26.04.2014 0 27464
In order to fully cover the issue of the types of computer mice, as well as give you advice on how to choose the best one for yourself, you must first talk about the history of the creation of the first computer mouse, show what it looked like, who and when was its inventor
The history of the creation of the first computer mouse and who is its inventor?
Douglas Engelbar He is considered the inventor of the first computer mouse; he began working on it in 1964. It got its name from the wire, which, according to the inventor, looked like a mouse's tail. The computer mouse was first presented to the public on December 9, 1968 in California at a show of interactive devices. Frame first computer mouse was handmade and made of wood. There was one single button at the top, and two disks at the bottom, one moved when the mouse moved vertically, the other, respectively, horizontally.
In 1970, Douglas Engelbar received a patent for his invention.
In 1981, Xerox, which now specializes in the production of printers and cartridges, introduced the computer mouse as part of the Xerox 8010 Star Information System personal computer. The manipulator already had three buttons, and the disks were replaced with a ball and rollers. The cost of this device reached $500.
In 1983, Apple introduced its own version of the computer mouse for their Lisa computer. They managed to create a convenient and cheap device that costs $20. In many ways, this determined such a stunning success.
In the USSR, a computer mouse was produced, the Kolobok Manipulator, which had a heavy metal ball.
Types of computer mice
Exist the following types computer mice:
- mechanical
- optical
- laser
- trackball
- induction
- hydroscopically
- sensory
Mechanical computer mice or ball mice are practically no longer used. Their distinctive characteristics are the size and presence of a heavy rubber ball, as well as the mandatory presence of a mat, which is designed to improve positioning, which in mechanical mice leaves much to be desired, especially in fast computer games. Another disadvantage is the need to constantly clean the ball from dirt and small particles.
In optical mice Instead of a rotating ball, an LED and a sensor are used, which improves positioning and reduces the size of the device. Such manipulators work like cameras, scanning the surface along which they move. Some models take several thousand pictures per second, which are processed by the mouse microprocessor and sends information to the computer. This mouse can work without a mousepad, but not as well as a laser mouse.
Laser computer The mouse does not differ in appearance from an optical one, but instead of an LED and a sensor, it uses a laser. This allows you to significantly increase its accuracy and reduce energy consumption. In addition, it can work on almost any surface (glass, carpet, etc.)
Trackball has a convex ball and resembles an inverted mechanical computer mouse. By rotating this ball, you move the cursor around the screen; you do not need to move the mouse itself. This is where its advantage comes from: it requires less space to operate than a classic computer mouse. In addition, it has significantly higher ergonomic indicators, as studies have shown that after 4 hours of active use of a computer mouse, the hand becomes 60% weaker due to fatigue, while using a trackball negative influence does not provide.
Induction mice work by using inductive energy. For their functioning, a special mat is required, which works on the principle of a graphic tablet. These mice have good accuracy, but they are very impractical and expensive. Gyroscopic mice- a new generation of devices that recognize movement not only in the plane, but also in space, i.e. it can be removed from the table altogether.
Touch mice. The latest models of these manipulators have neither buttons nor a wheel, and support touchpad technology. This allows you to use various gestures to press, scroll in any direction, zoom, and customize the execution of the commands you need. They are distinguished by their amazing appearance and compactness.
How to choose the best computer mouse for yourself?
- buy touch (see description above) or laser optical models
- wireless mice are much more convenient than wired ones
- ergonomics, the computer mouse should fit comfortably in your hand
- Battery life in operating and standby mode
- dpi indicator (the higher, the more accurate the mouse will be)
- pay attention to the company, the most popular now are Razer, Microsoft, A4Tech, Genius, Logitech, Defender
- if it is a button mouse, pay attention to mice that do not have audible button presses, convenient if you use a computer at home at night
- additional software, which allows you to set programmable buttons and gestures
The oldest organization of breeders, the National British Club of Ornamental Mice, has developed 40 variety standards with more than 200 color options for Ornamental Mice.
Russia has not yet developed its own standards for varieties and coat color options of Decorative Mice. When judging at exhibitions in Russia, translations of foreign standards are used, among which the most popular are the standards of the Finnish National Rodent Breeders Club.
Numerous varieties of Decorative mice differ in the type of coat and color options, color patterns, and markings on the animal’s fur.
Varieties of Decorative Mice by Coat Type
Short Hair Fancy mouse
The Shorthaired Ornamental Mouse has a smooth, dense and short coat with a natural shine, which is the base coat type for all color standards and markings (patterns). The length, curl and shine of the coat significantly change the appearance of the animal and in most cases any color or marking looks most advantageous and is easier to recognize on the smooth and short coat of the Decorative Mouse.
Satin Fancy mouse
The Satin Decorative Mouse has a satin coat with an increased, metallic sheen due to the hollow hairs that better reflect light. Satin, satin wool is found in all other varieties of Decorative mice - Short-haired, Long-haired, Rosette, Rex, Hairless, etc.
