Unotron's M11 washable mouse gives users an option that the average mouse doesn't: it's washable.
The ability to take a bath and keep on ticking is certainly a very attractive option for any electronic device. But is Unotron's washable mouse a one-trick pony or a well-rounded performer? We put the device through the paces to find out.
PROS
It's optical: The Unotron washable mouse is an optical mouse, giving it several advantages over the old wheel-based mouse. For one, it moves a lot smoother and is more accurate. You also don't have to worry about wheel failure and wear-and-tear, plus all the gunk that can build up and clog a wheel-based mouse. (For the uninitiated, you know you have an optical mouse because it uses a red light to track movement instead of a rubber ball in a wheel well.)
It's a germ killer: The "Antibacterial" sticker on the device isn't just for show. The device actually uses polymer technology that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in countries such as Japan. Incorporated into the plastic is an inorganic silver-based biocide, which uses silver ions to counteract the molecular process of bacteria. This causes harmful organisms to die and lose their ability to reproduce and infect. This makes the device great for hospitals and, say, a rarely cleaned dorm or apartment room.
It's hermetically sealed: The device meets international IP66 and Nema4X standards for preventing the intrusion of foreign objects. In plain English, this basically means it keeps off dirt, dust, water, bacteria and other outside elements from invading the device's innards. The thing can even resist soda and coffee spills, which is quite impressive. The seal also makes it washable in warm soapy water and antibacterial solution, and allows you to take it to harsher environments where you normally wouldn't consider taking a mouse. You can even remove the scroll wheel for more thorough cleaning.
CONS
It's wired: Wires aren't entirely a bad thing on a mouse since they mean you don't need batteries. The Unotron M11 mouse even comes with round "PS2" connectors so you can use it for older computers. But for a washable mouse, those wires can be a bit of a hassle. Even the manual cautions against getting the USB plug wet, although a note advises shaking it dry in case of an accident during washing. Unotron does offer a wireless version &mdash the WM11.
Ergonomics and design: The Unotron washable mouse admittedly looks plain when stacked up next to mice sporting more elegant designs. It's also a bit bulky, which can be a bit of an issue for people with smaller hands. The buttons, at least in the review unit I got, aren't completely flush with the mouse body, but that's more a cosmetic issue and doesn't impact performance. Heavy-handed folks might also accidentally push out the removable scroll wheel occasionally. Re-inserting the scroll button after you take it out for cleaning can be a bit finicky. If you don't get it back exactly right, the scroll button starts getting semi-stuck when you scroll it upward.
Price: At $49.99, the Unotron is a bit pricey for folks just looking for a basic mouse. Even a washable Belkin mouse retails for $29.99, although to be fair, it isn't a medical-grade mouse. The Unotron mouse's price, for example, stacks up well against another antimicrobial washable mouse, the Silver Seal Ergo. You can also get better deals for the Unotron by shopping around online.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The Unotron washable mouse is a solid device that gets the job done. But a few design kinks keep it from mouse perfection.
Ultimately, the decision to buy this mouse boils down to what you want to use the mouse for and how important antibacterial and waterproof properties are to you.
If you work in rugged environments and places with potential exposure to bacteria or if you're just a plain old clean freak, then the Unotron will certainly be worth your while. Otherwise, a bit of an ergonomic tweak is probably warranted in order to truly expand this washable mouse's range outside of medical workers, rough riders and hypochondriacs.
