Connection
The type of connection used by the mouse.
All types of mouse connection can be divided into
wired and
wireless. There are also
combined models that allow both methods; however, for a number of reasons, they have not received much distribution.
Wired mice can vary in connector type; however, the universal standard nowadays is USB, other options are much less common (see "Cable" for them). Anyway, such mice are much cheaper than wireless counterparts, moreover, they do not require batteries / accumulators and have an almost unlimited lifespan. On the other hand, the wire restricts mobility and can be inconvenient when connecting, especially if the computer is located far away or in a hard-to-reach place.
Wireless devices, in turn, can connect via
radio,
Bluetooth, or
Wi-Fi ; in some models, two options are combined — at the user's choice, (usually radio and Bluetooth). Regardless of the interface used, all such models are more convenient than wired ones due, in fact, to the absence of a cable; and their range is at least a few metres, so a wireless mouse can also work as a kind of remote control. At the same time, a wireless connection is more expensive than a wired connection, and besides, it requires autonomous power supply — as
...a result, the period of continuous operation of the mouse is limited.
As for the different types of wireless connection, here are their features:
— Radio. To connect over the air, usually, a wireless adapter is used, which is connected to the USB port of the computer. This method is convenient in that it can be used with any computer, including systems that do not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules. The disadvantages of this option include the fact that the adapter requires a free connector; as a result, with a small number of USB ports, difficulties can arise. However, this moment, if necessary, can be easily corrected by connecting a USB hub; so it is this connection method that is most popular among modern wireless mice.
— Bluetooth. The main advantage of this connection method is that many modern devices — laptops, most monoblock computers, smart TVs, etc. — have built-in Bluetooth modules. Thus, you can connect the mouse to such equipment directly, without occupying hardware connectors. And for PCs not equipped with internal Bluetooth modules, appropriate adapters are available (which may even be included with the mouse). In addition, some advanced models with such a connection are able to remember several Bluetooth devices at the same time and switch between them literally “with the touch of a button”. The Bluetooth communication range is at least 10 m with line of sight.
— Wi-Fi. A rather specific option, which is extremely rare — in certain models of laptop mice (see "In the direction"). In many respects it is similar to Bluetooth — in particular, it is designed mainly to work with built-in modules and allows you to use a mouse without occupying hardware connectors. At the same time, the range of communication via Wi-Fi is much greater. On the other hand, this advantage is not of fundamental importance, and on the technical side, the creation of Wi-Fi mice is associated with certain difficulties. That is why this type of connection has not received distribution.Range
The range of the wireless connection provided in the mouse (see "Connection Type").
Almost all modern wireless models work confidently at a distance of at least 2 – 3 metres. So you need to pay attention to this parameter mainly when you plan to use the mouse at a greater distance from the computer — for example, when working with a projector at a presentation. At the same time, when evaluating the range, note that it is indicated for perfect conditions: the absence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the full charge of the battery in the mouse, etc. In fact, the communication range may be somewhat less, so when choosing, it is worth taking a certain stock. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to evaluate the practical capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.
Polling rate
The polling rate shows how often the mouse sensor communicates with the computer about cursor movement. The parameter is measured in hertz (Hz), and one second is taken as a unit of time when evaluating it. The smoothness and speed of cursor movement directly depends on the sensor polling frequency. Directly related to this is the mouse response time - this is the time period during which the signal about the movement of the manipulator will reach the display of a change in the cursor position on the screen. Response time is measured in milliseconds (ms). The more hertz the mouse has, the shorter the response time it demonstrates.
Switch resource
The durability of mouse switches is measured by the number of clicks the keys can withstand before they begin to show signs of wear or malfunction. Switches can have a lifespan of several million to tens of millions of clicks. In laboratory conditions, this parameter is checked using special testing machines, which diligently press the keys the required number of times, on the basis of which a verdict is made regarding the approximate service life of the switches.
Cable
Additional features of the cable that the mouse is equipped with.
These features may include a winding system,
a detachable wire, and a braided
wire(however, most modern mice still have a cable
without a braid). Here is a more detailed description of all these features.
— Retractable. Wire equipped with a special coil for winding. This feature greatly simplifies transportation: during off-hours, the wire is as compact as possible and does not get tangled, and when used, it can be unwound to the desired length (usually the coil allows this possibility). All this is especially important for laptop mice (see "In direction") — in fact, most models with a wire reel fall into this category.
