Microsoft revives Surface Mouse with haptic feedback and customizable button
Microsoft is bringing back its Surface Mouse after a long absence, with a new model priced at $80 and available October 13. The mouse features haptic feedback for subtle tactile responses and a customizable action button that can be reprogrammed via the Surface app, including for Copilot integration. This marks the first return of the device since its original 2016 launch.
The new Surface Mouse arrives after Microsoft exited the peripheral market in 2023, leaving third-party manufacturer Incase to produce "designed by Microsoft" accessories that the article suggests lacked the same quality. The author notes he had to resort to eBay to obtain an IntelliMouse, underscoring the gap in the market for Microsoft's own hardware.
The mouse's Bluetooth 6.0 support allows pairing across multiple computers with easy switching. The action button's flexibility is somewhat limited—while reprogrammable through the Surface app, it cannot be assigned different functions for individual applications. The ambidextrous redesign and 30% recycled plastic construction add practical and environmental appeal.
The return of the Surface Mouse could signal renewed interest in Microsoft's hardware ecosystem, particularly for users who prefer first-party peripherals. The haptic feedback and Copilot integration may appeal to productivity-focused workers, though the $80 price point and limited per-app customization could temper adoption. Left-handed users may benefit from the ambidextrous design, while the recycled materials reflect growing consumer demand for sustainable tech.