Adaptability of technology is essential, and few product manufacturers have made as much progress in this market as Microsoft. Introduced in 2018, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is designed to make user input in video games more accessible to people with disabilities. With a simple modular design built for customization and comfort, the Adaptive His Controller is a huge step forward in breaking down the barrier of entry for so many gamers. The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse ($44.99) takes a similar approach and boils down a computer mouse to its essentials. By itself, it might not look like much more than an ambidextrous mouse. But when used in conjunction with its complementary Adaptive Hub, it creates an accessibility station unrivaled in the consumer space.Winner of the Editor’s Choice Award both Put its heart and hardware in place.
Adaptive mouse, flexible parts
The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is far from your typical mouse in shape and design. A square black pack of about 2.3 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches (HWD), the mouse itself is smaller than anything you’ve seen in a traditional mouse, gaming, etc. But despite its minimalist appearance, this little mouse does what you’d expect: two clickers and a scroll wheel.
The underside of the shell houses two small plastic feet, a power button, a Bluetooth button, and LED indicators for up to three individual connections. However, there are also buttons that detach the back half of the mouse to accommodate other accessories, namely the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse Tail and Thumb Support, a $15 add-on sold separately.
As someone with full motor skills in my hands, I found the mouse a bit difficult to use. You don’t need it and you can operate it by placing your palm firmly on the back surface. With the Tail and Thumb Support attached, it provides additional support and comfort, and I find it easier to use than the recent Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700).
The matte black mouse is suitable for regular everyday use, and its ambidextrous design means it can be used well by both left-handed and right-handed users. Settings can be configured in the Microsoft Accessories Center downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Here you can adjust the tracking resolution up to 6,000 dpi (dots per inch) and create macros for the left, right and center buttons. The app is easy to navigate, and considering the additional accessories and profiles, you’ll spend most of your time in the app.
I found it easy to use the mouse in my daily life. With an additional tail accessory, it behaves like any other mouse, with a comfortable arch and solid customization possibilities. The mouse itself feels sturdy despite its light weight, and thanks to the Swift Pair feature, it’s easy to switch between systems (like your laptop at work and your computer at home).
It’s all good. But where the adaptive mouse really shines is in the complete accessory package.
Adaptive Mouse Accessories: Extra Bits for More Comprehensive
Microsoft’s Adaptive Mouse may not seem all that exciting or innovative on its own, but when paired with the Microsoft Adaptive Hub, you’ll appreciate the wide range of uses for your device. The Adaptive Hub can pair with up to 3 devices wirelessly or via USB-C and wirelessly connect to up to 4 Microsoft Adaptive Buttons including Adaptive Joysticks and Dual Buttons. Connect your party’s digital buttons and switches via the five included 3.5mm ports.
Linking the hub with accessories can be a little tricky, but the simple design and QR code on the box help parse the setup. and the ability to 3D print accessories through Shapeways, a service.
It’s expensive (Shapeways’ 3D printed tail costs nearly $40 versus Microsoft’s $15), but you can download the STEP file for free and print the accessory yourself if you have a 3D printer. You can also Options include only Microsoft Pen button toppers, mouse tails, and grips, so of course it’s not essential, but it does improve productivity and ergonomics for those who can’t use a traditional mouse, and for those who can’t. By combining accessories with your mouse, you can create your own custom input ecosystem that works for you.
Verdict: Inclusiveness Wins
At $44.99, the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is a far cry from expensive tech, but anyone interested in a mouse might want an extra mouse to achieve basic mouse functionality, even for basic productivity. You should know that you have to aim for the tail. But even factoring in the price of the tail accessory, it’s not too much to spend on a decent ambidextrous mouse.
Modular mice are not uncommon, but nothing compares to everything Microsoft is doing with its adaptive mouse. Combined with the Adaptive Hub and accessories, mice can go a long way toward promoting disability inclusion in computing. Different buttons and directional pads allow users with different disabilities to find the right mix of mobility and shortcuts for her gadget for their particular situation.
Moreover, these products have proven to be inspirational. Microsoft’s efforts are already widespread, with big initiatives like Sony’s Project Leonardo for PS5 following suit to expand access to entertainment products for customers with different grip and mobility needs. doing.
The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is far from the best general purpose mouse on the market, but that doesn’t matter at all. It is an easier path to computing for users with disabilities, and it further expands access to technology for underserved people in a simple and modular way. Microsoft is leading the way in making this type of product available to true mainstream users. who’s next?