— Removable. Wire that can be detached from the mouse. Almost all mice with two connection options have this feature — wired and wireless: when working in a wireless format, the cable can be removed so that it does not interfere. However, there are also purely wired devices with such a cable — mostly laptop devices, where the wire is removed for ease of transportation. Also note that most often a universal connector like microUSB is used to connect the cable, so if necessary, the wire can be replaced with another one — for example, a longer one.
— In a braid. The presence of an additional braid on the mouse cable. This feature makes the wi
...re more durable, reliable and resistant to bending. On the other hand, braid tends to accumulate dirt and fray when worn; because of this, the wire sheath loses its presentation faster than in mice without a braid. Yes, and such a wire is more expensive than a regular smooth one.Power source
The type of power used by the wireless mouse (see "Connection Type").
Modern mice can be powered by replaceable cells,
by a built-in battery, or
by a mousepad. The first option is good because dead batteries can be replaced with fresh ones in a matter of seconds, no need to waste time charging. At the same time, replaceable cells are sold both in the form of disposable batteries and in the form of rechargeable batteries, which gives the user a choice: to buy inexpensive batteries regularly or to spend money on a battery (s) with a charger once. Here are the main sizes of such elements found in modern mice:
— AA. Widely known "finger" batteries. A fairly common option, although less popular than the smaller AAA — in fact, because of the larger size, poorly suited for compact mice. On the other hand, AA cells have higher capacitance. The number of such batteries can be different, most often there are models for
1xAA or
2xAA.
— AAA. "Mini finger" or "little finger" batteries. More compact than AA, due to which they are widely used in modern mice. The capacity of such elements, however, is lower, however, mice do not consume so much energy, and even with
1xAAA power supply, battery life can be calculated not only for months, but for years. Also, there are often mo
...dels on 2xAAA, and extremely rarely on 3xAAA.
As for other ways of eating, their features are as follows:
— Accumulator. Own built-in battery is convenient primarily because it is initially included in the package, you do not need to buy it separately. And the further operation of such a mouse does not require additional expenses — it is enough to charge it from time to time. In addition, batteries can be made more compact than replacement cells. There are two main disadvantages of such a power supply, compared with the same batteries. Firstly, this is less battery life — in the most "long-playing" rechargeable mice, the battery life does not exceed 120 days (for batteries, this is a very limited indicator). The second point is the inability to quickly remove and replace the battery. This means that with a dead battery, there is only one option — charging, and it takes time; however, many mice allow use directly in the process of charging. But if the battery fails, at best, the device will have to be carried to the service, at worst, it will be changed entirely.
— From the rug. Quite a specific option: powered by a special pad that transmits energy to the mouse wirelessly. The pad needs to be connected to a computer port (usually USB), so such mice are very conditionally wireless. One of the advantages of such models is that they do not need to monitor the battery status. On the other hand, you can use the mouse only with the supplied mouse pad; if it is missing, the device becomes useless; and freedom of movement is limited by the length of the wire. Thus, mice with such a power supply do not actually have key advantages over wired models, and they are much more expensive. So nowadays, food from the rug is extremely rare.Battery time
The battery life of the mouse (see "Power") on a single battery charge.
The operating time in this case is quite approximate: it is indicated for a certain average mode of use, and the actual battery life may turn out to be either less or more than the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the application. Nevertheless, this is a fairly reliable indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate different battery models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in real battery life.
Separately, we note that the operating time for rechargeable mice is generally less than for battery-powered models, so this parameter is indicated in days, not months.
Weight
The total weight of the mouse. For models with a wired connection, usually, it is indicated without cable, and for devices with weight adjustment (see above) — without weights.
This parameter is important primarily for professional gaming applications, although it is often relevant for ordinary users. Theoretically, less weight promotes speed and reduces fatigue. At the same time, in fact, much depends on the personal habits and preferences of the user: a mouse that is too light may “not be felt in the hands” and not give familiar feedback. Therefore, although most mice have a lower weight limit of
60 – 80 g, however, even among professional gaming models there are much more massive devices —
120 – 140 g or
more. The lightest variety of "rodents" is laptop (see "In the direction"), among them devices come across and
less than 60 g.
Also note that the weight to some extent depends on the size and “tricked out” of the device, but there is no unambiguous dependence here: models similar in size and functionality can differ markedly in weight.