The convenience of a wireless mouse is very important to many users, which is why they opt for a wireless option. However, there is a very important aspect to take into account, and that is that we can find a mouse with a rechargeable battery or with batteries. We will try to help you choose between both options, exposing the weak and strong points of each variant.
It is necessary to observe that a wireless mouse is powered by a battery or a rechargeable cell, which makes us think about its autonomy. Therefore, we will soon enter the position of having to choose between a battery-powered mouse and a battery-powered one, a difference that is usually marked by the price.
Mouse with rechargeable batteries
Wireless mice powered this way have a number of features that differentiate them from battery-powered options. Logic tells us that a battery-powered mouse is much better, but the battery-powered variant is going to make it very difficult for us. Here are its pros and cons.
Greater autonomy
One of the great strengths of batteries is the autonomy it offers, which is greater than that of its rival. It is true that autonomy is also determined by the wireless technology used by the mouse, but, normally, it will be much greater in a battery-powered system, compared to models with a battery.
To give you an idea, the autonomy of a mouse with rechargeable batteries ranges between 12 and 24 months . In this way, we will enjoy our mouse for a longer time without having to change batteries, or recharging the mouse frequently.
More economical
If we compare a mouse with batteries and another with battery, we will soon realize the difference in price between the two. Those that work with batteries are much cheaper than those that equip a battery, which pushes buyers to choose this option.
Remember that the installation of a battery in the mouse implies one more component to be manufactured, such as a possible charging station for it. Some are recharged only with a USB cable, but others have an adapted charging station.
Either way, battery-powered mice offer brutal value for money because they work flawlessly, they’re accurate, and they’re cheaper.
Less offer in high ranges
Interestingly, if we go to the high-end of wireless mice, we will realize that all (or most) incorporate a battery that recharges. In these ranges we do not find mice with batteries, with one exception.
Therefore, if we want the maximum performance in a wireless mouse, we will have to go to the mice with battery.
Pollute more
We have reached an era marked by blatant concern for the environment. Some people reject this position or way of thinking, but it is clear that batteries pollute much more , since it lasts up to 500 years . Although all batteries are toxic, it must be said that some are more toxic than others.
Without entering into an ideological debate (not the end of the article), the problem with batteries is when we get rid of them. Experts recommend that we recycle batteries at designated points because they release mercury , lead , cadmium or lithium . These elements are very toxic, so it is not advisable to dispose of batteries in the trash.
Lighter
Finally, a fact that varies depending on the mouse model, but is usually normal for a battery-powered model. In general terms, the fact of incorporating a single battery will make our mouse lighter , as we see in wireless mice for laptops and desktops.
Obviously, we can find exceptions in the market, there being models with a battery that offer a similar weight. However, it is not the normal rule and this may interest those who prefer mice with simpler and faster mobility.
Mouse with battery
In contrast, we find the main rival of the battery-powered mouse, characterized by incorporating a rechargeable battery that can be an advantage or a disadvantage. Everything will depend on the model we choose, like what we are looking for in a mouse. Likewise, we expose you the remarkable characteristics.
It has less autonomy than the mouse with batteries
One of the weak points of the mouse with battery is its autonomy, if we compare it with its direct rival. It depends a lot on the model we choose, but it will not exceed the week of use, having to load the mouse frequently.
To give you an idea, the autonomies offered by manufacturers range from 30 to more than 100 hours , which is not bad at all, but they are far from the 12-24 months offered by battery-powered mice.
As a detail, there are manufacturers that try to balance this weak point by offering mats that charge the mouse wirelessly, being able to use it without problems. Also, there are models whose USB charging port is on the front , so we will charge the mouse and we can use it as a normal wired mouse.
However, there are manufacturers that offer impractical charging systems , such as some Apple Magic mice, which we will not be able to use if we have to charge them.
Battery-powered mouse is more expensive
Following the aforementioned, the battery is one more component of the mouse, so the manufacturing cost is higher. This translates into a higher price , which will force users to have a higher budget to opt for a wireless mouse of this type.
Has better performance
In terms of performance, manufacturers prefer to choose this feeding system for mice with better sensors and technologies . So, in case we want a wireless gaming mouse, we will have to opt for one with battery.
They pollute less
The opposite happens here, batteries pollute much less than batteries, because batteries are recharged, they are not disposed of . Likewise, it must be said that batteries have a useful life, they do not last forever, although their duration is significantly longer.
Battery degradation
We may buy the wireless mouse and enjoy it without problems for 2-3 years , but with the passage of time we will see that the battery has a less autonomy . This occurs in all electronic devices powered by batteries, such as laptops, smartphones or tablets.
In fact, it is common to see batteries swell over time, something that can be a problem in mice. The problem comes when the mouse starts to give problems and, in turn, the product has been discontinued. For this reason, the peripheral is out of warranty and the manufacturer leaves us “stranded”, forcing us to buy another new mouse.
As you can see, it is not a simple choice, but it must be considered properly because a battery-powered mouse may be enough for us. However, those who want the best performance, you will have to go to a mouse with battery.