MacBooks are known for having the greatest trackpads in their class because thanks to Apple’s technical skill. Apple provides two equally fantastic options for external input devices: the Apple Magic Trackpad and the Apple Magic Mouse, ensuring that desktop-class Macs are not left behind.
Although the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse have the same function, there are some significant distinctions between them that might make choose between them quite challenging. As a result, we will examine in this guide each gadget in detail while making a comparison to assist you in making your choice.
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Magic Mouse vs. Magic Trackpad – Design and Ergonomics
Both the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse have superb build quality and Apple’s simple design aesthetic. These nasty gadgets have an extremely durable aluminum casing. The similarities, however, cease at this point since each device offers a completely distinct form factor designed to meet the needs of consumers with very particular specifications.
The Magic Trackpad is designed to be used with your fingers while your palm’s heel rests on a surface. It has a glass surface that is easy on the fingertips and gives plenty of area for motions. Additionally, the ergonomic shape of the Magic Trackpad follows your hand’s natural resting posture, making it cozy to use for prolonged periods of time.
The Magic Mouse, on the other hand, is designed to be used with both your fingers and your palm. Its curved shape is designed to fit comfortably in your hand for improved accuracy and maneuverability. However, after using it for a while, your fingers may start to feel cramped due to its smaller size and lower height.
In a word, the Magic Trackpad is better for long-term gesture-based navigation since it is bigger and more pleasant to use. The Magic Mouse, on the other hand, is more compact and portable but might be unpleasant to use for long periods of time if you have big hands.
Additionally, the Magic Trackpad is a little heavier than the Magic Mouse in terms of weight and mobility, which can make the former a less appealing alternative for customers who travel regularly.
Magic Mouse vs. Magic Trackpad – Gesture Support
Here, the Magic Trackpad excels. Swiping, scrolling, and pinch-to-zoom are just a few of the many Multi-Touch motions that are supported by macOS, which makes it simple to navigate between documents, websites, and programs. Additionally, Force Touch is supported for natural haptic feedback.
The Magic Mouse, on the other hand, does enable gestures, although their scope is somewhat limited. The only ways to navigate a web page with the Magic Mouse are by dragging your finger over the page’s surface, swiping between pages in a document, or tapping twice to launch Mission Control on macOS.
Life and Charging of Batteries
A somewhat large non-removable battery powers both the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse, which also allow multi-touch gestures. Once you completely charge it via the dependable old lightning connector, Apple promises it may last for almost a month or more without a charge.
That’s excellent, however the Magic Mouse has a significant design issue that makes the Magic Trackpad more appealing overall. The Magic Mouse includes a lightning port below it, making it difficult to use while it is charging, in contrast to the Magic Trackpad, which can.
Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse – Connectivity and Compatibility
When it comes to connection and compatibility, the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse are both excellent. They both Bluetooth-enabled devices that run macOS and iPadOS flawlessly.
However, you can check the individual product specs for the Magic Trackpad 2 and Magic Mouse 2 over at Apple’s support page if you want to see whether your Mac or iPad is compatible.
Pricing
Both pointing devices are much more expensive than similar products from third parties in terms of price, mostly because of their superior build quality and to a lesser extent because of the notorious “Apple tax.”
If we disregard that, the most recent iteration of the Magic Mouse, the Magic Mouse 2, can be purchased for as little as $79 at any Apple Store. The Magic Trackpad 2 is priced from $129, in contrast. However, if you purchase both devices from Amazon or other independent sellers, you may be able to save some money.
Final Thoughts: Magic Mouse vs. Magic Trackpad
Even though they differ by $50 however, the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse are superior input devices that can support multi-touch gestures as well as the native support for macOS as well as iPadOS. However, if you must select between the two, it is reasonable to assume that your particular workflow and personal preferences will play a major role in your choice.
The Magic Trackpad should be your top option if you want a MacBook-like experience on your Mac. For creative professionals and those who don’t mind spending the additional $50, its bigger control surface, support for a variety of motions, and Force Touch make it ideal.
The Magic Mouse, on the other hand, will work better for you if you want a conventional mouse with simple gesture capabilities. Additionally, since the Magic Mouse is reasonably priced, it is appropriate for students and other non-technical users who may wish to use their Mac to surf the web or run productivity programs.
