Ask Engadget: Which mouse is the best mouse?

Excuse us as we again present one of our own questions for you, dear Ask Engadget reader, to solve: what mouse should we buy? While most of us here at the Engadget HQ have some considerable mousing experience, from roller balls to laser mice and everything in between (even the oft-dreaded Mighty Mouse), it'd take a lifetime to give every mouse a fair shot at revolutionizing our point and click experience, and we're afraid we might be missing out on some true gems. Any favorites? Any carpal tunnel horror stories? Anybody still rocking a trackball? Let us know how you do in the comments, and we'll be sure to return to reader-submitted queries, which you can send in to ask at engadget dawt com, next week.

[Anamorphy @ Nov 10th 2007 9:14AM]

Macbook touchpad. (you, first)

[stranger @ Nov 10th 2007 9:27AM]

thats a touch pad
not a mouse

[muddyh2o @ Nov 10th 2007 9:11AM]

personally, i don't see a need for wireless mice. the actual wire doesn't get in the way and the hassle of batteries just isn't worth it. wired usb is the only way to go, and wireless/bluetooth is more hassle than it's worth.

best mouse?

it's gotta be my logitech g5 laser. no overhyped DPI. not too many buttons, a nice tactile feel on the wheel. and weights to help create the perfectly balanced device for my right hand.

not too shabby. and lots o' drivers.

[mark wright @ Nov 10th 2007 9:39AM]

I disagree. I will not use a wired mouse when I'm gaming, you can tell that something is restricting you. Also, when you have the Logitech G7 and it's hot swappable batteries, batteries is not a problem.

[Randy @ Nov 10th 2007 9:45AM]

What hassle are you referring to? I've been using the Logitech Cordless MX Duo for almost two years and I've only changed the batteries on the KB once. The mouse uses (standard AA) NiMH batteries and I've yet to change them or go less that a couple of weeks before seeing the low bat warning. Just throw it in the charger one night and you're good for long while.

The mouse is great (even for gaming), no complaints there. My one gripe about the KB is that the you get "friction" or resistance if you hit the keys at an angle.

[DGAR @ Nov 10th 2007 9:55AM]

Ditto on the G5, loaded with weight.

[vanboy @ Nov 10th 2007 10:00AM]

@mark wright

I don't know what kind of games you are playing but most gamers that play FPS or online PvP games use wired mouse. I personally like Razer.

[Josh @ Nov 10th 2007 10:22AM]

Wired mice drive me insane, i used a MX duo for 2 years and have been on a MX1000 for about 2 years now. There is no perceivable lag at all, despite what corded users may believe, and i frequently play FPS games that require twitch reflexes.

The MX1000 is a bit dated now, but it is definitely the best mouse that i have ever used. It has tons of buttons that can be programed to key combos among other things and just about everything i will ever need in a mouse and then some, not to mention comfortable. The batteries have to be recharged about once every one or two weeks, so i just have to glance at the battery levels before i go to sleep and charge it overnight - no biggy.

[JDizzle @ Nov 10th 2007 12:29PM]

I also own a G5 and love it, whenever I feel any pressure from the wire I just adjust it or w/e so it's straight, although like the people below are saying the Logitech MX mice are very good mice as well.

[Johnny5 @ Nov 10th 2007 12:29PM]

Why doesnt the MX1000 series support Macs?

[ymmit @ Nov 10th 2007 1:01PM]

MX1000 laser here too. Was using a mighty mouse with the laptop but it didn't prove roadworthy (so I crushed in to a pulp). Have a selection of mice including an original microsoft bluetooth one - proper battery eater but the first of the quick responding cordless mice.

[JD @ Nov 10th 2007 12:48PM]

Van Boy- The G7 is lag free. I didn't believe it myself until I used my friend's G7, but seriously, it's actually lag free. Just like corded. If it had 2 buttons on the side, I'd be using one right now. It's a great mouse. At the same time, I love my OCZ equalizer mouse- but a logitech is probably gonna replace it. I had an MX518 before, and I like the OCZ, but logitech build quality is unmatched. And it'll hopefully be wireless.

