What is a waterproof mouse?
A waterproof mouse is a type of computer mouse designed to resist damage from liquids. Unlike standard mice, which typically stop working if exposed to water, a waterproof mouse features a sealed housing that protects its internal components. As a result, the mouse remains operational even when exposed to liquids or brief submersion.
Can a waterproof mouse have a scroll wheel?
A waterproof mouse can have a scroll wheel. This type of mouse comes with fully sealed internal electronics, as featured in our C Mouse. Fluids can penetrate the mouse but can be rinsed out without causing damage. For applications requiring a completely seamless, hygienic surface, our Mighty Mouse and Petite Mouse replace the traditional scroll wheel with a sealed click-scrolling solution.
Does a waterproof mouse resist any fluid?
When a mouse is described as waterproof, it means it is designed to resist water. However, this does not automatically mean it is resistant to all types of liquids. If a mouse needs to withstand disinfectants or other aggressive fluids, it is important to consult the product specifications to verify its chemical compatibility.
All our medical mice can be used with most common surface disinfectants. Our Mighty O’ Mouse is also suitable for environments where exposure to oily fluids may occur.
Does the IP rating tell me if a mouse is waterproof?
The industry standard used to classify the water resistance of computer devices is the “IP” standard. IP stands for Ingress Protection. This classification system measures resistance to dust and fluids. It is the 8 in IP68 that stands for waterproof. However, the term “waterproof” can still vary depending on the conditions. Factors such as how long the device can remain under water and at what depth must also be considered.
Further information on IP protection classes and how we interpret them can be found here.
Why choose a water-resistant mouse?
Water-resistant mice are essential in environments where hygiene regulations require regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch equipment. In industries such as healthcare, laboratories, and food production, the use of cleanable and waterproof input devices is mandatory to comply with strict hygiene and safety standards.
A water-resistant mouse can also be very useful in environments where exposure to fluids and dust is a factor. You will limit down-time and your mouse will last longer if you can rinse off dirt and fluids instead of replacing it with a new one.
In which environments are waterproof mice used?
Environments with strict hygiene and cleaning requirements rely on waterproof mice to ensure safe and reliable computer use. You can use our mice in operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency departments, and nursing stations. They are suitable for any hospital environment where computers are used close to patients and equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Their ability to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected supports strict infection control protocols.
Beyond hospitals, you can also use our waterproof mice in dental practices, veterinary clinics, and laboratories, where equipment that can be easily cleaned is required.
Waterproof mice are also essential in clean and controlled production environments, such as food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. In these industries, maintaining strict cleanliness standards and handling liquids safely are key requirements, making durable and easy-to-clean input devices indispensable.
Across all these environments, users benefit from devices that combine hygienic design with reliability and ease of use.
Waterproof mice from Man & Machine
Man & Machine offers waterproof and water-resistant mice designed for different levels of protection and usability.
For environments that require complete protection against liquids, our two fully sealed models feature a seamless silicone surface without any openings. Instead of a traditional scroll wheel, they use a click-scroll system with dedicated up and down buttons and a scroll-lock function. The Mighty Mouse is our classic model, known for its solid grip, while the Petite Mouse offers a more compact and streamlined design, ideal for space-constrained workstations.
In environments where protecting internal electronics and enabling wipe disinfection is sufficient, a scroll wheel can still be used. Our C Mouse combines this familiar usability with an IP68 rating, making it the most intuitive disinfectable mouse in our portfolio.
Our wireless C Mouse is not hermetically sealed, but it offers a practical level of water resistance, allowing you to wipe, spray and rinse it. It can connect via Bluetooth or through a 2.4 GHz connection using a USB dongle, providing reliable performance without cables. When you close off the cable entry point with its designated port plug, it is safe to wipe or spray the mouse.
All of our water-resistant mice are compatible with Windows and macOS and may be combined with any of our waterproof keyboards.
What should you consider when purchasing a waterproof mouse?
When selecting the most suitable water-resistant mouse for your application, there are a few things to consider:
Which fluids will the water-resistant mouse be exposed to?
Water is a relatively mild fluid, but most environments that require a water-resistant mouse expose the mouse to more aggressive fluids, such as surface disinfectants. All our mice may be exposed to disinfectants. A list of approved cleaning fluids is available.
Which hygiene and infection prevention protocols will the mouse be exposed to?
Find out from your infection prevention team which cleaning and disinfecting protocol the mouse must comply with. How frequently will the mouse be cleaned and disinfected and how will this need to be done? Which disinfectant will be used?
Consult our Cleaning and disinfecting information page to check if the product you wish to use and cleaning method necessary may be used on the mouse of your choice. If you are in doubt, please reach out for advice.
Which amount of space is available for the mouse?
If there is a limited surface area for the mouse, our Petite Mouse has the smallest footprint. A touchpad can also be an alternative in that case.
Do you need the mouse to be available 24/7?
The most reliable option is always a wired mouse. Our C Mouse wired, Mighty Mouse and Petite Mouse assure nonstop availability.
Is theft a concern?
When the environment the mouse is used in is frequently accessed by strangers, securing your mouse by using a wired version is a safer option.
How long should the cable be?
Our mice have a standard cable length of 180 cm. Longer or shorter cable length is available for our fully sealed mice. If you do not want any cable on your desk, our wireless C Mouse is the most suitable mouse for you.
Our reliable partners and our team are available to help you select the best mouse for your application.
Certifications and quality standards
All waterproof mice from Man & Machine are independently tested and certified to meet international safety and quality requirements. Each model carries an official IP rating and complies with globally recognized standards, ensuring safe, reliable performance in all markets:
- CE/UKCA: Confirms compliance with European Union and Great Britain safety, health and environmental protection requirements.
- IP Rating (IP68 / IP65 / IP67): Defines the level of protection against dust and water ingress. Our fully waterproof mice are rated IP68, while washable mouse models are rated IP65 or IP68, depending on the design.
- EN 60601: Ensures electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for use in medical environments, reducing the risk of interference with sensitive medical devices.
- RoHS Compliance: Restricts hazardous substances in electronic equipment to protect users and the environment.
- REACH Regulation: Controls and limits substances of very high concern (SVHC) in electronic components and materials.
Download certificates & other documentation
Why choose Man & Machine?
Man & Machine has been building rigid waterproof input devices since 2003. The Mighty Mouse was one of the first widely adopted, purpose-built hygienic mice. The Mighty Mouse helped popularize washable mice commercially because of its user-friendly design, ease of cleaning and affordable price point. Our water-resistant keyboards and mice have found their way to medical and industrial environments around the world. Our users put their trust in the product quality we provide, backed by an industry leading warranty and technical support program.
Request personal advice or a quote
If you are looking for personal advice or a tailored quote for our waterproof mice, our team is happy to support you. We will guide you to the best solution for your application, whether in healthcare environments, industrial settings, or cleanroom use.
Contact us by phone, email, or via our contact form.
