After having a tantrum for a few days, did your computer mouse stop working? Well… that is bad, but at least now you have a valid excuse to buy a new one! Speaking of which, how about replacing your old mouse with a wireless model? How do you say? Are they too expensive, inaccurate and you don’t know if your computer “digest” them? I’m sorry, but I think you are not very up-to-date on the subject.
I can guarantee you that wireless mice are now highly reliable (there are also some for gaming that guarantees performance very close to those with cable). Most of them can be taken home at really affordable prices. Of course, for the most complete and precise mice, you need to shell out a certain level, but not so much higher than what you would spend for the purchase of a top-of-the-range device with a cable.
Come on, therefore, put aside your hesitations, your prejudices, and take a look at the wireless mouse models that I am about to offer you: I bet you will also find more than one suitable for your needs. First, however, let’s see in detail how to choose one without making evaluation errors.
Table of Contents
How to choose a wireless mouse
To find out which wireless mouse is best for you, you need to learn to evaluate some aesthetic, practical, and functional characteristics of the various types of mice available on the market: here are the most important ones to consider.
Form
Mice come in various shapes, each of which optimizes for a different handle type. The most common grip is the palm grip, in which the palm rests entirely on the surface of the mouse. Then there is the claw grip in which only the finger placement on the mouse. Best processor for gaming without the palm, and finally, we have the fingertip grip (taken with the fingertips) in which the mouse moves with the tips of the fingers. Fingers without constantly keeping the hand resting on it.
Ergonomic mice deserve a separate mention, which can have a horizontal or vertical grip and are designed to be used with the arm extended (so as not to stress the joints and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome). Some ergonomic mice are characterized by the presence of a trackball, a “ball” that allows you to move the cursor on the computer screen without physically moving the mouse.
Weight
Another feature to consider before buying a mouse is its weight. In general, lighter mice allow swift movements. They tire the hand a little but are not very precise compared to heavy ones. On the other hand, heavy mice are very precise but have slow movements and tire the hand quickly.
It should be emphasized that some mice – generally the more expensive and advanced ones- are supplied with weights that can insert inside to change the device’s overall weight if necessary.
Number of keys
Most of the mouse has three buttons: right-click, left-click and scroll wheel (which can also use as the key), often joined one or two side keys with variable functions. This configuration is exemplary for most uses, except for gaming, where a mouse with more keys may be more helpful.
The additional keys of the gaming mouse can associate with various functions thanks to special software installed on the PC. In this case, we are talking about programmable keys.
Optical or laser sensor
The sensor is the essential part of a mouse, the one on which the accuracy and efficiency of the device depend. It can be optical or laser. The optical one (LED) ensures more excellent movements and has a good level of precision but does not work on too smooth or glass surfaces. This is because the sensor takes “photographs” of the surface on which it is located and compares them to calculate the movements to be made.
On the other hand, the laser sensor also works on smooth surfaces as it captures images with higher contrast. It guarantees a higher level of precision than the optical one, but it also has a greater sensitivity to the specks of dust on the desk.
Resolution
Resolution is a parameter that, expressed in DPI (dots per inch), indicates the number of pixels the mouse cursor moves for each inch of movement (e.g., if the mouse has a resolution of 1,600 DPI, the cursor on the screen moves 1,600 pixels for every inch traveled on the desktop).
Contrary to what the advertisements want us to believe, this value does not indicate the level of precision of the mouse nor its degree of sensitivity (which can be adjusted in software). I recommend a mouse with a very high resolution only if you have a display with a high resolution. Instead, focus on the accuracy of the device by going to read online reviews and user comments.
2.4GHz wireless connection or Bluetooth
Wireless mice can operate at radio frequency via the 2.4GHz wireless network or Bluetooth. Those based on the 2.4GHz network involve using a minor USB key (called a dongle) and work on all computers. The Bluetooth ones do not require the use of dongles. Still, only work on computers that support Bluetooth technology (unless you use external dongles, but this would not make sense!). Generally, they have a shorter autonomy than the RF ones. The range may vary from mouse to mouse but is usually 10 meters.
Furthermore, some wireless mice can be associated with multiple devices simultaneously and allow you to switch from one device to another with the simple press of a button (without having to perform a new pairing each time).
Battery
Wireless mice can be powered by rechargeable batteries such as smartphones, which must be changed from time to time via USB cable or standard AA or AAA batteries. Their autonomy is variable, even if, in general, we always talk about weeks per charge or battery change.
Technical parameters
In the technical data sheets of the mice, you can find various items relating to technical characteristics that may seem very difficult to understand. In reality, they can be evaluated with extreme simplicity. Here are some examples.
- Polling rate – is the frequency with which the mouse communicates its position to the operating system, it is expressed in Hz, and it is good to have a high value.
