Pointing the Way: How to Buy the Right Mouse
In its most basic form, a computer mouse is simple hardware—a sensor on the bottom, two buttons and a scroll wheel on top—that lets you interact with programs as though they were extensions of your own hand. But while a mouse is simple in concept, the market for them is a scattered mess of types, prices, and designs. You need to know a little about the landscape when you go shopping for a new model.
Newegg.com offers the best prices on computer products, laptop computers, LED LCD TVs, digital cameras, electronics, unlocked phones, office supplies, and more with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Apple's Magic Mouse isn't for everyone. It's got multi-touch gesture support, and is newly rechargeable, but many people would still trade fancy features for traditional mouse power and style. So, if you don't like the Magic Mouse that came with your Mac, you can and should get something else. https://rialamen.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/11/23/043842.
Over time, distinct classes of mice have evolved, each made for different computing situations. The most common of these is the mainstream desktop mouse, designed for use with a desktop or laptop PC at a desk or table. Aside from the inevitable right and left mouse buttons, the usual features are a clickable scroll wheel and, in some cases, additional thumb buttons that let you navigate forward and back in your Web browser.
Travel mice (or 'mobile mice') offer many of these same features but come in a smaller size. They're designed to fit easily into the pocket of a backpack or laptop bag.
For this same reason, however, travel mice tend to be small for most hands—you can use them just fine for short stints, but they become uncomfortable over long periods due to the unnatural grip required. Generally speaking, travel mice are wireless and battery-powered, so you may want to bring along a spare set of AA or AAA batteries.
The Right Mouse for Gaming
Gaming mice amplify every element of the basic mouse concept to the extreme: more buttons, higher tracking resolutions, curvier curves.
Some gaming mice are general gaming models, while others are designed for specific game genres. In the latter case, depending upon the style of the game that the mouse is intended for (first-person shooter, real-time strategy game, MMO title), you may see a variety of specialized features.
What most gaming mice have in common, though, is a combination of high-performance parts—laser sensors, featherlight click buttons, gold-plated USB connectors—and customization features, such as programmable macro commands and on-the-fly resolution switching. Gaming mice also stand apart in that the better ones tend to feature vendor-supplied software for setting up these custom features and shortcuts, defined sometimes on a per-game basis via profiles. The software's quality and functionality can vary wildly from vendor to vendor; that's where our reviews come in. Certain utilities are easier to pick up than others.
For maximum comfort, some gaming mice let you customize the body of the mouse itself. Removable weights are common, letting you tweak the total heft of the mouse one way or the other. Some models take this even further, letting you shift the center of balance, or adjust the height and pitch of the palm rest. For non-gamers, these features are overkill; for dedicated gamers, they provide a competitive edge.
Finding the ideal gaming mouse for you comes down to knowing your preferred style of game, determining whether or not you will take advantage of any of a mouse's more complex functions (it's easy to overspend on a gaming mouse), and then tweaking your choice to your specific tastes.
What's the Best Ergonomic Mouse?
Ergonomics-first designs put all of the typical mouse functions into a form factor that places your hand in a neutral position. Designed to reduce the stresses that can lead to carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injury, ergonomic mice may look unusual and take some getting used to, but they do alleviate some very real problems. Some have a vertical design; others may have one-off sculpts.
Whether you're looking at a specialized ergonomic mouse or ergonomics are simply a concern in a more ordinary one, pay attention to the size of your mouse. (Make sure that it's not too big or too small for your hand.) Weight is also a consideration. Some people prefer a heavier mouse that anchors the hand, while others, especially players of MOBA games, want something light that furnishes little resistance to flicking and clicking. As a rule of thumb, a heavier mouse requires more effort to move, and even though the difference may not seem like much, over time it can mount.
It's not just weight and size that are important. The sculpting of the mouse can also lead to unnecessary strain on (or conversely, extra support for) your hand and wrist. The most comfortable mice will fit the contour of your hand, rather than having a flat, shallow shape.Some mice have a thumb rest, providing a resting spot from which the finger can rise as needed to activate controls.
