Home wireless mouse

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse review

REVIEW – I really prefer using a mouse over my laptop’s trackpad and Bluetooth mice are ideal because they don’t take up my valuable USB-A port. Satechi recently came out with the M1 Wireless Mouse which is a beautiful mouse – the top and wheel are made of aluminum. I got the chance to review this mouse and I found that it is a nice travel companion for me because it takes up a small amount of space due to its low profile. It was easy to pair to my laptop and provides basic typical functions using the left and right click mouse buttons and the wheel/middle click button, however, it doesn’t seem to work well on my granite countertop where my laptop resides (thus it may not work on other shiny surfaces either).

What is it?

The Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse is a computer input device used to move a cursor around on the computer screen. This particular mouse connects to a computer wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0 and recharges using a USB-C-to-USB-A charging cable.

What’s in the box?

  • Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse
  • User Manual
  • USB-C (USB-C to USB-A) charging cable

Hardware specs

  • COMPATIBLE DEVICES: Mac Mini, iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook Pro/Air, MacBook, Chromebook, Microsoft Surface Go, Dell XPS, Lenovo, HP Spectre, ASUS, most Bluetooth-enabled computers and tablets. Supports Mac, Windows, Android and Chrome OS. Not compatible with iOS devices.
  • CONNECTOR TYPE: Rechargeable Type-C port
  • DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT: 4.37″ x 2.25″ x 1.25″, 6.2 oz
  • MODEL NO/UPC: ST-ABTCMS/879961008277 (Silver), ST-ABTCMM/879961008260 (Space Gray), ST-ABTCMG/879961008291 (Gold), ST-ABTCMR/879961008307 (Rose Gold)
  • GUARANTEE: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Design and features

The Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse is a sleek looking basic Bluetooth mouse. The top and wheel of the mouse are made from aluminum. Satechi sent me a silver mouse, but it also comes in gold, rose gold, and space grey colors.

This mouse does not need batteries. It is recharged via USB-C cable.

The bottom of the mouse contains the On/Off (Power) switch, the red LED and optical sensor, and the Connect button (or Bluetooth pairing button).

There is a small LED located below the scroll wheel of the Satechi mouse that lights up blue when the mouse is charging and is supposed to shut off when it is finished charging. This LED will also flash red when the mouse is low on battery.

The Satechi mouse is a little longer than my Logitech M585 mouse. And it has a lower profile compared to my Logitech mouse.

The dimensions compared:

  • Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse – 4.37″ (111 mm) L x 2.25″ (57 mm) W x 1.25″ (32 mm) D
  • Logitech M585 mouse – 4.05 in (103 mm) L x 2.52 in (64 mm) W x 1.57 in (40 mm) D

When both mice are powered on, you can see that the Satechi mouse has a visible LED versus that of my Logitech mouse.

Setup


To pair the Satechi mouse with my Windows 10 laptop, I went into my laptop settings (Start > Settings > Devices) and made sure that my laptop’s Bluetooth was on. I then clicked on “Add Bluetooth or other device” as shown in the left screenshot above.  Afterward, I clicked on “Bluetooth (Mice, keyboards, pens, or audio and other kinds of Bluetooth devices)”.


The “Add a device” screen told me to make sure that my device that I was trying to pair to my laptop was on and discoverable. With my Satechi mouse powered on, I pressed the Connect button on the mouse for about three seconds after which I saw the LED on the mouse flash blue. Then on my laptop, I saw that the Satechi M1 Mouse was discovered. I then clicked on it and it was successfully paired to my laptop.


I tweaked the Satechi mouse features by going into the Settings on my computer (Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse > “Additional mouse options”). I like a little faster pointer so I increased the pointer speed under the Pointer Options tab.

Performance

After pairing the mouse to my laptop, I tried using it. I discovered immediately that stuttered. I found out that this was because I was using it on a shiny granite surface where my laptop normally sits. This problem did not exist if I used a mouse pad. It’s been a long time since I’ve used an optical mouse that had trouble on any surface, probably because I’ve been using solely Logitech mice in the past which have never given me problems on any of the surfaces I use them on.

