Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse review: A legendary PC accessory reborn, with a big design flaw (Updated)

Microsoft'southward new Classic IntelliMouse is an affordable throwback to a (slightly) simpler time, when mouse pointers typically contained large internal assurance with rollers that would, over fourth dimension, accumulate dust and become stuck.

The first IntelliMouse hit the marketplace in 1996, with a number of and so-unique innovations. Over the years, the range pioneered the whorl bike, while popularizing optical lasers over trackballs, ergonomic design, and dedicated thumb buttons.

Microsoft is revisiting the classic mouse pattern with the new Classic IntelliMouse, which faithfully recreates what made some of the original mice so special, with a flake of modern flair.

A archetype reborn

Classic IntelliMouse

$39.99

Bottom line: The IntelliMouse is a legend reborn, and it is well worth your attention, especially for the price.

Pros:

Ergonomic and comfortable.
Accurate sensor tracking.
Tons of configuration options.

Cons:

No wireless pick.
Wire is annoyingly inflexible.
Rubberized sides perish quite easily.

What yous'll love almost the Classic IntelliMouse

Microsoft's IntelliMouse range is noteworthy for pioneering many mouse staples we at present take for granted. Mouse tech has moved on, though, and there are at present hundreds of manufacturers out at that place offering their own mice, specialized for all sorts of use-cases. This IntelliMouse is not what I'd phone call specialized for any specific user, only is instead a reliable jack of all trades that could bring the brand back to the forefront.

Category	Spec
Interface	USB 2.0
Buttons	Five buttons, three customizable
Scrolling	Vertical curl wheel
DPI	Upwards to 3,200 points per inch, configurable
Sensor	Bluetrack, 1,000 reports per second
Weight	100g
Size	132 mm x 69 mm ten 43 mm
Price	$39.99

Leveraging Microsoft's Bluetrack laser tech, I've found that this mouse is amid the nearly reliable I've used when it comes to dissimilar types of surfaces. Prior to this, I was using a combination of Razer's Naga Hex, and Microsoft'southward folding Surface Arc mouse. While both of those mice are corking in their own ways, I institute both of them suffered on my aging, unvarnished wood desk, which is a pretty challenging surface for whatever optical mouse. The IntelliMouse has eliminated my demand for a mouse mat even on this rugged desk terrain, however, which is impressive. It fifty-fifty works on glass.

Speaking of the sensor, the IntelliMouse supports DPI anywhere up to 3,200, which is also impressive. You tin configure the range via the Mouse and Keyboard Center app, and even set it upwardly and then that the side buttons can increase or decrease the DPI on the wing. I've seen some older reports that the sensor can wiggle effectually, particularly when lifting the mouse off your desk when turning in games, but I oasis't found that to be the case at all with the new mouse. Using this mouse in various shooters and other types of games using loftier DPI settings has been nothing short of a breeze.

The mentioned Mouse and Keyboard Centre app has become somewhat of a staple of Microsoft'southward mouse range, and installing it in combination with the IntelliMouse grants a huge amount of configurability. Y'all can record full macros and bind them to keys, set unlike bindings per app, and even control Windows 10's Game DVR to capture gameplay without using the Game Bar or keyboard combinations. Gamers or prosumers who enjoy a lot of configurability volition find a lot to dearest here.

I've been using the mouse for a few days now and found it to be pleasant in the hand, although it took me a little while to go used to its size. The buttons are tactile and reassuring to click, with solid travel and resistance against accidental clicks. The coil wheel also has peachy action. The sides of the IntelliMouse are rubberized to better grip, and the two side buttons fit perfectly against my thumb. The larger button is also elongated to make it easier to press on the lower half of your thumb, which represents an attention to detail other mouse makers often overlook.

What you'll not dearest about the Classic IntelliMouse

It'southward truly hard to find anything to mutter near with this mouse. It looks sleek, it'due south comfortable in the hand, and feels premium. After using Razer mice and other gaming brands for a while, I find myself missing fabric cables, however. The plastic solution Microsoft has gone with for the IntelliMouse feels cheap by comparing, and information technology's annoyingly rigid and inflexible compared to other brands. Besides, it's disappointing there's no wireless or Bluetooth option, and that's highlighted by the annoying cable materials.

Update September 21, 2022: After using this mouse for three months, frustratingly, the rubberized grips on the sides have begun to perish. The side really feels quite irritating confronting my thumb at present, making me wish they had opted for textured plastic, perhaps similar to what you discover an Xbox One controller's grips. This design flaw is a huge oversight, and a damn shame.

Last thoughts on Microsoft Archetype IntelliMouse

Microsoft has reinvigorated a classic with its new IntelliMouse, enhancing what made the old line so great, while throwing in some modern features and configurability. I hate the choice of materials Microsoft went for when settling for its cabling, but nearly every other aspect of the product feels polished and swish. At $39.99, you could do far worse.

The Classic IntelliMouse is a solid, affordable selection for all sorts of users that quickly became my daily driver.

Update September 21, 2022: In light of the fact the safety perishes quite hands in what I'd consider light use, I've dropped my review score down a point to reflect this blueprint flaw.

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