t do it today, they might tomorrow when there is more pressure from shareholders. Also by buying alternatives you are economically supporting people whom you believe are providing better solutions for yourself and others.

PS: a gateway to such project is crowdsupply.com which is a kind of KickStarter for such projects.

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- voracread@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Can you please provide the link to your keyboard?
  
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  - utopiah@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Happy to, it is a Corne-ish Zen (6 columns (3x6) / Rose Gold) that I bought as a group buy from splitkb.com , ordered in May 2022 and received in January 2023. I’ve been using it daily, at home and on the move, since.
    
    It’s not cheap but if you works hours a day on a computer, if you have pain in the hands or wrist as I did, finding the “right” keyboard for you, both ergonomically speaking and software wise, is worth every penny IMHO.
    
    They don’t have it anymore it seems but they have a lot of quality alternatives I’m sure.
    
    It looks like lowprokb.ca/products/corne-ish-zen?variant=420512…
    
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- AngryCommieKender@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Happy Cakeday! 🍰🎂
  
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- Kbobabob@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  I’d hope that a $300 keyboard that was designed to be customized would.
  
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  - utopiah@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    What I meant to say is that a lot of commercial keyboard are sold with home “customizable” they are. And it’s partly true, you have tool allowing to make some shortcut on popular OSes. It might be sufficient for some people … but it is NOT the same as putting your own firmware in it.
    
    I’m not advocating for a $300 keyboard over a $30 one, “just” for genuine customization. Some that doesn’t have arbitrary limitations from the manufacturer and doesn’t have support for only some OSes which in turns (well Windows and MacOS not to name them) also promote a consumer only with limited control options, as OP is saying about enshitification.
    
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gon@lemm.ee ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
It’s unfortunate, really, but there’s only 1 good answer: vote with your wallet.

Research before buying and be thorough. There are companies that don’t do this yet and you could build your own peripherals, there’s some nice DIY kits out there.

Just don’t buy this crap. IMO the only way this’ll change is if it hurts them where they feel it.

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Mucki@feddit.org ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
What you want is to go along with the business line of logitechs products and scrap the rest. There is an offline version of Logi Options+ “for air gapped machines” available. …logi.com/…/10991109278871-Logitech-Options-Offli… You may use it in a virtual machine aswell.

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zod000@lemmy.ml ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Disclaimer: I’m a keyboard snob. I can’t think of a single good keyboard that even has software.

I actually use Logitech for all my mice and trackballs, but I also haven’t installed Logitech’s junky software in a long time. Maybe I don’t know what I’m missing.

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- WeeScottishMan@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Fellow keyboard snob here. Gotta say I love keyboard that use VIA/vial for software, It’s open source and can run in a browser without installation.
  
  Wooting keyboards also have the wooting configuration software that is also ran in a browser and is very good.
  
  Just hope one day they all get supported on firefox.
  
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  - zod000@lemmy.ml ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I suppose technically any keyboard with a programmable controller could be considered to have software even if you don’t need to run, but I was thinking more along the lines of Logitech or Razer always memory resident garbage.
    
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- jaggedrobotpubes@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Dygma is second to nobody and has software.
  
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  - zod000@lemmy.ml ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    While that keyboard isn’t for me, I’ll admit that look good and does in fact have software. Good counter point. Also, that software appears to just for reconfiguration of the layout and probably macros so I bet it doesn’t need to be run all the time, or even at all if you like the standard layout. That is how software for hardware should be done.
    
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- JackbyDev@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Can you help me solve keyboard chattering then please? I’ve got some from Massdrop from a few years back that are pretty unusable without program to dechatter/debounce them.
  
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  - zod000@lemmy.ml ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    If you have chattering, that is sadly a problem with the specific switch itself and the software has just been ignoring the issue. I don’t suppose the keyboard you’re using is hotswappable? If it is, just pull and replace those switches. If not, you either need to desolder the bad switches and resolder in replacements or stick with that software. I have had some consistently bad chattering issues with Gateron switches to the point that I completely avoid them as a manufacturer. So if you coincidentally are using switches from them and plan to replace them, I’d look for a different brand of switch.
    
