this post was submitted on 01 Oct 2024
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Buy it for Life

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Does anyone know of a mouse that can be used wireless, with a replaceable battery and that can be connected to the PC via USB-C to recharge the battery? Obtainable in Europe.

The reasoning is that I do not want to get into the situation where I do not have a charged replacement battery at hand and am therefore unable to use the mouse.

Currently I am using a mouse without a replaceable battery which got so old that the battery only holds for 1-2 hours without being connected to the cable.

I know I could simply go with a wired mouse, however, I like the cleanliness of minimal cables on my desk. Thanks for suggestions.

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[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

I have a Logitech MX Master 3s and can really recommend it to you.

It's on the expensive side, sure, but for something I use daily it's worth it for me. It is a really great device!

It doesn't have a (easily) replaceable battery tho. I didn't take a look at how to replace it, but I think it might be as hard, or easier, than with an electric toothbrush or something, if that's really important to you.

I can't even remember when I charged that thing the last time, and I think that's a good sign for the power consumption. So, even if the battery looses 50% of its capacity over 5-10 years, it will still last for weeks and charge in a very short time, and by that time, it will look so used and disgusting, that you might consider buying a new mouse.

You can also use it while charging (looking at you, Apple mouse!), and it has an USB-C port that also acts not only for power, but also as signal line if you want.

It has a Bluetooth-only mode (for connecting multiple PCs), a wireless dongle, and as said a wired connection.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

Thanks for the suggestion, the battery life seems nice but I am looking for that replaceable battery.

The reasoning of a mouse looking disgusting does not really count for me, I try to keep my things clean. My current mouse is about 5 years old and still looks perfectly fine. Just its battery is giving up.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 month ago

Replaceable is good. I had the same recommendation for you, but I also know that some people complain about it dying on them because of a loose connector inside.

Would you be able to do with a simpler wireless mouse that uses AA batteries? There are a lot of those, you could use rechargeable eneloop/Ikea batteries in them

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Tried opening up your current one? Very easy usually and lion batteries just connect with a JBOD connection. Google the battery size and get new one from Aliexpress. It's not rocket science!

Then you'll love your current mouse even more knowing you saved it from trash :)

I'm currently replacing the right click button in my MX master 3S. 5 euro for 10 switches and a bit of solder. Not for everyone but batteries are much easier :)

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Battery replacement is possible but not the easiest (you may need new feet)

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Logitech+MX+Master+3S+Battery+Replacement/159781

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Would you be ok with a mouse that takes AA batteries? Technically replaceable and lasts so long you’re only swapping batteries once or twice a year, Logitech G603 Lightspeed is an option and I love my Logitech G604 lightspeed that only takes one AA and lasts 4-6 months. If you got some rechargeable batteries that’s even better. Unfortunately neither are USB-C so it’s not a wired device at all, no ports on the mice in general.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

You can also get rechargeable AA batteries. It might be better, since there isn't a cable, and you can charge one set of batteries, while using the other in the mouse.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I agree 100%, NiMH cells (the standard for rechargeable AA, AAA, I even have some AAAA for certain tablet styli) have gotten so cheap, they're sometimes cheaper than alkaline at first use! It's insane.

If you don't have a charger I've heard good things about the Ikea Stenkol one, cheap (5-12€ depending on country) but should be reliable. Ikea also sells the cells.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Ikea rechargeables batteries have been tested and are amongst the best, especially for the price

projectfarm on youtube for a comparison

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

Good to know thanks!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago

That's frustrating, for sure. I can't stand devices with built-in batteries for that reason.

I don't remember the exact model, but I've got a Logitech mouse on one of my computers that uses maybe a single AA battery. It lasts like 1-2 years with that battery, so I'd suggest looking for a mouse with AA or AAA batteries to be more future-proof.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (2 children)

For all their failings, Logitech master mice do tick most of your boxes.

I replaced the battery in my master 2 not long ago although I had to buy new skates for it it only took about 10 mins of work and the battery was a very basic, standard Li-ion, not custom hardware.

Not USB C to be fair but when you only have to charge it once a month or every 3 if you upgrade to a higher capacity battery is something I can live with personally.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I've owned three or four MX Master mice. That statement alone should show pretty clearly that it's not a "buy it for live" device. I did manage to merge two broken ones into a working one recently, but I don't expect it to survive another 10 years.