- Malfunction speed – this is the speed beyond which the mouse sensor stops recording movement correctly.
- Acceleration – is the degree of speed that the mouse pointer can reach about the movement of the hand. Based on the time taken by the user to move the mouse, the cursor reacts differently. The acceleration value is measured in “G,” and each “G” is equivalent to a movement of 9.8m / sec.
- Advanced scrolling options – some mice offer advanced scrolling options, i.e., scrolling pages. For example, some mice support horizontal scrolling of pages and others that allow vertical scrolling in steps, therefore with precise interruptions, thus avoiding endless strokes on the exact text.
- Response times – this is the amount of time it takes the wireless mouse to pick up user input. It is calculated in ms, so the lower this value, the higher the reactivity of the mouse.
- Gesture support – some advanced mice have a touch surface that allows you to interact with the computer through gestures.
- Use by left-handers – not all mice are suitable for left-handers. If you are left-handed, make sure before buying a mouse that it is designed for left-handed use.
Graphics Work
As can be easily understood, the values I have just listed are fundamental in gaming or graphics work, which require a certain precision of the mouse cursor. If you need a “generic” mouse to use for tasks such as web browsing and office work, you may not want to focus too much on these aspects.
LED lighting
Mice should also be evaluated based on their aesthetic appearance. If you like particularly flashy or aggressive-looking mice, know that several models are equipped with LED lights that can often be programmed via PC software.
Software compatibility
2.4GHz based mice work with all PCs (and not just PCs), while Bluetooth mice only work with devices that support Bluetooth technology. How to build a pc But we have already said this. What I want to underline now is that to program the keys and the LED lights, you need specific software that may not be compatible with all operating systems (e.g., they may be compatible with Windows and not with macOS) or with all versions of the same operating system (e.g., they may work on Windows 10 but not on Windows 7).
Therefore, before buying a customizable software mouse, make sure that the programs needed to configure the device are compatible with your computer.
Which wireless mouse to buy
At this point, I would say that we are there. We found out the main technical characteristics of the wireless mice, the pros and cons of each technology, and then we can get to the point. Below you will find a list with some of the most exciting mice of the moment: find the one that seems best suited to your needs and buy it, just one click!
Best budget wireless mouse
1. Logitech M185
No frills: Two words are enough to describe this Logitech M185 wireless mouse. What are its main features? Ergonomics, lightness, and super-affordable price. He is not suitable for gaming, it must be said, but otherwise, it does its job perfectly. It has an optical sensor powered by a single AA battery (included in the package), ensuring a maximum autonomy of 1 year. It works on a 2.4GHz wireless network via a USB dongle.
2. TeckNet PRO
One of the cheapest and best-selling mice on Amazon is the TeckNet PRO, which has an exact optical sensor and adjustable DPI from a maximum of 2,600 up to a minimum of 800. Includes six keys: right-click, left-click, scroll wheel, DPI adjustment button, and two side buttons (forward and back). He is powered by two AAA batteries and has an autonomy of 24 months, according to the data declared by the manufacturer. It supports power-saving mode and also has a charge level indicator. It works through 2.4 GHz wireless technology.
3. VicTsing wireless mouse
This VicTsing wireless mouse is a fascinating device, among the best that you can buy at such a price. It is a Chinese product (but not a “Chinese one”!), Featuring a 2.4 GHz wireless connection technology with a dedicated USB dongle (highly compact). Once connected to the PC, it is configured automatically, while the sensor can reach five adjustable sensitivities, from 800 up to 2,400 DPI. There are six buttons along the body: left and right buttons, scroll wheel, the button for on-the-fly sensitivity management, and two side buttons. It supports wireless transmission up to 10 meters and has a declared maximum autonomy of 15 months.
4. GeekerChip silent wireless mouse
Who said that a cheap mouse couldn’t also be taken care of from an appearance point of view? This wireless mouse from GeekerChip looks excellent and manages to guarantee more than reasonable performance. He has a very slim and portable design that makes it ideal for use on the go, can use with either left or right hand, and designed not to produce annoying clicks. It has four buttons: left-click, right-click, scroll wheel, and DPI adjuster (800, 1,200, and 1,600). It powered by a rechargeable battery, works via Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz wireless connection, and also equip with RGB LED lights.
5. Trust Verto
The Trust Verto vertical wireless mouse aims to buy an affordable and, above all, ergonomic office mouse. Thanks to its vertical design, it maximizes comfort even in long work sessions, maintaining the natural position of the user’s wrist without straining him and preventing carpal tunnel disturbance. It offers a maximum sensitivity of 1,600 DPI, adjustable at will via the dedicated button, and has two buttons easily accessible with the thumb to navigate Internet pages quickly. It equips with a micro USB receiver and is powered by two AAA batteries.
