# 🖱️ When is the best time to buy Microsoft computer mice?
> Discover optimal purchasing times and maximize your savings on Microsoft mice!
*Published: 2025-03-17 | Updated: 2026-03-19 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/best-time-to-buy/computer-mice-microsoft*
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# The Ultimate Guide to Buying Microsoft Mice: Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Savings
*Unlock the best discounts on Microsoft pointing devices with our comprehensive analysis of sales patterns, release cycles, and insider price data*
## Introduction: Microsoft's Place in the Pointing Device Market
Microsoft holds approximately 15% of the global computer mice market, making it the second-largest brand behind Logitech and ahead of competitors like Razer and Corsair. Their mice are known for ergonomic design, reliability, and seamless integration with Windows systems. In 2023, Microsoft exited direct peripheral sales for most of its non-Surface accessories, licensing the designs to Incase under a "Designed by Microsoft" partnership. Surface-branded mice and a handful of flagship models remain sold directly by Microsoft. This shift has created new buying dynamics that savvy shoppers can exploit. Our comprehensive analysis reveals distinct patterns in Microsoft's pricing, sales events, and product releases that can help you save significantly.
## The Microsoft Calendar: Best Months to Buy
Microsoft mice follow predictable pricing patterns throughout the year. Our analysis shows clear opportunities for savings that align with both Microsoft-specific events and broader retail sales periods.
| Month | Discount Range | Sale Frequency | Key Microsoft Events |
|-------|----------------|---------------|----------------------|
| January | 15-19% | Medium | Post-holiday clearance, New Year sales |
| February | 9-14% | Low | Presidents' Day sales (minimal Microsoft participation) |
| March | 11-14% | Medium | Spring sales, March Madness promotions |
| April | 14-19% | Medium | Easter sales, Spring refresh events |
| May | 9-14% | Medium | Memorial Day sales, Surface Arc color refresh (2025) |
| June | 16-20% | High | Summer sales events, Graduation discounts |
| July | 11-14% | Medium | Back-to-school prep sales |
| August | 10-14% | High | Back-to-school focus (especially for Surface accessories) |
| September | 16-19% | Medium | Labor Day sales, **New product releases** |
| October | 9-14% | Medium | Fall clearance, Prime Big Deal Days |
| November | 14-26% | High | Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday deals |
| December | 14-28% | High | Holiday sales, Year-end clearances |
## Microsoft's Release Cycle: Timing Your Purchase
Microsoft's peripheral release cadence changed significantly in 2023 when the company handed off most of its non-Surface mice to Incase. Surface-branded accessories still follow a roughly annual refresh tied to Surface hardware launches, while Incase rolls out "Designed by Microsoft" models on its own schedule.
- **Surface Accessories Refresh**: Typically tied to Surface hardware launches in spring and fall
- **Last Major Surface Mouse Refresh**: Surface Arc Mouse color expansion (Violet and Ocean) in May 2025
- **Next Expected Surface Refresh**: Spring 2026 (a major Surface hardware refresh is rumored for April-May 2026)
- **Incase "Designed by Microsoft" Rollout**: Ongoing through 2025-2026, reviving discontinued models
The release cycle creates two strategic buying windows:
1. **Right After New Releases (October-November)**: Previous generation models often see discounts of 18-26% as retailers clear inventory for new products
2. **Right Before New Releases (July-August)**: Retailers often discount current models by 12-20% in anticipation of upcoming releases
This pattern is particularly evident with Microsoft's Surface Arc Mouse and Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse, which follow the Surface refresh cycle most consistently.
## Microsoft's Major Sales Events
Microsoft mice see their deepest discounts during specific sales events throughout the year. Here's when you can expect the most significant savings:
| Sales Event | Timing | Typical Discount | Best For |
|-------------|--------|-----------------|----------|
| Black Friday | Late November | 24-39% off MSRP | Premium models (Surface Arc Mouse, Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse) |
| Cyber Monday | Early December | 24-39% off MSRP | Online-exclusive bundles and newer releases |
| Back to School | August-September | 13-24% off MSRP | Surface Mouse and basic productivity models |
| Microsoft Store Sales | Quarterly | 11-22% off MSRP | Surface accessories, including special editions |
| Amazon Prime Day | July | 17-31% off MSRP | Older models and select premium offerings |
Microsoft's own store continues to offer exclusive sales on Surface accessories, including bundles with keyboards and other peripherals at discounts of 11-18% compared to purchasing separately. During Black Friday 2025, the Surface Arc Mouse dropped to $55 at Best Buy, a 39% discount off its $89.99 MSRP.
## Microsoft Price History Revealed
Our analysis of Microsoft's primary mouse models reveals interesting price patterns that can guide your purchase decision:
### Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse
Microsoft's flagship portable mouse got a color refresh in May 2025 with Violet and Ocean options joining the existing lineup:
- **MSRP**: $89.99
- **Black Friday 2025 Price**: $55 at Best Buy (39% off)
- **Typical Street Price**: $70-80
- **Best Purchase Window**: Black Friday/Cyber Monday for the deepest discounts, or mid-year sales for 15-25% off
### Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse
The current flagship ergonomic option, available in multiple colors (Black, Glacier, Peach, Pastel Blue):
- **MSRP**: $49.99
- **Typical Street Price**: $35-45 at Amazon and Best Buy
- **Best Purchase Window**: Holiday Season (November-December) and Back to School (August), when prices drop to the $25-30 range
### Incase Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse (Designed by Microsoft)
The beloved Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse was discontinued by Microsoft in 2023 but has been revived by Incase under the "Designed by Microsoft" licensing deal. Same components and manufacturing:
- **MSRP**: $80.00 (via Incase)
- **Availability**: Incase.com and select retailers
- **Best Purchase Window**: Watch for Incase promotions and holiday sales, as this model is still ramping up retail distribution
### Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse
The wired precision mouse favored by gamers and power users remains in production:
- **MSRP**: $59.99
- **Current Street Price**: $97-129 (limited availability driving premium pricing)
- **Best Purchase Window**: When Amazon or Best Buy have it in stock at or near MSRP. Stock is sporadic.
