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Wireless mouse recommendations?

Started by Donna Bennett5 · · 👁 3 views · 29 replies

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Participants Donna Bennett5Benjamin King2wiredgull80Jeffrey Chavez6William Smith30ruggedpanther2Morgan Campbell4crimsonfox20slyrider20Hannah Mendoza2
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#1 ·
I’ve been searching through the forums, but I’m having a hard time finding recent posts. Technology moves so fast, and mice seem to get more advanced with every passing year...

To give you some context, my experience with wireless mice goes all the way back to 1998. Since then, I’ve stuck exclusively to wired models. Back then, wireless was just a nightmare; after about six months, the batteries would drain incredibly fast—even the rechargeable ones—and you’d end up with a cursor that just drifted aimlessly across the screen.

Up until now (and currently), I’ve been using a Logitech wired RX1000, and I have to say I was perfectly happy with it until about four months ago.
It started acting up on me—for instance, I can't drag a browser window from one side of the screen to the other because it loses connection, or a single click suddenly registers as a double click. It’s become so frustrating that I’ve reached the point where I simply have to buy a new mouse.

I actually took the mouse apart to clean it, making sure everything was still in its proper place. Aside from the switch itself, I don't see any obvious culprit for the issue, and I definitely haven't dropped it or anything like that...
So, why go wireless? To be honest, it isn't a strict necessity, but I’ve noticed over the years that having a cord can be a bit of a nuisance, so switching to wireless would solve that particular headache.

I’d like to ask those of you with significant experience using wireless mice to please offer some advice on what to buy—or more importantly, what NOT to buy.
Is there a real difference between wireless and Bluetooth? I'm looking for something with solid battery life; I'm not sure if they use Li-ion nowadays or if there's another type of battery that performs better.

I’ve seen models that charge via USB, allowing you to keep using them while they juice up. That sounds ideal to me, as I don't want to find myself needing to work only to realize the mouse is dead and needs to be plugged in...

And yes, provided the price isn't absolutely ridiculous 😁... I'm not a gamer, so I don't need anything flashy. I just want a reliable, high-quality wireless mouse without an overwhelming amount of buttons—though having dedicated "back" and "forward" buttons would be a nice touch.

Thanks in advance for the help. Best regards, 😉
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#2 ·
Nobody's saying anything... 😢
High-quality wired options would work just fine too, though I'd prefer something with a laser sensor—I don't use a mousepad since I prefer my mouse directly on the desk, and honestly, having one there just gets in my way...
Benjamin King2 Benjamin King2 Active Member
138 messages
joined Apr 2007
#3 ·
Look, this is a pretty solid wireless mouse—definitely feels high-quality enough when you consider what you're actually paying for it. It’s also got some decent battery-saving tech baked in, so you should realistically get about 12 months out of a single set of batteries before things go south:
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#4 ·
Thanks to @Fosna for the recommendation 😉
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#5 ·
Just wanted to check in and let you know that I picked up the Logitech M705. For now, I can only say that I am quite satisfied, though I think it would be more responsible to wait a bit longer before offering a truly relevant opinion once I've put it through its paces.
The ergonomics are great, and that fast scroll feature is absolutely fantastic—that was actually the main reason I opted for the M705 over the M510, aside from a slight price difference. While they claim the M705 can run on a single set of batteries for about three years compared to two years for the M510, I personally don't see that as a major deciding factor; even if they only lasted half as long as advertised, I'd still be happy with them...

Those extra thumb buttons feel very natural under my hand, and the mouse glides smoothly across the desk, even without a mousepad. It feels precise, too. I just need a little more time to get used to the layout since I'm switching over from a somewhat different model, but that’s really all there is to it... it’s a solid mouse, plain and simple.
wiredgull80 wiredgull80 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Oct 2014
#6 ·
Hello, I’m looking for some recommendations for a wireless mouse for basic web browsing. I really need something reliable that won't quit on me in a year.
My budget is up to $23 if I'm picking it up at a local retail store, or maybe around 10 bucks if I order through eBay.
If you could provide a few suggestions—some available in stores and others from eBay—that would be great.
Jeffrey Chavez6 Jeffrey Chavez6 Active Member
64 messages
joined Jul 2014
#7 ·
There’s no such thing as a decent mouse at that price point, especially wireless. They all seem to die within a year, and half of them start double-clicking out of nowhere.

