A wireless mouse is a device that connects to your computer without a cable. Now, there are many wireless technologies that can enable this functionality. The most popular wireless mice, however, use Bluetooth connectivity nowadays to connect to a computer system.
Earlier wireless mice used RF or radio frequency to send signals from the device to the computer. However, these mice needed a receiver to be connected to the computer first that would be able to receive the signals. This receiver would be connected via a USB cable or some other means.
Regardless of the technology these mice operate on, they need some type of battery to be able to operate. These batteries could be rechargeable. In this article, we will look at how wireless mice work and if all mice come with rechargeable batteries or not.
So, let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Are Wireless Mice Rechargeable?
Yes, a lot of wireless mice these days come with rechargeable batteries or another power source onboard, which can be recharged. However, these mice tend to be more expensive than the ones that use disposable traditional AA and AAA batteries.
Rechargeable mice usually need to be replaced once their battery cannot hold a charge any longer. This is because the battery is permanently fixed on the mouse and cannot be replaced. In some cases, however, it’s possible to replace the battery when it is no longer providing enough charge for your gaming or computing needs.
Modern wireless mice have batteries that are specifically designed to work with those models. The manufacturer also provides a docking station for those specific types of batteries. These mice are not very common but they are definitely going to be popular in the years to come.
Other rechargeable mice make use of standard rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, which are easily available on the market. When you think these batteries are no longer useful, you can replace them with new ones. These batteries are easily removable as compared to special batteries that are fixed onboard and that require a docking station for charging.
Most rechargeable mouse units make use of optical or laser tracking. The price of a wireless rechargeable mouse largely depends on its design and its tracking technology. Modern and sophisticated wireless gaming mice these days come equipped with a number of attractive features, and therefore, they cost a lot more than other cheaper versions.
Every wireless mouse comes with a USB dongle that serves as a receiver for the wireless signals. This USB dongle will be included in the package. Many modern wireless mice come with a storage pocket to keep the tiny dongle when the mouse is not in use. This pocket is usually located on the bottom of the mouse.
If your mouse uses Bluetooth technology and your PC or laptop has built-in Bluetooth, there is no need for a USB dongle. Some manufacturers also include a Bluetooth dongle to cater to devices that do not have built-in Bluetooth connectivity. If your mouse doesn’t come with a dongle, it means it is only compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
How Long Do Batteries Last in a Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse with a built-in battery that can be charged whenever you want is a useful option, particularly for gamers. Once you have tried your hands on such a mouse, you would never want to go back to using a wired or wireless mouse that uses external disposable batteries.
Some great examples of rechargeable mouse units available on the market include Microsoft Surface Precision, which comes with a lithium-ion battery that lasts for more than 3 months on a single charge, Razer Viper Ultimate Wireless Mouse, and Logitech G903.
These mice range in price from $15 to $125 depending on their features and quality. If you invest in a good wireless rechargeable mouse, you won’t have to replace it for another 4 or 5 years to come.
And now the question, how long do batteries last on a wireless mouse. Well, depending on whether they are rechargeable or not, as well as the energy the mouse needs to perform its functions, different batteries have different lifespans.
Typically, wireless mice and even keyboards are designed to be low-drain devices, which means they can work very well on traditional disposable AA or AAA batteries, which are not rechargeable.
These batteries would last anywhere between 200 to 250 hours before they need to be replaced. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, wouldn’t last for more than 50 to 100 hours on a full charge before they need to be recharged.
One of the highly-rated wireless mice that operate on rechargeable batteries, Logitech MX Master 3, will give you 70 days of use on a single charge. However, this mouse has not been rated as the best when it comes to battery life.
Logitech Marathon Mouse M705, although less pricey but not rechargeable, needs two AA batteries that can last for up to 3 years before they need to be replaced. This is quite an impressive battery life and you can see that computer mice, regardless of how sophisticated they are, do not need a lot of energy to operate.
Pros and Cons of Rechargeable Batteries
Like everything else, rechargeable batteries have their own share of pros and cons. So, let’s have a look at these points so you can decide which type of wireless mouse you should buy.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rechargeable batteries can be used hundreds of times before they wear out | Mice that come with rechargeable batteries (or any other device for that matter) tend to be more expensive than the ones that use disposable batteries |
| You don’t have to buy replacement batteries when your mouse has built-in rechargeable batteries | When the battery is charging, you may have to wait for hours before using the mouse again |
| Rechargeable batteries that use Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) composition have a shelf life of 3 to 5 years | Although less impactful on the environment in the negative sense, these batteries still have to be disposed of properly just like Alkaline batteries |
| These batteries are more environmentally friendly than disposable batteries as they have 30% less influence on air pollution | The life of lithium-ion batteries depletes over time just like the batteries in a laptop or a mobile. If you charge them longer than necessary, they wear out quickly |
| Lithium-ion batteries may start to malfunction due to no reason at all and may even explode due to mishandling |
Verdict
Although rechargeable batteries give you convenience and peace of mind, wireless mice tend to run better on disposable AA or AAA batteries. These mice are also more economical and energy-efficient. You can turn the mouse off to save battery life and hence increase their lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do disposable batteries last longer in wireless mice than rechargeable ones?
One of the disadvantages of rechargeable batteries is that they are unable to hold as much charge as Alkaline batteries do. As a result, even if they are fully charged, they won’t be able to last as long as a traditional AA battery would. However, one advantage is that, since they are rechargeable, you won’t need to replace them once they are discharged.
What type of batteries do wireless mice use?
Most wireless mice run on two AA batteries. Some of them also use two AAA batteries, but AA are more common and widely used because of their increased power capacity.
How do you replace the batteries of a wireless mouse?
On the bottom of the mouse, you will see a sliding panel with the battery sign on it. Open it to replace the batteries. On newer mice, you may also find the battery panel on top or side where the buttons are usually located.
Are wireless mice good for gaming?
Earlier versions of wireless mice weren’t recommended for gaming because of lag or latency. However, nowadays popular manufacturers like Logitech make excellent wireless mice meant solely for gaming. Since gaming requires quick movements and a lot of action, it is recommended to buy a wireless mouse that comes with non-rechargeable batteries.
Conclusion
Wireless peripherals can greatly enhance your computing and gaming experience as they allow more freedom of movement. Today’s modern gaming mice are available in both wired and wireless versions because some people still prefer their device to be connected to the computer via a cable.
If you are planning to buy a wireless mouse, it doesn’t mean you would have to compromise on its precision or efficiency. However, one thing that you need to take into account is how often you would need to replace its batteries or recharge them if it comes with rechargeable batteries.
Not all wireless mice come with rechargeable batteries. In fact, most of these work very well with traditional Alkaline batteries that last for a long time. If you want to invest in a mouse equipped with rechargeable batteries, make sure you know how long these batteries are going to last on a full charge and whether it will suit your computing needs or not.