Max. 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.
Scroll wheels
The number
of scroll wheels the mouse has.
The traditional, most common option is one wheel, which is used by default to scroll the image up and down. Models with
two wheels are much less common; the second wheel in such devices, usually, is located under the thumb and is responsible for horizontal scrolling by default. Such mice will be useful primarily for designers and layout designers working with large-format materials — although usually the functions of the second wheel can be reassigned, which can be useful for other categories of users. However, the second wheel significantly affects the dimensions and cost, so in most cases it is more convenient to get by with an alternative option — a 4D wheel (see below) or programmable buttons (see above). That is why "two-wheeled" mice are not widespread.
Feet 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.
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.