Main characteristics

In the modern world, there are a lot of different computer mice designed for a wide variety of categories: gaming and regular. What do these two terms mean? What is the difference? 

The best gaming mouse is designed with purpose in mind. Such devices have a variety of customizable buttons, creative design, the presence of backlighting, a sensor for the clarity of movements, and more.

But a regular mouse is designed for office work, that is, there are fewer buttons on such devices, and it looks simpler in design. 

Connection type

Having dealt with the external characteristics, let's move on to the technical parameters that help you choose a good mouse. The first thing you should pay attention to is the connection interface. In other words, decide whether you would like to purchase a wired or wireless model. Both connection methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, connecting via a USB port or PS / 2 using a cable frees the user from frequent battery replacement, gives high response accuracy, which is indispensable for gamers or graphic design. This type of mouse is more often chosen for a stationary office or home computer.

On the other hand, a wireless connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi gives freedom of action (the signal range of devices with such a connection ranges from 5 to 15 m). These mice are recommended to choose for using a laptop. They are ideal in situations where a desktop computer is simply not available, such as at an off-site meeting, on the road, on vacation. However, due to the presence of batteries in the kit, wireless devices are much heavier than their wired counterparts. In addition, when working with a wireless interface, you need to provide a set of spare batteries or purchase a model with a charger.

Shape and size

Before delving into the technical specifications, let's name perhaps the main factor in the selection of this device. This is undoubtedly the size, shape, ergonomics, weight and design of the gadget. A computer mouse, regardless of whether it will help you surf the Internet, whether it will become a tool for a gamer or a graphic designer, should lie comfortably in your hand without causing discomfort. After all, if you have to work at a computer for many hours, then inconvenience in use can lead not only to fatigue, but also to carpal tunnel syndrome. The disease manifests itself in loss of sensation in the hand and constant pain in the fingers and wrist. This happens due to the constant incorrectly distributed load on the arm, when the same muscles are tensed for a long time.

How to choose a computer mouse of the ideal shape? You will have to find your best option among devices with the following characteristics: classic symmetrical design, ergonomic shape that repeats the inner contours of the palm, or an asymmetric design. Classics attracts with convenience for a long time. The ergonomic type is suitable for those who alternate between keyboarding and pointing. An asymmetric computer mouse is a real find for long-term comfortable work, but not all manufacturers have such models. Each user solves the problem based on personal preferences and needs.

There are also transformer gadgets on the market, which fold out and assemble back due to a special design. In some models, it is even possible to change their weight by adjusting the number of weights located inside the device. It is easy to determine whether the chosen computer gadget suits you personally: take it in your hand, evaluate the weight, listen to how loud the buttons make.

Principle of operation

The second, no less important factor of choice is the principle of operation of a computer mouse. At present, 2 types of devices are widely used - optical and laser, differing in the source of radiation. In the first case, this is an LED, in the second, an infrared diode. Briefly, the operation of diodes can be described as follows: a light signal is reflected from the surface, fixed by a special receiver that calculates the position and movement of the mouse, and transmits the received data to the cursor on the computer monitor.

Due to their technical features, it is laser devices that are in the greatest demand. The laser computer mouse is good because:

• works on any type of surface, even mirror or visually homogeneous;
• does not glow in the dark, distracting from work;
• has a high accuracy of cursor positioning;
• differs in smaller energy consumption;
• has a higher sensor resolution.

Laser mice are chosen by designers, gamers, for whom the speed of movement of the cursor and the accuracy of its guidance are the most important indicators for successful work or play. Computer optical analogues are no less popular with ordinary users, for whom these parameters are not so critical.

Sensitivity and polling rate

The resolution of an optical sensor, measured in dpi (dots per inch), is responsible for the sensitivity of a computer mouse - one of the most important parameters of the device's functionality. The higher the resolution, the faster the response of the cursor on the monitor. This characteristic is important when performing complex graphic works, drawing, computer games. So, devices specially designed for gamers necessarily contain buttons in their design that switch resolution from lower to higher and vice versa. And you can do it right in the game. The resolution range in modern manipulators is quite wide and can vary from 800 to 8000 dpi in especially advanced models.

Also, when deciding which mouse to choose, you should pay attention to such a characteristic as the polling frequency of the device. This parameter is measured in hertz (Hz) and directly depends on the port. The USB connection is characterized by a frequency of 100-200 Hz, while the PS / 2 interface, which is gradually becoming a thing of the past, has a frequency of 40-60 Hz.

Now, knowing how to choose a mouse for your computer, you will have no problems choosing this important device. Take note of the main technical parameters of this gadget and do not forget to trust first of all the brands advanced in this area (A4Tech, Logitech, Genius, Microsoft).

For right or left hand

It is also worth paying attention to such a characteristic as: a left-handed mouse. Such a mouse is suitable for the category of people who prefer to use the left hand.