Overview
What is Wired Mouse?
A wired mouse connects directly to your desktop or laptop, usually through a USB port, and transmits information via the cord. The cord connection provides several key advantages, such as fast response times, as the data is transmitted directly through the cable.
What is Wireless Mouse?
A wireless mouse is a cutting-edge hardware input device that allows you to interface with your computer system without the hassle of cords. Wireless mice first became popular in the early 2000s when they started incorporating radio frequency and Bluetooth technology.
Wired vs Wireless Mouse: Which Is Better?
Price: The Differences Are Not as Dramatic
Wireless mice used to be a lot more expensive than wired mice, but that price gap has gotten smaller and smaller as the price of wireless mice has dropped. Even so, if cost is a factor, wired mice are usually less expensive than wireless mice.
|
Wireless Mice |
Wired Mice |
| More expensive.
The price gap has narrowed somewhat. A variation in prices. |
Less expensive.
The price gap has narrowed somewhat. A variation in prices. |
Speed and Reliability: Wired Mice Have the Edge
Wireless devices are, by default, slower than wired devices. This is because wireless devices transmit information wirelessly, which causes a lag. This lag is especially important for gamers. A gamer might choose a wired gaming mouse over a cordless mouse because wired devices don’t present as many delays as wireless ones. That’s important when precision is key.
Wireless mice can be subject to interference from nearby objects, which can cause choppy movements or even disable the mouse completely. However, most people will not have any problems with interference as long as there are no obstructions between the mouse and its receiver.
|
Wireless Mice |
Wired Mice |
| A bit slower than wired mice.
Could be affected by interference. Gamers or precision users may notice a lag. |
Generally faster than wireless mice.
Interference isn’t an issue. Gamers and precision users may prefer consistency. |
Versatility and Aesthetics: Wireless Wins
Wireless mice offer versatile options for users. For example, Logitech unifying technology allows users to pair their mouse with multiple devices. This means users would only need to purchase Logitech devices for their peripheral needs. Although, this is something to consider if you’re tired of swapping receivers.
You can easily move a wireless mouse between computers, which is handy if you need to use the same mouse on your laptop and desktop. wired mice aren’t as easy to unplug and move around.
A wireless mouse and keyboard combo on a minimalist desk looks much better than having a bunch of wires and cords everywhere. This should be one of your reasons to get a wireless mouse.
|
Wireless Mice |
Wired Mice |
| The receiver can be lost.
Can pair several devices to the same USB receiver in some models. Unplug and move between computers easily. Appeal to the minimalist’s aesthetic. |
Don’t need a receiver.
Not easy to unplug and unravel to move. Wires can look messy and become tangled. |
Convenience: Wireless Mice Win This One
There are many benefits to using a wireless mouse over a wired one. Wireless mice are small and portable, so there are no cables that can get tangled up in your bag or drag things around your desk. This makes them ideal for traveling.
Wireless mice offer the freedom to use your computer from anywhere in the room, while wired mice are tethered to the computer and only work if you’re within reach.
If you want to use your TV as a monitor, wirelessly connect a mouse to it and control it from the comfort of your couch. If your tablet doesn’t have a USB port, a wireless mouse can be used as an input device. If your computer is too far away from the keyboard and mouse area, a cordless mouse is the ideal solution.
Wired mice don’t need batteries because the computer is the power source. Some wireless mouse manufacturers get around this issue by using a docking station. Still, that takes up desk space.
Some people might turn down a wireless mouse in favor of a wired one because they want to be sure their mouse will always be functional. Many wireless mice come with placeholders to hold the receiver, preventing it from being lost.
|
Wireless Mice |
Wired Mice |
| No cables.
Ideal for traveling. Use it away from the receiving device. Use it with other devices, such as a tablet. Needs batteries. The receiver can be lost. |
Tethered to the computer.
Only works if you’re in reach. Can only use it with any device that has a USB port. Don’t need batteries; the computer is the power source. Don’t need a receiver |
Are Wired Mice Better Than Wireless for Gaming?
Wired gaming mice are a great option for gamers who want to save money. They don’t require extra parts like batteries or a receiver, so they’re cheaper than their wireless counterparts. You can find a great wired gaming mouse for as low as $30, whereas a decent wireless gaming mouse may start at $50.
Wired mice offer a seamless connection with nearly zero input lag, which is beneficial or crucial for most games. There’s nothing to manage besides a single cable, and although the cable may not be aesthetically pleasing, with good cable management, it shouldn’t be too much of an eyesore.
