Types of Mouse (The Definitive GUIDE of 2023!)

Computer Mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are several different types of mice available on the market today.

With so many different types of mice on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Whenever you use a computer, desktop, or laptop, you need a pointing device. Most of you have used the common wired mouse with your computer or a trackpad with the laptop.

If you are looking to know the types of mice available, then this is the right post.

Why Should you Trust Me? Hi, I am Anirban Saha, an Engineer with a Specialization in Electronics and Communication Engineering. I have experience in Smart TVs, Electronics circuits, and Computer peripherals.

Let’s get started!

What is a Computer Mouse?

A computer mouse is an input device that allows the user to interact with the computer. It is used to control the movement of the cursor on the screen.

The normal mouse has two main buttons and a scroll wheel. It also has a tracking ball or optical sensor that detects movement.

You can use a computer mouse for several purposes for your work, gaming, general browsing of the internet, and any other purposes.

Here are the various types of computer mice:

#1. Wired Mouse

A Wired Mouse is the most typical type of mouse used by a PC user. The wired mouse is the most common type of mouse that is connected to the computer through a USB or PS/2 port.

Due to the wired connection, there are no chances of experiencing lags. Overall, you would get good performance with this mouse whether you are using them for your daily work or gaming.

The main benefit of this type of mouse is that it has a long lifespan and they are usually very inexpensive. However, they are not as accurate as optical or laser mice.

#2. Wireless Mouse

A wireless mouse does not need a cord to be plugged into the computer to function. It communicates with the computer through a wireless signal.

Now you can have a wireless connection like a 2.4 GHz connection using a receiver or Bluetooth connectivity.

Wireless mice are a great way to get rid of cords, and many people find that they work better than wired mice.

The biggest downside to wireless mice used to be their price tag, but now there are some great models available for very reasonable prices.

The best thing about wireless mice is that you don’t have to worry about getting your mouse cord tangled up in your feet or around your other cords.

Wireless mice also give you more freedom of movement, which can be helpful if you use your mouse a lot.

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a wireless mouse.

Make sure the mouse has a good range; you don’t want the cursor jumping all over the screen if you move too far away from the mouse.

A wireless mouse can be of 2.4 GHz type that comes with a connector or a Bluetooth type.

a. 2.4 GHz Wireless Mouse

This is the most commonly seen technology that is used for a wireless mouse. A Wireless mouse with a 2.4 GHz receiver establishes a connection with your computer or laptop.

Hence, you can use the mouse wirelessly.

Wireless mouses with a 2.4 GHz connection are commonly available, and performance is good with a slight lag that you may notice if you play games often.

b. Bluetooth Mouse

Bluetooth Mouse establishes connectivity with your laptop or desktop using Bluetooth connectivity. 

It is easier to connect devices like Smart TVs, iPad, or even smartphones with Bluetooth connectivity. This is because, for smartphones, you don’t get the slot for connecting the USB receiver.

#3. Ergonomic Mouse

If you’re like most people, you spend hours each day sitting at your computer. This can lead to discomfort and pain in your neck, shoulders, and wrists.

One way to help avoid these problems is to use an ergonomic mouse.

An ergonomic mouse is designed to fit the natural shape of the hand, which reduces or eliminates posture problems. Ergonomic mice are available in both wired and wireless versions.

This can be especially helpful if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or other hand and wrist problems. Also, these mice are so comfortable that you will surely love using them.

#4. Vertical Mouse

A vertical mouse is a well-designed ergonomic mouse that is tilted to one side. It looks like a mouse placed in a slanted way i.e. placed vertically.

The vertical mouse replicates the most natural position of your hand that making it essential for the mouse to follow. This vertical mouse saves your hand from tiring and strain.

This vertical mouse is exceptionally designed. I feel it is better to work for longer hours with a vertical mouse.

In this video, find how the vertical mouse can be used in real life. You would know if this type of mouse is really useful.

In this video, find how the vertical mouse can be used in real life. You would know if this type of mouse is really useful.

#5. Optical Mouse

Optical Mouse is the most commonly seen mouse that uses Optical tracking technology within the mouse.

If you turn the mouse, you will find that the bottom of the mouse has an Optical sensor that effectively tracks your mouse movement whenever you move the mouse on a surface.

The optical sensor of the mouse emits light typically using a Light Emitting Diode(LED) and tracks by the reflected light that comes to the sensor.

So, it can only track those surfaces that are opaque.

The optical mouse works excellently for opaque surfaces. However, it struggles to track on the glass surface.

#6. Laser Mouse

A laser mouse is a type of mouse that is tracked by laser tracking technology.

The mouse-based on laser tracking technology works by a laser beam that tracks the surface and works excellently on any surface, whether glass, wood, metal, etc. 

