Many people tend to neglect their computer mouse and just use whatever comes bundled with their PC. However, these add on mice can usually have low accuracy, cause discomfort and potential strain or stress injuries to your hands. This article will walk you through numerous features that you need to pay attention to so you can choose the right mouse for you.

Wired vs. Wireless

Wired and wireless are the main types of mouse connection. While the wired mouse is mostly connected through fixed cables, wireless ones use Bluetooth or an infrared interface with a USB adapter.

Wireless mice are the most common used in today’s computers due to its convenience making it ideal for mobile users who need to travel quite often. Using wireless mice also helps reduce cluttered cables. However, the drawback of these mice is it requires users to change batteries or recharge them after a certain amount of usage. Also, some people are afraid of the potential lag between mouse movement and on-screen registration of wireless mice, especially when they are in the middle of intense gaming sessions.

On the other hand, wired mice are a good option for those who just need use them in one place. Along with stable connection, this type of mouse is generally inexpensive and require no batteries. Unfortunately, you may find it annoying when dragging your mouse around feel the cable hitch on your desk.

Sensitivity

Mouse sensitivity refers to how quick the mouse moves on the screen, measured in “dots per inch” (dpi). The higher dpi is, the quicker the mouse moves around. Thus, it requires less effort to get across the screen. This feature is particularly important for fast-paced gaming in which the movement and the response time on screen matter.

Size

The size of the mouse could affect how comfortable people feel with their mouse. Depending on how big your hands are, you may prefer a full-sized or a small-sized mouse. Usually, a full-sized mouse is a good choice for people who have normal or big hands, and they have to work in front of the computer for a long period of time. Whereas, small handed people may prefer a travel-sized one which fits their hand better.

Ergonomics

Surprisingly, the grip style or the way people hold their mouse is actually another important factor affecting the comfort and the accuracy of using computer mice. If you hold an uncomfortable mouse for a long time, it could lead to unexpected injuries or strain on your hands, which is why Ergonomics are important.

There are three main grip styles with their own advantages and disadvantages including:

Check out this video from NCIX Tech Tips for more grip style explanation

Extra Buttons

Extra programmable buttons are added in many new computer mice to create shortcuts or improve user experience while Internet browsing. These buttons are normally placed on the side of the mouse. Some popular extra functions are the "back" and "forward" thumb clicks for Internet browsing, scroll wheels for zooming in and out, or on the fly sensitivity adjust buttons for quick dpi changing. There are particular functions of extra buttons that will work in Microsoft Word and Excel as well.

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