My quest for the perfect productivity mouse

While you purchase a brand new PC, it’s simple to deal with the large three: Processor, graphics and RAM (sorry storage followers, that’s a detailed fourth). It’s the little issues which might be easy to miss. I say that with the arrogance of somebody that simply migrated over from a decade-old iMac to a part-picked PC. The rig I ended up with is strong, I had a pleasant keyboard already, however oh boy do I really want a brand new mouse.

Mice should not horny laptop peripherals. But when, like me, you spend at the very least eight hours a day together with your hand on one, they’re extra essential than we give them credit score for. My previous Magic Mouse might have made the transfer from MacOS to Home windows, however I used to be already negotiating some fairly dangerous RSI and the inner battery was beginning to waiver. Not least of all, I wished one thing that I might cost and use on the similar time — the temerity, I do know.

To not point out, for the reason that introduction of gadgets such because the Stream Deck and the Loupedeck Reside I’ve developed a style for bodily, assignable controls. Additionally, as a latest convert to the world of mechanical keyboards, I hoped there was an analogous world of boutique, bespoke choices. It seems that mice are nonetheless a largely off-the-shelf affair, however I used to be decided to get by way of among the extra promising choices and discover one thing I might stay with, probably for an additional decade.

My necessities? Pretty easy, however just a little extra than simply one thing I can comfortably click on hyperlinks with. High of the record: Ergonomics. The Magic Mouse is… nice, however just a little low profile for my palming model. Given my RSI was solely in my mousing arm, I figured there’s an excellent likelihood ergonomics had been accountable.

Second: I need one thing that’s fairly configurable. I don’t want to drag off a number of complicated gaming strikes; I simply wish to have issues like quantity management or the power to modify between desktops at my fingertips. Thirdly, battery life. I’m making an attempt to lose as many cables as I can, so the longer I can go between charging/with no cable round, the higher.

That’s kinda it. It’s not an enormous ask however I quickly realized there was all the time some psychological bargaining happening looking for the most effective stability. I additionally wished to see what a contemporary mouse can supply past these necessities as, who is aware of, perhaps there’s one thing I by no means knew I wished or I’ve the sudden urge to get into Dota 2. Enter, the story I believed I’d by no means write: An 11-way PC mouse shoot out.

The apparent candidates

Google round for “the most effective PC mouse” and also you’ll discover one reply: Logitech’s MX Grasp 3. You may see a couple of mentions of others — just like the Razer Professional Click on and Microsoft’s Floor Precision mouse — however the evaluations are clear that the MX 3 Grasp is the one. Since we first printed this information, Logitech has launched the MX Grasp 3S which improves on the already well-liked gadget with a sharper sensor and quieter buttons. We’ve up to date this information accordingly.

I checked out all three of those, and truthfully, there’s not rather a lot in it. All of them value $100 and all of them meet my fundamental necessities of first rate ergonomics, configurable buttons and strong battery life. The latter is the toughest to quantify because of how every producer likes to outline “time.” For Logi’s MX Grasp 3S it’s “70 days.” Razer then again touts the Professional Click on as lasting between 200 and 400 hours relying on whether or not you utilize their USB dongle or Bluetooth respectively (that’s 8-16 “days” however it’s not clear if that is “in use”).

Microsoft’s Floor Precision is listed as “as much as 3 months” which I in some way learn with an implied shrug on their half. It’s arduous to know whether or not these are lively use or “the mouse is on and it’s in your desk.” The higher information is that each one of them might be charged whilst you use them. In apply, I discovered the MX Grasp 3S to final the longest, but in addition needing a cost manner before its 70 days declare, in my expertise it’s extra like each 5-6 weeks.

Of this trio, the Professional Click on gives essentially the most configurable buttons (8). The MX Grasp 3S is a detailed second (7) however has the benefit of a second scroll wheel close to the thumb. In actuality, two of Razer’s “buttons” are side-clicks on the scroll wheel — sometimes these default to sideways scroll, the identical as Logi’s thumb dial does. The web result’s that I discovered the MX Grasp 3S barely extra configurable for my use circumstances. The thumbwheel is ideal for switching between desktops — one thing I do rather a lot, which might occupy two slots on the Razer that means, successfully, the MX Grasp 3S has yet one more spare button on this setup.

Whereas we’re on the subject of buttons, the brand new MX Grasp 3S has virtually no click on sound in any respect. It makes virtually each different mouse appear fairly conspicuous by comparability. It additionally means the press movement feels just a little smoother which all provides as much as a a lot nicer expertise.

