Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Hello

Did you ever have your computer suddenly become very unresponsive and jerky with the mouse jumping around?
It becomes so frustrating that you think something is running in the background or going wrong with the computer. Usually the computer works fine but other times it makes you want to throw it out of the window.
It also seems to happen whenever you want to edit newly captured photos.

This is a common problem with wireless mice.
This mostly affects ports that are USB 3.x.
If you plug some USB devices such as a flash drive next to a wireless receiver,
you may experience significant lag on your laptop/desktop.

What happens is that the frequency of the USB port is similar to the 2.4ghz transmitter on many wireless mice. The USB device naturally broadcasts the frequency and interferes with the transmitter.
The mouse will become choppy and you will think that your computer is having an issue or something taxing system resources.

The solution is to use an extension cable or hub to move either the receiver or usb drive away from the other.
It also depends on the device being plugged into it.
If you plug in a USB 2.x drive, you don't see the problem because the port switches to 2.0 mode.

I've known this for years, but now and then forget and go crazy for a period of time before I realize I just plugged in a thumb drive to copy or edit photos.

Here is a link explaining the problem a little more:
https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/136g7y/usb_30_has_been_found_to_cause_interference_that/

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Interesting information.
Have not had this issue though with my new computer I use for work.
Will look for it. Thx.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I have never had that problem with my wireless mouse.

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

I’ve never had the problem, but my transceiver is plugged into the USB hub on one of the monitor’s so that it stays home with the keyboard and mouse when I take the laptop somewhere. Nothing is plugged in next to it.

BebuLamar

I never had a wireless mouse that works well for me so I don't use them except for the PC that I connected to the TV to stream stuff from the internet but only those that a smart TV can't.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Normally no problem at all.
But sometimes my laptop goes off and does something else.
or just takes a coffee break.
Then it's back.

What speed (frequency) does the processor run?
(I wouldn't put a lot in that theory. What are the credentials of the person who wrote it?
And I'm sure the 80 respondents/commentators have good creds also.....)

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

It doesn't happen often, but when that problem occasionally occurs for me it is almost always due to dust or other pollutants on the mouse pad getting onto the mouse's sensor. A burst of compressed air on the sensor usually fixes the problem. I have also noted similar issues when a mouse pad becomes worn or dirty, or the mouse is being used on an uneven surface. I have observed this behavior on various computers with various mice.

Here is an article describing various problems with wireless mice, including the two that I mentioned
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000253.htm

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have found that the latest optical mouse models are very reliable, even on black slate lab tables, which used to be death for them. Dust and foreign material seem to be a lot bigger problem with mechanical mice. In recent times, I've found that a stubborn or stuttering wireless mouse is almost always caused by a low battery in the mouse.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I had this problem with a LOGITECH wireless mouse. Turned out to be the link between sender and receiver (which was fitted to a USB port on the rear of a SFF desktop.

I put an extender in and taped the reeiver close to the mouse mat. Now it's faultless - and editing is easier. I just don't get those occasional jumps when some tension has built up in the cable.

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Never had jerkiness motion with any of the wireless mice I have used.
I have used different brands of wireless mice for years with no problems.
Logitech is my favorite brand to use, as they have always been reliant.

will

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I have been using wireless mice since they first hit the market and have never had such a problem with them, but my mice are very well trained The only problem I have had was the little felt gliders/ feet wearing out, that caused a jerky movement, a new mouse fixed that problem.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I just bought a gaming mouse that I learned about from a student at school. Like most gaming mice, it has Kevlar sliders. Incredibly smooth and free-sliding on just about any surface. It's not wireless, though. Apparently most gaming mice are not.

Canonuser Loc: UK and South Africa

Does no one use Bluetooth. I’ve had great success with those.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have a wireless (Bluetooth) Logitech mouse and keyboard and occasionally see what you describe. A couple times, it was simply time to replace the individual battery, but other times, it was the same time that Windows was downloading some update that grabbed resources. That was the only thing I could come up with.

Goober Loc: Southeastern PA

I have experienced this problem a couple times. Replaced the batteries and problem went away.
Also make sure the sensor or ball on the bottom is clean.