TechRadar Verdict
It might be light on features, but the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse performs splendidly, as long as you use it on a mouse pad. Its slim form factor is both good and bad as it’s small enough for easy portability but lacks the heft that those with bigger hands or claw grip users need. It’s very affordable too.
Slim, light and portable
Very affordable
Decent battery life
Slim profile not ideal for everyone
Only works well on a mouse pad
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Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse: One-minute review
Very few mice are as thin as theMicrosoftModern Mobile Mouse. Most normal models are at least twice as thick. Many are much heavier as well. Regardless, it’s that size that will make the difference in whether you like it or not.
Of course, there are other things to consider. It has a reasonably low price tag. It works well, even if it needs a mouse pad and is a bit light on the features. And, its battery life is solid. Sure, you can find other decentwireless micein this price range, but very few of them are cable-free and deliver the same level of performance.
If thinner mice give you comfort issues, then the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse might not be for you. If that doesn’t matter, then this might be thebest mousefor those who need something truly travel-friendly.
Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse: Price and availability
Interface:BluetoothErgonomics:AmbidextrousButtons:3DPI:1800Switches:Not specifiedWeight:2.75 oz (78 g)
While you can go much cheaper than the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse, it’s still very affordable. No matter which color you’re interested in – there are quite a few including Sandstone, Peach, Mint, Pastel Blue, Ice Blue, Poppy Red, Glacier, and Black – you’ll only have to pay $39 / £30 / AU$59. Unfortunately, some colors aren’t available in certain regions.
If you do go cheaper, you’ll end up with either a wired option or an off-brand model you can only order from the depths ofAmazon. And, those tend to sacrifice a lot in terms of style, portability, and performance to hit their low price points.
There are othersmall miceon the market, such as theRazerClick Pro Mini. Of course, that’s double the price but more feature-rich, including both Bluetooth and Wireless connectivity as well as up to 12,000 DPI. A better comparison might be theLogitechPebble M350, which is actually $10 / £10 less, has two types of wireless connectivity, and comes in a number of fun colorways.
Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse: Design
If you’ve owned theMicrosoft SurfaceMouse, the Modern Mobile Mouse might trigger a deja vu as the form factor is very similar. They’re both slim with just a left and right button as well as a middle wheel for controls. Both also connect via Bluetooth.
The Modern Mobile Mouse is among the smaller mice we’ve used, making it ideal for those with smaller hands or who need an extremely portable solution for use on the road. Its base of 4.22 x 2.37 x 1.01in (107.20 x 60.30 x 25.80mm) makes it small enough to even slip into a back pocket.
It’s also lightweight at 2.75oz (78g). It’s not the lightest we’ve used, but its weight does feel evenly distributed so there aren’t issues with balance here. Though it would likely affect the price, we do think a version with a rechargeable battery – instead of the two AAA batteries it currently uses – would make it even lighter.
Since the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse is pretty stripped-down, you’re not getting much beyond the two left / right buttons and clickable middle wheel. There’s just one other button, and that’s the power button underneath the mouse, which also doubles as the pairing button. A short press of this button turns it on or off while a long press puts it in pairing mode.
Also on the underside of the mouse is a magnetic door that’s easy to remove and replace for effortless access to the battery compartment.
Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse: Performance
The Modern Mobile Mouse may only come with one form of connectivity (Bluetooth 4.2), but it works with no interruptions to the connection and no noticeable lags. The sensor is fast and accurate for most tasks, and if you need to use it for a presentation, you can rest easy knowing it will work up to 33ft away (10m) in the open air and up to 16ft away (5m) in a typical office environment.
Using the mouse is comfortable if you have a palm grip. If you have a claw grip, however, there’s not a lot of support due to its slim profile. At least the buttons have a good feel to them. While they clearly don’t use mechanical or optical switches – they have a little bit of resistance to them, both the buttons and scroll wheel feel sturdy and comfortable enough to press. In a similar vein, the scroll wheel has that nice tactile feedback when being turned.
Perhaps our biggest gripe with the Modern Mobile Mouse is that it doesn’t have the pads required for smooth sliding across different surfaces, as you would find on pricier mice. So, when used on hard surfaces, it feels weird. On a mouse pad, however, it glides beautifully and effortlessly.
While we would have preferred a rechargeable battery, using two AAA batteries should set you up for about 12 months. Though it’s also worth knowing that there are some disposable battery-powered mice out there that last longer. TheLogitech Lift, for instance, will last up to two 24 months on a single AA battery.
Should I buy the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse?
Buy it if…
You’re on a budgetMost budget mice leave a lot to be desired in their performance. While the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse is a bit light on features, it does what it’s supposed to and does it well.
You want something slim, light, and portableIts slim profile means that it’s light and very portable. So, if you need something small that you can throw in a bag along with a laptop, this mouse is ideal.
You don’t need a lot of featuresThe Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse is perfect for those that don’t care about a bunch of extra features and just want something that works.
Don’t buy it if…
You don’t have a mouse padMouse pads are pretty cheap. But if you regularly work somewhere that doesn’t have one, be aware that this mouse has trouble working properly on other surfaces.
You need something a little thickerWhile the slim profile of the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse makes it very portable, it’s not a good fit for everyone, including those with larger hands or who use a claw grip.
Also consider
Razer Orochi V2If the lack of RGB and classic solid aesthetic doesn’t put you off, the Razer Orochi V2 is an incredibly comfortable alternative to the Logitech G705. Its 450-hour battery life is also a huge plus.
Read our fullRazer Orochi V2 review
Logitech G305 LightspeedThe Logitech G305 Lightspeed is another device that lacks RGBs but makes up for it with its colorful aesthetics and superior 12,000 DPI optical sensor.
Read our fullLogitech G305 Lightspeed review
Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse: Report card
How we test
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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She’s a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She’s an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.
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