Polling rate
The polling rate shows how often the mouse sensor communicates with the computer about cursor movement. The parameter is measured in hertz (Hz), and one second is taken as a unit of time when evaluating it. The smoothness and speed of cursor movement directly depends on the sensor polling frequency. Directly related to this is the mouse response time - this is the time period during which the signal about the movement of the manipulator will reach the display of a change in the cursor position on the screen. Response time is measured in milliseconds (ms). The more hertz the mouse has, the shorter the response time it demonstrates.
Number of buttons
The number of buttons provided in the design of the mouse. However, the term "buttons" can also refer to specific hardware solutions — for example, a solid touch area used in many Apple mice counts as two buttons, because. it is divided into two working areas. But the clickable wheels, as well as the power button, are not taken into account in this calculation.
The minimum number of buttons for modern mice and other similar manipulators is
two : this is the number that is necessary for comfortable work in most modern operating systems. If there are more than two keys, this means that there are additional buttons responsible for specific actions. So, even relatively inexpensive devices can be equipped with
3 – 4 buttons ; in addition to the 2 main buttons, they can have, for example, 2 side thumb keys, or 1 double/triple click button (see below). Solutions for
5 – 6 buttons are extremely popular nowadays; among them are many gaming mice, where the mentioned thumb buttons are supplemented with a double / triple click, a sniper button and/or a DPI switch (see also below about these functions). And in the most multifunctional models,
7 – 8 buttons and even
more can be installed. In some cases, this number exceeds a dozen and a half; such mice are usually gaming devices designed for RPGs and other simil
...ar genres where it is important to have a wide range of actions at your fingertips.Sniper button
The presence of a separate "sniper button" on the mouse.
This feature is found mainly in game models (see "By Direction"). When you press the sniper button, the mouse sensitivity (DPI) is significantly reduced (usually by half) and, accordingly, the movement of the cursor / sight slows down; to restore the original settings, just release the button. One of the most popular uses for this feature is sniping in shooter games. This is due to the fact that when using an optical sight with magnification (especially high), the standard mouse sensitivity may be too high for comfortable aiming, and it will be more convenient to reduce it.
Most often
, the sniper button in the mouse is located on the side, under the thumb.
Switches
The brand of switches (switches) installed in the mouse. Also, these parts are often called "mikriki" — from the term "microswitches". Usually, the characteristics indicate the brand of switches used in the main buttons (left and right); additional buttons, usually, are equipped with other switches, often simpler and cheaper.
The mics are directly responsible for the operation of the keys when pressed. Accordingly, the quality of the mouse, as well as the feel and comfort of the user, depend on the quality of these parts: different switches can vary in stiffness, ease of operation and the sound of pressing. And the brand of switches is not specified for all mice, but only for models equipped with advanced elements. In other words, this parameter is indicated in cases where the brand of the microswitch is a sign of the high quality of the "rodent". Typical examples include mics under the brands
Omron(considered premium) and
Huano(Chinese counterparts of quite comparable quality).
Light Strike and
Razer switches are also pulled up to them.
We emphasize that in this case, not a specific model is indicated, but a general brand under which mikriks are released (sometimes also their type,
opto-mechanical or mechanical). At the same time, the same brand may include different models of switche
...s that differ in features: some are “quiet”, others with a normal sound, some with increased accuracy, others with an extended service life, etc. So the features of these parts should be clarified separately. However, the detailed characteristics of mikriks are important mainly for demanding users, in particular professional cybersportsmen.4D wheel
The presence
in the mouse of 4D-wheels — wheels with the function of navigating in four directions. In other words, such equipment allows you to scroll the image on the screen not only up and down, but also left and right. The specific implementation of this function may be different: in some models for horizontal navigation, the wheel can tilt to the sides, in others, switching between horizontal and vertical scrolling is carried out using a separate button. However, anyway, this feature expands the functionality of the mouse, while the 4D wheel is cheaper and takes up less space than two separate wheels (see "Number of scroll wheels").
Inertial wheel
A wheel with an accelerated scrolling mode that allows you to scroll through a large “sheet” of pages in text documents, spreadsheets or on Internet resources in just one movement.
