How to choose the best mouse for your computer?

The most common option is wired optical mice: the mouse is inexpensive and quite enough for office work or even gaming if this is your first time buying a personal computer. Laptop users prefer wireless models, which is more convenient. There are also special mice for laptops, which, as a rule, differ from their classic counterparts in more compact, and sometimes even completely miniature sizes. Separate solutions in this category allow you to wind the wire or adjust its length, if these are wired models.

In addition to these familiar devices, the market also offers us other devices that can partially or completely perform the functions of a computer mouse. To complete the picture, we will briefly review them.

Brief mouse genealogy: from trackball to 3D mouse

The Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 can also replace the traditional mouse

The trackball is useful for those who often work on the road or like to spend time with a laptop during a long bus ride. One of the main advantages of the trackball is its compactness: the device is fixed in one place and does not need space for “manoeuvres”, and the cursor is controlled using a special ball. Otherwise, it resembles a familiar computer mouse with buttons and a scroll wheel.

The function and principle of operation of the trackpad are similar to the classic laptop touchpad, with the only difference being that it is designed for desktop computers. The device is a touch panel, the cursor is controlled and positioned with the help of fingers. To click, similar to clicking a mouse, the user just needs to tap on the trackpad. Some models have the usual LMB and RMB buttons. More expensive solutions support multi-touch, that is, they can process several touches at the same time, which is very convenient, for example, for scaling an image, browsing the web, but completely unsuitable for dynamic games.

Logitech Professional Presenter R700

Presenter - a device with a narrow specialization, primarily intended for presentations. Some models have a built-in laser pointer as an accessory. The device can hardly be called a classic mouse, although solutions like Oklick 805M are very versatile. First of all, you should pay attention to these devices to those who, by the nature of their activities, often have to make presentations.

3D mice are an even more highly specialized device that is not a replacement for the computer mouse we are used to, but rather an additional tool for positioning and navigating in three-dimensional space. Essential for professionals working in 3D graphics. Due to the high cost, which varies from $100 to $700, not every user can afford such a tool, just as not everyone needs it.

This is what concerns the variations on the theme of the mouse presented on the modern market. Further, the conversation will focus on the capabilities and characteristics of precisely those manipulators that we are all used to calling computer mice. And there is something to tell here.

Modern mouse: technology differences and sensor resolution

Most of the models on the market can be divided into two categories: optical and laser. Optical mice began their journey back in 1999, since then the principle of operation has practically not changed - a small camera inside the "rodent" takes about a thousand pictures per second, on the basis of which the processor draws conclusions about the movement of the device. Laser technology came out six years later and made mousepads more precise, and also allowed them to work on some other surfaces, which made mice more versatile, and also spoiled sales of special mousepads a little.

In 2008, Microsoft introduced a new technology - BlueTrack. A distinctive feature of this solution is a brighter blue LED, which provides even higher positioning accuracy, as well as the ability to work on almost any surface, including polished ones. However, BlueTrack technology is still not able to function on transparent glass.

The principle of operation of the optical sensor (left) and laser technology (right) in modern computer mice

In the context of talking about technology, one cannot miss such an important characteristic of any computer mouse as sensor resolution. This is the maximum resolution of the images it creates, which are then analyzed by the processor. The higher it is, the more accurate the sensor works, which is important for cases where the highest possible accuracy of cursor positioning is necessary: design, 3D graphics, computer games, etc. However, for comfortable everyday work and the absence of delays, a resolution of 800-1200 is enough dpi. For computer games, a value of 2400 dpi is even more than enough. Everything above is primarily intended for design professionals.

As the resolution increases, the speed of cursor movement increases. In practice, this means that when working with a mouse at 800 dpi, you will have to make much more physical movements of the device than when working with a model at 5700 dpi. In the latter case, there will be a minimum of movements in general, which for many users can create a lot of inconvenience.

If you are fond of computer games and are going to purchase a gaming keyboard, then it makes sense to think about buying an appropriate mouse that can provide some advantage over rivals.

