Different Types of Computer Mouse

The computer mouse, an integral peripheral device, has evolved since its creation in the late 1960s. Originally it was designed as a simple pointing device, but the mouse has experienced countless modifications, resulting in a wide range of types customized to different purposes and preferences.

What is a Computer Mouse?

A computer mouse is primarily utilized through graphical interface technologies (GUI) to interact with digital objects or control the cursor movement across a computer screen. It usually contains some click and scroll buttons plus sensors that track and provide feedback on motion and position across a horizontal surface.

Different Types of Computer Mouse

1. Wired Mouse

A wired mouse is among the main types of computer mouse that have a cord and link to a computer via it. It can be either of the two types: USB or PS/2. This allows for the building of USB 2.0 or PS/2 extensions. They provide a reliable connection, which is very essential when it comes to gaming or graphic design that wants to create the illusion of precise cursor control.

2. Wireless Mouse

A Bluetooth or RF mouse is a particular type of computer mouse that does not use a physical connection but works on wireless data transmission using radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, or infrared technology. These mouse, either battery-powered or rechargeable and connected to the computer. Wireless mice have more freedom and flexibility than wired mouse because they let them work from a distance and enhance the use of desk space.

3. Gaming Mouse

This is a specialized type of mouse computer invented for gamers, totally suited to meet the requirements of the players, such as tailored features for performance, precision, and personalization. They usually have pin-point optics with laser inputs to see the precise positioning of the cursor, which is especially in FPSs. Dedicated gaming mouse are usually equipped with a series of programmable buttons that can be configured to execute specific tasks or popular macros faster than a player could do it themselves, giving them a significant advantage over their peers.

4. Optical Mouse

An optical mouse, as the name suggests, is a popular type of computer mouse that consists of optical sensors for tracking movements. Unlike old mechanical mouse, which rely on rotating ball rollers, optical mice apply LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or lasers, which provide the surface below with light and instantly record the images of the surface. The object that is picked up from the linked images undergoes further processing by the mouse sensor that determines the mouse's motion, translating it into cursor movement on the screen.Along with the possible precision and predictable tracking, the optical mouse do not require the surface of the mouse pad or the pad's specific mousing surface.

5. Joystick

A joystick is a pointing and controlling device that is commonly used for controlling video games and moving required objects on the system screen. An input device which is called a joystick is used to control a machine or character in a computer program, like an aircraft in a flight simulator system. The US Naval Research Board successfully tested and produced a joystick in 1926, and the nation patented it for use in military operations as per requirement. The machine operation in the computer program is controlled using this special gadget. A joystick comprises a base and a stick that can be moved left and right at any angle in the process. While some joysticks are integrated into the system’s keyboards, others are standalone devices. Joysticks can be connected to a computer by several required interfaces, such as USB, Bluetooth, or ports specifically designed for gaming platforms.

6. Mechanical Mouse

A mechanical mouse is defined as a hardware device used with computer system for providing the input. A mechanical mouse consists of a metal ball or rubber ball at its underside. The mechanical mouse is also known as the ball mouse. The ball rolls when the user moves the mouse. The sensors present inside the mouse will detect the movement and send the signals to the cursor present on the screen. Mechanical mice are heavy in weight. Mechanical mouse are now replaced by lightweight and cost-effective optical mouse. The advantage of mechanical mouse is that they even operate on a rough surface.

7. Cordless (wireless) Mouse

A cordless mouse is a type of computer mouse that operates without a physical man-machine interface (MMI) and uses a wireless connection to communicate with the computer instead. These mouse link to an administrator’s computer via a USB receiver that an administrator inserts into his computer’s USB port or through Bluetooth connectivity already built into his computer. Cordless mouse operate on batteries or rechargeable batteries and communicate through wireless channels, which eliminates the extension cord clutter present in wired mice.

8. Touchpad

Touchpad, known as a trackpad, a regular input device usually used on laptops and some desktop keyboards. It can be utilized just like a conventional mouse that is connected to a computer and helps users move the cursor and interact with digital platforms and interfaces using touch-actuated gestures. Most of these input devices are smooth, with multiple built-in sensors that actuate when a finger or stylus is applied to the screen controller.

9. Trackball

Trackballs are used in many laptop keyboards and earlier models of computer mouse as the cursor control mechanism. The device looks like a turned-over mouse with a ball inside it and consists of a ball supported by a socket with sensors to detect rotation about two axes. Fred Longstaff and Tom Cranston created it in 1952. Basically, It is an input device is used to move the cursor on a computer screen. Applications for trackballs include industrial control, gaming, graphic design, CAD, air travel, nautical navigation, privacy, and assistive technology for the disabled. 

10. TrackPoint

The TrackPoint is a pointing device installed on a larger share of laptop models (Lenovo, formerly known as IBM). This is embedded within the keyboard, usually between the G, H, and B keys. The user can use the fingertip on this spot to manipulate the key and generate output. While one of the touches on Trackpad or Trackball would make the user's hands be away from the keyboard to control the cursor, TrackPoint is different in this way; it doesn't require such movements.

11. J-Mouse

A J-Mouse is known as a JMouse or J Mouse, was commonly used with early portable computers. It used the "J" key on the keyboard to simulate the operations of a regular computer mouse. It usually had two separate buttons for left and right-clicking below the spacebar.