Connection
The type of connection used by the mouse.
All types of mouse connection can be divided into
wired and
wireless. There are also
combined models that allow both methods; however, for a number of reasons, they have not received much distribution.
Wired mice can vary in connector type; however, the universal standard nowadays is USB, other options are much less common (see "Cable" for them). Anyway, such mice are much cheaper than wireless counterparts, moreover, they do not require batteries / accumulators and have an almost unlimited lifespan. On the other hand, the wire restricts mobility and can be inconvenient when connecting, especially if the computer is located far away or in a hard-to-reach place.
Wireless devices, in turn, can connect via
radio,
Bluetooth, or
Wi-Fi ; in some models, two options are combined — at the user's choice, (usually radio and Bluetooth). Regardless of the interface used, all such models are more convenient than wired ones due, in fact, to the absence of a cable; and their range is at least a few metres, so a wireless mouse can also work as a kind of remote control. At the same time, a wireless connection is more expensive than a wired connection, and besides, it requires autonomous power supply — as a result, the per
...iod of continuous operation of the mouse is limited.
As for the different types of wireless connection, here are their features:
— Radio. To connect over the air, usually, a wireless adapter is used, which is connected to the USB port of the computer. This method is convenient in that it can be used with any computer, including systems that do not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules. The disadvantages of this option include the fact that the adapter requires a free connector; as a result, with a small number of USB ports, difficulties can arise. However, this moment, if necessary, can be easily corrected by connecting a USB hub; so it is this connection method that is most popular among modern wireless mice.
— Bluetooth. The main advantage of this connection method is that many modern devices — laptops, most monoblock computers, smart TVs, etc. — have built-in Bluetooth modules. Thus, you can connect the mouse to such equipment directly, without occupying hardware connectors. And for PCs not equipped with internal Bluetooth modules, appropriate adapters are available (which may even be included with the mouse). In addition, some advanced models with such a connection are able to remember several Bluetooth devices at the same time and switch between them literally “with the touch of a button”. The Bluetooth communication range is at least 10 m with line of sight.
— Wi-Fi. A rather specific option, which is extremely rare — in certain models of laptop mice (see "In the direction"). In many respects it is similar to Bluetooth — in particular, it is designed mainly to work with built-in modules and allows you to use a mouse without occupying hardware connectors. At the same time, the range of communication via Wi-Fi is much greater. On the other hand, this advantage is not of fundamental importance, and on the technical side, the creation of Wi-Fi mice is associated with certain difficulties. That is why this type of connection has not received distribution.Multi-Device
Mouse support for Multi-Device technology.
This technology is found exclusively in models with wireless connectivity (see “Connection type”). It allows you to pair the mouse
with several devices simultaneously and quickly switch between them without fiddling with the settings every time; in many models, such switching is carried out literally at the touch of a button. Thanks to this, you can, for example, easily use the mouse with both your home computer and a TV running Android TV, connecting to one or another device as needed.
Note that it would not hurt to clarify the specific features of the Multi-device separately. First of all, this concerns the number of simultaneously supported devices.
Range
The range of the wireless connection provided in the mouse (see "Connection Type").
Almost all modern wireless models work confidently at a distance of at least 2 – 3 metres. So you need to pay attention to this parameter mainly when you plan to use the mouse at a greater distance from the computer — for example, when working with a projector at a presentation. At the same time, when evaluating the range, note that it is indicated for perfect conditions: the absence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the full charge of the battery in the mouse, etc. In fact, the communication range may be somewhat less, so when choosing, it is worth taking a certain stock. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to evaluate the practical capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.
Sensor
The model of the sensor installed in the mouse. This information is indicated mainly for models equipped with high-end sensors, which are significantly superior in their capabilities to simpler solutions. Such characteristics are important primarily for gaming mice, so most of the devices for which the sensor model is specified belong to this category.
Knowing the name, you can find detailed data on the sensor and evaluate its capabilities. Note that one of the most popular brands nowadays, under which advanced sensors are produced, is
PixArt ; on the market are often found, in particular, sensors
PixArt 3212,
PixArt 3325,
PixArt 3327,
PixArt 3335,
PixArt 3360,
PixArt 3389,
PixArt 3395. The second common brand is
Avago (recently owned by the same PixArt); the most popular model of this brand is
Avago 3050, the simplest and most affordable representative of gaming sensors.
Sensor resolution
Resolution of the sensor responsible for tracking mouse movements on the work surface. Specified in DPI — dots per inch.
The physical meaning of DPI as a whole is as follows. The sensor of a modern mouse works on the same principle as the camera matrix, and consists of pixels. And DPI is the number of pixels that fall on 1 inch of the underlying surface (length or width), "visible" by the sensor.
