Comparison Logitech Wireless Mouse M310 vs Logitech Wireless Mouse M510

— Optical. The working element of an optical mouse consists of an LED that illuminates the underlying surface and an optical sensor that photographs this surface at high frequency. On the basis of a number of received images, the mouse electronics concludes about the direction and speed of movement of the manipulator and outputs the corresponding data to the computer. Optical mice are inexpensive, reliable enough and not too demanding on the working surface. Initially, they were poorly compatible with certain types of surfaces — mirror, fur, leather, etc.; however, in most modern optical sensors, this drawback is eliminated, and mice of this type are often quite "omnivorous".

— Laser. According to the principle of operation, laser mice are similar to optical ones (see above). The main difference is that they do not use an LED, but a laser, to illuminate the image. Thus, a narrower beam directivity is provided, and as a result, more accurate cursor positioning, which is especially important when working with complex detailed graphics, in games, etc. Theoretically, the laser is less versatile and not compatible with such an abundance of surfaces as optics, but this difference is noticeable only on specific surfaces like fur, polished metal, etc. But the unequivocal disadvantage of this technology is the higher cost.

— Optical, Bluetrack. Optical mode...ls (see above) using a sensor with BlueTrack technology. This technology was originally developed by Microsoft, but nowadays it is also found in other manufacturers. The most noticeable difference between such sensors and conventional optical ones is the blue colour of the LED (hence the name). In addition, the design provides for a number of improvements: an increased area of illumination of the surface under the mouse, high resolution of the matrix, coated optics. Thanks to this, BlueTrack mice have high accuracy and are able to function even on “difficult” surfaces such as glass, polished stone, carpet pile, etc.

— Optical, V-Track. Optical sensor using V-Track technology. This technology was developed by A4Tech and is used primarily in mice of this brand. One of the key features of V-Track is that the beam of light in such sensors falls on the work surface vertically (rather than obliquely, as in conventional optics). In addition, the light spot size is very small, the light density is high, and the photodetector lens has a very narrow aperture, which gives a large depth of field. Thanks to these improvements, V-Track provides very high accuracy and (according to the creators) is able to work even on volumetric mechs, where other types of sensors are useless. However, mice with this feature are not cheap.

— Laser, V-Track. Laser sensor using V-Track technology. For more information about this technology, see above, but here we note that the use of V-Track in laser mice allows you to get rid of the main drawback of such devices — sensitivity to non-standard surfaces. At the same time, the positioning accuracy characteristic of laser sensors is further increased by V-Track. On the other hand, the price of such devices is high. Therefore, the combination of a laser sensor and V-Track is extremely rare, mainly in premium gaming mice from the same A4Tech.

— Hybrid. The combination of two sensors in the mouse at once — optical and laser. Such a combination allows you to combine the advantages of both technologies and partially compensate for the shortcomings: in terms of accuracy, hybrid mice are not inferior to laser ones, while they are not so sensitive to non-standard surfaces. At the same time, the presence of two sensors significantly affects the price of the device, while it is possible to achieve similar characteristics with one sensor — due to the BlueTrack or V-Track technologies described above. Therefore, hybrid systems have not received distribution.

The number of buttons provided in the design of the mouse. However, the term "buttons" can also refer to specific hardware solutions — for example, a solid touch area used in many Apple mice counts as two buttons, because. it is divided into two working areas. But the clickable wheels, as well as the power button, are not taken into account in this calculation.

The minimum number of buttons for modern mice and other similar manipulators is two : this is the number that is necessary for comfortable work in most modern operating systems. If there are more than two keys, this means that there are additional buttons responsible for specific actions. So, even relatively inexpensive devices can be equipped with 3 – 4 buttons ; in addition to the 2 main buttons, they can have, for example, 2 side thumb keys, or 1 double/triple click button (see below). Solutions for 5 – 6 buttons are extremely popular nowadays; among them are many gaming mice, where the mentioned thumb buttons are supplemented with a double / triple click, a sniper button and/or a DPI switch (see also below about these functions). And in the most multifunctional models, 7 – 8 buttons and even more can be installed. In some cases, this number exceeds a dozen and a half; such mice are usually gaming devices designed for RPGs...and other similar genres where it is important to have a wide range of actions at your fingertips.

The presence of the mouse side buttons — under the user's thumb.

The traditional, most popular option is two buttons, which by default are responsible for the “Back” and “Forward” commands in the browser, system file explorer, etc. There are more of these buttons in gaming mice; some of these models even have an interchangeable side panel that allows you to install a different number of side keys, as desired.

Anyway, the side mouse buttons provide additional convenience and expand the list of features available from the device. At the same time, the buttons are always at hand, in fact, in instant access. This is especially handy in games: some frequently used actions can be tied to the side keys, such as reloading or a special attack. However, even in everyday use, it is much easier to press a button on the mouse than to move the cursor to the Back or Forward icon every time in the same browser.

The presence of programmable buttons in the design of the mouse. In this case, the buttons mean not only the keys, but also the scroll wheels, which are usually able to work on pressure.

Almost all models with this feature are gaming (see "By Direction"). Usually, programming is carried out using special proprietary software, while the functionality of such a setting may be different. For example, in some models, only one action can be tied to one button, in others — a whole series of actions (such as a combination of attacks in an RPG). Often, it is possible to configure one button for different actions in different games.

However, this feature provides an additional convenience: the mouse keys are right at hand, and it is usually easier (and faster) to use them than to reach for the button (s) on the keyboard.

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.

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.