The cursor or pointer you see on your computer screen is regulated by the computer mouse or the trackpad (if it’s a laptop). Previously, computer mice were assigned only limited functionalities, and there were only a few types.
At present, there are numerous types of mice available in the market, and they are designated differently. Since there has been a change in the computing style, the changes have hit the mouse types too. What type of mouse will suit you best?
You can go for a wired one for fast responses and minimal cost. Whereas a wireless mouse is great for decluttering your cable chaos. We have categorised them according to different aspects regarding how a mouse works.
Check out the following species of mouse to decide on your next purchase:
Connectivity
If you want to discover the connectivity type of mouse, then you will get 3 options. They are wired, wireless, and Bluetooth mice. Let’s learn about them in detail:
Wired Mouse
A wired mouse connects to a computer through the device’s USB port. In addition, it comes with a cord to directly transmit its signals to the computer.
A wired mouse offers the following perks:
- Precise accuracy
- Faster response rate
- Affordable option
- Need no battery
However, the cord of the wired mouse is of a limited length, and that’s why you might feel restricted movement. Moreover, a wired mouse appears to be outdated and less convenient than other options available. You might have to use a mousepad for specifically wired mice.
Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse doesn’t require a cable or wire to connect to any computer. Instead, it comes with a receiver that you need to connect to your computer. Then, the wireless mouse can transmit radio signals to the computer through the receiver.
The computer can respond to the mouse’s movement. The computer has to decode the radio signal, and then it can move the pointer, cursor, or select anything.
Here’s how wireless mice are beneficial to users:
- You can extend the mouse’s range from the computer as long as the receiver is plugged into the computer.
- There’s no cord which means that you don’t have to face restricted movement.
- Wireless mice can be used without mousepad support.
One of the main cons of a wireless mouse is that you need to place batteries inside it for smooth operation. Non-gamers might not find an accuracy issue, but gamers have reported lag in the case of a wireless mouse.
The latency arises from the computer’s decoding time of the signal received from the wireless mouse. Moreover, wireless mice are comparatively expensive.
Bluetooth Mouse
Bluetooth mice are identical to wireless ones as they don’t require cords to communicate with computers. A Bluetooth mouse connects to your computer through its internal Bluetooth connection. Additionally, you can connect a Bluetooth mouse to different devices at the same time.
Check out the perks of having a Bluetooth mouse:
- Cord length restrictions are absent.
- You can use the Bluetooth mouse from an extended distance.
- A mousepad isn’t needed.
However, you have to use batteries to operate the Bluetooth mouse. In addition, you might experience less accuracy and more latency with Bluetooth mice. Finally, not every device has an internal Bluetooth arrangement to work with a Bluetooth mouse.
Working Mechanism
The working mechanism of any type of mouse might differ from one to another.
According to this feature, computer mice are categorised into the following 4 categories, such as:
Trackball Mouse
A trackball mouse comes up with a ball with sensors. When you move the ball with your thumb, the cursor of the mouse moves from one place to another on the computer screen. A trackball mouse demands less effort for scrolling or moving around the screen.
Here’s why a trackball mouse is a perfect fit for all types of computing styles:
- Presents an ergonomic design
- Ideal for laptops
- Both wired and wireless options are available
Yet, trackball mice are not great for gaming as they lack accuracy.
Optical Mouse
Currently, this type of mouse is mostly used in the industry. Optical mice use an LED light at the bottom of the device. The LED detects the mouse’s movement by following the reflected light.
Here are the notable advantages of an optical mouse:
- Both wired and wireless options are available
- Compatible with most PC standards
However, there’s a huge disadvantage to using an optical mouse. It can’t work on surfaces that don’t reflect light. You can’t use an optical mouse on a glass or crystal surface. Additionally, an optical mouse might offer considerable latency along with ergonomic difficulties.
Laser Mouse
A laser mouse is quite identical to an optical mouse. However, a laser mouse emits an LED outside the visible spectrum. That means that you can’t notice an LED coming out from a laser mouse.
