LinearMouse
lujjjh (GitHub username)
LinearMouse is a free and open-source utility for macOS that enhances the functionality of mice and trackpads. It allows users to customize scrolling direction and acceleration, pointer acceleration and sensitivity, and button actions for a more tailored and efficient experience.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Highly customizable mouse and trackpad settings
- Disables mouse and scroll acceleration
- Per-device settings for multiple mice/trackpads
- Universal back and forward button functionality
- Free and open source
Top Dislikes
- Requires Accessibility Permissions
- Initial setup might require some tweaking to find perfect settings
- Less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial alternatives
Popular Comments
Medium - Bart Zalewski
2024-02-24
LinearMouse stands out for its ability to customize pointer speed and scrolling behavior, offering a tailored experience for each pointing device connected to your Mac... LinearMouse has effectively resolved these issues, allowing me to navigate and interact with my digital workspace more efficiently and comfortably.
Tekbyte
2023-03-25
After much research, I found this gem of a program that allows you to not only disable mouse acceleration but also scroll acceleration and enable universal “back + forward” buttons to work across all apps! This is huge! This makes your 3rd party mouse (i.e. non-Magic Mouse) feel like a first-class citizen on your Mac. This program is indispensable for me now.
MacUpdate User - paveltrojak
2023-09-16
Excellent app! Does exactly what it says on the tin. I wanted to disable mouse acceleration on my Mac and this app did it perfectly. Configuration is straightforward and the app is very lightweight.
MacUpdate User - Douglas-2
2022-02-09
Logitech quit supporting my blue tooth mouse, and this app saved the day. I can now adjust the scroll and cursor speed.
Reddit User - euphorrik
2 years ago
Wow that app is awesome! Thanks... I configured it super fast and now mouse and touchpad work great. But, I love the fast scroll with modifier option, like in VS Code. Need that in Windows now.
MacRumors Forum User
2023-01-07
Just to have that extra control over the acceleration has made my year, especially when using 2 monitors and also controlling the MacBookPro via Universal Control from the Mac Studio. Thanks so much for your post. ... And its truly fantastic!
Detailed Review
LinearMouse is a valuable, free, and open-source utility designed for macOS users who want more control over their mouse and trackpad behavior. It addresses limitations in macOS's built-in settings by offering granular customization options for pointer speed, acceleration, and scrolling. A key feature is the ability to disable mouse acceleration, which is particularly beneficial for users coming from Windows or Linux, gamers, and professionals needing precise cursor control. LinearMouse also allows for per-device settings, meaning you can configure different behaviors for each mouse and trackpad you use with your Mac. Beyond pointer control, it enhances scrolling, enabling linear scrolling (like in Windows), reverse scrolling for mice independently of trackpads, and even modifier key actions for scrolling. Furthermore, it can make back and forward mouse buttons work universally across applications by translating button clicks into swipe gestures.
Standout Features
- Per-Device Settings: Configure individual settings for each connected mouse and trackpad.
- Disable Mouse Acceleration: Achieve consistent and predictable cursor movement by disabling acceleration.
- Linear Scrolling: Provides a discrete scrolling experience, similar to Windows, by disabling scroll acceleration.
- Universal Back & Forward Buttons: Enables side mouse buttons to function for navigation in most macOS apps.
- Customizable Scrolling: Reverse scrolling direction for mice only, adjust scrolling speed and acceleration.
- Modifier Key Functionality: Assign actions to modifier keys during scrolling, like zoom or change scroll orientation.
- Free and Open Source: Accessible to everyone without cost, and benefits from community contributions.
Conclusion
LinearMouse is a highly recommended utility for Mac users seeking to refine their mouse and trackpad experience. It's particularly useful for those who dislike mouse acceleration, desire more consistent scrolling, or want to fully utilize the buttons on third-party mice. While its interface is functional rather than visually polished, its extensive customization options and free nature make it a powerful tool for improving macOS usability and productivity. For users struggling with macOS mouse behavior or transitioning from other operating systems, LinearMouse is an excellent solution to consider.
