Do you use a wireless keyboard and/or mouse? What ones do you recommend?

@bayernfan (1430)
Canada
April 8, 2008 4:31pm CST
I am thinking about acquiring a new keyboard and mouse. I was thinking that I might go wireless this time around. Does anyone have any views about wireless input devices that they would be willing to share? Any brands or models that you would like to recommend?
2 people like this
12 responses
@benthose (474)
• India
8 Apr 08
I don't use wireless and don't intend to. They just add weight and I won't be moving around much.. I can tolerate the pulling wires.. Also there's the problem of charging them often.. But, if youre fixed on buying a set, I would recommend you Logitech.. They make the best computer accessories
1 person likes this
@benthose (474)
• India
8 Apr 08
I should remind you that professional gamers prefer wired mice, which means they have greater precision.. You can try Microsoft as a second choice..
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@benthose (474)
• India
9 Apr 08
Actually, the sensor in optical mice is a very low resolution camera.. It senses the movements in the surface.. So more resolution of the sensor, more the precision, and laser mice have more precision and more cost!! Well, they are worth it if you are a professional hardcore gamer and you swear every time you miss your target.. If you are just a normal user and only browse and don't play FPS games much, then you can go for your wireless, provided you can tolerate the weight.. In gaming mice you can adjust the weight of your mouse!! I'm not very sure of which brand makes good gaming mice..
1 person likes this
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
Thank you very much benthose. You have provided me with some very helpful information. I do play FPS games, although I am not a professional gamer, and my main PC is built for gaming amongst other things. I am definitely better equipped today to find myself a new mouse than I was yesterday. Cheers.
@egdcltd (12060)
8 Apr 08
I'm on my fifth wireless keyboard and mouse. I use cheap disposable batteries to pwer them usually. I was using rechargeable batteries, but the charge simply didn't last very long. My first set was a Belkin one, which lasted the best part of two years. Then I replaced it with a new Belkin set. Within the first month, the left mouse button had snapped off. Exchanged it, within the week, it had happened again. Took it back yet again, and a couple of weeks later it had broken off the third set. This time I exchanged it for a Microsoft set, which doesn't have the design flaw the Belkin one did.
1 person likes this
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
I have no problem getting cheap disposable batteries either. As many as I need and close at hand to boot. How long do the devices stay charged for you using the disposables typically? I was using a wired Belkin router a while back. It wasn't bad, but it dropped the signal once in a while and had to be turned off and then on again to re-establish the connection. The wireless Linksys router that replaced it seldom has that problem.
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
Okay. This is good to know at least. I think that I will be going with a wireless keyboard, but I wired gaming mouse. I can use hotkeys if my mouse is out of reach. :) Nobody will see using any Belkin products anymore. Especially their networking equipment. What a pain in the a$$.
@egdcltd (12060)
9 Apr 08
I'm not sure, I'm still using the batteries which came with my new keyboard, which are fairly decent ones, Energizers. The Belkin used to go through batteries every week or two, more frequently for the mouse typically. These Energizers have been in since I bought this keyboard & mouse, which is nearly two months. I think I may buy some more when they go flat. I had exactly the same problem with my Belkin wireless router, and just recently swapped it for a Netgear - recommended by my ISP.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
8 Apr 08
My keyboard is still a PS2 connection, but I have been using wireless mice for a while now. The connection is excellent and I would not consider returning to a wired mouse now. There are still a few wireless mice around that use a ball, which rather defeats the point of buting a decent mouse, so I would suggest choosing an optical wireless mouse.
1 person likes this
@munhozmib (3837)
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
9 Apr 08
Hello! I don't know if wireless devices are good. I have never used a computer which had a wireless mouse nor a wireless keyboard. Perhaps they are nice, but they can also create problems. What if the mouse stops being recognized by the computer? Or if this happens to the keyboard? You should wait until somebody who has a wireless mouse for a long time answers, and then create your own conclusion. Respectfully, Munhozmib.
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@egdcltd (12060)
9 Apr 08
If you do have a problem, you can always plug in your old wired keyboard and mouse again.
@jennawash (161)
• United States
8 Apr 08
I went both wireless keyboard and mouse and learned quickly unless i invested in good rechargeable batteries, it was a big waste of money. They each go through batteries, like no bodies business. I would not recommend either unless you also invest in re-chargeable batteries.
