A manipulator called "Mouse" has already entered our lives so tightly that we do not even notice how often we use this device. The mouse allows you to control your computer with maximum comfort. Remove it, and the speed of working with a PC will decrease several times. But the main thing is to choose the right mouse, based on the types of tasks that will need to be solved with its help. Some situations will require special types of mice.
Okay. Let's look at our pilot. Most pylon bells are made for one hoof and after spinning, we should show the next plate. Now we will cure this button and solder a piece of two-wire cord in place, which will connect to the mouse buttons. Usually the most used four button buttons are included in the ringtones. In fact, these buttons only have two outlets, but there are four feet in them so they can be soldered solid. Each of the button outputs simply has two connected legs.
You must determine exactly how the soldering iron is soldered so that a bell will sound when a short circuit occurs. In wireless ringtones to save time battery life, the button is installed once per battery, so only after it has pushed the whole system does it get power.
Types of computer mice
According to the design features, there are several types computer mice: mechanical, optical, laser, trackball, induction, gyroscopic and touch. Each type has its own unique characteristics that allow you to successfully use the mouse in a given situation. So what mice are best for pc? Let's try to understand this issue, having examined in detail each type separately.
Now just connect the other end of the wire to the mouse buttons. The buttons on the mouse must be linked to each other so that none of them will trigger the call. Each of the buttons has three contacts. The outer legs of both buttons are connected together, while the middle buttons must be connected with a wire.
As you can see, the diode must be connected through a resistor. The resistor value can be calculated using this calculator. Devices pointing computers and other electronic devices called trackballs can be described in Polish as trackballs. Our name, however, was not adopted and this type of accessory used to control computers and other electronic devices, has become popular with traditional mice and trackpads.
Mechanical mice
This is the guy that started the story. computer mice. The design of such a mouse assumes the presence of a rubberized ball that glides over the surface. He, in turn, makes special rollers move, which transmit the result of the movement of the ball to special sensors. The sensors send the processed signal to the computer itself, as a result of which the cursor moves on the screen. This is how a mechanical mouse works. This outdated device had two or three buttons and did not differ in any features. Connection to a computer was carried out using a COM port (in earlier versions) and a PS / 2 connector (in later models).
Peripherals for use in computers
Computers can work in different ways. A relatively new way to interact with software is touchscreens, but a few years ago there was a need for special accessories needed to enter text and move the cursor on the screen.
The classic computer has been supported for several decades. Over the years, the keyboard has included the mouse as its primary tool for executing programs and managing files. Notebook computers use touchpads that act as independent accessories.
by the most weak point mechanical mouse was exactly the same ball that "crawled" on the surface. It became very dirty very quickly, as a result of which the accuracy of the movement fell. I had to clean it often with alcohol. In addition, mechanical ball mice categorically refused to slide normally on a bare table. They always needed a special mat. At the moment, such mice are obsolete and are not used anywhere. The most popular manufacturers of mechanical mice at the time were Genius and Microsoft.
Trackball - an alternative to mice
Users looking for solutions other than touch screen and touch panel, may be interested in trackball accessories. Instead of moving your finger to the touch surface or to the entire mouse device on your desk, you can rotate your finger to the ball in the gadget. The cursor on the screen reflects the movement of the ball.
Today, trackballs are commonly available as specialized accessories that superficially resemble an old-style computer mouse with the ball on the top instead of the bottom. Just a few years ago, similar solutions could be found in laptops and mobile devices such as smartphones, also called smartphones.
Optical mice
The next stage in the evolution of computer mice was the emergence of optical models. The principle of operation is fundamentally different from mice equipped with balls. The basis of the optical mouse is a sensor that registers the movement of the mouse by photographing at high speed (about 1000 shots per second). Then the sensor sends information to the sensors and after appropriate processing, the information enters the computer, causing the cursor to move. Optical mice can contain any number of buttons. From two in ordinary office models to 14 in serious gaming solutions. Thanks to their technology, optical mice are able to provide high precision cursor movement. In addition, they can glide perfectly on any flat surface (except for a mirror).
Like computer mice using modern optical or laser technology, and previously with a mechanical ball, the same can be done using different technologies. In either case, the effect is similar, and the trackball is functionally the same as a classic computer mouse and is used to move the cursor around the screen, although different technologies are used to achieve this.
Mechanical-optical and optical
The basic trackball models use a mechanical-optical mechanism. In this case, the finger of the finger moves the rollers located in the accessory case. Roller elements are attached to optical sensors. The movement of the balls and rollers is converted into a signal sent to the computer, allowing you to change the position of the cursor.
