I was pretty excited when I read for the first time about Microsoft’s Arc Touch mouse. The unique design and touch capabilities brought features to the table that no other Windows mouse offered at the time of writing. Many questions remained unanswered though which I definitely had to find out before I’d consider purchasing the mouse:
- How comfortable is it to work with the Arc Touch Mouse?
- Is there a middle-mouse button?
- Which touch features are available, how are they used?
- How responsive is the mouse
The Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse has primarily been designed for mobile use which is especially outlined by its design. It is bigger than a standard laptop mouse but smaller than a regular desktop mouse. The mouse ships in flat stage, with two AAA alkaline batteries, a booklet and a wireless transceiver for the USB port of the computer. The mouse uses Microsoft’s Bluetrack that ensures maximum compatibility on nearly every surface the mouse is used on.
Setup of the mouse was a breeze. All I had to do was to put the two batteries into the mouse, and the transceiver into a free USB port of the computer. The mouse is activated by bending, which is indicated by a blue light at the bottom. The Microsoft Arc Touch mouse was recognized automatically by the Windows 7 operating system and additional mouse drivers (Microsoft IntelliPoint) were installed. It was ready for use right away afterwards.
The Design
The mouse design is spectacular which can be attributed largely to the unique bending feature and its looks. The bending has a functional use as well, as it turns the mouse on or off. The mouse itself is very compact which is ideal for users who travel a lot. It fits into nearly every pocket or laptop bag without bulging it to much, a problem that regular mice often cause, if they fit at all.
The mouse itself looks unique and interesting on first glance, and it happened more than once that people came over to my table to take a closer look. It features two physical buttons that are used for left-clicking and right-clicking, and a touch strip in between that offers multiple uses, among them middle-clicking that is emulated by two finger taps on the strip. This takes some getting used to time because of the tapping and the fact that it takes two taps to middle-click. The tapping itself however is very comfortable.
A magnetic storage space for the USB transceiver is provided at the bottom of the mouse which is ideal for traveling as it ensures that the mouse and the transceiver are always in the same place, and thus ready for use.
The glossy black of the mouse front is a magnet for fingerprints. Lastly, it is possible to put to much pressure on the mouse to flatten it. It is however unlikely that this happens under normal circumstances as the pressure has to be quite high to achieve that.
The Touch capabilities
The middle strip offers several touch capabilities that need further explaining. Microsoft launches a website after driver installation that explains those features in detail. We already mentioned that it is possible to middle-click by tapping twice on the center of the strip. Pages are scrolled by sliding the finger up and down on the touch strip which feels more natural than using a scroll wheel for the same effect. Flicking the mouse up and down accelerates the scrolling to quickly scroll through documents.
Vibration Feedback is enabled by default which mimics the sound and feel of a traditional scroll wheel. It does act as an indicator as well as touch feedback stops when the finger leaves the touch strip.
Tapping once at the bottom or the top of the touch strip scrolls a full page up or down on the active page. This takes some getting used to time before the right “spots” are tapped on every time.
The middle-tap action can be changed in the mouse settings, the up and down single tap actions cannot. That’s fairly inconsistent and it would be great if Microsoft would update the mouse driver to add that option to the mouse; It would increase the number of possible mouse buttons from three (left, middle and right) to five (top and bottom of the touch strip).
Conclusion
Microsoft’s Arc Touch Mouse has been designed for mobile usage, and for that it is an excellent choice, especially for users who want a compact stylish mouse that goes along well with their laptop. Users with big hands will have their troubles working with the mouse effectively due to its compact size.
It is an ideal mouse for uses who have been working with smaller laptop mice before as it is a bit larger than those and offers a far superior functionality. Users who are used to standard desktop mice on the other hand should try it out in a shop or at a friend’s house first before they make the decision to buy it.
Giveaway
Microsoft was nice enough to sponsor one Microsoft Arc Touch mouse for a give away here at Ghacks. It is unfortunately only open for users from the United States. If you are from the US and want to win a Microsoft Arc Touch mouse let me know which mouse you are currently using. I will draw a lucky winner in 48 hours after the review has been published. Please add the information that you are from the US to the comment.
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In the US. Using several Microsoft Wireless Intellimouse Explorer v2.0 mice and a Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000. Would love to own an Arc Touch mouse!
I’m in the US and I’m using a stock Dell optical mouse…. it is sad.
I’m using Logitech wireless mini mouse. I’d love one of these though! I live in the US, so pick me :)
Hey!
I would love to get my hands on a MS-Arc Touch Mouse. I am in the US, so hopefully I can get one. I use a Logitech wireless mouse. Thanks.
Mine is a Logitech and I think it is a v220 or something like that. I have been using it for close to 4 years, so it might be time for an upgrade.
I am using the HP M-UAL-96 mouse.
I am from the US.
Yup, I’m in the US! I am currently using a generic DELL corded mouse. Please help! ;)
I am in the USA. Gosh. I use a mouse all the time and that one looks sexy!
I am currently using a Intellimouse Optical 1.1a.
I am using a HP optical mouse with a cord. Would love to experience the Arc™ Touch Mouse.
I am in US. Currently i am using Targous blue tooth wireless mouse. I brought this mouse 3 years ago.
I am currently using Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000.
Looking forward to replace this soon.
I am using the ELAN touchpad on my laptop. I would love to have the touch mouse.
I am from the Southern U.S.A.
Hi, I am from the US. The mouse I use is a wireless HP mouse that came with the docking port for my laptop. It’s a nice basic mouse. If I am on the go I have a portable mouse that I got with my HP laptop….the only p0roblem is that mouse is too small and I find myself accidently right clicking alot.
The MS Arc Touch Mouse you are reviewing looks to be amazing, convenient and comfortable.
Looks really neat, would love to give it a try! Currently using a Gigabyte wireless mouse after my last one died.
I would love to win the mouse. I am from the US.
(US reader)
Thanks for the review. I’m intrigued by the Page Up/Page Down functionality of the center touch strip. That is functionality I love about my Logitech MX-1000, which has a rocker surrounding the scroll wheel to implement that. I’m glad to see another mouse pick up on that idea.
I am using an Logitech usb mouse that is about six years old. It’s pretty worn so I don’t see any model numbers or anything.
I’m currently using a Logitech M150 as part of a wireless set here at work. At home though I’m using an ancient Microsoft Intellimouse Optical and an upgrade would be well put to use.
Thanks for this giveaway. I am US resident.
I am using HP wired keyboard from last 5 years.
Hi! I’m currently using a failing Logitech Nano mouse. Has issues double-clicking. I live in the US.
I am frm US. I use Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000.
I don’t know why it is saying Anonymous .. So commenting again
The mouse that I have been using currently is a black IBM mouse. I am totally in the U.S.A. (CA)
Thanks. Many of them.
I’m in the US – I use the default touchpad.
I am using Logitech Wireless Mouse M305. Yes, I am from US.
I am using Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse.
I m frm US.
I have HP wireless mouse. I am using it from quite long, hmm almost 4 years..
I am from USA.
Logitech MX Revolution. I’m in the US.
I’m in the US and I currently use a standard HP laser mouse… :) would love a wireless one!
I’m here in the US using a logitech notebook mouse on my laptop. I’ve always wanted to win an Arc Touch mouse.
I am currently using Logitech Wireless Mouse M305 Red color.
I am in USA