Microsoft Classic Intellimouse Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£900
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Maximum polling rate: 1000 Hz
  • Maximum DPI: 3200 DPI
  • Weight: 100 g

Microsoft Classic Intellimouse review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among mice and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the mouse's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best mice on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.9

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Good
3.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the mouse's technical performance, covering key areas such as sensor performance, buttons and features, connectivity, battery life, ergonomics, software, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare mice based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

36.0%

4.7

Performance & Sensor

22.0%

2.7

Controls

16.0%

6.0

Design

14.0%

3.9

Features

7.0%

1.1

Connectivity

5.0%

1.0

Battery & Charging

Poor
9.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(1124)
amazon
4.4
(812)
amazon
4.4
(52)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(849)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(667)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.7

    Maximum polling rate

    24.0%

    4.4

    N. of programmable buttons

    20.0%

    1.0

    Onboard memory profiles

    16.0%

    1.1

    Maximum tracking speed

    12.0%

    5.5

    Weight

  • No image
No image

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Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse is a wired USB ergonomic mouse that modernizes the legendary IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 design for productivity and light use. It features a PixArt PAW3808EK BlueTrack sensor with an adjustable resolution from 400 to 3,200 DPI and a 1,000Hz polling rate for responsive tracking on nearly any surface, including glass. The device weighs 100g and includes five buttons, three of which are fully customizable via Microsoft software, alongside a firm, tactile scroll wheel and a modern white LED tail light. Key pros include its classic, comfortable right-handed shape, improved build rigidity, and reliable surface compatibility. However, notable cons include a stiff, non-braided plastic cable, side rubber grips that can perish over time, and a sensor that may feel jittery or 'sticky' during high-precision tasks or competitive gaming compared to modern dedicated gaming sensors.

Technical Specifications of Microsoft Classic Intellimouse

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the mouse's technical performance, covering key areas such as sensor performance, buttons and features, connectivity, battery life, ergonomics, software, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare mice based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

36.0%

4.7

Performance & Sensor

22.0%

2.7

Controls

16.0%

6.0

Design

14.0%

3.9

Features

7.0%

1.1

Connectivity

5.0%

1.0

Battery & Charging

3.9
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a technical score of 3.92 points, which is lower than that of 93.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(1124)
amazon
4.4
(812)
amazon
4.4
(52)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(849)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(667)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.2
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a user score of 9.24 points, which is higher than that of 82.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the mouse.
When it matters: When you prefer a mouse that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 63.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the mouse's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a mouse that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Overall score

40.0%

5.8

Price

5.2
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.2 points, which is lower than 99.7% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Microsoft
Maximum polling rate
What it is: The maximum number of position reports the mouse can send to the computer each second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
When it matters: When you are chasing the lowest possible input delay for competitive play and want the mouse reporting as often as possible.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 Hz

1,000 Hz
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a maximum polling rate of 1000 Hz, which is higher than 27.8% of mice and equal to 55.1% of mice.
Wired polling rate
What it is: The polling rate the mouse reaches when it is connected with a cable.
When it matters: When you mainly use the mouse wired and want maximum responsiveness.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 Hz

1,000 Hz
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a wired polling rate of 1000 Hz, which is higher than 13.3% of mice and equal to 77.3% of mice.
2.4 GHz polling rate
What it is: The polling rate available when the mouse is used over a 2.4 GHz wireless connection.
When it matters: When you use the 2.4 GHz receiver and want near-wired performance.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 Hz

N/A
Bluetooth polling rate
What it is: The polling rate available when the mouse is connected through Bluetooth.
When it matters: When you use Bluetooth and want to understand the trade-off in responsiveness.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=125 Hz

0 Hz
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a Bluetooth polling rate of 0 Hz, which is equal to 63% of mice.
wired only.
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Connectivity
What it is: The mouse's high-level connectivity class: wired only, wireless only, or both wired and wireless.
When it matters: When you need to know at a glance whether the mouse is wired, wireless, or flexible enough to support both.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports wired connectivity, which is less versatile than 65.1% of mice and equal to 34.9% of mice.
connection modes: wired.
Bluetooth support
What it is: Shows whether the mouse can connect over Bluetooth instead of relying only on a wired link or proprietary USB receiver.
When it matters: When you want a dongle-free connection option for laptops, tablets, or devices with limited USB ports.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support Bluetooth. 35.6% of mice support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The Bluetooth standard version supported by the mouse for wireless connectivity and compatibility.
When it matters: When you care about Bluetooth compatibility, efficiency, and connection quality.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.1