Now optical mice are the most popular among most users. They combine high DPI and an adequate price. Unpretentious optical models are the most cheap computer mice. In form, they can be very different. By the number of buttons too. There are also wired and wireless options. If you need high accuracy and reliability, then your choice is a wired optical mouse. The fact is that wireless technologies make the user dependent on batteries and wireless communication, which is not always up to par.
In modern optical trackballs, the finger-tipped ball is coated with a special pattern that is illuminated by a light emitting device. Depending on the angle of the light reflected from the optical sensor from the pattern on the surface of the ball, a corresponding signal is generated, which, when transmitted to the computer, is transferred to the movement of the cursor on the screen.
Important parameters and functions of computer mice
Trackballs are an alternative to conventional mice or touch pads. Although these devices are not very popular, in many cases they can be much more convenient than their traditional counterparts. There are many types of computer mice, including mechanical mice - balls, optical, vertical, air, cable, radio, infrared, professional and amateur.
Laser mice
These mice are evolutionary continuation of optical mice. The difference is that a laser is used instead of an LED. At the present stage of development, laser mice are the most accurate and provide the highest DPI value. That is why they are so loved by many gamers. Laser mice don't care what surface they "crawl" on. They work well even on rough surfaces.
The mechanical mouse, also called mouse-mouse, is the oldest kind of device. It works thanks to a rubber-coated metal ball and a simple two-roller system. If the mouse is placed on a flat surface, the ball will start moving and the cursor on the screen with it. The disadvantage of ball mice is its low accuracy. They also require a suitable pad and clean the mechanism periodically as well. Currently, such mice have been pushed out of the market by new solutions that include an optical mouse.
Optical mice are more accurate than their predecessors. They are easy to use, do not require regular cleaning and can be used in almost any environment. An optical mouse works by sending out a light signal that immediately bounces off the ground and then returns to a miniature camera located in the device. Using the appropriate sensors, an optical mouse can read the change in its position and accurately reflect it on the computer screen. Moving the device to the surface sets the ball in motion, which, in turn, moves the rollers, the movements of which are transmitted to the monitor screen.
With the highest DPI of any mouse, laser models are widely used by gamers. That is why laser manipulators have a wide the lineup aimed at game fans. A distinctive feature of this mouse is the presence a large number additional programmable buttons. A prerequisite for a good gaming mouse is only a wired connection via USB. Since wireless technology cannot provide the proper accuracy of work. Gaming laser mice are usually not cheap. Most expensive computer mice based on a laser element are produced by Logitech and A4Tech.
This solution is not precise and problematic. This requires not only a suitable panel, it is recommended to clean the mechanism regularly for proper operation. Soft mice are almost completely worn out. There are three main types of optical mice: diode, laser using infrared technology.
Another type of computer mice are the so-called. This is one of the newest variants of this device. At first glance, the vertical mouse looks like a pen and is held exactly the same way. It allows you to work on soft and curved surfaces, but is less accurate than optical mice. The air mouse is an interesting variation on computer mice because it is basically a combination of a mouse and a remote control. Allows you to control the image on the monitor screen without using a pad or flat surface.
trackball
This device does not look like a standard computer mouse at all. At its core, a trackball is a mechanical mouse in reverse. The cursor is controlled by a ball on the top side of the device. But the sensors of the device are still optical. In its form, the trackball does not resemble a classic mouse at all. And it does not need to be moved anywhere in order to achieve the movement of the cursor. The trackball is connected to the computer via USB.
It can be used, as the name suggests, in the air. It is a gadget, but it has found practical use, for example in the use of electronic multimedia presentations. Cable mice are the most common way to connect this device to a computer. The cable guarantees the best connection between the mouse and the computer. In this case, the delays in moving the mouse cursor are the smallest, but the length of the cable can be limited.
Only the transmitter with which the mouse is connected to the computer is connected to the computer. The disadvantage of this solution is the higher delay in moving the mouse cursor. The average range of radio mats is about 10 meters. Infrared mice work in the same way as radios. A necessary condition for the operation of this mouse is the contact between the transmitter and the mouse, which is only possible if both devices "see" themselves. This is the failure of such mice. The range of the infrared mouse is up to 2-4 meters.
The advantages and disadvantages of the trackball have been arguing for quite some time. On the one hand, it reduces the load on the hand and ensures the accuracy of cursor movement. On the other hand, it is a bit inconvenient to use the trackball buttons. Such devices are still rare and unfinished.
induction mice
Induction mice are a logical continuation of wireless devices. However, they are devoid of some properties characteristic of "tailless" models. For example, induction mice can only work on a special mat connected to a computer. Carrying the mouse away from the rug will not work. However, there are also pluses. High accuracy and no need to change batteries, since there are no batteries in such mice at all. Induction mice get their energy from the mat.
