Logitech claims its Couch Mouse M515 is optimized for soft surfaces such as sofas, beds or carpets. No stranger to the wonders and allure of a comfy couch, I was eager to see if it could do better than other pointing devices at navigating a PC from, shall we say, more relaxing surroundings. I got the Couch Mouse working just a few seconds after plugging in Logitech’s signature “unifying receiver,” a USB dongle scarcely the size of a thumbnail that communicates flawlessly with most of its new pointing devices. Flipping on its switch underneath, the Couch Mouse was ready for action.
Next it was time to try the mouse on a variety of surfaces, and it was able to navigate them all as if it were sliding around on a mousepad. Logitech calls the mouse “easy gliding,” and that’s a true statement.
Not only is its sealed bottom resistant to dust bunnies and various fibers, it’s sensitive enough to use almost anywhere. In addition to a leather couch, a cloth couch, various blankets and sheets and a variety of carpets, the mouse was able to track perfectly on granite, slate, all types of wood, and even though Logitech doesn’t recommend it, it did a respectable job of working on a overturned glass bowl I had on the coffee table.
A pleasant surprise was the Logitech “hyperfast” capability that I’ve grown accustomed to with its MX Revolution series. The Couch Mouse gives you a choice of that free-spinning hyperfast mode that works like a flywheel, letting you zip through long web pages in seconds, or press down on the mouse wheel and it goes into conventional click wheel mode. Aside from its unpleasant and unusually loud noise when you press down to click the mouse wheel, the procedure was a welcome convenience.
Besides its versatility, I like the way this mouse feels in my hand. It’s not too small and not too large, and it’s equally friendly to right-handed or left-handed users. The sound of each of its left and right mouse clicks is just right — not too noisy, but giving you appropriate tactile feedback.
It was disappointing to see that the Couch Mouse requires two AA batteries — I would’ve preferred a rechargeable mouse — but easing that gripe is the fact that the mouse is extraordinarily efficient. Its Hand Detection uses battery power only when you touch it.
Taken aback at first by its $50 price, after testing it for the better part of a week, I think the Logitech Couch Mouse M515 is well worth that steep tariff. But for $50, I think Logitech could’ve made the mouse rechargeable. Nevertheless, if you like to use a mouse in your home theater or on your couch, or if you’re looking for a pointing device that can handle just about any surface, this one’s highly recommended.
Here’s more about the Couch Mouse from Logitech.