Not Just USB: Mouse Connectivity
The simplest way to hook up a mouse to your PC is through a wired USB connection. Computer mice are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install (with the exception of higher-end gaming mice), meaning that plugging in the cable is all the setup you'll need to deal with. Unlike wireless alternatives, a wired device will draw its power over USB, so there are no batteries to worry about. Wired connections are also preferable for serious gaming or esports use (no battery to conk out in the midst of a match), though some high-end wireless mice are indistinguishable, from a response-time perspective, from wired ones.
If you want more freedom and less cable clutter on your desk, however, it's hard to beat a wireless mouse. Instead of a wired connection, wireless mice transmit data to your PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a USB receiver, or via Bluetooth. Both have their pros and cons, but if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and gain the flexibility to use your mouse unhindered—or even from across the room—wireless is the way to go.
Most wireless mice connect to the host computer via the same 2.4GHz wireless frequency used by cordless phones and some Wi-Fi Internet bands. A dime-size USB dongle—small enough to plug in and forget about—provides the link to your PC. Know, however, that only in some isolated cases (such as with Logitech's Unifying-branded gear) can a single USB dongle provide connectivity to more than one device. That means that unless the vendor specifically notes otherwise, you can't use the same adapter for your wireless mouse and keyboard. You may need to devote two USB ports to separate mouse and keyboard USB dongles.
Bluetooth options, in contrast, don't monopolize a USB port, and the stable, easy-to-manage connections are ideal for use with mobile devices, such as ultraportables, tablet PCs, and 2-in-1s. In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you roughly 30 feet of wireless range, but a Bluetooth mouse may not match the battery life offered by devices with an RF-based USB dongle. New innovations, such as motion sensors tied to power and connection management, can improve the battery life versus older Bluetooth devices, which maintained an always-on link that drained battery relatively quickly. But you'll want to look at the vendors' estimated battery life on a charge (as well as whether the mouse uses an internal battery you recharge, or disposables).
Sensors and Sensitivity
Most of today's mice use one of two types of light-based motion sensor: optical/LED, or laser. Unlike mechanical tracking options of yore, light-based sensors have fewer issues with dust and dirt, and the absence of moving parts means fewer failures.
Optical sensors pair a glowing LED beam—often red, blue, or infrared—with a small photo sensor, tracking movement by repeatedly imaging the surface below the mouse, translating any movement of the mouse into cursor movement. (The frequency of this imaging is called the 'polling rate,' expressed as hertz, or hundreds of instances per second.) Because of the imaging sensor used, optical mice are a little less prone to problems caused by lifting the mouse when in use or by mousing on an uneven surface.
![Wired mouse for mac Wired mouse for mac](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133870090/318073480.jpg)
Laser mice operate in a similar way, but they use an infrared laser diode instead of an LED. This allows, in some cases, for greater potential sensitivity (measured in dots per inch, or dpi) and polling rates. The one drawback is that they can be finicky about the surfaces on which they are used. Premium gaming mice generally use laser sensors, and they tend to work better with opaque mouse-pad surfaces meant for mousing; LEDs can be more forgiving. But this is not an absolute, and frankly, if you're concerned at all about mousing precision, a basic mouse pad will solve all ails.
To offer the higher sensitivity of a laser sensor and the versatility of an optical mouse, a few isolated mice use both in tandem. Most gaming mice also offer sensitivity adjustment, letting you shift from a precision setting for tight cursor-control circumstances (such as lining up a sniper's shot) to a broader-sweep one for melee combat and run-and-gun situations. This may be via dedicated-purpose button, or you may be able to program one of the mouse's buttons or toggles to execute resolution/sensitivity changes on the fly.
Bluetooth Mouse For Mac
Ready for Our Recommendations?
Below is a rundown of the current top-rated computer mice we've run across in our testing. (Click through to read the full reviews.) We've tested a wide array of models across the categories of gaming, productivity, and specialized ergonomic mice.
