If you’re a MacBook user and thinking to switch from the trackpad to a traditional mouse, you will definitely consider the Apple Magic Mouse. In this article, We check all the aspect of both the mouse, the first-generation Apple Magic Mouse (Magic Mouse 1) with its successor, the Apple Magic Mouse 2 to understand which one perform better and which will be a better choice for you.
History of Apple Mice
Before we start the comparison, let’s read little bit about Apple’s journey in the mouse market. For two decades, Apple stuck with a single-button mouse design. While they regularly updated their MacBooks, the mouse remained unchanged for many years. Finally, in 2005, the one-button mouse got its name: the Apple Mouse. In 2009, Apple redesigned the mouse and introduced the new Magic Mouse to revamp their offering.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Apple Magic Mouse 1 | Apple Magic Mouse 2 |
| PROS | PROS |
| The unit comes elegantly designed and is pleasant to use. The sensitivity of the mouse is very accurate. It comes with the wireless Bluetooth feature. It has the ability to work on several operating systems. The product comes with laser technology delivering 20 times speed of optical tracking. | The model comes with a multi-touch surface. The unit has a rechargeable battery. It can automatically pair with your MacBook through Bluetooth. It comes with a lightning-to-USB cable. The product is good for both left- and right-handed use. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The magic mouse is extremely costly. | The magic mouse has a shallow design that might not be comfortable to hold. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Key Features of Apple Magic Mouse 1 and Magic Mouse 2
Apple Magic Mouse 1:
- Multi-Touch Technology: The Mouse features a touch sensitive surface which supports multi touch, which allow users to scroll, swipe, and navigate very easily.
- Sleek Design: With a flat and minimal design, the Magic Mouse 1 blends seamlessly with Apple devices, adding a touch of elegance to your workspace.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: As it’s a apple product, So allow user to connects wirelessly with MacBooks and iMacs through Bluetooth, which gives a hassle-free and clutter-free experience.
- No-Button Design: The Magic Mouse 1 has a unique no-button design, relying on touch gestures for functions like right-clicking and left-clicking.
- Laser Technology: Equipped with advanced laser optics, the Magic Mouse 1 offers precise tracking and accurate cursor control.
- Low Profile: The mouse has a low-profile design, providing a comfortable grip but lacking a thumb rest for extended use.
- Battery Life: The Magic Mouse 1 requires two AA batteries, but its battery life is relatively short, requiring replacement every three weeks.
Apple Magic Mouse 2:
- Rechargeable Battery: Magic mouse 2 comes with a built-in rechargeable battery which is one of the important improvements over the first-generation model, It eliminates the need for constant battery replacements.
- Continuous Bottom Shell: The Magic Mouse 2 features a continuous bottom shell with an eloquent foot design, allowing smooth movement and reduced friction on surfaces.
- Lightning Port: It comes with a lightning port at the base for easy charging and quick connectivity to Apple devices.
- Enhanced Gesture Controls: The touch-sensitive surface of the Magic Mouse 2 supports a wider range of gestures, providing more options for navigation and productivity.
- Lightweight Design: The Magic mouse 2 weight is 90 grams which make it lightest mice available in the market and it allow it easy to carry and handle.
- Partial Windows Compatibility: While primarily designed for Apple devices, the Magic Mouse 2 is partially compatible with Windows, though some gestures and features may not work as effectively.
- Sleek and Elegant: Similar to the first-generation model, the Magic Mouse 2 retains a sleek and elegant design that complements Apple devices.
- Precise Cursor Control: The optical sensor ensures precise tracking and cursor control, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
- Extended Battery Life: With a full charge, you can use Magic Mouse 2 up to a month, which make it more convenient for long use.
| Specifications | Apple Magic Mouse 1 | Apple Magic Mouse 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Dimensions | Flat design with aluminum body | Flat design with touch-sensitive glass surface |
| Size | 5.1 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches (LxWxH) | 4.5 x 2.3 x 0.85 inches (LxWxH) |
| Weight | 90 grams | 99 grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Battery | Requires two AA batteries (replaceable) | Built-in rechargeable battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 weeks | Up to 1 month |
| Charging Time | N/A | Approximately 2 minutes for 8 hours of use |
| Compatibility | macOS 10.5.8 or later | macOS 10.11 or later |
| Gesture Controls | Two-finger swipe for scrolling | Multi-touch surface with customizable gestures |
| Tracking Technology | Laser | Optical sensor |
| Scroll Mechanism | Multi-touch surface | Multi-touch surface |
| System Requirements | Mac with Bluetooth support | Mac with macOS 10.11 or later |
| Compatibility with Windows | Limited (basic functionality) | Partial compatibility (limited gestures) |
| Price | Under $75 | Under $80 |
Major Differences between Apple Magic Mouse 1 and Magic Mouse 2
- Design: Both models have a sleek and compact design, but the Magic Mouse 2 features touch sensitive glass, while the Magic Mouse 1 has a flat design with an aluminum body.
