Which devices are supported by Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center?

The latest Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center supports several versions Microsoft mice and keyboards. Select one of the following headings, and it’ll open to show you a list of supported devices:

Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse

Arc Touch Mouse

Basic Optical Mouse v2.0

Basic Optical Mouse

Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse

Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600

Comfort Mouse 3000

Comfort Mouse 4500

Comfort Mouse 6000

Explorer Mini Mouse

Explorer Touch Mouse

IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0

Microsoft Arc Mouse

Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 7000

Sculpt Comfort Mouse

Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse

Sculpt Mobile Mouse

Sculpt Touch Mouse

SideWinder X3 Mouse

SideWinder X5 Mouse

SideWinder X8 Mouse

Surface Mobile Mouse

Wedge Touch Mouse

Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2.0

Wireless Mobile Mouse 1000

Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 v2.0

Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000

Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500

Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000

Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000

Wireless Mouse 1000

Wireless Mouse 2000

Wireless Mouse 5000

Wireless Mouse 900

Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000

All-in-One Media Keyboard

Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000

Designer Compact Keyboard

Digital Media Keyboard 3000

Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop

Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

SideWinder X4 Keyboard

SideWinder X6 Keyboard

Wired Keyboard 400

Wired Keyboard 600

Wireless Arc Keyboard

Wireless Comfort Keyboard 5000

Wireless Comfort Keyboard 5050

Wireless Keyboard 850

Wireless Keyboard 900

Wireless Keyboard 1000

Wireless Keyboard 2000 v2.0

Wireless Keyboard 3000 v2.0

Wireless Keyboard 3000

Wireless Keyboard 3050

Wireless Keyboard 6000 v3.0

Wireless Keyboard 800

Wireless Laser Keyboard 6000 v2.0

SideWinder X6 Keyboard

Wireless Natural MultiMedia Keyboard

Microsoft Number Pad

Some older Microsoft devices are no longer supported in the latest Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center. However, they’re still supported by an older version of Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center 2.3 on Windows 7, or the earlier version IntelliPoint 8.2 and IntelliType Pro 8.2 software on Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

If you’ve installed the latest Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center software and are unable to locate and configure your device, you may need to uninstall the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center software, and then use Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center 2.3 or the IntelliPoint/IntelliType Pro software instead. Download the software by selecting from the following links:

Select the following heading to see the Microsoft mice that are supported in Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center 2.3 and IntelliPoint:

Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center 2.3
(Windows 7)

IntelliPoint 8.2
(Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP)

The best mouse for Mac in 2021

By Dan Oliver 05 March 2021

Our guide to the best mouse for Mac, including MacBook, iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini.

Our handy guide to the best mouse for Mac in 2021 will help you to choose the ultimate mouse to use alongside your Mac or MacBook. While Macs all come with mice included, you might find a better option for your needs than the one included in the Apple box (this is especially true for creatives).

In our list, we’ve included mice to suit a tighter budget, models that are ergonomic and those that are perfect for gaming. Whatever you want from your mouse, we’ve got you covered in our guide below.

But if you’re not looking for a Mac-specific model, don’t worry. Just head over to our more general best mouse for designers guide.

Picking the best mouse for you: Things to think about

Before you make a decision over what you consider to be the best mouse for Mac, there are a few things to think about. Size and ergonomics are essential, as you will want something that’s comfortable to hold, especially if you use it for long periods. Also, compact mice might seem convenient and portable, but if they are too small, you could find yourself in pain when using them for long periods of time. Many mice are wireless, which is handy but you’ll want to make sure that the mouse has decent battery life, so you’re not constantly having to buy batteries.

Then there’s the grip style (fingertip, palm or claw), surface texture, button layout, and whether you use your left or right hand to control your mouse (if you want a specific mouse for left-handers, see our best left-handed mouse guide). But don’t feel overwhelmed! We’ve thought about all of this while putting this list together. So, whether your priority is price, looks, ergonomics or performance, here are the products that ensure you’ll get your hand on the best mouse for Mac, whatever your needs.

If you need to improve your setup in general, you may also want to check out our best keyboards and best office chair buying guides.

The best mouse for Mac in 2020

01. Logitech MX Master 2S

This Logitech mouse is the best mouse for Mac overall

Compatibility: Logitech Unifying USB receiver / Bluetooth | Battery life: 70 days | Weight: 145g | Max Dpi: 4000

Review: Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse – Thinking Different about Mac functionality

— Dec. 9th 2017 9:55 am PT

I have never been particularly fond of any of Apple’s mice. I appreciate the company’s dedication to simplicity when it comes to their products, but for my uses which include design and gaming, Apple focuses entirely too much on form over functionality.

