Microsoft Arc Mouse Review

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Microsoft Arc Mouse Mouse Review Tested using Methodology v1.5 Review updated Dec 11, 2019 at 08:55 amLatest change: Writing modified Jan 05, 2024 at 02:54 pm By Samuel Breton, Adam Babcock, and Yannick Khong 5.5 Work 6.5 Video Games (FPS) 4.6 Video Games (MMO) 5.5 Raw Performance + Create your own SearchingFinding Store overview test results deals 0 comments Type Standard Ambidextrous True Ambidextrous Default Weight 85.7 g Connectivity Wireless

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a good ambidextrous travel mouse, but it isn't well-suited for other uses. It offers excellent portability, with a lightweight, compact design, and it supports Bluetooth connectivity, so you don't have to worry about losing a receiver. It's decently comfortable, but might be a bit too small if you have extra-large hands. Unfortunately, this isn't a very good mouse for gaming, as it has very high click latency and only one programmable button.

Our Verdict

5.5 Work

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a decent office/multimedia mouse. It has decent ergonomics and fits most hands, but it might be a bit too small if you have extra large hands. It has decent build quality, with no significant issues, and it has excellent portability, great for taking with you in a laptop bag.

Pros

• Excellent portability.
• Lightweight design.

Cons

• Limited number of buttons.
• Limited companion software.

SearchingFinding Store 6.5 Video Games (FPS)

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is inadequate for FPS gaming. It has very high click latency, and it can't be used wired for lower latency. Although it has decent ergonomics, it might not be comfortable for longer play sessions or if you have extra-large hands.

Pros

• Excellent portability.
• Lightweight design.

Cons

• Limited number of buttons.
• Very high click latency.
• Limited companion software.

SearchingFinding Store See our Video Games (FPS) Recommendations 4.6 Video Games (MMO)

Unfortunately, this mouse isn't a great choice for MMO gaming. It has very high click latency and only has one programmable button. The available software also has very limited options. It has decent ergonomics but might not be a good choice for longer gaming sessions.

Pros

• Excellent portability.
• Lightweight design.

Cons

• Limited number of buttons.
• Very high click latency.
• Limited companion software.

SearchingFinding Store See our Video Games (MMO) Recommendations 5.5 Raw Performance SearchingFinding Store

• 5.5 Work
• 6.5 Video Games (FPS)
• 4.6 Video Games (MMO)
• 5.5 Raw Performance

+ Create your own

1. Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
2. Updated Dec 07, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
3. Updated Jul 14, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech M240 in this review's Hand Size Recommendation section.
4. Updated Dec 09, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4. This update modifies our Hand Size Recommendation test, adding a more granular hand size recommendation chart. We've moved several minor tests into different test groups, removed the Travel usage, and added a new Raw Performance usage. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
5. Updated Sep 06, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
6. Updated Aug 09, 2022: Following the update to Test Bench 1.2, some of our test results have changed within both the Weight and CPI sections. We've added or modified some of the text in this article to clarify these changes.
7. Updated Aug 01, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
8. Updated Jun 15, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which revamped our click latency test methodology. We've updated the text to reflect our new results in various sections, including the Click Latency test box, Usages, Introduction, and other locations where we discuss click latency.
9. Updated May 30, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
10. Updated Oct 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
11. Updated Sep 16, 2020: We've added the mouse's dimensions when it's in its curved shape.
12. Updated Dec 20, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.1.
13. Updated Dec 11, 2019: Review published.

Compared To Other Mice

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a very unique design. It's good for travel, and its snap-to-power-on feature hasn't been tested on any other mice we've reviewed so far. It connects via Bluetooth to your source and needs AA batteries to work. It's a great choice for light productivity work and everyday browsing. However, the click latency is significantly higher than most mice, and its max CPI settings and polling rate are very low, so it isn't a suitable choice for gaming.

For other options, see our recommendations for the best wireless gaming mouse, the best wireless mouse, and the best gaming mouse.

Apple Magic Mouse 2 SearchingFinding Store

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is better than the Apple Magic Mouse 2. The Microsoft is meant for use with a claw grip, and you can also use it with a palm grip. It also has dedicated software where you can adjust its CPI and program one button. On the other hand, the Apple mouse is designed for people using the fingertip grip, and it's a better-built mouse.

Compare Side-by-Side SEE OUR REVIEW Logitech MX Master 3 SearchingFinding Store

The Logitech MX Master 3 is much better than the Microsoft Arc Mouse. The Logitech is better-built, it offers better comfort, it has a scroll wheel, and it has many more programmable buttons. However, the Microsoft mouse has an ambidextrous design, and it's lighter to carry around.

Compare Side-by-Side SEE OUR REVIEW Logitech MX Master 2S SearchingFinding Store

The Logitech MX Master 2S is better than the Microsoft Arc Mouse. You can use the Logitech with its proprietary receiver or through Bluetooth, has more customization options, and has a scroll wheel. However, the Microsoft is lighter, making it easier to carry around.

Compare Side-by-Side SEE OUR REVIEW Logitech Pebble M350 SearchingFinding Store

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a better overall performance than the Logitech Pebble M350 since you can customize its settings a bit, but its unique design might not be suitable for some. On the other hand, the Logitech can be used with a receiver and via Bluetooth and has a lower click latency.

Compare Side-by-Side SEE OUR REVIEW Logitech M240 SearchingFinding Store

The Microsoft Arc Mouse and the Logitech M240 are basic, compact wireless mice. The Microsoft has an arc shape that collapses flat for better portability. It doesn't have a conventional scroll wheel but rather a tactile surface that registers swiping gestures for scrolling. On the other hand, the Logitech has a more conventional rounded shape and a normal scroll wheel design. Additionally, its left- and right-click buttons are also quieter.