Some wireless mice have an optional built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged at a dedicated station. So you don't need to buy regular mouse batteries. Hobbyist mice are ideal for home or office use. It does not make sense to buy an advanced device. Your best bet is to stock up on a cheap optical mouse that will do all your tasks well. On the other hand, professional mice are designed for tournament players and hobbyists who are most interested in precision in computer games.
Such mice are not very common, as they have a high price and are not particularly mobile. On the other hand, these are the most original computer mice. Their originality lies in the absence of batteries.
Gyro mice
These mice do not need to slide on the surface at all. The gyroscopic sensor, which is the basis of such a mouse, responds to changes in the position of the device in space. Of course it's convenient. But this method of management requires a fair amount of skill. Naturally, such mice are distinguished by the absence of wires, because with their presence it would be inconvenient to control the mouse.
It is important that such mice are durable and have high parameters. When buying a computer mouse, you need to pay attention to a number of its parameters, i.e. resolution, reporting frequency, and early acceleration. The higher the better, as this will mean that the mouse will work faster and more accurately. In professional mice, the resolution value sometimes reaches several thousand. Reporting frequency is expressed in Hz and it means how often the mouse communicates with the computer in one second. This directly affects the response time of the device.
A professional mouse achieves a delay of 1 millisecond, and in the case of amateur use this parameter does not play a noticeable role. Instead, the maximum delay value of the product is given. Reverse acceleration is an effect that occurs only with optical mice and manifests itself in an inaccurate display of the movement of the mouse when moving quickly. The cursor can slow down, speed up or jump. Reverse acceleration is undesirable for professional equipment and tends to eliminate it completely.
Like induction models, gyroscopic devices are not widely used due to their high cost.
Touch mouse
Touch mice - the diocese of Apple. It was they who deprived their Magic Mouse of all sorts of buttons and wheels. The basis of such a mouse is a touch coating. The mouse is controlled by gestures. The reading element of the mouse position is an optical sensor.
In the latest generation of devices, the backlight does not actually exist. The shape of a computer mouse is important. The device should have an ergonomic design, i.e. one that fits the shape of the palm. The mouse can be adjusted left or right, which is important for some users.
Computer mice are often added software and drivers. Basically, however, the computer's operating system automatically detects the mouse and allows it to function. However, dedicated programs added by manufacturers on mice give you more customization options than a profile in the operating system. This is usually associated with the ability to assign certain functions or responses to the main and additional mouse buttons, set the mode or sensitivity.
Touch mice are mainly found in Apple products (iMac). You can also purchase a Magic Mouse separately and try connecting it to regular computer. However, it is not clear how convenient it will be to use such a mouse under Windows, given that it is "sharpened" for MacOS.
Conclusion
It remains only to choose the option that is right for you.
Popular manufacturers of computer mice and their products
In stores, you can buy computer mice from different manufacturers. In general, the quality of the device in this case goes hand in hand with its brand. The more reputable the manufacturer, the better the mouse will be. These are good quality devices that will be useful to many.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Buying
However, they are not recommended for gamers. A computer mouse can be bought for 10 PLN, but the most expensive, most accurate devices of this type will come to us to pay even 500 PLN. If so, you must be interested in an air mouse that can operate without air in the air, without the need for special pads or even a flat surface or table. If yes, then you can buy wireless mouse, which uses radio waves in your technology. It is very handy and its range is up to 10 meters, so it can be used freely in various environments. Will the computer mouse be used for graphics? However, for graphic designers and architects, it is desirable to purchase a solid, accurate mouse, which comes at a significant cost. It will perfectly satisfy the needs of people involved in computer graphics.
- Will you use the mouse for presentations, lectures, etc.
- Does the mouse cable restrict your movements and annoy you?
In contact with
Today the mouse required device input for everyone modern computers. But quite recently things were different. Computers did not have graphic commands and data could only be entered using the keyboard. And when the very first one appeared, you will be surprised to see what evolution this object familiar to everyone has gone through.
Who invented the first computer mouse?
Douglas Engelbart is considered the father of this instrument. He was one of those scientists who try to bring science even to ordinary people and make progress accessible to everyone. He invented the first computer mice in the early 1960s in his laboratory at Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International). The first prototype was created in 1964, in the patent application for this invention, filed in 1967, it was called "XY Position Indicator for Display System". But the official document numbered 3541541 was received only in 1970.
But is everything so simple?
It would seem that everyone knows who created the first computer mouse. But trackball (ball drive) technology was first used much earlier by the Canadian Navy. Back then, in 1952, the mouse was just a bowling ball attached to a complex hardware system that could sense the movement of the ball and mimic its movement on a screen. But the world found out about it only years later - after all, it was a secret military invention that was never patented or mass-produced. After 11 years, it was already known, but D. Engelbart recognized it as ineffective. At that moment, he did not yet know how to connect his vision of the mouse and this device.
