Wired vs. wireless mouse: Which should I get?-Computerfanfield

Wired vs. wireless gaming mouse: Pros and cons

A few years ago, there was no question that wired mice were better than wireless mice for gaming. High latency and other connectivity issues plagued wireless mice. Older wireless options couldn’t keep up with the direct data transfer offered by wired mice.

Gaming peripheral companies have made wireless technology advancements to level the playing field between wireless and wired gaming mice. Thanks to companies like Logitech, most wireless mice can compete with their wired predecessors regarding speed and performance.

The performance gap between wired and wireless mice began to close in 2016 with Logitech’s G900 Chaos Spectrum launch. The G900 was one of the first wireless mice to truly compete with the speed and performance of wired gaming mice. Technology has continued to improve since then, and many popular mice like the Logitech G Pro, Corsair Harpoon, and Razer Viper come in wired and wireless models without sacrificing features.

Many esports pros use wireless mice, but some still believe they can’t keep up with the wired versions. This misconception will likely change as wireless mice become more predominant throughout competitive gaming scenes.

Despite the near-identical performance of wired and wireless mice, the question remains, which one is best for gaming? Here are the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is best for you.

Wired mice

Image via Logitech

Wired mice are still more popular than wireless mice in most gaming circles because they are reliable and practical. Despite being seen as older tech, some wired mice boast features that haven’t made it to wireless mice as of this article. Wireless mice may be the future, but wired mice get access to the latest advancements well before their cable-free counterparts.

Pros

Convenience

Wired mice are simple to use because of their plug-and-play nature. Just plug the cable into a USB port, and your mouse works. Not worrying about batteries or losing the wireless transmitter makes wired mice a great choice for those who want to get in the game with little hassle.

Price

There’s no comparison when it comes to price. Wired mice are always cheaper than their wireless relatives because they need less hardware to work. However, the future of wireless mice looks bright, and the price difference will probably narrow as the technology becomes more widespread.

High speeds

The best wired and wireless mice have similar speeds, and the differences between them come down to the specific mouse you choose.

In the Logitech range, the wired G Pro and G Pro Wireless both have a one millisecond response time and use the same 25,600 DPI sensor.

SteelSeries makes wired and wireless versions of its Aerox and Rival 3 models. All of these mice have a one millisecond response time. Where these mice differ is their sensors. The wired models of each mouse have a higher 18,000 CPI sensor, but the wireless versions only go up to 8,500 CPI. In both cases, the wireless models are much more expensive than the wired version.

Razer introduced the wired Viper 8KHz in early 2021. It’s the world’s first mouse with an 8,000Hz polling rate. The high polling rate means the mouse communicates with the PC 8,000 times a second, translating to a 0.125 millisecond response time. Its wireless counterpart, the Viper Ultimate, has a one millisecond response time and a 1,000Hz polling rate. Although the Viper Ultimate is technically slower than the 8KHz, it’s still on par with most top-of-the-range gaming mice.

These examples prove that wired and wireless mice are mostly neck and neck when it comes to response time. Should more companies adopt an 8,000Hz polling rate, wired mice may hold onto their crown a while longer.

Cons

Comfort

The main drawback of wired mice is the wire. Cable drag can make the mouse uncomfortable to use, and unwanted friction can slow down your response time during games. Companies like BenQ ZOWIE and Glorious provide mouse bungees to eliminate cable drag, but they add to the overall cost of wired gaming mice.

Durability

The cable is the weakest point of a wired mouse and is prone to breaking. Wired mice are not a good option if you frequently travel because the cable is vulnerable to snags and getting tangled in transit.

However, a mouse with a detachable cable mitigates this issue entirely. Most of the time, detachable cables are easy to replace if they are damaged or lost.

Limited range

With a wired mouse, the length of the cable determines how far you can sit from your PC. This makes a wired mouse a poor choice if you sit far from your PC or have it hooked up to a TV.

Of course, the limited range isn’t an issue for competitive players who tend to sit closer to their monitors.