Decorative mice Rex (Rex / Astrex Fancy mouse)
The Rex or Astrex mouse (FMC) has a wavy coat with dense curls distributed throughout the body. The Decorative Mouse with the Rex coat type has curled, curled whiskers. The Rex coat type is found in other varieties of the Decorative mouse - Short Hair Astrex, Short Hair Satin Astrex, Long Hair Astrex and Long Hair Satin Astrex. The short-haired Rex mouse is considered sufficient rare variety Decorative mouse, which is associated with lack of popularity and difficulty of breeding. Of all four varieties of the Rex coat type, the most popular are the Long Hair Satin Astrex, whose long, hollow hair curls more easily and allows for more curls to be formed. Decorative Rex mice can have any color and coat marking.
Other options for curly fur of Decorative mice:
- Fuzzy (fz) - fine but very curly coat that becomes thicker with age;
- Frizzy (fr) - short and coarse coat that thins with age;
- Caracul-like (cal) - young animals have curly hair (karakul), which is completely straightened by eight weeks of age.
Abyssinian Fancy mouse
The Abyssinian rosette mouse has at least one rosette on each side of the body (the more the better), the rosettes are clearly marked center point and smooth round shape. The Abyssinian Rosette mouse can have short or long hair and any color and coat marking.
Angora / Long Hair Fancy mouse
The Longhaired Mouse or Angora (FMBA) has long, smooth fur with a silky texture all over its body. Long-haired mice have long whiskers. The most popular are Longhaired Satin Mice, which combine the shine of the coat and the fluffiness of long hair. Long-haired mice can have any color and coat marking.
Texel Fancy mouse
The longhaired Texel mouse has long, curly hair that is equal in length and has curls all over its body. The long-haired Texel mouse has long and curled whiskers. Long-haired Texel mice can have any color and coat marking.
Hairless Fancy mouse
Hairless Decorative mouse or True hairless is a completely hairless, hairless animal with wrinkled skin. The Hairless Ornamental Mouse's whiskers may be short, curly, or absent. Hairless mice can have any color and coat marking.
Fuzzy Fancy mouse
The decorative mouse Fuzz (fuzz - fluff, fluff) is a curly variety by type of fur, but unlike Rexes (Astrexes) it has a soft and denser “afro” curl, reminiscent of the wool of a young lamb. The Fuzz Toy Mouse can have short or long velvety fur, but the long or satin coat is less noticeable compared to the Rex Toy Mouse. Down mice are a fairly new variety of Ornamental mice - the preliminary standard (FMC) was approved in 2014. Decorative Fuzz mice can have any color and coat marking.
Comparative table of breeds of Ornamental mice included in the standards of the Finnish National Breeders' Club (FMC) and the American Breeders' Association (FMBA).
Breeds of Decorative Mice by Coat Type
| Breeds | FMC | FMBA |
| Abyssinian (AB) Angora / Long Hair (LH) Fuzzy (fz) Hairless (nu) Rex / Astrex (A) Satin (S) Short Hair (SH) Texel | + + Unstandard.** Unstandard.** + + + - | + + + + + - + + |
Options for Monochromatic coat color of Decorative mice
| Self | FMC | FMBA |
| Beige (be) Black (ba) Blue (bl) Bone (beb) / Ivory Champagne (cha) Chocolate (cc) Coffee (co) Cream (cr) Dove (d) Fawn (fa) Lilac (li) Red (r) Silver (si) White Black Eyed (bew) White Pink Eyed (pew) White Ruby Eyed (rew) | + + + + + + Unstandard.** Unstandard.** + + + + + + Provisional* + | + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + |
Options for ticked coat color of decorative mice
| Ticked / Silvered / Tan & Fox | FMC | FMBA |
| Agouti (ag)Argente (ar)Argente Creme (arc) Blue Agouti (bl-ag) Chinchilla (chi)Cinnamon (ci) Foxes (*/f) / Fox Gray Agouti (gr-ag) Grizzled FoxPearl (pe) Silver Agouti Silver Brown (s-b) Silver Fawn (s-f)Silver Gray (s-g) SilveredTans (*/t) / Tan | Ticked TickedTickedTicked TickedTicked Tan & FoxTicked -Silvered - SilveredSilvered Silvered - Tan & Fox | Ticked TickedTan & FoxTicked Tan & Fox Ticked Tan & Fox -Tan & FoxTicked Ticked - - - Ticked Tan & Fox |
Options for fur markings of decorative mice
| Marked/Pattern | FMC | FMBA |
| Banded (*/b) Brindle (*/bri)Broken (*/br) Capped (*/ca)Dutch (*/du)Even (*/e) HerefordMerle (me) PiedPied MerleRoan (ro)Rumpwhite (*/rw ) Splashed (spl) Tricolor (*/tri)Variegated (*/var) | + + + + + + - Unstandard.** - - Unstandard.** + Provisional* + + | + Pattern + - + + + Pattern + + Pattern + Pattern + + |
| Shaded & Pointed | FMC | FMBA |
| Beige Colorpoint (cpb) Burmese (bur)Burmese Blue (bl-bur)Himalayan (hi) Sable (sa)Sable Blue (bl-sa) Sable Lilac (l-sa) Sable Marten (ms)Siamese Blue Point (sbp) Siamese Seal Point (ssp) Smoke (sm) | + + + + + + + + + + Unstandar.** | + + - + + - - + + + + |
*Preliminary standard
**Non-standardized variety
Organizations and clubs of breeders of Ornamental mice
Finnish Show and Pet Mice club - The Finnish National Club is a non-profit organization and the main body of all Finnish rodent and rabbit breeders. The club's activities include organizing mouse exhibitions, meetings of ornamental mouse lovers, breeders' meetings, training on standards for judges and courses for owners. The FMC publishes a quarterly newsletter and maintains a register of Finnish owners and breeders of ornamental mice.
