There are a lot of wireless mice to choose from, with the biggest players – Microsoft and Logitech – responsible for several bewildering lines. Which you go for will depend on your budget, the laptop or PC that you’re using, the features you want and the kind of shape and feel you prefer. The last of these is important. Some people love a big, chunky mouse that fills their hand; others a slimline mouse they can move with their fingertips and stow in a laptop case without adding weight or bulk.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse - Microsoft Support Use Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse - Microsoft Support

Press and hold the pair button on the bottom of the mouse until the LED light starts to flash (about 5 seconds). On your Windows 10 PC, select Connect if a notification appears for your mouse, then wait for it to get set up. These days, the best mice are primarily wireless and it’s really not hard to understand why. Cables are messy and a real hassle if you’re using a convertible tablet-style PC or laptop, there’s a huge choice of wireless and Bluetooth mice available, and the price premium is virtually non-existent. What’s more, battery life is now so good and connectivity so reliable that the old objections to going wireless have pretty much dropped away. While some hardcore gamers still believe wireless mouse performance is inferior to that of their cabled rivals, a decent wireless mouse with a stable connection generally provides an identical experience. Best wireless mouse: At a glance

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If you're having problems connecting a serial mouse because the computer has no serial port or the port is not working, consider using a serial to USB adapter. BIOS setup That’s going to be of more use to you playing Apex Legends or Overwatch than making selections in Photoshop, but if precision matters you’ll struggle to find anything to match this mouse. Nor does it overload you with unnecessary buttons: just the normal two plus one beneath the scroll wheel and two more underneath the thumb. If you don’t game at all, this mighty mouse will be wasted, but if you do it’ll also handle any work you need to do – and more. Don’t see the notification? Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth > Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse > Done. It’s also a winner for left and right-handers, thanks to a symmetrical, ambidextrous style, while the solid build, low weight and rubberised side grips make for a comfortable user experience. That said, you might find the Atheris a mite too small.

Computer Mice - Wireless Mouse, Bluetooth, Wired | Logitech

Like the Logitech M720 Triathlon and MX Master 3, the MT-550 also works across multiple devices; you can pair up to three PCs or tablets over Bluetooth, plus an additional one over the bundled 2.4GHz receiver. There’s only a small delay when switching at a press of the button on the underside, and LED indicators tell you which of your devices you’re connected to right now. Overall, a strong performer at a very reasonable mid-range price. Key specs – Sensor: Laser LED; Max sensitivity: 3,200dpi; Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 2.4GHz wireless USB, USB cable; Buttons: 6 buttons, 1 wheel; Battery: Internal li-ion; Dimensions: 99 x 63 x 34mm; Weight: 91g

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A Bluetooth mouse connects to a computer wirelessly using a Bluetooth signal. The computer must have built-in Bluetooth or have a Bluetooth adapter connected to it. Arguably, you need a more sensitive mouse if you have a higher-resolution screen, but even here 1,000dpi will be enough for most users and 1,600dpi high enough even for graphics professionals. It’s only in the field of professional gaming, where that extra sensitivity could make the difference between victory and defeat, that going above 2,000dpi makes a whole heap of difference. It’s a nice-to-have, but not essential. After the mouse is connected, the computer should automatically install the drivers and provide basic functionality. To change how any special buttons work on your mouse, additional software may need to be installed.

Blue Icons and Cursors - RealWorld Graphics Blue Icons and Cursors - RealWorld Graphics

