How to Buy a Computer Mouse
The computer mouse is one of the most important peripherals for a PC user. It can make or break your work experience with your desktop system.
Most general use wired mice have a mechanical ball or laser driving their motion. These are relatively inexpensive and reliable with minimal lag. They can, however, get tangled or caught on things.
Comfort
A good computer mouse feels comfortable in your hand and supports you as you work. It’s an easy thing to overlook until your mouse begins to feel uncomfortable or even painful. That’s when many users realize that the ergonomics of their mouse matter — especially for graphic designers, gamers, or people who use a mouse for long periods.
Keeping your hands, wrists, and arms in neutral positions while mousing can help prevent repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Choosing an ergonomic mouse can reduce these risks, because it’s designed to fit your hand and movement patterns.
Look for a mouse that fits your dominant hand comfortably. Hold the mouse loosely, with your fingers relaxed and not pressed too hard against the sides. Using the mouse on a smooth surface (like a mouse pad) can also improve comfort and allow it to scroll smoothly. If your mouse is not comfortable, you may need to adjust the sensitivity settings. These are typically found in your computer’s Control Panel or Settings. You can also try different grip styles or a vertical mouse to improve your comfort.
Buttons
Many computer mice have a lot of buttons that can be arranged to perform different functions. This allows the user to perform tasks faster and more accurately. However, the user must first understand how to use these buttons before they can reap their benefits.
Most people will be familiar with the standard left and right click button and a scroll wheel in the middle of the mouse. Most models also come with additional programmable buttons that can be assigned to perform a specific function. For example, some may be programmed to act as the back button on a web browser.
Some of these buttons are designed to be pushed only once and execute a command while others will be toggled like a check box. In addition, some will display a tooltip when the pointer is over them to provide built-in documentation.
Weight
Many computer users don’t appreciate how much they depend on the mouse until it stops working. When that happens, a new mouse is in order. While most mice are fairly lightweight, there are some that can weigh quite a bit more than others. Those that are considered heavy will typically have a design that looks more like a gaming mouse, with a large surface area and more buttons than a general purpose mouse.
Mice can be corded or wireless and come in a number of different shapes and sizes. They can have gear wheels to define direction or optical sensors that use light to determine movement. They can even be a trackball, which may be easier for some users.
A good mouse will have a USB connector that plugs into a port on your laptop or desktop computer. The ports will be located in different places depending on your machine, but they are usually on the left or right side of the keyboard and near the monitor. Make sure to insert the connector properly so it doesn’t get stuck in place.
Sensors
Sensors are an integral part of every technology device we use. From cars to smart devices, sensors convert physical input into electronic data and present it to us as visual information. They are used to improve transportation, medical treatment, nanotechnology, mobile devices and even virtual reality.
Computer mice can use optical or laser sensors. Optical sensors are less expensive than laser options and work well on most surfaces, including mouse pads. However, they can struggle with glossy or transparent surfaces and have lower sensitivity than laser alternatives.
When choosing a mouse, consider its DPI (dots-per-inch) sensitivity. This specification determines how fast your mouse tracks movement and where it places the cursor on the screen. High-DPI mice are preferred by gamers who want extreme sensitivity, requiring little effort to move the cursor across the screen. Another important spec to note is the polling rate, which refers to how many times per second the mouse reports its position to the computer. A higher number means smoother, more precise movement.
Design
Computer mice come in all shapes and sizes, but each one is designed to help users control their cursor on the screen. Many stores that sell mice have display models so that shoppers can test out different styles to see which fits their hand best. Users can also choose if they want a mouse that connects by a cord or if they prefer the flexibility of a wireless computer mouse.
Some computer mouse designs are more stylish than others. Gaming-style mice, for example, may feature LED lights that can be programmed to change colors. These designs can be a fun way to personalize a computer mouse, although they tend to cost more than other types.
Regardless of which type of computer mouse you choose, be sure to keep it clean and properly maintained. It is important to remove dust from the bottom of the mouse and to keep the USB connector in place. Occasionally, the USB connector may need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to regularly clean the mouse to help keep it working smoothly.