Distinctive features of game controllers

One of the most obvious differences between gaming mice is often a bright appearance and a more comfortable body shape that mimics the human palm. But everything is not limited to this. Often, due to the special design of the device, the user can independently change the shape and size of the device, and with the help of special weights - weight.

The Mad Catz RAT series of gaming mice provides users with a wide range of the ability to customize the shape and weight of the device

Many gaming devices allow you to adjust the resolution of the sensor directly during the game. For example, some Razer gaming mice have mechanical switches for resolution and polling rate. An excessively high value may not be very convenient at first, but if you get used to it, it will become a big advantage in game battles - it allows you to aim faster, turn, etc.

The built-in memory will allow you to create profiles with settings for various programs and games. It will also save your individual settings when connected to another PC, eliminating the need to install drivers - first of all, this feature is relevant for cybersportsmen participating in various tournaments.

Devices sharpened for computer games are recommended for purchase for those who really play for hours on end. Otherwise, you risk simply not noticing the benefits.

Interface for connecting a mouse to a computer

There are traditionally two options: wired and wireless.

Wired mice include PS / 2 and USB connection interfaces. Devices with a USB interface are currently the most common, while PS / 2-connector is gradually fading into history. It is either completely absent on modern motherboards, or exists in a single copy, which is actually rather upsetting, since it is far from bad. If you have a choice between these two connection options, then you should not immediately dismiss your PS / 2 mouse with your hand. Among its advantages is the absence of device polling, which provides almost lightning-fast response time.

Wireless interfaces are also divided into several types: Bluetooth, radio and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth solutions have a lower response speed, but at the same time do not take up a USB port, the number of which is always a sore point for ultrabooks and tablets. Mice with a radio connection work a little differently: the signal receiving device is not the module built into the tablet or laptop, but an external radio receiver connected via USB. This method provides a more stable connection and high response speed, but takes away one more port.

Models with Wi-Fi may be the best solution for mobile computers that are originally equipped with the appropriate signal reception module. Also, these mice have the lowest power consumption in the wireless category (according to the manufacturers, some models can work for almost 9 months on batteries alone).

The disadvantages of all wireless mice can be safely attributed dependence on batteries or accumulator, which have a bad habit of being discharged at the most inopportune moment for this. The advantages are the lack of wires and the overall ease of use. For quiet surfing on the Internet, the wireless model is perfect.

Additional features of computer mice

The traditional set of any modern mouse is 2 buttons and a scroll wheel between them. Some models are initially equipped with two wheels - on the second, for example, the user can “attach” the horizontal scrolling function, which can be very convenient for layout and design.

A very popular feature among gamers is the “double click” feature, which equates one press of a button to two, which again provides some advantage in computer games. Also, many mice are equipped with additional buttons, on which you can set various commands. A striking representative of this category is the Razer Naga mouse specially designed for MMO games, which has 14 additional buttons for macros in its arsenal.

Let's pay attention to mice with built-in touchpad. The simplest option is when such a panel replaces the scroll wheel, which does not really change anything. A more interesting solution is when the entire top panel of the mouse is the sensor, as is the case with Apple's proprietary solution. This expands the capabilities of the manipulator: it is convenient to scroll through photos, scale, surf in the browser.

The mouse belongs to Razer's line of gaming accessories dedicated to game Star Wars: The Old Republic. Battery lasts up to 12 hours of play

Depending on which hand a person prefers to use, there are computer mice on the market with a body shape sharpened for the right or left palm. A universal solution are symmetrical devices, which are equally well suited for both former and left-handed people.

And finally, let's pay attention to the appearance. Many computer mice, and even more so for gaming, have a bright and colorful design. Often, manufacturers release devices with a design specially tailored for specific game series - for real fans. But even if you do not belong to such, it is worth paying attention to the appearance, design, color and coating material of the device that you will hold in your hands almost all the time you work at the computer.