Wired optical mice outstrip wireless units

	Bol-Link’s model CYM-9091G 2.4GHz wireless mouse has 1,600cpi resolution and allows switching resolution for gaming. It comes with a retractable and storable dongle.

Response speed and flexibility aside, cordless models are constrained to upscale markets.

Reflecting global trends, wired configurations dominate production of mice in China. In addition to their lower price, mature technology and stable production outlay help secure the type’s market lead. Cord-free versions need an IC and external power supply, which push up manufacturing overhead and consequently quotes.

Makers nevertheless offer both wired and wireless optical and laser variants to cater to different users. About 80 percent of the country’s output consists of optical configurations, and the rest laser models. The cordless category includes 27MHz and 24GHz RF and Bluetooth kinds.

Regardless of type, most products are targeted at the entry-level and midrange segments as the high end remains the turf of international vendors such as Logitech and Microsoft.

Still, China is the world’s largest manufacturer of computer mice, accounting for an estimated 80 percent of the global turnout. No less than 70 percent of the country’s yield is exported. The main destinations are Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Many suppliers are eyeing new markets to broaden reach.

The bulk of shipments go to OEM and ODM customers. Enterprises pursuing OBM promote their brands mostly in the domestic market.

Piggybacking on strong laptop sales, makers in China are confident of stable growth, with some anticipating a rise in export revenue by year-end.

Shenzhen Vigor Electronic Co. Ltd eyes a 30 percent increase in foreign trade. It expects the global industry to climb by more than 10 percent in coming months.

Local manufacturers said the mouse provides a more convenient way of encoding data than the touch pad integrated into notebook PCs. Still, the broadening adoption of touchscreen technology is seen by several as a potential threat.

Mainstream are corded optical versions with a USB 2.0 interface, 800cpi resolution and the standard three buttons. Makers can provide combination ports that include one for PS/2 and a sensor rate adjustable to 1,600cpi on buyers’ requests. Some incorporate Skype, microphone and other value-added functions.

Product homogeneity is inevitable in China as functions deviate rarely from the standard. As such, enterprises compete mostly in terms of cosmetics. Releases come in novel designs, including airplanes, cars, golf balls and other shapes. Some use alternative materials such as bamboo.

Makers offering laser mice typically target the high end. The type delivers enhanced control sensitivity suitable for gaming applications. A few vendors plan to increase output of this version in coming months.

Low-end wired models range from $2 to $4. Laser variants are about $2 higher than optical counterparts.

	Nange’s model T30 2.4GHz wireless optical mouse has a 10m operating range.

In general, wireless units are constrained to the upscale segment because of the high price. Only a few enterprises focus on such kind. One of them is Shenzhen Vigor, which allots 70 percent of output to noncorded units.

The minority sector continues to be dominated by 2.4GHz models. Cordless versions based on 27MHz RF are produced but only in small quantities as demand for the former continues to swell. The technology is disadvantaged by a short operating range, high power consumption and interference issues.

Classified as midrange, 2.4GHz mice are quoted from $6 to $9. These usually have up to six buttons with corresponding functions, including resolution adjustment. Some have compartments for the USB port.

Bluetooth units are generally regarded as high-end with prices ranging from $9.10 to $15. Output of this type is currently limited. Makers said supply will rise once more desktop and notebook PCs adopt the standard.

A few incorporate an ultracompact keypad and a mini USB hub.

Bol-Link Electronic Co. Ltd offers the model CYM-9091G 2.4GHz mouse, which delivers 1,600cpi and 10m effective transmission range.

The unit has a retractable dongle and is compatible with Windows Vista, ME, XP and 2000. It complies with CE, FCC and RoHS.

The AH-111 model from Shenzhen Abram Technology Ltd is a combination 2.4GHz wireless mouse and hub. Designed for right-handed users, it supports 1,000cpi resolution and has an optical sensor with hyperspeed scrolling.

The product goes on power-save mode automatically after eight minutes on idle. Priced at $10, it has a storage space for a nano receiver and 3-port mini USB hub.

At least 90 percent of mainland China’s 200 mouse makers are in Guangdong province, with a large concentration in Shenzhen and Dongguan cities. The latter hosts a number of Taiwan- and Hong Kong-invested companies, mostly large and midsize operations.

Jiangsu province is known for hosting the world’s biggest manufacturer, Logitech.

Almost all suppliers offer wired and 2.4GHz models. At present, only 10 percent rolls out Bluetooth types, usually to complement dongles, headsets and other devices running on the same technology.

Small operations typically employ fewer than 150 workers and ship no more than 200,000 units a month. Midsize companies have 150 to 500 personnel churning out 200,000 to 800,000 monthly. Large enterprises output more than 800,000 units with a manpower resource exceeding 500.

Manufacturers in Hong Kong are stepping up R&D to recoup export losses incurred in the aftermath of the global financial downturn. Last year’s outbound shipments of computer input devices, including mice, dropped 16 percent compared with 2008 at 126 million units. Suppliers are hoping product enhancements will improve sales in coming months. As such, they are introducing novel concepts and value-added functions.

Companies offer hundreds of models ranging from low-cost varieties based on public molds to wireless, laser and gaming versions with exclusive designs. Basic wired mice incorporate two buttons, a scroll wheel and 400 to 800cpi resolution. Detachable and/or retractable USB cables have crossed over to the mainstream in compact and mini types. Varied functions are being added, including laser pointer, thermometer, timer, USB hub, memory card reader, flashing LEDs, VoIP and vacuum cleaner for keyboards.

Among the popular shapes are hearts, trains, footballs, cars, T-shirts and cartoon characters.

The wireless segment comprises 27MHz and 2.4GHz RF and Bluetooth versions. The receivers are in dock, dongle and nano types. The last has become popular among suppliers because of its lower raw material and packaging costs.