Is wired better than wireless mouse
When it comes to computers, a mouse is a convenient input to have. It’s the PC’s remote right in your hands.
Using a keyboard to issue commands to your computer is kind of inconvenient and might require you to know some key combinations to use as shortcuts. This especially on a desktop is quite cumbersome compared to a laptop that comes with a touchpad. There are two types of mice, a wired and wireless mouse. Though they both play the same role, they do it quite differently. So, is a wired mouse still better than a wireless one?
The issue of a wired mouse is better than a wireless mouse depends on your preference as a user and what you do/plan to do on the PC. A wireless mouse is ideal for convenience, aesthetics, and versatility. If you travel a lot while working, then a wireless mouse might just be what you need. A wired mouse on the other hand has the speed and accuracy that most PC gamers yearn for.
Table of Contents
Wired vs wireless mouse – How do they compare
Design and build
A wired mouse like its name suggests has a cable attached to it and is the older of the two. The mouse plugs into a USB port on your desktop or laptop. The mouse is powered by the PC’s power source. A wireless mouse on the other hand comes without a cable and uses batteries as the power source. The mouse is connected to the PC via a dongle or Bluetooth technology (2.4GHz connection). This eliminates the need for cables that can look messy and inconvenient on the go. The good thing about a wireless mouse’s design is that you can use it without the limitation of a cable. This means that as long as you’re within range, you can still control your PC as compared to a wired mouse whose versatility is tied down to the cable length. Besides, with a wireless mouse, you can pair the mouse to several devices something that you can’t with a wired mouse unless the pairing device has a USB port. The biggest downside of wireless mice is that they can run out of power without you anticipating it and also the receiver can be lost.
A wireless mouse is better than a wired mouse due to its versatility and aesthetics.
Speed and performance
When it comes to speed, a wired mouse is clear since wireless mice transmit information slowly wirelessly. This lag factor is crucial to gamers and might influence them to choose a wired mouse instead since they depend on consistency. Another issue with a wireless mouse is nearby interference since the communication is wireless. However, without any obstructions between the mouse and its receiver, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. The wired mouse is better compared to the wired one due to its reliability and speed.
Convenience
The level of convenience that a mouse offers to you as a user is worth considering due to its ergonomics. A wireless mouse comes with no cables that might be limiting or a cause of accidents. It’s ideal for traveling and can be used away from the receiving device as a desktop. You can use it from a distance even across the room and still be able to control your computer. Since you don’t have a computer only in your house, you may also have other devices like a tablet. This device can also be used to control the tablet since all it needs is Bluetooth pairing between the two. Nothing is perfect and so is a wireless mouse too. The mouse is susceptible to its receiver being lost and it runs on batteries which you will need to change from time to time.
A wired mouse firstly has to be tethered to a PC and can only be used when in reach. It requires a USB connection to work and can only use it on devices with a USB port which is not common. This mouse however doesn’t need a receiver or batteries to work. Once connected via the USB port, it uses the PC’s power source to work.
If you use your TV as a monitor, or your tablet doesn’t have a USB port, or your PC sits very far away from where the mouse and keyboard are like under the desk, then a wireless mouse is the best solution. It also gives your desk a minimalistic appearance and is easy to work in such an aesthetic environment. A wireless mouse is better compared to a wired mouse.
Wired mouse |
Wireless mouse |
Uses PC’s power source and never runs out of power unless the PC is off
Has a cable attached to it Connects via a USB port
Faster and more reliable
Only works with a device that has a USB port Limited by the length of the USB cable |
Uses batteries that need to be replaced from time to time
It’s wireless Uses a receiver or Bluetooth to establish a connection The receiver can be lost and maybe slow due to obstructions Compatible with several devices via Bluetooth It can be used from a distance within a connection |
Final Thoughts
It’s not easy to point out if a wireless or wired mouse is generally the best. Depending on your needs and preferences, one of the two choices can stand out. A wired mouse has always been reliable over the years and doesn’t require an additional purchase of batteries. A wireless mouse is the latest technology advancement product but has its own strengths and limitations as well.
FAQs
How much lag does a wireless mouse suffer from during gaming?
The amount of lag a wireless mouse has depends on the mouse itself. On average, most wireless mice have a lag of between 8 to 16 seconds that comes from a USB polling rate of 125Hz plus transmission, encoding, and decoding of a wireless signal. This lag rate can reduce when the USB polling rate reduces.
Where can I use a Bluetooth mouse instead of a typical wireless mouse?
A Bluetooth mouse is ideal for a user that has multiple devices but desire to only use a single mouse to control all of them. Also, if one doesn’t have a lot of USB ports available that can be dedicated to a wireless mouse’s dongle, then a Bluetooth mouse is a great choice.
