How exactly do you plan to use the mouse?

Despite the external similarity, gaming mice differ from laptop or ergonomic ones.

Choosing a computer mouse is an individual process that requires an understanding of your needs and preferences. To begin with, it is worth considering what exactly the mouse will be used for — for office work with texts and tables, writing code, photo / video processing, or a little bit of everything?

For everyday work, a wired or wireless entry-level or mid-level mouse with a responsive sensor and a comfortable scroll wheel is suitable. Wired mice are preferred for PCs, as they don't require regular battery changes. Those concerned about comfort may opt for an ergonomic mouse design that reduces hand strain during the workday. When working with photos and graphics, the accuracy and smoothness of cursor movement are crucial, requiring a high-quality optical sensor in the mouse.

For gaming, the performance of the mouse becomes crucial, with factors such as reaction speed, accuracy, and smoothness of the sensor playing a significant role. It is recommended to consider specialized gaming mice hat feature a high-sensitivity sensor and low input lag. These mice are designed to provide precise tracking, especially during fast-paced movements in games like Titanfall 2 or Dota 2. Gaming mice often come equipped with with programmable buttons and lighting, and certain eSports models even offer the ability to to adjust the weight of the mouse using additional weights. While backlighting may be a matter of personal preference, the presence of programmable buttons and weight customization can greatly enhance the gaming experience and improve precision aiming.

For users with carpal tunnel syndrome wrist discomfort, we recommend to pay attention to special vertical mice that promote a more natural hand position and reduce strain on the wrist. While vertical mice may initially feel unusual, after a few days of active usage, users often find it difficult to switch back to a regular mouse due to the improved comfort.

Trackball mice with a miniature ball, positioned under the thumb and capable of rotating in any direction, are worth mentioning as well. With trackballs, users can control the cursor on the screen without needing to physically move the mouse. These mice are commonly used by professionals working with audio and video sequencers such as Cubase, Pro Tools, Nuendo and Logic Pro.

Gaming mice

Shape and ergonomics

A touchpad mouse with a low-profile ergonomic design.

Comfortable mouse usage is crucial, especially during long gaming sessions. It is important to consider the shape and ergonomics of the mouse. Some mice are designed with specific grips in mind, such as palm, claw, or finger grips. Choosing a mouse with an optimal shape can help reduce hand fatigue and increase comfort, leading to improved productivity in both gaming and work scenarios. Mice can be symmetrical, suitable for both left and right-handed control, or ergonomic, with a body shape, hump height, and button placement optimized for a specific hand (usually the right hand).

Manufacturers employ various techniques to ensure a better fit of the mouse in the hand. One example is the trend set by the Xtrfy brand, which introduced perforated body of the mouse. This cheese-head-like design makes the mouse lighter and more agile, provides better grip in heated conditions, and often allows for the removable and replaceable body with perforations. Another useful feature is the inclusion of interchangeable weights, commonly found in eSports mice. This allows players to customize the mouse's accuracy, acceleration, and weight according to their preferences.

Choosing the right mouse indeed comes down to personal preference. People have different palm sizes, and what may be compact for one person could be too large for another. Additionally, individual grip styles and preferences vary, with some preferring a full palm grip, others opting for a claw grip, and some favoring flat models like the Logitech Pebble M350. Therefore, it is highly recommended to physically experience and test different mouse form factors in a store before making a purchase. This allows you to better understand which form factor suits your needs and preferences the best.

Adjustable weight mice

Connection type: USB, radio or Bluetooth?

Each type of connection has its pros and cons.

According to the type of connection, mice are divided into 2 types — wired and wireless. Wired mice are considered the classic option, offering instant signal reading from the sensor without any delay. They provide a stable connection without the risk of disconnection, and there is no need to worry about battery changes. The most common type of wired connection is through a regular USB, which is simple, reliable, and widely supported. Some rare models may still feature the old-school PS/2 connector, reminiscent of the early days of computers such as the Caribbean Crisis era and the first Apple Macintosh models, although USB mice are more prevalent in the market.

Wireless connection is more convenient due to the fact that the mouse can be freely moved around the desktop without getting tangled in wires. Mice with a Bluetooth connector have a limited signal range, often up to 10 meters, and require a built-in Bluetooth receiver in a laptop or PC. Unlike them, radio mice use a separate USB radio receiver that picks up a signal at a distance of up to 30 meters. The first option is preferable for owners of modern ultrabooks with 2 — 3 free USB ports. If you need a wider signal range or don't have a Bluetooth module, a radio mouse seems like a better choice.

Bluetooth mice

Cable type

For those investing in a high-quality gaming mouse with top-of-the-line sensors and durable switches, it's likely that they expect it to last for years. In this case, paying attention to the cable quality is essential. Opting for a mouse with a braided cable can significantly prolong its lifespan. Additionally, choosing a mouse with a replaceable cable can provide even greater longevity, allowing users to easily replace the cable if needed.

What type of mouse sensor is better?

Optical or laser?