To change how any special buttons work on your mouse, additional software may need to be installed. If the mouse is not functioning, see our mouse troubleshooting section. Connecting a wired USB mouse The MX Master is still a little on the big and heavy side but the build quality and feel are second to none and the accompanying Options+ software allows for a breathtaking range of adjustments and customisation. That Logitech has managed to fit so many controls onto a mouse (2 wheels and 7 buttons) and still make it easy and intuitive to use deserves a round of applause.If the mouse connects via USB, make sure USB is enabled and, if available, also ensure the USB legacy support is enabled. USB legacy support allows the mouse to work in legacy mode, for example, DOS. Mouse troubleshooting If your mouse is not working after following the steps above, additional troubleshooting may be required. There are a few different kinds of wireless charging, which vary by brand, so it’s important to identify how the feature works. Many manufacturers, including Corsair and HyperX, have adopted the Qi wireless charging standard, so the mice can be charged on the same charging pads used for phones and other devices. (All of them, of course, would be happy to sell you a charging pad or mousepad with a built-in charging spot.) At least one company, Logitech, still relies on a proprietary charging technology, which adds unique benefits but makes the feature an expensive add-on, which isn’t ideal. Look, feel and connectivity aside, the main things that distinguish different wireless mice are their sensitivity and selection of wheels and buttons. All wireless mice will feature the two buttons plus scroll-wheel layout that’s been standard since the mid-1990s, but some go further with a two-axis wheel that shifts left or right to scroll horizontally as well as vertically, or additional wheels or buttons on the top surface or side of the mouse. These may be supported directly in certain applications, but in most cases, you can configure what the buttons do using the software provided. You might use them to activate specific functions or controls in a design application, for example, or to minimise, maximise and switch between open windows. Once you get used to it, this can be a real time and effort-saver. That said, Bluetooth has its advantages. If you want to connect to a device without an open USB port for a 2.4GHz dongle, such as a phone or tablet, you’ll need Bluetooth. Also, in some newer wireless mice, Bluetooth winds up draining less power than 2.4GHz, leading to longer battery life. In the end, choosing 2.4GHz versus Bluetooth comes down to the computer to which you'll connect your mouse. But having the option for both is best, especially for productivity-focused models.

best wireless mouse 2022: top cable-free mice - TechRadar The best wireless mouse 2022: top cable-free mice - TechRadar

If the mouse is not functioning, see our mouse troubleshooting section. Connecting a Bluetooth mouse Bluetooth mice have some advantages, particularly if you’re using one with a laptop. First, they work with your computer’s built-in Bluetooth connectivity, so you won’t need to sacrifice a USB port. Second, once you’ve paired a mouse with your PC or laptop, it pretty much works as soon as you switch it on. Bluetooth mice used to have issues with performance, connection stability and battery life, but new Bluetooth standards and developments in battery technology have, for the most part, solved these. As an added bonus, some Bluetooth mice have been designed to pair with multiple devices – including PCs, laptops, convertibles and Android tablets – and switch between up to three with the aid of a switch or button. Sensitivity and features If you’re right-handed, you should buy a right-handed mouse, as the side-specific shapes do tend to offer more ergonomic support. Unfortunately, the options for left-handed people are few and far between. There are a few left-hand-specific mice, but most of your options will be ambidextrous mice, which accommodate left- and right-handed users by adding redundant side buttons and removing dominant-hand-specific ergonomic support. Key specs – Sensor: Hero 16K Optical; Max sensitivity: 16,000dpi; Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless; Buttons: 6 buttons, 1 wheel; Battery: 2 x AA; Dimensions: 102 x 70 x 43mm; Weight: 168g

The best wireless mice you can buy in 2023

Once your mouse is paired, the LED light will stop flashing. The light will stay on until you turn off your mouse. Battery info With gaming mice, things get more complicated. The number of buttons often corresponds to the type of mouse you’re buying: Esports mice are designed to minimize weight, so most keep it to six. First-person shooter (FPS) mice often add extra dpi-switcher controls, so they tend to hit eight to 10. Specialized MMO mice have a ton of buttons to replicate the function keys on a keyboard, so they often have 15 or more. To be clear, more isn’t always better: Adding buttons adds weight and, if poorly designed, creates uncomfortable movements that are slow to reach and can hurt your hand with overuse. That said, companies are still finding new ways to add inputs without compromising comfort, so it is possible to find mice that defy these categories. On your Windows 11 PC, select Connect if a notification appears for your mouse, then wait for it to get set up.