Lastly, there’s a button on the MX grasp 3S positioned just below the place your thumb rests. This can be utilized for nearly something, however by default, it prompts one thing referred to as “gesture management,” which helps you to assign sure duties to, you guessed it, totally different gestures. I gave the gesture controls a spin they usually appeared fairly useful, however the usefulness quickly dissolved when I discovered I wasn’t all the time capable of ace the gesture on the primary try.

For its half, Microsoft’s Floor Precision mouse gives six buttons and consists of left/proper clicks on the scroll wheel, placing it about on par with Razer and a shade underneath the MX Grasp 3S for configuration dorks like me.

All three firms supply companion software program — Microsoft’s is constructed right-in to Home windows. It’s price noting that Logitech makes a distinction between its workplace mice and its gaming mice which I’ll get to later (mainly, totally different software program with totally different configuration choices). The quick model is every will get its personal software program and what you are able to do there differs which shall be a key issue if contemplating a wide range of their fashions..

I discovered Logitech’s Choices software program essentially the most easy with a deep collection of Home windows instructions, media controls, shortcuts and navigation instruments on supply. You too can assign keystroke mixtures if one thing you want isn’t listed. On high of that there are alternatives for app-specific buttons which implies you may, for instance, have right-click do one factor in Photoshop however one thing completely totally different in Chrome. Logitech doesn’t supply full macros in Choices although, so extra complicated instructions are off the desk by way of the native software program.

Razer’s Synapse additionally gives app-specific controls alongside a wealth of predefined media and OS shortcuts, however maybe much less complete than these present in Choices. That mentioned, you do even have full macro help: Merely hit file and no matter you do subsequent might be transformed right into a single click on of the mouse. There’s even “HyperShift” which implies you may add a second layer of instructions whereas holding down an allotted button.

Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard Heart isn’t any slouch both with some first rate shortcuts on supply and help for each macros and app-specific controls. Although, general, it’s maybe much less in-depth than each Logitech and Razer’s companion apps.

On a extra minor notice. Throughout my time with MacOS I joined the darkish facet of “pure scroll.” It’s not a deal-breaker for me, as I don’t thoughts common scroll, however Logitech and Microsoft each supply reverse scrolling as a setting, Razer doesn’t seem to — although you may work round this in different methods after all.

All of the above mice supply the pliability of each Bluetooth and a pair of.4Ghz wi-fi connectivity, can be utilized whereas cabled and help multi-device (on the similar time) modes, if that’s your factor.

Winner: MX Grasp 3S.

Purchase MX Grasp 3S at Amazon – $100
Purchase Razer Professional Click on at Amazon – $100
Purchase Floor Precision mouse at Amazon – $100

Gaming mice for on a regular basis use

Simply because a mouse has a gaming focus, it doesn’t imply it’s no good for productiveness. That was my reasoning once I checked out issues just like the Logitech G502 Lightspeed and the G Professional X Superlight. From Razer, the Viper Final seemed like one other robust choice.

There are some things that change when you go gamer it appears. First: Issues get a lot a lot lighter. The heaviest I attempted was the G502 which, at 114g is a hair heavier than the Razer Professional Click on (106g). However 26g lighter than the MX Grasp 3S. The G Professional X Superlight and the Viper Extremely are way more svelte nonetheless, weighing in at 63g and 74g respectively. This places the G Professional X at underneath half the burden of its Logitech productiveness sibling.

The subsequent factor to contemplate is the shape issue. Gaming mice are more likely to have both a impartial or ambidextrous design. This isn’t a no-no for my RSI issues (particularly when offset in opposition to the lighter weight) however it was one thing I used to be cautious about. Of those I’m testing right here, the G502 Lightspeed is essentially the most “ergonomic.”

Lastly, avid gamers need velocity and even 2.4GHz is a bit too laggy for some, so Bluetooth connectivity is uncommon to seek out on this class. That’s not a deal-breaker for me, however price realizing in case it’s for you.

I truly had excessive hopes for the G502 Lightspeed. Not solely is it lighter and an analogous kind issue to the MX Grasp 3S, it gives a whopping 11 configurable buttons. What’s extra you’re capable of assign full macros together with a slew of deep keyboard instructions to these buttons. From a customization standpoint, it’s fairly complete. The G502’s office-bound rival has most of what you want, however macros aren’t there and the keyboard instructions on supply aren’t as intensive as in Logitech’s gamer-focused G Hub software program.

