Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Markeyus Franks
Most of us might see a mouse as a device that is used to navigate around a computer or laptop. However, there is much more to that small mouse than meets the eye. It is a great utility device that can manipulate, store and process data and in addition to just navigation, a mouse comes handy when you have to send an email, copy multiple content and perform other tasks like database management, start presentations or play games. From initially being introduced as an assistant in calculations, the mouse has become an essential part of a computer without which we find it difficult to manage.
At present, a mouse is a multi-button optical device operating on wired or different wireless interfaces with infrared or laser sensors that are more accurate and can work on almost any surface. Barring some specific usage scenarios, most prefer wireless mice but have we ever wondered what gives them an edge over their wired siblings? Today we will look at some of the best wireless mice you can get for an office environment and answer some common questions about the wireless mouse.
Why Choose a Wireless Mouse over a Wired?
Most users go for a wireless mouse when presented with a choice as it is more aesthetic in comparison to a wired mouse that usually has a bigger footprint and is much less convenient than its wireless sibling. Wired mice needs to be connected to a laptop or desktop for power and the wire itself has limited reach requiring the user to be always within the vicinity of the laptop or computer to which the mouse is connected.
A wireless mouse on the other hand works on wireless protocols like Bluetooth and radio frequency hence the user does not need to stay near the connected computer. Even though wireless mice too need power to work but it is through batteries that go inside the mouse. There is an ease of use factor with wireless connections and as long as the host device has a compatible receiver or Bluetooth, you can use your mouse to control most of your supported devices right from your couch. Hence, thanks to better aesthetics, versatility and convenience, a wireless mouse is preferred over its wired alternative.
Is Bluetooth or USB Mouse Better?
Now with wireless one could go for USB powered radio frequency mouse or a Bluetooth mouse. With peripherals like keyboards and mice, latency is a major factor that affects performance. You would like your inputs to be registered on the laptop or the computer as fast as possible and USB beats Bluetooth-powered mice by a third of a millisecond. During office use, this difference in latency could affect performance if you are a power user or you are working on data annotation projects that need rapid mouse movements and inputs.
Bluetooth has its advantage in its widespread compatibility thanks to its factory-built omnipresence in almost every multimedia device while a USB mouse needs its receiver to be connected to a USB-A port that might not be present in thin form factor devices. While some may argue that a Bluetooth-powered mouse is immune to the interference issues of RF signals, some manufacturers use proprietary wireless technology that is free of any interference. Thanks to a snappier performance, USB powered mouse is a better option.
What Mouse do Professionals Use?
Office-going professionals tend to go for USB-powered wireless mice for its reduced latency and better productivity. However, professional gamers prefer to stay with a wired gaming mouse for stable and lag-free performance. Office-going professionals resort to wireless mouse due to better aesthetics and tangle-free operation.
Next comes the brand factor that professionals favor. Branded peripherals use high-quality optics and internal components that offer stable and sustained performance. Logitech for example uses its self-developed 2.4GHz network to ensure interference-free connectivity. Additionally, wireless mice do not need a mouse pad to work and hence in tight office spaces, they reign supreme amongst professionals.
Is a Flat or Curved Mouse Better for You?
You should choose a mouse based on your hand posture and operating easiness. Most resort to either of three types of grips while using a mouse. A Palm grip is when you hold the mouse with the full portion of your palm and operate the buttons with the fingers entirely placed on the buttons. A curved mouse would be best for palm grip users. Flat mice are best for Claw grip users who use the tip of the fingers and the edge of the palm while operating a mouse. Since flat mice do not have the usual bulge, claw grippers feel comfortable using flat mice. Lastly, the Fingertip grip goes well with both flat and curved mice where a large portion of the palm rests behind the bulge and on the surface. Fingertip grip users move the mouse with minimal assistance from the wrist muscles and are hence comfortable using either mouse type.
With the basics sorted let us look at some of the top wireless mice you can use at work.
Best Wireless Mouse for Office Work
HP Wireless Silent 280M
Silent mice are a novelty nowadays but the 280M from HP pulls it off superbly. A highly rated mouse that works on a single AA-size battery. Not only does the mouse have a noise-free, subtle click on its left and right buttons, but it also has a whopping 18-month operating cycle on a single charge. The top cover of the mouse comes off to make space for the battery and the wireless receiver that though not proprietary, works on a pretty stable 2.4GHz connection.
The cursor speed of the mouse is fairly high at 1200 DPI and with a light middle scroll wheel and the entire package weighs just .21 pounds. An easy carry and effortless use mouse, the HP Wireless Silent 280M is suitable for multiple grips and has a ledge to rest the thumb. A matte finish sums up this sleek-designed, productivity-focused multi-OS compatible mouse.
Logitech MX Master 2S
Side-scroll wheel mice are usually hard to spot but are excellent utility devices. The Logitech MX Master 2S has a side scroll wheel with two extra navigation buttons that can be customized with the help of the Logitech application and is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. The mouse comes with a unifying wireless receiver that works with other Logitech peripherals and a triple LED battery indicator. It uses hi-tech laser technology for tracking. The mouse is big for average users with loud clicks and is best suited for palm grip users.
