With an iPad mouse you can use the device more easily as a replacement for your laptop. The iPad has support for all kinds of mouse functions. Most options are wireless, although there are suitable mice with a cable. We only discuss compact mice here, because they are most suitable for on the go. Do you want to buy a Mac mouse? Then check out our separate guide.
- Logitech MX Anywhere
- Apple Magic Mouse 2
- Microsoft
- Satechi C1
- USB mice
- Bonus: Magic Trackpad
Logitech MX Anywhere
Anyone who has ever searched for Mac mice has probably come across the Logitech MX series. On your desk, the brand offers handy mice with a good shape and many extra buttons and setting options. They often don’t all work on the iPad. So it’s better to buy the Logitech MX Anywhere for on the go. We recommend both the second and third generation, depending on how much money you want to spend. Both mice are compact, work on almost all surfaces and are very responsive. So highly recommended!
The differences between the Anywhere 2S and the Anywhere 3 are not very big. The shape of the third generation will be a bit more comfortable in the hand, but that doesn’t make the previous edition a bad choice. Both mice have a long battery life of up to 70 hours. The way of charging is different. With the Anywhere 2 you use micro USB, while the Anywhere 3 has a USB-C port. If your iPad also has USB-C, you can use one charger for both devices.
Apple Magic Mouse 2
If you also plan to use your mouse with a Mac, Apple’s Magic Mouse 2 is recommended. The sleek design is compact and easy to use, but you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. The Magic Mouse 2 offers a variety of useful options for the Mac, not all of which work with your iPad. That is why we especially recommend the mouse in combination with a Mac. Fortunately, many swipes work.
Most people know the surface of the Magic Mouse 2: curved glass with one large button. The mouse is sensitive to touch, so you can swipe your fingers to scroll left and right. The Magic Mouse 2 is charged with a Lightning cable. This is included, but you have to find a USB-A port yourself. Fortunately, in the Netherlands you see this more and more often on the train, so you also have charging options on the way. Also check out our Magic Mouse 2 review.
Microsoft Wireless Mouse
This mouse is for anyone just looking for a small, cheap, wireless mouse for the iPad. The Microsoft Wireless Mouse costs a few bucks and has no bells and whistles. The design is symmetrical and therefore suitable for left- and right-handers. Also nice: in addition to black and white, you can also choose blue, green and pink. Interesting detail: they are exactly the same colors as the iPad Air 2020. So if you have a green iPad Air, you can buy a suitable mouse.
The Microsoft Wireless Mouse uses Bluetooth 5.0, but unfortunately does not have a rechargeable battery. It takes one AA battery, which is included with your mouse. Anyway, then you pay a lot less for the mouse itself. The range of colors may vary per store.
Satechi C1 USB-C mouse
New on the market: the Satechi C1 USB-C mouse. As the name suggests, this mouse has a USB-C cable. This also works on the iPad! Of course you need a USB-C port on your iPad. Currently these are the iPad Pro 2018 and newer and the iPad Air 4. It is likely that other iPads will also switch to USB-C. The design of the Satechi C1 is compact and suitable for many surfaces.
The nice thing about a wired mouse is that you never have to charge it. You don’t have to mess with Bluetooth either, because everything is plug and play. Of course, the mouse also works on a Mac with USB-C ports. The Satechi C1 lets you choose the DPI yourself. By default, this is 1200 DPI. There is also 800, 2400 and 3200. In plain language, DPI simply means the sensitivity of the mouse.
The Satechi C1 USB-C mouse will soon be available at Amac for €29.95.
Wired iPad mouse? Which can!
Do you still have an old wired mouse with USB-A at home? Then you can also use it with your iPad in some cases. You need an iPad with USB-C and a USB-A to USB-C adapter for this. It is then a matter of connecting the mouse to the adapter and plugging the adapter back into the iPad. In most cases it should just work.
There is a chance that any side buttons on your mouse will not work with the iPad. You can assume that the regular mouse buttons and your scroll wheel will work. If you already have a Mac with USB-C, you may have already bought the right adapter. Incidentally, it is good to know that you can also plug a USB dongle into the adapter. This is useful for mice that are wireless, but require a dongle.
Bonus: Magic Trackpad 2
You may think that a separate trackpad for your iPad is inconvenient on the road, because it is a bit larger than a mouse. But the advantage of a trackpad is that you need less space to operate the cursor. Unlike a mouse, you don’t have to move the trackpad yourself, so it’s a practical tip for, for example, the lecture halls or a smaller student room. Apple’s Magic Trackpad 2 has a large surface and supports a variety of multi-finger swipes, including on the iPad. It looks sleek and has a rechargeable battery that lasts a long time. If a keyboard case with a built-in trackpad is too much of a good thing, it’s worth considering.
If you have connected a trackpad mouse to your iPad, you can change the settings on your iPad. In our separate tip you can read how to use an iPad with a mouse.
If you plan to work on the iPad a lot, complete your set with an iPad keyboard cover. Some models also have a built-in trackpad, so you no longer need a separate accessory such as a mouse. In our guide you will find the best iPad keyboard covers for different models.
