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Released by Apple on the 20th of October, 2009, the Magic Mouse is the first consumer mouse to possess multi-touch capabilities. Thoughtful gestures like one or two-finger swipe, single or two-button click, 360° scroll, screen zoom, and screen pan are all accessible in the Magic Mouse.
Connectible via Bluetooth and operate on AA batteries, the Magic Mouse comes with a wireless Apple keyboard. For people only wanting to buy the Mouse, that option is also available. Considering how technologically advanced the Apple Magic Mouse is, the question arises about whether or not it requires a mouse pad.
The answer to that isn’t a direct one. Since the tracking method used by the Magic Mouse is laser tracking, precision while handling is key to smooth usability. It means that the surface it’s placed upon should be even as well as reflective to enhance the Magic Mouse’s trackability.
A smooth wooden desktop, preferably dark, would make for a fitting surface than the light-colored or see-through surfaces. However, if it isn’t working out for specific users, it is best to go for a mousepad.
A mousepad can provide the freedom of seamless movement to the Apple Magic Mouse, which is otherwise restricted. So yes, the Magic Mouse would be a lot more functional with a mousepad, the variations of aluminum and leather being the top-most.
For people not wanting to spend money on mousepads, these DIY hacks are pretty effective too. Using as a surface glossy laser-printed paper, covering the binders with scotch tape to A4 clear plastic folders are some innovative ones. Ultimately, the choice is whether they want to purchase a mousepad or utilize the hacks mentioned above.
Does the Apple Magic Mouse 2 Need a Mousepad?
The Apple Magic Mouse 2 isn’t very different from the Magic Mouse 1. The only distinctive feature between the two is that the Magic Mouse 1 uses AA batteries that need a timely replacement. In contrast, the Magic Mouse 2 has built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
With everything else being the same, users can encounter similar problems while using the Magic Mouse 2 as they did in the Mouse 1. It means that there is an undeniable need for either a smooth surface or a mousepad to avoid facing the same functionality issues.
While opting for a mousepad for the Magic Mouse 2, it’s best to choose one with a smooth printed pattern. A leather mousepad, all the better if dark, is an excellent choice, with its sleek and smooth surface ensuring zero movement disturbances. Hassle-free to clean and maintain, users can make precise and stable mouse movements with a leather mousepad.
Another excellent alternative for the Apple Magic Mouse 2 is a rubber mousepad. Those are smooth yet non-slippery to use, thereby providing the user with the perfect balance of movement. In addition, any accidental damage due to the spilling of food and water is avoidable due to the water-resistant quality of the rubber mousepads. Also, investing in rubber mousepads is a wise economic decision, given the durability and comfort, they come with.
Aluminum mousepads fall among the top-most choices when it comes to choosing one. Apart from being chic to look at, they’re also smooth to work on yet non-slippery to maintain balance. Cleaning them is low maintenance needing nothing more than a good wiping with a damp cloth every once in a while. In addition, aluminum mousepads are space-efficient and easily portable, not cluttering the workspace and workbags they’re put in.
With so many choices of mousepads available, each of good quality, selecting the perfect one would be a piece of cake. For those still not sold on mousepads, there’s no need to worry. The DIY hacks usable on the Magic Mouse 1 would work just fine on the Mouse 2.
Also Read, Must-Have Accessories for Apple Magic Mouse
Can you use the Apple Magic Mouse without a mousepad?
Although things are much more convenient, people can use the Apple Magic Mouse without a mousepad. However, like already discussed above, the user might face functionality issues with an incompatible platform. Therefore, it is best to place the Apple Magic Mouse on sleek, even, and rather dark surfaces to avoid such situations. To further acquaint the users with the Apple Magic Mouse’s proper maintenance, there are specific issues they need to be careful about.
- The lower surface of the Magic Mouse gathers dirt due to being placed on unclean platforms, affecting its performance.
- The platform itself chipped off due to constant friction with the Mouse, which is mainly seen in cases of varnished woods.
- Damage isn’t done only to the platform, as the Mouse’s surface is also impacted by friction with rough surfaces.
Even if the Apple Magic Mouse somehow works on an uneven surface, its performance won’t be the same as that on a smooth surface. So, to use the Apple Magic Mouse without a mousepad, the surface must be cleaned regularly. In addition, it will help avoid the assembling of any form of dirt or water that may contribute to technological damage. Lastly, the platform for the Magic Mouse to showcase optimum utility should be sleek enough for movement and steady enough to maintain balance.
Is Apple’s Magic Trackpad better than the Magic Mouse?
A multi-touch trackpad, Apple’s Magic Trackpad, released in 2010, was larger by a considerable percentage of 80 than the MacBook laptops of that time. Its similarity to the Magic Mouse is that currently, both are in their second generations.
Both user experiences are entirely different, and in fair consideration, the Trackpad is better than the Mouse. The points mentioned below would highlight that in the simplest possible way.
Non-stop Usability
The Apple Magic Mouse, now upgraded to built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, can’t be used while charging. So, even in emergencies that need to be settled instantly, the Magic Mouse with zero battery is of no use.
On the contrary, the Magic Trackpad comes with a pluggable rear port when charging is required. The Trackpad in no way interrupts the user’s workflow.
Gestures and Convenience
Compared to the Magic Mouse having only four gestures, including scrolling, the Trackpad comes with 11 thoughtful gestures. The users can even customize those gestures to suit their likings. Also, the gestures being easy to learn and convenient to use, a user wouldn’t feel overwhelmed while using them.
Force Touch
Force Touch is quite an impressive and popular Apple feature that helps differentiate between different touches, look up definitions, and preview documents. It can also be used to create pressure-sensitive drawings or even fast-forward a video. With the Force Touch having multiple utilisations, the Trackpad with that feature indeed has the upper hand over the Magic Mouse.
Control over clicks
Constant use of a device wears it out and lessens its capability. With the Magic Mouse, one must continuously keep clicking it to complete a function exhausting both the user and the device.
That isn’t the case with the Trackpad, where the user can click anywhere on the screen and get their work done instantly. Again, that saves much time and energy for both the user and the device and escalates their productivity.
While it’s true that the Trackpad is slightly better than the Magic Mouse doesn’t mean that the latter is of no worth. Both have their different roles and experiences to provide and should be utilized accordingly. Here’s hoping this discussion has shed some light on the Apple customers’ doubts regarding the proper maintenance and functioning of the Apple Magic Mouse.
