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.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.
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.
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.
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.Power source
The type of power used by the wireless mouse (see "Connection Type").
Modern mice can be powered by replaceable cells,
by a built-in battery, or
by a mousepad. The first option is good because dead batteries can be replaced with fresh ones in a matter of seconds, no need to waste time charging. At the same time, replaceable cells are sold both in the form of disposable batteries and in the form of rechargeable batteries, which gives the user a choice: to buy inexpensive batteries regularly or to spend money on a battery (s) with a charger once. Here are the main sizes of such elements found in modern mice:
— AA. Widely known "finger" batteries. A fairly common option, although less popular than the smaller AAA — in fact, because of the larger size, poorly suited for compact mice. On the other hand, AA cells have higher capacitance. The number of such batteries can be different, most often there are models for
1xAA or
2xAA.
— AAA. "Mini finger" or "little finger" batteries. More compact than AA, due to which they are widely used in modern mice. The capacity of such elements, however, is lower, however, mice do not consume so much energy, and even with
1xAAA power supply, battery life can be calculated not only for months, but for years. Also, there are often models on
...="/list/267/pr-15332/">2xAAA, and extremely rarely on 3xAAA.
As for other ways of eating, their features are as follows:
— Accumulator. Own built-in battery is convenient primarily because it is initially included in the package, you do not need to buy it separately. And the further operation of such a mouse does not require additional expenses — it is enough to charge it from time to time. In addition, batteries can be made more compact than replacement cells. There are two main disadvantages of such a power supply, compared with the same batteries. Firstly, this is less battery life — in the most "long-playing" rechargeable mice, the battery life does not exceed 120 days (for batteries, this is a very limited indicator). The second point is the inability to quickly remove and replace the battery. This means that with a dead battery, there is only one option — charging, and it takes time; however, many mice allow use directly in the process of charging. But if the battery fails, at best, the device will have to be carried to the service, at worst, it will be changed entirely.
— From the rug. Quite a specific option: powered by a special pad that transmits energy to the mouse wirelessly. The pad needs to be connected to a computer port (usually USB), so such mice are very conditionally wireless. One of the advantages of such models is that they do not need to monitor the battery status. On the other hand, you can use the mouse only with the supplied mouse pad; if it is missing, the device becomes useless; and freedom of movement is limited by the length of the wire. Thus, mice with such a power supply do not actually have key advantages over wired models, and they are much more expensive. So nowadays, food from the rug is extremely rare.
Battery time
The battery life of the mouse (see "Power") on a single battery charge.
The operating time in this case is quite approximate: it is indicated for a certain average mode of use, and the actual battery life may turn out to be either less or more than the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the application. Nevertheless, this is a fairly reliable indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate different battery models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in real battery life.
Separately, we note that the operating time for rechargeable mice is generally less than for battery-powered models, so this parameter is indicated in days, not months.
Wireless charger
Wireless charging technology supported by a mouse with a built-in battery (see "Power").
By itself, wireless charging, in accordance with the name, allows you to replenish the supply of energy without connecting a cable — just install the mouse on the platform / stand of a special charger (charger). At the same time, we note that even
a special rug can play the role of such a charger — in this case, the manipulator can, in fact, be constantly kept on charge. And even if you use a classic charger, the wireless format turns out to be much more convenient and practical than the wired one, since it does not require fiddling with cables and prevents wear and tear of the connectors from the constant connection and disconnection of plugs. However the speed of such charging is usually somewhat lower than that of a wired one — however, in this case it does not really matter (given the small capacity of batteries in modern mice). But the unequivocal disadvantage of models with this function can be called an increased cost. In addition, wireless chargers are usually not included in the kit, they must be purchased separately (although the reverse situation is also found with mats).
As for specific technologies, the Qi wireless standard is the most popular nowadays. This is a common format used by many brands. However, in addition to this, other technologies can be found in mice. A typical example is P
...owerplay from Logitech: this charging format was developed specifically for branded gaming mice, the charger itself is usually made in the form of a rug, and a special removable module may be required for the mouse. In addition, Powerplay pads incorporate several technical solutions designed to increase the reliability of wireless communications and to minimize delays, interruptions and other problems with such a connection. 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.