Compare Side-by-Side SEE OUR REVIEW + Show more

Test Results

Sort Category ─────────── RATINGS Work Video Games (FPS) Video Games (MMO) Raw Performance Category All Design Control Operating System And Software Design Design Style Type Standard Coating Matte Lighting Color No Lighting

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a very simple, compact design. When traveling, it collapses to a flat shape for better portability. It's available in a variety of different colors depending on the retailer.

— Design Shape Length 4.4" (112 mm) Width 2.2" (55 mm) Height 1.3" (32 mm) Grip Width 55 mm Ambidextrous True Ambidextrous Left-Handed Friendly Yes Finger Rest No — LEARN ABOUT SHAPE 8.9 Design Portability Box Volume 6.35 in³ (104 cm³) Receiver Storing No Receiver

Update 09/16/2020: Some of our readers have requested the mouse's dimensions when it's in its curved form. The length is 11.2cm and the height is 3.21cm when it's in the 'On' position.

The Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse has outstanding portability. When collapsed to the "off" position, it easily fits in your pocket or a bag. If you want a more typical-designed mouse that is travel-friendly, take a look at the Logitech Pebble M350.

— 7.5 Design Build Quality

Decent build quality. The clipping mechanism used to lock the mouse into a flat or arched shape feels well-built, but the latex material that covers the back portion of the mouse could be more susceptible to wear-and-tear.

— 7.8 Design Weight Lowest Weight 75.7 g Default Weight 85.7 g Weight Distribution Front-heavy Extra Weights No

This mouse is fairly light in its default configuration. The Lowest Weight result is achieved using lighter lithium AAA batteries rather than standard AAA batteries.

— Design Hand Size Recommendation Palm Grip Hand Recommendation Claw Grip Hand Recommendation Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has an ambidextrous design and decent overall ergonomics. It can't be used with a fingertip grip but is otherwise comfortable for most hand sizes. If you're interested in a mouse with a more conventional shape that still offers impressive portability, check out the Logitech M240.

— LEARN ABOUT HAND SIZE RECOMMENDATION 5.9 Design Wireless Versatility Maximum Of Paired Devices 1 Bluetooth Yes Receiver No Battery Type 2x AAA Use When Charging No ( Single use batteries) On/Off Activation On/Off Switch Receiver Extender No Battery Indicator Yes

The Microsoft Arc Mouse can only be used over Bluetooth. There's no traditional on/off switch; instead, the mouse can only be turned off by snapping it to the flat position.

— 0 Design Cable Connectivity Wireless Cable Length N/A Cable Type No Cable Permanent Kink No Port Type: Mouse End No Port Port Type: PC End No Port

This mouse doesn't come with a cable, as it can't be recharged, and it can't be used wired.

— 6.5 Design Mouse Feet Gliding Experience Ok Material Plastic Extra Included No — Design In The Box

• Microsoft Arc mouse
• User Manual
• Batteries

— Control Control Main Button Switch Type Mechanical Switch Model Not Specified — 2.7 Control Additional Buttons Total Number Of Buttons 2 Number Of Side Buttons 0 Number Of Programmable Inputs 1 Profile Switching Button No Gesture Support Yes

This mouse has a limited number of buttons, which is okay for traveling. It recognizes certain gestures, including a three-finger click, which can be programmed to do almost anything. The left and right mouse buttons can also be swapped, depending on which hand you use. If you're looking for a Microsoft mouse with more programmable inputs, check out the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse.

— 3.4 Control Click Latency Expected Connection 45.6 ms Wired N/A Receiver N/A Bluetooth 45.6 ms

This mouse has poor click latency, and it's quite inconsistent. You likely won't experience noticeable delays while using this mouse for everyday browsing or productivity tasks. However, it isn't suitable for gaming use, especially for reaction-based or competitive games.

— LEARN ABOUT CLICK LATENCY 7.9 Control CPI SRAV @ 1600 CPI -1.71% SRAV @ 800 CPI -0.91% SRAV @ 400 CPI -2.25% SRAV @ Fixed CPI N/A Precision Error Between Speeds 1.46% Precision Error Between CPI 2.14% Worst Tracking Error -11.00% Minimum CPI 400 CPI Maximum CPI 1,800 CPI CPI Adjustment Steps 200 CPI — LEARN ABOUT CPI 6.6 Control Sensor Latency Delay To Start Of Movement 40.1 ms Delay At Half Movement 19.3 ms Delay To End Of Movement 17.9 ms — LEARN ABOUT SENSOR LATENCY Control Sensor Specifications Sensor Technology Laser Sensor Model BlueTrack Works On Glass No Minimum Lift Off Distance 2.4 mm Maximum Polling Rate 125 Hz — LEARN ABOUT SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS Control Mouse Wheel Scroll Wheel Type Tactile Surface Scroll Wheel Steps No Step Scroll Wheel Tilt No Thumb Wheel Type No Thumb Wheel Steps No Thumb Wheel

Although there's no physical mouse wheel, the Microsoft Arc Mouse recognizes gestures for vertical and horizontal scrolling. For a travel mouse with a more conventional design and a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons, check out the Logitech M525.

— Control Noise Click Noise Loud — Operating System And Software Operating System And Software Configuration Software Software Name Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center Software Windows Compatibility Yes Software macOS Compatibility No On-Board Memory No CPI (DPI) Adjustment Yes Polling Rate Adjustment No Profile Configuration No Profile Auto-Switching Yes RGB On/Off No RGB

The available Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center software works well, but is only compatible with recent Windows PCs, and has limited options.

— 8.3 Operating System And Software Mouse Compatibility Windows Compatibility Fully macOS Compatibility Partially

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is fully compatible with Windows PCs, but some functions don't work properly on macOS, including the three-finger click, which isn't supported at all.

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