Wireless Computer Mice and Headsets vs. Traditional Computer Mice and Headsets With Wires

Many of the current technological inventions and innovations focus on an aspect of wireless technology. For example, there has been a switch from desktop to laptop computers. Some people question whether it is worth it to make the switch from wire gadgets to wireless technology. A computer mouse and headsets are some of the most used gadgets in a computer system. There are traditional wired versions and wireless versions. You will have to compare the traditional and wireless versions based on your needs. This guide will define each gadget, its benefits and shortcomings to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Wireless vs. Traditional Computer Mice

The Wired Mouse

The wired mouse -- known as a wired mouse because it has a cable that establishes a physical connection with your laptop or computer -- came into the market in 1968. Original versions of the wired mouse connected to a PC's PS2 port. PS2 ports eventually became obsolete. The physical connection ensures faster operation speed and a longer life expectancy, mainly because they do not use batteries.

What Are the Advantages of a Wired Mouse?

A wired mouse presents the following advantages to the user:

• Precision and speed. Gamers are the ones who most benefit from the wired mouse's speed andprecision. A fractional lag can have significant consequences in a game. The physical connection to the computer provides high speed and accuracy.
• Price. A wired mouse is inexpensive, especially after the invention of the wireless mouse.
• Maintenance is not necessary. A wired mouse does not require any special maintenance. However, you need to take care of the cord to avoid cracks or pulls.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Wired Mouse?

A wired mouse has only one major disadvantage:

• No freedom. There are limits to how far you can move the mouse because of its physical connection to the PC. To get comfortable hand movement and grip, you may need to adjust the cord.

The Wireless Mouse

The invention of the wireless mouse has brought about a revolution because of the freedom of movement and comfort it offers. It is wireless because it does not have a cable, unlike the traditional mouse. The wireless mouse uses Bluetooth connectivity to operate the computer. When the wireless mouse originally got to the market, it was quite expensive. However, as more people bought them, the prices went down.

What Are the Advantages of the Wireless Mouse?

• Absolute freedom. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity you can move your hand or seat and still operate a wireless mouse comfortably.
• Versatile. You can use a single connector to connect multiple wireless accessories such as a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse with one USB port.
• Better aesthetic value. Your working station is cleaner because there is no cable to create a mess as you move the mouse around.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Wireless Mouse?

• Speed and precision. A wireless mouse may lag when performing tasks that need speed and precision like video and photo editor, AutoCAD designer, and gaming.
• Maintenance. You will need to change the battery regularly to avoid lags. Moreover, you may also lose the wireless connector, making your mouse useless.

Wireless vs. Traditional Headsets

Headsets also have wireless and traditional versions. The standard headsets rely on a cable connection to transmit audio from a device while wireless headsets use Bluetooth connection. Depending on your needs, you can use criteria like cost, versatility, sound quality, and convenience.

What Are Traditional Headsets?

Traditional headsets use a cable connection, also known as ''aux in'' to transmit sound from an electronic device. The headset socket is usually 3.5 mm, making it possible for most headsets to attach to several different devices. However, some headphones have a larger plug.

What Are the Pros of Traditional Headsets?

• Easy to use. You need to plug the headset in to play audio files. Furthermore, you can use it without charging or draining the battery of your Bluetooth device.
• Versatility. You can connect both new and old devices with wired headsets. Older devices may lack features like Bluetooth or wi-fi that transmit to wireless headsets.

What Are the Disadvantages of Traditional Headsets?

• No 3.55 mm sockets in the latest smartphones. It isn't easy to connect traditional headsets to these platforms.
• Easy damage. The cables often spoil at the joint with the headset or near the socket pin. The damage is irreparable and calls for the replacement of headsets, which is an extra cost.

What Are Wireless Headsets?

Wireless headsets connect to your various devices without a cable connection. You will have to charge the wireless headsets to work. However, most wireless headsets in the market are versatile and a cable lets them work as traditional headsets. They establish a wireless connection through:

• Bluetooth
• Near Field Communication (NFC)
• Infrared
• Wi-fi
• Custom wireless connections for private listening

What Are the Advantages of Wireless Headsets?

• No cable tangles. Wireless headsets do not usually use a cable, so they will not tangle on objects, cause accidents, or damage the headset.
• Sound quality. Wireless headsets still offer good sound quality.
• Range. The wireless headsets have a longer radius from the device. The cable length limits traditional headsets.

What Are the Disadvantages of Wireless Headsets?

• Battery life is limited. You have to charge the headsets after a given amount of time because they will not work when the battery charges low.
• Cost. Wireless headsets are more expensive than traditional headsets because of the range and features.
• Connection interference or dropout. Wireless headsets are prone to interference from other wireless devices. In some cases, they may lose connectivity for a fraction of a second or a few seconds.

Should You Use Wired or Wireless Mouse and Headsets?

The type of gadget you use depends purely on your needs and convenience. However, you may consider some factors like cost, the range you need, device compatibility, and aesthetic preferences. However, given the current technological trends, we would advise you to go wireless.

Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. If you want to find more articles by Patrick, you can find them on his personal blog or in Sunshine Behavioral Health.