Best mid-range wireless mouse
1. Logitech Marathon M705
The Marathon M705 is a wireless mouse from Logitech with a laser sensor. He works via Logitech Unifying USB receiver (therefore via 2.4GHz wireless technology), has eight keys, and has a resolution of 1,000 DPI. It powered by two AA batteries that provide up to 3 years of autonomy. The supports hyper-fast scrolling, and its compatibility guarantee with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. It not intended for use by left-handed users.
2. Microsoft Surface Wireless Mobile Mouse
As you can easily guess from its name, the Microsoft Surface Mouse Mobile Wireless the mouse design for the Redmond company’s Surface product line. In reality, it is simply a slim, compact, and lightweight mouse, ideal for on the go and to be paired with any small laptop. The design is essential: it has two buttons and a wheel, and interfacing occurs via Bluetooth 4.0 / 4.1 technology. It is available in different colors.
3. Logitech M590 Multi-Device Silent
The Logitech M590 Multi-Device Silent is a mid-range wireless mouse suitable for all common uses. It is based on a dual connection function (Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz Logitech Unifying). It supports the technology called Logitech Flow, which allows you to use two computers simultaneously and copy and paste any file from one device to another. He has a resolution of 1,000 DPI, is extremely quiet, the scroll wheel is exact, and has two buttons that can operate with the thumb to move quickly back and forth between web pages (which can be programmed at will).
4. Logitech G305 Lightspeed
The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a gaming mouse that uses the Hero sensor to guarantee meager energy consumption. The Lightspeed technology is related to the wireless connection used, designed, and optimized for gaming to have latencies close to zero. The mouse also characterizes by a lightweight design, with great ease of transport that is not always present in the products of this category.
Best high-end wireless mouse
1. Logitech MX Master 3
The Logitech MX Master 3is a very high-profile mouse. It works via Bluetooth or USB Unifying receiver and supports connection to three devices simultaneously with clipboard sharing (after installing the appropriate software). The equips with the high-precision Darkfield laser sensor, which also works on glass surfaces at least 4mm thick. It has a resolution of 4,000 DPI and has a rechargeable battery via a USB-C port that ensures up to 70 days of use. Also worth noting is the presence of a thumb scroller able to adapt to the user’s speed with support for horizontal scrolling. The side buttons are “forward” and “back,” accompanying the classic right click, left click, and central wheel. Works on both Windows and macOS.
2. ASUS ROG Chakram
The ASUS ROG is detachable. Programmable joystick gaming mouse with numerous simplified DIY features. With screwless magnetic buttons. Push switch sockets. And customizable badges. It equips with an optical sensor with a maximum resolution of 16,000 DPI. And the polling frequency is 1,000 Hz. It can connect to the computer via Bluetooth. LE and 2.4 GHz dual-wireless connectivity. But it can also use if necessary. In a wired way. It supports both fast chargings via USB-C. And wireless ports and equipment with the ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting system.
3. Razer Mamba Wireless
The Razer Mamba Wireless is a top-of-the-line wireless gaming mouse. It has a very high precision laser sensor (16,000 DPI). An ergonomic design is suitable for use with both hands. And seven customizable mechanical keys. The operating autonomy is 50 hours of use on a single charge. Despite the sensor’s accuracy. And the ergonomics are excellent thanks to the two redesigned side handles. There is also an LED lighting system that can choose between 16.8 million colors and different options.
4. Logitech MX ERGO
With the increasingly rapid spread of ergonomic mice and especially those with trackballs. Logitech also wanted to participate in the sector with a solution at the top. Logitech MX ERGO is. In fact one of the best devices in the category on the market. With the adjustable hinge that allows you to choose the best angle between 0 ° and 20 °. To keep your hand in a more natural position and enjoy maximum comfort. It also has a practical button-through. Which you can quickly change the speed and precision of the cursor. And use on up to two devices simultaneously. Even sharing the clipboard. The battery is built-in. Has a maximum life of 4 months. And recharge via USB-C.
5. Apple Magic Mouse 2
If you own a Mac and need a mouse that is 100% optimized for macOS. Don’t think twice and buy Apple’s Magic Mouse 2. Which works via Bluetooth and has a multi-touch. A surface that allows you to control your computer via convenient gesture. It is also very light (measuring 2.16 x 5.71 x 11.35 cm for 99 grams of weight). And very comfortable to hold. It equips with a rechargeable. Battery with an autonomy of several months. The only drawback of this mouse. Leaving out the price not really affordable for everyone. Is the position of the Lightning input for charging. On the underside of the device.
Conclusion
So, guys, I hope you liked this guide. You can comment your feedback down in the comment section below.