The Satechi mouse provides basic functions with the normal left and right click buttons and a scroll wheel/middle click button. Tracking seemed accurate enough as long as I was using the mouse on a non-glossy surface. I had no problems placing my cursor in specific places in a document that I was working on or selecting things with the left click button or bringing up menus with the right click button. Using the middle click button (short press on the wheel) opened web pages in a new tab and closed Chrome tabs without issues. The Satechi mouse also has a low profile making it is easily portable when traveling (it fits nicely in my laptop travel case).

However, while using it, I found that I really missed being able to horizontally scroll through web pages (navigate forward a page or backward a page by tilting the mouse wheel to the left or right) which is a feature that my Logitech mouse has. I also found that periodically after several days of not having used the Satechi mouse with my laptop, I had to remove the mouse from the list of paired devices then re-pair the mouse to the laptop for it to work again. And one last thing to note: the documentation states that the Satechi mouse is compatible with Mac computers and laptops but not with iOS devices.

What I like

  • Beautiful brushed aluminum finish (my mouse is silver colored) which is possibly more durable because the top and wheel are made out of aluminum
  • Its low profile is good for travel
  • Provides basic left and right click buttons and wheel/middle click button functions

What I’d change

  • Does not work well on granite (or possibly other shiny surfaces)
  • Not compatible with iOS devices
  • No wheel tilt for horizontal scrolling
  • Periodically need to be re-paired with my laptop
  • I have more functions on my Logitech mouse (M585) than this mouse which costs about the same

Final thoughts

The Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse is a really beautiful mouse whose face is made out of brushed aluminum. It comes in silver, gold, rose gold, and space grey colors. It provides very basic functions (left and right click mouse buttons and a scroll wheel/middle click button). It doesn’t work well on my granite countertop where I do most of my work on my laptop, but it works well on all other surfaces that I have tried. When contrasting the Satechi mouse with my Logitech mouse, the Satechi mouse has a lot fewer features for the same price. However, in addition to its good looks, this mouse has a low profile and thus stores in my laptop’s travel case much better than any of my Logitech mice. I recommend this mouse if you only need basic functions and you really like the brushed aluminum look.

Price: $29.99
Where to buy: Satechi or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Satechi.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 2, 2019 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Logitech MX Vertical advanced ergonomic wireless mouse review

REVIEW – Do you have hand or wrist issues due to an RSI (repetitive stress injury) from using a mouse with your computer day in and day out? I’ve had some issues with my mousing hand for a year or so and have been trying a variety of ergonomic mice to see if one of them might help with those issues. The newest mouse that I’ll be testing is Logitech’s MX Vertical advanced ergonomic mouse.

What is it?

The MX Vertical is Logitech’s latest mouse which has been designed to provide a more neutral grip to prevent forearm twisting which can lead to RSI.

What’s in the box?

  • Logitech MX Vertical mouse
  • USB receiver
  • USB-C charging cable

Design and features

The MX Vertical mouse has a similar style to Logitech’s other mice including the MX Master 25 which I’ve been using for the past year or so. The MX Vertical has a dark gray / slate colored soft touch covering that provides grip and comfort.

This is a 2 button mouse with a click scroll wheel, and 3 other programmable buttons. A large button on the top and rocker button above the thumb rest area.

On the bottom of the mouse are the power switch and the channel switch that allows you to switch between up to 3 different devices that are paired with this mouse since the mouse can be connected to your computer, or tablet via Bluetooth or the included USB receiver. You can have the mouse connected to your laptop using the USB receiver and your phone or tablet using Bluetooth and easily switch between them with a press of the button on the bottom of the mouse.

You can also connect the mouse to your computer using the included USB-C cable which plugs into the front of the mouse.

As mentioned, the MX Vertical is designed to provide a neutral grip so that you don’t have to rotate your forearm counterclockwise to use it. It provides a 57-degree angle that is supposed to deliver the optimal ergonomic posture for your hand. There’s a ledge for your thumb to rest and your index finger and middle fingers rest on the left and right buttons.

Let’s mouse around!

Like with any battery powered device, the first step before using it is to charge it up. To charge the Logitech MX Vertical mouse, you just connect the included (or any) USB-C cable to your computer or a USB power adapter. A small LED will light up to let you know that the mouse is charging. A full charge power the mouse for up to 4 months and if it does run out of juice, you can get 3hrs of use out of a quick 1-minute charge.

