Silent Computer Mouse

[Hortense Malovich]

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A silent mouse is the easy instrument of choice for disturbance-free computing for working, studying, and more. That's why we went hands-on with some of the best silent mice on the market, so you don't have to.

These computer mice are exceptionally quiet, so you won't wake your housemates or irritate those next to you while you work. They're not as fashion-forward as high-end productivity and gaming mice, but that's by design. What's more? We've tested picks that are easy to travel with, work for those who are left-handed, and are budget-friendly.

We surveyed the market and tested some of the best silent mice you can buy today that can help you get the job done -- in silence. Our top pick for the best silent mouse overall is the Logitech MX Master 3S for its quick-charging, long-lasting battery, and multiple operating system compatibility. See how our other top picks compare to the MX Master 3S below.

The Logitech MX Master 3S is the best silent mouse you can buy. It features button switches that produce 90% less noise than previous models, so you can work all day without bothering coworkers or yourself. It also features a high-performance electromagnetic scroll wheel that provides speedy scrubbing and precision. This versatility makes the wheel useful, whether moving through large spreadsheets or proofing documents line-by-line. The Logi Options+ app lets you customize the seven-button input layout and set up gesture-based inputs for quickly switching programs or controlling two computers simultaneously.

The integrated rechargeable battery provides up to 70 days of use on a full charge, and just a minute of charging gives you three hours of battery life -- handy for when you need to quickly top up your mouse battery before a meeting or presentation. It includes Bluetooth connectivity and the Logi Bolt USB receiver, which can connect up to three devices simultaneously. With up to 8,000 DPI (dots per inch) sensitivity, the MX Master 3S is highly responsive to your fast inputs. The MX Master 3S also supports various operating systems, making it compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux computers.

Silent mice are often smaller in size compared to conventional office peripherals. While this generally results in a more compact and sound-proof design, it doesn't help in the comfort department for those with larger hands. That's where the Logitech Signature M650 comes into play.

The Signature M650 has four varieties: small and large sizes and left- and right-handed variants. We've been testing the mouse since its launch and found the design and ergonomics exceptionally comfortable. Plus, the SilentTouch switches live up to their name, as we found them nearly inaudible during our hands-on use. This mouse connects via Bluetooth , or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver and uses a single AA battery.

The Pro Click Mini is a compact, silent mouse that is arguably the best one for gaming on this list. It's also equipped with nifty features meant to enhance your productivity -- including a high sensitivity to inputs at up to 12,000 DPI, seven programmable buttons (via Razer's Synapse software), a three-function scroll wheel, and more. The mouse uses Razer's silent mechanical switches to produce quiet yet satisfying tactile feedback. It has Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless via USB dongle and works with Windows and Android.

The venerable Logitech M330 has long been the go-to silent mouse for many, notching a near five-star rating on Amazon among 21,000 customers. The mouse is small but features a 24-month battery life, a 2.4GHz receiver for multi-device compatibility, and silent operation. This silent wireless mouse has a bargain price compared to programmable buttons and a higher sensitivity (the M330 has 1,000 DPI).

The TeckNet Pro has six back and forward functionality buttons, a better-than-baseline 2,600 DPI, and five sensitivity level adjustments (accessible via a physical switch at the top of the mouse). Better still, its operation is near silent thanks to its quiet button switches. This mouse has an ergonomic design, with an outer curve that makes it comfortable to rest your hand during use. It includes a 2.4GHz USB adapter that can be paired with a Windows or ChromeOS computer but not with Macs.

The Pebble Mouse 2 M350s improves upon its predecessor by upping the battery life from 18 to 24 months on a single AA battery. Like the prior version, the Pebble Mouse 2 M350s has a slimline, flatter surface than most mice -- which makes it ideal if you use a fingertip grip (only using your fingertips to move the mouse) or you find the typical mouse contour too extreme for your hand. Its practical and portable design features Logitech's SilentTouch technology for quiet operation, even when scrolling. The mouse pairs with up to three Bluetooth devices and works with the extra-cost Logi Bolt USB receiver.

ZDNET's Kayla Solino said she loves using the similarly designed first-gen Pebble Mouse M350 in her everyday work-from-home setup. She said it's easy to bring the mouse anywhere she wants to work in her house, from her standing desk to the kitchen table, and that the lightweight design makes it great for extended travels.

The best silent mouse is the Logitech Signature MX Master 3S, chosen for its generous battery life, compatibility with multiple operating systems, and connectivity with three devices simultaneously. This table can help you compare the best silent mouse options based on pricing, availability of use, and battery life:

ZDNET expert-researched or went hands-on with most of the silent mice on this list. We use these mice during our daily work and entertainment activities to test out noise level, function, comfort, and more -- not just for a day or two, but over a few weeks to get a feel for a product's add-in value. Can you "add" this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that's too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off?

If we think another product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for. We also routinely scour the web for new products worthy of testing, follow news on product rollouts and upgrades, and source the best deals.

The biggest selling point of a silent mouse is its noiseless design. If you've ever gamed at night or used a computer in a public library, you may know how loud and distracting a clicky mouse can sound. That silent mice are indeed silent benefits both you and those around you. Less noise means fewer distractions, making it easier for you to focus on your task at hand.

Some people can condition their hearing to drown out the mouse-clicking sound. You may not even find it distracting -- and that's normal. So, when using a silent mouse for the first time, it's easy to feel bewildered by the mute feedback.

How do these mice operate in a cone of silence? Manufacturers apply a blend of materials and cushioning to dampen the sound when you press a mouse key. This design approach helps mitigate or eliminate the clickety-clack of traditional computer mice.

There are a couple of ways to dampen the sound of a non-silent mouse, but they aren't completely effective at blocking out the noise. One option is to use a thick foam mouse pad. This is especially helpful if you use your mouse on a hard surface, like a wooden or metal desk.

A silent mouse can be a good option for gamers. The Razer Pro Click Mini has 7 programmable buttons to customize your layout for your favorite games and an optical sensor with a maximum sensitivity of 12,000 DPI.

With the choice of Razer HyperSpeed Wireless or Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to run on one or two AA batteries, you'll have more control over how your mouse interacts with your computer and how to power it when batteries are scarce.

A silent mouse is a computer mouse that uses soft rubber dampers on button switches to cushion them and reduce noise. While it doesn't make the switches truly silent, it significantly reduces the noise your mouse makes when you click a button.

Silent mice are perfect for shared work spaces where noise can be a distraction or annoyance to coworkers. They are also easier to click, making them more comfortable and ergonomic to use, reducing strain on your hand and wrist while you work.

Nexus quiet computer mice are ideal for those working in quiet environments, such as video and audio production studios, as well as in the workspace of a quiet enthusiast.

Non-Clicking Silent MouseNexus quiet mice feature patented silent switching technology. These quiet mice leave you with a truly silent mouse, without any clicking sound whatsoever. A quiet mouse is beneficial whether you are an audio professional who needs an absolutely silent environment, or whether you are a computer user that understands the benefit of limiting distractions when you work.Each quiet mouse we sell, is truly silent and is a high-quality mouse, many with extra features. The Nexus mouse leaves you with a quiet environment, without the distraction that a typical mouse brings. These quiet mice don't just have a quieter click than normal, the clicking sound is completely removed.Nexus quiet mice are truly a great addition to the quiet computer setup. Check out our quiet mouse options below.

Nexus Silent Wired Mouse SM-8500 $29.95 Learn More

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