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Logitech M317 vs M720: Simple Buttons or Thumb Controls?

Choose M317 for a compact, either-hand shape and a basic three-button layout. Choose M720 if its full-size right-handed body suits you and you want separate side/thumb controls. Prioritize the hand you use before paying for extra inputs.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-08

Source checked 2026-10-08 11:08 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Do you want a compact either-hand mouse with basic buttons, or a full-size right-handed mouse with separate side/thumb controls?

M317 pairs an either-hand compact shape with three buttons; M720 adds side/thumb inputs in a full-size right-handed body.

Quick verdict

When to skip: You need side buttons in an either-hand shape; neither of these two designs combines those features.
When the recommendation changes
  • If you use your left hand, M720’s right-handed shape is a reason to choose another design even if you want more buttons.
  • If side-button shortcuts are not part of your workflow, that feature alone does not justify a higher current price.

The differences that matter

Handedness And Body Fit

Logitech M317 (Steel Blue)

Compact shape designed for either hand.[1, 3]

Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black)

Full-size, right-handed contoured shape.[2]

What this changes: Start with the hand you use: M317 accommodates left- or right-hand use; M720 suits someone specifically seeking a full-size right-handed shape. Choose shape before paying for controls. Neither description guarantees comfort for your grip.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Scrolling And Navigation Controls

Logitech M317 (Steel Blue)

Three-button layout without side buttons, as documented in RTINGS’ M317 review.[4]

Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black)

Two side buttons plus a thumb button; Logitech documents customization with Logi Options+ on Windows and macOS.[2]

What this changes: M317 suits someone who wants the basic button layout. M720 gives a right-handed user separate side/thumb inputs for navigation and shortcuts. Pay for those inputs only if you expect to use them; their presence does not prove faster work.[4, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A shared desk where people use different hands

Best fit: Logitech M317 (Steel Blue)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

M317 has an either-hand shape; accept its three-button layout rather than dedicated side controls.

View Logitech M317 (Steel Blue) on AmazonPaid link

A right-handed user who wants mouse-button shortcuts

Best fit: Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

M720 supplies dedicated side/thumb inputs; choose it if you also want its full-size right-handed shape.

View Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

If M720 costs more in the current offers, its separate side/thumb inputs can justify that premium for someone who will use them and wants its shape.

The available price context does not establish a dependable historical buying window.

Limitations

  • This comparison covers M317 Steel Blue part 910-002901 and M720 Black part 910-006036.
  • The M317 button-layout evidence comes from RTINGS’ 2022 test of the Black colorway; Logitech lists the selected Blue part as the same M317 model.
  • Pickoryx did not conduct hands-on comfort, scrolling-speed, tracking, battery-life, or durability tests.
  • M317 receiver-family compatibility and any difference in wheel-tilt capability are not established here.

Questions shoppers ask

Can extra M720 buttons be customized on every operating system?

The cited Logitech instructions specify Logi Options+ customization on Windows and macOS. Do not assume the same customization support on another system.

Methodology and sources

Compared hand orientation/body format separately from physical side/thumb-button availability.

AI assisted source comparison and drafting; Pickoryx did not test either mouse hands-on.

View 4 sources
  1. 1.Wireless Mouse M317Logitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 11:06 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Blue variant; Comfortable shape, compact design: The exact 910-002901 product page selects Blue and identifies M317 as compact and designed for both right- and left-handed users.
  2. 2.M720 TriathlonLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 10:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Full-sized comfort; Ultra-precise navigation; Productivity your way: M720 is full-sized and right-handed. Its wheel switches between fast and line-by-line modes and tilts for horizontal scrolling. Side and thumb controls can be customized with Logi Options+ on Windows and macOS.
  3. 3.Logitech US/Canada product and part-number listLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-08 10:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • PDF page 15, M317 Steel Blue row; extracted line 1312: Official US/Canada list maps M317 Steel Blue to part 910-002901. Used only for identity, not current price, availability, or bundle contents.
  4. 4.Logitech M317 ReviewRTINGS.com · Independent testing · Source checked 2026-10-08 11:06 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Introduction; Office/Multimedia; Video Games (MMO); Differences Between Sizes And Variants: RTINGS bought and tested a Black M317 using its mouse test methodology v1.3, publishing October 20, 2022. Its accessible review explicitly identifies three buttons and no side buttons; it describes blue, red and black as M317 colorways. Used only for physical control layout, not receiver bundle, performance or software limits.

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