After charging is completed, you can start using the MX Vertical right away but connecting it to your computer using one of the three methods already described above. Out of the box, the left and right mouse buttons work as you would guess they would and the scroll wheel does what scroll wheels do… it scrolls. The scroll wheel can also be clicked to select things like most scroll wheels can do. By default, the top button can be used to switch between two pointer speeds and the rocker button scrolls left and right. However, if you don’t like those settings, you can customize them using the Logitech Options app for PC or macOS.

This app will detect all your Logitech connected devices and let you program and customize buttons and settings.


The options app will also let you setup Duolink which gives you the ability to control the computer using gestures with the mouse while holding a function key on the keyboard.

What I like

  • 4-month battery life on a full charge
  • Smooth movement on desktop
  • Multiple device switchable

What needs to be improved

  • Scroll wheel feel
  • Needs to be heavier

Final thoughts

I’m a big fan of Logitech products and have been using their mice and keyboard for years. I use their Craft keyboard daily and the MX Master 25 mouse daily. I was excited to try the MX Vertical because I do have inflammation in my mousing thumb and thought it might help. But, after using the MX Vertical for the last couple of weeks, I’ve switched back to the MX Master 25 which feels better to me for a couple of reasons.

First of all, I don’t like the feel of the MX Vertical’s scroll wheel. It has a ratchet click feel (and sound) when you scroll it vs. the completely smooth scroll setting on the MX Master 25 mouse which I prefer.

I also found that it was harder to do select text and do finer cursor movement in apps like Photoshop when I use the MX Vertical vs. the MX Master 25.

For me, I didn’t find that the ergonomics provided enough benefit to make me want to switch from my current favorite mouse. All that said, there’s nothing wrong with the Logitech MX Vertical. It’s a nicely made wireless mouse that works just fine for most people and for most tasks. It’s just not going to become my new favorite.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Logitech.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Logitech MX Vertical advanced ergonomic wireless mouse review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 17, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Logitech Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mice and PowerPlay review

In the world of gaming, it’s not uncommon for large sums of money to be spent for the smallest increases in specs. Response time, clicks per minute, precision, all of these are thought to be immediately lost when buying a wireless mouse. Yet with the improvements made by Logitech, the G903 and G703 are able to maintain tournament level performance while also being user friendly wireless mice.

To combat the other weakness of wireless products, charging, the Logitech PowerPlay allows the user to charge their mouse as they play.

What is it?

The G903 and G703 are gaming mice that utilizes Logitech’s Lightspeed technology to support latency free wireless play. Though the G703 has many of the same capabilities, it lacks some of customizable hardware or ability to be used ambidextrously.

The PowerPlay is wireless charging station/mat that acts as a mousepad while the user plays. This prevents the need for stopping a play session to plug in the Logitech mice into power.

Design and features

These mice work well both on their own and with the PowerPlay pad. To get all of the features associated with the mice, you can download the LGS (Logitech Gaming Software), which allows the mice to use on board memory, change their lighting, and save power.

G903

The difference in latency between the Lightspeed technology and a corded mouse is quite literally impossible to notice. There are no moments of lag with this mouse, and the sensor is the most precise on the market and has an insane range of 200-12000 DPI. To take advantage of this, the software is programmable, able to save five different DPI settings to be switched between. In order to store these, the mouse has it’s own internal memory so that any settings saved on it will be shared with whatever computer it is connected with. These settings can be for different games, such as lower sensitivity for games that necessitate accuracy, and saved easily in the Logitech Gaming Software program.

In the Box:

  • Lightspeed G903 gaming mouse
  • Plug-and-forget nano receiver
  • USB charging/data cable
  • Accessories case
  • Optional receiver extension adapter
  • Optional 10-gram weight
  • Optional side buttons (2x left, 2x right)
  • Button covers (left, right)
  • User documentation

Even though it is relatively lightweight, the G903 is very well made with a solid quality feel to it. The design of the mouse is ergonomic, easy to manipulate, and comfortable to hold.

Not only is the software of the mouse adjustable, so is the hardware. The magnetic side buttons can be easily snapped onto the mouse, allowing the G903 to have up to 11 programmable buttons. They can be put on either side, meaning both left and right handed players can comfortably use the mouse.