I ought to point out the G Professional X Superlight right here, too, given it makes use of the identical software program because the G502. The G Professional X is semi ambidextrous (you may palm it with both hand, however the further buttons are solely on one facet). There are solely 5 buttons complete, too.

The difficulty for me was actually all within the dealing with. I appreciated that each of those had been lighter, that’s a strong plus. However the wealth of buttons on the G502 meant issues had been just a little extra cramped. For instance, there are two proper alongside the left-click button after which one other two simply above the place your thumb rests. They aren’t arduous to find with out wanting, however general not as naturally positioned as these on the MX Grasp 3S, at the very least for my part. Additionally, the scroll wheel on each the G502 and the G Professional X protrudes greater than any of the opposite mice on this record which, once more, takes some getting used to. Neither was as fluid or comfy to me as these within the MX Grasp 3S or Razer Professional click on.

Furthermore, the G502 has a button to modify between easy and ratchet scroll (quick, free gliding versus clicky sluggish, mainly). The MX Grasp 3S gives each kinds of scrolling however with a setting the place ratchet mode will seamlessly turn into easy mode which is way more apt for shopping and navigating lists. I discovered scrolling on the G502 a bit annoying. A lot greater “clicks” and discovering the button to modify to easy appeared to kill my move. I’m guessing it’s higher for avid gamers although.

The G Professional X, for its half, is a very nice choice in order for you one thing mild with a few further buttons. However with simply two extra ones over the usual two-plus-clickwheel it wasn’t fairly as much as my necessities.

Razer’s Viper Final, actually then again, is a surprisingly competent all-purpose mouse. For one, as alluded to, it’s really ambidextrous. At 74g it glides throughout the desk making it a pleasure to make use of for prolonged intervals. With a 70 hour battery life it was joint first with the G Professional X for longevity on this class (the G502 gives round 50 hours).

The principle nitpick for me with the Viper is that the 2 buttons close to your ring finger and pinkie take just a little getting used to in the event you palm a mouse like I do. I needed to prepare myself to click on with the facet of my finger moderately than the tip. The web result’s that I used to be stunned to seek out myself gravitating towards the Viper Final most out of this class, regardless of the G502 being nearer to what I had in thoughts when setting out on this take a look at.

Because of gamery specs that I’m not going to utilize, resembling 20,000+ DPI sensors and 1000Hz polling charges, the entire gaming mice do value greater than the “productiveness” choices. The truth is all three value the identical: $150.

Winner: Razer Viper Final

Purchase G502 Lightspeed at Amazon – $150
Purchase G Professional X Superlight at Amazon – $150
Purchase Viper Final at Amazon – $150

Cell mice

Let’s be clear, there’s virtually no likelihood any of the cellular mice on supply would make an important full-time desktop alternative. That mentioned, it’s additionally one of many extra fascinating classes because of being free from the burden of getting to do all the things. A cellular mouse can get just a little wackier and do one or two issues very well.

There’s additionally the truth that many people are working at dwelling on the corporate laptop computer, so pairing that with a mouse could make the transition again to the workplace just a little smoother (and never everyone seems to be a fan of trackpads anyway). As such, a straight head-to-head feels much less applicable, however right here’s a rundown of 5 contenders.

Logitech Pebble

Logitech’s Pebble is a cellular mouse within the purest kind. At 100g it’s not the lightest on this record, however that does give it a reassuring really feel in use. There are solely three buttons: The usual left click on, proper click on and click on wheel. You even have the selection between Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz dongle connectivity. A pleasant contact is that you could stow the USB dongle underneath the highest plate as that’s additionally the place you’ll change the (AA) battery.

The Pebble has a slight angle to it which felt like my hand was arching ahead when in use. The ambidextrous design is welcome however I do have my issues about how comfy it’s for prolonged use. The 2 aces up the Pebble’s sleeve, nonetheless, are its epic battery life: A claimed 18 months (although this may clearly rely on what batteries you utilize) and the $25 price ticket, making it the most affordable on this record.

Purchase Logitech Pebble at Amazon – $30

Logitech MX Anyplace 3

Because the title suggests, the MX Anyplace 3 is the cellular model of the MX Grasp 3S. In contrast to its greater brother, the Anyplace has a semi-ambidextrous design. It’s maybe a shade too small to chop it as desktop alternative, however within the cellular realm it feels premium, full with the auto-switching between ratchet and free-flowing scroll wheel — which at $80, it ought to.