## The Microsoft Product Lifecycle
Microsoft mice follow a pricing lifecycle that savvy shoppers can leverage, though the 2023 transition to the Incase partnership has added a new wrinkle:
1. **Launch Phase (Months 1-3)**: New Microsoft mice typically debut at full MSRP with minimal discounting (1-6%)
2. **Stability Phase (Months 4-9)**: Prices stabilize with occasional modest sales (7-15% off MSRP)
3. **Discount Phase (Months 10-14)**: As new models approach, discounts become more frequent and deeper (16-27%)
4. **Clearance Phase (Months 15+)**: Once replacement models arrive, discounts can reach 24-41% to clear inventory
5. **Incase Revival Phase**: Discontinued Microsoft models reappear under Incase branding at new MSRPs, sometimes higher than the original clearance prices
This pattern is most evident with Surface-branded mice. The Incase revival models operate on a different cycle since they are essentially relaunches of proven designs.
## The Microsoft Waiting Game: Is It Worth It?
Our analysis shows that strategic waiting can yield significant savings on Microsoft mice:
- **Waiting 3-4 months** after release typically yields savings of 11-17%
- **Waiting 6-8 months** after release can increase savings to 20-26%
- **Waiting for Black Friday/Cyber Monday** events (regardless of release timing) consistently delivers the deepest discounts (24-39%)
However, waiting isn't always beneficial:
- Popular models like the Surface Arc Mouse can sell out during major sales events
- Microsoft has discontinued several models outright since 2023, and not all have been revived by Incase
- The Pro IntelliMouse has become harder to find at reasonable prices as remaining stock dwindles
## Future Microsoft Releases: Impact on Current Prices
With a major Surface hardware refresh rumored for spring 2026, current Surface accessories may see predictable discount patterns:
- **Current Surface Models (3-6 months before refresh)**: Expect gradual price reductions of 12-17% starting around late 2025 and into early 2026
- **Current Surface Models (1-2 months before refresh)**: More aggressive discounts of 17-25% likely in March-April 2026
- **Incase "Designed by Microsoft" Models**: Pricing on these models is still stabilizing as Incase builds out retail distribution. Expect modest sales during major retail events.
- **Previous Generation Microsoft-Branded Stock**: Remaining new-old-stock of discontinued Microsoft-branded mice will command premium pricing on the secondary market
Microsoft's Surface accessory lineup will likely see a refresh alongside the next Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, potentially introducing updated connectivity (Bluetooth 5.4) and longer battery life.
## Strategic Buying Recommendations for Microsoft Mice
Based on our comprehensive analysis, here are our recommendations for purchasing Microsoft mice:
### Best Times to Buy:
- **Black Friday/Cyber Monday**: The absolute best time for maximum discounts (24-39%). The Surface Arc Mouse hit $55 during Black Friday 2025.
- **August Back-to-School**: Excellent time for Surface Mouse accessories (13-24% off)
- **June**: Surprisingly good deals during summer sales events (16-20%)
- **December Holiday Sales**: Strong discounts, especially on premium models (14-28%)
### Model-Specific Recommendations:
- **For Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse**: Purchase during Black Friday for maximum savings. At $55 (down from $89.99), it's a terrific deal.
- **For Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse**: Buy during Back-to-School or Holiday season when it drops to the $25-30 range. At that price, it's exceptional value for an ergonomic mouse.
- **For Incase Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse**: Monitor Incase.com for availability and promotions. Retail distribution is still expanding.
- **For Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse**: Buy when you find it in stock near MSRP. Don't pay secondary-market premiums unless you specifically need this model.
### Immediate Purchase Recommendations:
- If you need a Microsoft mouse now, the Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse offers the best everyday value at its typical $35-45 street price
- For a premium portable option, the Surface Arc Mouse is worth watching for a spring sale ahead of the rumored Surface refresh
- If you loved the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse, the Incase revival at $80 brings back the exact same design and components under a new label
## Conclusion: Making the Most of Microsoft Mouse Pricing
The Microsoft mouse landscape has shifted since the company exited direct peripheral sales for most non-Surface models in 2023. Surface-branded mice continue to follow predictable pricing patterns tied to Surface hardware launches and major retail events, while the Incase "Designed by Microsoft" partnership has brought back beloved discontinued models at new price points.
For maximum value, target your purchase during November's sales events, or during the transitional period when new Surface models are about to be released (typically spring and fall). The Surface Arc Mouse and Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse consistently offer the best mix of features and discount opportunities across the brand's current lineup.
Our ShopSavvy analysis indicates that patient buyers who can time their purchase around Microsoft's release cadence and major sales events will be rewarded with substantial savings on these well-regarded pointing devices.
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*How we figured this out: We looked at years of price history from ShopSavvy's database, tracking how prices have moved across thousands of retailers to spot the patterns that tend to repeat.*