Magic Trackpad vs Magic Mouse: Which is Better & Buy?

The choice between Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse depends on the use case. Magic Mouse is preferred for gaming and precise control, while Magic Trackpad is ideal for multi-touch gestures and comfort during long use.



Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse, Which One Should You Buy & Use, depends entirely on the use case. The gaming lover will always choose Magic Mouse over Magic Trackpad. Magic Mouse is perfect for those who prefer the traditional mouse design and want precise control over cursor movements. However, some people find the Magic Mouse uncomfortable to use for long periods due to its low profile and lack of palm support.

On the other side, the Magic Trackpad has a larger multi-touch surface that allows you to use gestures to navigate your computer. It’s best for those using multi-touch gestures available in macOS, such as pinch-to-zoom, three-finger swipe, and rotation. Read the full article to differentiate between all Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse.

History & Comparisons of Your Magic Trackpad & Magic Mouse

Do you have to move between a MacBook and Mac mini workstation? Then use the Magic Trackpad. The gestures on the Magic Trackpad are fantastic, like the 2-finger click to right-click. It’s incredible- your wrist rests flat on the desk, and no arm motion is necessary (Best Mouse Accessories). Selecting a Trackpad for general use and gestures or a Mouse for fine movements is good.

Magic Mouse has swipe features to move in 360-degree view, which is incredibly fast. It is used for playing games and watching movies. However, the user reviews may conclude that the Magic Mouse is shorter than the Trackpad unless you move the Trackpad setting speed to a breakneck pace, which introduces other problems.

Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse Release List:

Apple Magic TrackpadApple Magic Mouse
Magic Trackpad 3Magic Mouse 3
Magic Trackpad 2Magic Mouse 2
Magic Trackpad 1Magic Mouse 1
Apple Magic Trackpad & Magic Mouse Release list

Apple Magic Trackpad 3 vs Magic Mouse 3

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Apple launched the standalone black Magic Trackpad 3, Magic Mouse 3, and black magic keyboard on March 8, 2022. The new Magic Trackpad 3 has come with rounded corners. The Magic Mouse 3 comes with a Black & silver color combination and the same old lightning port at the bottom.

It includes a woven USB-C to lightning cable, so you must flip the Magic Mouse to charge it. In addition, the Magic Trackpad 3 automatically pairs with the device. While the Magic Mouse 3 also automatically pairs using Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity.

Specifications:

The comparison table for Apple Magic Trackpad 3 vs Magic Mouse 3 is below.

SpecsMagic Trackpad 3Magic Mouse 3
Release date March 8, 2022March 8, 2022
InputMulti-touch and force touch-touchMulti-touch clear acrylic surface with laser tracking Mouse
ColorBlackBlack & Silver combo
OS SupportOS X EI CaptionMacOS X 10.11 or later
iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later
Battery lifelonger battery lifeUp to 2 months
ConnectivityAutomatic pairing with the device via Bluetooth and Lightning connector.Bluetooth 3.0, Lightning connector
PowerRechargeable Li-Po Battery (2024mAh)Rechargeable Li-Po Battery (1986mAh)
Dimensions0.19-0.43″ x 6.3″ x 4.52″0.85″ × 2.25″ × 4.47″
Weight8.16 Ounces3.52 Ounces
Price$149.00$99
Comparison table of Apple Magic Trackpad 3 vs Magic Mouse 3

If you want to work with simple touch gestures like rotating objects and photos or scrolling through web pages, get Magic Trackpad 3. It would be more comfortable to use for a long time. Or you can choose Magic Mouse 3 to switch between apps and scrolling documents. It might get uncomfortable if you use it for a long time.

Select and buy the perfect accessory to work with a magic keyboard.

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 vs Magic Mouse 2

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Apple Magic Trackpad is available to buy separately, while the Magic Mouse comes free with Mac Desktop. Both are wireless and easy to work with Mac devices. Regarding the surface area, Trackpad 2 has a large and flat surface area compared to Magic Mouse 2.

It gives lots of space to work comfortably, while Magic Mouse is suitable for small spaces. In addition, Trackpad 2 can use during charging. But you can’t use Magic Mouse during charge because of its charging placement.

Specifications:

The comparison table for Apple Magic Trackpad 2 vs Magic Mouse 2 is below.

SpecsMagic Trackpad 2Magic Mouse 2
Release date October 13, 2015October 13, 2015
InputMulti-touchMulti-touch clear acrylic surface with laser tracking Mouse
ColorSilverWhite
OS SupportOS X EI CaptionMacOS X 10.11 or later &
iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later
Battery lifeUp to 1 monthUp to 2 months
ConnectivityBluetooth 3.0, Lightning connector.Bluetooth 3.0, Lightning connector
PowerRechargeable Li-Po Battery (2024mAh)Rechargeable Li-Po Battery (1986mAh)
Dimensions0.19-0.43″ x 6.3″ x 4.52″0.85″ × 2.25″ × 4.47″
Weight8.16 Ounces3.52 Ounces
Price$129$79
Comparison table of Apple Magic Trackpad 2 vs Magic Mouse 2

Trackpad 2 has a Multi-touch matte glass surface with Force Touch and Taptic Engine. It can use for simple touch gestures, three-finger swipes, zoom and move the view, and more. On the other hand, Magic Mouse 2 supports multi-touch gestures, which is ideal for quick pointer actions and side-swiping features.

Apple Magic Trackpad 1 vs Magic Mouse 1

Apple Magic Trackpad 1 vs Magic Mouse 1 are both multi-touch wireless devices. They are compatible with Mac Desktop computers. Magic Trackpad 1 uses Multi-touch gestures to tap, swipe, pinch, and spread fingers to perform actions. At the same time, the Magic Mouse uses multi-touch gestures and inertia scrolling across its surface.

Magic Trackpad 1 and Magic Mouse 1 have two AA lithium, alkaline or rechargeable batteries—both support wireless Bluetooth connectivity to pair with Mac computers. Users can use Trackpad 1 while charging, but Magic Mouse 1 has a charging port at the bottom of the mouse. So, you can’t use it during the charging period. Trackpad 1 and Magic Mouse 1 are both now discontinued.

Specifications:

The comparison table for Apple Magic Trackpad 1 vs Magic Mouse 1 is below.

SpecsMagic Trackpad 1Magic Mouse 1
Release dateJuly 27, 2010October 20, 2009
(Discontinued Now)
InputMulti-touch & Force TouchMulti-touch clear acrylic surface with laser tracking Mouse
ColorSilverSilver and White
OS SupportMac OS X Snow Leopard v 10.6.4 and higherMacOS X 10.11 or earlier
UsageClicking, Pointing, Dragging, Drag Lock, Trackpad scrollingSwiping between web pages & Scrolling
ConnectivityBluetooth Wireless TechnologyBluetooth 2.1
Power2 AA Lithium Alkaline Batteries2 AA Lithium Alkaline Batteries
Dimensions5.2″ x 0.7″ x 5.1″0.85″ × 2.25″ × 4.47″
Weight8.16 Ounces3.68 Ounces
Price$69Approx. $36
Comparison table of Apple Magic Trackpad 1 vs Magic Mouse 1

In conclusion,

the above details were about the comparison between all Magic Trackpads and Magic Mouse. Click here to read the full detailed History Of Apple Magic Trackpad.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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