Wireless Computer Components

Green purchasing guidance for wireless computer components, including:

Keyboards
Mice
Webcams
Headsets/earbuds

Preferred specifications

Purchasers should include these specifications, unless not possible:

Choose products with the longest warranty available and a removable battery, so the product does not need to be replaced when the battery wears out.
Choose products made with recycled content, particularly those where the recycled-content is “post-consumer” and/or the manufacturer’s recycled-content claim is verified by an independent entity (e.g., Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), UL, etc.).
Choose products that are manufactured using renewable energy or by a company that has offset its climate impacts using carbon offsets.
Choose products free of plastic (e.g., products made of bamboo).
Use products with an ergonomic design
- Consider products with ergonomic design features such as keyboards that are split and have adjustable height and tilt features as well as wrist support (e.g., cushion).
- Look for products that are certified by United States Ergonomics.
Consider whether you need a wireless keyboard and/or mouse or if you could use a keyboard and/or mouse that draws power directly from the computer. Since all wireless keyboards use batteries, it is important to do a best value calculation to compare the cost of a battery-powered wireless keyboard or mouse with that of a wired one.
If a wireless keyboard or mouse is needed, consider a product that has a built-in rechargeable battery. The upfront cost is likely to be higher than for a product that uses single-use (most-often alkaline batteries); but the additional cost may be offset quickly by the avoided cost of purchasing batteries (and managing them at the end of their useful life). Avoid products with a battery that contains lead, mercury, or cadmium. Review/compare manufacturers’ technical information about charge time and battery life.
If a keyboard and/or mouse with a built-in rechargeable battery is not practical, consider and pilot test rechargeable batteries in the equipment instead of using single-use alkaline batteries. Look for high-performance rechargeable batteries such as:
- AAA nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries with a minimum power rating of 800 milli-amp-hours (mAh)
- AA NiMH batteries with a minimum power rating of 2300 mAh
Establish a battery recycling program. Consider using the Call2Recycle rechargeable battery recycling program, which is funded by manufacturers of rechargeable batteries.

Things to avoid

Purchasers should avoid these specifications whenever possible:

Avoid highly persistent toxic chemicals
- Look for products with a label indicating they comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which means it is free of lead solder and several other chemicals of high concern.
- Avoid products containing vinyl (PVC) or stain-resistant fabric, which is likely to be treated with PFAS non-stick “Forever Chemicals.”
- Avoid products that have been treated with antimicrobials such as Microban.
- Consider buying a keyboard that comes with a washable cover, which can reduce the use of “air dusters” and other chemical keyboard cleaners and lower maintenance costs.
Check the manufacturer’s technical information to determine the type and number of batteries the product needs to operate; and avoid products that use significantly more batteries than other similar equipment. Estimate how many single-use batteries you’ll likely need to operate the keyboard and/or mouse over the product’s expected life (see product warranty to estimate product life) in order to calculate the estimated lifetime cost if single-use batteries are used.