This USB Gadget May Be The Trick To Surviving A Freezing Office Space

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

There's a problem in offices across America: Even in the dog days of summer, the AC can make it feel like you're dealing with sub-zero temperatures at your desk. If you work in one of these environments, you've probably done any number of things to cope. You may bring an extra layer to throw on while sitting at your desk, or you may even place a space heater strategically underneath it if you're especially sensitive to the cold. You pull out all of the stops and even use some of the gadgets that kept you warm during the winter months, all in the name of not letting the office AC win.

However, one part of your body often remains exposed even after you've bundled up and cranked up the heat: your mouse hand. Gloves aren't exactly practical while working, so our hands often get left out in the cold. What you might not know is that there's a gadget designed to give your frozen fingers a fighting chance: a USB heated mouse pad that doubles as a hand warmer. These USB-powered devices wrap your hand in warmth while providing enough space to scroll and click so you can get your job done.

At first glance, you may wonder why you'd ever want to stick your hand (and mouse) into a plush pouch on your desk, but many users say that it all makes sense once the heat kicks in. Whether it's winter or you're dealing with building management that's a bit overzealous with the AC, this gadget can make your chilly office space more tolerable. It works as both a standard mouse pad and a hand warmer, using a built-in USB-powered heating element to keep your hands warm. Depending on the model you choose, these hand warmers can reach temperatures of well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, more than enough to keep most hands comfortable in even the coldest office.

For example, the Wolvio USB Heated Mouse Pad Hand Warmer, which retails for $29.97 on Amazon, has three temperature settings: 110 degrees Fahrenheit, 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of these hand warmers come with long USB cables, making them easy to position on a desk. They also have timer settings and auto shut-off, so you don't have to worry about leaving them plugged in throughout the day. These devices are plug-and-play; just connect the USB cable to your computer or wall charger, and the pad starts heating. There's no software or extra setup required. While it can be helpful to understand the different USB port symbols and icons, you won't need to master them to use this device — it's as simple as plug and heat.

If you find these hand warmers convenient in a cold office space, they'll probably be one of a long list of weird USB gadgets you'll want to own. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you add one to your desk setup. If you're like most people, you'll find they're best suited for casual use. That's because tasks that require quick, precise mouse movements, like gaming, graphic design, or editing, can be difficult with your hand enclosed in the warmer, as it limits mobility.

You should also make sure you purchase a model that comes with adjustable heat settings or built-in safety features, which lower-priced models sometimes lack. Read the product description carefully to see whether the hand warmer you're considering includes temperature controls or auto shut-off. If the product you purchase doesn't explicitly say that it has an auto shut-off feature, you should avoid leaving it plugged in when you're not at your desk. Another thing to remember is that these pads only warm one hand: the one you use to control the mouse. So, if you get cold easily, you may still need to wear gloves or keep a second hand warmer nearby.