After components like the keyboard, monitor, motherboard, and graphics card, it’s time for the mouse. We use mice not only with desktop and laptop computers but also with devices like televisions. A mouse is constantly within our reach, and therefore, it’s a peripheral that directly affects the user experience.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable mouse or a high-end wireless one, today we’ll go through every detail you need to consider when buying a new mouse. Ergonomic mice are designed to improve our performance and comfort while using a computer, and to protect our health. If you spend long hours on the computer, this is crucial. Ergonomic products can help relieve hand or wrist discomfort, reduce the risk of muscle strain and pressure on the wrist. On the other hand, if you are a competitive gamer, your needs will be completely different.

Types of Mice

Almost all users use the standard mouse type, but let’s take a look at the different types available in the market. Some are quite special, some are outdated, and some are specific to certain hardware brands. Let’s quickly review them:

Vertical Mouse

The vertical mouse is almost identical to the standard ones, except for the way it’s held. You control the cursor by sliding the mouse over a surface in the same way and it has the same buttons (left click, right click, middle wheel). The difference is that your hand and wrist are positioned at a more natural angle than when they’re flat on the desk.

Although it may sound strange, the purpose is to alleviate repetitive discomforts and strains caused by long mouse usage.

Trackball Mouse

A trackball mouse is a pointing mechanism consisting of a ball that rotates around two axes. It is held in place by a socket and has sensors that detect the ball’s movement. A trackball mouse works similarly to a regular mechanical mouse, but it’s essentially inverted.

Instead of moving the mouse across a surface, the ball is on top, and you directly move the ball to control the cursor. The movement is more limited and not as sensitive as an optical mouse, but it reduces the need for excessive hand movement.

Magic Mouse

The Magic Mouse is an Apple device that plays the role of a regular mouse but with extra features. Like the Magic Keyboard, its top surface is a multi-touch area that allows you to scroll by moving your finger across the surface, similar to an iPhone or iPad screen. The Magic Mouse works on PCs as well, but it might not perform as well as it does on Macs.

Laser or Optical? Sensors, Polling Rate, and DPI

Mice operate by tracking movement in terms of “dots per inch” (DPI). An optical mouse can track between 400 to 800 DPI, while a laser mouse can generally exceed 2,000 DPI. So, do you need an optical or a laser mouse?

Don’t be misled by high DPI numbers. Most everyday mouse usage doesn’t require precise tracking, and an optical mouse will suffice. In fact, an overly sensitive mouse may even become uncomfortable depending on your usage. On the other hand, gamers and graphic designers usually require high precision.

Mechanical mice have an advantage over optical mice: they work well on reflective or glass surfaces, just as they do on opaque surfaces. However, mechanical mice accumulate dirt and debris internally, requiring more frequent cleaning.

These days, most gaming mice come with advanced sensors, and over the past few years, sensor technology from major mouse brands has greatly improved, making them nearly indistinguishable from one another. If you buy a mouse from a well-known brand, you won’t have any issues with accuracy or sensor tracking.

DPI (dots per inch) defines how many input signals the sensor produces when you move the mouse an inch. This ratio determines how far the cursor will move on the screen based on the mouse’s movement, which is also dependent on the in-game sensitivity settings. DPI can be adjusted on most gaming mice, so there’s no need to worry about it.

Most advanced gaming mice have a DPI range of 400 to 4,000 (or more). Honestly, the maximum DPI values aren’t that important. Companies use this as a marketing trick. You can easily find a comfortable sensitivity range for most games between 400 – 2000 DPI.

The polling rate refers to how often your mouse sensor reports position changes to your computer. A higher polling rate will result in lower latency, which is incredibly important for gaming mice. Generally, a 1000 Hz polling rate is enough for smooth gaming, but some mice can exceed 4000 Hz.

Wired vs. Wireless

Whether to buy a wired or wireless mouse is entirely up to your personal preference. Wireless products allow you to use them anywhere without the hassle of cables. However, no one wants the batteries to run out unexpectedly.