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@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
I have heard others voice the same complaint. This concerned me, so I thought that I would seek further opinions. Rechargeable batteries and charger will be an additional cost to consider. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@thuynhu (661)
• United States
8 Apr 08
I use both the keyboard and mouse. I bought it as a set, so I would figure it's usually cheaper buying sets, but I can't remember how much it cost me because I bought it a while back. My keyboard and mouse are Logitech. I think they work really well and simple to set up. I mean, Logitech has everything. I even have my webcam with them. I've always seen Logitech whenever I decide I need to purchase something to connect with my computer. Just go searching for some, and read into their descriptions and what nots, you can usually see which one you would be better off with.
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@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
Yes, Logitech is a quality manufacturer with a very good reputation. I frequently check review sites such as Neoseeker, HardOCP, Anandtech, etc. for insight. I just wanted to hear from other myLotters and perhaps use some of their input.
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• Singapore
13 Apr 08
I am using a wireless keyboard that works on radio waves. If it is within your budget, I suggest you go for a bluetooth one. Cheers!
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
16 Apr 08
Well, I do have a bluetooth adapter. Bluetooth is much easier on power resources and I also have a Pocket PC that it could be used in conjunction with. Good suggestion lordwarwizard. I'll look into that. Thanks.
• Malaysia
9 Apr 08
I've never used a wireless mouse and keyboard before. At both work and home I'm using a laptop, so I'm obviously using the keyboard that comes with the laptop :) …and I have a usb mouse attached for both laptops. Have never tried a wireless mouse before although that would probably be so cool, i imagine. perhaps someday! hope you find a suitable wireless mouse and keyboard for your computer!
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
Thanks kevsgirlalways. I am on my way to finding the solutions that I need with some help from fellow myLotters. I'm going to focus on a wireless keyboard and a wired gaming mouse. Now to select the brand, model and store to purchase them at. Hopefully I'll find a sale and get a good deal.
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
9 Apr 08
I bought a HP system a couple of years back, and this system came with a HP wireless keyboard and mouse. I guess any reputable brand of such devices sold in your country should be fine. So far, I've had no problem with using these, and I find them very convenient because I am not tied down by the cords unlike their corded cousins. I especially like the freedom in which I can manoeuvre my mouse everywhere when I work. One thing about going wireless though is the use of batteries to power them. The keyboard's fine, but for the mouse, the batteries use up quite quickly. So if you go wireless, either use rechargeable batteries, or use at least alkaline batteries that have longer battery life, otherwise the charge runs out quickly enough and you have to change batteries quite often.
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
10 Apr 08
I use two alkaline disposable AA batteries for my wireless mouse. I am on the PC on average about 12 hours a day, and these two batteries last me around 4 to 5 weeks before I need to replace them.
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
Your comments reinforce the direction where I am headed, A wireless keyboard with a wired gaming mouse. I only buy alkaline disposable batteries anyway. The good thing for me is that I can get batteries cheap and close by.
@chunter (1759)
• Singapore
9 Apr 08
Well, I'm using a brand-less wireless optical mouse at home and the manufacturer claims that with the batteries, the mouse can last more than 6 months before needing to be changed while I heard others only last about 2 to 3 months at most. And I can see the reason why this one lasts longer upon closer inspection. Apparently, the wireless optical mouse is unlike other optical mice. This one does not have an LED at the base where the sensor is while others emit either red or blue LED light. Because of that, this saves power.... If you want to go for reliability, Logitech keyboard and mice are quite good....Microsoft keyboard and mice isn't too bad as well with good design and feel... But if you want wireless, you definitely need to change the batteries every few months.....Just note that when the wireless keyboard or mice are not responsive, that will be the time
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
I think that Logitech makes high quality products too. I am currently using a wired Logitech mouse. I have an ATi Remote Wonder and it is pretty easy on batteries. I can get 6 months battery use or even longer sometimes with it.
@accent (54)
• United States
9 Apr 08
well you can make your old wired keybord wireless. Just cut off the wires to the mouses and keybord. They wont work ever again but they will be wireless
• Estonia
9 Apr 08
bauhaha this way you can make your entire computer wireless, it wont work but its wireless , cool huh ?
• Estonia
9 Apr 08
mouse i would recommed is logitech v450 laser cordless mouse and these are not just words my friend had this mouse , once he forgot it in my house . I used it few weeks it is compact works ( in my opinion) on every surface and last but not least price is average !
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
9 Apr 08
I have heard of the V450. I think that I will be going with a corded gaming mouse but I'll stick look a little more closely at the one you mentioned also, even if only for interest's sake. Thanks.