Where: Amazon or Microsoft
Technology: Bluetooth
This review is probably way overdue but since some of our readers asked about it, here it is:
I purchased this mouse to carry around with my Surface tablet. My reasoning was this: “it’s small, it lays flat for transport, and the Surface edition is Bluetooth, so this will be a great fit.”
I like the Microsoft Arc Touch mouse but not as much as I like the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort mouse. It is good for all the reasons stated above but it has a few “gotchas”.
PROS:
- Bluetooth – no wires, no dongle – this is only for the more expensive Surface addition.
- Scroll bar – if you like it, some folks don’t. I tend to prefer a wheel.
- Stylish look-and-feel – this is definitely an “attention getter”, everyone is curious about it when they see it.
- Folds flat – it’s essentially full size and full profile mouse but folds flat for travel or storage.
- Adjustable movement of the scroll – via software, it can be adjusted precise enough for drawing and small on-screen movements.
- Optional haptic feedback
- BlueTrack Technology – works on almost any surface and from up to 30 feet away.
- Easily adjustable to left or right hand.
CONS:
- Cost – Expensive
- The mouse buttons are rather stiff.
- No wheel, I really like my wheel and think a wheel is easier to use.
- The middle touch strip (or click/scroll) on this mouse occasionally stops working.
- Not Very Ergonomic – the design is a bit hard to get used to, all the buttons are on the same “plane or level” and so sometimes my fingers “drift” to the wrong button.
- No horizontal scrolling on middle touch strip.
- Some connection issues – it sometimes looses the connection to my Surface.
OVERALL:
Overall, I’d give Microsoft Arc Touch mouse 4 stars. As I said, I keep it in my carrying bag, while I use the Sculpt mouse with my docking station, which is majority of the time. But I don’t think I would choose the Arc Touch mouse as my main or only mouse. It just doesn’t have the ergonomic feel I’m looking for and since I work with computers all day long, I try to give my wrists a break as much as possible.
I would, also, say that this mouse does take a week or two to get used to because of the flat touch scroll that is leveled with the buttons but I did get used to it (only with my right hand though – I use both hands for my mouse to preserve my wrists and this mouse is awkward for me with my left hand.)
The mouse is very light and I like that it can fold flat when not in use, which is very convenient for travel but I really don’t like the price – $70 – really? – it is a little cheaper from Amazon. With all that said, however, if you want something that is really light, portable, and sleek looking, this mouse is for you.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. I know that some of you have said you really like the Microsoft Arc Touch mouse with your Surface tablet, so, please share with us what you liked about it. We’d love to hear from you.
See our other reviews in the Reviews section.
Joanna-
