Wireless mice have quietly won. The latency argument that kept competitive players on cables is largely settled at 2.4GHz. But "largely settled" is not "settled", and there are still situations where a cable is the right answer.
The latency question, honestly
A modern 2.4GHz wireless mouse with its own USB dongle adds roughly 1ms over a wired connection. That is below the threshold at which almost anyone can perceive a difference. Bluetooth is a different story — it typically sits at 8-15ms and can stutter under interference from other devices.
So the useful distinction is not wired versus wireless. It is 2.4GHz dongle versus Bluetooth.
When to choose each
- Wired — desktop gaming where the mouse never moves, or a machine with no spare USB port to spare for a dongle. Also the cheapest way to get a good sensor: the Salpido M27 gaming mouse is Rs 229.
- 2.4GHz wireless — the default for most people now. No cable drag, no perceptible lag. The Salpido SG-M350 covers this at Rs 1,299 with Bluetooth as a second mode.
- Bluetooth — laptops and travel, where a dongle occupying the only USB-C port is the real problem. The Salpido SAL-BTM4 at Rs 249 does dual mode.
DPI is not the spec you think it is
Listings advertise 12000 DPI as though more is better. Almost nobody plays above 1600 DPI. High DPI on a low-quality sensor produces jitter, not precision. What actually matters:
- Sensor consistency — does the cursor track a straight line when you move fast?
- Polling rate — 1000Hz is the sensible target; 125Hz feels sluggish
- Adjustable DPI stages — being able to drop to 800 for aiming is more useful than a high ceiling
Battery: the practical difference
A rechargeable wireless mouse typically runs 30-60 hours of active use. A AA-battery mouse runs for months but is heavier. Neither is wrong; a rechargeable one dying mid-session is more annoying than replacing a battery twice a year, and a battery one being 20g heavier matters if you play for hours.
Weight, and why it is the underrated spec
Under 80g is considered light and favours fast flick aiming. Over 100g feels planted and favours steady tracking. Most people have a preference and discover it only after owning both. If you are buying your first serious mouse, mid-weight is the safe start.
What about the shell and switches?
Switch rating is quoted in millions of clicks — 10 million is standard and roughly five years of normal use. The Salpido SG-M360 at Rs 999 offers a replaceable shell, which extends the useful life of the mouse past the point where the grip wears.
Common questions
Is a wireless mouse bad for competitive gaming? Not any more, with a 2.4GHz dongle. Bluetooth still is.
Do I need a mousepad? On a glass or high-gloss desk, yes — optical sensors struggle. On wood or laminate, no.
Wireless mouse keeps disconnecting — why? Usually dongle distance or USB 3.0 interference. Move the dongle to a front port or use a short extension.
Can one mouse work with a laptop and a desktop? A dual-mode mouse can pair to one over Bluetooth and one over the dongle, switching without re-pairing.
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