Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SteerMouse VS LinearMouse

Compare SteerMouse VS LinearMouse and see what are their differences

SteerMouse logo SteerMouse

Advanced driver for USB and Bluetooth mouses.

LinearMouse logo LinearMouse

LinearMouse is a free and open-source utility for macOS which aims to improve the experience and functionality of third-party mice.
  • SteerMouse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-04-10
  • LinearMouse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

SteerMouse features and specs

  • Customizability
    SteerMouse allows users to customize the functions of each button on a wide range of mice, offering versatile control options.
  • Precision
    It enables users to fine-tune the cursor’s sensitivity and acceleration, allowing for better control over cursor movement.
  • Multi-device Support
    SteerMouse supports a variety of mouse models from different brands, making it a highly versatile tool for users with different types of mice.
  • Macros
    The software allows users to create and assign macros to mouse buttons, enabling complex actions with a single click.
  • Ease of Use
    The interface is user-friendly, making it easy to set up and configure, even for those who might not be tech-savvy.

Possible disadvantages of SteerMouse

  • Price
    SteerMouse is a paid application, and some users might find it expensive compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to Mac
    The software is only available for macOS, limiting its user base to those who use Apple computers.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Although it supports a wide range of mice, not all models might be compatible, potentially causing issues for certain users.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, the depth of customization might be overwhelming for new users, leading to a moderate learning curve.
  • System Resources
    Running SteerMouse in the background can consume system resources, potentially affecting performance on less powerful machines.

LinearMouse features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    LinearMouse provides a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to customize mouse settings without a steep learning curve.
  • Customizable Scrolling
    The app allows users to adjust the scrolling speed and direction, which can be tailored for specific needs or preferences.
  • Free and Open Source
    LinearMouse is free to use and its open-source nature ensures transparency, allowing users to examine the code and contribute if desired.
  • Multi-platform Support
    It supports multiple operating systems, making it accessible to a broader range of users with different computing environments.
  • Low Resource Usage
    The app is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources, ensuring smooth and efficient performance even on older machines.

Possible disadvantages of LinearMouse

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it covers basic mouse customization needs, it may lack some advanced features sought by power users compared to paid solutions.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Some users might experience compatibility issues with specific hardware or software configurations, which can be a drawback.
  • Limited Support Options
    As a free and open-source project, professional support options may be limited, leaving users reliant on community forums for help.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    New users who are not familiar with customizing mouse settings might need some time to understand and utilize all available features effectively.

Analysis of SteerMouse

Overall verdict

  • SteerMouse is considered a good choice for users who want enhanced control over their mouse settings on macOS. Its robust set of features and regular updates make it a reliable and valuable tool for improving productivity and user experience.

Why this product is good

  • SteerMouse is highly regarded for its powerful customization features that allow users to tailor their mouse settings beyond the limitations of standard drivers. It is particularly praised for its ability to assign different functions to mouse buttons, create custom acceleration curves, and support a wide range of mice, catering to both casual and professional users who require precise control and functionality.

Recommended for

  • Graphic designers and digital artists who need precise control over their mouse movements.
  • Gamers looking for customizable button assignments and sensitivity settings for an improved gaming experience.
  • Users who have multiple or non-standard mice that need specialized settings not offered by default macOS drivers.

SteerMouse videos

SteerMouse - Mouse Chording on Mac

More videos:

  • Review - Bind Mouse Button to Key Sequence Based on Active App (Mac) - SteerMouse
  • Review - Bind Mouse Buttons to Keyboard Shortcut Based on Active App (Mac) - SteerMouse

LinearMouse videos

How to disable mouse acceleration on a Mac for FREE! LinearMouse tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - LinearMouse (FREE) - Make Mouse Faster - MouseZoom Replacement on macOS Monterey

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SteerMouse and LinearMouse)
Note Taking
64 64%
36% 36
Automation
61 61%
39% 39
Game Reviews
55 55%
45% 45
Mac Tools
43 43%
57% 57

User comments

Share your experience with using SteerMouse and LinearMouse. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

LinearMouse might be a bit more popular than SteerMouse. We know about 53 links to it since March 2021 and only 53 links to SteerMouse. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SteerMouse mentions (53)

  • Solaar is a Linux manager for many Logitech keyboards, mice, and other devices
    Just switched from logi options to Steer Mouse myself. You can map the buttons and add chords. The only thing it might lack is being able to use mouse movement as a trigger (eg hold the back button and move left to change spaces). Still looking for it https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • An Open Source Mouse and Trackpad Utility for Mac
    I’m eager to try this out, but you might also want to check out Steermouse[1], which is a utility it took me years longer to discover than it should have. I’m not sure how it stacks up to this open source project, but it’s definitely been worth the license cost to me over the years. [1] https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • [Rant] My Search for the One Mouse to rule them all - on Mac
    There are 3rd party apps like Steer Mouse that let you re-assign buttons/shortcuts on a Mac, but I haven’t used them in a long while, so can’t really speak to compatibility. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Tip for mx mouse side buttons
    Will I use steermouse to configure the mouse. But didn’t put any specific configuration for arc. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Scrolling on macOS sucks with third-party mice, but I just found a game-changer
    Use SteerMouse instead, same developer. Indispensable, if only for the snap-to-default button feature. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

LinearMouse mentions (53)

  • SteerMouse
    Problem solved: https://linearmouse.app/ Approximately the same features as SteerMouse but free. I've voluntarily donated to the dev, though. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Dynamouse: Mouse driver for big Mac studios
    I haven't been using it for this purpose, but Linear Mouse should be able to do the trick: https://linearmouse.app/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • MacOS tools to make your life easier
    To add to the mouse/input apps mentioned, I'll add https://github.com/thealpa/SaneSideButtons and https://linearmouse.app/, the "avoid installing steelseriesengine or logi options" stack. Source: over 1 year ago
  • No Bing, no Edge, no upselling: De-crufted Windows 11 coming to Europe soon
    > Maybe another commenter can recommend something free https://linearmouse.app/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Valve Says Counter-Strike 2 for macOS Not Happening, There Aren't Enough Players
    This helped me out: https://linearmouse.app/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SteerMouse and LinearMouse, you can also consider the following products

Mac Mouse Fix - A simple way to make your 3rd party mouse better.

Caldis MOS - A little job for your mouse.

X-Mouse Button Control - XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

Logitech Options - Customisation of Logitech mouse or keyboard settings, device information, additional functionality...

Scroll Reverser - Scroll Reverser is a free app for Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Leopard that reverses the direction of...

Smooze - Smooze animates your scroll and adds functionality to your non-Apple mouse (scroll-wheel mouse).

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