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riskable@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Just build your own keyboard. That’s what I did (and it turned out fantastic) 🤷

Mice are much easier to deal with since there’s 500 million of them to choose from. Just pick a generic, no-name brand that doesn’t need drivers and you’re all set.

Aside: Building a keyboard isn’t rocket science. It’s just a bit tedious (buy a kit). Unless you invent your own 3D printable keyboard switch and stabilizers from scratch then design an analog circuit board to work with them (also from scratch). Then it’s a bit more like rocket science 🤣

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- JackbyDev@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  
  Just build your own keyboard.
  
  Just build one, huh? It’s super simple and easy. Doesn’t require special tools or anything. No special skills. Surely it’s cheap too. 🙄
  
  Not hating on building your own keyboard at all, but it’s definitely not so simple as to suggest it like “just build one” lol.
  
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  - trevor@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Seriously. I’m really into keyboards with QMK, but I buy prebuilt keyboards and mice that are capable of running it because if using QMK required me to solder something, I wouldn’t be able to. Soldering is a skill that most people don’t have.
    
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- cRazi_man@lemm.ee ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Handwired keyboards with a Raspberry Pi or Arduino are achievable: github.com/joe-scotto/scottokeebs
  
  I’ve made 2 keyboards with kits (see my post history) and it was good fun and an easy way to get a QMK compatible custom board. Would recommend.
  
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  - wjrii@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I use RP2040’s for all my homemade boards. Deeply satisfying, and one of the few DIY projects where you can come away feeling like you’ve got something absolutely as usable as a commercial offering.
    
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  - JackbyDev@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I’ve had a kit for a gherkin for years but my soldering skills suck. It might be that my iron doesn’t get to the correct temp though. I have no idea. Every time I’ve soldered stuff it feels random what’s happening. It makes me wonder if the tip is not at a consistent temperature.
    
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- aaaaace@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  I’d like to find a small bluetooth keyboard with mechanical switches that I could use with both my.phone and my 2009 MBP running MX. I need stowable and chargeable with C.
  
  I have time, where would I find a kit for something like that?
  
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- scarabic@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  At this point the suggestions are getting pretty out there. So far I’ve heard in this thread that I should switch to Linux, download this and that code from GitHub, build my own keyboard and design a circuit board for it.
  
  I think I’ll just take the adware.
  
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  - riskable@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Building your own keyboard is supposed to be fun. You do some research to figure out what you want. Maybe order some sample switches to try out, pick out a keycap set you like, and eventually settle on a kit.
    
    When you order your kit it’ll include a case, a top plate, and a circuit board. If you get one with hot swap sockets you will not have to solder anything. You can literally just press the switches in.
    
    Then when you’re done you screw everything together, put your keycaps on, and you have a working keyboard. Sometimes you have to flash the firmware as a final step but that’s not rocket science. You do not have to know how to program.
    
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ieatpwns@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
What’s the mouse and keyboard? So I can stay away

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- RestrictedAccount@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  I added details to the OP
  
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Boozilla@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Personally I would just avoid Logitech. I have noticed their stuff mysteriously breaks every 2-3 years and I have to replace it. It’s like planned obsolescence with them.

It can be frustrating finding a good alternative brand. I’m always on the hunt for one. I’ve had a Das Keyboard for a long time now, and it’s fantastic. My wireless mouse is a Tecknet. It’s not great but it’s pretty good. If there’s a Best Buy close to you it may be worth your time to go there and test drive some peripherals.

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- dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  I’ve had much the opposite experience, in my case coming from using a variety of Razer peripherals and having them all die early deaths, and then Razer themselves to be completely useless in regards to support even well within their warranty period. I gave up and switched to basically all Logitech stuff, which has been flawless for me for many many years.
  
