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If you are new to modern computing, you may wonder how a computer mouse works. Modern PCs, gaming consoles, and other gadgets all integrate with the best computer mouse, but how do they work, and what are the various types to choose from? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
After learning how long a computer mouse lasts, it is helpful to understand how they work. This helps you answer questions like “what is a trackball,” among other queries. It is also helpful to learn the various types of mice if you are wondering what an optical mouse is. In other words, learn about the inner workings of a computer mouse so you can move on to that Logitech M570 wireless trackball review.
Insider Tip
No matter which type of computer mouse you choose, be sure to clean and maintain it regularly according to the instructions.
There are several major types of computer mice, and they all feature unique designs and implementations.
Old-school ball-based mice have a rubber ball inside them and a spring that keeps the ball in position. A switch detects clicks of either mouse button, and the trackball designates location and movement. These mice were the defacto leader in the industry for decades, though they tend to attract dirt and debris, which makes them inefficient during use.
This popular design eschews the trackball in favor of light, which explains the “optical” designation. This type of mouse uses a tiny camera to take thousands of pictures every second. This camera integrates with a red light-emitting diode (LED) to accurately describe the location and movement. There are no moving parts inside, so optical mice resist dirt and debris.
STAT: The earliest known written use of the term mouse in reference to a computer pointing device is in Bill English’s July 1965 publication, “Computer-Aided Display Control,” likely originating from its resemblance to the shape and size of a mouse, a rodent, with the cord resembling its tail. (source)
This type of mouse works similarly to an optical mouse but drops the LED in favor of a highly concentrated laser. In other words, these mice still include a camera that snaps thousands of pictures every second; a laser and not an LED just determine the location. Laser mice are considered to be slightly more reliable than traditional optical mice.
This is the modern version of an old-school trackball mouse. It still has the trackball sensor, but this is combined with various newer technologies to allow for greater detail during movement and the reduction of any dirt and debris-adjacent issues. Modern mechanical mice are considered to be extremely reliable.
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