Wireless mice

Image via Razer

Wireless mice are used less than wired mice for professional play, but the gap is narrowing gradually. Older gaming mice commonly use a Bluetooth connection that introduces significant lag and connection issues. Modern wireless gaming mice use the 2.4GHz frequency, which allows a significantly higher 1,000Hz polling rate than the 133Hz on some Bluetooth mice. Although wired mice still reign supreme, the tide is slowly turning as technology advances.

Pros

Comfort

Wireless gaming mice offer superior comfort that wired mice can’t match. There’s no cable drag or resistance when moving the mouse, so your hand has much more freedom. The unrestricted movement translates to smoother tracking and faster flicks while you play.

Speed

The speed difference between wired and wireless mice isn’t a factor like it used to be. The best wireless mice can match the speed of their wired rivals. Signal interference is also less of a problem, but it depends on which mouse you’re using.

Top gaming mice manufacturers use in-house technology like Hyperspeed and Lightspeed to eliminate interference. Razer uses its proprietary Hyperspeed tech, allowing the mouse to switch between wireless frequencies to avoid interference. Logitech’s Lightspeed tech keeps response times under one millisecond and maintains a stable connection. Both technologies ensure the mice in their respective lineups have the fastest response times with no latency.

Longer range

Modern wireless mice have a longer-range, making them an excellent choice if you sit far from your screen or have your PC connected to a TV.

One way to improve the wireless connection if you sit far away from your PC is with an extender cable. One end of the extender cable plugs into the PC, and you can plug your USB receiver into the other end of the cable. Most wireless mice come with an extender cable, and you can sometimes purchase them separately.

Durability

Because wireless mice don’t have cables that can get tangled or snagged, they are a better choice if you’re on the road often. But some wireless mice use cables or docking stations to charge, and they can be costly to replace if they get damaged.

Cons

Battery life

All wireless mice have batteries that run out at some point. Some wireless mice have rechargeable batteries, and others use replaceable batteries. Regardless of which option you chose, there’s a possibility that the batteries will run out while you play.

Many wireless mice avoid the battery life issue by including a USB cable to charge while you play. The USB cable prevents the battery from dying but introduces cable drag.

The overall lifespan of the batteries can also be a problem. Some wireless mice use replaceable AA batteries that are cheap and easy to replace, like Logitech’s G305. High-end mice like the G502 Lightspeed use more expensive lithium-polymer batteries that are expensive and are non-replaceable in the unlikely event that it dies out completely.

High cost

Wireless gaming mice are always more expensive than wired versions of the same mouse. The higher cost is inevitable considering the advanced technology. Transmitters and extension cables also add to the price of wireless mice. Some manufacturers sell separate charging docks that drive the price of wireless mice up even further.

Weight

Batteries add extra weight to wireless gaming mice. It’s not an issue if you prefer heavier mice, but If you want the lightest mouse possible, you will likely have to choose a wired option.

Again, this depends on the particular mouse you choose. The wired Razer Viper weighs 69 grams compared to the Viper Ultimate’s 74 grams. At 80 grams, Logitech’s G Pro wireless weighs less than the G Pro wired at 85 grams.

Receiver

Many wireless mice use a USB receiver to establish a connection with the PC. If the receiver gets lost, you might have to replace the whole set. Some mice remove this problem by having a dedicated storage compartment to hold the receiver. Other mice rely on you to keep the receiver safe.

Companies like Logitech sell separate receivers with a unifying feature that allows multiple peripherals to work on a single receiver. The C-U0008 receiver used by the G Pro Wireless can support up to six devices at a time and is sold separately in case you lose your original receiver.

Signal interference

Signal interference can cause some wireless mice to have connectivity issues if there are many other devices in close proximity. This problem is becoming a thing of the past as technology improves. Modern wireless mice from reputable brands like Razer and Logitech do not have this issue. These mice scan multiple channels and switch to the fastest one with the least traffic to prevent interference.

