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The best computer mouse should be able to serve multiple functions. And these functions can look wildly different depending on whether you’re using your mouse for work, gaming, or general browsing. Now, some mice come with the ability to store settings preferences. Wonder how? Below, we’ll explain what onboard memory is on a mouse to help you understand whether it’s right for your needs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
We have plenty of mouse material if you want to learn more. For example, we have a guide on the best gaming mouse with side buttons. And we also have some helpful resources, like our article explaining why your computer mouse is lagging.
Insider Tip
Users can program their onboard profiles to set commands to mouse buttons that have them perform a specific keystroke.
If you see a mouse labeled with “onboard memory,” this means it has programmable controls and specific settings profiles. These controls are super helpful if multiple people use the same mouse or if you use your mouse for various purposes.
Anything from sensitivity & CPI settings to button configuration to RGB aesthetics, all these preferences can be memorized and preset. Then, all you need to do is open the software program for your mouse and switch it to the profile you need. Overall, understanding how to effectively program your mouse comes with a wide variety of benefits.
If you want to know more about mouse settings, a good place to start is understanding the differences between mouse sensitivity vs DPI.
The main advantage of owning a mouse with onboard memory is that it saves time. Unfortunately, having to reprogram the mouse can be a real pain, especially if it’s a task you need to do multiple times a week.
Gamers, in particular, prefer using mice with onboard memory configuration software because they can set programmable buttons and settings based on the game their playing. In addition, switching from profile to profile is easy, and most of the configurations appear on any computer automatically.
Additionally, customizable button presets make it easy for the user to integrate the mouse and keyboard commands, and this can increase gaming performance. For more info on gaming mice, check out this article explaining what an MMO mouse is, as well as how to change the gaming mouse’s LED color, and how it can help your gaming experience.
Warning
Onboard software settings may only work if your computer’s operating system is up to date.
One downside is that onboard memory is an additional feature means the mouse may be a bit more expensive. But computer users can still find decent options for under $30.
STAT: For the average computer user, it’s recommended to set the mouse report rate to 500. (source)
Also, onboard memory mouses sometimes can’t carry over some more advanced feature settings. Sometimes, the mouse might revert to the default setting when switching between computers.
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