Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse Review: A Sustainable Mouse That Lets Owners Assign Handedness with a Flip

Targus ErgoFlip™ EcoSmart Mouse™ Review

The $59.99 Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse is a unique device that combines sustainability, versatility, and performance in a sleek and ergonomic design. It is one of the few mice that can be easily switched from left-hand to right-hand use, making it ideal for ambidextrous users or those who want to reduce the strain on their dominant hand. It is also made with recycled materials and uses low-energy technology, making it a green choice for eco-conscious professionals.

Innovation is difficult to pull off in a commodity device like a mouse. Targus has come through on two fronts simultaneously: the ambidextrous design and the use of sustainable materials.

What we like

Pros

• Unique, ambidextrous design
• Made of sustainable materials
• Highly accurate: supports up to 4000 DPI
• Antimicrobial protection

The .30 lb. Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse has several features and benefits that make it stand out from other mice in the market. These include:

• Ambidextrous design: The mouse has a full-size, symmetrical shape that fits comfortably in either hand. It also has a patent-pending mechanism that allows users to easily flip the top of the mouse and rotate it 180 degrees, changing the orientation of the buttons and the scroll wheel. This way, users can switch from left-hand to right-hand use, or vice versa, with a simple reorientation of the mouse’s button portion. This feature is useful for left-handed users who just like this mouse and might not otherwise be able to use it effectively without the flip features. Of course, ambidextrous users who want to use both hands equally will find it a unique experience, as will users who want to alternate between hands to prevent fatigue or injury. The mouse was smooth and easy to use, however I found the scroll wheel slightly more forward than was ideal for my hands.
• Sustainable materials: The mouse is manufactured from up to 85% post-consumer recycled plastic, which reduces the environmental impact of the product. The mouse also comes in packaging made from recycled materials, which further reduces waste and carbon footprint. The mouse uses Bluetooth low energy technology, which consumes less power than traditional Bluetooth devices, and extends the battery life of the mouse. The mouse also has a power-saving mode, which automatically turns off the mouse when not in use, and a battery indicator, which alerts users when the battery is low. The mouse is compatible with rechargeable batteries, which can be replaced easily by opening the bottom cover of the mouse.
• Performance and accuracy: The mouse supports up to 4000 DPI, which can be adjusted by pressing the DPI button on the top of the mouse. The mouse has four DPI levels: 800, 1600, 2400, and 4000, which can be selected according to the user’s preference and the type of task. The higher the DPI, the faster and more responsive the mouse cursor moves on the screen. 4000 DPI makes the ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse a gaming contender. The mouse also has built-in infrared optical tracking technology, which provides smooth and precise control across a variety of surfaces, such as wood, glass, or fabric.
• Antimicrobial protection: The mouse features Targus DefenseGuard Antimicrobial Protection, which is a coating that prevents the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, on the surface of the mouse. This helps to create a cleaner and safer surface for the user, and reduces the risk of infection or illness. The antimicrobial protection works continuously for the life of the product, and does not affect the performance or functionality of the mouse. (Note: Antimicrobial protection is limited to the device itself. This mouse has been infused with an antimicrobial additive. Active ingredient: Silver Phosphate Glass (nano-). EPA Est/ 99234-CA-1)

Other positives for the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse include:

• Support for Chrome OS™, Windows®, and macOS®, ipadOS, iOS, and Android
• A limited 2-year warranty.

Targus rightfully takes the sustainability work all the way to the fully recyclable packaging.

What could be improved

Cons

• Not rechargeable
• No software for configuring the buttons

The ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse, misses one mark in its strive toward sustainability: a rechargeable battery. Low Energy Bluetooth keeps power consumption down, but a rechargeable battery in the box would seal the deal. Of course, it can be powered by a rechargeable battery, but doesn’t ship with one, which is a missed opportunity. It would be even better if the mouse included wireless (or wired charging) to take its sustainable street cred to the next level.

I would also like to see software, at least on the PC, but support for macOS would also be welcome to configure the various extra buttons that seem to offer some default assignments on a PC but do nothing on a Mac.

Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse: The bottom line

The Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse is an innovative and eco-friendly mouse with a unique and ergonomic ambidextrous design, powerful and accurate performance, and antimicrobial protection. It is ideal for users who value sustainability, versatility, and comfort—and who want to use both hands equally or alternately.

Targus provided the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse for review. Images courtesy of Targus unless otherwise noted.

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