Mice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 09:22:48 am
content: The best mice I have bought so far are Microsoft wireless - solidly built with nothing loose on them. But they have two huge flaws.1) The scroll wheel is so loose it is almost free-wheeling even if you sneeze. The slightest accidental touch on the wheel results in scrolling - I end up missing clicks on the screen because I accidentally touched the wheel. Middle button is also impossible - how can you press the wheel down when it scrolls away like a slippery eel ?2) Too small, I have average hands, 7.5" from wrist bone to middle finger, and my fingers are about 3/4" - 1 1/4" away from the buttons, so I have to curle my fingers all the time.There used to be the most perfect mouse, it was called Microsoft Intellisense, wired, made in Ireland I remember, it had perfect stepped scroll wheel and dimensions but they do not make it anymore. Plus it was wired.We then tried the Daffodil and Technet mice from Amazon, they have better wheels (stepped) but they are plasticky and loose, and two out of three started to double-click on the left button within weeks, so we gave them back.Has anyone got a good mouse they can recommend?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 09:31:23 am
content: Try some Logitech brand mice at your local PC shop.Most of them have a solenoid inside that can latch/unlatch the wheel detents (freewheel or click).(I have the wheel button itself set to toggle this.)Sadly there's no perfect mouse for everyone.Trying the mouse in person is really the only way to go.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 09:46:10 am
content: Quote from: akis on May 02, 2014, 09:22:48 amGet a gaming mouse from logitech, or any logitech mouse for that matter. Do not trust any other vendor when it comes durable quality mouse. I think their current model is G400s, you cannot break these with normal use. Sensitivity adjustment buttons can be reconfigured to suit your needs.

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 10:05:02 am
content: To help you with problem nr 1, nr two is somthing i cant help you with.Try go to the properties for the mouse and adjust horisontal and vertical speed..If that dont help, download and install the IntelliPoint software. Then, connect the mouse to the computer. To do this, use the following methods in the order in which they appear.Install the IntelliPoint SoftwareTo download and install the latest version of the IntelliPoint software, follow these steps:Visit the following Microsoft Web site:http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/download/download.aspx?category=MKOn the list, select your device.In the other fields, select the appropriate options.Click Go.Click the software link to download the software.Click Run this program from its current location, and then click OK.Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to install the IntelliPoint software.Restart the computer.In the program, you can adjust and have more controll over the settings than in the default windows OS software.(If this dosen`t help, try this page and find the correct driver/program that coresponds to your mouse.http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/downloads)I hope that helps !Erik

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 10:19:30 am
content: FWIW, I got this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109232Seems to work fine. I haven't had much problem playing games. The mouse is a little small, but not tiny (though maybe it is what you're referring to?). Only three buttons. Keyboard is kind of weird in the depth of keys, which varies; the front row (CTRL, SPACE, etc.) stick out enough that they rounded down the facing edge. The upper rows are more sunken in. The F-keys are like tiny little blocks; I guess they assume people don't use F-keys anymore. Multiple keypress support is better than my previous keyboard (in some rows, I can press over four keys simultaneously), certainly not the ultimate but suitable for me.Tim

author: ecat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 10:24:29 am
content: Quote from: Psi on May 02, 2014, 09:31:23 amI think only the older mice have the solenoid (a small motor in the case of my Mx Revolution), all the newer models I've looked at use a manual switch to toggle between click and free modes. This is sad as my Mx Rev from 2006 is showing its age.Certainly I've used nothing but Logitech for may years, my mice take a bit of a pounding between work and play and the only real lemon was one of their high end gaming mice, G7 perhaps? Reading various forums and customer reviews all mice manufacturers have their problems so my next mouse will most likely be another Logitech.

author: NegativeONE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 11:50:06 am
content: Quote from: akis on May 02, 2014, 09:22:48 amThey were called Microsoft IntelliMouseExplorer, you can stillbuy v3.0of this mouse.You should go to a local store, grab and feel few models, and choose one which naturally lies in the hand. Look for SteelSeries, Logitech or MS.I can recommend youSS XaiorSS Sensei- I'm using Xai for over two years now and imho it is a greate mouse.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 12:00:39 pm
content: As the topics on Microsoft mice, their "wireless mice 5000"'s scroll wheel makes an absolute great dust and hair collector, with the scroll wheel shaft exposed to the outside world more than it should be (to look stylish its shapes like a funnel)If it ever starts missing steps you can pull it apart with the screws under the travel pads and clean it out... equally 4 wire telephone cable makes an excellent replacement for the scroll wheel material and the travel pads on the bottom :/other than the scroll wheel its been a great mouse, just harsh on batteries, (about 1 new battery per 2 months)