A mouse is a small animal that belongs to the class Mammals, order Rodents, family Mouse (Muridae).
Mouse - description, characteristics and photos. What does a mouse look like?
The length of the mouse’s body, covered with short fur, varies from 5 to 19 cm, depending on the species, and doubles with the tail. These rodents have a rather short neck. The pointed muzzle shows small black beady eyes and small semicircular ears, allowing the mice to hear well. Thin and sensitive whiskers growing around the nose give them the ability to perfectly navigate their surroundings. Mice, unlike hamsters, lack cheek pouches.
The mouse's paws are short with five prehensile toes. The surface of the tail is covered with keratinized scales with sparse hairs. The color of the mouse is usually characterized by gray, brown or red tones, but there are variegated and striped individuals, as well as white mice. Animals lead an active lifestyle in the evening or at night. They communicate with each other using a thin squeak.
Types of mice, names and photos
The mouse family includes 4 subfamilies, 147 genera and 701 species, the most common of which are:
- (Apodemus agrarius)
reaches 12.5 cm in size, not counting the tail, which can be up to 9 cm long. The color of the back of the mouse is gray, with a slight yellowish-brown tint and a dark stripe running along the ridge, and the belly is light gray. The habitat of the field mouse includes Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria, the southern part of Western Siberia and Primorye, Mongolia, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula and certain territories of China. This species of mice lives in wide meadows, in dense thickets of bushes, city gardens and parks, and makes a refuge both in burrows and in any natural shelters. In flooded areas it builds nests on bushes. Depending on the season, the diet may consist of seeds, berries, green parts of plants and various insects. The field mouse is the main pest of grain crops.
- (Apodemus flavicollis)
has a reddish-gray color and a light belly (sometimes with a small spot yellow color). The body size of adult individuals reaches 10-13 cm, the tail has approximately the same length. The mouse weighs about 50 grams. This type of mouse is widespread in the forests of Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Caucasus, the northern provinces of China and Altai. Yellow-throated mice live on open edges in hollow trees or dug holes, but they can also live in rocky areas. Their diet includes both plant and animal foods. By eating young shoots of fruit trees, they cause significant harm to nurseries.
- Grass mouse (Nilotic grass mouse) (Arvicanthis niloticus)
is one of the most major representatives of the mouse family and can reach 19 cm in length, and with the tail - 35 cm. The weight of individual large individuals exceeds 100 g. The fur of the back and sides has a dark gray or grayish-brown color with individual hard and prickly bristles of a darker shade. The belly color is light gray. This type of mouse is most common in African countries, where they live in bushes, forests and savannas. As a refuge, grass mice choose abandoned termite mounds or dig holes on their own, but on occasion they can enter human habitation. The basis of the diet of mice is plant food.
- (Micromys minutus)
is one of the smallest rodents in the world. The body length of an adult animal does not exceed 7 cm, the tail - 6.5 cm, and the weight of the baby does not exceed 10 g. The back and sides are plain and have a reddish-brown or brown color, in contrast to the light gray, almost white belly. The muzzle of baby mice is short and blunt, with small ears. The distribution area of this species of mice stretches from west to east from the northwestern provinces of Spain to Korea and Japan, in the south to Kazakhstan, China and the northern regions of Mongolia. The mouse lives in forest and forest-steppe zones, in meadows with tall grass. IN summer time Mice use nests made in the grass as shelter, and spend the winter in burrows, haystacks, and human residential or outbuildings. The basis of the diet of baby mice is the seeds of cereals and legumes, as well as small insects. They often settle near granaries, causing enormous damage to agriculture.
- (Mus musculus)
the most widespread species of the rodent family on the planet. The body length of an adult mouse does not exceed 9.5 cm, and together with the tail - 15 cm. The weight of the mouse is 12-30 g. The color of the fur on the sides and back is gray with a brown tint, and on the abdomen from light gray to white. Individuals living in desert areas are sandy in color. The mouse's muzzle is sharp with small rounded ears. The distribution range of this species of mice does not include only the territory of the Far North, Antarctica and high mountain regions. House mice live in all types of landscapes and natural areas, and very often penetrate into human outbuildings and residential buildings. IN natural conditions They dig minks on their own, although they can also occupy homes abandoned by other rodents. They feed on seeds and juicy green parts of plants, and having entered a person’s house, they eat everything that gets into their teeth - from bread and sausages to paraffin candles.
- (Lemniscomys striatus)
small rodent: body length 10-15 cm, intermittent stripes of light colors are visible along the back and along the sides. Under natural conditions, striped mice rarely live more than 6-7 months; in captivity they live two to three times longer. The menu of these individuals includes mainly plant “dishes”: root vegetables, soft seeds, juicy fruits, and occasionally small insects.
