Portronics Toad 23 Wireless

Portronics Toad 23 - Wireless for ₹499, and You Can Tell

Portronics has carved out a real niche in India's sub-₹1,000 peripheral market, and the Toad 23 at ₹499–699 is their wireless office mouse. For ₹499, it does exactly what a wireless office mouse needs to do: move a cursor without a cable, run on AA batteries for months, and not fall apart within the year.

What Works and What Doesn't

The 2.4GHz connection is reliable for desk use - I've had no drops within a 3-meter range. The nano dongle stores in the battery compartment when not in use, which is a small but genuinely useful design choice for people who travel.

The 1,600 DPI sensor has three settings (800/1,200/1,600). All three are adequate for office work on standard monitor sizes. The scroll wheel is fine - light detents, no free-spin mode.

Battery life is the real advantage. A single AA battery (included) should last 8–12 months with moderate use. That's lower total cost of ownership than a rechargeable mouse that needs its battery replaced or cable charged every few weeks.

What doesn't work well: The click feel is soft and slightly mushy - not crisp. The side buttons are small and awkwardly positioned. The symmetrical shape has no contouring, so extended sessions of 4+ hours can be fatiguing for users with larger hands.

India Availability

Portronics is a genuinely Indian brand with good Amazon India and Flipkart availability. Ships to most pin codes without issue. The ₹499–699 price is what you see after GST - no surprises. One-year warranty through Portronics India customer service, which is reachable and functional based on my experience.

Tier-2 and tier-3 city availability is one of Portronics' genuine strengths - you'll find this in local electronics markets in cities where Logitech or Corsair products aren't stocked.

Who Should Buy This

Buy the Toad 23 for: office and school work on a strict budget, as a secondary mouse for a home setup, or for elderly family members who benefit from the large buttons and simple wireless operation.

Skip it if: you need it for gaming (not even close), you type and mouse for more than 6–7 hours a day (the shape will fatigue you), or if ₹200 more gets you a Logitech M235 which is a clear step up in build feel. Also note that the boAt Ascend 400 at a similar price point offers a slightly more refined experience.