SteerMouse
Plentycom Systems
SteerMouse is an advanced utility for macOS that lets you customize your USB and Bluetooth mice beyond the standard options. It allows assigning various functions to mouse buttons, adjusting cursor sensitivity and scrolling behavior, and more, enhancing mouse control and productivity.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Extensive customization options for mouse buttons and wheels
- Fine-grained control over cursor sensitivity and acceleration
- Improved scrolling smoothness
- Stable and reliable performance
- Lightweight and efficient
Top Dislikes
- Not compatible with Apple Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad
- Slight learning curve for advanced features
- Paid software after trial
Popular Comments
PixelPanda - Linus Tech Tips
2022-04-20
As a long time Windows user, there's simply no way I can use MacOS without having SteerMouse installed... All in all, SteerMouse is a 10/10 piece of software for me. It is reasonably priced, no subscriptions, fixes all my mouse problems with MacOS and also adds a sea of customisability to my mouse...
macrumors - 6502a
2024-12-17
No experience with BetterMouse so I can't say, but I've used SteerMouse for like 10 years with a variety of mice... and love it. Extremely stable, well written, and powerful... The only thing I'd say is given it allows you to customize everything a mouse does in a huge number of ways, it has a bit of a learning curve...
gbdoc - MacUpdate User
2024-02-19
On M2 MBAir, Sonoma, Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball: works like a charm (as it always did for me), much better than Kensington's software. Well worth the price...It's all good, there are no Cons, nothing needs to be improved.
OCAU Forums User
2016-10-19
At a price of $19.99USD, I personally believe it is quite costly, but after using the trial, I am confident the money invested is worth the application if you intend to use shortcuts and customise the abilities you can perform with your mouse buttons... If you're after consistent, stable, up-to-date releases of a bug-free program designed to power the user, SteerMouse is definitely the way to go.
Hacker News User - mzehrer
9 months ago
Amazing piece of software. This is what software should be: useful, super fast and gets out of the way. These days software is so needy and slow.
cnet User
Unknown
Great Program. I've been using it for several years... Fixes Apple's terrible mouse driver... Great App it's what i was looking for
Detailed Review
SteerMouse is a powerful and versatile utility designed for macOS to enhance the functionality and customization of USB and Bluetooth mice. It addresses the limitations of Apple's native mouse drivers, providing users with significantly more control over their pointing devices. SteerMouse excels in allowing users to remap mouse buttons to perform a wide array of actions, from simple clicks and double-clicks to complex keyboard shortcuts, application switching, and system commands. This level of customization extends to mouse wheels, enabling horizontal and vertical scrolling adjustments, and even assigning functions to wheel tilts.
A standout feature of SteerMouse is its advanced cursor control. Unlike macOS's default settings, SteerMouse allows independent adjustment of cursor tracking speed and sensitivity. This granular control enables users to fine-tune mouse responsiveness to their exact preferences, resulting in smoother and more precise cursor movement. The "snap to" cursor movement is another unique feature, automatically moving the cursor to default buttons in dialog boxes, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.
SteerMouse is particularly beneficial for users of multi-button mice, including gaming mice or ergonomic mice with extra buttons, as it unlocks the full potential of these devices on macOS. It's also praised for its stability, lightweight footprint, and seamless integration with the system preferences pane. While it doesn't support Apple's Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad, it's a top choice for users seeking comprehensive control over traditional USB and Bluetooth mice.
Standout Features
- Button Customization: Assign a wide range of functions to mouse buttons, including keyboard shortcuts, application switching, system actions, and more, with support for modifier keys and chording.
- Advanced Cursor Control: Independently adjust cursor tracking speed and sensitivity for precise and personalized cursor movement.
- Scroll Wheel Enhancements: Customize vertical and horizontal scrolling, adjust scroll speed and acceleration, and assign functions to wheel tilt.
- "Snap to" Cursor Movement: Automatically move the cursor to default buttons in dialog boxes for faster navigation.
- Application-Specific Settings: Configure different mouse settings for individual applications.
- Smooth Scrolling: Fine-tune scrolling behavior for a more comfortable and efficient experience.
Conclusion
SteerMouse is highly recommended for Mac users who want to maximize the functionality and personalize the behavior of their USB or Bluetooth mice. Its extensive customization options, stable performance, and focus on user control make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a more efficient and comfortable computing experience. While it comes with a one-time purchase price after a 30-day trial, the enhanced control and productivity it offers often justify the cost for power users and anyone seeking a more tailored mouse experience on macOS. Users of Apple Magic Mouse or Trackpad will need to consider alternatives, but for users of traditional mice, SteerMouse remains a top-tier utility.