The inertial wheel is a hallmark of a number of Logitech mouse models.
DPI level indicator
An indicator showing the current resolution of the mouse sensor.
The DPI value indicator is found only in models that allow you to switch the sensor resolution and are equipped with the appropriate buttons (see above). The indicator allows you to easily monitor the set DPI settings. Note that it does not necessarily show specific numbers — conventions can be used, for example, different backlight colours.
In box
— USB receiver. A device that is found only in models with wireless connectivity. Such a receiver is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop, and communication is carried out through it. This is the way all mice with a radio connection work, for them the presence of a USB receiver in the kit is almost mandatory. At the same time, this accessory is also found in the Bluetooth model — in them it plays the role of an adapter for equipment that is not equipped with its own Bluetooth modules.
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Replaceable legs. Legs are small protrusions on the bottom surface of the case, on which the mouse rests, standing on the work surface. They reduce resistance, allowing the device to slide freely in any direction, and also compensate for minor irregularities to a certain extent. However, due to constant friction, the legs are subject to heavy wear, over time they wear out or may come off. Thus, modern mice may come with interchangeable legs; such a complete set means that regular overlays can be easily removed by the user.
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Interchangeable side panels. A feature found primarily in game models (see "By Direction"). At the same time, the purpose of removable panels can be different. So, in some models, they are used to fine-tune the width or overall shape to the user's hand. In other devices, rearranging the panel allows you to change the functionality — for example, install four side button
...s instead of two, providing additional features in games (and return the panel with two classic side buttons back while surfing the Internet and other everyday tasks). Such nuances should be clarified in each case separately.
— Replaceable top panels. Additional components that can be installed in place of the standard top of the mouse to change its appearance or ergonomics. Their support is implemented in some models of gaming mice (see “Direction”). Replaceable top panels provide the ability to customize the mouse to suit individual ergonomic preferences, and they also serve as a stylistic element in the design of the manipulator.
— Rug. Mice that use the mouse pad as a power source are required (see "Power"), but this accessory can also be supplied with more traditional models. In the latter case, it is worth clarifying what material the pad is made of, what dimensions and design features it has — these points may not meet the user's requirements, in many cases it is more convenient to buy an underarm pad separately.
— Case. The cover will be appropriate if you need to regularly move the mouse from place to place (for example, for frequent competitions or with a work laptop). In a protective case, your “rodent” will not be afraid of external damage to which a mouse can be subjected even while in the personal compartment of a backpack.
— Additional switches (mics) — for example, spare switches of the same type as regular ones, or interchangeable ones that differ in characteristics.
— Interchangeable side buttons. Separate side buttons that can replace regular ones. These may be keys of a different shape or spare parts of a similar design.
— Interchangeable top panels. Used to change the design and/or overall shape of the upper part of the case. The latter allows you to further adjust the mouse to the user's personal preferences — for example, change its height or turn a symmetrical device into an asymmetric one, for one or another hand.
— Stickers. Decorative stickers that allow you to personalize your device, giving it an original look.
— Additional cable. A replacement wire that differs from the main one in length and/or other characteristics (for example, the presence / absence of a braid).
— Headphones. Gaming computer headphones supplied with mice of the corresponding specialization (see "By Direction").
— Docking station — provides convenience in charging and storing the wireless device.Weight
The total weight of the mouse. For models with a wired connection, usually, it is indicated without cable, and for devices with weight adjustment (see above) — without weights.
This parameter is important primarily for professional gaming applications, although it is often relevant for ordinary users. Theoretically, less weight promotes speed and reduces fatigue. At the same time, in fact, much depends on the personal habits and preferences of the user: a mouse that is too light may “not be felt in the hands” and not give familiar feedback. Therefore, although most mice have a lower weight limit of
60 – 80 g, however, even among professional gaming models there are much more massive devices —
120 – 140 g or
more. The lightest variety of "rodents" is laptop (see "In the direction"), among them devices come across and
less than 60 g.
Also note that the weight to some extent depends on the size and “tricked out” of the device, but there is no unambiguous dependence here: models similar in size and functionality can differ markedly in weight.