Logitech Mobi Fold: The Ultraportable Mouse That Folds in Half

Logitech has officially announced its new ultraportable travel mouse, the Mobi Fold, following leaked marketing images last month. True to its name, the Mobi Fold is a compact mouse designed to fold in half via a hinge that can pivot around 130 degrees. Available for $79.99 in graphite, off-white, lilac, and sand color options, it might not be Logitech's lightest or cheapest offering, but it's certainly one of its smallest and presents a well-featured alternative to your laptop's trackpad, provided you can adapt to its unconventional ergonomics.

The arch-shaped Mobi Fold bears a resemblance to other folding devices, such as the Microsoft Surface Arc mouse. However, while Microsoft's design folds flat for easier pocket or bag storage, the Mobi Fold operates more like a clamshell cellphone. Despite not snapping shut with a distinct click, it feels robust. Logitech claims the hinge has been tested to endure 15 years of daily use.

Nearly half of the mouse is enveloped in a grippy silicone skin that not only enhances grip but also offers some protection against drops. This skin features a pleated design around the hinge, which expands and stretches when the mouse is folded, preventing any pinching. Weighing in at 79 grams, the Mobi Fold is slightly heavier than Logitech's Pebble Mouse 2 and the M196, but its folded dimensions—just over three-quarters of an inch tall and approximately 2.6 by 2.5 inches—make it incredibly compact, reminiscent of a slightly thinner wireless earbud case.

Logitech states that the Mobi Fold's rechargeable battery can power the mouse for up to a month on a full charge. A quick 1-minute charge is sufficient for up to 22 hours of use. The mouse is set for a global release, and recent EU regulations might be the reason for a removable cover on the underside, allowing the rechargeable battery to be replaced in the future, a welcome feature for sustainability.

While not intended to replace a full-featured desktop mouse, the Mobi Fold provides enough functionality to serve as a solid trackpad alternative. It features a 4K DPI optical sensor on the bottom and a multi-function touch panel situated between the left and right mouse buttons. The behavior of this touch panel can be customized using the optional Logi Options Plus software for scrolling or other functions. The top and bottom sections of the touch panel also act as additional click buttons, defaulting to forward and back functions during browsing but customizable through Logitech's app.

A single button on the underside allows the Mobi Fold to connect and switch between up to three different devices, and it connected seamlessly to laptops and an iPad. Instead of a dedicated power button, the mouse turns off when folded in half, a smart design that prevents accidental clicks by disabling buttons during the folding process.

For those who prioritize portability above all else, the Mobi Fold is an excellent choice for keeping a mouse handy. However, users might need some time to adjust to its unique ergonomics. While a physical scroll wheel is preferred by some, the convenience of its compact size and touch panel scrolling is undeniable, especially for enhancing productivity on devices like the iPad.