Buy open hardware with open source firmware.

I'm typing this from a Corne-ish Zen and you can see my firmware (ZMK) with my keymap at https://github.com/Utopiah/zmk-config-zen-2/blob/main/config/corneish_zen.keymap#L27

Nobody can touch this but me. No update can break it. Yet, it's more feature rich than most keyboards.

There are equivalents for most peripherals. It's not cheap, usually even MORE expensive than already pricey ones like Logitech (I have an MX Vertical, still) but IMHO it's worth it. It's good right now, pragmatically speaking, but also morally speaking.

I advise against swimming upstream, namely NOT buying hardware that have such enshitification practices because if they don't do it today, they might tomorrow when there is more pressure from shareholders. Also by buying alternatives you are economically supporting people whom you believe are providing better solutions for yourself and others.

PS: a gateway to such projects is https://crowdsupply.com which is a kind of KickStarter. I bought a dozen things there, all delivered and working.

What you want is to go along with the business line of logitechs products and scrap the rest. There is an offline version of Logi Options+ "for air gapped machines" available. https://prosupport.logi.com/hc/en-hk/articles/10991109278871-Logitech-Options-Offline-Installer You may use it in a virtual machine aswell.

Probably not the answer you're looking for, but switch to Linux and use Piper, a free & open source replacement for the Logitech software, that was created because they don't offer an official version for Linux

Disclaimer: I'm a keyboard snob. I can't think of a single good keyboard that even has software.

I actually use Logitech for all my mice and trackballs, but I also haven't installed Logitech's junky software in a long time. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

When did you buy the M570? I bought mine 6 years ago and it doesn't require software, if yours is recent then that's a new thing

I can't remember how to do it offhand, but you should be able to save the settings to the hardware itself, then disable Logitech from opening. I changed settings not too long ago (2ish months) and this worked.

The way forward is to stop looking at those as "features of the keyboard and mouse that I purchased" and consider them as "unlockables" where you have to pay again by handing over your personal info. Then stop buying their stuff, because it's absurd to have to pay twice.

I prefer my keyboards and mice as dumb as possible. Preferably with cables, so I never have to worry about charging them.

Jawbone headsets used to be like that. When they were still in business. They made good headsets, but introduced this feature as well to change certain settings.

Apparently that wasn't taught in business schools.

I recently bought a nice MX series Logitech KB and a mouse that will pair with 3 devices, also Logitech. After seeing how terrible the software is, failing so hard as to temporarily disable the keyboard, repeatedly, I returned both.

My best advice is to either try to use them entirely without the software and all its customizations or sell your hardware, buying something better.

I'm sorry friend.

You could get keychron keyboard or something similar that supports open source key mapping/lighting (or just leave it as is when you get it)

I hate this so much.
My hp printer doesn't do shit, if I'm not online and logged in to my hp account. For what if not for collecting datathey have no business collecting.

No advice, just shared frustration.

Just build your own keyboard. That's what I did (and it turned out fantastic) 🤷

Mice are much easier to deal with since there's 500 million of them to choose from. Just pick a generic, no-name brand that doesn't need drivers and you're all set.

Aside: Building a keyboard isn't rocket science. It's just a bit tedious (buy a kit). Unless you invent your own 3D printable keyboard switch and stabilizers from scratch then design an analog circuit board to work with them (also from scratch). Then it's a bit more like rocket science 🤣

It's unfortunate, really, but there's only 1 good answer: vote with your wallet.

Research before buying and be thorough. There are companies that don't do this yet and you could build your own peripherals, there's some nice DIY kits out there.

Just don't buy this crap. IMO the only way this'll change is if it hurts them where they feel it.

I use a Logitech mouse and do not have the problems you are talking about.

What’s the mouse and keyboard? So I can stay away

Personally I would just avoid Logitech. I have noticed their stuff mysteriously breaks every 2-3 years and I have to replace it. It's like planned obsolescence with them.

It can be frustrating finding a good alternative brand. I'm always on the hunt for one. I've had a Das Keyboard for a long time now, and it's fantastic. My wireless mouse is a Tecknet. It's not great but it's pretty good. If there's a Best Buy close to you it may be worth your time to go there and test drive some peripherals.

Use Keychron

Simple answer is stop buying products that require OEM software to function or an app.

Keyboards with QMK/VIA support are open and configurable on nearly any OS and for nearly any OS.

Some mice are even QMK/VIA enabled.

Mice are harder so checking for openrgb support is a good idea as well as mice that can be configured and operated without software.

Woah, can you elaborate on this please? I haven't heard of this, and we use a lot of these devices at work. Which devices are affected? What's the software/chrome thing?

This was posted on Lemmy a month or so back so i'm betting these are baby steps in that direction.

Independent of Logitech and other HID makers turning to shit, I've been eying some open source / DIY mice (like the Ploopy) for a while. Seems like a fun project that also helps me keep control of my own systems. And it'd give me something to tinker with.