Some wireless mice come with charging docks, so you don’t have to buy batteries. But then, you’ll need to remember to charge them so nothing gets interrupted. Some mice also have an on/off switch to conserve battery power.

Some mice come with nano receivers that align with the USB port, while others use larger wireless receivers that protrude from the port by a few centimeters. As you might expect, you’ll pay a premium for mice with nano receivers. If you travel frequently, this might be worth it.

If your computer is Bluetooth compatible, you can buy a Bluetooth mouse that doesn’t require a receiver. You just need to pair it, no separate USB receiver needed.

If you’re gaming or need zero latency, a wired mouse is the right choice. Honestly, wireless mice have improved a lot recently, but if you want a high-performance, low-latency product, you’ll need to spend more.

These days, many esports players prefer wireless mice, showing the significant progress of the wireless mouse industry. Most high-end wireless mice now offer comparable low-latency performance to their wired counterparts. The biggest downside is that you’ll need to charge them, and they tend to be expensive. The benefit, of course, is not having to deal with cables. However, for those who prefer lightweight mice, the cable might still be a consideration.

To save battery life, many wireless mice don’t feature RGB lighting. If flashy lights are important to you, it might be better to use a wired mouse. Also, it’s worth noting that many companies now offer wireless versions of their wired mice, and the wireless versions are typically more expensive. If convenience is key, go for wireless; if you want to save money and avoid the hassle of charging, wired is the way to go.

Ergonomics

Perhaps the most important feature of any peripheral is ease of use, and when it comes to mice, comfort is crucial. Ergonomics in mice is vital because it can help prevent repetitive strain injuries (damage to our hands). However, not everyone is looking for ergonomics. Just because a manufacturer claims their product is ergonomic doesn’t make it so.

Unfortunately, the only way to determine if a mouse is comfortable is by using it for an extended period, which makes it difficult to assess before purchasing. As with all computer peripherals, it’s essential to do some research before buying. You can always check Technopat Social to see if there are user opinions or create a new topic to ask for feedback.

If you’re not going to use your mouse for long periods, you may prioritize aesthetics over comfort. However, graphic designers, gamers, and other heavy users should pay attention to comfort as well.

Whether your mouse has flashy RGB lights or wireless connectivity doesn’t matter—if it’s uncomfortable, it’s not for you. You’ll need to try different mice and familiarize yourself with various shapes to find the one that suits you best.

Ergonomic mice typically have an angled or sloped design that promotes a more natural hand position. These mice are generally designed for right-handed users who prefer to place their whole hand on the top of the mouse, also known as the palm grip.

Are You Traveling?

Although there is no universal sizing for mice, many come in two sizes: standard and travel-size. Even if you don’t plan to take your mouse out of the house, travel mice are generally more comfortable for people with smaller hands. If you travel often, you can purchase a mouse designed for travel.

Programmable Buttons

Every mouse has a left-click button, a right-click button, and a middle scroll wheel. Some mice have one or more extra buttons. These buttons can be assigned specific functions to help you quickly perform tasks on your PC.

For example, you could program one of the buttons to function as the “Back” button on your web browser. You can even assign sequential functions to a single button with macros. If you frequently work with the same programs, these buttons can be incredibly useful and are typically easy to set up.

Symmetrical Mice

Symmetrical mice have equal left and right sides, making them suitable for both left- and right-handed users. Some symmetrical mice only have side buttons on the left side, making them less useful for left-handed users. However, this is the most versatile (and safe) shape, as it usually accommodates various grip styles. Examples include the Glorious Model O, Razer Viper, and Zowie Divina S2.

Durability

We all want to get our money’s worth and use the product for the expected duration. Mice are not typically prone to failure under normal use. However, durability is more critical for products designed for gamers. During gaming, we may apply a lot of pressure on the mouse and overload it. We may click the left button dozens of times per second or rapidly scroll the wheel. No matter which brand you buy from, overall durability is crucial. At this point, user reviews can be helpful.