Best Mice Featured in This Roundup:
Logitech MX Master 2S Review
MSRP: $99.99Pros: Comfortable. Switches automatically between devices. Cross-platform copy and paste. Works on all surfaces. Long-lasting battery.Cons: Gesture buttons and motions can be unintuitive at first.Bottom Line: The Logitech MX Master 2S is the ultimate wireless multitasking mouse, especially if you have a Mac and a Windows PC on the same desk.Read ReviewLogitech G903 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse and Powerplay Charging Mat Review
MSRP: $249.98Pros: Light, ergonomic, and functional. When paired with the Powerplay mat, mouse offers a truly wireless gaming experience.Cons: Expensive. Few RGB lighting options.Bottom Line: The Logitech G903 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse brings together a remarkably light and reliable peripheral with virtually limitless battery life, at a premium price.Read ReviewLogitech MX Anywhere 2S Review
MSRP: $79.99Pros: Super-portable design. Tracks on virtually any surface, including glass. Robust customization software with useful Flow continuity feature. Long battery life. Works with Windows or Mac.Cons: Might be too small for some users. Somewhat pricey.Bottom Line: The Logitech MX Anywhere 2 is a well-built, versatile mouse that lives up to its name with a travel-friendly design and a sensor that works on nearly every surface.Read ReviewCorsair Dark Core RGB SE Review
MSRP: $89.99Pros: Competitively priced. Solid and attractive form factor.Cons: Large, heavy frame may not appeal to everyone. Can't be used while wirelessly charging.Bottom Line: The affordable Corsair Dark Core RGB SE is a rock-solid entry in the realm of wireless gaming mice.Read ReviewCorsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Review
MSRP: $79.99Pros: Snappy wireless, via 2.4GHz adapter or Bluetooth. Hand-pleasing shape for big paws. Highly configurable resolution settings.Cons: Indifferent RGB placement. Can't configure while using Bluetooth. No wireless charging.Bottom Line: Corsair's latest wireless mouse, the Ironclaw RGB Wireless, is a little more practical than some of its top-end competitors. It's a strong pick for big-handed users.Read ReviewLogitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse Review
MSRP: $99.99Pros: Unique tilting stand lets you experiment between horizontal and semi-vertical orientation. Good build quality. Wireless.Cons: Expensive. Right-handed only. Struggles to perform precision cursor movements.Bottom Line: With its well-designed, premium-priced MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse, Logitech is hoping to bring trackballs back into fashion.Read ReviewRazer Basilisk Essential Review
MSRP: $49.99Pros: Comfortable shape for right-handed users. Removable 'sniper mode' resolution-toggling paddle. Usb dongle software. Solid configuration software.Cons: Only lighting feature is hidden by hand during play. No left-handed variant. $20 price drop means lower-endurance switches.Bottom Line: Razer's Basilisk Essential scales down one of our favorite gaming mice while keeping most of its best features intact.Read ReviewRoccat Kova Aimo Review
MSRP: $49.99Pros: Ambidextrous design lets you customize right- and left-handed buttons. 'Taillight' RGB and Aimo light system add a novel approach to mouse lighting. Inexpensive.Cons: Sensor offers low maximum DPI compared with high-end mice. Ability to use off-side buttons leads to some weird finger reaches. Aimo adds some aggressive marketing hooks.Bottom Line: Roccat's Kova Aimo is a solid, affordable, ambidextrous gaming mouse, not just for lefties and claw players but for anyone who wants to experiment with new grip styles.Read ReviewSteelSeries Rival 650 Review
MSRP: $119.99Pros: High durability. Excellent performance. No perceptible jitter. Can operate wirelessly or wired. Weight-adjustable.Cons: Price a bit high. No storage niche for USB dongle.Bottom Line: Able to operate wired or wirelessly, and packing removable weights and strong software, the SteelSeries Rival 650 is a highly flexible mouse for power gamers looking for an all-occasions device.Read ReviewSteelSeries Rival 710 Review
MSRP: $99.99Pros: Accurate proprietary sensor. OLED display, customizable haptic feedback are fun for tinkerers. Body is customizable via swappable sensor, side panels.Cons: Display and haptic feedback lack deep integration with many games. Pricey for a wired mouse.Bottom Line: Like its predecessor the Rival 700, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is a solid, pricey gaming mouse, with unique features (such as an on-body screen) that are more fun and flashy than technically useful.Read Review
Finding the best mouse for your needs, especially when you're a designer, is one of the most important things you can do. Your mouse is one of the main ways you interact with your PC, and as you'll be using the mouse for hours on end, it's vitally important that its comfortable to hold, while also offering you all the tools and features you need.