Different configurations of buttons allow the user to input more commands on the mouse, which becomes convenient once a game uses more buttons than you can comfortably reach on the keyboard. For me, I assigned the melee and push to talk buttons on the left side of the mouse and the interact button on the scroll wheel. This enables quicker inputs as the buttons are kept closer to each of your fingers, rather than spreading out from your keyboard hand.

The 10g weight can help add a little more heft to moving the mouse, but for me the difference between the 110g mouse with or without the additional mass wasn’t that apparent when I was playing.

The mouse comes pre-charged in the box, so after plugging in the nano receiver and pairing the mouse, it’s ready to go. When it inevitably dies (more on that later), you can plug in the USB charging cord and use it as a corded mouse. The charge time with the USB is extremely short, being able to bring the mouse up to it’s full 24 hour (or 32 with no lighting) battery life quickly.

G703

The slightly smaller and less expensive version of the G903 is just as powerful as it’s larger sibling, using the same sensor and Lightspeed technologies. The main difference between the two, is its simple right-handed frame without the magnetic customizability of the G903.

In the Box:

  • G703 gaming mouse
  • Charging/data cable
  • Wireless USB adapter
  • 10g optional weight
  • User documentation

The design of the G703 works better for people who like less complicated mice, with two programmable buttons on the side and an additional one behind the mouse wheel.

Including the wheel, this brings the mouse to six programmable buttons, which can also be customized with on the Logitech Gaming Software.

In my hand, the G703 felt a little small (I have large hands), but the quality of the device made up for the minor inconvenience. Unlike the G903, the G703 also comes in white. Overall, the G703 is almost everything that the G903 is, but at a lower price point.

PowerPlay system

Even with the incredible abilities of the Logitech mice, they are still mortal wirelesses devices. Though both mice have impressive battery-life, it is Murphy’s law of devices that they will die at the worst possible time during a critical epic battle. The combination of a mousepad and charger solves this issue by providing power as you play. While this doesn’t charge the mouse in as short a time as the cord, it doesn’t matter because the pad can charge the mouse while it is in motion. So the user can play forever with the wireless trickle charging the pad provides. However, to prevent the mouse from constantly hitting 100% and hurting the battery, the pad keeps the mouse at around 85% constantly, which isn’t a problem unless you use it away from the POWERPLAY.

In the Box:

  • POWERPLAY Base
  • POWERCORE Module
  • USB charging/data cable
  • Hard Gaming Mouse Pad (G440)
  • Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad
  • User documentation

After replacing the magnetic weight on the bottom of the compatible mouse with the PowerCore Module, unplug the connection cord from the nano receiver and into the PowerPlay Base which should then light up. Once the mouse is on and paired, that’s it. Logitech has done well to make their devices work in sync without issue, with the cord included with the mice and the PowerPlay being the same as well.

One thing to note however, to connect the PowerPlay pad to another mouse, you must use the Logitech Gaming Software to unpair the current mouse and then repeat the pairing process with the new mouse. This wasn’t immediately apparent to me till I found it on the Logitech support page, but in all likelihood most users won’t have to do this unless they upgrade to a new logitech mouse.

The hard and cloth pads that the PowerPlay comes with are comfortable, providing users either a smoother surface for snap reflexes or a softer area with more friction for accuracy. While they are easy to switch out, they come with a caveat that trying to use other pads on top of the base may hinder or stop the charging process entirely.

What I like – G903

  • Well made
  • Ambidextrous
  • Easily customizable weight and configuration
  • Instantaneous movement/lagless play

What needs to be improved – G903

  • None

What I like – G703

  • Just as nicely made and fast as the G903
  • Easily customizable weight and configuration
  • Instantaneous movement/lagless play
  • Sleek frame

What needs to be improved- G703

  • A little small

What I like – PowerPlay

  • Wireless charging
  • Easy to pair
  • No need to stop for charging

What needs to be improved – PowerPlay

  • Specific mouse pads
  • Cost

Final thoughts

Both the G903 and G703 boast a lagless, truly wireless gaming experience that never needs to be recharged while retaining the performance and customization of the highest quality wired mice. The G903 is a high-end, feature rich mouse that can be personalized in both software and hardware. The G703 has the same technologies and performance for less. The PowerPlay can allow either of these mice to stay charged for as long as they function (a long time) but bears a relatively hefty cost for the convenience. In conclusion, I’d recommend the G703 the strongest, with the G903 as a close second if you need the extra utility, and reserve the PowerPlay only for true marathon gamers.

