The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a unique, ultra-portable peripheral designed specifically for users on the move. By snapping into a curved position to power on and flattening to power off, it offers a level of portability unmatched by traditional mice. While it excels in aesthetics and travel convenience, its unconventional ergonomics and touch-based scrolling continue to divide the community.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse remains a feat of industrial design. Its primary selling point is the articulated hinge that allows the device to transition from a flat, 14mm-thick slab into a functional, ergonomic arch. The build quality is premium, featuring a soft-touch silicone finish on the lower half that feels pleasant against the skin. When flattened, it slips into a laptop bag or even a back pocket with ease, a feat traditional "travel" mice struggle to achieve. The snapping mechanism feels robust and provides a satisfying tactile "thunk" that doubles as the power switch, eliminating the need for a dedicated button.

In practice, the Arc Mouse is a tale of two halves. The tracking, powered by Microsoft’s proprietary BlueTrack technology, is exceptional. It handles glass, wood, and fabric with impressive consistency, making it ideal for the "mobile office" professional. However, the clicking mechanism is stiff. Because the top surface is a single piece of plastic, clicking near the edges requires more force than a standard mouse, which can lead to finger fatigue over several hours. The touch-sensitive scroll plane is responsive, allowing for smooth vertical and horizontal navigation, though it lacks the precision and tactile feedback of a physical wheel.

Setting up the Arc Mouse is seamless thanks to Windows Swift Pair. Once turned on, most modern Windows laptops will instantly recognize it. The gesture support is a highlight; being able to flick left or right to navigate pages or timelines is intuitive for users coming from trackpads. However, the lack of a physical middle click is a hurdle for CAD users or those who rely on "open in new tab" shortcuts, requiring a three-finger tap that isn't always perfectly registered.

Over long-term testing, the Bluetooth connection remains stable with minimal dropouts. Battery life is a strong suit, typically lasting 6 to 9 months on a pair of AAA batteries, depending on usage. The hinge, often a point of concern for folding devices, has proven remarkably durable, maintaining its tension even after thousands of cycles. The only reliability caveat is the soft-touch coating, which can begin to show "shine" or pick up skin oils after a year of heavy use.

The Arc Mouse is explicitly for the mobile professional. It is the perfect companion for a Surface Pro or an iPad in a coffee shop, a boardroom, or an airplane tray table. It is not designed for gaming, where its 1000 DPI and Bluetooth latency would be a hindrance, nor is it intended for heavy video editing or 3D modeling where ergonomic comfort and macro buttons are essential.

Community consensus from Reddit and X highlights a "love-hate" relationship. Owners appreciate the lack of bulk in their bags, but many report switching back to a standard mouse like the Logitech MX Master for their home desk setup. The common feedback is that the Arc Mouse is the world’s best "second mouse"—the one you take everywhere while keeping a more traditional peripheral for the heavy lifting at the office.