- Scrolling: The Magic Mouse 1 lacks a scroll wheel, relying on multi-touch technology for scrolling, whereas the Magic Mouse 2 has a continuous bottom shell with a frictionless design for smooth scrolling.
- Buttons: The Magic Mouse 1 has a no-button design, utilizing swiping gestures for various functions, while the Magic Mouse 2 retains the touch-sensitive surface but now includes a traditional physical button at the bottom.
- Batteries: The Magic Mouse 1 requires two AA batteries and has a relatively short battery life and need replacement every three weeks. The Magic Mouse 2 comes with built-in rechargeable batteries that last up to a month on a single charge.
- Connectivity: Both mice work flawlessly with Apple devices via Bluetooth, but the Magic Mouse 2 has a lightning port at the base for easy charging and connecting.
- Compatibility: While both mice are compatible with MacBooks, the Magic Mouse 2 is only partially compatible with Windows devices, with some gestures and features not functioning properly.
- Weight: The Magic Mouse 2 is lighter, weight close to 90 grams which make it lightest mouse available in the market.
- Price: The Magic Mouse 2 is little bit expensive compare to Magic Mouse 1, but the added features and improvements justify the price difference.
- Handling: The Magic Mouse 2 is designed sleek and more user-friendly, which make it easy to handle than the Magic Mouse 1.
- Charging: The Magic Mouse 2 can be charged quickly, taking only two minutes for an 8-hour charge, making it convenient for users.
- Gesture Controls: Both models offer multi-touch gestures, but the Magic Mouse 2 has enhanced gesture capabilities due to its touch-sensitive surface.
Design and Comfort
Both the Magic Mouse 1 and Magic Mouse 2 have a sleek and compact design, typical of Apple’s aesthetic. The Magic Mouse 1 features a flat, minimal design with an aluminum body, providing acceptable comfort for most users. However, some may find it lacking a small thumb rest and a slightly higher palm area.
The Magic Mouse 2’s design is quite similar to its predecessor. It features a touch-sensitive glass surface, offering certain gesture controls that enhance user experience. The addition of low-friction strips provides smooth movement, and the rechargeable batteries eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements.
Mouse Performance
The Magic Mouse 1 comes with multi-touch technology, allowing users to perform various functions with finger swipes, much like a MacBook trackpad. The lack of traditional right and left-click buttons is compensated by several swipe options, making it a unique and seamless experience for users.
Similarly, the Magic Mouse 2 offers a precise and accurate cursor control, thanks to its optical sensor. With the multi-touch commands, users can perform tasks effortlessly, making it an excellent companion for Apple devices. However, users with larger hands might find extended use uncomfortable.
Compatibility
Both Magic Mice are primarily designed for Apple devices. They work perfectly with MacBooks and iMacs via Bluetooth. While the Magic Mouse 2 is partially compatible with Windows devices, it’s recommended to opt for other mouse models for better functionality on Windows systems.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the major improvements in the Magic Mouse 2 is the inclusion of rechargeable batteries. This eliminates the need for constant battery replacements, which was an issue with the Magic Mouse 1. A quick two-minute charge can provide up to 8 hours of use, and leaving it charged overnight can last a month, according to Apple.
Price
The price difference between the Magic Mouse 1 and Magic Mouse 2 is very small. The Magic Mouse 2 is slightly more expensive. Well, the added features and improvements in the new model make it a worthy investment.
Conclusion
The Magic Mouse 1 offers a great design and comfort, along with unique multi-touch capabilities. On the other hand, the Magic Mouse 2 comes with significant improvements like rechargeable batteries and enhanced design.
So, we can say that, the Magic Mouse 2 is the winner in this comparison, because of its sleek design, improved battery life, and seamless connectivity with Apple devices. But, it’s important to understand that both mice are well suited for a wide range of tasks, which make them adaptable options for any MacBook user.
So, if you’re looking for a mouse which improve your MacBook experience, the Apple Magic Mouse 2 can be a good choice which delivers both style and functionality.
Apple Magic Mouse 1 and 2 Alternatives
Logitech MX Master 3:
- Cross-computer control
- Customizable buttons
- Darkfield High Precision Sensor
- Rechargeable Battery with USB-C quick charging
- Ergonomic Design with thumb rest
- Gesture Controls
Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse:
- Slim, Portable Design
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Precise Tracking
- Full-Scroll Plane
- Snap to Power On/Off
- Multiple Color Options
Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed:
- HyperSpeed Wireless Technology
- Customizable Scroll Wheel Resistance
- High-Performance Optical Sensor
- 6 Programmable Buttons
- Long Battery Life
- Ergonomic Design with thumb rest
HP Spectre Rechargeable Mouse 700:
- Ultra-Slim Design
- Rechargeable Battery with USB-C charging
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Silent Scrolling
- Accurate Tracking
- Four-Way Scrolling
Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse:
- Wireless Connectivity with sub-1ms Slipstream Corsair wireless technology
- Customizable RGB Lighting
- High-Performance Sensor with up to 18,000 DPI
- Contoured Shape
- Ten Programmable Buttons
- Durable Omron Switches (rated for 50 million clicks)
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.