Price: G903 – $149.99 / G703 – $99.99 / PowerPlay – $99.99
Where to buy: Link to where you can buy this product from Logitech or Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Logitech.

The post Logitech Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mice and PowerPlay review appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Logitech Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mice and PowerPlay review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 6, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Contour Design Unimouse mouse review

I’ve been dealing with pain in my right hand and thumb for a while now and it’s progressed to the point where I know that I need to do something about it. Instead of going to the doctor which I haven’t yet, I’ve been trying to “fix” it myself by doing exercises and trying ergonomic mice. The latest mouse that I’m testing is the Contour Design Unimouse. Let’s take the cursor for a spin and check it out.

What is it?

The Unimouse is an ergonomic mouse with multiple physical adjustments that are used to customize the mouse to your hand for optimal comfort.

What’s in the box?

Contour Design Unimouse
micro USB cable
USB 2.0 cable adapter
USB receiver dongle

Design and features

The Unimouse looks similar to a traditional mouse at first glance, but a second look reveals that it has additional buttons and other features that set it apart from the mouse you may be using now.

First of all, it has three buttons AND a scroll wheel which isn’t all that typical these days. There are also forward and backward buttons on the left side.

The bottom of the mouse has a power switch and a slot that holds 4 weights.

But the most interesting features of the Unimouse are seen from the side. As you can see in the image above, this mouse has a strange looking thumb rest and a clamshell design.

The mouse also has a micro USB charging port which you will need to use every 3 months or so. Next to the port is a row of status LEDs and a button. When you press the button, the status LEDs light up to show the DPI setting and then the battery charge status. If you press the button additional times in succession, it will change the DPI which adjusts the cursor speed from 800 DPI (slowest) up to a maximum of 2800 DPI (fastest).

The tilt of the Unimouse can be adjusted from as low as 35 degrees to a maximum of 70 degrees.

The idea of adjusting the tilt is to put your hand and forearm in a more normal resting angle to prevent RSI (repetitive stress injuries).

The angle of the thumb rest can pivot in all directions, from up and down…

And it can also pivot forwards and backward.

Learning curve or easy from the start?

I thought it might feel awkward to use the Unimouse given the sideways orientation which looks stranger than it feels. But it actually feels pretty natural and comfortable right from the first use of this mouse.

There are a couple things that I’ve after using the Unimouse for a few weeks though. For one, the middle button is set to double click by default instead of a right click. The right click is the right mouse button. I’m not accustomed to using my ring finger to right click, so it would be nice if there was a way to swap the middle and right buttons.

I also noticed that the scroll wheel doesn’t feel as smooth as other mice that I’ve used. It has built-in detents which are fine, but the whole mechanism feels a little cheap when I compare it to a similarly priced mouse like a Logitech MS Master 2S which can be set to free scroll or detent scroll.

Another issue is that the forward and back buttons sit too far back to easily press with your thumb unless you remove your hand from the mouse.

 

What I like

  • Mouse tilt and thumb rest angles can be customized
  • DPI adjustments
  • Lasts for 3 months on a charge

What needs to be improved

  • Only for right hand use
  • Forward and back side buttons sit too far back to easily press with your thumb
  • Can’t program the buttons

Final thoughts

Did the Unimouse cure my hand and thumb issues? While I have liked using the Contour Design Unimouse, it hasn’t cured my problem. I’m still having issues with my right hand and thumb. Using this mouse hasn’t made my existing problem noticeably better or worse for that matter. Of course, the Contour Design Unimouse doesn’t claim to fix problems if they already exist. This mouse has been designed to prevent the problems in the first place and this is the most comfortable and feature rich ergonomic mouse that I’ve tested so far. So as much as I don’t want to, it’s time for me to go see a doctor.

Price: $89.95 (Wired) or $109.95 (Wireless) MSRP
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Contour Design.

Two must-have wireless mice for Guardians of the Galaxy fans

Whether you liked the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie or the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 movie best, you’ll love these Groot wireless computer mice from Brando. Authorized by MARVEL, these mice feature 1,200 dpi and a 2.4GHz wireless connection which uses a USB dongle.

You can choose from the original Groot or baby Groot. Both are two-button mice with a built-in scroll wheel and are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Both mice are priced at $48.00 each from Brando.