Bluetooth vs Wireless Mouse

When we talk about Bluetooth mouse vs Wireless mouse, the main difference between these mice is that the Wireless mouse (Also known as 2.4 GHz or radio frequency mouse) is that 2.4 GHz uses a USB dongle that is plugged into one of the computer’s USB ports to establish a wireless connection.

A Bluetooth mouse connects without any USB adapter because it uses a built-in adapter for connecting devices to establish Bluetooth connectivity, unlike wireless mice that require a dedicated receiver for connection.

What is the difference in technology Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz mouse?

The above definition describes simple deference for a layman who is not so technically sound. But what about laptops with built-in Bluetooth and wireless adapters? Does this mean that difference is gone? The answer is no.

How do Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz work?

Bluetooth Mouse

Bluetooth mouse uses the adaptive frequency hopping method to choose the frequency for transmitting data, and it requires to remain connected with the pairing Bluetooth devices to operate. 

Bluetooth mouse is prone to interference from other appliances and has less connection reliability.

Every time signals get affected by any other signal, it switches band and reestablishes connection which causes a glitch in data transmission.

Advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth mouse

Wireless Mouse (2.4 GHz mouse)

The Wireless mouse connects using radio frequency 2.4 GHz. It’s the same RF that Bluetooth mice use, but they differ in how they operate. Wireless mice use dual channels to communicate.

If one channel is not clear and dropping data is transmitted over another channel, it ensures the reliability of the connection. This means there less chance of losing connection.

A Wireless mouse uses a USB dongle that you can plug into a computer’s USB port and act to receive and send data to and from a wireless mouse and PC.

Advantages and disadvantages of Wireless mouse

Above, we have described the fundamental technical operating difference; now, look at how wireless mice and Bluetooth mice perform in different categories.

Bluetooth vs wireless mouse latency

As described above, Bluetooth uses a frequency hopping mechanism when the signals are interrupted; this causes a delay in communication. You can feel lag, and your mouse jumps to different places on the screen.

An RF wireless mouse with a 2.4 GHz connection has reliable connectivity and is less affected by other devices’ interference. This ensures better tracking and precision and improves response time.

Bluetooth vs Wireless mouse power consumption

Regarding Bluetooth mouse vs Wireless Mouse battery life, the Bluetooth mouse is a winner because it uses low radio frequency and has less range to through signals. So, usually, a mouse with good batter can last from six to twelve months, depending on the use.

A wireless mouse uses higher 2.4 GHz bands and includes other data like security protocol. Since its range is wider than the Bluetooth mouse so needs more power. A Bluetooth mouse uses around three milliamps of current which is way lower than wireless mice.

Bluetooth vs Wireless Compatibility

Many people vote for Bluetooth mice to be more compatible because many Bluetooth wireless devices have built-in Bluetooth receivers, making Bluetooth mice more compatible. You can easily connect a Bluetooth mouse with any Bluetooth device.

While for wireless mice, you need a dongle or USB adapter to connect a wireless mouse.

Bluetooth vs Wireless price factor

Bluetooth wireless mice tend to be less expensive than the 2.4 GHz RF mouse because wireless rf mice require a USB receiver and a wireless mouse to connect. A Bluetooth mouse does not require any adapter. This significantly reduces the price of a Bluetooth mouse.

So Bluetooth mice are the winner here.

Bluetooth vs Wireless Mouse Range

A Bluetooth mouse has a shorter range compared to a regular wireless mouse. An ideal Bluetooth range is up to 33 feet. This range is not fixed. It could vary depending on the environment and external factors affecting the frequency.

A wireless mouse has a wider range; it can operate from 100 feet to 150 feet, depending on the environment.

A Bluetooth mouse could have a latency of about 10 to 50 ms, and a wireless mouse can have a minimum of 0.1 ms latency which is way low than Bluetooth mice.

Bluetooth or Wireless mouse for gaming

Wireless mice are the best choice for gaming because you don’t want any interruption or lag in your game. Many gamers prefer to use a wired mouse, but wireless technology has evolved to the level that esports players have started to trust wireless mice for gaming.

Gaming mice are gaining popularity over time, and manufacturers are trying to improve the technology further.

Bluetooth mice are best for everyday use like in the office or home for casual work, operating the TV, or other Bluetooth-enabled appliances. You can’t keep up with a Bluetooth mouse if you are into competitive gaming because of the delay and lag it can produce.

Wireless mouse vs Bluetooth mouse portability

Both mice offer cordless connectivity, which is more convenient for travel if we compare it with the corded mouse. When we compare the Bluetooth mouse with the wireless mouse, the Bluetooth mouse has the edge over the wireless 2.4 GHz mouse because the mouse does not require any adapter receiver to connect. Wireless peripherals with Bluetooth connection capability can be connected with Bluetooth pointing device.

Below is the comparison chart that shows similarities and differences between a Wireless mouse and a Bluetooth mouse.

Takeaway

After explaining the Bluetooth vs wireless mouse above, we can easily understand that both types of wireless mice have their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the situation or personal preference, you can choose the best mouse, Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz wireless mouse.

For a general user who needs a wire-free mouse to work on a computer for daily routine work, a Bluetooth mouse would be best. If your work requires precision and connection reliability is necessory, you can use a wireless mouse.