At the end of April 2022, Microsoft launched in Europe the Ocean Plastic Mouse, an accessory made with recyclable products as a new “step of the company in its sustainability journey”.
Does this mouse manage to serve the user well in the main features it delivers? TechSmart has tested a unit of it in the last few weeks and tells you the details in this review.
One of the main points of this product is its ecological construction. Microsoft used 20% of marine plastic taken from the ocean floor. These materials are recovered, sanitized and processed to contain a patterned texture.
We feel a very nice design. The polished surface pleases the footprint, while the gray color and the recycled plastic balls – characteristic of this type of product – mixed with the details of the logo and the scroll bar in a green that seeks reference to the oceans makes the look quite elegant.
Speaking of scrolling, it consists of a stiff, thin and tall wheel. Its construction is very firm and has a very smooth and silent click – unlike the other two buttons, which make a medium noise.
It even has a button on the bottom, which serves to turn it on or off, when simply pressed, or to pair with the device, by holding for a few seconds.
With a height of 38.3 mm, it has a more casual shape and may not be as pleasing to those with a very large hand. But at least its layout allows it to be used by both right and left-handers. The 84 grams of weight ensure that the accessory is light enough for you to use without hassle.
The box is also minimalist and has its entire construction in recyclable materials. There are no big items in it. It only comes with the mouse – with the battery inside, protected by a seal at the end – and the user guide.
The Ocean Plastic Mouse has a maximum sensor resolution of 1,800 dpi, but once you start using it, you’ll find that this amount is not achieved by default. You will need to install Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center manually to be able to customize the number.
It is through the program that you can change the order of the buttons – if you are left-handed – or change the dpi level, which is set at 1,000 by default. The amount of customization is quite limited, but it is within expectations for a branded interface to a more basic product.
The connection happens through Bluetooth 5.0, with Low Energy technology. It allows energy consumption to be very low, to extend the autonomy of the product. But that is a subject for later.
Overall, we see great stability in its connection and we don’t experience any difficulties in using this wireless technology to use the mouse. It is important to note that Bluetooth LE is the only way to connect this product. It doesn’t come with a USB receiver and doesn’t have a cable connection option.
Its sensor works efficiently and allows you to use it even on lighter surfaces, without being so close to the PC or notebook. We also didn’t see any delay while using the accessory.
It is clear that this product is far from serving a more demanding audience, such as gamers. The Ocean Plastic Mouse appeals more to those who want a unit for more basic tasks, such as work, studies and entertainment.
It even has Swift Pair technology, which allows you to change the paired device with ease. Something useful if you need a mouse on more than one machine, with quick switching.
This product is powered by one AA battery only. It doesn’t have any internal battery to recharge or a wired alternative – as we talked about above. Microsoft promises an autonomy of 12 months with a full charge of this single battery. Does it come to all of this?
We’ve tested it on virtually constant use for somewhere between 12 and 16 hours a day for the past three weeks. According to the Windows Native Connect Tool battery signal, this accessory is still at 100% charge. This means that the trend is to last the period promised by the manufacturer.
Ocean Plastic Mouse’s main audience is the user who wants a unit for more essential tasks, such as use for work or normal browsing on the internet. This is not the case for the gamer audience, which requires extra buttons, greater sensitivity and RGB LED, items absent in this model.
Microsoft managed to leave this product with a beautiful look and elements that refer to its sustainable construction. In addition to the ecological appeal, it brings good performance in everyday life and an autonomy that promises many months of use without having to change the single AA battery required.
We just do not recommend the accessory for those who have a very large hand, as the dimensions do not favor a wider grip. At the very least, the sensor is able to work without difficulty on any type of surface, and the weight is light enough to not make it tiring to use – not to mention how easy it is if you need to transport it, for example.
Eco-friendly and durable constructionelegant designQuiet overallgood dpi rateLong autonomy with an AA batteryBluetooth 5.0 LE ConnectivitySmall body for big handsNo USB alternativeRequires manual download of management softwarePrice above competitorsIt is worth it?
This mouse was launched in Europe for a suggested price of R$ 169. It is in the same range as the black model – without recyclable materials –, which does not exceed 1,000 dpi. However, it is above the Logitech M535 – also Bluetooth and with the option of a USB receiver, but still limited to 1,000 dpi.
A more economical option with a slightly better resolution is the Rapoo 8050T, which reaches 1,300 dpi, but it doesn’t like performance on all surfaces. If you don’t care about Bluetooth or dpi and want something for half the price of the Ocean Plastic Mouse, the best alternative is the Logitech M170.
So, what is your assessment of the Ocean Plastic Mouse from Microsoft? Tell us!
