I recently replaced my old mouse and keyboard after using them for many years. I like the new set, but after about 10 days I noticed shiny, oily-looking spots forming on the left and right mouse buttons. I wash my hands before using the mouse, do not use hand products, and tried cleaning it, but the spots did not come off. Could this be normal wear from the mouse's plastic, or should I return it while I still can?
3 Answers
It is difficult to judge without seeing the mouse, but persistent marks could indicate the coating is wearing down rather than being oily residue. Since this happened so quickly, take photos and consider asking the retailer for an exchange, especially if the surface continues deteriorating.
The exact model and the material used on its buttons matter here. If you have clean hands and the marks remain after wiping, hand oils are probably not the main issue. They may be normal finger-polish marks on a soft finish, but a return is reasonable if the appearance bothers you or the coating feels defective.
If the spots are where your fingers rest and they do not wipe away, they may simply be areas where the surface has already become smooth and glossy from wear. Ten days is unusually fast, but some mice use softer or lower-quality plastic. If the mouse works properly, it is probably cosmetic rather than a functional problem.
I tried cleaning it and the marks stayed, so I was mainly worried that the finish was wearing out much too quickly. The mouse is from Mars Gaming, and I do not use any hand creams or other products.