- (akomis) (Acomys)
a rather handsome representative of the mouse family, the owner of huge eyes and equally large ears. The size of the spiny mouse, including its tail, is 13-26 cm; the back of the animal is covered with thin spines, like a regular hedgehog. An amazing feature of these animals is regeneration: when in danger, the mouse is able to shed a piece of skin, leaving the attacker bewildered. The skin is quickly restored without damage to the individual. The spiny mouse lives in Asian countries and is found in Cyprus and Africa. Its diet relies on plant foods; this animal is often kept as a pet.
Where does the mouse live?
The distribution range of mice covers almost all climatic zones, zones and continents of the globe. Mouse representatives can be found in tropical thickets, coniferous or deciduous forests, steppes and deserts, on mountain slopes or in swampy areas. Mice also live in people's homes.
Mice can make nests from grass stems, occupy abandoned holes, or dig complex systems underground passages. Unlike species that live in swamps, mountain, steppe and forest mice swim poorly.
The basis of the diet of mice is plant food: grass seeds, fruits of trees or shrubs and cereals (wheat, oats, barley, millet, buckwheat). Mice that live in swampy areas, wet and flooded meadows, feed on leaves, buds or flowers of plants and shrubs. Some types of mice prefer protein supplements such as insects, worms, beetles, spiders. Once in the house, these animals happily gnaw on potatoes, sausage, bakery products, eggs or cheese.
IN hibernation the mouse does not fall and can move under the snow crust without appearing on the surface.
To survive the cold, she has to create substantial food reserves in pantries located near the entrance to the burrow.
What to feed mice at home?
Although pet mice eat many foods, not all of them are recommended for your pets, because there are foods that are not only harmful, but also dangerous for rodents. This is why it is important to properly feed mice at home to keep them healthy, active and energetic.
The best option for feeding domestic rodents is ready-made balanced food, which can be purchased at any pet store. It is important to note that it is worth choosing “Food for mice”, since it does not contain components harmful to pets.
Experts recommend giving preference to imported feed, as they:
- do not contain dyes;
- consist of natural and healthy ingredients, not husks and coarse herbs;
- contain a small percentage of nuts and seeds, overeating of which threatens the animal with obesity.
Such nutrition will allow the house mouse to feel good, while receiving a full range of vitamins and nutrients.
In nature, mice feed on seeds and some types of animal food, so you need to provide your pets with a natural diet.
Pet mice are given:
Mice breeding
Species of mice living in natural conditions reproduce with the onset of the warm season, and those living in houses or apartments - all year round. There are no mating rituals among rodents, but if two male mice claim one female, a fight often occurs between them. The female's pregnancy lasts about 24 days, and up to 10 pups can appear in one litter. One female mouse produces up to 4 litters per year. Sexual maturity of individuals occurs after 2-3 months. Lifespan of mice in natural conditions does not exceed 9 months, and in captivity this figure can reach 8 years.
House mice are used as test animals for testing new drugs, cosmetics, and genetic experiments.
Unfortunately, these rodents are not only a great threat to crops and tree seedlings, but also carriers of dangerous infectious diseases.
Breeding mice at home
Decorative species of mice often become pets. They quickly get used to their owner and easily find him by smell. To keep them, you need a spacious glass terrarium, equipped with a drinker, feeder and house. Caring for mice is not difficult; you just need to change the bedding in a timely manner, give food and not touch newborn mice with your hands.
- Translated from the Indo-European language, the word “mouse” means thief.
- Contrary to popular belief, the strong smell of cheese repels rodents.
- A monument to a laboratory mouse has been erected in Novosibirsk Academy Town.
- When threatened, spiny mice can shed a small patch of skin to confuse their pursuer.
- The information that elephants are afraid of mice is just a myth.
When buying a computer, many users pay attention only to the choice of the main and most expensive components - processor, motherboard, video card, etc.
When it comes to choosing peripheral devices (, mouse), many characteristics are overlooked. Often, the user takes what is included with the system unit, and then wonders why the mouse quickly breaks down (or it is simply uncomfortable to hold in the hand).
In this article, we will look at the main characteristics of a computer mouse that you should consider when purchasing.
1 Size and shape
Most of all computer operations are performed using the mouse. Consequently, the user almost constantly holds the mouse in his hand and moves it across the table or rug. This explains the need to choose exactly the device that, in its shape and size, will ideally fit the shape and size of the palm. Otherwise, holding the mouse will not be very comfortable, you will get tired faster and get less pleasure from work.
I even know people whose hand hurt so much after working with an uncomfortable mouse for a long time that they involuntarily became left-handed for a while. When the hand began to, as they say, ache, the mouse moved to the left, into the left hand, the mouse buttons were rearranged for the left hand, and thus it was possible to calm the right hand. This is very inconvenient if you are not a true left-hander, and the work on the computer is greatly slowed down.
Therefore, before buying, be sure to hold the mouse in your hand and figure out how convenient it is to work with it, how comfortable it is to hold it in your hand (in the right hand for right-handers and in the left hand for left-handers).
2 Type (type) of computer mouse
Based on their type, mice are divided into
- mechanical,
- optical and
- remote.
Depending on the type, let's see what a computer mouse looks like.
