The truth is, a wireless mouse, or a wired mouse, is better in different situations. For some people, the type of mouse they use doesn’t really matter.
However, for more serious PC and laptop users (see also ‘How Long Does A Gaming Laptop Last?‘), they need to make sure the mouse is right for their job, or their hobby.
This is especially true for gamers, who need to make sure that they are using the right mouse.
In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of wired and wireless mice, and which mouse is better for gamers!
What’s A Wired Mouse?
A wired mouse has an electrical cord connected to it. The cord is plugged into the USB socket of a computer, or PC, which is what powers the mouse.
This is seen as the most basic type of mouse, and the more traditional option. A lot of people find it easier to use, and it’s generally cheaper than wireless mice.
However, wired mouses have become more popular due to their reliability, and some wired mouses sell for hundreds of bucks.
What’s A Wireless Mouse?
A wireless mouse is a mouse that does not have a cord.
Instead, the mouse works by using Bluetooth, which is a technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances.
Wireless mice offer more freedom than a wired mouse, because there’s no restriction of a cord.
In the past, wireless mice were viewed as much more technologically advanced than a wired mouse.
This isn’t the case anymore, but there are still main differences between wireless mice and wired mice, which makes people favor either wired mice, or wireless mice.
What’s The Main Difference Between A Wireless And Wired Mouse?
There are a few main differences between wireless and wired mouse, which is discussed below.
The Difference In Speed
One of the main differences between wired and wireless mice is the difference in speed.
Wired mice are actually much faster than wireless mice. That’s because for a wireless mouse to work, it has to use Bluetooth.
Most people will not notice the difference, unless their career, or hobby, involves using computers. For day to day use, there really is not that much difference in the speed of the mice.
However, because wireless mice use Bluetooth, it takes longer for information from the mouse to transmit to the computer.
The good news is that some companies have created wireless mice that have advanced technology, which means they are not as slow as other brands of wireless mice.
The only issue with this is that these mice cost a lot more money than standard wireless mice, so it’s only a necessary purchase if you prefer wireless mice, and your career or hobbies involve computers.
Freedom
A main reason that people prefer using a wireless mouse is the fact it offers much more freedom than a wired mouse.
With a wired mouse, you’re limited to where you can place the mouse on the desk. You cannot move the mouse around freely like with a wireless mouse.
It limits the distance at which you can use the mouse, since it needs a cord to be able to connect to the computer. Usually, this is not a big deal.
For the most part, people have more than enough room to use a wired mouse on their desk, providing the desk isn’t cluttered, which could tangle the wire.
However, many people just find a wired mouse annoying, because of the way it looks. For someone who likes to keep their desk clean, the sight of a wire can really annoy them.
Wireless mice don’t have that problem, because there is no cord, which means the desk looks tidier.
Battery
Another difference is the battery.
In wired mice, you do not have to worry about batteries. The wired mouse uses the computer to work, so you do not have to buy any batteries, or charge the mouse. It’s pretty simple and reliable.
With a wireless mouse, it’s a little different. Most wireless mice require batteries to work, which means that if your batteries run out, the mouse will stop working. This can be really annoying, especially if someone is traveling, and cannot buy batteries.
For that reason, some people prefer using a wired mouse, because they do not have to worry about the mouse charging, given it uses the computer, or PC, to work.
Which Mouse Is Better?
Now that we’ve covered the differences between wired and wireless, let’s talk about what makes each type of mouse better.
Wired Mouse
Pros
Battery Life: You do not have to replace batteries, you do not need to worry about the battery life. With a wired mouse, you would have to buy new batteries every few months.
Speed: Wireless mice tend to be faster than wired mice.
Cons
The Wire: The wire can be annoying for organized people, or those who need the freedom to move the mouse around without a cord.
Wireless Mice
Pros
Freedom of Movement: Wireless mice are not restricted by a cord, and so are better for those who do not want to be restricted by a cord.
No Wire: Having no wire can make a desk look more organized, and some people simply do mice with wires.
Cons
Slower Than Wired Mice: Wireless mice are slower than wired mice. While some wireless mice do not have this problem, they tend to be a lot more expensive.
Summary
If you are looking for a portable mouse with no annoying cords, then go with a wireless mouse. It’s just important to remember that these mice are slower, and that you need batteries to charge them.
If you are looking for something that works well in terms of speed, then get a wired mouse.
While wires tangling can be annoying, they are pretty reliable, and you don’t have to charge them, which is ideal for traveling and makes them less expensive overall.
My name is Ashley Newby and I want to put integrity back into esports and get the hype surrounding them paramount once more. During my teenage years, I happened to stumble across a Street Fighter tournament online and I was hooked.
From that day, I have kept up with and watched many tournaments including Valorant, Super Smash Bros, and League of Legends. I even got to compete in my first one earlier this year!