The MS strip is fine if you're on a budget, but don't expect it to last forever—it's Microsoft, after all. And hey, even that sounds like it's pushing your wallet too far.

Just grab something you actually like off eBay.
wiredgull80 wiredgull80 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Oct 2014
#8 ·
Alright, let me jump on eBay and bump my budget up by another $15... what does that open up for me then?
Jeffrey Chavez6 Jeffrey Chavez6 Active Member
64 messages
joined Jul 2014
#9 ·
There’s no point in me trying to give you a specific recommendation from memory—there are millions of them floating around on eBay.

You're better off just grabbing that MS strip mentioned above. At least you get a warranty, and honestly, the mouse is actually decent right out of the box. As for how long it'll last? Who knows.
William Smith30 William Smith30 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Oct 2011
#10 ·
Hey,

I'm looking for some advice on a wireless mouse—budget is around $50—that won't die on me after six months.

I'm using a laptop and just need something for basic stuff, I don't game. Maybe if I'm feeling adventurous I'll hop on Call of Duty 2, but that's about it.

I've been eyeing the Logitech m185, the m235 eer, or the m280.
Logitech seems like the most reliable bet to me. Honestly, I haven't had much luck with anything from Genius.
ruggedpanther2 ruggedpanther2 Member
27 messages
joined May 2004
#11 ·
William Smith30 said:Hey there,
I’m also looking for some recommendations on a wireless mouse for about $50

I’d suggest the Logitech m185, $50. Honestly, what more could you ask for? It’s a simple, reliable mouse. It runs on a single AA battery that lasts quite a while. Simple as that.
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#12 ·
I figured I’d jump in here and share my experience since picking up the Logitech M705. It’s been about two years and two months now, and honestly? It’s been an absolute steal. I actually just had to swap out the batteries for the first time the other day—it’s been running on a single pair of Duracell batteries for two whole years (though, if I'm being honest, I might have forgotten to change them sooner than I thought, so maybe one set lasted me at least a year)... regardless, I am beyond satisfied with it.
For anyone wondering if it's worth spending $100 (looking at what the price is today), you won't regret a single cent of your investment.

That's all from me, cheers!
Morgan Campbell4 Morgan Campbell4 Active Member
70 messages
joined Aug 2017
#13 ·
I owned a Logitech MX Revolution for a solid six years before I regretfully sold it and picked up a G400 instead. Though, if I had my way,
I’d buy that old mouse again in a heartbeat just for those tactile side buttons and that perfect click—even if the scroll wheel never quite clicked for me.
The grips were excellent, and the wireless receiver was flawless. Not once did I deal with stuttering, lag, or connection drops.
It’s a shame they aren't available anymore; back in the day, the battery would easily last me 10 to 12 days.
Honestly, the newer MX performance line was a disappointment, especially seeing the switch to replaceable batteries and those flimsy side buttons.
They feel so cheap, like they might snap if you apply even a little pressure. Pure nostalgia, I suppose...
Amazon has them listed for $90 😢 which shows they still hold their value. I paid $233 for mine, but it was worth every single cent.
If I could afford it, I’d probably try to track one down from an overseas seller...
crimsonfox20 crimsonfox20 Member
23 messages
joined Nov 2015
#14 ·
I’ll hijack this thread since we’re talking about the controversial M705, which I recently picked up. Up until now, I was using some no-name wireless mouse I grabbed from iTunes for $20. It lasted me a few years and I clocked over three million clicks with it. It had an optical sensor—blue light—and honestly, I never had a single issue with it. Its only real flaw was its appetite for batteries; a single AA would only last about a month and a half or two. It met its ignoble end when I accidentally spilled water on it.