How did the idea come about?
The main ideas about the invention first came to D. Engelbart in 1961, when he was at a conference on computer graphics and pondered the problem of increasing the efficiency of interactive computing. It occurred to him that by using two small wheels that move across the tabletop (one wheel rotates horizontally and the other vertically), the computer can track combinations of their rotation and move the cursor on the display accordingly. To some extent, the principle of operation is similar to a planimeter - a tool used by engineers and geographers to measure distances on a map or drawing, etc. Then the scientist wrote down this idea in his notebook for future reference.
Step into the Future
A little over a year later, D. Engelbart received a grant from the institute to launch his research initiative called "Improving the Human Mind". Under it, he imagined a system where people of intellectual labor, working at high-performance computer stations with interactive displays, have access to a vast online information space. With its help, they can cooperate, solving especially important problems. But this system was sorely lacking in modern technology. After all, in order to comfortably interact with objects on the screen, you need to be able to quickly select them. NASA became interested in the project and provided a grant to build a computer mouse. The first version of this device is similar to the modern one except in size. In parallel, a team of researchers came up with other devices that allowed you to control the cursor by pressing the foot on the pedal or moving the knee of a special clamp under the table. These inventions never caught on, but the joystick, invented at the same time, was later improved and is still used today.
In 1965, D. Engelbart's team published the final report on their research and various methods for selecting objects on the screen. There were even volunteers who participated in testing. It went something like this: the program showed objects in different parts of the screen and the volunteers tried to click on them as quickly as possible with different devices. According to the test results, the first computer mice clearly outperformed all other devices and were included as standard equipment for further research.
What did the first computer mouse look like?
It was made of wood and was the first input device to fit in the user's hand. Knowing the principle of its action, you should no longer be surprised at what the first computer mouse looked like. Under the case there were two metal disk-wheels, a diagram. There was only one button, and the wire went under the wrist of the person holding the device. The prototype was assembled by one of the members of D. Engelbart's team, his assistant William (Bill) English. Initially, he worked in another laboratory, but soon joined the project to create input devices, developed and brought to life the design of a new device. 
By tilting and swinging the mouse, you can draw perfectly smooth vertical and horizontal lines.
In 1967, the case became plastic.
Where did the name come from?
No one really remembers who first called this device a mouse. It was tested by 5-6 people, it is possible that one of them voiced the similarity. Moreover, the world's first computer mouse was with a wire-tail at the back.
Further improvements
Of course, the prototypes were far from ideal.
In 1968, at a computer conference in San Francisco, D. Engelbart presented improved first computer mice. They had three buttons, in addition to them, the keyboard was understaffed with a device for the left hand. 
The idea was this: the right hand works with the mouse, selecting and activating objects. And the left one conveniently calls the necessary commands using a small keyboard with five long keys, like a piano. At the same time, it became clear that the wire at the operator's hand was confused when using the device, and that it needed to be brought to the opposite side. Of course, the prefix for the left hand did not take root, but Douglas Engelbart used it on his computers until the last days. 
Continued improvement work
In the later stages of mouse development, other scientists entered the scene. The most interesting thing is that D. Engelbart never received royalties from his invention. Since he patented it as a specialist of the Stanford Institute, it was the Institute that disposed of the rights to the device.
So, in 1972, Bill English replaced the wheels with a trackball, which made it possible to recognize mouse movement in any direction. Since he was then working at Xerox PARC, this innovation became part of the then advanced Xerox Alto system. It was a minicomputer with a graphical interface. Therefore, many mistakenly believe that the first computer mice were invented by Xerox.
The next round of development occurred with the mouse in 1983, when Apple entered the game. Enterprising calculated the cost of mass production of the device, which amounted to approximately $ 300. It was too expensive for the average consumer, so the decision was made to simplify the design of the mouse and replace the three buttons with one. The price dropped to $15. And although this decision is still considered controversial, Apple is in no hurry to change its iconic design. 
The first computer mice were rectangular or square in shape, the anatomical rounded design appeared only in 1991. It was introduced by Logitech. In addition to an interesting form, the novelty was wireless: communication with a computer was provided using radio waves. 
The first appeared in 1982. She needed a special rug with a printed grid to work. And although the ball in the trackball quickly became dirty and was an inconvenience that it had to be cleaned regularly, the optical mouse was commercially unprofitable until 1998. 
What's next?
As you already know, "tailed" trackballs are practically not used anymore. Technology and ergonomics of computer mice are constantly improving. And even today, when touchscreen devices are becoming more and more popular, their sales do not fall.