Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse (Black) Review
A sleek, ultra-portable Bluetooth mouse that snaps flat for your bag, tracks reliably with BlueTrack, and scrolls smoothly across a touch plane.
Works via Bluetooth — no USB receiver required. Runs on two AAA batteries.
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Key features
- Snaps flat for travel; curves to power on, flatten to power off.
- Bluetooth 4.1 connection (no dongle needed).
- BlueTrack sensor works on most surfaces.
- Touch scroll plane with vertical & horizontal scrolling.
- 2 AAA batteries included; up to ~6 months’ life.
- Lightweight ~82–78g incl. batteries; slim, ambidextrous design.
Comfort & performance
As a travel mouse, the Surface Arc is all about portability and quick setup. It pairs over Bluetooth in seconds and its touch scroll plane feels silky for long pages and spreadsheets. BlueTrack keeps the pointer moving smoothly on café tables and desks (glossy glass still trips most mice).
What buyers tend to like
- Portability: Folds flat and slips into any sleeve or pocket.
- Instant on/off: Curve to wake; flatten to sleep — saves battery.
- Quiet, smooth scrolling: Touch plane handles vertical and horizontal.
- Clean desk setup: No USB receiver to lose.
Common niggles
- Not designed for gaming; ~1000 DPI prioritises control over speed.
- Touch scroll feel is different to a physical wheel (comes down to preference).
- Runs on disposable AAA cells (rechargeables recommended to cut waste).
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-portable — snaps flat | Not for high-FPS gaming |
| Bluetooth (no dongle) | Touch scroll isn’t everyone’s favourite |
| BlueTrack works on most desks | AAA batteries instead of USB-C recharge |
| Ambidextrous, low-profile design | Limited custom buttons |
Who should buy this
- Best for: Travellers, commuters and students who want a premium, pack-flat mouse.
- Great with: Surface Pro/Laptop where portability and style matter.
- Look elsewhere if: You need lots of buttons or ultra-high DPI for gaming.
Alternatives
- Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse: Similar minimalist Bluetooth mouse with a physical scroll wheel and lower price. Browse on Amazon
- Logitech Pebble Mouse 2: Quiet clicks, compact, multi-OS, and USB-C rechargeable option. View on Amazon
- Logitech MX Anywhere 3S: For power users — higher DPI, multi-device pairing, USB-C charging. View on Amazon
FAQs
Does it need a USB receiver?
No. It connects via Bluetooth (4.1), so you don’t need to occupy a USB port.
What batteries does it use and how long do they last?
Two AAA alkaline batteries (included). Expect up to roughly 6 months from typical use. Rechargeable AAA cells work fine if you prefer.
Can I use it on any surface?
Microsoft’s BlueTrack works on most common desk materials. Like many optical mice, it can struggle on clear glass without a mat.
Verdict
The Surface Arc Mouse is a brilliant travel companion: slim, stylish and functional. If you want minimal desk clutter and a mouse that disappears in your bag, this is spot on. Gamers and macro-heavy users should consider beefier alternatives, but for portability and everyday productivity, it’s an easy recommendation.
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