[Chird @ Nov 10th 2007 12:54PM]

I'll agree and disagree... I use an MX1000 for my everyday mousing with my laptop. Having wireless makes it a lot easier to just plop it anywhere on the desk and not have to worry about getting tangled in my piles of garbage, and the battery on this thing has lasted me as long as two months on a single charge, while taking only about 3 hours to recharge (and since it's for the laptop I always have the touchpad as a backup).

As for gaming, I have an MX518. I need to upgrade to one of the G series, but anything with an MX engine or better is great. I like having the cord for gaming, because going back and forth between that and the MX1000, you can tell theres a little bit of lag. Not much mind you, but enough that you know it's there (maybe a couple milliseconds). Also, the cord never really gets in my way, so that's not an issue.

[Chuckles McGee @ Nov 10th 2007 12:56PM]

Oh boo-hoo, hassle of batteries. Yeah, I have to put my MX Laser on the charging stand for 30 minutes every 3 days under normal use-that's like, 12 inches man. Maybe, maybe, you still want an elite gaming wired mouse if you're some extreme precision gamer, but my semi-old school wireless mouse beats the pants off of any standard wired optical mouse any day. Add in the part that I take my tablet everywhere- the ease of having instant on mouse access with my internal Bluetooth as soon as I'm back in my room really rules out any desire to have to fuse with mouse wires everyday.

[Eric @ Nov 10th 2007 1:01PM]

I can't even use a mouse. The best solution is a trackball from Kensington, but if that is out of the price range, a cheapo from Logitech will do.

[Paul @ Nov 10th 2007 1:46PM]

Actually I disagree. I have the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0 and it works super. I have had it over six months and use it many hours every day. I have not yet had to change the batteries and it says they are still at a "good" level. so no hassle there. This mouse also has a great feel to it and the scroll is impeccably smooth. Only problem is range of wireless. It doesn't have as much distance as expected but works great in my situation non-the-less. Thanks.

[applefreak @ Nov 10th 2007 1:58PM]

how bout one button
the apple might mouse
it does have L and R click too

[2Perfect @ Nov 10th 2007 2:20PM]

I disagree as well. Wires get stuck in other wires and such; the mouse feels heavier/restricted. Wireless is awesome. Find the right battery, it doesn't run out for months. For example Duracell on my mouse lasts a month or 2, while the blue energizer lithium hasn't died for about 7/8 months now.

I have a Logitech LX5. It's really simple. 3 buttons (the roller thing is the 3rd). Only problem is it doesn't work very well on a plain white surface. You need to have some color in your desk or have a mousepad :P

The tiny ones are pretty cool for laptops too. You can bring them around everywhere.

[TonyB @ Nov 10th 2007 2:22PM]

Logitech cordless trackball...9 programable buttons, scroll, all I ever need. I have 4 of them. 1 for each of my machines!

[jaredwork @ Nov 10th 2007 3:26PM]

The G5 is a fantastic mouse, as long as it doesn't break. Funny this came up, my 2nd G5 mouse failed on me Thursday night so I picked another one up Yesterday before a lan party. The mouse is the best I've owned, and I'm sure it's just bad luck to have gotten 2 bad ones previously, but it seems about 5-9 months after owning the last two it starts to show signs tracking-loss. What I mean by this is that it starts not tracking well on slightly darker surfaces. I was able to circumvent the problem by putting it on my white plastic table top rather than yellow/grey mousepad and that seemed to work for a couple months, but then it started happening even on that surface. I thought it was just a driver issue so uninstalled, re-downloaded and installed, but the problem persisted. Eventually (on Thursday night) it got to the point where when I got home from work, turned on the PC, and it'd only move diagonally from top left to lower right -- very strange. The other two hadn't gotten that bad previously before I went back to Best Buy to exchange, but let's hope 3rd time's a charm.

The most reliable mouse I've owned is still my fully functional Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer (1.0). It doesn't track on darker surfaces -- like at all -- but it's still the best mouse purchase I've ever made. Reliability ftw!

