Wireless mouse jerks around

If you are experiencing radio connection problems with a wireless mouse or keyboard, this is often caused by interference from USB 3.0 in the 2.4 GHz radio band. This can be remedied by plugging the USB receiver into a USB 2.0 port, keeping it away from USB 3.0 devices, and shielding USB 3.0 devices.

Problem

The cursor on wireless mice jerks around.

Cause

The radiation from 0 Hz to 5 GHz of a USB 3.0 connection leads to problems in the 2,4 GHz band of USB wireless receivers.

USB 3.0 uses the spectrum from 0Hz to 5GHz. The radiation emitted by cables (e.g., the USB 3.0 cable of an externally connected hard drive) interferes with the 2.5 GHz radio band of the wireless mouse.

Also other devices such as babyphones, microwaves or DECT telephones, that can use the 20,4 GHz frequency band, can cause connection problems for cable mouses.

Solution

The following hints help to solve transmission problems:

• Use the USB 2.0 ports (white socket instead of the blue USB 3.0 socket) for wireless mice and keyboards
• When using USB 3.0 components, use well-shielded cables whenever possible.
• Keep the distance between the USB-recipient of the wireless mouse and the USB 3.0 components as big as possible

More information

• USB 3.0 disturbs 2,4-GHz-Funk: When the wireless mouse jerks and jolts! (linuxundich.de, 21.05.2014)
• wireless mouse does not function - That could be the reason (chip.de, 30.01.2016)
• PC-mouse hangs - what to do? (heise.de, 09.06.2020)

References

Author: Werner Fischer Werner Fischer, working in the Knowledge Transfer team at Thomas-Krenn, completed his studies of Computer and Media Security at FH Hagenberg in Austria. He is a regular speaker at many conferences like LinuxTag, OSMC, OSDC, LinuxCon, and author for various IT magazines. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano and training for a good result at the annual Linz marathon relay.

Translator: Alina Ranzinger Alina has been working at Thomas-Krenn.AG since 2024. After her training as multilingual business assistant, she got her job as assistant of the Product Management and is responsible for the translation of texts and for the organisation of the department.