The best mouse for your needs will be ergonomic, while also offering fast and accurate performance. When putting together this list of the best mice for designers, we've picked a wide range of mice. From budget mice that are small and easy to carry around with you, to wireless wonders with all kinds of extra buttons and features – and everything in between.
With such a huge range of mice to choose from, how do you find the best mouse for you? Worry not, as in this guide, we've rounded up what we think are the best mouse options available right now, while our dedicated price comparison tool checks through thousands of deals to show you the best prices from the most trustworthy retailers.
Not quite what you're after? We also have buying guides for the best left-handed mouse and the best stylus for iPad.
01. Logitech MX Master 2S
DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 7 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Scrolling wheel, Customizable buttons, Thumb wheel, ergonomic build
Customizable buttons
Not ambidextrous
Logitech produces some of the most responsive computer mice on the market, which is pretty handy when you need a tool with precision. Its cordless Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Bluetooth Mouse improves on almost every aspect of the original MX Master, offering unrivalled comfort thanks to its ergonomic design. You can comfortably use it for hours on end, and it features a super-responsive scroll wheel that lets you browse web pages or documents at your own speed, depending on how fast you flick the wheel.
Buttons located on the side of the mouse also let you flit between windows, and you can configure the buttons to help speed up your workflow. It's wireless as well, which gives you more freedom when working on your desk. The only downside is that it is expensive.
02. Logitech MX Vertical
DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth (up to three devices); USB-C | Buttons: 6 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Ergonomic build, Easy-Switch and Flow-Enabled, Fast recharging, Cursor speed switch
Ergonomic design
4-month battery life
Slightly odd design
The Logitech MX Vertical is an extremely comfortable mouse to use. The handshake grip is designed to reduce the stress on your wrist and hand muscles. You can connect to up to three devices at a time, and a handy button on top of the mouse enables you to switch between different computers instantly. It also promises fast recharging and smooth performance. On the downside, there's no slot of a wireless receiver, and the quirky and slightly bulky design won't be for everyone.
03. Logitech M185 wireless mouse
DPI: 1000 | Interface: 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity; USB receiver | Buttons: 3 | Ergonomic: Ambidextrous | Features: Scroll wheel
Great value
Plug-and-play
If you're after a reliable, cheap, no-frills option, try the Logitech M185. This wireless mouse comes with an unobtrusive nano USB receiver, and offers 2.4GHZ connectivity that promises virtually no delay or dropouts. It works with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux, and is super-simple to get started with: just plug in the receiver and start using the mouse.
Of course, for this price, you're not getting anything fancy. While the symmetrical design can be used in either hand (good news for lefties), if you're going to be using it for long hours you might want to consider something with a more ergonomic design.
04. Apple Magic Mouse 2
The best mouse for Apple devices
DPI: 1300 | Interface: Bluetooth | Buttons: 0 | Ergonomic: Ambidextrous | Features: Multi-touch
Looks fantastic
Expensive
Apple was late to join the innovative mouse party then it created the Magic Mouse. Its replacement, the imaginatively titled Magic Mouse 2, has a super-light design and laser-tracking capabilities that make it easy to flick between InDesign CC pages and make even the smallest changes on practically any surface.
However, the downside is that it’s perhaps a little over-sensitive at times. The multi-touch area on the top of the mouse, which lets you scroll in any direction, can sometimes become frustrating when you want to keep your finger in the same place for a long period of time. But for Magic Mouse evangelists, there is nothing that comes close to this mouse.