Mechanical manipulators use a special ball that rotates as the device moves along a flat surface.
Rice. 1 Mechanical mouse
Optical mouse manipulators use an optical pointer that reads changes in the position of the mouse relative to the plane along which the mouse is moving.
Rice. 2 Optical computer mouse USB connection
Remote mice work on the same principle as optical mice, but they do not have a wired connection to the computer.
Rice. 3 Remote mouse
With remote mice, the signal from the manipulator is transmitted wirelessly remotely, and the mice themselves operate on a battery or battery.
Mechanical mice this moment are morally obsolete. Almost no one uses them due to relatively low sensitivity and frequent failures. They quickly accumulate dust and dirt, which interfere with the normal operation of the rotating ball and reading sensors. There is no point in buying such manipulators, even if they are attractive in price.
Optical mice are the most common (due to ease of use, reliability and durability).
Remote mice are also used quite often, but have a number of disadvantages. Eg,
- possible problems with sensitivity (including due to the absence of wires),
- the need to periodically replace batteries,
- Battery charge monitoring, if used.
However, such remote mice can be useful for those who work at a distance from the computer. For example, in the case of using a computer as a TV, it is more convenient to switch television channels remotely, while at a distance, sitting, as they say, on the sofa, for which a remote mouse can be oh, how useful!
Remote mice are also convenient for those who make presentations using a computer, but do not have the opportunity to work with professional equipment. Then a computer (usually not even a computer, but a laptop) is used as a screen for demonstration, and a remote mouse allows you to switch presentation slides from a distance (for example, while standing during a speech).
3 Connector
Any mice, even remote ones, must be connected to the computer via ports. Wired mice have a corresponding connector at the end of the wire. Wireless mice have a special device like a small flash drive, which also connects to a PC port and serves as a receiver for signals from a remote mouse.
Rice. 4 PC/2 ports
The mouse can connect to the computer
- to the PC/2 port (Fig. 4 – round port),
- as well as to the USB port (Fig. 2).
At the same time, USB mice are rapidly replacing mice with a PC/2 cable from the market. There are several reasons for this:
- firstly, a better connection;
- secondly, the prevalence of USB connectors on almost all modern PCs.
It also happens that there are not many USB ports on the computer, and they may not be enough to connect a mouse. It's rare, but something like this can happen. Then they come to the rescue - these are devices that allow you to make 2, 4 or more USB ports from one USB port. This makes buying a mouse more expensive, since you have to buy a splitter in addition to it, but it solves the problem of a lack of ports. Fortunately, a lack of USB is an extremely rare situation; in ordinary PCs (if it is not “exotic”) there are always enough USB ports to connect a mouse.
For those who do not want to part with the familiar and now “native” mouse with a PS-2 connector when switching to a PC that no longer has PS-2 ports, the industry (unfortunately, not quite native, but rather Chinese!) offers PS adapters -2 – USB. Again, this is a rare occurrence; it’s easier to change a mouse to USB than to look for, buy, and pay for an adapter. However, for those interested, we can offer this somewhat exotic option of connecting a mouse to a computer.
4 Sensitivity
This indicator is measured in dpi (dots per inch). The higher the sensitivity of a computer mouse, the more accurately you can move the mouse cursor around the workspace (on the screen) of the monitor.
Let me explain. It's about about how accurately you can place the mouse cursor at one point or another on the screen with your hand. The higher the sensitivity, that is, the more dots per inch, the more accurately you can position the mouse cursor at the desired point on the screen.
Let me remind you that an inch is 2.54 cm. And we use this length measurement system because we are not the ancestors of computer technology, and therefore we use someone else’s system of measures and weights.
High sensitivity, in fact, is not only a blessing. High sensitivity, on the contrary, can cause problems and difficulties working with the mouse. High sensitivity is important for those who work with high-resolution computer graphics, for computer designers, for designers and similar professions that require drawing or drawing using a PC. High sensitivity can be useful for “gamers”, fans of computer games, where the accuracy of hitting certain fields on the monitor screen is important.
Otherwise, ordinary PC users can make do with mouse controls with relatively low precision. Why high accuracy if you only do, for example, text editing? You can easily use your mouse to hit the desired line, the desired text symbol, as they say, “without aiming” and you won’t miss!
The sensitivity of many mechanical mice ranges from 400-500 dpi. However, as noted earlier, this type of manipulator is a thing of the past. In optical models, the dpi value can reach 800-1000.
The cost of a specific mouse model directly depends on the sensitivity. When purchasing a mouse with high sensitivity, a PC user pays additionally for this feature. This is another argument in favor of choosing mice that are not too sensitive. Why overpay if high sensitivity is not needed in normal PC work?!
5 Number of buttons
A standard mouse has only three controls - the right and left buttons, as well as a wheel. The mouse wheel is not only a familiar scrolling tool, but also serves as the third mouse button. You can press the wheel like a button, click it. This allows, for example, to open browser windows in new tabs (see).
Working with buttons and the mouse wheel should be pleasant and comfortable, otherwise such a mouse can cause irritation for a PC user. For example, the buttons (both right and left) may be too tight and require quite a lot of force to press. This is not convenient for everyone, and when working for a long time, you can simply get tired of pressing buttons, which sometimes leads to painful and unpleasant sensations.
