Wired vs. wireless mouse
Unless you use a trackpad, anyone who has a personal computer needs a mouse. When deciding between a wired and wireless mouse, there are a few key factors to consider such as battery life, versatility, latency and performance.
Due to the downsides of using a wireless mouse, a wired mouse was once the best option for most people, especially gamers. But there have been great strides in technology over the past few decades that have helped bridge the gap between wired and wireless mice. Nowadays, both options measure up when it comes to overall performance.
Wired mouse
Wired computer mice come in various designs and color configurations. Many of them have an ergonomic design that reduces the strain on the wrists even during extended use. Like their wireless counterparts, wired mice use DPI (dots per linear inch) to measure sensitivity. The higher the DPI, the more sensitive the mouse is. DPI ranges from around 1,000 (standard) to upward of 20,000 (for gamers), but some mice come with a button to adjust their DPI for a customized feel.
In the past, a wired mouse was the only real option for people who played fast-paced, high-intensity computer games that called for precision and accuracy. This is because they have minimal to zero issues when it comes to lag and interference. For most gamers, wired mice still edge out wireless mice by a small margin because of this. But for the average user, other factors like ease of use or the lack of battery are advantages to the wired mouse.
A basic wired mouse costs around $10-$15, while a high-end gaming wired mouse could cost as much as $80, if not more. For a midrange mouse, you’re looking at a price tag of about $35-$45.
Wired mouse pros
Less expensive than wireless mice.
Has a maximum power input.
Quick response time.
Minimal external interference.
Usually lightweight.
Ideal for people who play competitive computer games or need to do precision tasks.
Higher DPI.
Wired mouse cons
Cable can get tangled or in the way of other things.
May be unusable if the wire gets damaged.
Best wired mice
Logitech G502 HERO High-Performance Wired Gaming Mouse: Available at Amazon Along with 11 programmable buttons, this wired mouse has adjustable weights and DPI for a customized feel and movement. For gamers, it also has RGB lighting and the option to save profiles to the mouse.
Logitech B100 Corded Mouse: Available at Amazon Built for left-handed and right-handed users, this sleek mouse is highly responsive, durable and universally compatible with major personal computers. It’s ideal for professionals with no setup required and handy side-scrolling and zoom controls.
Razer Basilisk V2 Wired Gaming Mouse: Available at Amazon This mouse offers superior performance, multiple RGB color profiles and configurable buttons for near-total customization. Plus, it comes with a drag-free wire to give it a wireless feel.
TeckNet Six-Button USB Wired Mouse: Available at Amazon With an ergonomic design for hand and wrist support, this mouse has adjustable DPI levels, an anti-slip wheel and other useful buttons for professional or general computer tasks. It’s compact and lightweight, too, which makes it convenient and portable.
Wireless mouse
Originally, wireless computer mice were far less sensitive and responsive than wired mice because they rely on radio technology that uses a transmitter and receiver to function. This often caused latency or lag, which meant heavy gamers couldn’t play as well when using one.
Since their inception, wireless mice have become much better in terms of performance and quality. While many competitive gamers still avoid them, they are versatile enough for casual gamers, professionals, students and other individuals to use them. Just like with wired mice, wireless mice often have programmable buttons, customizable DPI levels and an ergonomic design. Although they typically weigh more, wireless mice are becoming more streamlined in their design. Plus, most wireless mice use a USB to connect to desktops or laptops for better performance.
A basic wireless mouse costs around $15-$20, but cheap mice sometimes have other issues like double-clicking or buttons that catch. For a high-quality wireless mouse, expect to spend around $100 or more.
Wireless mouse pros
Portable and easy to carry around.
Take up less space.
No cord or wire to deal with.
Versatile.
Wireless mouse cons
More expensive.
Heavier in design due to the battery.
Higher latency.
Need to replace the battery.
Greater chance of delays or interference.
Best wireless mice
Logitech M510 Wireless Computer Mouse: Available at Amazon Lightweight, ergonomically designed wireless mouse with soft rubber grips for all-day comfortable use. It comes with several controls for efficient, convenient use and switching between tasks on the computer. Battery lasts up to two years with regular use.
Razer Pro Click Humanscale Wireless Mouse: Available at Amazon Offered by a recognized gaming company, this ergonomic mouse is perfect for those who need to multitask across devices on a daily basis. It has eight programmable buttons, an optical sensor for optimal precision and extensive battery life.
SteelSeries Rival 650 Quantum Wireless Gaming Mouse: Available at Amazon Boasting a lag-free experience and advanced features such as an optical sensor, one-to-one tracking and precision control, this mouse is durable and comfortable to use.
Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse: Available at Amazon Made with gamers in mind, this USB-connected mouse offers up to 70 hours of battery life operating at high-speed performance. Despite being wireless, it has minimal latency and external interference for uninterrupted gameplay.
Seenda Wireless Mouse: Available at Amazon Quiet and easy to hook up, this mouse uses a USB receiver to connect to a computer without lag. It’s highly portable and compatible with any Windows or Mac operating system.
Should you get a wired or wireless mouse?
Wired or not, nearly all computer mice in circulation these days are customizable and vary in terms of performance and accuracy. If you don’t mind the cord and want something with high DPI and no latency, then a wired mouse could be right for you. But if you often work on the go, have a small workspace and don’t plan to use it for heavy gaming, go with a wireless mouse.
Angela Watson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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