Let’s see how a laser mouse can benefit you:
- Offers more accuracy compared to an optical mouse
- It emits LED outside the visible spectrum
- Available in both wired and wireless options
Well, you need to give the laser mouse some space to operate. Moreover, they are less ergonomic than trackball mice.
BlueTrack Mouse
Invented by Microsoft, the BlueTrack Mouse uses a definite technology to work. The mouse houses multiple image sensors and pixel geometry so that it can detect the mouse movement more accurately. You can use this mouse on all kinds of surfaces. However, the computer has to be compatible with the BlueTrack mouse.
Speciality Kinds
Now, there are some specialised mice that you can find helpful under certain conditions. For example, a gamer prefers a gaming mouse, and a simple wireless mouse might invite more latency. We have listed a few mice based on their speciality types.
Gaming Mouse
You can find both wired and wireless versions of gaming mice. Gaming mice are built depending on the gaming features, accuracy, and standards. Most gaming mice come up with multiple dedicated buttons for improved gaming experiences.
Here’s how a gaming mouse can help gamers:
- Gaming mice are built to be durable and sturdy
- More ergonomic for long stretches of use
- Offers more accurate functionalities
However, they can be more expensive than other mice.
Vertical Mouse
If you are looking for a more ergonomic design and unique design, then you should check out a vertical mouse. This type of mouse lets you position your palm in a handshake position to use the mouse. This beats the concept of the horizontal mouse.
Here are the advantages of owning a vertical mouse:
- Offers less strain on muscles
- They are more ergonomically built
Well, these mice will take time to get used to.
Stylus Mouse
Digital designers need a compact device instead of a regular mouse. Stylus mice are a perfect combination of a mouse and a pen. Users can utilise a stylus mouse on different devices such as tablets, apart from traditional computers.
Stylus mice are great for the following reasons:
- They are more accurate
- You can use stylus mice for free-hand drawing on PCs and tablets
- Stylus mice are pressure sensitive, and hence, you can control the intensity of the stroke
However, a stylus mouse only coordinates with a touchscreen computer.
Touchpad
As a replacement for the mouse, laptops come with in-built touchpads. Touchpads are also referred to as glide pads. Well, touchpads are flat-surfaced sections on any laptop.
You need to touch the touchpad to select something on the screen. Additionally, you can glide your fingers to scroll through the screen.
Generally, a touchpad can have 2 buttons. You might come across touchpads that are pressure-sensitive, and there are 2 buttons on the same flat surface.
Track-Point Mouse
A few laptops come with grey or red rubber spheres between the spaces of the G, H, and B keys. These are track-point mice, and they are quite handy under some circumstances.
You need not switch between keyboards and touchpads time and again if your laptop has a track-point mouse. You can move the cursor using the track-point mouse, and you need not drift apart from the keyboard.
Other Types of Mouse that You Must Try
Apart from the above-mentioned type of mouse, other mice are designed purposefully for distinct use. Let’s know about them:
USB Mouse
A USB mouse is not necessarily a wired mouse. USB mice can be wireless too. For example, you need to plug the transmitter of a wireless mouse into your computer to make the mouse detect your movement and work accordingly.
In other words, a USB mouse is operational only with the help of a USB slot on your computer. Additionally, they are ideal for most computers.
Gyroscopic Mouse
Have you come across a mouse that can coordinate with your computer in midair? Most mice need a surface to detect the movement, but a gyroscopic mouse doesn’t require any flat or solid surface to work on. You can wave a gyroscopic mouse in the air, and it will detect all the movements to move the cursor.
Foot Mouse
This type of mouse might sound abnormal and less common to you. However, foot mice were invented to increase productivity while computing. You need not move your hands from the keyboard to move the pointer on the screen. You can use your feet on the foot mouse, and it lets you roam around the screen.
Which Type of Mouse is Perfect for You?
It completely depends on the user. If you are a gamer, then you are looking for greater accuracy and fewer latency moments. Thus, a gaming mouse will be ideal for you.
On the other hand, a wireless mouse will be better if you want to work from an extended range. Check out the type of mouse and its corresponding pros and cons before you commit.