With six buttons, it’s fairly configurable for one thing so small and at 99g it gained’t overstay its welcome underneath your palm. Although for the lifetime of me I can’t perceive why there isn’t a choice to stow the USB dongle contained in the mouse someplace. Given its cellular nature this looks like a no brainer. You possibly can, after all, simply use Bluetooth if, like me, USB dongles appear to fade into skinny air except they’ve a house.

Purchase MX Anyplace 3 at Amazon – $80

Razer Orochi V2

The winner of essentially the most forgettable-looking choice on this nest of mice goes to the Orochi V2. Or perhaps it’s simply understated? Particularly for a Razer product. Appears apart, the Orochi V2 is a really succesful cellular mouse with six buttons, Bluetooth or dongle connectivity and it really works with Razer’s Synapse software program, so any macros you may have already got might be assigned right here (or make your personal!).

At 425 (2.4Ghz) or 950 hours (BLE) you get a good period of time out of every battery and you need to use both a single AA or AAA. It weighs simply 60g, so it’s additionally fairly nimble. At $70, it’s edging into full-desktop mouse territory, however provided that it’s large enough to truly use this full time, that appears much less shocking. Particularly given that you could stow the dongle underneath the highest cowl, which is greater than might be mentioned for the MX Anyplace 3 (and even the MX Grasp 3S).

Purchase Razer Orochi V2 at Amazon – $70

Microsoft Floor Arc

Who was betting on Microsoft having essentially the most fashionable mouse on this record? The Floor Arc is a delight with a “remodeling” design that pops into form (an “arc” no much less). When you’re achieved merely snap it flat once more for straightforward storage in a pocket of your laptop computer bag. You don’t even want to show it on as “snapping” it additionally acts as an influence swap. Oh, and did I point out that the touchpad space does double obligation as left/proper click on and vertical or sideways scroll (Magic Mouse model)? There’s even the choice for a “triple” click on to offer the Floor Arc an additional, assignable button. All that, and it’s solely round $55.

As satisfying as it’s to click on into form, the hole space underneath the arc does imply that your thumb and little finger don’t have wherever to naturally relaxation. I additionally discovered the curve of the arc led me extra right into a claw place over my ordinary palm, which could be okay for you however gave me pause about utilizing this for longer intervals. As a purely cellular mouse, although, it’s one of many extra pleasing, particularly in the event you like its semi-trackpad nature.

Purchase Microsoft Floor Arc at Amazon – $50

Microsoft Fashionable Cell mouse

The Fashionable Cell mouse is Microsoft’s reply to the Pebble. Streamlined, light-weight and with a deal with the fundamentals. There’s no 2.4GHz choice right here although; it’s Bluetooth solely. At $35, in comparison with the Pebble’s $25 it might sound a foregone conclusion however there’s rather a lot to love about Microsoft’s tackle a conveyable mouse.

For one, its construct high quality feels far superior. It additionally seems extra fashionable (if that issues). Extra importantly, it has a extra impartial place that feels actually comfy for a smaller mouse and doesn’t really feel prefer it’s craning my hand ahead. Throw in the truth that you may nonetheless assign app-specific controls by way of Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard heart and you find yourself with one thing that’s smarter than it first appears.

Purchase Fashionable Cell mouse at Amazon – $35

Conclusion

If nothing else, I used to be stunned by the range of choices regardless of my preliminary concern on the contrary. Who knew that Microsoft had such model, at the very least within the cellular class? Likewise, Razer, it seems, makes surprisingly adept productiveness mice regardless of its true-green gamer aesthetic. Logitech, then again, is a gradual hand throughout all classes.

Predictably, the MX Grasp 3S does appear to do a lot of the issues I need. BUT, solely actually because of that thumbwheel. It’s notably suited to what I want. That mentioned, I discover myself fairly taken by the Professional Click on, and regardless of missing a second scroll wheel, it just about matches the MX Grasp 3S in each different method. It’s additionally lighter which is a small optimistic in its favor.

For those who want light-weight choices (one thing that grew to become extra interesting to me the extra I examined), then the Viper Final from Razer impressed me with its stability of operate and kind. In case you don’t want as many buttons then Logitech’s Professional X Superlight lives as much as its title. I might fortunately stay with both of those mice full time.