A computer mouse is almost an afterthought. We use it every day and don’t think much about it.
But there are many different types of computer mouses on the market today.
There are wired mouses, wireless mouses, touchpads, scroll, wheel, ball, mechanical, and more.
We’ll also get into special types of mouses, such as gaming mice, ambidextrous mice (such as for those who are left-handed), and those with programmable buttons and an ergonomic design.
Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
Types of Computer Mouses
Basic Types
Wired Mouse
The wired mouse is the most common type of mouse. It’s the one that comes with your computer.
It connects to your computer via a USB cable.
Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is one that uses Bluetooth or radio signals to connect to your computer.
It has a tiny USB receiver that you plug into your computer.
The receiver picks up the signal from the mouse and translates it into something your computer can understand.
Touchpad
A touchpad is a small, flat surface that you use your finger to move the cursor around on the screen.
You’ll find them on laptops and some types of keyboards.
They’re also common on smartphones and tablets.
Scroll Wheel Mouse
A scroll wheel mouse is a type of mouse that has a wheel on the side that you can use to scroll up and down.
The wheel is also sometimes called a scroll wheel or a mouse wheel.
Ball Mouse
A ball mouse is an older type of mouse that uses a small ball to move the cursor around.
The ball is usually located under the mouse.
As you move the mouse, the ball rolls and moves the cursor in the same direction.
Different types of computer mice
Mechanical Mouse
A mechanical mouse is a type of mouse that uses physical buttons and switches to register clicks and movement.
They’re similar to optical mouses, but they don’t use lasers or LEDS.
Instead, they use physical contact between the switches and the moving parts of the mouse.
Optical Mouse
An optical mouse is a type of mouse that uses a laser to track movement.
The laser is usually located under the mouse.
As you move the mouse, the laser beam reflects off the surface and moves the cursor in the same direction.
Infrared Mouse
An infrared mouse is a type of wireless mouse that uses infrared light to communicate with your computer.
It has a small receiver that you plug into your computer.
The receiver picks up the signal from the mouse and translates it into something your computer can understand.
Bluetooth Mouse
A Bluetooth mouse is a type of wireless mouse that uses Bluetooth to communicate with your computer.
It has a small receiver that you plug into your computer.
The receiver picks up the signal from the mouse and translates it into something your computer can understand.
Laser Mouse
A laser mouse is a type of optical mouse that uses a laser to track movement.
The laser is usually located under the mouse.
As you move the mouse, the laser beam reflects off the surface and moves the cursor in the same direction.
BlueTrack Mouse
A BlueTrack mouse is a type of mouse that uses a blue light to track movement.
The blue light is usually located under the mouse.
As you move the mouse, the blue light reflects off the surface and moves the cursor in the same direction.
3D Mouse
A 3D mouse is a type of mouse that allows you to move the cursor in three dimensions.
They’re also sometimes called spaceball mouses.
3D mouses are used in CAD applications and other types of software where you need to be able to move in three dimensions.
Specialty Types
Gaming Mouse
A gaming mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed for gamers.
They often have more buttons than a regular mouse so you can map different actions to them.
Some gaming mouses also have customizable weights so you can adjust how heavy they are.
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Travel Mouse
A travel mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed to be easy to take with you on the go.
They’re usually smaller than a regular mouse and some even fold up for easy storage.
Ergonomic Mouse
An ergonomic mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
They’re often used by people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
Some ergonomic mouses areAmbidextrous, which means they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
Vertical Mouse
A vertical mouse is a type of ergonomic mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
They’re often used by people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
Some vertical mouses are ambidextrous, which means they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
Trackball Mouse
A trackball mouse is a type of mouse that has a ball on the top that you roll to move the cursor around.
The ball is usually located in the center of the mouse.
As you roll the ball, it rotates on its axis and moves the cursor in the same direction.
Vertical Mouse
A vertical mouse is a type of ergonomic mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
They’re often used by people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
Some vertical mouses are ambidextrous, which means they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
Stylus Mouse
A stylus mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed to be used with a stylus.
A stylus is a small pen-like device that you use to input commands on a touch screen.
Stylus mouses often have buttons or other features that make them easier to use with a stylus.
Finger Mouse
A finger mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed to be used with your finger.
Finger mouses often have buttons or other features that make them easier to use with your finger.
Track-point Mouse
A track-point mouse is a type of mouse that has a small joystick on the top that you use to move the cursor around.
The joystick is usually located in the center of the mouse.
As you move the joystick, it translates your movements into cursor movements.
Foot Mouse
A foot mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed to be used with your foot.
Foot mouses often have buttons or other features that make them easier to use with your foot.
History of the Mouse
What is the best computer mouse type for carpal tunnel?
The best type of mouse for carpal tunnel is an ergonomic mouse.
