Buying Guide
The Best Mice for Productivity
Five mice compared, from the TECKNET silent to the MX Anywhere 3S, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Productivity mice add thumb wheels, side buttons and fast scrolling for spreadsheets and editing. Every pick has five or more buttons or a thumb wheel, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for battery life, sensor and programmable buttons; where a maker leaves out battery life, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse
The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse
The longest battery life here (up to 24 months).
Best for: Users who rarely want to recharge.
Our take Check price for Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball
25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech.
Best for: Buyers who want 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech.
Our take Check price for Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse
A 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest.
Best for: Buyers who want 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest.
Our take Check price for Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Highest-Resolution Sensor
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S
The highest sensor resolution here (8,000 DPI).
Best for: Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Our take Check price for Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: sensor resolution of 4,800 DPI, behind the MX Anywhere 3S (8,000 DPI).
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.
On sensor resolution it sits mid-pack at 4,800 DPI: the MX Anywhere 3S offers 8,000 DPI, and the MX Vertical comes in at 4,000 DPI. It undercut the M720 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the M720 runs for up to 24 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
- Sensor resolution of 4,800 DPI, ahead of the MX Vertical
Cons
- Sensor resolution of 4,800 DPI, behind the MX Anywhere 3S (8,000 DPI)
Longest Battery Life2 of 5
Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's M720 Triathlon switches between three computers with a button and supports Logitech Flow.
Best for
- Users who rarely want to recharge.
Skip if
- Pass if a published sensor resolution matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It has 24 months of battery life. Its hyper-fast scroll wheel spins freely through long documents and switches back to click-by-click scrolling when you need precision. The rubber body and sculpted right-hand shape suit a relaxed palm grip.
Logitech Flow moves the cursor, text and files between up to three computers, and it connects over Bluetooth or the Unifying receiver. The Unifying receiver can also pair up to six compatible Logitech devices, which saves USB ports. It matches the TECKNET silent on button count (6).
It was priced above the TECKNET silent and below the Ergo M575S at the time of writing. There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the MX Anywhere 3S offers 8,000 DPI.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 24 months
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Grip: Full-size, right-handed
- Connection: Bluetooth or Unifying receiver, 3 devices
Pros
- Switching between 3 computers at the touch of a button
- Logitech Flow across computers
- Unifying receiver for up to 6 Logitech devices
- Longest battery life of the picks (up to 24 months)
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ergo M575S keeps your arm still and moves the cursor with your thumb, which Logitech says cuts forearm muscle strain by 25%.
Best for
- Buyers who want 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech.
Skip if
- The maker gives no sensor resolution, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It has up to 18 months of battery life, the longest here. On button count it trails the group at 3, while the TECKNET silent offers 6. It also offers Smart Actions shortcuts.
A trackball stays still on the desk, so it suits cramped desks, but precise selection takes practice. It is shaped for right hands only. It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers.
Its price falls between the M720 and the MX Vertical, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed sensor resolution should compare it with the MX Anywhere 3S, which offers 8,000 DPI.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 18 months
- Programmable buttons: 3
- Grip: Thumb trackball, right-handed
- Connection: Bluetooth or Logi Bolt
Pros
- 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech
- Smart Actions shortcuts
- Bluetooth or Logi Bolt connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Button count trails the TECKNET silent (6)
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's MX Vertical sets the hand at 57 degrees with a thumb rest and a textured rubber surface.
Best for
- Buyers who want 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest.
Skip if
- Skip it if sensor resolution matters most to you; the MX Anywhere 3S offers 8,000 DPI.
Why we like it
A cursor speed switch changes sensitivity with one press, and Logitech says the shape fits a variety of hand sizes. Its 57-degree angle puts your hand in a handshake position, which Logitech says reduces muscle activity by 10%. The design was tested against criteria from ergonomists.
Its 4,000 DPI sensor resolution is the lowest in this group; the MX Anywhere 3S leads at 8,000 DPI. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It is shaped for right hands only.
When we checked, only the Ergo M575S and cheaper picks cost less, and the MX Anywhere 3S cost more. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the M720 instead: it runs for up to 24 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 4,000 DPI
- Grip: Vertical, right-handed (57°)
- Connection: Wireless, USB receiver
Pros
- 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest
- Cursor speed switch that changes DPI with one button
- Textured rubber surface
Cons
- Sensor resolution trails the MX Anywhere 3S (8,000 DPI)
- No published button count
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Highest-Resolution Sensor5 of 5
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's MX Anywhere 3S is a compact rechargeable mouse that tracks on glass.
Best for
- Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its button count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Its MagSpeed wheel scrolls quickly through long pages. It tracks on glass with an 8,000 DPI sensor and has quieter clicks than the MX Anywhere 3. It ships without a USB receiver, so it relies on Bluetooth.