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 12:16:45 pm
content: I standardised on Intellimice years ago, and have quite a few V1.1 and V2 units, in white ( now beige to brown as the plastic stains) and the charcoal. a couple have gotten very thin on the bottom from wear, and quite a few have needed new buttons installed as they wore out. Cable tends to wear at the mouse end as well, so they get shorter with time, but the cable is remarkably good and handles wear quite well.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 01:16:31 pm
content: Got an inexpensive Logitech RX250 recenly to replace an old and worn out mouse. The scroll wheel can be pushed also sideways (left - right). I use those two additional button functions to scoll windows horizontally. So far, it's a solid performer and my hand is happy too.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 01:52:27 pm
content: I picked up a used Microsoft wireless Natural multimedia keyboard/mouse combo from a thrift shop a few years ago for $8 with the ability to return if it didn't work. The keyboard is ergonomic and the mouse fits my hand nicely (I wear a size 13 wedding ring). The scroll wheel is a bit loose but I haven't had any issues with it. The keyboard has a nice feel and the keys are quite responsive. Overall, a great find. It is used quite a lot everyday as it is attached to my main personal computer.'

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 03:14:29 pm
content: Quote from: NegativeONE on May 02, 2014, 11:50:06 amAs the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. I dislike those MS mouse so much I threw them away the first excuse I got. I hate that curve in shape.I use some Cheap made in China Labtec. Nothing fancy and just do the job.

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 07:58:26 pm
content: Thanks for all the comments. The biggest problem is the loose scroll wheels on various mice, invariably all MS Wireless Mobile. When I say loose i do not mean not attached properly, but I mean the design decision to have a free wheeling wheel that the slightest touch inadvertently and accidentally scrolls. Trying to click down on the wheel, or left-right is very hard and requires extreme precision so as to avoid scrolling. My youngest son has such an issue that he prefers to use a half-broken mouse that double clicks on its own than any of those loose wheel mice.A have opened up one of those mice trying to see if I could somehow made the wheel harder to roll, maybe wedge something in there to give it a bit of friction, but it is too small parts and did not get anywhere with this idea.Buying blind on Amazon is not a good solution because for some reason the manufacturers do not disclose whether the wheel is stepped or not.Best solution is I will have to go to a shop and physically test the mice.Thanks for the suggestions for other mice, I have noticed they are in the £40-£50 range ($64-$80). Isn't that a tad expensive for a mouse? I mean I can get an extra HDD or an extra 4GB-8GB RAM ... you get the idea

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 08:06:03 pm
content: The Logitech RX250 is €8 and has a stepped scroll wheel, just saying.

author: Nerull
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 09:50:14 pm
content: My last logitech mouse was one of their high end gaming mice, and it liked to randomly freeze. I've never had a mouse lock up before.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 09:57:09 pm
content: Quote from: Nerull on May 02, 2014, 09:50:14 pmDid the mouse or the driver freeze?

author: Nerull
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 11:12:04 pm
content: Mouse. I never used the logitech drivers, just standard HID, and it happened regardless of OS or computer.Sometimes it would stop moving in one axis as well.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 01:34:17 am
content: Quote from: Nerull on May 02, 2014, 09:50:14 pmQuote from: Nerull on May 02, 2014, 11:12:04 pmAll electronics are prone to faults, just send it back to Logitech (or reseller) and you get a fully functional one. Logitech is one of the best supports around, they even sent free mouse skates in exchange for valid serial code.My first Logitech mouse started random unresponsiveness after 5+ years, the cable was faulty. So I just chose to open mouse and put the cable more inside the case to have it not flex on the slightly faulty part. That fix worked until it developed new fault on new part of the cable, so just repeat and good to go.Btw even cheapest logitech models like Logitech M100 has stepped scroll wheel, cheapest logitech in the stores here. I used a M100 at work and just had to get one for second pc at home, also just in case main mouse stops working.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 02:07:33 am
content: My only thing about mice is that they have to have the side buttons for previous and next navigation.I use Visual Studio at work and lots of code, so it's nice to be able to back trace where you were by using the left side button and go forward with the right side button. It's like when you read a book and you have your fingers keeping tab of what you want to reference fast and flipping back and forth with ease.

