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.
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.Leg material
- Teflon (PTFE). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) glides - also known as Teflon - are characterized by an extremely low coefficient of friction. As a result, mice with Teflon feet boast excellent glide and high cursor speed on any type of surface. The minimum level of friction allows you to easily control the movements of the mouse. Manipulators with Teflon gliders perform well in dynamic games and reduce wrist strain during prolonged work at the computer.
— Metal. When properly sanded, the metal feet provide excellent glide for the mouse, and they also have a long service life before abrasion. Note that manipulators with metal gliders are best used on plastic or other hard-wearing playing surfaces. Using a mouse without a mouse pad runs the risk of scratching the surface.
Programmable buttons
The presence
of programmable buttons in the design of the mouse. In this case, the buttons mean not only the keys, but also the scroll wheels, which are usually able to work on pressure.
Almost all models with this feature are gaming (see "By Direction"). Usually, programming is carried out using special proprietary software, while the functionality of such a setting may be different. For example, in some models, only one action can be tied to one button, in others — a whole series of actions (such as a combination of attacks in an RPG). Often, it is possible to configure one button for different actions in different games.
However, this feature provides an additional convenience: the mouse keys are right at hand, and it is usually easier (and faster) to use them than to reach for the button (s) on the keyboard.
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.
