Logitech B100 Wired USB Mouse vs Kensington USB Wired Mouse

Price and Value Comparison

Both the Logitech B100 Wired USB Mouse and the Kensington USB Wired Mouse are priced identically at £4.99, making them equally affordable choices in the budget mouse segment. This shared price point means neither offers a direct financial advantage over the other based on cost alone. However, the Logitech B100 holds a slight edge in perceived value due to its 3-year hardware warranty, which is not mentioned for the Kensington model. While both are priced consistently across their respective histories—both averaging £4.99 over the past 90 days—the Logitech’s longer warranty adds tangible long-term assurance without increasing upfront cost.

Performance and Tracking Precision

The Logitech B100 delivers 800 DPI optical precision, providing accurate cursor control ideal for everyday tasks like document editing and web browsing. In contrast, the Kensington USB Wired Mouse offers a higher 1000 DPI optical tracking capability, which may result in smoother movement across surfaces and slightly faster cursor response during navigation. This 20% increase in DPI could be beneficial for users who prefer quicker pointer movement or work with larger screen resolutions. Both mice rely on optical tracking, ensuring consistent performance regardless of surface type, but the Kensington's higher resolution offers a measurable technical advantage in sensitivity.

Design and Ergonomics

The Logitech B100 features an ambidextrous design suitable for left- or right-handed users, with a full-size shape intended for maximum comfort during extended use. The Kensington USB Wired Mouse also boasts an ambidextrous, rounded form factor designed for comfortable grip and usability by either hand. Both models prioritise ergonomic comfort through their contoured shapes, though neither specifies exact dimensions or weight. The Kensington model’s description highlights its “contoured for comfort and grip,” suggesting intentional focus on user feel, while the Logitech explicitly mentions “maximum comfort for extended use,” indicating similar intent. Neither product provides details on materials or build quality beyond general durability claims.

Connectivity and Setup Experience

Both mice utilise a plug-and-play setup, requiring no drivers or software installation—simply connect via USB and begin using them immediately. The Logitech B100 uses a standard USB cable, while the Kensington model includes a 1.8 m USB 3.0 cable, offering greater reach and potentially better data transfer speed, although this does not affect mouse functionality. A note in the Kensington listing warns that a USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter may be necessary for newer Mac devices, which introduces a potential compatibility hurdle not present with the Logitech model. This difference in connectivity flexibility gives the Logitech a slight edge in future-proofing for modern laptops, particularly those lacking legacy USB-A ports.

Compatibility Across Operating Systems

The Logitech B100 supports a broader range of operating systems, including Windows Vista or later, Linux kernel 2.4+, Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and Chrome OS. The Kensington USB Wired Mouse is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, macOS X 10.11, 10.10 or above, and Chrome OS 44 or above. While both cover major platforms, the Logitech’s support for older versions of Mac OS X (down to 10.3.9) and Linux kernels dating back to 2.4+ gives it wider backward compatibility. This makes the Logitech more suitable for users running legacy systems or older hardware, especially in educational or enterprise environments where outdated software may still be in use.

Durability and Warranty Assurance

The Logitech B100 comes with a 3-year hardware warranty, a significant differentiator absent from the Kensington model’s specifications. This extended warranty suggests greater confidence in build quality and long-term reliability. Although both products are described as durable and affordable, only the Logitech explicitly guarantees repair or replacement coverage for three years. The absence of any warranty mention for the Kensington mouse implies it may offer no formal protection beyond standard consumer rights, leaving users without recourse if the device fails prematurely. This lack of warranty detail weakens the Kensington’s long-term value proposition despite its otherwise solid feature set.

Which should you buy?

If you prioritise long-term reliability and peace of mind, the Logitech B100 Wired USB Mouse is the clear winner. It matches the Kensington in price at £4.99 but offers a 3-year hardware warranty—something the Kensington lacks entirely. While the Kensington provides a higher 1000 DPI tracking resolution, this advantage is offset by the absence of a warranty and a noted need for a USB-C adapter on newer Macs. The Logitech’s broader OS compatibility, including older versions of Mac OS X and Linux, further strengthens its position. For users seeking a dependable, future-ready, and well-supported option at a competitive price, the Logitech B100 presents superior overall value.