  If everything from all major brands is going to require Yet Another Fucking Account (thus far Logitech does not appear to, or at least not the stuff from them I have) I will just be forced to switch to buying generic brandless Chinese garbage and deal with replacing it regularly. Generic Chinese crap never has an app or an account requirement.
  
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  - Boozilla@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    I don’t think I’ve ever had any Razer stuff. I’ve had terrible luck with Logitech, but if you’ve had good luck with it, I can understand why you might want to stay with it. AFAIK Logitech periphs should “just work” with a PC, Mac Linux, or other GNU-Linux box. But yeah…wouldn’t surprise me if they try to force the cloud issue and/or want a subscription in the future.
    
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- lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  My G305 mouse, G322 headset and G432 headset have all served me well for far more than 2 years.
  
  My G503 mouse works, but some features that used to be part of the mouse are now walled behind a Windows app. The mouse mouses just fine, though.
  
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- dustyData@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Recently I had to replace my mouse, bought a G502. The mouse itself is a solid quality mouse. But then, three months in, the USB cord split the covering plastic and exposed the wires, right at the connector. I chose it wired specifically to use with a desktop computer that doesn’t move anywhere. It was meant to be an stationary mouse, I plugged it once, then never unplugged it again. Then one day while dusting the case I noticed the damage. Nobody touches this computer but me. The only explanation is that it came faulty from the factory and just a little heat from the heat made the plastic open. I honestly didn’t want to bother with having it replaced, just sealed it with shrink wrap and moved on. But I won’t ever be buying another Logitech product.
  
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JTskulk@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Just don’t use the software lol. If it requires software to function, return it.

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- WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  garbage advice lol
  
  the software has useful features, like reconfiguring buttons on your mouse. however lately all of them got to be enshittified with a login requirement.
  
  the real solution is to not buy their shit, or to keep buying used hardware for which decent software configurator is still available
  
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  - JTskulk@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    My advice was to not buy/use it and your advice is also to not buy it lol
    
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themeatbridge@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
“The company to which I’ve always given my money because I trusted them to make good products has started taking advantage of my trust and is producing shitty products. How do I avoid this?”

Stop buying their products the moment they stop making good ones.

I feel your frustration, but I think you already knew the answer. Any workaround or jailbreak or open source firmware update would just be avoiding the problem, not fixing it. Stop buying Logitech products.

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- linearchaos@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  I procure for my company I am not touching Logitech anymore.
  
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dubyakay@lemmy.ca ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I think the mice and keyboard requiring “Chrome” is actually due to WebHID. WebHID is only supported in Chromium browsers. Now here’s the fun part, this thread has VIA mentioned a couple times and even though VIA/QMK/ZMK are FOSS, the usevia.app website requires a, you guessed it, WebHID capable browser.

That said, don’t use Logitech keyboards. Sell it to a sucker on local and buy any of the above compatible keyboards instead. Drop CSTM, Luminkey, Keychron, Akko, QK NEO, CK Bakaneko, there’s probably couple more that are affordable and quality. Just don’t fall for GMMK, Ducky and other pseudo-gaming crap. Also visit !mechanicalkeyboards@lemmy.ml and ask questions.

Not sure about your trackball problem.

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- tankplanker@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  If it runs QMK I would port to vial over via any day of the week, cannot stand via. Granted I need to run the app when I want to adjust the key map (and only then), but it removes the need for WebHID or any similar problems. I have been able to replace my custom mapping and macros then compiling my own custom QMK firmware and uploading it to the keyboard workflow with live editing of the map and macros.
  
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- diykeyboards@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Just here to back you up on this. All solid advice.
  
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fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Most of these systems have FOSS Linux equivalents. Sooooo

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- Angry_Autist@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  [deleted]
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  - orrk@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    ok, I’m sorry that you are upset that in a closed system like Microsoft you often don’t have a choice with organizations ramming their enshitification into your user experience. but some stupid hate against people who have been working to give you an alternative is just not ok.
    