Ergonomic mouses are designed to fit your hand in a more natural position and they’re often used by people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
Some ergonomic mouses are ambidextrous, which means they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
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Wired vs. Wireless Computer Mouse Types
Wired mouses connect to your computer using a USB cable.
Wireless mouses connect to your computer using Bluetooth or a wireless receiver.
Wired mouses are generally more reliable than wireless mouses.
Wireless mouses can have lag and connection issues, but they’re more convenient because you don’t have to worry about tangled cords.
What types of trackballs are there?
There are three types of trackballs: optical, mechanical, and electromagnetic.
Optical trackballs
Optical trackballs use LEDS to track your movements.
They’re more accurate than mechanical trackballs, but they require more power and can be more expensive.
Mechanical trackballs
Mechanical trackballs use physical balls to track your movements.
They’re less accurate than optical trackballs, but they’re cheaper and don’t require as much power.
Electromagnetic trackballs
Electromagnetic trackballs use magnets to track your movements.
They’re more accurate than mechanical trackballs, but they can be more expensive.
What is an ambidextrous mouse?
An ambidextrous mouse is a type of mouse that can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people. Ambidextrous mouses are often ergonomic mouses or vertical mouses.
What is the best type of mouse for gaming?
The best type of mouse for gaming is an optical mouse. Optical mouses are more accurate than mechanical or electromagnetic mouses, and they don’t require as much power.
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What is the best type of mouse for graphic design?
The best type of mouse for graphic design is an ergonomic mouse.
Ergonomic mouses are designed to fit your hand in a more natural position, and they often have features that make them easier to use with a stylus.
What types of buttons are there on a computer mouse?
There are two types of buttons on a computer mouse: left-click buttons and right-click buttons.
Left-click buttons are used to select items on your screen.
Right-click buttons are used to open menus or perform other actions.
Some mouses also have middle-click buttons, which can be used for a variety of tasks depending on the software you’re using.
What types of sensors are there in a computer mouse?
There are three types of sensors in a computer mouse: optical, laser, and ball.
Optical mouses use LEDs to track your movements.
Laser mouses use lasers to track your movements.
Ball mouses use physical balls to track your movements.
What is an ergonomic mouse?
An ergonomic mouse is a type of mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
Ergonomic mouses are often used by people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
Some ergonomic mouses are ambidextrous, which means they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
What is a vertical mouse?
A vertical mouse is a type of ergonomic mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
Vertical mouses are often used by people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
Some vertical mouses are ambidextrous, which means they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
What types of trackpads are there?
There are two types of trackpads: optical and capacitive.
Optical trackpads
Optical trackpads use LEDS to track your movements.
They’re more accurate than capacitive trackpads, but they require more power and can be more expensive.
Capacitive trackpads
Capacitive trackpads use your finger’s electric field to track your movements.
They’re less accurate than optical trackpads, but they’re cheaper and don’t require as much power.
What is a multitouch trackpad?
A multitouch trackpad is a type of trackpad that supports multiple fingers.
Multitouch trackpads can be used for a variety of tasks, such as zooming in and out of photos or scrolling through web pages.
Best computer mouse for Designers and CAD work
The best computer mouse for designers and CAD work is the Logitech MX Master 2S.
The MX Master 2S is an ergonomic mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
It has a precision scroll wheel that lets you scroll through long documents or web pages with ease. It also has customizable buttons that let you map shortcuts to your most-used commands.
Best computer mouse for Office use
The best computer mouse for office use is the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Mouse.
The Sculpt Comfort Mouse is an ergonomic mouse that’s designed to fit your hand in a more natural position.
It has a curved design that makes it easy to grip, and it comes with a detachable palm rest that can be used for added comfort.
Best computer mouse for Gaming
The best computer mouse for gaming is the Razer DeathAdder Elite.
The DeathAdder Elite is a gaming mouse that’s designed for professional gamers.
It has a high-precision 16000 DPI optical sensor that lets you make precise movements. It also has customizable buttons and RGB lighting that you can customize to your liking.
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What to look for when buying a computer mouse
When buying a computer mouse, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Use case
First, consider what you’ll be using the mouse for.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll need a different type of mouse than someone who’s just using it for general office work.
Budget
Second, think about your budget. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a mouse, but if you want something with more features, expect to pay more.
Size and shape
Finally, decide what size and shape you want.
Some people prefer smaller mouses, while others like larger ones.
There are also ambidextrous mouses that can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.
Summary – Types of Computer Mouses
There are many different types of computer mouses, including ergonomic mouses, vertical mouses, trackpads, and gaming mouses.
When buying a computer mouse, consider what you’ll be using it for and your budget.
You should also decide what size and shape you want.
Now that you know more about the different types of computer mouses, you can decide which one is right for you.
