My mouse is dying and I need a new one.

December 13, 2012 8:20 PM

My mouse is getting worn out and I need a newer and more precise one.

I'm currently using a Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500, and it's wonderful, but it's kind of small for my hand and the rubber sides are wearing out. A friend suggested that I look into Razer, and I'm kind of shooting for the Deathadder or the Mamba, but I want some opinions and suggestions for other types of mice before I actually spend money (which is limited to about $40* at this point).

Now I need a mouse that is wireless (on a laptop) and I work with relatively high sensitivity. I use the mouse for gaming (some FPS games, Osu!, some RTS) and I occasionally due graphics designing involving drawing and editing. I'm a casual gamer, so I don't need a lot of buttons other than Left, right, and the mouse wheel, however I do need a mouse with DPI over 2000 and one that I don't have to arch my fingers to hit the Left and Right buttons.

Short list of what I am looking for:
1. Wireless
2. Has to be precise for professional work (DPI of at least 2000)
3. Comfortable for my hand/fingers
4. Can handle extensive use
5. Is not too small (i.e. a micromouse) and not too large. Slightly larger than my current mouse should be fine
*$40 is around the price I would like to pay for a mouse I plan on using for at least a year

I'm open to any suggestions or any personal experiences regarding computer mice, and I thank you guys in advance. Happy holidays and upcoming winter solstice!

posted by Angel of Khaos to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

Response by poster: Oh, and I seem to have forgotten to add a small detail but the mouse also needs to be able to track on different surfaces. This shouldn't be a problem with current technology, but I'd like for it to be able to track on most surfaces like my current mouse since I'm mobile and on the move a lot.
posted by Angel of Khaos at 8:24 PM on December 13, 2012

Are you only interested in a "traditional" mouse, or are you open to suggestions about trackballs, etc?
posted by dotgirl at 8:26 PM on December 13, 2012

Response by poster: I prefer traditional mice. To be honest, I've never actually adapted to using trackballs and other types of pointer peripherals. I can't even use a trackpad to save my life, ha. I'll welcome other types as well in the hopes that I'll learn to use them in my free time and eventually for work.
posted by Angel of Khaos at 8:31 PM on December 13, 2012

Best answer: Since you're open to it - I have and love the Logitech Wireless Trackball.

It's super comfortable and you can get extremely precise control. I have wrist problems, and have been using this in for 15 years. The wireless version has a teeny USB plug - I use it for my Mac Airbook and it's super.

It has 5 buttons you can program (including the scroll wheel), although I only use the two regular mouse and the scroll wheel.
posted by dotgirl at 8:41 PM on December 13, 2012 [3 favorites]

I love the same trackball dotgirl mentioned. I’ve used thumb trackballs for 20 years though, most of that time Logitech. I depended on the previous Logitech thumb trackball and was alarmed when they discontinued it, but the new one is even better (which is the same way I felt the last time they updated).

It’s very fast and precise, comfortable. The thing I like is that once you get used to it, and can work with the speed cranked up, you barely have to move your thumb.

I use it for audio editing, among other things.
posted by bongo_x at 9:09 PM on December 13, 2012

I use a Microsoft Bluetooth notebook mouse like this and would recommend it. The fact that it uses Bluetooth means you don't need need to have a USB socket taken up with a transceiver. I would not vouch for it to work properly on glass-topped tables - but it should be OK on any other surface.
posted by rongorongo at 2:02 AM on December 14, 2012

Best answer: I'd recommend something like the G7 or G700 from Logitech's gaming line. They are fast, responsive and fit my large hand very well. At list price they are well outside your $40 boundary. However, I've gone through 3 variations of the line and picked all up at below $40 due to sales.
posted by graxe at 3:47 AM on December 14, 2012

Best answer: Absolutely Logitech. If you want multiple surface support, get a laser mouse - they even work on glass. Logitech's mouse customization tools are top of the line too.

I really like their M705 and everyone in my lab has one for their computers with no complaints from hand size etc. I got one for home too. They have a thumb button that is pretty handy.
posted by bookdragoness at 5:52 AM on December 14, 2012

Best answer: I've been using the Logitech Performance MX for the last year or so, and it's FANTASTIC. It tracks on everything, including my glass desk topper, and is about as customizable as it gets.
posted by deadmessenger at 6:45 AM on December 14, 2012 [2 favorites]