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If you compare the best wired gaming mice against the best wireless gaming mice, the speeds and features are similar. There’s no clear-cut answer to which one is best, and the final decision depends on your preferences and budget.

Wired vs. Wireless Mouse: Which Is Best for You?

A mouse is part of every PC setup. Even though laptops come with integrated touchpads, many of us prefer the comfort of an actual mouse. But when you need to buy a new mouse, you might ask whether you should go for a wireless or wired one.

Truth be told, wireless mice have a bad reputation due to weak sensors that can cause latency and connectivity issues. Wired mice were always much better at transferring data. But in recent years, this is no longer the case. The sensors have become more responsive, and lag time brought to a minimum.

Table of Contents

So what is the difference between wired and wireless mice, and which is better? In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Continue reading this article to discover the difference between a wired and a wireless mouse and which would suit your needs the best.

Are There Still Any Differences Between Wired and Wireless Mice?

Back in 2016, Logitech launched its G900 Spectrum, a mouse with a new wireless technology that could easily compete with the response speed of wired mice.

The technology continued to develop, and other wireless mice, such as Razer Viper Ultimate or Logitech G Pro, started closing the performance gap between wired and wireless mice.

But the differences between wired and wireless mice is still obvious and ranges from performance and aesthetics to convenience and versatility. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want your mouse to have additional gaming features that are rarely found in wireless mice. Think of all the extra buttons a SCIMITAR PRO RGB Corsair mouse has. On the other hand, if you’re a professional user that travels a lot, you might opt for a wireless device that will give you more mobility.

To better understand the differences and make a better choice for your next purchase, read the pros and cons of wired and wireless mice.

Pros and Cons of Having a Wired Mouse

Wired mice are the preferred choice for many professionals and casual gamers. Whether you’re looking for a gaming mouse or an ergonomic mouse, there’s something for everyone. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of getting a wired mouse.

Convenience

All you have to do to install a new wired mouse to your PC is simply plug it in. They all have a cable that can be plugged into a USB port and the mouse will work immediately. Unlike its wireless counterpart, you won’t have to worry about battery life or losing the transmitter.

High Speed

Believe it or not, some wireless mice are the same as their wired counterparts regarding speed. Most companies opt to make a wired and wireless version of the same product. For example, Aerox and Rival 3 models from Steelseries have one millisecond response time.

But there is a difference and it’s in the sensor. Wired models have 18,000 CPI sensors compared to the 8,500 CPI of wireless models. And these numbers make all the difference when it comes to speed. That said, you should care about this if you’re a pro gamer.

Price

Wired mice are produced with less hardware, which is always cheaper than wireless ones. This also means they’re easier to fix when you need to replace a component and cheaper to replace.

Cable Drag

The cable with which a mouse is attached to your computer adds resistance to movement.

This unwanted friction causes a decrease in response time. Although this is of no concern to the average user, many professional gamers would disagree. In fact, this can be so bothersome that some companies, such as BenQ and Razer, produce mouse bungees that hold the cable in place to eliminate the cable drag.

Range

A wired mouse will limit how far you can sit from the computer due to the cable length. This means that wired mice are not the best choice if you prefer to sit away from your PC or if you use them to control your TV. Of course, this won’t bother professional gamers or people who work close to their PCs.

Durability

The cord of a mouse is often the first thing to break. You will prolong the life of your mouse if you don’t move it too often. But people who travel a lot, and carry their laptops, know the struggle of tangled and snagged cables. You can mitigate this problem by opting for a mouse with a detachable USB cable. Then you can pack it neatly, and even if you break it, you can easily replace the cable.

Pros and Cons of Having a Wireless Mouse

Since modern wireless mice developed beyond Bluetooth technology, they became faster and more reliable. However, Bluetooth mice are still produced but they are not as popular as Radio Frequency (RF) wireless mice.

RF mice are now almost as good as wired ones and are becoming a serious competitor in the market. More and more gamers are switching to wireless devices for convenience, although wired mice are still considered superior when it comes to esports.