N/A
Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
What it is: Shows whether the mouse supports the brand's dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless system rather than relying only on Bluetooth.
When it matters: When you want the brand's fast low-latency wireless mode instead of depending only on Bluetooth performance.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless. 61.6% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
Receiver included
What it is: Shows whether a compatible wireless receiver is included in the box instead of needing to be bought separately.
When it matters: When you expect full wireless use immediately and do not want to buy extra accessories just to get started.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a receiver. 62.5% of mice include a receiver.
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Battery life
What it is: The operating time the mouse can deliver on a full charge or a fresh set of batteries under normal use.
When it matters: When the mouse needs to last through workdays, travel, or repeated gaming sessions without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >400 hours

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of energy the built-in battery can store, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of judging endurance from marketing hours alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=500 mAh

N/A
Battery form factor
What it is: The battery format used by the mouse, such as AA, AAA, integrated rechargeable cell, or another form.
When it matters: When you care whether the mouse uses easy-to-replace AA or AAA cells or a sealed rechargeable pack.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Rechargeable battery
What it is: Shows whether the mouse uses a rechargeable battery instead of relying only on disposable cells.
When it matters: When you prefer topping the mouse up over USB or a dock instead of buying disposable batteries repeatedly.

Importance: HIGH

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not use a rechargeable battery. 46% of mice use a rechargeable battery.
Removable battery
What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed and replaced by the user instead of being sealed inside the mouse.
When it matters: When long-term serviceability matters and you would rather replace the battery than replace the whole mouse later.

Importance: LOW

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not use a removable battery. 22.3% of mice use a removable battery.
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N. of buttons
What it is: The total number of physical buttons available on the mouse body.
When it matters: When you need enough physical controls for shortcuts, MMO binds, browser actions, or productivity commands.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=7

5
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 5 buttons, which is less than 76.9% of mice and equal to 9.7% of mice.
N. of side buttons
What it is: The number of buttons placed on the side of the mouse, typically for thumb access.
When it matters: When thumb-access buttons matter for browser navigation, MMOs, or productivity shortcuts.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 2 side buttons, which is more than 15.1% of mice and equal to 68.4% of mice.
N. of programmable buttons
What it is: The number of mouse buttons that can be customized or reassigned through software or onboard settings.
When it matters: When remapping flexibility matters and you want more actions moved off the keyboard.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=7

3
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 3 programmable buttons, which is less than 79.2% of mice and equal to 2% of mice.
DPI switching button
What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes a dedicated control for changing DPI levels on the fly.
When it matters: When you want to swap sensitivity instantly for sniping, browsing, editing, or different game genres.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a DPI switching button. 85.4% of mice include a DPI switching button.
Profile switching button
What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes a dedicated control for changing onboard or saved profiles during use.
When it matters: When you switch between saved profiles for different games or work routines.

Importance: LOW

no
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a profile switching button. 16.8% of mice include a profile switching button.
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Orientation
What it is: The hand orientation the mouse is designed for, such as right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous use.
When it matters: When hand comfort matters and you need a shape that fits your grip and dominant hand.

Importance: HIGH

right-handed
Weight
What it is: The overall weight of the mouse itself, which influences portability, comfort, and movement feel.
When it matters: When you care about how light or substantial the mouse feels during long sessions.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <100 g

100 g
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse weighs 100 g, which is heavier than 70.2% of mice and equal to 2.1% of mice.
Without cable.
Extra weights
What it is: The total weight of removable extra weights included for tuning the balance or feel of the mouse.
When it matters: When you care about tuning balance and overall heft instead of being locked into the stock feel.

Importance: LOW

0 g
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse comes with 0 g of extra weights, which is equal to 95.4% of mice.
Cable length
What it is: The length of the supplied cable used for wired operation or charging, usually measured in meters.
When it matters: When you need enough cable reach across your desk or charging setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=1.8 m

1.9 m
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse comes with a 1.9 m cable, which is longer than 84.4% of mice and equal to 1% of mice.
Cable type
What it is: The construction style of the cable, such as braided, rubber, or paracord, which affects flexibility and durability.
When it matters: When cable drag, flexibility, and durability affect how the mouse feels in use.

