Microsoft Arc Mouse  Mouse Review

Reviewed Dec 11, 2019 at 08:55am
Test bench update Aug 19, 2025 at 02:48pm
Tested using Methodology v1.5.1 
Microsoft Arc Mouse

Track

0.0
Work 
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 
0.0
Raw Performance 

Track

 0

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a good ambidextrous travel mouse, but it isn't well-suited for other uses. It offers excellent portability, with a lightweight, compact design, and it supports Bluetooth connectivity, so you don't have to worry about losing a receiver. It's decently comfortable, but might be a bit too small if you have extra-large hands. Unfortunately, this isn't a very good mouse for gaming, as it has very high click latency and only one programmable button.

Our Verdict

0.0
Work 

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a decent office/multimedia mouse. It has decent ergonomics and fits most hands, but it might be a bit too small if you have extra large hands. It has decent build quality, with no significant issues, and it has excellent portability, great for taking with you in a laptop bag.

Pros
  • Excellent portability.
  • Lightweight design.
Cons
  • Limited number of buttons.
  • Limited companion software.
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is inadequate for FPS gaming. It has very high click latency, and it can't be used wired for lower latency. Although it has decent ergonomics, it might not be comfortable for longer play sessions or if you have extra-large hands.

Pros
  • Excellent portability.
  • Lightweight design.
Cons
  • Limited number of buttons.
  • Very high click latency.
  • Limited companion software.
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 

Unfortunately, this mouse isn't a great choice for MMO gaming. It has very high click latency and only has one programmable button. The available software also has very limited options. It has decent ergonomics but might not be a good choice for longer gaming sessions.

Pros
  • Excellent portability.
  • Lightweight design.
Cons
  • Limited number of buttons.
  • Very high click latency.
  • Limited companion software.
0.0
Raw Performance 
  • 0.0
    Work
  • 0.0
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 0.0
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Aug 19, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5.1. This update removes less relevant or redundant elements, including several videos. We've also adjusted our Sensor Latency testing, resulting in minor score changes. See our full 1.5.1 changelog for details.
    2.  Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
    3.  Updated Dec 07, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
    4.  Updated Jul 14, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech M240 in this review's Hand Size Recommendation section.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a very unique design. It's good for travel, and its snap-to-power-on feature hasn't been tested on any other mice we've reviewed so far. It connects via Bluetooth to your source and needs AA batteries to work. It's a great choice for light productivity work and everyday browsing. However, the click latency is significantly higher than most mice, and its max CPI settings and polling rate are very low, so it isn't a suitable choice for gaming.

    For other options, see our recommendations for the best wireless gaming mouse, the best wireless mouse, and the best gaming mouse.

    Apple Magic Mouse 2

    Track

    The Microsoft Arc Mouse is better than the Apple Magic Mouse 2. The Microsoft is meant for use with a claw grip, and you can also use it with a palm grip. It also has dedicated software where you can adjust its CPI and program one button. On the other hand, the Apple mouse is designed for people using the fingertip grip, and it's a better-built mouse.

    Logitech MX Master 2S

    Track

    The Logitech MX Master 2S is better than the Microsoft Arc Mouse. You can use the Logitech with its proprietary receiver or through Bluetooth, has more customization options, and has a scroll wheel. However, the Microsoft is lighter, making it easier to carry around.

    Logitech MX Master 3

    Track

    The Logitech MX Master 3 is much better than the Microsoft Arc Mouse. The Logitech is better-built, it offers better comfort, it has a scroll wheel, and it has many more programmable buttons. However, the Microsoft mouse has an ambidextrous design, and it's lighter to carry around.

    Logitech Pebble M350

    Track

    The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a better overall performance than the Logitech Pebble M350 since you can customize its settings a bit, but its unique design might not be suitable for some. On the other hand, the Logitech can be used with a receiver and via Bluetooth and has a lower click latency.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    LockedStandard
    Coating
    LockedLocked
    Lighting ColorLockedLocked

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    Shape
    LengthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    Grip Width
    LockedLock mm
    Ambidextrous
    LockedTrue Ambidextrous
    Left-Handed Friendly
    LockedLocked
    Finger Rest
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    LockedLock g
    Default Weight
    Locked85.7 g
    Weight Distribution
    LockedLocked
    Extra Weights
    LockedLocked

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    Hand Size Recommendation
    Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
    Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
    Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Maximum Of Paired Devices
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Use When Charging
    LockedLocked
    On/Off Activation
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Extender
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Storing
    LockedLocked
    Battery IndicatorLockedLocked

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    Cable
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Cable Length
    LockedN/A
    Cable Type
    LockedLocked
    Permanent Kink
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: Mouse End
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: PC End
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    LockedLocked
    Material
    LockedLocked
    Extra Included
    LockedLocked
    In The Box

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    Control
    Main Button
    Switch Type
    LockedLocked
    Switch Model
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Additional Buttons
    Total Number Of Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Side Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    LockedLock
    Profile Switching Button
    LockedLocked
    Gesture Support
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Click Latency
    Expected Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Wired
    LockedN/A
    Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Bluetooth
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    CPI
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    LockedN/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    LockedLock%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    LockedLock%
    Worst Tracking Error
    LockedLock%
    Minimum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    Maximum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    LockedLock CPI
    0.0
    Sensor Latency
    Delay To Start Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay At Half Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay To End Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    LockedLocked
    Sensor Model
    LockedLocked
    Works On Glass
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    LockedLock mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    LockedLocked
    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel Type
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel Type
    LockedLocked

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    Noise
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Microsoft Arc Mouse Noise Video Sample
    Click Noise
    LockedLocked
    Operating System And Software
    Configuration Software
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Microsoft Arc Mouse Software Tour Sample
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    On-Board Memory
    LockedLocked
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Profile Configuration
    LockedLocked
    Profile Auto-Switching
    LockedLocked
    RGB On/Off
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityLockedLocked
    macOS CompatibilityLockedLocked

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