Microsoft Pro Intellimouse Impressions
Microsoft’s Pro Intellimouse doesn’t exactly reinvent PC mice as we know it. On the surface, this mouse looks rather plain. I mean, it looks like any old generic mouse. Yet, the Pro Intellimouse is incredibly comfortable, sleek, and is super smooth on every surface. It feels great in my hand and I don’t anticipate I’ll be replacing it any time soon. It has been an absolute treat to use this mouse. It easily stands as one of the better mice I have used to date.
Microsoft first reintroduced its classic IntelliMouse line last year. It was a reimagining of sorts, that was met with some criticisms. Bottom line, the quality of that mouse came into question, but Microsoft has since addressed a number of those concerns with the Pro Intellimouse. This time around, you can expect a better cord (I know, I’m sorry, this mouse isn’t wireless), improved rubber grips that do not wear easy and a mouse that simply performs much better.
Isn’t She Lovely
Like I suggested at the top, the Pro Intellimouse isn’t a stunner. While the ergonomic design is lovely, the grey and black design doesn’t exactly stand out. Other than the subtle LED light stripe at the bottom of the mouse (or the top, depending on how you look at it), there are no features that make it stand out. It isn’t cluttered with buttons, contain any fancy logos and has a simple design. Yet, what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in comfort in a big way.
I’ve been using the mouse daily for weeks and it remains incredibly comfortable. It has the same ergonomic shape inspired by the original 1996 IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, so it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. The size of the mouse makes me feel like I’m in complete control when using it. Even when using the mouse over an extended period of time I never felt like my hand was getting fatigued.
The mouse has a contoured design with buttons located in all the areas you would expect. Not only does it feel good in your hands but it’s also super smooth to maneuver. Its accuracy is pin-point and very responsive. The PixArt sensor Microsoft has included in the mouse impressive. Even without a mouse mat, the Pro Intellimouse glides over surfaces and responds incredibly well.
I Want to Glide Like an Eagle
Granted, I am used to smaller mice, so it did feel a tad heavy at first but over time, the weight didn’t become an issue at all. Gaming with the mouse feels fantastic. To the point where you don’t notice the weight much at all, and like I mentioned above, it feels super smooth and comfortable to use.
I’ll admit, I prefer a wireless mouse; however, the included braided cable is excellent quality. It’s a longer cable as well, so no matter where your desktop tower is located, the cable length should never be an issue.
Overall, the Microsoft Pro Intellimouse is a remarkably sleek, comfortable and smooth mouse. Even during prolonged and intense gaming sessions, the Pro Intellimouse delivers. While the mouse lacks some of the other features you’ll find on other gaming mice and the price point is a tad high, this mouse is easily one of the better mice on the market and a perfect peripheral for all your PC non-gaming and gaming needs.
Tech specs:
- Interface – USB 2.0 full speed compatible
- Buttons – 5 buttons (3 customizable*) including left and rich click and scroll wheel button
- Scrolling – Vertical scrolling
- Mouse report rate – 1000 reports per second, user configurable with MKC installed
- Tracking technology – PixArt PAW3389PRO-MSTracking speed: up to 400” (10,160 mm) per second
- Compatibility – Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 S/8.1/8/7*Button customization not supported on Windows 10 S
- Dimensions – 5.20 x 2.72 x 1.68 in (132.00 x 69.00 x 43.00 mm)
- Weight – 0.31 lbs (0.14 kgs)