Importance: LOW

rubber
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Onboard memory profiles
What it is: The number of user profiles that can be stored directly in the mouse memory for use without reconfiguring software each time.
When it matters: When you use different games, apps, or devices and want settings saved directly on the mouse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=3

0
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports 0 onboard memory profiles, which is less than 52.5% of mice and equal to 47.5% of mice.
Onboard memory size
What it is: The amount of onboard memory available inside the mouse for storing settings, macros, or profiles.
When it matters: When you store complex macros, settings, or several onboard profiles.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=512 KB

0 KB
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 0 KB of onboard memory, which is equal to 82.6% of mice.
no onboard memory.
Software name
What it is: The name of the official software used to configure the mouse, update firmware, or customize features.
When it matters: When software ecosystem and customization tools influence your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware upgradable
What it is: Shows whether the mouse can receive firmware updates for fixes, compatibility improvements, or feature changes.
When it matters: When you want the option for later fixes, stability improvements, or performance tweaks after purchase.

Importance: LOW

?
Suitable for gaming
What it is: Shows whether the mouse is positioned or tuned around gaming-focused speed, latency, and control features.
When it matters: When fast clicks, low latency, and gaming-oriented features are priorities.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse is suitable for gaming. 24.3% of mice are suitable for gaming.

Microsoft Classic Intellimouse vs the average mouse

  • Adjustable lift-off distance
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports adjustable lift-off distance, while the average mouse does not. 46.5% of mice support adjustable lift-off distance.
    What it is: Shows whether you can tune how high the mouse can be lifted before the sensor stops tracking movement.
    When it matters: When you lift and reposition the mouse often and want tighter cursor control.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports adjustable lift-off distance, while the average mouse does not. 46.5% of mice support adjustable lift-off distance.
  • 15.5% higher user score
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a higher user score than the average mouse (9.24 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a higher user score than the average mouse (9.24 vs 8.000).9.24 vs 8
  • 0.1 m longer cable
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse comes with a 1.9 m cable, while the average mouse comes with a 1.8 m cable.
    What it is: The length of the supplied cable used for wired operation or charging, usually measured in meters.
    When it matters: When you need enough cable reach across your desk or charging setup.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1.8 m

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse comes with a 1.9 m cable, while the average mouse comes with a 1.8 m cable.1.9 m vs 1.8 m
  • Adjustable lift-off distance
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports adjustable lift-off distance, while the average mouse does not. 46.5% of mice support adjustable lift-off distance.
  • 0.1 m longer cable
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse comes with a 1.9 m cable, while the average mouse comes with a 1.8 m cable.
  • 90% lower tracking speed
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a maximum tracking speed of 40 IPS, while the average mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 400 IPS.
  • 68% lower maximum DPI
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a maximum DPI of 3,200 DPI, while the average mouse has a maximum DPI of 10,000 DPI.
  • 75% lower maximum acceleration
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a maximum acceleration of 10 G, while the average mouse has a maximum acceleration of 40 G.
  • No angle snapping support
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support angle snapping, while the average mouse does. 53.9% of mice support angle snapping.
  • 200 DPI higher minimum setting
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a minimum DPI of 400 DPI, while the average mouse has a minimum DPI of 200 DPI.
  • No proprietary 2.4 GHz support
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless, while the average mouse does. 61.5% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • No receiver included
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a receiver, while the average mouse does. 62.4% of mice include a receiver.
  • Limited connectivity
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports wired connectivity, while the average mouse supports wireless connectivity.
    connection modes: wired.
  • No automatic sleep mode
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support auto-sleep, while the average mouse does. 63.2% of mice support auto-sleep.
  • No battery level indicator
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a battery level indicator, while the average mouse does. 59.2% of mice include a battery level indicator.
  • 3 fewer programmable buttons
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 3 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.
  • 20 million clicks shorter switch lifespan
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a switch durability of 10 million clicks, while the average mouse has a switch durability of 30 million clicks.
  • No DPI switching button
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a DPI switching button, while the average mouse does. 85.3% of mice include a DPI switching button.
  • 20.9% higher mouse weight
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse weighs 100 g, while the average mouse weighs 82.745 g.
    Without cable.
  • No RGB lighting
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not have RGB lighting, while the average mouse does. 56.3% of mice have RGB lighting.
  • 3.3 mm taller mouse height
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a height of 43 mm, while the average mouse has a height of 39.7 mm.
  • Thin glide feet
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse uses 0.7 mm thick mouse feet, while the average mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet.
  • 4 older release date
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a release date of 2,017, while the average mouse has a release date of 2,021.
    October 2017
  • 1 fewer onboard profiles
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports 0 onboard memory profiles, while the average mouse supports 1 onboard memory profiles.
  • No proprietary 2.4 GHz support
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless, while the average mouse does. 61.5% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
    What it is: Shows whether the mouse supports the brand's dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless system rather than relying only on Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When you want the brand's fast low-latency wireless mode instead of depending only on Bluetooth performance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless, while the average mouse does. 61.5% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • 3 fewer programmable buttons
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 3 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.
    What it is: The number of mouse buttons that can be customized or reassigned through software or onboard settings.
    When it matters: When remapping flexibility matters and you want more actions moved off the keyboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has 3 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.3 vs 6
  • 20 million clicks shorter switch lifespan
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a switch durability of 10 million clicks, while the average mouse has a switch durability of 30 million clicks.
    What it is: The rated click lifespan of the primary switches, usually expressed in millions of clicks.
    When it matters: When heavy clicking, long-term reliability, and avoiding early switch failure are part of the buying decision.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=70 million clicks