These types of mice are very precise and accurate in terms of tracking. Laser mice typically have a higher price tag than optical mice, but the improved accuracy may be worth the investment for some users.

#7. Gaming Mouse

A gaming mouse is a computer mouse that has been designed for use in video gaming, usually by offering features such as programmable buttons, adjustable weights, and on-the-fly DPI switching.

This type of mouse also has onboard memory that stores the profiles, lighting colors, and mouse switch customization information.

Gaming mice are typically more expensive and offer more features than regular computer mice.

The look and feel are also great for gaming mice as they come with in-build RGB lights.

These also have an RGB backlit that gives excellent gaming feel with this mouse. With the gaming mouse, you generally get a higher DPI option.

Also, you get more buttons that you can program and customize according to the game.

#8. Trackball Mouse

A trackball mouse is a type of mouse that uses a ball to navigate around the screen. This ball is located on the top of the mouse and users use their thumb to control it.

The ball allows for more precision when navigating around the screen and makes it easier to move the cursor in specific directions.

It looks like a typical old mechanical mouse inverted upside down.

In the case of any general type of mouse, the mouse track motion by following the movement of the sensor below it.

But, in the case of using a trackball mouse, it tracks the movement of the moveable ball on the top of the mouse.

With a trackball mouse, it will be easier to move the mouse pointer without hurting your fingers. It is an excellent option for looking for an ergonomic mouse for finger pain and wrist pain.

#9. Stylus Mouse

A stylus mouse is a type of mouse that uses a stylus, or pen-like device, to interact with the screen.

This type of mouse is often preferred by digital artists and designers because it allows them to have more precise control over what they are drawing or typing.

Stylus mice are available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

The more digital art and illustration are getting popular the more the popularity of digital drawing on iPad using Apple Pencil, and for PC using a Stylus mouse increases.

Factors to look for when buying a computer mouse

Whether you’re a gamer or just a busy office worker, buying a computer mouse can be a tricky task. There are many things to consider when choosing the right mouse for your needs.

Wired or Wireless Connectivity

The first thing you should consider is whether you have a preference for a wired or wireless computer mouse.

Wired mice are connected directly to your computer and are a good choice for those who have to be very precise with the movements of the mouse.

Wireless mice are connected via a wireless transmitter, which is plugged into your computer via a USB port.

Wireless mice are great for those who get up and move around frequently.

With the wired mouse you don’t need to worry about draining the battery of the mouse while you use it as they are directly run by the power drawn from your PC or laptop.

However, the wireless mouse battery gets drained and you need to replace it every 6-8 months.

Computer Mouse Size

When choosing a computer mouse, the most important thing to consider is the size of the mouse. A mouse with a large size will be more comfortable to use than a small one. This is because it will have a larger surface area, which will make it easier to manage.

It will be easier for you to move the cursor on your screen without having to exert a lot of effort.

It also depends on your hand size. If you have a small hand, a smaller mouse would be easier to handle. For medium to big size hands, the regular full-sized mice work awesome.

Computer Mouse Shape

Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes but the most common are ergonomic, ambidextrous, and regular.

Ergonomic mice have a curved design to help fit the contour of your hand. They are great for people suffering from hand or wrist pain.

Ambidextrous mice can be used by both left and right-handed people. They often come in designs similar to that of ergonomic mice.

Regular mice are purely for right-handed people. They normally come with two buttons and a scroll wheel.

Mouse DPI Sensitivity

DPI, or dots per inch, is an important measurement of a computer mouse. It is the number of pixels that can be covered in a linear distance of one inch. For example, a mouse with a DPI of 500 can cover 500 pixels in one inch. The higher the DPI that a mouse has, the more sensitive it is.

For example, a mouse with a DPI of 500 can move the cursor over the screen twice as fast as a mouse with a DPI of 250.

Heavy Mouse or Light Mouse

A lighter mouse can be classified as a mouse weighing below 100g and above that, it is a heavy mouse. Generally, regular mice available are on the heavier side.

There are specially made heavy mice for FPS gaming to be played with High DPI settings. They are a good choice among gamers.

The light mouse on the other hand is also great for gaming if you combine them with Low DPI settings. Nowadays, a lightweight mouse is preferred more for gaming purposes.

To know more about heavy mice vs light mice, you can read this post written by me.

FAQs on Types of Computer Mouse

Conclusion

Let’s conclude the post on types of mice!

I hope you have understood the mouse types available in the market. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

If you are looking for a fast, accurate mouse that can be used on any surface, then the laser mouse is the best option.

If you are looking for a more traditional mouse with a good amount of customizability, then the regular wired mouse is a good choice.

You may also like to know about the types of keyboards available.