The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is a good FPS gaming mouse based on Microsoft's original IntelliMouse. It feels well-built and retains the classic ergonomic shape of the original. It also has grippy rubberized sides, two side buttons on the left, and a single RGB zone in a strip along the bottom at the rear. Performance-wise, it has a wide CPI range, a CPI you can adjust by increments of 50, and a very low lift-off distance. It also has a good click latency, but some gamers may prefer a more responsive option. Unfortunately, it's a heavy mouse compared to many similar, more modern gaming mice, its cable isn't very flexible, and the companion software isn't compatible with macOS.
Our Verdict
The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is decent for office use. It feels well-built and has an ergonomic right-handed shape well-suited for all grip types; however, its large size makes it unsuitable for smaller hands. Unfortunately, it only has a few programmable inputs, and you can't use it wirelessly. Also, the scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
- Feels well-built.
- Comfortable right-handed shape.
- Wired-only.
- Scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt button and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is a good FPS gaming mouse. It feels well-built, has mouse feet that glide well on mousepads, and has an ergonomic shape ideal for all grip types, though only for larger hands. It also has a wide CPI range, a CPI you can adjust by increments of 50, and a very low lift-off distance. Unfortunately, it's heavy, and its cable isn't very flexible. Also, although the click latency is good, it may not feel responsive enough for some players.
- Feels well-built.
- Comfortable right-handed shape.
- Heavy.
- Cable isn't very flexible.
The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is decent for MMO gaming but doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse. That said, it feels well-built and has a very comfortable shape well-suited for all grip types. Due to its large size, it isn't suitable for smaller hands. It also has a wide CPI range, a CPI you can adjust by increments of 50, and a very low lift-off distance. Unfortunately, its cable isn't very flexible, the customization software isn't compatible with macOS, and while the click latency is good, some gamers may prefer a more responsive feeling mouse.
- Feels well-built.
- Comfortable right-handed shape.
- Doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
- Cable isn't very flexible.
While the Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse scores alright for ultra-light gaming, it's significantly heavier than a dedicated ultra-light gaming mouse. That said, it feels well-built and has an ergonomic right-handed shape suitable for all grip types. Unfortunately, its cable isn't very flexible, and its large size makes it unsuitable for smaller hands. Also, while its click latency is good, it may not feel responsive enough for fast-paced or competitive gaming.
- Feels well-built.
- Comfortable right-handed shape.
- Heavy.
- Cable isn't very flexible.
The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is inadequate for travel use as it's large and bulky and likely won't fit in most laptop cases. It also can't be used wirelessly, making it awkward to use in smaller spaces like trains or planes. That said, it feels very sturdy, and it has onboard memory, which can be helpful to keep your settings even while using computers without the customization software installed.
- Feels well-built.
- Wired-only.
- Bulky; unlikely to fit in most laptop cases.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is a gaming-oriented 2019 update loosely based on the original 1996 Microsoft IntelliMouse. The one we tested is the Shadow Black color variant, and there's also a Shadow White variant available. You can see the label for our unit here.
Popular Mouse Comparisons
The Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is the most recent iteration of the original 1996 Microsoft IntelliMouse. Its five-button layout and signature right-handed ergonomic shape helped paved the way for many contemporary gaming mice and its influence is still widely felt and easily recognized in many of today's gaming mouse designs. While it's considered heavy compared to more modern competitors and many gaming mice now boast lower click latency, its sensor performance holds up well, and it remains a popular choice among some gamers thanks to its comfortable shape and large size.
For other options, see our recommendations for the best mouse, the best wired mice, and the best gaming mice.
The BenQ ZOWIE EC2 and the Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse are good wired gaming mice with ergonomic right-handed shapes. The BenQ is significantly lighter and has much lower click latency. Comparatively, the Microsoft feels sturdier, has a much wider CPI range, an adjustable CPI, and a lower lift-off distance. It also has companion software for customization, which the BenQ lacks. The BenQ is well-suited for all hand sizes using a palm grip, but otherwise, both mice are better-suited for larger hands using other grip types.
The Logitech MX Master 3 is an excellent wireless office mouse, while the Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse is a good wired gaming mouse. The Logitech connects wired or wirelessly either with its USB receiver or via Bluetooth. It feels much sturdier and has a thumb rest that's also a gesture button. It has more total buttons, a thumb scroll, a primary scroll wheel that unlocks for free scrolling and has L/R tilts buttons, and companion software for Windows and macOS. Comparatively, the Microsoft is a wired mouse that's significantly lighter, has a wider CPI range, a lower lift-off distance, and a higher polling rate.
The Razer DeathAdder Elite and the Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse are gaming mice with similar ergonomic shapes and comparable performance. The Razer is lighter, has a lower minimum CPI, and a more precisely adjustable CPI. Comparatively, the Microsoft has onboard memory, which the Razer lacks. Both mice are well-suited for larger hands and all grip types, though the Razer is also well-suited for smaller hands using a palm grip.
The Razer Viper Mini is a better wired gaming mouse than the Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse. It's much lighter and feels much sturdier. It also has a more flexible cable, mouse feet that glide more smoothly, and significantly lower click latency. On the other hand, the Microsoft has a wider CPI, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and a lower lift-off distance. The Microsoft is suitable for all grip types, generally for medium and larger-sized hands, while the Razer is best-suited for a fingertip grip for all hand sizes and a claw or palm grip only for smaller-sized hands.
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