So, I decided to upgrade to something a bit more substantial—something larger, more ergonomic, energy-efficient, and with extra buttons. After wading through some positive reviews, I pulled the trigger on the Logitech M705 for $126. Given that it cost nearly five times what my old mouse did, I expected at least triple the performance. But man, was I wrong! For that kind of money, I didn't expect to be sent to Best Buy by 😁 instead of getting something reliable, and frankly, I’m not happy with how it performs. When I first got it, the cursor kept jittering; it’s just imprecise, and I can't hit small targets. I took it back to Links after two days; they wouldn't give me a refund, but they did send it in for service and gave me a replacement unit. The jittering stopped, but the core problem remains. For comparison, I have a cheap wired mouse from $9.75, and even with that tiny thing that you can barely see, I’m much more precise. I’ve been playing around on this site and I always get better results with the cheap one, which is exactly the opposite of how this should work!!

Then I stumbled upon this forum: http://forums.logitech.com/t5/Mice-a...se/td-p/482187 and realized I’m clearly being screwed by that off-centered sensor. I truly don't know what idiot thought that was a good design choice. Now I’m stuck. Does anyone have any advice? Is it normal to be this dissatisfied with a mouse costing $126? Why are other people so happy with it, and why does it have such glowing reviews? Perhaps it depends on the grip style, and an off-centered sensor just isn't for me? Should I be looking for something with a centered sensor instead? Any recommendations?

If it makes any difference, I hold the mouse with my palm resting completely flat on the desk while making subtle movements. I frequently perform rotation movements, and it seems that’s exactly where the off-centered sensor fails—it simply can't detect the motion when I move toward the left.

And while I have you, if anyone happens to know: do I have any right to demand a refund at Links within seven days if I still have all the original packaging?
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#15 ·
@crimsonfox20/">@@crimsonfox20... Is it possible you just aren't feeling this mouse? To be honest, I didn't even notice if the laser was off-center or not; it hasn't caused me any issues at all when it comes to aiming or general positioning during my work. If you're using it for something that demands extreme precision and speed—I don't know, maybe some competitive gaming—then there's a chance this specific model just isn't the right fit for you.
Have you tried installing the Logitech software for your keyboard and mouse yet? There are additional settings in there that might help fine-tune the mouse to your liking (maybe, I'm not making any promises here).

Regarding returning it to iTunes, I'm not sure why they wouldn't let you return a product you aren't happy with. Here is an email address (support@itunes.com) where you can reach out politely. Just explain that the store told you a refund wasn't possible even though you're dissatisfied, mention that this is already the first time you've sent the mouse in for service, and clarify that it simply isn't performing for its intended purpose and just isn't working for you...

I'm just not sure if you bought it online or walked into the physical store (since online orders usually have a 14-day window, and it sounds like it's only been about 8 days).
crimsonfox20 crimsonfox20 Member
23 messages
joined Nov 2015
#16 ·
I don't deal in specifics—I rarely play games and focus exclusively on programming—so I tend to rely on simple logic: a more expensive mouse (especially one 5x the price) ought to perform better, yet this one works worse than a cheap alternative. I never had issues with a no-name wireless one from $20, so I expected this one to be an upgrade, but it isn't. I did pick up a CoolerMaster Storm mousepad, which has helped significantly, though I still haven't fully adjusted to the device. At times, I’ve actually started feeling some wrist pain because I find myself straining while trying to hit precise targets, like clicking the 'x' to close a tab. The pad definitely helps, but it feels somewhat ridiculous that such an expensive laser mouse requires a specialized surface while the budget ones don't. Plus, now I have to lug a mousepad everywhere since I'm working on a laptop.