Mouse buttons can be pressed quietly, almost silently, or they can “click” loudly. This is also, as they say, an acquired taste, some people like it louder, with a clicking sound, while others prefer silence.
The buttons can be pressed without play, without free play, and in some cases the play can be so large that it feels like the button itself is moving a little, swaying. Buttons with play can be annoying, but on the other hand, some people may like them. As they say, not for everybody. You have to try it with your own hands and choose.
Also the mouse wheel. It can spin easily, or it can “slow down” and require additional effort. Here too - as you like.
Pressing the wheel may be light or may require some training of the index finger. It is especially annoying if the wheel is pressed without a click, when it is not very possible to feel whether a press has occurred or not. In this case, pressing and scrolling the wheel becomes akin to roulette, either hit or miss! Not very convenient, this mouse is more for thrill-seekers.
It is better for the average inexperienced PC user to have a mouse where everything is simple and clear:
- here they are, left and right mouse clicks,
- here it is, scrolling the wheel up and down (attention, sometimes the wheel spins well only in one direction up or down, but gets stuck in the other, and this also needs to be checked when purchasing!).
- And here they are, clear and understandable clicks with the wheel, that is, clicks with the third mouse button.
Everything is simple, reliable, practical.
For ordinary three-button mice, as a rule, no additional drivers are needed; they are already included in PC operating systems.
Rice. 5 Mouse with a lot of buttons
More expensive and advanced models may have 4, 5, 6 or more buttons. When installing drivers for such mice, you can assign a specific action (or a sequence of actions) to each button. This can be very convenient when working in some special applications or computer games. Otherwise, these extra buttons are not needed, it is better not to overpay manufacturers for them, and limit yourself to standard manipulators, two-button mice with a wheel (aka the third button).
6 Other characteristics
This could be, for example, case material, button material, manufacturer, etc. Here you should choose based only on your own preferences. Some people work well with ordinary plastic mice. Some people prefer metal mice. Some people like regular buttons, while others want buttons with finger-shaped notches for a comfortable hand position.
Some people like mice of any color, while others prefer only White color, only black, yellow, pink, green, and you never know what other colors there are!
Personally, for example, I like mice that work on any surface: on a table, on a mouse pad, on a tablecloth, on oilcloth, on fabric.
And there are mice that, for the life of me, will not work on a light table, for example, or on oilcloth, or on glass, until you put a mouse pad or at least a regular sheet of paper under them. And this is also an important characteristic of the mouse, which we will classify as “other characteristics”.
Another “other characteristic” is how quickly the mouse collects dust and dirt from the table, and how easily it is cleaned of this dust and dirt. Unfortunately, there are no ideal workplaces. Whatever you do, dust and dirt tend to appear again and again, and they settle on the lower surface of any mouse, even the cheapest or most expensive. And here it is important how quickly the mouse becomes inoperable due to this, and how easily it can be cleaned of all this. A dirty mouse may, for example, lose its sensitivity, or begin to work “jerkily,” which makes it difficult for the mouse cursor to hit certain points on the screen.
Rice. 6 Apple mouse with touch controls
For some PC users, an important “other characteristic” may be the name of the manufacturer. For example, if you have an “advanced” laptop from Apple, you might want a mouse from the same manufacturer with touch controls, when you just move your finger, there are no mechanics, nothing rotates, but the movement of your finger is detected. You will have to pay extra money to own this manipulator.
Or you can just hope that a more or less well-known other company will not sell “bad” mice that can quickly fail. And then you may want to buy a mouse from manufacturers such as, for example, Logitech, Microsoft, A4 Tech.
Here, to be honest, it depends. An unsightly mouse a la “made in China”, as they say, “noname” (that is, without a name, without an obvious manufacturer, without a known manufacturer) can serve faithfully so long that you forget when, where and at what price you bought it . Or maybe a branded mouse will fail quite quickly. Although, on average, mice from well-known manufacturers last longer and work better than their Chinese (and not only) competitors.
So, as we see, mice are not such simple devices. They have many parameters in which they can differ from each other. Mouse selection – important point when choosing a PC. Because we will have to work with the mouse, since we have become users (and to some extent even hostages) of modern “window technology” for presenting information on the monitor screen and processing it with modern tools that personal computers provide us.
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Understanding modern mice can sometimes be very difficult. One has a dozen buttons, the other has two joysticks, and even some kind of lever here on the left... Oops, it’s broken. Sorry, is this a warranty issue? And after all this, there is only one thought in my head: “I just need a good mouse! With normal and simple shape and human ergonomics. And an accurate sensor! Well, really, you want it to fit well in your hand, and to look attractive in appearance... Well, the software is very desirable, otherwise how can you configure the mouse without it?” This is all very familiar.
You can't have everything at once, but you can choose a mouse that, given certain goals, will satisfy most of your needs. In some ways, gaming mice are similar to each other - good quality assembly and materials; competent technical base, well-thought-out ergonomics, and so on. However, famous manufacturers have many worthy models in their arsenal, and all these mice cost a lot of money. Therefore, in this article I will talk about all the main aspects that you should pay attention to when choosing a gaming mouse.
