Wireless keyboards and mice - Do you use them?

[Olas]

I used a wireless Logitech mouse for years without any issues, and I'm using a wireless keyboard to type this right now. If there had been a wireless version of my current mouse I would have snapped it up instead.

Wires are annoying, and increasingly unnecessary.

I like the idea of wireless, cleaner desk and all that, but the reality is that you either end up with more wires for the recharge station etc or are spending a crap load on batteries.

They really aren't solving the problem they are supposed too.

Rechargeable batteries. Problem solved.

because I didn't mention them at all... oh no wait I did.

You said recharge stations, I'm talking about rechargeable AA or AAA batteries that you can use with any battery powered device. You charge them at a dock plugged into your AC socket {no wires} and when they run out you just swap them out with another set. I've been using the same ones for like 8 years. They're more expensive up front, but you save a lot of money in the long run.

Anyway, recharge stations aren't so bad either, they're definitely a step up from a device that's plugged in while you use it, and if you're clever you can even find ways to hide the wires.

Oh god... yes I know what rechargeable batteries are, still need a recharging station, still takes up space.

But not on your desk, which is what this whole thing was about in the first place. Or is having it in your house at all too cumbersome?

And hide the cables? why didn't I think of that! I'd been just strewing cables everywhere!

Well it's easier to hide cables when they aren't directly attached to an object that you have to move around when using, like a wired mouse. At least a charging dock is something stationary, off to the side, making the appearance of wires MUCH easier to disguise.

Do you have any more statements of the obvious?

Ya? Why? No need to lose your temper. Just relax. Breath in, breath out. It'll all be okay.

My point always was there isn't less infrastructure with cabled or wireless, and cabled is both cheaper and more reliable so unless you really need it (people using it with the TV from the sofa etc) it doesn't carry any significant advantages.

Tell that to the controller I had to replace when it's cord went bad. I replaced it with a wireless one which has lasted a lot longer. A cord is another potential point of failure for a device. If it's a cord that can be swapped out then that's fine, but most of the wired mice and keyboards I've seen have the cord built in.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

I use this

Spoiler: key board

and this

Spoiler: musculus

I see no reason to use wireless M&K, sure the cord is annoying sometimes, i put something heavy on it to keep it from pulling on my mouse

The only thing i can consider, if it truly works, is wireless headphones, i hate the headphone cord, and it seems the standard for mid price hpons to not have replaceable cables which is infuriating to say the least

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

No, not for desktop use. Have in the past... Don't consider it worthwhile really.

My brother gave me one of these for using the computer via the tv:

I like it a lot.

 

[Wary Wolf]

On a side note, some medical equipment will completely mess up a wireless key board and mouse. So sometimes at work I can't do anything because the specialist is using 'The Machine!' on someone.

So I wish they'd get me a wired keyboard + mouse so I can get on with my work.

Still, according to OH&S I need to stand every hour I'm on the computer... Pfft.

 

[BadNewDingus]

Never had wireless, but it might be better than my wired keyboard and mouse. Due to the fact that even a little movement on the usb part can cause my keyboard or mouse to turn off.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

Wired keyboard, wireless mouse.

I don't care about wires most of the time, but I find wireless mice to be really useful when giving/practicing presentations.

On a side note, some medical equipment will completely mess up a wireless key board and mouse. So sometimes at work I can't do anything because the specialist is using 'The Machine!' on someone.

So I wish they'd get me a wired keyboard + mouse so I can get on with my work.

What's their argument for not getting you a wired keyboard and mouse? Because I reckon you could put forward a good argument for it; keyboards and mice are cheap and something hindering your work is pretty important.

 

[Wary Wolf]

No idea, it's a new job. I assume their logic is the typical: We're a modern company, into the new technology vibe. I bring my own mouse in these days. At least I don't have to change the damned battery all the time either. No point in rocking the boat too much. I fixed the problem using antiquated tech

 

[FireAza]

I've always had a thing for wireless mice ever since they made gaming-grade ones. I hate mouse cords, the damned things either drag on the edge of the desk or push up against something and act like a spring. Both interfere with a smooth mousing experience. I've owned basically any gaming wireless mouse Logitech ever made. I tried Razer's Mamba, but every one of them had multiple issues. After returning like four of them, I give up and got a Logitech G700S.

This was a good mouse, but it always needed charging and small movements felt a bit jittery. I then read about the Logitech G602, which despite being cheaper and an optical instead of a laser like the G700S, pretty much every review I saw said it was the superior mouse. And I have to agree, the only thing I can fault it on is it doesn't have the free scroll button like the G700S.

I really don't see the point of a wireless keyboard. How often do you need to be able to move your keyboard and when does it become an issue that the cord is too short? It's just another thing that needs batteries and might possibly experience interference.

 

[DementedSheep]

My wireless mouse is currently not working so I'm using a wired one but I prefer wireless because on a mouse the wire gets in the way. For a keyboard the wire isn't an issue and I would rather not have to change batteries.

Edit: For an example if older technology I like over new technology, in hospital I don't like using the automated obs machines (checks blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation). Obviously you need and oximeter for O2 sat, you can't do that manually but everything else I would rather not use the machine for. For a start it's slow and noisy doing the blood pressure. It often gets heart rate wrong if it's irregular and doesn't tell you anything about it other than the count. Mostly though...it just it more awkward because you have to stand there waiting for this bloody machine not doing a hell of a lot. Also If you are you checking heart rate manually it gives you an excuse to touch their wrist so you can see if they feel clammy and it makes it much much easier to subtly check respiration rate (you don't want to tell them that's what you are doing because then people will change their breathing pattern and you don't want to be starring at their chest for no apparent reason).

 

[kris40k]

I think if someone is a super competitive gamer, you need to go wired, however I have used wired and wireless keyboards and mice for years. I am currently using a wireless keyboard that I have had for some time, and a wired Naga Hex mouse that I got to replace my wireless mouse when its internal battery finally crapped out after a long and good career. I am looking to replace the keyboard with a wired version just to get rid of the occasional input stutter/lag I sometimes have. As I am not a big competitive type, it doesn't really bother me, but if I was into playing ranked matches I would have gone ape-shit with it freaking out on me for a few seconds in the middle of an important match.