Logitech launches $80 foldable Mobi Fold travel mouse
The Bluetooth mouse folds in half for portability, but its sharp tented shape raises comfort questions for longer sessions.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
3 min read
Logitech has released the Mobi Fold, an $80 wireless mouse designed to shrink for travel by folding in half. The device targets laptop users who prefer a mouse but often rely on trackpads when working away from a desk.
Logitech said in its announcement that 72% of professionals own a mouse, while 26% use one in public work settings. The company did not describe the research method behind those figures, according to Ars Technica.
The Mobi Fold’s main feature is a hinged body covered by accordion-style silicone. The Verge reported that the hinge opens to about 130 degrees, allowing the mouse to switch between a compact folded form and an angled shape for use.
According to Logitech, the mouse measures 0.83 inches tall, 2.24 inches wide and 2.6 inches deep when folded. Ars Technica reported that its folded volume is 4.83 cubic inches and its weight is 2.79 ounces.
Auto power and durability claims
Logitech says the Mobi Fold turns on when opened and powers down when folded closed. That design is meant to save battery life without requiring users to remember a manual power switch before putting the mouse into a bag.
The company says the mouse can detect when it has been lifted. In that state, Logitech says the buttons stop responding to prevent unwanted clicks while the user is folding it, though tracking and the touch-based scroll function continue to work.
A Logitech datasheet says the Mobi Fold is designed to handle 50,000 fold-and-unfold cycles. Logitech said that testing was conducted under controlled conditions until wear or functional problems appeared.
The mouse uses a PAW3222 sensor with sensitivity from 400 DPI to 4,000 DPI in 100-DPI steps, according to Logitech. The company says the Mobi Fold lasts up to 30 days per charge and uses a replaceable, rechargeable battery.
Trade-offs against conventional travel mice
Ars Technica’s Scharon Harding reported that the Mobi Fold appears strong on portability, but raised concerns about comfort. Harding said the mouse’s working shape creates a sharper angle under the palm than flatter or more rounded travel mice, including Microsoft’s Surface Arc Mouse and Dell’s MS700.
The Mobi Fold replaces a mechanical scroll wheel with a touch panel. Ars Technica reported that the left and right click areas are flat, while two buttons under the touch panel have noticeable travel and can be assigned functions through Logitech’s Logi Options+ software.
The mouse does not have onboard memory, according to Ars Technica. That means custom button settings do not follow the device unless the paired computer has been configured through Options+.
Harding compared the Mobi Fold with Logitech’s MX Anywhere 3 and the newer Anywhere 3S, saying the older travel mouse design gives up some portability for a fuller shape and a more tactile scroll wheel. Ars Technica reported that the MX Anywhere 3 weighs 3.49 ounces and occupies 13.69 cubic inches, versus 2.79 ounces and 4.83 cubic inches for the folded Mobi Fold.
Logitech claims the Mobi Fold reduces muscle strain by 22% compared with a laptop trackpad. Harding said she suspected the MX Anywhere 3 could perform better on comfort, while noting that Logitech rates the MX Anywhere 3 battery at up to 70 days, compared with 30 days for the Mobi Fold.
This story draws on original reporting from Ars Technica.