I've read that having an off-center sensor just means you need a period of adjustment, depending on your grip and technique. For instance, I use my palm as a "pivot," resting it down and using my fingers to make light movements, including rotations, which off-center sensors often misinterpret. I have SetPoint installed; beyond button remapping, it handles pointer speed and that acceleration feature for sudden movements, but I find that acceleration annoying, so I turned 😁
off.
As for Best Buy, I went back to try and process a return—not at the retail counter, but at their actual service center (over in Brooklyn)—and they refused. Even after five minutes of arguing, I didn't get anywhere. Their policy states that returns are possible within 7 days (this was an in-store purchase, not online), provided everything is in its original condition. However, it is virtually impossible to open the original packaging without compromising its "original" state; you inevitably tear the back of the box, and the internal paper inserts end up crumpled and shredded during removal. Their website mentions that if the packaging is damaged, the refund amount is reduced by 10%, but I was told that rule only applies to wholesale. Long story short, they wouldn't take it back. It's better now with the mousepad, and hopefully, I'll acclimate. If not, I might just sell it. Next time, I'll make sure the laser is strictly centered. 😬
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#17 ·
Look, I don't even use a mousepad, and honestly, that was one of my main requirements when I was shopping around. My setup is just a plain 2.5 cm thick piece of particle board—I had some leftover from when I was building my bed frame—and it works perfectly. Sometimes I’ll even use it on my mattress, specifically on the sheet, and I still don't run into any issues. Either you're being a bit difficult 🙂 or there might actually be something wrong with the mouse itself... (just kidding about the being difficult part). Or perhaps you just need some time to get used to it; there's really no other way than to let time take its course, and if you're still unhappy, just sell it on eBay.

Regarding the packaging issue, I always try to open mine with a utility knife, starting from the bottom for those exact reasons. I can't wrap my head around how anyone would open it any other way without cutting through it or something similar. Plus, why shouldn't you, as a customer, be allowed to be dissatisfied with a product and want to return it!? I really don't understand their policy on that.
slyrider20 slyrider20 Member
41 messages
joined Oct 2009
#18 ·
I’ve been doing some digging through this thread, so I figured I would just jump in here rather than cluttering things up by starting an entirely new topic.
I am looking for some solid recommendations for a reliable wireless mouse—specifically something with a larger footprint and better ergonomic support. For years now, I have been stuck using one of those tiny, cramped little mice meant for laptops, and frankly, my hand is absolutely paying the price for it; the discomfort is becoming quite significant. Furthermore, if anyone could point me toward a reputable website where I might order one online at a reasonably competitive price, I would be most grateful.🙂
Donna Bennett5 Donna Bennett5 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Mar 2013
#19 ·
slyrider20 said:I did a quick search through this thread so I wouldn't have to start a brand new one.
I am looking for some recommendations for a solid wireless mouse. Ideally, I need something larger and more ergonomic; I’ve been using those tiny little travel mice with my laptop for years now, and my hand is honestly starting to ache from it. Also, if you could suggest a reliable website where I can order one online at a decent price, I would appreciate it. 🙂

Aside from the size, you haven't really specified anything else. Are you looking for wired or wireless? What kind of budget are we talking about here? And is this for heavy gaming or just standard daily use?
crimsonfox20 crimsonfox20 Member
23 messages
joined Nov 2015
#20 ·
Size really matters here 😬

Anyway, regarding ergonomics, I’m actually quite happy with my Logitech M705, though I wouldn't suggest it if you're looking for precision. That side-mounted laser sensor definitely causes issues—at least for me—and after doing a little digging online, it turns out I'm far from the only one frustrated by it. I’ve managed to get used to it (mostly because I dropped way too much cash on it back in the day 😁), but I certainly wouldn't buy it again. It's a shame, really; the ergonomics are top-notch, it's got a good heft to it, and it sits perfectly in the palm. However, at the office, I use a wireless Logitech that cost half as much, which uses a standard optical sensor centered in the middle, and it is significantly more precise.

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