A computer mouse is a device that many people use every day. It seems like a commonplace thing, but not everyone understands its principles of operation and characteristics. This can cause problems when choosing one.
You’re unlikely to buy a completely useless mouse (even budget options are usually of acceptable quality), but a simply working gadget is not always a good choice. There are many interesting features that can make everyday use and office work easier. Even more, additional features can improve the experience of the device for gamers, designers, video makers, and other professionals for whom a computer mouse is one of the main tools.
TYPES OF COMPUTER MICE
Most computer mice have an identical layout, but are equipped with different components. The characteristics of a particular model will depend on what components are used in it. Some features are so significant that they distinguish separate types of mice.
By connection method
The type of connection affects the ease of use. There are 3 types of mice based on this feature:
- wired
- wireless;
- combined.
Also consider the type of connection:
With a module. The mouse comes with a USB module that needs to be installed on your computer. Within a few minutes, the drivers will be installed and you can start working. Transmission can be carried out over a radio channel or via Bluetooth. Disadvantage: the mouse will not work without the transmitter. This is worth considering, as you can take the mouse with you but forget the module.
Wireless mouse with a module
Direct. The mouse establishes a direct connection with the computer’s Bluetooth module. This makes them compatible with tablets, TVs, and laptops. You may need to buy an adapter for your PC, as not all of them have a built-in Bluetooth module. Some models with this type of connection support the Multi Device function: you connect the mouse to your computer/TV/laptop and then switch between them by pressing a button.
Special types:
Touch. Models that have no keys, and the sensor registers the click. Their main characteristics are not superior to office mice, so they are not suitable for gaming. However, they can provide additional features in everyday use. For example, the Apple Magic Mouse supports more than 10 Multi-Touch gestures programmed for different actions.
Apple touch mouse
Vertical. These mice are designed for a specific grip. Their advantage is that they provide a more natural hand position, which puts less strain on the hand.
Vertical mouse
Silent. If your computer desk is in your bedroom and you like to play at night, consider buying a silent mouse. It has very quiet clicks, so you won’t disturb anyone. Of course, you’ll also need a silent keyboard.
Trackball. To be precise, a trackball is not a mouse. It’s a special kind of manipulator that stays in one place and moves the cursor by rotating the ball. This method can be used in work, but it is not suitable for gaming. At first, the trackball seems uncomfortable, but you can quickly get used to it.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
To understand whether a mouse can meet your requirements, you need to study its characteristics. Below, we describe each of them in detail and provide recommended settings for different areas of use.
Specifications are listed on the mouse’s packaging
Resolution and sensitivity
CPI, DPI, or resolution is a parameter that shows how many pixels on the screen the cursor will cover if you move the mouse 1 inch (2.54 cm). For example, if the CPI is 1000, then moving the mouse 2.54 cm will move the cursor 1000 pixels.
Speed and acceleration
These parameters are important only for gaming. If you’re looking for a regular mouse, you can skip this item.
IPS is a characteristic that shows the maximum speed of the mouse to which the sensor responds. If it is exceeded, the cursor will not move or the movement will be transmitted incorrectly.
Level of detection (LOD)
LOD indicates the distance from the surface at which the sensor stops responding to mouse movement. Usually, the loss of response is 1-3 mm. In most cases, you can’t customize the LOD, but some mice allow you to choose one of the values, such as 1, 2, or 3 mm.
Polling rate
DPI is partially related to mouse accuracy, but the latter is more dependent on the polling rate.
The polling rate is a parameter that shows how many times per second the sensor reads motion information. This characteristic is measured in hertz, so it is sometimes called hertz.
Number of clicks
Most computer mouse components can last for decades. The exception is microswitches (lights, switches). They read the button press and convert it into an electrical signal, after which a click is registered.