Bluetooth Mouse Control: Can it Happen?

TL;DR

It’s extremely unlikely a bluetooth mouse can be directly controlled by another bluetooth mouse without additional software or a specific, intentionally designed setup. Bluetooth mice communicate with a host device (like your computer), not each other. However, there are roundabout ways to achieve similar results using virtual input devices and scripting.

Understanding the Problem

Bluetooth mice operate on a point-to-point connection. They send signals to a central device – usually your laptop or desktop PC. They don’t have the capability to receive commands from another mouse directly. Think of it like two walkie-talkies; they can both talk to someone, but not through each other.

Steps to (Potentially) Achieve Mouse Control

1. Identify Your Operating System: The method will vary depending on whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.
2. Install Virtual Input Device Software: This is the core of making this work. You need software that allows you to create a ‘virtual mouse’ that can be controlled programmatically.
   • Windows: vMouse is a popular option. It creates a virtual mouse and keyboard.
   • macOS: VirtualInput can be used, though it requires some command-line knowledge.
   • Linux: uinput is a common library for creating virtual input devices. You’ll likely need to write a script using Python or similar.
3. Write a Script to Capture Mouse Events: This script will ‘listen’ for events from the first bluetooth mouse.
   • You’ll need a library specific to your OS to capture these events. For example, in Python on Windows you might use PyWinAuto or Pynput.
   • The script needs to detect mouse movements, clicks (left, right, middle), and scroll wheel actions.
4. Translate Events to Virtual Mouse Actions: Once you’ve captured the events from the first mouse, your script must translate them into commands for the virtual mouse created in Step 2.
   • For example, if the first mouse moves right, your script should tell the virtual mouse to move right.
   • If the first mouse clicks, your script should trigger a click on the virtual mouse.
5. Configure Your System to Use the Virtual Mouse: You need to set up your operating system so that it uses the virtual mouse as an input device.
   • This usually involves selecting the virtual mouse in your OS’s mouse settings.
6. Connect the Second Bluetooth Mouse: Connect the second bluetooth mouse to your computer. This mouse will now control the virtual mouse, effectively controlling the first mouse (indirectly).

Example Python Snippet (Conceptual – Windows with Pynput)

from pynput import mouse

# This is a very simplified example. Error handling and proper virtual input device control are needed.

def on_move(x, y):
    print('Pointer moved to {0}'.format((x, y)))

with mouse.Listener(on_move=on_move) as listener:
    listener.join()

Important Considerations

• Latency: There will be significant latency due to the multiple layers of processing (bluetooth -> script -> virtual device). This makes it unsuitable for precise control.
• Complexity: Setting this up requires programming knowledge and familiarity with your operating system’s input device APIs.
• Security: Be cautious about running scripts from untrusted sources, as they could potentially be malicious.
• Alternative Solutions: If you need to control a mouse remotely, consider using remote desktop software or dedicated remote control applications. These are far more reliable and secure than trying to directly control one bluetooth mouse with another.