USB extension cable for mouse... 15'

[Charlie98]

I need to get a USB extension cable so I can operate the mouse on my HTPC from the kitchen bar... is just a plain male/female extension going to get it done at 15', or I've seen the 'active' extensions... which do I need?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

The USB spec is 15' max (Well, 5m, which is ~16' I guess, but I usually see it listed as 15'/5m. Must be some people out there who are really, umm... "original" when it comes to metric/SI conversion.) for the entire cable run (including however long the cable on your mouse is.) Longer cables can work, but I've seen some weird stuff happen past that, so I don't second-guess the spec anymore myself.

A 5M repeater is the "right" way. You could also get a 10-12' extension (depending on how long your mouse's wire is) and let the mouse cable do the rest, and probably be fine there, but the repeater cables aren't super-expensive anyway:

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-16-Feet-Extension-Repeater-108751/dp/B009GUTFX8

 

[corkyg]

If it were my problem, I would replace the cable mouse with a wireless one good for up to 33 feet.

 

[Charlie98]

If it were my problem, I would replace the cable mouse with a wireless one good for up to 33 feet.

I've not had good luck with wireless mice... all mine are wired.... but it's been a while. That would be a good solution... I might give it a try.

 

[Ketchup]

We have 4 wireless mice in the house (all Logitechs, I am no longer wasting money on Microsoft mice). I can use a wired but man, it feels weird. As far as range, I remember the last time I had a mouse on two different receivers. Even from two different rooms, both moved the mouse. Of course, YMMV.

 

[mnewsham]

I have problems with wireless mice from ~5 feet without any obstructions but my computer case and desk. It works fine ~90% of the time, but every ~15 minutes or so there would be a few moments of lag when moving the mouse, nothing terrible, but not at all good for gaming situations where suddenly the mouse might not respond for a second or two. I've had the same issues with 3 different wireless mice so I've given up on them for now. Wired works fine in my setup.

As for the OP, i'd probably end up going with a repeater cable and a wired mouse to be sure.