Ask HN: What mouse do you use? What are its pros and cons? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What mouse do you use? What are its pros and cons?

8 pointsvram2220 comments

I thought of asking the question because the mouse I was using with my laptop, recently stopped working. So I switched to another one I had. They are somewhat similar, both from Dell. But one is flatter and lighter than the other. I see good points in both. Hence got the idea for the question, to get to know about the different kinds of mice and their pros / cons - based on HN readers' actual experience.

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Start by identifying your mouse grip[0]. That is the starting point for choosing a mouse. Unfortunately, if you prefer a claw or fingertip grip the only mice available are gaming mice, which may have "flashier" decorations. Claw and Fingertip mice are usually shorter and wider.

I mostly use a fingertip grip, changing unconsciously to claw when playing more action oriented videogames. At work I have a CM Storm Xornet[1], with the recommended CM cloth mousepad (Small size). At home I have a CM Storm Spawn[2], with the same mousepad but in Medium size.

Personally, I prefer my work setup. The Spawn has stickier rubber (which I dislike), and the mousewheel stops working ar random. The small mousepad is perfect for my needs. due to my grip I have high sensitivity in the mouse and my arm doesn't move a lot (or at all)

[0] http://cmu.coolermaster.com/mice-grips/ [1] http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/mice/xornet/ [2] http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/mice/spawn/

Interesting, didn't know about mouse grips. Thanks.

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81GUaYp-uYL._SL1500_.j...

It's discontinued and seels for up to $200 on eBay. I was lucky enough to find one on Kijiji (canadian Craigslist) for 25$.

I got used to it in no time, and it's just as accurate as a regular mouse. I've been using it for a month, and I can't tell whether I prefer this to a regular mouse yet.

A thousand times yes. I love the trackMan. On one now. Just like the Microsoft Explorer before it (which are now $500 if you can find one) it's damn nearly the perfect trackball.

This: http://www.logitech.com/en-au/product/wireless-trackball-m57... (price here is a bit excessive - you can normally pick them up for ~$50).

I've also played with various mice over the years, but love this (I've bought my own one for work, in addition to the one at home). It doesn't tire out your arm or wrist (your thumb does the bulk of the work), and since it doesn't move, you can use it in limited space. My hands are big-ish, but this one is big enough to comfortably rest your hand without cramping it up. It has forward/back buttons for browsing on the frame, and the wheel acts as a third button.

Going from mouse to trackball takes a little bit of getting used to (about a day ;-) ). If you have coworkers that occasionally need to drive your computer, it's a bit of a pain, but Logitech receivers allow pairing of more than one device, so just keep a cheapy 'normal' mouse on your desk for those occasions.

In general, I've used Dell, MS, Logitech, and el-cheapo mice - Logitech wins out every time.

I use a Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 Right Wireless at work, Nice feel to it, comfortable for prolonged use.

At home, I use a Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball, I used it at work until I got the Evoluent. I surprisingly game with the trackball.

Other than that I have use the Logitech Performance MX and/or the Logitech MX Anywhere with my laptop.

Not quite a mouse, but I use a Wacom Intuos 'Pen and Touch' small tablet.

Not everyone has the need for a pen interface, but I find it useful for notes and idea explanation. There is also a wireless kit available for it, but I haven't tried it out.

Before my tablet, I used a Kensington 'Orbit' trackball. I liked it a lot, but it didn't last well.(the buttons got soft, the rollers got more and more resistant despite cleaning)

I tend to use oddball things like trackballs and touchpads with my desktops because i'm left handed, and I haven't found any decent feeling lefty mice besides semi-uncomfortable ambidextrous styles; plus I mostly just keyboard.

Logitech Performance MX

Reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Performance-Mouse-Ma...

Mainly I don't like wires all over my desk so I bring a wireless KB and mouse to replace work supplied ones. Also a benefit as I have a stand-up/down desk. This has good tracking to so you can use on any surface. Also generally good hand feel once you get used to the tilt.

Personally given the amount of time spent on the KB and mouse I'm surprised more people don't invest in a quality set for themselves.

I just bought the Logitech MK710 to update and really don't like the keyboard. Feels cheap and 'clacky' to use. Great battery life though if your setting up for a meeting room type deal.

This was my favorite mouse for years: http://imgur.com/xPu3pl1

Currently using a MS Optical Mouse 200.

I don't game (apart from Minecraft) so I don't need a $150 gaming mouse with adjustable weights and extra programmable buttons.

Cool. What's that middle grey portion like a finger pointing to the right? A button of some kind?

Yes, it's an extra button.

It just felt like a really comfortable mouse. And the software was good. And it was my first mouse that didn't have a ball, and did have a scroll wheel.

Some people had problems with cords, but I didn't.

One of the best things I have done to improve my personal computing experience was to stop using a mouse and compute exclusively on a laptop.

You likely have numerous seating options away from your desk, now you can use them all productively.

Recommended locations for productive computing include: hammocks, sofas, lawn chairs, train seats, ridesharing Prii backseats, bed.

I look back humorously at the years I carried a mouse in my backpack 'just in case'. Or the years before that strapped to a large monitor and keyboard and desk and desk chair, too.

This wasn't always possible, but I think the newer Apple trackpads in particular are exceptionally usable and precise. I don't have much experience with other current products.

I've been using various models of Logitech mice [1] for almost 20 years. Every time I try a Microsoft mouse, I wind up taking it back because there's some hard coded signal that doesn't work with some piece of CAD software in a reasonable way.

But these days...well I try to use the keyboard instead of the mouse. Xmonad goes a surprisingly long way in that direction. Firemacs for Firefox too.

[1] And a Logitech PAy port trackball from a period where I was having pain caused by too much mouse time and poor ergonomics.

Roccat Kone XTD+

+ mousewheel can be "nudged" left-right, works as middle mouse button and has clear "steps"

+ 2 extra buttons (would prefer 3)

o driver could be better, but does most things

o relatively bulky

>+ mousewheel can be "nudged" left-right

What does that do? Is it related to the middle button functionality or something else?

it acts as two extra buttons, which you either could use for left-right scrolling or as any other button function. I have them bound to browser forwards-backwards and in combination with one of the other keys for switching tracks in media player.