Form
The shape is the first thing you should pay attention to. The more comfortable it is to hold the mouse, the more enjoyable it is to play and work on the computer. If the mouse fits comfortably in your hand, then everything else is not very important. And here neither the sensor, nor the materials, nor the build quality will decide. The shape of a mouse is a subjective factor, so it is impossible to choose a mouse based only on technical characteristics and dry data. As well as on other people's opinions. The ideal form simply does not exist - it is different for everyone. And following your preferences, you can choose to choose the mouse that will be closest to the cherished ideal.
Based on the type of shape, mice are divided into two main types - ergonomic and symmetrical (also called “Ambidextrous”). The first mice can also be called asymmetrical, since they are made taking into account the characteristics of only one hand (right or left). The second ones have the same design both with the left and with right side, so they can be used by both right- and left-handed people.
Based on size, mice can be divided into large, medium and small. Small mice are quite compact, and they are more convenient when working with a laptop than when playing games. The best choice would be a mouse of medium or big size, because it’s more convenient to hold them with your whole hand. And it all depends on your grip. If you like to place your entire palm on the mouse - mouse large sizes would be preferable; If you like a tenacious grip with your fingers, then a medium-sized mouse will suit your grip quite well.
Sensor
The sensor is the second component after the form, to which you should pay the closest attention. There is one stereotype in the gaming segment regarding sensor resolution: the higher the dpi, the better. This is wrong. What is more important is the type and model of the sensor itself, as well as its technical characteristics, because the quality of reading, called tracking, depends on it. The better the tracking, that is, the better the mouse reads the surface, the more accurate the tracking of any movements will be. In the language of shooters: the more accurately you will distribute headshots and make sharp jerks and any turns.
Sensor resolution is always indicated in dpi, although you can find other names (dpi, cpi, ppi). All this is the same thing, it’s just called differently, and means sensor resolution - the number of dots per inch. The quality of the sensor is directly related to its technical characteristics. The higher these characteristics, the more accurately the sensor works. And don’t forget a simple and useful rule: a good sensor means a good carpet.
Sensors are divided into three types:
optical LED
optical laser
laser sensors (using Doppler shift technology, sometimes also called “true laser”)
The main parameters of any sensor are:
speed (ips)
acceleration (g)
number of frames per second (fps)
Which sensor should you prefer and why?
Optical LED(they are simply called optical). The most popular type of sensor installed in mice. It is universal and hassle-free - it works with most carpets, and also has the least problems when reading. Top models of optical sensors perform best in game plan– they have excellent tracking, a low separation distance from the surface, while they do not have various disadvantages such as acceleration, angular binding and some other ailments inherent in budget models or other types of sensors. An excellent universal option for shooters and everyday work on the computer, including when working with graphics.
Optical laser(they are simply called laser). A less popular type of sensor, which is distinguished by its operation on almost any surface, as well as its reduced power consumption. Unlike optics, laser sensors have some disadvantages such as unavoidable acceleration, which leads to minor losses in tracking, and therefore this can be critical in games where maximum sensor accuracy is required. Due to their omnivorous nature and low power consumption, these sensors are installed in wireless mice, but in general they are inferior to good optics. For the laser sensor, hard types of surfaces (plastic carpets) are preferred.
Laser(Doppler Shift, sometimes referred to as “real laser”). This type of sensor is less common and is sometimes confused with an optical laser sensor. Technically, these are the most advanced sensors on the market, but they are demanding on the firmware, and therefore not every company undertakes to install them in their mice. In addition, they have several disadvantages, due to which they have “capricious” behavior and are much more demanding on the surface than the above options. At the moment, this does not allow them to become a mass product on the market, although the potential of these sensors is incredibly great.
When choosing a mouse, it is important to pay attention not only to the shape, but also to the model of the sensor installed in it. For this reason, professional gamers and eSports players often choose mice with the best optical sensor, but set it to moderate DPI values, which range from 400 to 1600 dpi. In this range, the sensors work in the best possible way, they do not have errors or inaccuracies in reading, and the potential of the sensor with its technical parameters is revealed to the maximum possible.
Ergonomics
Mouse ergonomics is a subjective factor that varies from person to person. Ergonomics is inextricably linked with the overall perception of shape, but here we will talk about individual details of the mouse. Simply put, ergonomics is how certain controls are designed, what materials the mouse is made of, its weight, cable and other little things that make the device user-friendly.
Controls. The standard set of any gaming mouse includes at least 5 controls: main buttons, side buttons and a wheel. For fans of shooters and simple devices, these buttons will be enough, while people who often play MMORPG or MOBA, as well as work in complex programs, you may need a much larger number of buttons. An interesting trend recently has been the creation of mice where you can customize elements of the device at your discretion - you can adjust the weight, replace or remove the side buttons altogether, and also transform one or another part of the mouse for a more comfortable grip.
Materials. When creating gaming devices, any manufacturer strives to create a mouse from practical materials. The advantages of gaming mouse materials are obvious: pleasant tactile sensations, practicality and ease of care, grip in the hand, which is especially important during intense gaming, as well as an attractive appearance. For this, various types of coatings are used: painted plastic, soft-touch plastic, regular matte plastic, glossy plastic, rubberized coating and rubber pads. These materials are the most common and can be either smooth or textured.