[Mickey Jones @ Nov 10th 2007 3:40PM]

either Mighty or Mickey

[_v3ndetta_ @ Nov 10th 2007 9:33PM]

I agree. I use a razer deathadder for gaming, and it has an almost nonexistent cord that has plenty of slack and supplies power. It is much better than my old wireless mouse.

[mts0n @ Nov 27th 2007 3:24AM]

Hey,

I just bougt a G9 and it feels great, but as "jaredwork" described "diagonally from top left to lower right" happened to me in a different way...

It can not move smoothly diagonally from top left to lower right, the pointer almost sits still (twitchy) when you move in that angle...

I returmed that mouse and found anotheone on dem with the exactly tha same problem.

I've seen this problem on MX310 (laser) earlier...

Will try it in the store when I pick up the replacement..

anyone seeen this, anywhwre?
:)
mts0n

[bobbert @ Dec 24th 2007 11:45PM]

To be completely honest, wiring is a personal preference. I, however, will stay with wired until I find a good reason to have wireless. I give myself plenty of slack in my cord, and i have no problems. life goes on. =)

I still use an old Logitech that I'm upgrading to a razer. Figured I'd give them a try.

Heck, I should know something about gaming, as I was once a ranked sniper back when medal of honor Allied Assault was big, but you know thats the past...
(4th according to CSports.Net, if anyone cared)

I suggest going to a large store that has all of the mice on display, and just "testing" them, because, I believe that its all about the "fit".

[impulse101 @ Nov 10th 2007 9:12AM]

Logitech MX series. So comfortable, the extra buttons work well, and its super accurate for games.

[Maestro @ Nov 10th 2007 9:47AM]

I agree. I have an MX1000 that I love. I've tried to replace it many times, and I keep coming back to it! Just wish it had replaceable batteries though. Otherwise, fit and function is perfect.

[Adrian @ Nov 10th 2007 9:58AM]

Absolutely; I've got an MX1000 and it really is the perfect mouse for me. I've tried to upgrade to the Logitech MX Revolution and an MS Natrual 6000 and kept coming back. It may be a case of familiarity breeding comfort, but I do love it so.

[Iain @ Nov 10th 2007 10:09AM]

One more for the MX1000.

I've got the bluetooth set with the MX5000 keyboard and it's great.
I mean, SetPoint isn't perfect but the hardware side is excellent.

[strider_mt2k @ Nov 10th 2007 10:12AM]

MX1000 here too.

I even use it for gaming with zero problems.

[dv8reality @ Nov 10th 2007 10:12AM]

I too love the MX1000, its been outstanding. I do wish the charging contacts were slightly larger, or could stand a greater beating, but I abuse peripherals.

[Mat @ Nov 10th 2007 10:15AM]

I agree with the Logitech MX series, specifically the MX Revolution. Very comfortable design, very accurate, lots of customization options, and recharchable battery with a dock.

[Kurian @ Nov 10th 2007 10:21AM]

For gamers: G5 is overall the best, and most cost effective.

The rest of you can settle with the Microsoft Trackball Explorer. Its just sooo convenient.

[Josh @ Nov 10th 2007 10:27AM]

At above - microsoft mice are terrible and are so uncomfortable and trackballs don't work well for any type of gaming - there is a reason no one has one - because they AREN'T BETTER.

MX1000 all the way - i love mine.

[SearchX @ Nov 10th 2007 10:56AM]

I'll also add my vote for the MX1000. The form factor is perfect, the rechargeable dock is convenient and I can't live without the fast page up/down buttons by the scrollwheel.

[Daniel Keller @ Nov 10th 2007 11:09AM]

Truth! I have an MX Revolution that I absolutely love. The frictionless scroll wheel and charging station are incredible, and now that ive been using it for a while, i dont think i could go back to anything else.

Plus, Logitech as a company is wonderful. My power adapter broke a while back, and instead of just replacing it, they sent me a new mouse, and a nicer one than the one I had.

