Buying Guide
The Best Mouse for Computer
Five mice ranked on battery life and sensor resolution, where the TECKNET silent has the highest sensor resolution, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For everyday computer use, a comfortable shape, a reliable connection and quiet clicks matter more than a high DPI figure. These are ordered from the lowest price up.
The order reflects battery life, sensor and grip from maker specifications; a missing battery life is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest-Resolution Sensor
TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse
The highest sensor resolution here (4,800 DPI).
Best for: Large or multiple high-resolution monitors.
Our take Check price for TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Ergonomic Grip
Lenovo WL310 Bluetooth Silent Mouse
An ergonomic grip.
Best for: Buyers who want an ergonomic grip.
Our take Check price for Lenovo WL310 Bluetooth Silent Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode Mouse
A built-in rechargeable battery.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery.
Our take Check price for TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
Logitech M196 Bluetooth Mouse
The longest battery life here (up to 12 months).
Best for: Desks where you want to forget about batteries.
Our take Check price for Logitech M196 Bluetooth Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Uineer Rechargeable Wireless Mouse
A visual battery level display at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Uineer Rechargeable Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest-Resolution Sensor1 of 5
TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TECKNET silent stands out for silent left and right clicks, and it adds a slide switch between two devices.
Best for
- Large or multiple high-resolution monitors.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4,800 DPI sensor resolution and offers a 6 button count. It pairs with two devices at once over Bluetooth and a USB receiver, so you can switch between a laptop and a desktop. Six DPI steps from 800 to 4,800 cover both office work and larger screens.
Nothing else here matches its 4,800 DPI sensor resolution; the Uineer rechargeable comes closest at 2,400 DPI. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Lenovo WL310 the next step up. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the M196 runs for up to 12 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 4,800 DPI
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Grip: Compact, small to medium hands
- Connection: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices
Pros
- Silent left and right clicks
- Slide switch between two devices
- Six DPI steps
- Highest sensor resolution of the picks (4,800 DPI)
Ergonomic Grip2 of 5
Lenovo WL310 Bluetooth Silent Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lenovo's WL310 is a silent Bluetooth mouse with 1000, 1200 and 1600 DPI steps.
Best for
- Buyers who want an ergonomic grip.
Skip if
- Skip it if sensor resolution matters most to you; the TECKNET silent offers 4,800 DPI.
Why we like it
It needs no receiver. Its clicks are near silent, which suits shared rooms and late sessions. DPI switches between 1,000, 1,200 and 1,600.
On sensor resolution it trails the group at 1,600 DPI, while the TECKNET silent offers 4,800 DPI. No other pick in this guide offers an ergonomic grip; compare the TECKNET rechargeable, which has a compact grip. No other pick in this guide offers a bluetooth 5.0 connection; compare the M196, which has a bluetooth connection.
Its price falls between the TECKNET silent and the TECKNET rechargeable, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the M196, which runs for up to 12 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 1,600 DPI
- Grip: Ergonomic
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
Pros
- Silent clicks
- 1000, 1200 and 1600 DPI steps
- No USB receiver needed
- Ergonomic grip, the only one here
Cons
- Sensor resolution trails the TECKNET silent (4,800 DPI)
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TECKNET's rechargeable mouse charges fully in 1.5 to 2 hours and switches between two devices.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery.
Skip if
- Pass if a published sensor resolution matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It is a compact budget option. It recharges in about two hours and runs for around three months on a charge, by TECKNET's figure. It connects to two devices at once over Bluetooth and a USB receiver.
It works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux, and its clicks are quiet. Six DPI levels run from 800 to 4,800. It shares a compact grip with the Uineer rechargeable; the Lenovo WL310 goes with an ergonomic grip.
It also offers a built-in rechargeable battery and a 1.5 to 2 hour full charge. It was priced above the Lenovo WL310 and below the M196 at the time of writing. There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the TECKNET silent offers 4,800 DPI.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 3 months
- Grip: Compact
- Connection: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices
Pros
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- 1.5 to 2 hour full charge
- Slide switch between two devices
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Longest Battery Life4 of 5
Logitech M196 Bluetooth Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's M196 is a small Bluetooth travel mouse with an AA battery in the box.
Best for
- Desks where you want to forget about batteries.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its sensor resolution before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It has 12 months of battery life. Its ambidextrous shape works in either hand, and it tracks on most surfaces with line-by-line scrolling. Bluetooth pairing means no dongle to lose.