Alternatively, a lot of designers prefer the Apple Magic Trackpad 2, which brings Force Touch pressure-sensitive technology (as seen in the screen of the Apple Watch) and the trackpad of the 2015 12-inch MacBook. Or for a cheaper option, try the older Apple Magic Trackpad.
05. Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
The best ergonomic mouse for creatives
DPI: 1000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 5 | Ergonomic: Vertical | Features: No
Good for RSI sufferers
Thumb buttons don't work on Macs
Sure, the Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse looks weird. It’s vertically aligned to encourage healthy, neutral 'handshake' wrist and arm. But once you get used to it, it’s a cheap and very comfortable way to avoid RSI. If you're a digital creative that spends a lot of time using a mouse for work, then having one that is comfortable to use is essential. After all, if you injure yourself and cannot work, it could mean you lose money. That makes this odd-looking mouse a very wise investment, which is why we think it's the best ergonomic mouse for digital creatives.
06. Logitech MX Anywhere 2
Versatile and feature-packed mouse
DPI: 1,600 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless (pairs with up to three devices) | Buttons: 6 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Scrolling wheel, Logitech Darkfield Laser Tracking, unifying receiver, easy-switch tech, gesture function
Pairs with three devices
Has a free-scrolling wheel
Can't use it wired
Smaller than Logitech’s flagship, the MX Master, the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 is the ideal travel mouse for digital creatives that work on the road. It can connect to three different devices via Bluetooth, and it can last all day with just four minutes of charging!
Despite its small size, it still comes with the high-build quality we've come to expect from Logitech. It's not as ergonomic as other mice in this guide, but if you're looking for a mouse to carry around with you, this is the one to go for.
07. Logitech MX Ergo Wireless
DPI: 512 – 2048 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 8 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Trackball, USB dongle, Logitech ‘Flow’ software compatibility for use with up to three PCs simultaneously, micro USB charging, precision mode
Programmable Mouse For Mac
Comfortable design
No left-handed version
The MX Ergo Wireless is a distinctly retro-looking mouse thanks to its trackball. While many mice-makers have ditched trackballs in favour of optical laser mice, Logitech has continued to release trackball mice, and for that we're thankful. For many people, the tactile trackball makes working on creative projects much more intuitive and comfortable, and the MX Ergo Wireless can be used flat or at a 20-degree angle.
08. Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse
The legend returns
DPI: 3200 | Interface: Wired | Buttons: 5 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: classic design, programmable buttons, subdued white lighting
Solid design
Not wireless
For people of a certain age, the Microsoft Intellimouse will bring back strong memories of a real workhorse of a mouse, that wasn't flashy, but did the job brilliantly. Microsoft has tapped into that nostalgia with the Microsoft Classic Intellimouse, which modernises the classic design and improves the sensor, allowing users to ramp up the DPI to 3,200. It’s not wireless, but for a comfortable and dependable mouse, this is a brilliant update to a computing icon.
09. Razer DeathAdder Chroma
DPI: 10,000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 5 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: lighting effects
Very comfortable
Lighting feels a bit gimmicky
Just like designers, gamers need a mouse that is sensitive and accurate, so it stands to reason that gaming mice are a good option for designers too. And the Razer range of gaming mice is one of the most responsive out there.
Best Bluetooth Mouse For Mac
Razer mice have three types of sensors – dual, laser and optical – and an ergonomic shape designed to support the flow of your hand. The Razer Deathadder mouse is the bestseller (as well as the cheapest), and features an optical sensor and rubber side grips. It also syncs with all of your mouse settings stored in the Cloud.
10. Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600
Ibm spss statistics data editor free download for mac. The best budget mouse
DPI: 1000 | Interface: Bluetooth | Buttons: 2 | Ergonomic: Ambidextrous | Features: No
Really, really cheap
Smaller than most mice
Wired Mouse For Mac
Microsoft's Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is, in our view, the best budget mouse money can buy these days. Although it has a rock-bottom price, it has impressive build quality and is very reliable. This is because Microsoft isn't just a software company – it also makes some very good peripherals, such as this mouse. It's small enough to easily carry around with you as well, which is handy if you do a lot of work on the road.
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