No Cable Drag

Instead of a cable, a wireless mouse uses a USB dongle that connects it to the PC. There is no need for separate cables and wires that would add on cable drag and slow down the performance. There is no resistance when moving the mouse, and your hand will have more freedom to move around. Wireless mice are typically ergonomic, which translates to smooth tracking and faster gameplay.

Speed

A top-of-the-line wireless gaming mouse is as fast as its wired version. Modern technology advanced so much that the speed difference between wired and wireless mice is no longer a concern for average users.

But if you are a professional gamer and want a wireless mouse, you must go for the high-end ones. Choose a device that uses Razer’s Hyperspeed or Logitech’s Lightspeed technology that eliminates signal interference. The response time of these mice is under one millisecond, and their wireless connection is very stable.

Long Range

Since wireless mice are not restrained by a cord, you can sit far away from your PC or a TV and still be able to use your mouse. Most wireless mice even come with an extender cable that allows you a longer range without losing your connection to the PC. All you need to do is plug one end of the extender into the PC and the USB receiver into the other end of the cable.

Ideal for Travel

Wireless mice are perfect for travel.

They don’t have cables that will tangle and tear in transit, especially if you travel a lot. However, some wireless mice use cables and docking stations for charging, which can easily be broken or lost on the road. They also add to the price, especially if you need to replace them often.

Higher Cost

Good-quality wireless mice are always more expensive than their wired counterparts. This is because of the advanced technology that goes into them, but also because of additional equipment. Transmitters, charging docks, and extension cables all add up to the price, but they are necessary for the proper functionality of a wireless mouse.

Battery Life

Wireless mice run on batteries. All batteries have limited life and will run out of juice sooner or later. It is very inconvenient when batteries run out during your gameplay or an important professional presentation. You can always opt to include a USB charging cable that will continuously be plugged into your mouse while you work or game, but that kind of beats the purpose of a wireless mouse.

Signal Interference

This occurs if other devices are closer to your mouse receiver than necessary. But as technology improves, signal interference is becoming a problem of the past. However, you will have to invest in a high-quality modern wireless mouse to completely avoid signal interference.

The USB Dongle

Wireless mice use receivers to connect to a PC. They are small devices, known as dongles, that are plugged into a USB port. If you lose a receiver, you will probably need to replace the whole mouse.

Some companies sell a universal receiver that can support up to six peripheral devices at once. You can have your wireless mouse, keyboard, and speakers connected through the same receiver without connectivity issues. These receivers are universal and sold separately.

Additional Weight

Wireless mice are not at all lightweight. They use batteries to work; no matter if they are cheap AA batteries or the new generation lithium-polymer ones, they add additional weight. Some people prefer heavier mice and perform well with them. But if you are aiming for speed, you will need a lightweight mouse that won’t limit your hand movement.

Which One Is Better For You?

As you can see, there is no clear-cut winner with the advancement of technology. The speed and functionality are almost the same between wired and wireless options. The final decision will depend only on your personal preference and the budget you can dedicate to purchasing a good mouse.

Wired vs. wireless mouse: Which should I get?

Are wired or wireless mice best?

The computer mouse is one of the most useful accessories for desktop and laptop users. A smooth, accurate and comfortable mouse offers an optimized computing experience.

There are several factors to consider when choosing between a wired or wireless mouse. These include portability, battery life, weight, grip style, response time, and more. Another consideration is that a wired mouse transmits information to the computer through a USB cable, while a wireless mouse uses either Bluetooth or RF technology for transmission.

Wired mouse

While the wired mouse was originally developed in the 1960s, it has been available for use with computers since the 1980s. This hand-held pointing device has evolved over the years into different shapes and using different technologies, but the basic function has remained the same. The wired mouse allows users to navigate the screen of the computer. Most modern wired mice feature a left-click button, right-click button, and wheel in the center of the mouse for scrolling.

