It was very affordable (sub $20), came in lots of colours (including this lilac colour that I love!), and is super comfortable too. The vertical mouse I used previously, a Ugreen one, had a narrower grip that was less than ideal.
The mouse is by "Sanwa Supply", model number "GMAERGWBT22V" (V for violet I presume, it shows up at just "BT22" when pairing with Bluetooth), though I'm sure there are plenty of identical models from other brands.
The plastic finish is nice and will last a long time, as there isn't rubber everywhere like on the ridiculously priced MX Masters. The buttons are silent and have a nice click, the side buttons for forwards/backwards are nicely placed, you can switch between 3 devices (two Bluetooth, one with the dongle), and the scroll wheel is nice (though not a metal one)
The mouse came with a magnetically attached wrist rest too, which is nice, and even without it, it does not suffer from the trailing pinky finger issue of other vertical mice. The magnets are strong enough where it isn't super loose but not too strong where it's hard to detach. It's a nice bonus when I'm at my desk for long hours, and it can be removed if I need to pack it.
BUT one of the main reasons I bought it, aside from the fantastic colours, is that you can use it with a AA battery! No glued in nonsense, it's super easy to swap it out, and the dongle is also stored in the battery compartment too (always a nice bonus). I use it with rechargeable IKEA Ladda batteries, and it's been awesome.
Vertical mice aren't a Logitech trademark. The shape is noticeable different from the MX Vertical, it has the cool wrist rest magnetic thing, and the angle it sits is different. The colours are a lot nicer than the graphite black of the MX Vertical. Also, the MX Vertical (at least the current revision) does not use replaceable batteries.
Logitech Options doesn't support Linux, so no, it's not "well supported on everything", though there are community made alternatives that seem really neat! I imagine the mouse itself does, but nearly all mice should work on Linux so Logitech is not unique in this
The MX Vertical is over $100, over five times the price of this cheap little guy, so I don't think the price is worth it, especially since this cheap one has fun colours + a more comfortable shape for me (YOUR HANDS MAY VARY)
It's virtually the same design.
You have Solaar on Linux which does most of the same things. I use my MX Master on Linux and it's solid.
https://github.com/pwr-Solaar/Solaar
Some logi options features are missing (sharing mouse across devices) and need to be accomplished with other programs, but it's not a hardware issue. You can support 3 different devices on the bluetooth with the switch underneath. There's multiple FOSS options for sharing a mouse between multiple multiple Linux/Windows/Mac. Youd need one anyways if you dont have a matching Logitech keyboard (I dont like their keyboards).
Its not AA batteries, but you can replace the battery. You have screws to take it apart. Minimal tools needed. Never had to change the battery yet. $20 fix though.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Logitech+MX+Master+Battery+Replacement/141816
I've used the "over $100" mouse every workday for the last 7 years and an older edition that works fine still for 4 years. (fast charging was worth the upgrade.)
It also works on virtually any surface. Wood desk, couch, bed, virtually anything will feel like a mouse pad.
Other than mild wear on the rubber, it is the definition of "buy for life".
Especially the MX Master 3 and 3s. The 2 had a flaw with the thumb button breaking over time but it was fixable with 30 minutes of tinkering. Havent tried the 4.
No, the design is not the same. The shape is different and, more importantly, the angle is also different!
Yes, I did mention alternative software for Logitech mice! Solaar looks awesome if you have a Logitech mouse. The mouse I mentioned can also switch between 3 devices, I think that's a pretty common feature on most mice nowadays.
Definitely more of a hassle to replace the battery, but good to see it's somewhat replaceable at least. AA batteries are a lot easier to replace though, you don't need to pry out the mouse feet and it's much quicker to swap it out when it runs out!
Rubber will wear out faster than a normal plastic finish, but if it has lasted for your hands that's good too! I've just heard lots of people, particularly in humid climates, where the rubber disintegrates quickly. I'm from HK so humidity is a big issue, so this mouse isn't a good option for me (if you live somewhere drier, it could be neat!)
And again, the one I have is really neat too with the fun colours (!!!) and magnetic grip thingy. The shape is more comfortable for me too, but hey our hands are all different