author: true
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 04:05:59 am
content: Quote from: Legit-Design on May 03, 2014, 01:34:17 amSadly, Logitech support has gone downhill. But they are still one of the best manufacturers for post-sale support in the PC industry.A little story...I do remember when I got my MX1000 which had the lift issue. If you would lift the mouse to reposition it, even slightly, it would take a brief moment after being flat before it would work again. Seems minor but it was easily noticed in office tasks and so detrimental in gaming it made the product unusable. I called, was pretty technical in explaining the issue, and the guy asked "Do you think it's the charging base, or the mouse?" I was puzzled, told him the mouse, he said "Are you sure? I think it's the base too," so I just said OK....but I think he said this for a reason as I was sent TWO replacement mice without the issue. Pretty cool.All of my prior experiences with Logitech went similarly (Have 5 bad mice at the shop? Send 8.... 2 bad keyboards? Send 2 replacements plus one higher end one, etc...) but they haven't been THAT generous for some time now.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 05:16:35 am
content: Personally I have used Logitech mice since the G5, which lasted 3-4 years before something broke (mouse wheel mount snapped). I replaced that with a G500 which lasted another 3-4 years, the left mouse button became dicky so I replaced it with a G500S.I mostly stick with it because I'm familiar with the shape and button layout, works great for both general use and gaming.

author: Sebastian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 11:07:35 am
content: I am using a ROCCAT KONE XTD and I am very happy with it. It is pretty pricey and I don't know if it is worth it if you are not gaming, but apart from that I can highly recommend it. It has a ton of features which are not only useful for gaming but also for normal windows use. You can set macros for every button and you can also set one button for easyshift which allows you to set a secondary function for all the other buttons. I am using the forward button on the left for easyshift and if I press it and use the scroll wheel I can go forward and backward in a browser or explorer or other programs. That is just one example, the possibilities are endless and that is what I love about this mouse.Edit: I just saw that the price is a lot lower now. When I bought it it was almost €150 (~$200).

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 12:16:17 pm
content: I find mouse mouses today to be very uncomfortable. They are just too small. They are also not very ergonomic. I don't see how it would be possible to make a truly ergonomic ambidextrous mouse.Hold your arm in front of you and relax the fingers on your hand. Now (without moving your fingers!) lower your hand to the mouse and position your pinky finger as close as possible to where it would normally be when using the mouse. Take look at where your other fingers and thumb end up. I'm pretty sure they will be nowhere near where they usually are when you're gripping your mouse.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 12:30:41 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on May 03, 2014, 12:16:17 pmHave you tried a trackball?

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 12:55:53 pm
content: I too have found nothing better for my use then the MS 5 button IntelliMouse. Being left-handed mouse shape symmetry is important and having rather large hands means small mouses don't work well for me.My only complaint is that the MS mouses all have the same failure mode for me after about a year or so, left button contact bounce. It starts gradually but gets steadily worst and worst, so I bought about 5 over the last 10 years or so.I tried a wireless mouse about 6 years ago but was were unhappy with the look and feel of it, forget the brand.Recently I bought a new Toshiba laptop and researched new wireless mouses. Settled on a new Logitech M510. Full size, 5 buttons, symmetrical, installs as standard HID mouse so no special driver or software required, but there is additional optional Logitech software available that I haven't bothered to install or look at. Best part is it was only $25 on-line. Works great, I can even sit back on the sofa and it works on sofa surface which really blew my mined, Highly recommended.

author: Neverther
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 04:37:09 pm
content: I have older MX1000 (smooth black, not the newer textured blueish), big enough and has nice ergonomic angle on it.Thrown new batteries at it, new switches (digikey has the obscure Omron switches and rest are generic) and epoxied parts back together.Haven't had the lift issue mentioned above. Has some weight but just replacing the Li-ion and its casing helps a lot.Disabling smartscroll is a must and per application keybindings are nice.Copyright notice on it was from 2004 so I guess its about 10 years old now and still going strong.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2014, 05:01:18 am
content: Quote from: retrolefty on May 03, 2014, 12:55:53 pmI have gotten quite good at doing switch replacement on these, using donor switches from other equipment, like dead car stereo's. Still have a front panel with around 5 switches left, so will get about 3 more years out of this before looking for another donor source. I have to modify the inside push plastic slightly as the switched I used were 1mm higher.