A high-end gaming mouse might have optical switches, which use infrared light instead of physical contact as in mechanical switches. When you press a button, the light beam breaks, and the mouse registers it as a click. This makes optical switches faster by eliminating debounce delay, resulting in better performance in competitive games. Optical switches are also less likely to cause the “double-click” issue that occurs with mechanical switches.

The way you grip your mouse, as well as its size and weight, significantly impacts both gaming performance and long-term hand comfort. People grip mice differently, and it’s essential to consider your grip style and preferences before purchasing one. Here’s an overview of the different grip styles and factors to help guide your choice.

Palm Grip: This is when your entire hand, including all five fingers, fully grips the mouse. It’s the most comfortable style, especially for extended gaming sessions. While this grip offers great comfort, it can be less precise compared to other grips, particularly in fast-paced FPS games where agility is crucial. Palm grip users tend to prefer larger mice for better support, as smaller ones can be uncomfortable for extended use.

• Mouse Examples: SteelSeries Rival 5, SteelSeries Rival 600, BenQ Zowie EC2-B, Logitech G Pro Wireless, Logitech G403/G703, Razer DeathAdder V3, Razer Viper V2 Pro.
• Advantages: The palm grip is known as the most comfortable grip style and is not tiring during long periods of use. It does not strain the fingers or wrist, which is a significant advantage, especially during extended gaming sessions. It provides a comfortable experience, making it ideal for everything from daily use to gaming performance.
• Disadvantages: Since you grip the mouse with your whole hand, you may have difficulty aiming with precision. Additionally, if the mouse is too small, using it with the palm grip may not be suitable and can affect comfort.

Claw Grip: This grip combines elements of both palm and fingertip grips. The palm rests on the back of the mouse, while the fingers are arched, resembling a claw shape. It offers a good balance of comfort and precision, making it popular for fast-paced, high-accuracy games like FPS. However, it can be tiring over long gaming sessions due to the tension in your fingers.

• Mouse Examples: Razer Viper V2 Pro, Logitech G Pro X Superlight, Razer Viper Ultimate, Logitech G Pro Wireless, Zowie FK1, Logitech G309 Lightspeed, Cooler Master MM711, Logitech G502 X Wired Gaming, SteelSeries Rival 5.
• Advantages: You can make quick, precise adjustments and perform fast, short movements. It’s efficient in high-precision games. You will have more stable control over the mouse.
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for low-precision games. Fingers may feel strained as they are positioned at an angle. It’s not as comfortable and relaxing as the palm grip.

Fingertip Grip: In this grip, only the fingers control the mouse, with little to no contact from the palm. It allows for the fastest, most agile movements, making it ideal for competitive gaming. However, it can be tiring on the wrist and fingers, especially in long sessions. Users who prefer fingertip grip typically choose lightweight mice for better control and speed.

When selecting a mouse, consider its weight, shape, and your preferred grip style. Lighter mice offer quicker reactions but may be less stable for some, while heavier mice provide better control but require more effort to move. Each grip style has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to find the one that feels most comfortable for your hand and gaming needs.

• Mouse Examples: Razer Basilisk V2/V3, Razer Deathadder V2, Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT, Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED, Logitech G403 HERO, Logitech G502 HERO, Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed, Cooler Master MM710.
• Advantages: Perfect for quick and agile movements. Ideal for rapid, short bursts of motion. You can make fast micro-adjustments without moving your wrist.
• Disadvantages: Requires practice to learn and master. Since most movements are made with your wrist, it can cause faster strain on your wrist.

Conclusion

Selecting the right mouse largely depends on your personal grip style, hand size, and gaming or usage needs. Whether you prefer the comfort of a palm grip, the agility of a claw grip, or the precision of a fingertip grip, it’s crucial to find a mouse that complements your unique style. Factors like weight, size, and shape play a significant role in enhancing both comfort and performance. Ultimately, the ideal mouse is one that feels natural in your hand, supports your gameplay or daily tasks, and provides long-lasting comfort during extended use. Experimenting with different styles can help you discover the perfect match for your needs.