A bluetooth connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Uineer rechargeable uses a 2.4GHz USB receiver connection. You also get a lightweight travel size and pair-and-play Bluetooth setup. When we checked, only the TECKNET rechargeable and cheaper picks cost less, and the Uineer rechargeable cost more. If you want a confirmed sensor resolution, look to the TECKNET silent instead: it offers 4,800 DPI, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 12 months
- Grip: Compact, ambidextrous
- Connection: Bluetooth
Pros
- Lightweight travel size
- AA battery in the box
- Pair-and-play Bluetooth setup
- Longest battery life of the picks (up to 12 months)
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Uineer Rechargeable Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Uineer's rechargeable mouse shows its battery level on the shell.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TECKNET silent, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has four DPI steps and a USB receiver. It recharges and steps through 800 to 2,400 DPI, and it works with Windows, Mac and Linux. Its 2,400 DPI sensor resolution ranks second of 3 here, behind the TECKNET silent (4,800 DPI) and ahead of the Lenovo WL310 (1,600 DPI).
It shares a compact grip with the TECKNET rechargeable; the Lenovo WL310 goes with an ergonomic grip. A 2.4GHz USB receiver connection is unique to it among these picks, while the M196 uses a bluetooth connection. At our last price check it topped the group, with the M196 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the M196 instead: it runs for up to 12 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 2,400 DPI
- Grip: Compact
- Connection: 2.4GHz USB receiver
Pros
- Visual battery level display
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Four DPI steps
- Sensor resolution of 2,400 DPI, ahead of the Lenovo WL310
Cons
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Sensor
- We noted listed sensor resolution and surface support.
- Shape and grip
- We grouped each mouse by grip style and noted listed hand sizes.
- Connection and battery
- We recorded connection options and rated battery life.
- Productivity features
- We compared scroll wheels, programmable buttons and multi-computer control as described by each maker.
What to Look for in a Mouse for Computer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fast scrolling helps with long files
Free-spinning or magnetic scroll wheels move through long files and logs quickly, then switch to line-by-line for precision.
If you read long code or spreadsheets, prioritise the scroll wheel.
Multi-computer control
Some mice switch between computers with a button, and a few can move the cursor and clipboard across machines.
This helps if you work on a laptop and a desktop at once.
Match the hand size
Makers often state a hand size range, especially for vertical mice. A mouse that is too small forces a claw grip.
Measure from wrist crease to middle fingertip before buying.
Quiet clicks for shared rooms
Silent or quiet-click switches reduce noise on calls and in shared offices. The feel is slightly softer.
Programmable buttons save shortcuts
Extra buttons can run copy, paste, undo or IDE commands. Per-app profiles change them automatically in each program.
Check that the software runs on your operating system.
Pick a shape for your wrist
Standard sculpted mice suit most hands; vertical mice reduce forearm twist; trackballs keep the arm still. Each takes different adjustment time.
If you have wrist or forearm discomfort, try vertical or trackball first.
How to Choose a Mouse for Computer
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large or multiple high-resolution monitors | TECKNET silent | The highest sensor resolution here (4,800 DPI) |
| Buyers who want an ergonomic grip | Lenovo WL310 | An ergonomic grip |
| Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery | TECKNET rechargeable | A built-in rechargeable battery |
| Desks where you want to forget about batteries | M196 | The longest battery life here (up to 12 months) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Uineer rechargeable | A visual battery level display at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Mice | Battery life | Sensor | Grip | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECKNET silent | Not listed | 4,800 DPI | Compact, small to medium hands | Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices |
| Lenovo WL310 | Not listed | 1,600 DPI | Ergonomic | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| TECKNET rechargeable | up to 3 months | Not listed | Compact | Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices |
| M196 | up to 12 months | Not listed | Compact, ambidextrous | Bluetooth |
| Uineer rechargeable | Not listed | 2,400 DPI | Compact | 2.4GHz USB receiver |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on sensor resolution?
The TECKNET silent, at 4,800 DPI. The Uineer rechargeable follows at 2,400 DPI, while the Lenovo WL310 has 1,600 DPI.
Which pick costs the least here?
Start with the TECKNET silent, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The Uineer rechargeable is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
Do I need the maker's software?
Basic use works without it, but button remapping and per-app profiles need the software.
Are trackballs good for coding?
They save desk space and keep the arm still. Fine selection takes practice, but many users adapt quickly.
Are there left-handed versions?
Many ergonomic mice are right-handed only. Check the product page for a left-handed model.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TECKNET silent. Look at the Lenovo WL310 for an ergonomic grip, the TECKNET rechargeable for a built-in rechargeable battery and the Uineer rechargeable for a visual battery level display at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Match the connection to your computer: a USB receiver for desktops, Bluetooth to save a port on laptops.