[getz76 @ Nov 10th 2007 11:14AM]

Agreed. I have the Bluetooth MX1000... even with Logitech's miserable Vista support, I still cannot ditch the mouse. I dumped the useless Bluetooth dongle from Logitech and put in a new one, and installed the non-Bluetooth version of SetPoint. Best mouse I have ever owned.

Agree with above that I wish the battery was user-replacable.

[dustin @ Nov 10th 2007 11:22AM]

MX 1000 is my favorite mouse for all types of applications. extra buttons are great for internet browsing too(wheel click = new tab, center left = change tab)

[futurepastnow @ Nov 10th 2007 12:48PM]

I have an MX1000 that is almost two years old. The battery life isn't quite what it once was, but I love this mouse. It's the perfect shape for me, the buttons are all right, and I've got them programmed to key commands I use all the time.

[John @ Nov 10th 2007 1:16PM]

Got an MX510 here

It fits my hand perfectly, and I only have two major gripes about it - it's rather light and could use a little more weight, and dust tends to collect in the cracks between the buttons and the frame.

Other than that, it's been great for the last two years.

[Jerry @ Nov 10th 2007 1:49PM]

the mighty mouse can do two buttons, to whoever was bemoaning one button...

[rockintom @ Nov 11th 2007 11:36AM]

MX is okay, but I really like my VX Revolution. It's a lot smaller and fits in my hand better, and is similiar to the old Logitech optic mouse I've been using for the past 5 years.

[Elliott @ Nov 11th 2007 6:27PM]

Nubs...

I'm still using my MX500 that I bought about 5 years ago now...I love this mouse. This sucker has yet to fail me...every single button still works and it's as smooth as the day I bought it and that's friggen impressive (to give you an idea of how well I treat my equipment, I've had to buy 2 new keyboards in the past year from spilling beer on them.)

Sure it's only got 800 dpi, and it's slightly orange right now because I'm eating Cheetos. But any electronic devices that last 5 years, still run perfectly and are still compatible with newer technologies have my vote. I will however be getting a G5 soon, or taking my friend's G7 that he broke after a week and sending it in for warranty replacement. I hope they uphold the quality I've come to expect because of my MX500

The MX500, Cheetos tested, drunkard approved.

[ZSK @ Nov 10th 2007 9:15AM]

I would say that the Trackball Explorer trackball by Microsoft is one of the best, if not the best, trackballs available. User assigned buttons, perfect ergonomics, and correctly placed trackball are its strong suits.

Here is to hoping that a wireless model eventually gets manufactured with a better scroll wheel and a couple of more programmable buttons.

[yelohbird @ Nov 10th 2007 10:01AM]

Why would you EVER need a wireless trackball? The whole point of a trackball is that it stays in one place

[Wolfpaw @ Nov 10th 2007 10:08AM]

I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment of the Trackball Explorer being the best trackball - and one of the best HID's overall - ever. For non-accuracy-critical extended use it is beyond comparison.

For drawing and gaming I far prefer my Razer Copperhear. Combined with the aluminum Razer surface it is the fastest and most accurate mouse I have used bar none, and the ergonomics leave little to hope for either (although still surpassed by the trackball Explorer).

[h0mi @ Nov 10th 2007 10:18AM]

I agree completely though I also like the logitech trackball... its just that 5 buttons > 3.

Why a wireless trackball? I want one for my ps3. I want 1 for my laptop. If I had one, I'd have converted my spare PC into an HTPC.

[h0mi @ Nov 10th 2007 10:20AM]

err i just realized, I have the trackball optical from MS, not the explorer.

[theberries @ Nov 10th 2007 9:14AM]

mighty mouse all the way...

uh, yeah...right. $70 piece of junk. otherwise I'm a fanboy.

I always liked my mx518.

[e @ Nov 10th 2007 10:09AM]

count me and all olive oil companies in for the BT Mighty Mouse!
(graphic design)

Although I use the MB touchpad the most as it is closer to the keyboard and has more functions... Sometimes I use both (scroll on touchpad, rest to almighty Mighty)

[Alan Lau @ Nov 10th 2007 10:31AM]

Me too, the BT Mighty Mouse!