Sensitivity or resolution is a crucial parameter that determines the accuracy and speed of pointer movement on the screen. Mice with higher DPI (dots per inch) provide more precise cursor movement. Standard household mice typically have sensitivity ranging from 800 to 1400 DPI, while high-precision gaming and design models require much higher sensitivity. The typical range for these models is 200 to 16,000 DPI, but there are mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight that operate within a broader spectrum of 100 to 25,600 DPI. It's important to note that sensitivity is dependent on the sensor installed in the mouse.

A sensor is a device that detects mouse movement and translates it into cursor movement on the screen. In modern mice, optical sensors are commonly used, which are universal and work best on smooth surfaces. The quality of the sensor is directly correlated with the price of the mouse. Low-cost models typically utilize simple and less sophisticated sensors, while gaming mice often feature a variety of optical sensors from brands such as PixArt, Avago and other competitors.

For everyday tasks, any decent mouse with standard optical sensors would suffice since low-quality sensors are rarely found in modern mice. However, when it comes to gaming, it is advisable to invest in a mouse equipped with a high-precision sensor from Pixart or its variations, commonly found in mice from reputable brands like Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries. On the other hand, we do not recommend low-cost sensors from Avago as they may exhibit issues with acceleration and accuracy. While they may be suitable for casual games like Tanks and Dota, they might not meet the demands of more competitive gaming.

Optical in the PixArt 3325 sensor.

At the moment, 3 modifications from Pixart of a different class are most often found.

  • PixArt 3325 is an entry-level optical sensor with low power consumption and a wide range of touch surfaces. The maximum resolution is 5000 DPI, the maximum acceleration is 20G.
  • PixArt 3360 is a perfectly balanced sensor with a maximum resolution of 12000 DPI and 50G acceleration. It has high accuracy, great for dynamic games. Prior to the release of PixArt 3389 was considered the top model.
  • PixArt 3389 is a professional high precision sensor with 16000 DPI and 50G. Great for competitive online shooters.
Mice with PixArt 3389 sensor

In addition to the frequency, when choosing a sensor, you should pay attention to the response time (the lower the better) and the acceleration parameter, which determines how quickly the cursor will move depending on the speed of the mouse.

Laser sensors provide enhanced accuracy and performance on various surfaces, including glass countertops, metal flooring, and carpets. These sensors are commonly used in high-precision professional mice, such as the Apple Magic Mouse, HP Specter 700 and Lenovo Professional. However, it's important to note that laser sensors tend to be more expensive compared to optical sensors.

If you work a lot outside the office or often travel with a laptop, a mouse with a BlueTrack sensor can be an excellent choice. It's an upgraded version of Microsoft's optical sensor that will pick up and stay sharp on any surface, whether it's wood, carpet, metal, gloss, or your own knee.

It's worth mentioning A4Tech's V-Track hybrid sensors, which distribute light vertically rather than horizontally over the optical. The manufacturer claims that the V-Track technology offers more precise control compared to conventional optical sensors due to its narrow aperture and high depth of field. In personal experiences, the sensor performs well, providing accuracy and responsiveness even on metal or glass surfaces. However, it's important to note that V-Track sensors are exclusive to A4Tech mice, which may not always have the highest quality overall. Nonetheless, these mice can be a great option for casual gamers who don't see the need for more expensive options from brands like Razer or Steel Series.

What else to pay attention to

One mouse to rule them all.

Side buttons on a mouse shouldn't be underestimated. They can be customized to perform various functions such as navigating between tabs, controlling media playback, executing commands in software, and are particularly important for gaming. Many gaming mice come with additional buttons, and the accompanying software allows you to program these buttons as macros for specific actions. However, it's important to note that the software capabilities can vary, so it's advisable to check before making a purchase.

Multi-Device — this term refers to the ability of a mouse to connect to several devices at once and instantly switch between them. This is a rather useful option in situations where you have a comfortable mouse that can be used simultaneously with a laptop, a tablet, and a TV. When choosing a multi-device mouse, pay attention to the number of devices it supports and how easy it is to switch between them.

Multi-Device mice

Backlight. In entry-level and mid-range models, you'll typically find basic LED illumination at the bottom and a subtle logo illumination. In higher-end mice, you can find full RGB backlighting, often with synchronization options with other PC or laptop elements. While backlighting in a mouse is mostly decorative, some mice from SteelSeries offer useful backlight customization, such as signaling messages in Discord or displaying in-game health indicators. Ultimately, the choice of backlighting is a matter of personal preference, and its specific benefits are limited.

Built-in memory. A mouse with built-in memory can store keyboard shortcuts for different games, eliminating the need for branded software. This feature is particularly useful for eSports players and experienced gamers who use the same mouse across multiple gaming platforms.

The switches in a mouse are responsible for registering button presses and transmitting them to the system. Opting for high-quality switches, such as optical switches or those from reliable brands like Omron, ensures better responsiveness and longevity. However, it's advised to avoid switches from TDC and Huano due to their mediocre quality and shorter lifespan.

Quiet click mice are designed for those who work late at night and prefer a noise-free environment. These mice feature silent switches that produce minimal noise when the buttons are pressed. Essentially, they function like regular mice but provide a quieter clicking experience.

Conclusion

We hope these tips have helped you understand the key aspects of choosing a computer mouse. Use them to make an informed decision and enjoy a comfortable work or gaming experience with a mouse that suits your needs. Best of luck in your search!