As someone who frequently has multiple apps running at the same time, I find Mission Control (formerly Exposé) to be one of my favorite and one of the most useful features of macOS, and I like to use a third-party mouse that has extra buttons with my Mac so that I can program them for Mission Control’s window commands (specifically, Mission Control, Application Windows, and Show Desktop).

This makes switching between Photoshop documents or getting to a file on my desktop as simple as a mouse click. That’s why I decided to go against the grain, so to speak, and try the Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse.

My Setup

Apple has made very clear their vision for a wireless future. For better or for worse, Bluetooth headphones, mice, and other peripherals are here to stay. I have embraced the wireless lifestyle, but have run into issues this year after upgrading from a 2014 15″ MacBook Pro to a 2017 15″ MacBook Pro.

Previously, I had no troubles using a Logitech MX Master 2S and a pair of Bose QC 35s or AirPods at the same time while paired to my 2014 MacBook Pro using Bluetooth. However, something has definitely changed with the design of the 2017 (and 2016, for that matter) MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and the means by which it works with Bluetooth peripherals.

Now, the MX Master 2S disconnects, hangs, or experiences severe lag when any Bluetooth headphones are used at the same time. Trevor Daugherty reviewed the new MX Master 2S with a new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and a pair of QC 35s and did not encounter connectivity issues, but the same cannot be said for my experience.

I have successfully replicated my troubles with a colleague’s 2016 15″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and a separate MX Master mouse, so I don’t believe my hardware is at fault. Logitech’s “solution” is to use their included USB Bluetooth dongle, but that defeats the whole purpose of using a Bluetooth mouse in the first place (to say nothing of having to use a USB-C adapter to even connect the dongle to the new MacBook Pro).

I have since given up on Logitech’s Bluetooth mice and reverted back to using Apple’s Magic Mouse 2 because, for whatever reason, the Magic Mouse 2 works flawlessly for me when Bluetooth headphones are used at the same time. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most uncomfortable mice to hold and I can only program one Mission Control command as opposed to the three I prefer, so as a power user I find it lacking.

Enter Microsoft

Microsoft piqued my interest with the announcement and subsequent release of their Surface Precision Mouse: a Bluetooth mouse with lots of extra buttons that Microsoft claims is Mac-compatible. I had hoped that this could be the device that gave me everything I was looking for in a mouse: Bluetooth connectivity with programmable buttons, but without the connectivity problems of the MX series, so I ordered one to test it out.

Design and Specs

The Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse is a Bluetooth Low Energy device that requires Bluetooth 4.0 or later and features an ergonomic design with six buttons including a scroll wheel. It comes packed with a built-in, rechargeable lithium ion battery that, unlike the Magic Mouse 2, allows you to use the mouse while charging it at the same time.

According to Microsoft, the mouse can last up to 3 months on a single charge. Included in the box is a USB charging cable, though you’ll need a USB-C adapter to use it with the latest MacBooks. Like the MX Master 2S’ Flow technology, the Surface Precision mouse can be paired with up to three computers and transition seamlessly between them. Unfortunately, this feature requires Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard Center software and is only compatible with Windows 10 PCs.

Hands-On

The Surface Precision Mouse is very comfortable to hold and use, while it also feels solid and well-constructed. It is available in only one color: light gray. The lower portion of the mouse features a more “grippy,” rubberized chassis and the top section that makes up the left and right buttons is constructed from a smoother plastic. Pairing the device is as easy as you might expect. Open Bluetooth Preferences, flick the switch on the bottom of the mouse, and connect. Simple.

While connecting to a Mac is effortless, nearly everything else about the mouse ends up being a frustrating or limited experience as a Mac user. Yes, the Surface Precision Mouse is technically compatible with the Mac in that it will connect and allow you to use the left, right, and scroll wheel buttons, but that’s about it.

If you are looking to program the buttons, you’re out of luck in terms of support from Microsoft. Customization requires Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard Center software, which is only available to PC users. By comparison, Logitech makes its software available to Mac users right out of the box.

Mac users looking to program the Surface Precision Mouse’s buttons are not completely out of luck, but you’ll need to spend an additional $20 on third-party software to do so. I downloaded SteerMouse and was able to program every button but one. The middlemost side button refused to be programmed no matter what I tried. I reached out to SteerMouse and worked with their support staff to run a diagnostic test on the Surface Precision Mouse, which allowed them to update their software. In return, they sent me a beta version of SteerMouse 5 that now works with every button of Microsoft’s new mouse.

I wish Microsoft offered their own software, but it’s nice to know that a Mac solution does exist. I did reach out to a representative from Microsoft inquiring as to whether or not the company had any plans to support the Mac in the future. I did not receive a definitive answer, but was assured my feedback would be sent to Panos Panay and his device team.

