Written by: Justine Liew

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Lower Accuracy

Although wireless technology has advanced to avoid interference, it is still a little slower and can experience glitch and lag compared to its wired counterpart.  

Powered By Batteries

Most wireless mice are powered by AA or built-in rechargeable batteries. This means that they will run out of battery after some time, and you will need to constantly keep an eye on their battery level

Advantages Of Wired Mouse

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Speed & Precision 

The wired mouse comes with a cable that is connected to the computer, reducing lag and strengthens the precision. 

No Batteries

Unlike a wireless mouse, they are not limited by batteries. Users would not have to worry about their mouse running out of battery when they need it most.

Price

Even as the gap in price between a wireless mouse and a wired mouse has narrowed, a wired mouse is still less expensive.

Disadvantage Of Wired Mouse

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Tugging & Tangled Cords

Wired mice have higher chances of getting their cords tugged and tangled with other devices, such as the monitor and charger cables.

Restricted Movement

A wired mouse is less convenient to use outside of your designated work area. If you were to work at a coffee shop, there would be less space for your mouse to move around.

Comparison: Wireless vs. Wired Mouse

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Both of the mice in question have distinct features that set them apart from each other. Now let’s take a further look into their differences to see which mouse you should purchase next.

Speed & Accuracy

If you’re a professional gamer or a graphic designer, you would most likely stick with a wired mouse. They are, by default, faster than a wireless mouse. Upon using, they do not have any lag or interference during an important work matter or gaming session. Nobody likes having to deal with a slow response amidst that. 

Besides, a wired mouse generally also has more features because it is tied to a cable. Some features include glaring RGB lights, faster optical sensors, and advanced customization options. 

Although it is worth noting that the speed is relatively similar in both wireless and wired setups, it is also good to know that you are getting the most precise mouse possible as milliseconds and micrometres can make a difference.

Convenience

Now, when it pins down to which mouse is more convenient, our winner would have to be the wireless mouse. They are small, portable, and not restricted by cables that get tangled up with all other cords around your desk or in your bag. This makes wireless mouse travel friendly, especially for business trips. 

As with any other wireless device, you can use a wireless mouse away from the receiving device. Whereas a wired mouse is plugged into the computer and can only move freely within reach.

However, a wireless mouse is limited by batteries. Some integrate removable batteries, others come with built-in batteries or a charging dock for charging purposes. Contrary to that, a wired mouse would not need this because the computer is the only power source needed for it to work.

Reliability

Source: rtings

In terms of reliability, a wired mouse has the edge. A sluggish USB mouse would have a slower response time as compared to its wired counterpart. That is because a wireless mouse relies on wireless transmissions whereas a wired mouse does not. This is an important feature to consider when choosing between a wired and a wireless mouse. 

If you are a gamer, the slight lag could make a difference in determining if you’d lose or win the game, which can sometimes be frustrating. 

Additionally, nearby interference can also make wireless mouse movements irregular and may sometimes disconnect the device. With the ever-expanding line of wireless devices (Bluetooth or WiFi), inevitably, hiccups may occur. This might not be an issue for regular computer users, as long as there aren’t any hindrance between the mouse and the receiver.

Aesthetics

One advantage a wireless mouse has would have to be its aesthetics. They were designed to be ergonomic and to declutter your office space, gaming space, or even your workstation. Too many wires and cables surrounding your desk can be distracting and consume a lot of space when you can use that space for something else entirely. 

Research shows that it can make you less productive and negatively affects your overall atmosphere. Not just your workspace but it is also applicable to life in general. Choosing the wireless option can help your desk look minimal and more professional looking. You may even find yourself more motivated and comfortable to get things done.

But, if RGB lights are your thing, then wired mice would have more RGB lighting options as it isn’t dependent on battery life.

Cost

Wireless mice have always been more expensive than wired mice. That is because for a wireless mouse to achieve what a wired mouse can do, in terms of functionality, it is proportionate to the price. Manufacturers would have to come up with different ways and ideas to make a wireless mouse just as attractive to users, especially tech-savvy ones. 

Over the years, however, the price gap has been reduced. So the price shouldn’t be too large of a factor to consider between the two. You could easily get a wireless mouse for a couple of bucks cheaper than a wired mouse, and vice versa.

Final Thoughts

Source: eurogamer

There are many options available in the market, but deciding to settle on either a wireless mouse or a wired mouse generally comes down to each individual’s personal preference. People who like to work on the go may opt for the wireless mouse option, whereas avid gamers may choose a wired and more stable mouse for their gaming marathons. And If you’re a person who likes the minimalist aesthetics of your desk (like me), then a wireless mouse should suffice. 

We hope this short article has helped you understand more about the differences and similarities between a wired and a wireless mouse. Till next time, folks!