The use of wireless devices is on the rise. Knowing which device to choose can be a bit tricky. Especially, if you’re looking for something that’s small and easy to use like a mouse. The constant evolution of technology can make choosing between a Bluetooth mouse and a wireless one a tedious challenge.
You don’t know which design is the best or what features to look out for. Yet, you can’t work on your computer without a highly optimized mouse to ensure that you remain productive at all times. If you want to know which mouse you should choose between the two, you should keep on reading.
What is a Bluetooth Mouse?
Your Bluetooth mouse is a mouse that you use for your computer. You might be asking yourself, “How does a Bluetooth mouse work?” The answer is simple. Your Bluetooth mouse uses radio waves to wirelessly communicate with your computer.
The connection is seamless if you know how to pair a Bluetooth device. It’s ideal if you don’t have many USB ports on your computer. Additionally, it offers great convenience if you have multiple devices connected to your Bluetooth that you prefer to control with your mouse.
If you want to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of using a Bluetooth mouse, you’re not alone. The following pros and cons should help you with making a suitable choice for your needs.
Advantages
1. Mobility
The thing is Bluetooth connectivity is always synonymous with mobility. In fact, your Bluetooth mouse can be used anywhere and with various devices. Moreover, you can rest assured that your mouse has a wider range when you compare it to its counterparts.
Your Bluetooth mouse doesn’t rely on infrared lasers to be able to see the device it needs to connect to. Instead, it uses radio waves to ensure that you have a range of up to 30 feet.
2. Compatibility
You’d be surprised to find that your mouse can connect to many of the devices in your household and office. With the correct drivers installed in your devices, you can use your mouse to navigate most of the functions in these devices. The compatibility with your Bluetooth mouse is impeccably designed to offer you premium convenience.
Disadvantages
However, with everything, you should expect to have some drawbacks when you use it. These are the three common disadvantages of using this type of mouse.
1. It’s Not User-friendly
Even though mobility and compatibility are what make your Bluetooth mouse easier to use, the configuration process can be complex. If your mouse isn’t installed and configured with your device before you start using it, you may run into some problems. Additionally, if you don’t have a computer that’s Bluetooth enabled, you might have to find a Bluetooth adapter to assist with the communication between your devices.
You should still configure your Bluetooth mouse and adapter to ensure seamless connectivity. However, if you lack the knowledge, you might struggle to correctly set up your devices. Fortunately, nowadays, your Bluetooth mouse can come with an installation wizard to give you a step-by-step command prompt. Setting it up can be easier to manage.
2. Security
Having a wider range to connect to your devices is a great option. Yet, you might find that it comes with some security concerns. The thing is it’s not the digital hackers that should be your cause for concern. The fact is your Bluetooth device might interfere with other similar devices or vice versa.
Let’s say that you were hanging out at your favorite café trying to get some work done. If there’s someone else who’s using a similar device as yours, they might have access to your mouse cursor. The only way that you can avoid this is to move away from the person who has control over your cursor.
3. Cost
The thing is your Bluetooth mouse should be more popular than it currently is. It offers great convenience and an unmatched range. However, if you look past the configuration process and manual installation problems, you still have the cost to worry about. For instance, you can spend up to $80 on your mouse. How much you spend should depend on the specifications that you need.
What is a Wireless Mouse?
On the other end of the connectivity spectrum, you have a wireless mouse. But what is it, and how does it differ in comparison to a Bluetooth one? Your wireless mouse has come a long way from when it was invented in 1984. It was commonly known as a cordless mouse before it evolved to what you have in your home today.
Your wireless mouse connects to your computer without using any wires, hence the name. Instead, it uses varied wireless technology such as Bluetooth, infrared radio waves, or radiofrequency to connect to your computer. Since your wireless mouse isn’t Wi-Fi enabled, you need a USB receiver or adapter to ensure that it connects to your wireless network.
But you should ensure that you have a pre-existing wireless connection in your home or office before you can set up your wireless mouse. Your mouse’s wireless technology offers you great convenience. In fact, you navigate the cursor of your computer without the need to sit at your desk the whole day.
You can even connect your computer to your TV to minimize getting up to select your preferred content to watch. If you want further convincing, check out these five advantages of using a wireless mouse.
- Most wireless mice come with an ergonomic design that fits perfectly in your hands. This design is ideal for reducing your risk of arthritis or tendonitis.
- It’s very portable. You can travel with your mouse anywhere. Plus, there aren’t any cables that you should worry about tripping over.
- With improved technologies, you don’t have to worry about your mouse lagging or underperformance. You’re guaranteed reliability with fast connections that don’t interrupt your output and input of data transfers.
- There are various designs that offer you versatility suitable for your lifestyle. If you prefer something petite, you can find it.
- A wireless mouse is a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your home or work office. The lack of cables enables you to stay more organized with a mouse that improves your productivity.
On the other hand, these are some of the disadvantages that you should be aware of before you purchase your wireless mouse.
- You need to purchase batteries for it to function. You should keep track of when you bought your batteries because it can stop working when you least expect it.
- The weight of the batteries make it slightly heavier than your standard mouse. This can be a problem if you carry your wireless mouse with you everywhere.
- They can be a bit pricier than a wired mouse.
- Leaving your mouse anywhere is a great benefit. However, it can be prone to more cases of accidental damage than your phone. In most cases, you’ll forget where you placed it and knock it over unknowingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluetooth vs Wireless Mouse
Is a Bluetooth or wireless mouse better?
It depends on what you want out of your mouse. If you’re looking for unlimited convenience, then a Bluetooth mouse is your choice. But, if you don’t mind using a dongle to stay connected, then a wireless mouse is ideal for you. Ultimately, your lifestyle and needs should determine your choice.
How do I convert a wireless mouse to a Bluetooth one?
Your USB dongle comes with an installation guide. It should prompt you to connect your USB mouse according to how you need it to be connected. Go to your devices and printers on your desktop or laptop and add your device accordingly.