While large offices and schools typically pick the cheapest, simplest mice on the market, there is actually a wide range of options available to you. If you do a lot of PC gaming or use complicated graphics or editing programs, a mouse with numerous programmable buttons and adjustable DPI can be very helpful. Even for day-to-day web browsing, look at the scroll functionality and manufacturers available. All of these decisions can seem overwhelming, but with a little guidance, you can easily pick the best model for you.
Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Computer Mouse
Hand Orientation and Ergonomic Designs
Hand orientation is probably the first thing you should consider when looking at different types of mice. Many are designed for either right-handed or left-handed configuration, placing optional thumb buttons in a position appropriate for one orientation or the other. There are also ambidextrous mice designed for comfort and with buttons that can be used easily with either hand.
Choose a model appropriate for your dominant hand, or pick one which works well for either hand. Ergonomic models are designed to keep your hand resting in a comfortable position while you use the mouse, reducing the potential development of wrist strain and/or carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these models are unusual in design, but worth considering if you need to keep your hand and wrist more comfortable during use.
Connectivity
One of the most important things to determine is whether you prefer wired or wireless functionality. Ultimately, connectivity comes down to personal preference and what your setup looks like, but consider all aspects of wired and wireless mice before making a choice.
Wired
A wired mouse is limited by a physical connection, so make sure you pick one with a long enough cord to work easily in your workspace. You should also be sure to pick a mouse with either USB connectivity or a PS/2 plug and make sure your motherboard’s back panel or system has the right type of connection for any mouse you pick.
Wireless
Wireless mice give you more freedom since you don’t have to worry about a cord, but typically have slower response times making them less ideal for serious PC gaming. You’ll need to choose either a Bluetooth mouse— if your system has Bluetooth connectivity— or a model with a wireless dongle.
Tracking Method
Trackball
Older mice used a ball to track movement physically as it rolled along the underside of the mouse. The physical components were prone to clogging from hair and dust and are generally inferior to newer optical and laser mice. There are still some models that use a trackball you control with your thumb that provides great accuracy and are popular among artists.
Optical/Laser
Optical mice use an LED and sensor to detect movement; they provide excellent accuracy and can be used on just about any surface that is not transparent. A laser mouse uses a laser instead of an LED and offers the best accuracy and sensitivity, making it preferable for high-end gaming and similar applications. If you can afford it, choose a laser mouse, but just be sure you have a mouse pad that works with it for optimal sensitivity and responsiveness.
Buttons and Programmability
While most mice have at least two standard buttons, you can find a lot of models with additional buttons. At least one or two extra ones are very helpful because they typically let you easily navigate documents and websites; some mice even you the ability to program buttons to function differently within the specific confines of various programs.
If you’re a serious PC gamer, consider a gaming mouse designed for the type of game you most often play. MMO mice give you a ton of buttons for all of your spells and abilities, while an FPS mouse focuses on precision for excellent targeting and quick navigation.
Scrolling Functionality
A scroll wheel lets you easily move up and down in a document or website, but there are newer options that give you even better functionality. Some types like the Apple Magic Mouse let you enter commands by simply making finger gestures on the surface of the mouse. This can let you scroll up and down, zoom in and out, and enter other input with just one or two fingers. You want to choose a mouse with at least a simple scroll wheel, but gesture input gives you more options if you’re willing to learn the movements.
DPI Options and Maximum
DPI, or dots per inch, is a measurement of mouse sensitivity, with higher numbers indicating greater precision during mouse use. For casual computer use, DPI is not terribly important, but it can make a big difference when it comes to high-end PC gaming or digital artwork.
You should pick a mouse with high maximum DPI as well as options for switching or adjusting the sensitivity, which lets you alter sensitivity as necessary. If you are interested in a gaming mouse, then look for a maximum DPI of around 8,000 for an MMO-style mouse, or over 10,000 for a mouse designed for FPS titles.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Since your chosen mouse is likely to get a lot of use, it is important to pick one from a reliable manufacturer that offers a long-term warranty. For a basic mouse, you should consider manufacturers like Logitech, Microsoft, and Fellowes. If you are interested in a specialty model, like a gaming mouse, then companies like Razer, Logitech, and SteelSeries make reliable models that provide excellent performance. You also want to look at the warranty offered by these companies, with a one-year warranty being the bare minimum you should accept, but a three-year warranty is preferable.