Some advanced wired mouse products have extra features, such as the DPI/CPI toggle button, which allows users to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the mouse. Other features, like side buttons, programmable buttons, and lights can make a computer mouse an essential part of the user’s work or gaming experience.

Wired mouse pros

For high-performance applications that require precision and accuracy, such as hardcore gaming or professional editing, the wired mouse can perform comparably to a wireless mouse with a similar price.

As wired mice are connected through a wire, there are no issues with signal interference.

Most wired mice are less expensive when compared to a wireless mouse of similar quality and features.

Wired mice don’t need batteries, making them extremely reliable and long-lasting.

Wired mouse cons

A wired mouse will be tethered to the computer and the wires can get entangled or damaged. Any damage to the wire can compromise the performance of the mouse. It also may be less aesthetically appealing

Most modern wired mice require a USB port in the computer for connectivity. Some older wired mice use the PS/2 port but today’s computers don’t offer this port.

Depending on their features, some higher-end wired mice can be expensive.

The wired mouse is not as portable as a wireless mouse.

Best wired mouse

Razer Mamba Elite Wired Gaming Mouse

The Razer Mamba Elite Gaming Mouse offers a high-precision 16,000 dpi optical sensor with dedicated dpi control buttons. It also offers rubberized side grips for reduced fatigue when using the mouse for an extended time.

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Logitech G502 High-performance Wired Gaming Mouse

The Logitech G502 offers customizable buttons through an onboard memory system. It also features RGB lighting that can be customized using 16.8 million colors. The DPI sensitivity can be adjusted to as high as 25,600.

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Wireless mouse

As the name suggests, the wireless mouse does not need a wire to send a signal to the computer. Today’s radio frequency, or RF, wireless mice are usually “plug and play,” meaning that the user can plug the included nano receiver into the USB port of the computer, turn on power to the mouse and it’s ready to be used. When not in use, the nano receiver usually can be stored in a built-in storage compartment on the underside of the mouse.

A Bluetooth wireless mouse can connect directly to the computer without needing to use a nano receiver. However, Bluetooth wireless mice are not as battery-efficient as RF wireless mice.

Traditionally, wireless mice did not have the precision of wired mice, but as tracking technology in wireless mice continues to improve, the difference has narrowed. Unless you are a hardcore gamer or professional media editor that requires extremely high precision, a good quality wireless mouse should feel as precise and accurate as any regular wired mouse.

Wireless mouse pros

The wireless mouse is more convenient and portable to use than a wired mouse.

The minimalist design and lack of a wire makes it attractive, as well as less messy and cumbersome compared to a wired mouse.

For most wireless mice, the maximum range without any interference is around 9 meters, which is enough for most desktop users or gamers.

Many models are quite affordable.

Wireless mouse cons

Wireless mice need batteries, which means you will have to either recharge or replace the batteries regularly. The longevity of the batteries will depend on the usage and type of mouse, but you can expect to replace the batteries every 3 to 9 months.

If you misplace or damage the nano receiver, you might not be able to get a replacement.

Depending on their features, some higher-end wireless mice can be expensive.

Best wireless mouse

Logitech MX Master 3

The Max Master 3 comes from one of the most reliable mouse brands on the market. This product offers a long battery life and excellent control over scrolling.

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Lenovo ThinkPad Wireless Mouse

With its simple and professional design, the Lenovo ThinkPad is an affordable wireless mouse that offers a 1200 DPI sensor. There is no setup required, just plug the receiver into the computer, and it is ready for use.

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Should you get a wired or wireless mouse?

As long as charging or replacing batteries isn’t an issue, a wireless mouse is a better option for most users. They are becoming increasingly more affordable and offer better portability, versatility and convenience. Users looking for an ultra-portable mouse can get a travel wireless mouse that is smaller and has better battery life. For those that require it, there are higher-end models of wireless mice that offer excellent precision.

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Ali Azhar writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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Which is more effective: wired mouse or wireless mouse