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- JackbyDev@programming.dev ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Then share them and actually help answer the question.
  
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  - fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Op is not using Linux, and they’re the first search results even so.
    
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Mcduckdeluxe@reddthat.com ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Woah, can you elaborate on this please? I haven’t heard of this, and we use a lot of these devices at work. Which devices are affected? What’s the software/chrome thing?

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- RestrictedAccount@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  I first noticed the requirement to make adjustments via the cloud when I bough new keyboards that could easily switch between different computers. They use the new BOLT rather than he old Unifying Receiver. I wrote it off as a lazy way to do that feature, but OK. It was not the main reason that I purchased the keyboards, but it was one of the reasons, but I can live without it.
  
  I was using the keyboards without the account.
  
  Then it got too cumbersome and I established the account.
  
  Today, I tried to adjust the settings of one of my mice which still uses the unifying receiver. It took me to the account somehow. But it would not let me log into the account and make the changes because I am not using the latest version of Chrome (I was using Firefox). (Note it did not say a Chromium browser, but rather the Google owned product).
  
  I don’t see how any of this requires communication with a cloud server.
  
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  - Mcduckdeluxe@reddthat.com ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    What’s the name of the software?
    
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- givesomefucks@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  It’s probably going to a web interface for RGB and maybe mouse sensitivity instead of special software.
  
  Not sure why it would require Chrome to do so, but that doesn’t mean it’s constantly talking to Chrome when you use it either.
  
  It doesn’t seem like we’re getting all the information
  
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infinitevalence@discuss.online ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Simple answer is stop buying products that require OEM software to function or an app.

Keyboards with QMK/VIA support are open and configurable on nearly any OS and for nearly any OS.

Some mice are even QMK/VIA enabled.

Mice are harder so checking for openrgb support is a good idea as well as mice that can be configured and operated without software.

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- NuXCOM_90Percent@lemmy.zip ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
  Are there any good resources for qmk/via mice? Mostly can only find a few that feel like they are, at best, proof of concepts and more likely just outright predatory scams to cash in on people who want to spend money.
  
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  - Piece_Maker@feddit.uk ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
    Ploopy mice area real thing and run QMK. I have their Classic trackball and it’s an absolute beast
    
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Bishma@discuss.tchncs.de ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Independent of Logitech and other HID makers turning to shit, I’ve been eying some open source / DIY mice (like the Ploopy) for a while. Seems like a fun project that also helps me keep control of my own systems. And it’d give me something to tinker with.

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Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Find a mouse and keyboard you like and buy 5-10 of them. Put them in heavy duty ziploc bags with a few dessicant packets and store them in your freezer.

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the_post_of_tom_joad@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
This was posted on Lemmy a month or so back so i’m betting these are baby steps in that direction.

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aaaaace@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Jawbone headsets used to be like that. When they were still in business. They made good headsets, but introduced this feature as well to change certain settings.

Apparently that wasn’t taught in business schools.

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Sneptaur@pawb.social ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Use Keychron

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tyrant@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
You could get keychron keyboard or something similar that supports open source key mapping/lighting (or just leave it as is when you get it)

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ngwoo@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I’m going to assume you need to use Chrome to set up the dongle because Firefox still doesn’t support Bluetooth web APIs.

Logitech G devices with the Lightspeed dongle don’t require setup (they’re all uniquely paired from the factory) and will work without the G Hub software. The software itself, if you do want it, works offline without an account.

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thawed_caveman@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
When did you buy the M570? I bought mine 6 years ago and it doesn’t require software, if yours is recent then that’s a new thing

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Varyk@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I’ve switched to the cheapest generic mice purchased online that have no extra features and function like a state of the art wireless mouse did 15 years ago.

I still don’t have a smart TV, I just buy the largest flat screen monitors I can find.

any smart device outside of a smartphone is so much more frustration than it’s worth.