It pairs with up to three devices across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux, and the MagSpeed wheel scrolls up to 1,000 lines per second. It is certified for Intel Evo laptops, which verifies its Bluetooth performance, and its plastics include up to 78% recycled material. Its 8,000 DPI sensor resolution is the highest here; the TECKNET silent comes next at 4,800 DPI.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the MX Vertical the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the M720 instead: it runs for up to 24 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 8,000 DPI
- Grip: Compact
- Connection: Bluetooth, 3 devices
Pros
- Tracking on glass
- Rechargeable USB-C battery
- MagSpeed scroll wheel
- Highest sensor resolution of the picks (8,000 DPI)
Cons
- No published button count
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
How We Chose These Mice for Productivity
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five mice on battery life, sensor resolution, button count and grip, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the TECKNET silent to the MX Anywhere 3S, state grip and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The TECKNET silent, the MX Vertical and the MX Anywhere 3S give no battery life; the M720 and the Ergo M575S give no sensor resolution.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the TECKNET silent (under $50) to the MX Anywhere 3S ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Mouse for Productivity
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Sensor resolution
Here sensor resolution runs from 4,000 DPI on the MX Vertical to 8,000 DPI on the MX Anywhere 3S. For less, the TECKNET silent is the runner-up at 4,800 DPI. No figure for the M720 and the Ergo M575S.
How much button count you need
Here button count runs from 3 on the Ergo M575S to 6 on the TECKNET silent. Start with the TECKNET silent if button count decides it. No figure for the MX Vertical and the MX Anywhere 3S.
How much battery life you need
Here battery life runs from up to 18 months on the Ergo M575S to up to 24 months on the M720. The M720 is the pick for battery life. No figure for the TECKNET silent, the MX Vertical and the MX Anywhere 3S.
Fit and compatibility
It is shaped for right hands only. A trackball stays still on the desk, so it suits cramped desks, but precise selection takes practice. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ergo M575S: Smart Actions shortcuts. The MX Vertical: a cursor speed switch that changes DPI with one button. The MX Anywhere 3S: a rechargeable USB-C battery.
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.
How to Choose a Mouse for Productivity
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | TECKNET silent | The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing |
| Users who rarely want to recharge | M720 | The longest battery life here (up to 24 months) |
| Buyers who want 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech | Ergo M575S | 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech |
| Buyers who want 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest | MX Vertical | A 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest |
| Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops | MX Anywhere 3S | The highest sensor resolution here (8,000 DPI) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MX Anywhere 3S leads on sensor resolution at 8,000 DPI, ahead of the TECKNET silent at 4,800 DPI. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Mice | Battery life | Sensor | Programmable buttons | Grip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECKNET silent | Not listed | 4,800 DPI | 6 | Compact, small to medium hands |
| M720 | up to 24 months | Not listed | 6 | Full-size, right-handed |
| Ergo M575S | up to 18 months | Not listed | 3 | Thumb trackball, right-handed |
| MX Vertical | Not listed | 4,000 DPI | Not listed | Vertical, right-handed (57°) |
| MX Anywhere 3S | Not listed | 8,000 DPI | Not listed | Compact |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The TECKNET silent was the lowest-priced pick and the MX Anywhere 3S the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | TECKNET silent, M720, Ergo M575S |
| About $50 to $100 | MX Vertical, MX Anywhere 3S |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the TECKNET silent compare with the MX Anywhere 3S on sensor resolution?
The MX Anywhere 3S leads at 8,000 DPI, with the TECKNET silent at 4,800 DPI. The MX Vertical is at the other end of this group with 4,000 DPI. The M720 and the Ergo M575S don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the M720 ahead of the Ergo M575S on battery life?
The M720 leads at up to 24 months, with the Ergo M575S at up to 18 months. The TECKNET silent, the MX Vertical and the MX Anywhere 3S don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the MX Anywhere 3S worth paying more than the TECKNET silent?
On paper it adds sensor resolution (8,000 DPI against 4,800 DPI). The TECKNET silent was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the M720 the Longest Battery Life?
It earns the label for the longest battery life here (up to 24 months). It suits anyone who rarely want to recharge.
What should I check before buying the MX Vertical?
Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It is shaped for right hands only. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the TECKNET silent and the M720 apart?
The TECKNET silent: silent left and right clicks. The M720: switching between 3 computers at the touch of a button. The Ergo M575S: 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TECKNET silent, chosen for the lowest price among these mice at the time of writing. Look at the Ergo M575S for 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech and the MX Vertical for a 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest if those matter more to you.
Map app-specific shortcuts in the maker's software.