Cable length
The length of the cable that is equipped with a mouse with the possibility of a wired connection (see "Type of connection").
When choosing this parameter, you should first of all take into account the distance from the manipulator to the connection port: a cable that is too short may simply not reach the connector, and a cable that is too long may get tangled at hand and create inconvenience. As for specific values, the most modest wire length in modern mice is
1 m or less ; such devices are intended mainly for laptops. Most desktop manipulators come with cables that
are 1.1-1.5m or
1.6-2m long, with some models running
longer than 2m.
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.
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.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.
—
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.
—
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.