author: lpc32
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2014, 02:48:34 pm
content: I don't have specific recommendations, but one thing that I liked in a cheap mouse I have, anA4Tech BW27, and that I wish other manufacturers copied, is a scrollwheel that's wide, and also slightly curved in the middle (the opposite of common wheels). It makes it so much more comfortable to use as a middle button.Quote from: Legit-Design on May 02, 2014, 09:46:10 amI don't know how they are nowadays, but years ago I had a high end Logitech that had issues with the switches after a few years. I contacted them. At first I was pleasantly surprised when they offered to send a replacement, directly from abroad, if I just send them the cut USB cord. But then they realized they didn't have any more stock of the model I had, and only offered an inferior model instead.

author: denelec
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2014, 11:56:01 pm
content: I still use an old Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer I bought in 2000.Paid $99.99 at the time. Expensive, but well worth the price.I like the way it fits in my hand.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2014, 12:08:31 am
content: a local computer game store was having a stock clearance, selling old games, they had quite a few copies of collectors editions of older games for very cheap - often as part of the bundles they had hardware (headsets, keyboards ect), i got 4x copies of COD:MW3 each with a logitech g9x for $35

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 06:37:05 am
content: This one was always one of my favorites. I think it may be made by Logitech, too.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 06:42:11 am
content: Quote from: Legit-Design on May 02, 2014, 09:46:10 amI second that, I have an MX512 for the last 12 years, still working. Customer service is awesome, they dont request you to send back something if it is faulty, they ask you to send a picture of the destroyed device. It is satisfying.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 06:46:46 am
content: Quote from: Stonent on May 07, 2014, 06:37:05 amLooks good other that it needs side buttons, they are so convenient!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 07:33:17 am
content: I use the Logitech 'Performance MX'. Quite happy with it.When I travel, I switch to the smaller 'Anywhere MX'.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 08:46:04 am
content: Quote from: madires on May 03, 2014, 12:30:41 pmThese are magic, no pad needed, no free bench space needed and every PC in my house has one.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-Classic-USB-Trackman-Trackball-Mouse-w-Scroll-Wheel-804360-1000-T-BB18-/271480245066?pt=Mice&hash=item3f357bcb4a

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 11:43:35 am
content: Quote from: tautech on May 07, 2014, 08:46:04 amAnd they keep most mouse pushers away ;-) My oldest one is a white TrackMan Marble Wheel.

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 12:50:12 pm
content: Logitech mouse arrived today. Most expensive mouse I have ever bought.http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DY50D00/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1OK, some of you guys have paid much more but whatever.I am using it now. Disappointed with the scroll wheel. At two minds whether to return it or keep it.Pushing the wheel down makes it stepped or free rolling. The free wheeling mode is ridiculous: one touch and it spins for ever. On the stepped mode, the only way I would ebver consider using a wheel, it steps, but is not firm enough, there is a lot of looseness to each step and lots of internal "loose" noises. Really disappointed.The only solution will be to buy a mouse made by Mercedes, or maybe BMW.

author: MLXXXp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 01:13:33 pm
content: My most preferred mouse, that I use daily, is my ancient mechanical IBM Scrollpoint mouse. I find if far easier to just nudge the scrollpoint to scroll, instead of constantly having to move my finger to roll a wheel. The scrollpoint is pressure sensitive; the harder you push, the faster it scrolls. Plus, it also does horizontal scrolling by pressing right or left, when software supports it.It doesn't have a middle mouse button but chording the two buttons emulates that. One of these days I should get a newer optical USB Scrollpoint mouse with the third button.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 03:02:48 pm
content: I bought a Logitech MX 510 more than ten years ago. It works to this day. Never felt the need to buy another mouse.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2014, 03:12:46 pm
content: Quote from: akis on May 07, 2014, 12:50:12 pmYou specifically didn't want any "Hyper-fast scroll wheel", then why did you go and buy one.Also I'm huge believer in anything non-wireless, something that doesn't need to be wireless shouldn't be wireless, but maybe that's just me. Always makes me laugh when someone starts charging their mouse or has to stop working and go to store to get batteries because they ran out. After that they start saying how awesome it's not to have any wires, and all they do is use their mouse in front of the computer.With real mouse with usb cord you get actually more mouse for the money, since having all that wireless stuff costs money. Still recommend G400s as an example. MX510 was many years ago similar in design, logitech have only made it better and learned from their mistakes.