Weight and cable. The small weight makes it easy to control the mouse on the carpet, which is important when playing shooters. At the same time, there are users who prefer a heavier mouse because it “feels good in the hand.” This is a literal phrase from many people who prefer heavy mice. This also includes the cable. Cables come in braided and unbraided varieties, thin and thick, and they partially affect the game. A thin cable is not felt during sudden movements of the mouse, and the braiding allows you to keep it safe, while a thick cable can interfere with the game, depriving some of the freedom of movement, or simply dragging the mouse along with it.
Features and capabilities
Software and built-in memory for storing settings. Well-known manufacturers support their device with software, with which you can configure the buttons and some technical parameters of the mouse in detail (for example, change sensitivity, calibrate the mouse, or adjust the port polling frequency). The software is useful if you want to set up macros or reassign standard mouse buttons to ones that are more convenient for you. And the built-in memory will allow you to save all the settings inside the mouse, so that when you connect the device to another computer, these settings can be recalled from the mouse memory.
Unusual chips. Manufacturers often come up with very convenient things that significantly simplify the gaming and work process, and each manufacturer has their own. Thus, SteelSeries began to equip the latest models of its mice with vibration motors and displays, which provide significant advantages in the same shooters, and Logitech distinguished itself by creating an inertial wheel that allows you to scroll through many pages at once. Other examples are the ability to change the sensor, analog controls and even joysticks, as well as modifying the mouse by replacing the side buttons and panels of the mouse.
Technical equipment and build quality. Often the reliability and durability of the device depends on the installed components; moreover, they are responsible for the tactile sensations when pressing buttons and scrolling the wheel. This applies to microswitches under the main and side buttons, as well as the type of wheel encoder used. Equally important is the build quality of the mouse - in gaming mice this parameter is at a very good level, since they are subject to increased requirements. Considering the cost, such devices should live up to the expectations placed on them. Here everything depends on the company, and leading peripheral manufacturers have fairly strict quality control.
Appearance
Appearance is a secondary parameter that can play a role when choosing a gaming mouse. Some people like aggressive and sophisticated execution, while others, as a true esthete, choose laconicism and asceticism with a minimum of design elements. The appearance depends on the types of plastic used, and most often there are black mice in all sorts of designs. However, some people prefer devices that stand out, so you can always find a mouse in some bright and rich colors. If you want to assemble a set of devices in a single color style (for example, white), then in this case a black mouse will look out of place.
Recently, RGB lighting, which is equipped with many gaming mice, has provided extremely wide possibilities for personalization. This backlight works across the entire color spectrum, often passing through the entire body of the device, which looks very unusual and memorable, especially at night. And various lighting effects provide almost limitless space and freedom for imagination when arranging a workplace. In addition, many manufacturers offer a comprehensive lighting system for the interaction of various devices with each other.
Wireless mice
This is just a new word in the genre! Attempts to create productive and accurate gaming mice have been going on for years, but only in the last year have we been able to achieve truly impressive results. Previously, all wireless mice could hardly be called gaming mice, since they had a number of problems: a low-cost and low-performance sensor, delays in data transfer, large weight, short operating time. In addition, the “game” options cost a lot of money, in no way commensurate with their quality.
Recently, the market for wireless gaming devices has seen increased activity. The arrival of some companies marked new era wireless mice because they managed to harness the best optical sensor and get rid of all the shortcomings of previous wireless mice. Now such devices have a moderate weight, a relatively long operating time, they have no delays in data transfer, and they cost a little more than their wired counterparts. The wires, of course, are not going anywhere - otherwise how can you charge the mouse? However, such changes can soon give us a bright future for wireless gaming devices.
Conclusion
The most important thing to consider when choosing a mouse is its shape and sensor. Two important components on which all the convenience of working with the device depends. The form comes first, followed by the sensor. Everything else is up to your taste and discretion. To find your mouse, rely on your past experience with different mice. The type of shape, grip, size - all this affects the choice of mouse. Consider the type of shape, size of the mouse, and the grip that is most comfortable for you - all this will help you understand what you like and don’t like about your current mouse. For example, if you have always liked ergonomic mice, but symmetry makes you cringe, then it makes sense to stick to ergonomic mice. It is impossible to choose a mouse purely based on technical parameters - palm length and others, so the only sure-fire advice is to try it. Everything that will help you when choosing a mouse is yours personal experience and sensations.
There are so many gaming mice out there these days that finding a comfortable fit isn't all that difficult, so it's always advisable to have an idea of what else you want from a mouse. Materials, weight, appearance, the presence of certain controls, as well as technical equipment and software - all these factors can also greatly influence the further choice of device. The more specific requirements, the fewer options when choosing, but the greater the likelihood of finding exactly the mouse that is perfect for you. Taking into account the latest trends, it is quite possible that preference will shift to wireless mice.
And therefore it will be useful to mention the price here. Pricing of gaming devices is not always logical - the costs of the device, marketing, software and other features are always included in the final cost of the device. So the advice here is simple - choose what you like best. After all, once the right device is chosen, even if it is expensive, it will give you pleasure from use for many years to come.