One of the major problems even if nothing technically breaks is the rubber coating getting greasy or sticky with time. This rubber coating is unfortunately also used in other logitech mice, especially the more expensive ones.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Damn, that's a far cry from my experience with MX mice honestly. I've had my MX 2 from release and nothing like you've described happened to the coating on mine. I know some of that's likely down to body chemistry, I have fairly dry hands and I keep my periferals religiously clean so perhaps I'm not the best example of an average end user.

As for breakage, again, nothing of the sort. My brother has a master 2s and my brother in law has the master 3 and neither of them have had any breakage except that I had to swap a puffy battery on my brothers one about 4 years in which isn't unusual for lipos and liions that are kept at full charge for extended periods of time.

Again, not questioning your experience at all, we all have different situations that we use them in and I don't know what yours is, but just wanted to share my personal experience.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

How do you clean them? For the MX master, the worst bit to me is the rubber inside the scroll wheel(s).

Re. breakage, one was almost certainly my own fault with transporting it too much / carelessly (primary scroll wheel could no longer enter the "clicky" mode), though I've also had the sensor for mouse movement fail on another one (those two are the ones I recently "merged").

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

I use some electronic safe foaming cleaner I get from work and that does the trick. For any detailed stuff like the scroll wheel I'll use a toothpick or sewing needle to get into the grooves. I never spray the cleaning foam directly on the mouse, just apply it through lint free cloth. That seems to do the trick for me! I also picked up a carry case for when I'm transporting mine.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

The MX3 is USBC

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I bought this one. It has a built-in battery that is connected to the board with a standard (?) connector cable. The mouse can be opened with one screw underneath the gliding pad. I have this mouse for over a year now and I'm satisfied with it. It lasts 7 days with RGB-Lights switched on up to 10 days with RGB lights switched off - depanding on usage. You can operate up to 3 devices with it (BT 5.0, BT 3.0 and wirelessly with the dongle held with a magnet underneath the mouse when not needed. It can be charged with the USB C port. It can be charged while in use. Unfortunately tho, the mouse seems to be out of stock at Amazon. Perhaps other shops have this device listed. I obtained the mouse in Germany.

Edit: This is the mouse opened (I had to clean it because it was operated in a feline enviroment). The battery can be replaced easily:

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Wireless version of CAD mouse by 3Dconnexion. It also works with or without usb Bluetooth dongle

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

As far as I can tell that mouse has an integrated battery, not easily replaceable

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

You’re right. I wasn’t home so couldn’t remember

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I commented on the cross-post, but I thought it might be interesting for others in this thread. The product basically fits the requirements very well:

Unfortunately, the mouse is only sold in a keyboard/mouse bundle, but the "CHERRY STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE" bundle might be something you would be interested in. Both keyboard and mouse have replaceable batteries and these suckers are built to last. The mouse is little bigger, so def. have something in your hand and it has super silent buttons. I especially like the type-feel of the keyboard. I am normally totally I to mechanical keyboards, but I can totally tolerate typing on it. 😉

Edit: Oh, and I forgot. You can recharge them with a USB-C cable. They also use off-the-shelve NiMH rechargeable batteries that you can get almost everywhere if you want to replace it in the future.

(Disclaimer: I work for Cherry, but IMHO it is still a very good product for the price. )

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

We have the Cherry keyboards and mice at work and they're really good.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

I love my Razer viper pro, though I'd never buy another Razer

battery lasts like a week or two, charges within maybe a half hour

I very very rarely put it on the dock

if it occasionally dies I unplug the dock and plug the cable straight into the mouse and use it wired for the day

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Unlikely. Reason being manufacturers don't want to have to account for whatever janky ni-cad or lithium battery the consumer jams in there, or having to tell the difference between the two because they need to be charged differently. Closest you'll probably get is a mouse that takes AAs and a couple of these or similar. Just leave one in a spare port until you need to change over.

Amazon link for demonstration purposes only, not an endorsement. Also can't vouch for that brand.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 month ago

Just FYI: There is at least ONE product that has both. See my other comment in the thread if you are interested. 😇

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Maybe the Ploopy mouse?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I've been using the logitech marathon m705 for the last 10 years for that exact reason. It doesnt have rechargeable batteries but the AA batteries it came with lasted me for almost 2 years. Now, even if I buy cheap batteries I know I don't have to worry about it for at least another year.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Inspiration for an Arduino project