Solaar is a Linux manager for many Logitech keyboards, mice, and other devices

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

General reception & use cases

  • Many Linux users report using Solaar for years without issues, often via distro repos or Flatpak.
  • Common uses: pairing devices to Unifying/Bolt receivers, checking battery status, toggling Fn vs F1–F12 behavior, disabling tap-to-click, and adjusting MX-series features like scroll-wheel ratchet thresholds and gesture buttons.
  • Some only use it occasionally (e.g., after battery changes or device moves) but consider it essential “quality of life” tooling.
  • A few found the rule editor and gesture configuration confusing and gave up for simple remaps.

Comparison with Logitech’s official software

  • Logitech’s Windows/macOS tools are widely criticized as bloated (hundreds of MB, Electron-based), resource-hungry, intrusive (auto-running agents, upgrade checkers), and phoning home; the “offline” corporate build is said to still contact Logitech.
  • The addition of an “AI prompt builder” to the mouse driver is seen as emblematic bloat.
  • Some praise Logitech’s features: per-application profiles, automatic profile switching, cross-computer mouse/keyboard and clipboard sharing, and lightweight Onboard Memory Manager for programming onboard profiles.
  • Several users explicitly say they buy Logitech hardware because Solaar lets them avoid the official software on Linux.

Why a peripheral manager is needed

  • Base HID drivers handle typing and pointing, but not:
    • Programmable buttons, macros, DPI/polling changes.
    • Scroll-wheel clutch/detent control and reassignment of wheel vs extra middle button.
    • RGB lighting control and persistence.
    • Per-device behavior (MX keyboards’ media vs F-keys, special laptop-like shortcuts).
  • Some posters argue these are “niche” or goofy, others respond that such features are exactly why these premium devices sell.

Dongles, pairing, and connectivity

  • Discussion of three receiver families: single-device dongles, Unifying (up to 6 devices), and newer Bolt (BLE-based, more secure).
  • Bolt and Unifying are incompatible; users end up with multiple dongles for different Logitech lines (MX, Lightspeed, etc.).
  • Solaar is valued for managing receiver pairing fully on Linux; Logitech also provides a web-based pairing tool.
  • Connectivity tips: use Bolt instead of Bluetooth for reliability (though some report the opposite on Linux); avoid USB 3 ports or use short USB 2 extension cables to reduce 2.4 GHz interference.

Device quality and longevity

  • Mixed reports on Logitech durability: some mice and keyboards working flawlessly for 10–14+ years; others see switches double-clicking in 2–3 years, especially on some gaming and budget models.
  • Several users replace switches with higher-quality parts (TTC, Kailh, etc.), or choose brands that emphasize repairability.

Alternatives & broader ecosystem

  • Other Linux tools mentioned: Piper/libratbagd, logiops/logid, input-remapper.
  • On macOS, users recommend SteerMouse, BetterMouse, Mac Mouse Fix, and similar tools over Logitech’s own software.
  • Thread situates Solaar within a growing Linux hardware-management ecosystem (e.g., CoolerControl, LACT, Boatswain).

Implementation details & portability

  • Solaar is written in Python and is not a kernel driver; it talks to devices via HID++ over existing HID drivers.
  • Some express desire for first-class Windows/macOS ports; there are experimental macOS attempts but nothing polished yet.