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Ashelyn@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I know this might not be the most convenient solution, but learning to resolder mouse switches means you can just replace the faulty components (and maybe the sliders too) and just keep using the hardware that works for you. As long as you don’t have a mouse with that awful rubber that de-vulcanizes after about 3 years, and don’t mind the visual wear from your hand on the shell over time, you’ll easily 10x the life of most products manufactured with planned obsolescence. Logitech almost always cheaps out on the switches for their gaming mice, unfortunately. After replacing the switches on my g pro wireless when they started double-clicking after 2 years (almost exactly), it’s been smooth sailing ever since.

ifixit almost always has comprehensive teardown and rebuild instructions for popular peripherals. Bonus points is that whenever you take apart something to do a repair, you can clean out all the hard to reach places that collect random dust and debris. Can be kind of gross but is also pretty satisfying. Additional bonus points for being more sustainable with your consumer habits and minimizing e-waste in landfills!

If you’ve got a mechanical keyboard, you can do the same but it’s generally a lot more tedious since most have the switches soldered on, and LEDs double the amount of joints you have to deal with. I recently did just the WASD and a few other high-traffic keys on my board after one one of them failed, and it was a several hour process

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vinceman@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
I can’t remember how to do it offhand, but you should be able to save the settings to the hardware itself, then disable Logitech from opening. I changed settings not too long ago (2ish months) and this worked.

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hedgehog@ttrpg.network ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago

Now they demand internet accounts to use the features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased.

What are you talking about? Which keyboard, which mouse, which features, and which “internet accounts” are they requiring?

Also, Logitech still distributes the older software and it still works for the mice that it used to work with. My MX Vertical works with Logitech Options or the new Logi Options+ software, for example.

Did you try using that software with your new peripherals?

You can find the list by device at support.logi.com/hc/…/360024361233--Software assuming this isn’t from their gaming line or something. In that case, go here instead: support.logi.com/hc/en-us/…/360001764393-Gaming

Not only that, have to use wide-open-to-snooping Chrome to adjust the settings. You cannot adjust/use your mouse and keyboard if you just use Firefox.

I highly doubt that the mouse and keyboard cannot be used without Chrome.

Due to security concerns, Firefox did not implement the WebSerial API that’s most likely used to configure your mouse locally. Chrome did. It’s therefore completely reasonable that you would not be able to configure your mouse from Firefox.

That API is also supported by Edge and probably by most Chromium-based browsers, like Brave, the “Ungoogled Chromium,” etc… If you have one installed and it doesn’t work, you can probably change your user agent to trick it into thinking you’re running Chrome as a workaround. Most likely they only tested with Chrome and therefore only say they support Chrome, but don’t actually use any Chrome-exclusive functionality.

This only makes sense if they are planning (or are already) tracking my every move online to sell to advertisers or spooks.

That’s a bit of a leap.

If you use Firefox for browsing and only use this Chrome to run this tool to configure your keyboard and mouse, then even with cross-site cookies and so on unblocked, none of that will be visible from the other browser. So this makes you more isolated, not less. Having it in a browser app instead of a desktop app gives you more protection, not less.

If a company can provide a browser app to do everything a desktop app could, then they can speed up development without having to use something like Electron to distribute their app. And there’s even less friction than Electron because their don’t have to check for updates / require users to install the latest version manually, because they can just always serve the most recent one from the site. As a user, you can probably install the tool locally if you want (it’s likely a PWA) but you don’t have to, meaning you get less software installed on (or worse, constantly running in the background) on your machine.

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Fluke@discuss.online ⁨1⁩ ⁨month⁩ ago
Bought a new keyboard a few weeks ago. Had function keys set to alternative hot keys. Only way Logitech offered to change that was to download their “options+” software. Don’t remember for sure, but the final download size was MASSIVE. The software included AI tools, but had bare minimal settings options. It added support for additional gestures on the keyboard’s track pad, but made the track pad jittery. Made the fn key switch, then uninstalled the software. The setting change didn’t stick once the utility was gone.

Returned the keyboard. So excited for the day when my shoelaces and sunglasses require an Internet connection.

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