As for the buttons themselves, they feel nice and have a good click about them. I found the scroll wheel to be more comfortable than that of the MX Master 2S, but I did miss the adaptive fast scrolling capability of the MX Master 2S, as well as its thumbwheel for horizontal scrolling.

However, the Surface Precision Mouse’s side buttons are bigger and much better placed than the MX Master’s, which makes them easier to reach and actually click. Overall, I would give the Surface Precision Mouse the edge in terms of overall comfort compared to the MX Master 2S, but only just so.

Unfortunately, the Bluetooth performance of the Surface Precision Mouse (when used in conjunction with QC 35s or AirPods) suffered many of the same problems as the MX Master 2S. I never experienced a complete disconnection with the Surface Precision Mouse as I have with the MX Master 2S, but very noticeable lag to the point of being unusable presented itself.

I think this problem has more to do with Apple or the new 15″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar specifically than it does Logitech or Microsoft, but given just how reliably the Magic Mouse 2 performs when paired with Bluetooth headphones, it would be nice if whatever is causing the issues could be remedied. I am by no means an expert in Bluetooth technology, but if anyone has a possible solution I would love to hear about it in the comments.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the experience of using the Surface Precision Mouse with a Mac ends up being a mixed bag. A lack of any Mac-compatible software from Microsoft seems like an early oversight and a missed opportunity to sell the Surface Precision Mouse to more than just Windows users.

The mouse itself is comfortable, and while I found it connected to my Mac more reliably than Logitech’s MX Master series, I still experienced Bluetooth issues when I fired up my wireless headphones. Perhaps this has more to do with how the new 15″ MacBook Pro communicates with Bluetooth mice than it does the mice themselves (since I’ve had worse hiccups with the Logitech MX Master). If Apple’s vision for the future is to be truly wireless, they need to do a better job supporting third-party Bluetooth devices.

I keep hoping for the day when the perfect multi-button Bluetooth mouse presents itself, but in the meantime I have reverted back to using a Magic Mouse 2 on my Mac. It’s as uncomfortable as it is reliable, but “it just works.” The Surface Precision has been relegated to PC gaming.

The Best Mouse For MacBook Pro — Spring 2021 Mice Reviews

If you use an Apple laptop and travel a lot, you may prefer using a mouse instead of your MacBook’s trackpad. In the past, finding accessories for your Mac could be a challenge; now, almost every mouse will work with Apple devices, at least partially. Using a mouse instead of your MacBook’s trackpad can cause less fatigue as well as being much easier for tasks that require more accuracy, like Adobe Photoshop or gaming. As all new MacBook Pros only have USB-C ports, we only include mice that utilize a Bluetooth connection, so you can easily pair your mouse without the need for dongles and USB receivers. Most are also either rechargeable via USB or can last for months off of AA batteries.

We’ve tested over 105 mice, and below you’ll find the best mouse for MacBook Pro. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best mouse, the best wireless mouse, and the best ergonomic mouse.

Best Wireless Mouse For MacBook Pro: Apple Magic Mouse 2

The best mouse for Mac with a wireless connection that we’ve tested is the Apple Magic Mouse 2. This mouse has a very sleek and simple design that fits well in most work setups and is great for carrying with you. It feels remarkably well-built and solid, and it’s particularly well-suited for a fingertip grip, as any hand size should be able to comfortably use it this way.

The whole body of the mouse acts as an easy-to-use tactile surface that recognizes many different gesture commands. You can use it for vertical or horizontal scrolling, and you can also enable the one big button to act as both a left and a right click. This mouse can only be used via Bluetooth, so you don’t have to worry about a receiver or a cable. It also automatically shuts down after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life.

Unfortunately, its slim profile isn’t the most comfortable and isn’t well-suited for a palm or a claw grip. It also doesn’t come with any companion software, so the customization options are very limited, and it has bad click latency, though this shouldn’t impact most people for regular, everyday use. All in all, this is a good option for traveling with your Mac, and it’s also one of the best wireless mice we’ve tested.

More Ergonomic Alternative: Logitech MX Master 3

If you want a wireless mouse that feels more comfortable, check out the Logitech MX Master 3. It’s much bigger and heavier than the Apple Magic Mouse 2, but it has an ergonomic shape with a rounded back and a large thumb rest that makes it incredibly comfortable. The Logitech is a wireless-only mouse that’s fairly versatile. It has six programmable inputs, supports gesture-enabled commands, and has a horizontal scroll wheel for side-scrolling. The main wheel automatically switches to infinite scrolling when needed, which can be very useful for long documents. Unfortunately, due to its large size, smaller hands may struggle to use it with any grip style, but it’s very well-suited for people with medium and large hands using a palm or a claw grip.

If you want a small, travel-friendly mouse to use with your MacBook Pro, get the Apple, but if you prefer something a lot more comfortable to use, go with the Logitech.