It is believed that more DPI means a more advanced sensor and mouse in general; nowadays, models for
3500 – 5000 DPI,
12000 DPI,
16000 DPI even
more are not uncommon. In a way, it is — high resolution contributes to accuracy. However, the only thing that is directly determined by this indicator is the speed at which the cursor moves across the screen: the higher the resolution of the sensor, the greater the number of pixels that the cursor will move when the mouse itself moves a certain distance. At the same time, it is worth recalling that too high a speed is even more undesirable than too low. So the real need for high DPI (
1000 and above) arises mainly when working on large screens (4K resolution and more); for more modest displays (HD and Full HD), smaller values are often enough.
Max. speed
The ips (inches per second) parameter is the linear speed of mouse movement, expressed in inches per second, at which the manipulator's sensor is able to read the surface. In top models, the maximum mouse movement speed often reaches 400-600 ips, but devices with ips in the region of 200 are more common.
Optimal grip
Grip — a way of holding in the hand — for which this model is best suited.
Grip types are divided according to the position of the hand on the mouse. This parameter is relevant primarily in games: for maximum efficiency, the player needs a mouse that matches the usual type of grip. This is especially important for professional eSports, where any little thing can be the key to victory or defeat. Therefore, the types of grip are indicated mainly for gaming mice (see "By Direction"). At the same time, one can come across statements that certain types of grip are best suited for certain genres of games, but this is not entirely true: the main selection criterion is the user's personal preferences and characteristics. For example, some players quite successfully use a "slow" palm grip in dynamic shooters, compensating for the reduced speed with a good reaction; and others, even in quests, prefer a "quick" claw or finger hold.
Here is a more detailed description of the most popular grip options:
— Palmar. A holding method in which the mice touch both the entire fingers and most of the palm. In other words, with such a grip, the palm with fingers rests on the mouse, making maximum contact with it. It is under this option that most of the "rodents" are initially made, it is also popular in gaming models. Most models, specialized specifically for the palm grip, have a large length, as well as a characteristic asymmetrical design with protrusions...and depressions on the body — for maximum ergonomics; although there are exceptions. Anyway, the main advantages of this method of holding the mouse are the minimum strain on the wrist, as well as good smoothness and accuracy of movements. On the other hand, the speed of moving the mouse may be somewhat slower than with other types of grip.
— Claw. A claw grip is a grip in which the user's hand forms an arc and touches the mouse only with the lower part of the palm and fingertips. At the same time, the classic claw grip assumes an almost perpendicular arrangement of the fingertips relative to the buttons, but this requirement is not strictly necessary — the fingers can also lie at a slight angle. Anyway, due to the reduction of the contact area and the greater degree of freedom for the hand, such a hold provides more speed than the palm hold, and at the same time it is easier to master than the finger hold. Therefore, many gamers consider the claw grip to be the best option for shooters, action games and real-time strategies where reaction speed is important. Specialized mice for this method of holding are usually somewhat shorter than traditional "palm mice", and they often have a characteristic "hump" in the back of the case.
— Finger. A grip where the user only touches the mouse with their fingertips, with no hand contact with the mouse (but the wrist remains stationary). This type of grip allows you to achieve a high reaction rate, but it is quite difficult to master and does not differ in accuracy, especially if you are not used to it. However, many users use this method of retention intuitively, without thinking; the finger grip is specially mastered mainly by professional players and enthusiastic enthusiasts. Mice of this format usually have a small weight with a centre of gravity shifted closer to the front, and the body is made relatively short, most often symmetrical, and the “hump” (protrusion) is located closer to the centre of the body, or even absent (based on the fact that the palm still does not touch the mouse).
Note that there are models that combine several grip options — up to all three at once. The design of such mice may provide adjustment for one or another method of retention, however, the presence of such an adjustment does not interfere with clarifying separately.
Built-in memory
The presence in the mouse of its own
built-in memory.
The main and, in fact, the only way to use such memory is to store various advanced settings (for example, the functions of programmable keys, or even entire user profiles for various games or other tasks). This feature is relevant mainly for gamers, so almost all models with this feature are gaming.
Cable
Additional features of the cable that the mouse is equipped with.
These features may include a winding system,
a detachable wire, and a braided
wire(however, most modern mice still have a cable
without a braid). Here is a more detailed description of all these features.
— Retractable. Wire equipped with a special coil for winding. This feature greatly simplifies transportation: during off-hours, the wire is as compact as possible and does not get tangled, and when used, it can be unwound to the desired length (usually the coil allows this possibility). All this is especially important for laptop mice (see "In direction") — in fact, most models with a wire reel fall into this category.
— Removable. Wire that can be detached from the mouse. Almost all mice with two connection options have this feature — wired and wireless: when working in a wireless format, the cable can be removed so that it does not interfere. However, there are also purely wired devices with such a cable — mostly laptop devices, where the wire is removed for ease of transportation. Also note that most often a universal connector like microUSB is used to connect the cable, so if necessary, the wire can be replaced with another one — for example, a longer one.
— In a braid. The presence of an additional braid on the mouse cable. This feature makes the wire more d
...urable, reliable and resistant to bending. On the other hand, braid tends to accumulate dirt and fray when worn; because of this, the wire sheath loses its presentation faster than in mice without a braid. Yes, and such a wire is more expensive than a regular smooth one.