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.
Type
The direction the mouse is facing. Specified only for models with additional specialization or design features — namely, for
laptop,
gaming and
vertical mice. Here are their main features:
— Laptop. Mice well suited for use with laptops. Most of these models have compact dimensions — the length of the case in them is less than 110 mm, and often less than 100 mm. This makes it easy to transport along with the laptop. And larger devices are considered laptops if such specialization is somehow indicated by the manufacturer. In addition, this category includes most models with a Bluetooth connection (see "Connection type") — such a module is found in almost any modern laptop. And wired laptop mice can be equipped with a wire winding system that allows you to adjust the length of the cable for different situations and twist it compactly for transportation.
— Game. Mice designed primarily for use in computer games and intended for gamers — including professional e-sportsmen (although the price category and capabilities of different models, of course, may vary). Such devices are often made in a characteristic "aggressive" design, with unusual patterns, logos, coloured backlighting (in some models — with effects), etc. On the functional side, gaming mice are distinguished primarily by increased sensor accuracy, as well as the presence of various specialized feat
...ures — such as additional buttons with the ability to “attach” certain game actions or even a sequence of actions to them, a triple-click (“queue”) button, a sniper button, DPI switching (see below), weight adjustment, etc. Note that narrow the specialization of such models can be different: there are both universal gaming mice and devices optimized for a specific genre (shooters, RPGs, etc.) or even a specific game.
— Ergonomic (vertical). Mice of a specific design: the surface on which the hand is placed during work is not located horizontally in such models, but with an inclination to the right (in left-handed models — to the left). As a result, the body height is noticeably greater than that of traditional models — hence the name "vertical". And the user's hand actually covers such a case from two sides: on one side (on an inclined surface) there is a palm, on the other (in a special recess) — a thumb. This position of the hand is considered more natural and comfortable than the classic horizontal position, it reduces the load on the joints and ligaments, thus reducing fatigue and the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome and other disorders. Vertical models are well suited for those who have to work at the computer for a long time — except that it may take some time to get used to the unusual shape after a traditional mouse.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.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.Switch resource
The durability of mouse switches is measured by the number of clicks the keys can withstand before they begin to show signs of wear or malfunction. Switches can have a lifespan of several million to tens of millions of clicks. In laboratory conditions, this parameter is checked using special testing machines, which diligently press the keys the required number of times, on the basis of which a verdict is made regarding the approximate service life of the switches.
Lighting
The presence of
illumination in the design of the mouse.
This illumination can be provided by the same LED that illuminates the surface below the sensor, or by separate light sources. It can have a different colour, and the most advanced systems —
RGB backlighting — allow you to adjust the shade to your liking. Anyway, the backlight gives the mouse an unusual and stylish appearance, besides, it can also have special effects (see below). However, this function has not only an aesthetic, but also quite a practical meaning: for example, a colour change can be used as a DPI level indicator (see above) or as a low battery signal. On the other hand, the backlight affects the cost of the device, and the real need for it is not so often — moreover, in many cases (for example, in the office) an extra “illumination” is completely useless. Therefore, most modern mice still do
not have a backlight.
Lighting effects
The mouse has additional lighting effects. For more information about the backlight itself, see above, and its effects can be different — ranging from a smooth change in brightness and/or colour to colour and light signals, as well as
backlight synchronization(for models with synchronization, this paragraph indicates the supported synchronization technology).
The last function is worth dwelling on separately. Synchronization itself allows you to "match" the mouse backlight with the backlight of other system components — the case, graphics card, keyboard, monitor, etc. Thanks to this matching, you can create various unusual effects: synchronous colour and brightness changes, "colour waves", "running lights" etc. However, for such work, all components of the system must support the same synchronization technology — and such a technology, usually, each manufacturer has its own. So before buying it's ok to check compatibility. However, some mice are able to work with several options at once — for example, iCUE from Corsair and MLS (Mystic Light Sync) from MSI.
Battery life
Battery life of the mouse (see “Power”) on a single charge.
The battery life in this case is rather approximate: it is given for an average usage scenario, and the actual autonomy may turn out to be less or more than stated, depending on the usage patterns. Nevertheless, it is a fairly reliable indicator, allowing different battery models to be evaluated and compared with each other: the difference in the stated battery life usually correlates well with the actual autonomy difference.