The Explorer was finished in silver, and featured a glowing red 'taillight' to emphasize its optical sensor. Microsoft called it the 'most radical computer mouse technology and design advancement' since computer mice were introduced in the 1960s. It was asymmetrical and designed for right-handed users.

It had five buttons (two on top, a scroll wheel that could be depressed, and two on the left side of the mouse). This version featured IntelliEye optical tracking technology, eliminating the need for a mouse ball or mousepad. The IntelliMouse Explorer was introduced on April 19, 1999, at COMDEX. In May 1998 the IntelliMouse Pro was released, a redesign of the original IntelliMouse that featured an asymmetrical shape (intended for right-hand use) with a more pronounced arch profile. In November 1997 Microsoft released the IntelliMouse TrackBall, using a finger-operated trackball to control the cursor and featuring the signature IntelliMouse scroll wheel. Its design was based on that of the Microsoft Mouse 2.0 from 1993. The original IntelliMouse was introduced on July 22, 1996, with its stand-out feature being a scroll wheel. They use IntelliPoint drivers and its main competitor through the years has been Logitech.

The IntelliMouse series is credited with a number of innovations Microsoft was among the first mouse vendors to introduce a scroll wheel, an optical mouse, and dedicated auxiliary buttons on the side of the mouse. IntelliMouse is a series of computer mice from Microsoft. Microsoft IntelliMouse with IntelliEye optical sensor mouse

Microsoft wireless mouse 2.0 manual