Although wireless mice can be expensive and sometimes unreliable, they have the advantage of not having a wire that can get in your way. Good cable management can easily solve the wire problem.
Gaming mouse tech specs
Don’t worry if you’re confused by some of the technical jargon used above. We’re going to explain what each specification means and how it can impact you as a gamer. So, let’s dive in!
Shape & design
The second most important feature of a gaming mouse is its shape. As it has a huge impact on your in-game performance, you need to be choosing a gaming mouse that’s right for your grip style and hand size. If you choose a mouse that isn’t optimized for your hand size/grip style, you are putting yourself at a serious disadvantage when it comes to competitive gaming titles.
Sensor
The most important tech spec when it comes to gaming mice is the sensor. The sensor determines the accuracy of the mouse and how well it tracks your movements, both of which are crucial when playing most computer games.
Sensors have undergone massive advancements in the last decade or so. The current crop of gaming sensors offer flawless accuracy, excellent response times and durable lifespans. And while there aren’t that many sensors to choose from in today’s market, there is still a fairly large gap in performance when comparing budget sensors to high-end ones.
When choosing a mouse for gaming, FPS gamers should opt for a model with a great sensor. For other genres such as MMOs, RPGs, and RTS, sensor quality isn’t as important.
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Different shaped and sized wired and wireless mice make it hard to find the one that fits your hand and grip perfectly. However, taking the time to figure out which mouse is right for you could mean the difference between winning and losing.
DPI
DPI, or dots per inch, is a measurement of mouse sensitivity. A higher DPI offers higher sensitivity. While manufacturers may flaunt this as a marketing tool, it doesn’t have a huge impact on gaming performance.
Why do companies never shut up about DPI? Well, it’s because manufacturers will use DPI as a large selling tool when it comes to gaming mice. The latest offerings go as high as 20,000 DPI, which can be quite a selling point for newcomers to the world of gaming mice. However, you probably won’t need more than 1,200 in a real-world situation – extreme cases may go up to 2,000.
In other words, don’t get taken in by the marketing of DPI–all sensors have enough sensitivity to meet your needs.
Gaming Mouse Grip Styles
Latency
When it comes to mice, latency refers to how long it takes for the mouse to send a specific command (like a mouse click) to the PC and have it registered. Though the difference between wired and wireless mice technology is less noticeable now, it’s still a major factor to consider when making a purchase decision.
Wired mice usually have lower latency, because the signal is sent through a physical wire. On the other hand, wireless mice can have delays or interference because the signal is sent through the air.
Professional esports players understand that every advantage counts, so they almost always opt for a wired connection over a wireless one.
Weight
The importance of weight has increased greatly in the past five years, mainly because mouse manufacturers have found ways to make mice lighter without sacrificing gaming performance. A lighter mouse can make you more agile, react faster to enemies, and practice for longer.
We typically recommend lighter mice for competitive FPS titles such as CS:GO, where reaction time and aim are key. For other game styles that don’t rely as much on these factors, weight isn’t as important.
IPS
The term IPS stands for inches per second, and refers to how well a sensor can track movement. A mouse with a 400 IPS tracking accuracy, for example, can theoretically track movement up to 400 inches per second. In general, the higher the number, the more accurate the sensor is at high speeds.
FAQs
Do wired mouses have batteries?
A wired mouse plugs directly into the USB port on your laptop, keyboard, docking station or computer. Usually the cord length is sufficient for navigating within the area around your desktop. This mouse does not have batteries; it obtains power from your host device.
Are wireless mice faster than wired?
Wireless devices are, by default, slower than wired devices since these devices transmit information wirelessly. This lag is especially important for gamers. A gamer might choose a wired gaming mouse over a cordless mouse because wired devices don’t present
Are all wireless mice bluetooth?
All Bluetooth mice are wireless, but not all wireless mice use Bluetooth.
Is a wired mouse better for gaming?
The answer to this question is yes. Wireless technology is so good these days that even competitive pro gamers often use them over their wired counterparts.
Are wireless mice good for gaming?
A wired Gaming mouse is faster than a wireless mouse due to its faster response time and is also less expensive.
Conclusion
Which is better for you, a wired or wireless mouse? It honestly depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for something that’s more affordable and doesn’t require batteries, then a wired mouse is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want the freedom to move around without being tethered to your computer, then a wireless mouse is ideal.
So, what’s it going to be? A wired or wireless mouse? The choice is yours!
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