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If you are new to the world of computer accessories, you may wonder what types of computer mice are out there. Even the best computer mouse may not be the best fit for your specific workflow, but there are plenty of types to choose from. So what are the main types of computer mice, and which is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
There are plenty of different types of mice out there if you are looking for the finest wireless gaming mouse or any other type of mouse. For serious gamers, look at the top-rated wired mouse. If you are concerned about strains and injury, look into a premier ergonomic mouse. On the topic of ergonomics, you can also compare a vertical mouse to a regular mouse.
Insider Tip
No matter which type of mouse you choose, be sure to clean and maintain it regularly for optimal use.
As you can see, there is an embarrassment of riches even when comparing a standard wireless mouse to a Bluetooth mouse. Each major manufacturer tends to specialize in multiple mouse types if you are looking for the best Roccat mouse. Each mouse type boasts its own feature sets, seen below, so you can compare a 500 vs 1,000 polling rate for a mouse.
This old-school mouse design set the world on fire throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and even the 2000s. There is no light involved here, just some simple mechanics and the aforementioned trackball for locational data. They look sort of like an upside-down optical mouse, though the trackball mouse came first. However, modern trackball mice are different beasts from their ancient cousins.
Generally speaking, these mice also include features that move the cursor on the screen as you move the trackball. They are available in both wired and wireless models, though you’ll have an easier time finding a wireless trackball mouse.
Nowadays, the standard design has moved from the trackball to optical sensors. An optical mouse uses cameras to sense light that is converted into locational data and mouse movement. These offer precision and efficiency without the need for many internal moving mechanical parts.
Optical mice are available in both wired and wireless versions and have found popularity in offices throughout the world, including home office setups. Additionally, they are fairly popular for gaming but not for competitive gaming.
STAT: A wired mouse connects directly to your desktop or laptop, usually through a USB port, and transmits information via the cord. (source)
This type of mouse started as a subset of the optical mouse but has since grown to its own category due to innovations in the space. As the name suggests, laser mice use lasers to provide locational data to the cursor but also use a similar camera system to the optical mouse. This gives them a “best of both worlds reputation.”
Laser mice are considered to be highly accurate and the next evolution for casual users over optical mice. In other words, this type of mouse is perfect for remote workers or those tied to a physical office.
Mechanical mice are all the rage in pro gaming spaces, which is why they were given the sub-designation of gaming mice. This type of mouse includes plenty of features to suit modern gamers, including multiple programmable buttons, increased accuracy, a design that prioritizes long-term use, and lower latency when compared to other mouse types.
As the name suggests, mechanical mice use wheels and other analog components instead of lasers, infrared beams, and cameras.
If you are looking to increase comfort and reduce the risk of injuries due to strains and repetitive muscle movements, go with an ergonomic mouse. These mice are designed to assist the human body go about various computing tasks without any risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Ergonomic mice are available in both wired and wireless designs to suit different tastes, but the major common factor here is the body-friendly design.