The MX Master 2S is a mouse for power users with 4000 DPI and multi-surface tracking. The built-in battery can get you going for a full day when charged for just 3-4 minutes and lasts up to 70 days when charged fully. The innovation in the MX Master 2S however its efficient andeffort free scrolling feature which can be connected with three cross-platform devices at once for a seamless data sharing experience that Logitech calls Flow technology and works on USB as well as Bluetooth protocols.
Logitech MX Master 3S
Pretty similar to the MX Master 2S, the Logitech MX Master 3S sports better-placed thumb navigation keys and 8000 DPI. If the 2S was for power users, the 3S is best for hard-core professionals who are looking for unmatched performance. Logitech has worked on the loud clicks 2S had to bring 90 per cent quieter clicks in the 3S. The scroll speed has been bumped up to 1000 lines per scroll and even the Logi Options Plus application has been enhanced to support application-specific customizations.
The MX Master 3S is better crafted physically for a more natural wrist position for fatigue-free prolonged usage and supports multiple wireless protocols similar to the 2S. Flow tech has been retained with the 3S being able to connect with three computing devices at once for fast, effortless and secure data transfer. The wireless connectivity has been worked on in the remastered mouse with the unified receiver now replaced with a Logi Bolt receiver for interference-free connectivity. The MX Master 3S, however, comes at a premium price that we feel is a bit too much over the similar MX Master 2S.
Delux Wireless Ergonomics Mouse
Here is a new-age mouse with an unconventional but effective vertical design that actually helps users avoid musculoskeletal disorders from bad hand posture while operating a mouse. The Delux mouse is all about user comfort with its volute bionic design that reduces wrist discomfort cutting out stiffness from long-time use. Its huge palm rest makes it ideal for palm grip users but the unconventional design also renders it unfit for heavy use, as users need to spend muscle strength to grab and hold the mouse every time to navigate.
A DPI adjustor switches between 800-4000 DPI aiding in high precision and rapid tracking and the thumb buttons on the Deluxe Ergonomics Mouse is conveniently placed for easy access. Though Mac support is present, the thumb buttons are disabled in MacOS. This mouse is priced competitively and has an in-built battery that lasts over 50 hours on a full charge.
Microsoft Arc Mouse
Microsoft’s Arc Mouse is a versatile device where the tail snaps down to become flat and hence is suitable for users with every grip type. This mouse is primarily used in Microsoft’s tablet and laptop line but can be used with any laptop. It has a huge wireless range of up to 10 meters and comes in an ultra-lightweight build. Unlike other mice, there are no button cutouts and the entire front plane acts as a scroll pad that supports both vertical and horizontal scrolling. The left and right click buttons are underneath the front panel accessible by pressing the left and right corners. The mouse has a soft matte finish that is pleasant on the fingers and has silent operations with excellent tactile feedback when clicked.
Microsoft Arc Mouse works on both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity with two AAA-sized batteries powering it for up to 6 months. It is cross-compatible with all operating systems available.
Logitech Ergo M575
The Ergo M575 is an award-winning wireless mouse from Logitech that aims to minimize users’ effort while using the mouse. Its unique feature is its huge trackball on the thumb rest that is the tracker itself and moves the pointer on the display. Since you do not need to move the mouse to move the pointer, the Ergo M575 is best suited for extremely tight office spaces.
The build of the mouse is unique with its right-leaning click buttons enabling a semi-vertical hand posture for users and the thumb navigation keys are placed along the edges for easy reach. The Logitech Ergo M575 is dual-powered and is hence compatible with almost all devices. Its battery life is humongous with a single AA battery lasting up to 2 years
Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Similar to the Deluxe Vertical mouse above, the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is a highly rated product for its superior build, and ergonomic design that promotes natural wrist position while working with the mouse. It comes with a changeable DPI and Optical Tracking Technology that aids in precision tracking. The additional thumb buttons allow the Anker vertical mouse to be used for gaming and effortless web surfing.
The mouse works on dual AAA batteries and has an auto power cut feature when kept idle for 8 minutes. The mouse works only on 2.4GHz wireless protocol and comes with a power on-off switch that is particularly helpful for conserving battery.
Tecknet Pro 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Optical Mouse
Our final pick is from a relatively unknown but extremely highly rated brand Tecknet. The Tecknet Pro 2.4G wireless mouse works only on wireless protocols and has a solid plastic build. It is the cheapest of our picks today that still comes with a 5-grade DPI and sturdy side buttons. The mouse does not have a thumb rest but features rubberized padding for comfort.
The Tecknet Pro is suited for heavy usage and comes with a high endurance rating on the primary buttons. It has a 15M operational range and works with two AAA batteries that last up to two years on a single charge. Its Bluewave tracking sensor is precise and enables accurate tracking with the pointer.
Conclusion
Over the years, like every other piece of technology, the initially track ball-powered input device got a taste of innovation and has started to ditch its wires. Gamers still prefer wired connections for latency-free gaming but in an office space, a nifty wireless mouse comes handier than a wired mouse. They are easy to carry around and are self-powered thanks to their batteries inside. A mouse is a piece of tech that you would use heavily and hence our advice would be to understand your usage pattern and scenario before you invest in a mouse.