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a switch durability of 10 million clicks, while the average mouse has a switch durability of 30 million clicks.10 million clicks vs 30 million clicks
  • 90% lower tracking speed
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a maximum tracking speed of 40 IPS, while the average mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 400 IPS.
    What it is: The highest movement speed the sensor can track accurately before it starts losing precision, usually expressed in inches per second (IPS).
    When it matters: When you make very fast swipes and do not want the sensor to lose tracking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=400 IPS

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse has a maximum tracking speed of 40 IPS, while the average mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 400 IPS.40 IPS vs 400 IPS
  • 20.9% higher mouse weight
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse weighs 100 g, while the average mouse weighs 82.745 g.
    Without cable.
    What it is: The overall weight of the mouse itself, which influences portability, comfort, and movement feel.
    When it matters: When you care about how light or substantial the mouse feels during long sessions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <100 g

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse weighs 100 g, while the average mouse weighs 82.745 g.100 g vs 82.745 g
  • 1 fewer onboard profiles
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports 0 onboard memory profiles, while the average mouse supports 1 onboard memory profiles.
    What it is: The number of user profiles that can be stored directly in the mouse memory for use without reconfiguring software each time.
    When it matters: When you use different games, apps, or devices and want settings saved directly on the mouse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=3

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse supports 0 onboard memory profiles, while the average mouse supports 1 onboard memory profiles.0 vs 1
  • No automatic sleep mode
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support auto-sleep, while the average mouse does. 63.2% of mice support auto-sleep.
    What it is: Shows whether the mouse automatically enters a low-power state after inactivity to reduce battery drain.
    When it matters: When battery life matters but you do not want to remember to power the mouse down every time you step away.

    Importance: LOW

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not support auto-sleep, while the average mouse does. 63.2% of mice support auto-sleep.
  • No receiver included
    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a receiver, while the average mouse does. 62.4% of mice include a receiver.
    What it is: Shows whether a compatible wireless receiver is included in the box instead of needing to be bought separately.
    When it matters: When you expect full wireless use immediately and do not want to buy extra accessories just to get started.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Microsoft Classic Intellimouse does not include a receiver, while the average mouse does. 62.4% of mice include a receiver.

Graphic comparison of Microsoft Classic Intellimouse and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Microsoft Classic Intellimouse?

  • Iconic ergonomic shape that is highly comfortable for palm grips and larger hands
  • Excellent build quality with tactile, reassuring button clicks and a solid scroll wheel
  • BlueTrack technology allows for reliable tracking on a wide variety of surfaces, including glass
  • Simple, understated professional design suitable for office environments
  • Modern updates like 1,000Hz polling rate and customizable buttons via software
  • Affordable price point compared to high-end gaming mice

What customers dislike about Microsoft Classic Intellimouse?

  • The BlueTrack sensor is considered 'office-grade' and lacks the precision required for competitive gaming
  • Side rubber grips have been reported by users to degrade or peel after several months of use
  • Lack of on-body DPI adjustment requires software installation to change sensitivity
  • Wired-only connection with a rigid plastic cable that lacks the flexibility of modern braided cables
  • Relatively heavy weight (100g) compared to contemporary lightweight mouse trends
  • Right-handed only ergonomic design is not suitable for left-handed users

Video reviews

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