The mouse is a fundamental device with which you can perform many operations, from simple pointing on the PC screen to elaborate features for gaming and work.
In this guide we will see how to choose a mouse, analyzing what are the aspects to be evaluated during the purchase, to determine which is the most suitable device according to your needs and buy a mouse that can work properly. In fact, on the market you can find a wide range of models, from the cheapest mice to optical pointers and lasers, from travel devices to professional devices for graphic designers and programmers.
How to choose the right mouse
Composing a mouse may seem like a simple operation, but it is not. Before proceeding with the purchase it is good to analyze the use that will have to be made of the mouse and the characteristics that best suit our needs.
Mouse use: work or gaming?
The first aspect to consider before buying a mouse is the destination of use, that is the type of activity for which the pointing device must be used. Each model proposes characteristics that agree with the use, so it is important to decide if you want to buy a wireless or wired mouse, a device to work many hours a day at the pc, a gaming mouse or a professional optical cursor. Depending on the category, you can focus only on the terminals suitable for such tasks, equipped with the required functionality.
Wireless or wired mouse
The second step concerns the choice between a wired or wireless mouse. The former is a classic device, quite reliable and accurate, with several models offering advanced features, suitable for office work or to be used with a gaming PC, for example. The wireless mouse, on the other hand, is a slightly less efficient device, despite the fact that in recent years the quality of these cursors has increased significantly, so they are preferable as a travel mouse, or for those who often move from one place to another, using the cursor with the laptop in various locations.
Mouse technology and connection
After that, it is important to consider the technology, as the portable mouse can communicate with the PC wirelessly, therefore using a 3G or 4G internet connection, or through Bluetooth, a solution that allows communication between the two devices even in the absence of a Wi-Fi or mobile connection. In addition, wireless models require the presence of a receiver, a factor that should not be underestimated when buying a mouse, while Bluetooth ones work without problems with any notebook and PC on the market, without additional installations.
Presa delle dita e del palmo sul mouse
Altrettanto vale per la struttura del dispositivo dalla quale dipende il tipo di presa, infatti si possono trovare tre differenti modelli:
- mouse palm grip, standard con due dita sui pulsanti e palmo della mano che avvolge il dispositivo;
- mouse fingertip grip, palmo della mano sollevato e tre dita a uncino sui tasti;
- mouse claw grip, dita leggermente piegate con palmo che poggia sul cursore.
La decisione dipende dai propri gusti personali, dal tipo di utilizzo e da alcune considerazioni di carattere fisico, poiché chi deve usare il mouse per molte ore può stancarsi velocemente, riportando dolori muscolari e articolari in varie parti del corpo. For this reason, a good option is the ergonomic mouse, a model that allows you to leave your arm extended and not bent, as is the case with standard devices, relaxing the limb and offering a vertical and horizontal mouse grip, depending on the best solution to avoid soreness.
Motion mechanism and number of buttons
To understand which mouse to buy it is essential to take a look at the movement mechanism as well, in fact some models require a continuous movement of the device on the mat, to change the position of the pointer on the screen, otherwise you can choose a trackball mouse, a mouse with a ball that avoids the continuous movement of the device. Similarly, it is essential to check the number of buttons, since simple models have just two buttons plus the classic washer, while advanced ones can also have side buttons or programmable buttons, with horizontal or vertical scrolling or to be done with the thumb.
Mouse Resolution and Pointing
Despite common opinion, mouse resolution is not an important parameter, because it is extremely difficult to notice small differences in the cursor icon, so a difference of a few DPI (pixels per inch) is almost never perceptible. On the contrary, it is essential to evaluate the device’s sensor, choosing an optical or laser mouse. The latter works well on smooth coatings such as glass and is quite accurate, while the optical mouse is quite fast, however it remains more sensitive to dust and shows problems if the surface is too smooth.
Mouse Functionality and Secondary Aspects
After analyzing all these aspects you can determine which mouse to buy, knowing exactly what kind of device to look for. Of course, there are also other secondary parameters, which do not directly affect the main qualities and functionality of the cursor. For example, there are models with LED backlighting, software that allows you to program the mouse buttons from your PC, with high speeds for gaming and graphic editing, or with additional sensors that allow you to customize the mouse according to your preferences and needs.
The best corded mice to buy
Wired mice are the most reliable and easy-to-use devices, ideal for working on the PC, leisure and gaming, with appropriate prices depending on the quality.
An economical model is the HP X1000, a classic mouse that provides USB cable connection, a traditional configuration with two buttons and the central washer, open palm position and a simple but appreciable design, with an optical sensor and a weight of 80 grams.
Not to be outdone is the Anker AK-98 vertical mouse, compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS, with an optical sensor, 1000 to 1600 DPI resolution, 2 center buttons plus 3 side buttons, ergonomic design for a relaxed grip, a weight of 150 grams and a market price of €14.99. Another vertical mouse is the JTD v628, a device with a modern and attractive style, with resolution up to 1600 DPI, a heavy weight of 310 grams, 2 top buttons plus 2 side buttons, usable with Windows and Linux, with a price of 23.99€.
An inexpensive corded mouse is the HP X900, available from just €6.19, a device with a classic structure, 1.5 meter USB cable, optical sensor, 1000 DPI resolution, 3 top buttons and compatibility with Windows from Vista version up to 10.
We also highlight the Logitech M90 mouse, a compact and lightweight model with a cost of just €7.99, equipped with an optical sensor, two buttons, 1000 DPI resolution, traditional USB interface and ambidextrous design, compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
Best wireless mice to buy
Wireless mice communicate with the PC via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless connection, have a standard resolution of 1600 DPI, can have an optical or laser sensor, offering fingertip, palm or claw grip, with standard or advanced button configuration.
An economical model is the JETTech wireless mouse, available with a price of €7.99 on Amazon, a Windows-compatible battery-powered device that does not require the installation of drivers to be used with a maximum distance of 8 meters, equipped with an optical sensor and customizable resolution.
A more professional wireless pointer is the HP Z3700 mouse, a slider that can be purchased for €13.99 in the official online store, offering different color combinations, LED lighting, 1200 DPI resolution with optical sensor and 2.4 GHz, compatible with laptops and PCs with Windows operating system from version Vista to 10.
Those who want something more can choose the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, available with a price of € 42, a travel mouse also suitable for gaming, with indicator for battery charge, 6 programmable buttons and autonomy up to 250 hours.
Alternatively you can opt for the Dell WM615 Bluetooth mouse, an innovative model with a modern and sophisticated design, compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 and equipped with LED lighting, modular structure for movement, high-performance touch zone and ergonomic grip, with a price of €42.
A cheaper model is the HPZ500 mouse, a pointer with Bluetooth connection without USB, 3-button configuration, standard scrolling and a weight of just 45 grams, with a purchase cost of €13.99.
The best professional mice for work and gaming
The professional models are indicated for those who need a mouse for the computer to work: to buy a device of good quality, fast and equipped with additional features.
As for mice to work on the PC, one of the best solutions is the Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse, a Bluetooth slider with a cost of 92€, which offers 6 buttons, a comfortable coating to rest the palm of the hand and an autonomy of 13.5 hours.
For women, on the other hand, there is the Cherry MC 4000 Precision, a pc mouse suitable for female hands, a corded device with an ergonomic design, a resolution of up to 2,000 DPI, high-speed cursor movement with 1.5 m/s, dual lighting, 5 buttons and USB interface, to be bought on Amazon with a sale price of about 25€.