A computer mouse is a handheld pointing device that moves the cursor on your screen and lets you click, scroll, and drag. A sensor on the bottom tracks your hand's movement, and buttons and a scroll wheel send commands to the computer.
Mice vary in three main ways:
Connection: Wired mice plug in and never need charging, while wireless mice reduce cable clutter and are easy to carry.
Sensitivity: DPI settings control how far the cursor moves when you move the mouse.
Shape: Standard mice suit most people, while ergonomic mice, such as vertical mice and trackballs, are designed to reduce strain on the wrist and forearm.
This guide explains how mice work, what DPI means, how wired and wireless mice compare, and how to choose a comfortable mouse for work, school, or home. For gaming mice, including polling rate and lightweight designs, see our gaming peripherals guide.
How does a mouse work?
A modern mouse works by taking thousands of tiny pictures of the surface beneath it every second and comparing them to measure movement. A light source illuminates the surface, a small sensor captures the images, and a chip calculates how far and in which direction the mouse moved, then sends that to your computer.
Optical vs. laser sensors
Optical (LED) sensor | Laser sensor | |
|---|---|---|
Light source | LED, often red or infrared | Laser |
Works best on | Mouse pads, wood, fabric, and other matte surfaces | A wider range of surfaces, including some glossy ones |
Accuracy | Very accurate on suitable surfaces | Accurate, but can be more sensitive to surface texture |
Common use | Most everyday and gaming mice | Some travel and multi-surface mice |
Some mice use specialized sensors designed to track on glass and other difficult surfaces. If you often work on a glass desk or on the go, look for a mouse that lists glass tracking.
Tracking surfaces
Most mice work best on a mouse pad or a non-reflective, non-transparent surface. Shiny, glass, or mirrored surfaces can confuse standard sensors and cause the cursor to jump or stop. A simple mouse pad solves most tracking problems.
What is DPI on a mouse?
DPI, or dots per inch, measures how far the cursor moves on screen for each inch you move the mouse. A higher DPI moves the cursor farther with less hand movement, while a lower DPI requires more movement for the same distance. Some brands use the term CPI, or counts per inch, which means the same thing.
What DPI do you need?
For everyday work, most people are comfortable somewhere between about 800 and 1,600 DPI on a typical display. Higher DPI settings can help on large or high-resolution monitors, or when you use several displays, so you can cross the screen without lifting the mouse.
Use | Typical DPI range | Why |
|---|---|---|
Everyday office work | About 800 to 1,600 | Comfortable, precise control on most screens |
Large or multiple monitors | 1,600 and up | Less hand movement to cross wide screens |
Photo editing and design | Adjustable, often lower for detail work | Fine control for small, precise movements |
Gaming | Varies widely by player | See our gaming peripherals guide |
DPI vs. pointer speed
Your operating system's pointer speed setting also changes how fast the cursor moves. Many mice include a DPI button or companion software to switch between settings. For consistent control, set a DPI you like and fine-tune the rest with Windows pointer speed.
A mouse's maximum DPI is not a measure of quality. Accurate, consistent tracking at the DPI you actually use matters more than the highest number on the box.
Wired vs. wireless mice
Wired mice are reliable and never need charging, while wireless mice give you a clutter-free desk and are easy to carry. For everyday work, both perform equally well.
Wired (USB) | Wireless (2.4 GHz USB receiver) | Bluetooth | |
|---|---|---|---|
Setup | Plug in and use | Plug in a small receiver | Pair with no receiver |
Power | Powered by the computer | Rechargeable or replaceable batteries | Rechargeable or replaceable batteries |
Responsiveness | Fastest | Very fast | Fast enough for everyday use |
Frees up a USB port | No | No | Yes |
Multi-device switching | No | Sometimes | Often |
Best for | Fixed desks, never charging | Reliable wireless at a desk | Laptops with few ports, tablets, travel |
Tips for wireless mice
Check battery life and charging. Many wireless mice last weeks or months, and some charge quickly over USB-C.
Store the receiver in the mouse when traveling, if the mouse has a slot for it.
Use multi-device pairing to control a work laptop and a personal PC with one mouse.
Fix lag or skipping by moving the receiver closer, replacing low batteries, or reducing interference from other wireless devices.
If you also play games, a wireless gaming mouse with a dedicated receiver offers wired-like responsiveness. See our gaming peripherals guide.
What is an ergonomic mouse?
An ergonomic mouse is shaped to support your hand in a more natural, relaxed position, reducing strain on your wrist and forearm during long sessions. With a standard mouse, your palm faces down and your forearm twists. Ergonomic designs reduce that twist or reduce how much you move your arm.
Types of mice
Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Standard mouse | A symmetrical or slightly contoured shape held palm-down | Most everyday users |
Contoured ergonomic mouse | Sculpted to fit one hand, often with a thumb rest | All-day comfort with a familiar feel |
Vertical mouse | Holds your hand in a "handshake" position | Reducing forearm twist and wrist strain |
Trackball mouse | Stays still while you roll a ball with your thumb or fingers | Limited desk space and less arm movement |
Compact or travel mouse | Smaller and lighter, often with Bluetooth | Laptops and travel |
Multi-device mouse | Pairs with several computers or tablets | Moving between work and personal devices |
How to find a comfortable fit
Match the size to your hand. A mouse that is too small causes cramping, while one that is too large makes it hard to reach buttons.
Know your grip. Palm grip rests your whole hand on the mouse, claw grip arches your fingers, and fingertip grip uses only your fingertips. Larger, contoured mice suit palm grips.
Check handedness. Many ergonomic mice are designed for right hands, with left-handed versions sold separately.
Give it time. Vertical mice and trackballs can take a week or two to get used to.
Pair an ergonomic mouse with an ergonomic keyboard and a desk at the right height for the best results. See our keyboards guide. If you have ongoing pain, talk to a healthcare professional.
Mouse features to know
Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
Programmable side buttons | Back and forward navigation, or custom shortcuts set in companion software |
Adjustable DPI button | Switches between cursor speeds on the fly |
Free-spinning or hyper-fast scroll wheel | Scrolls quickly through long documents and spreadsheets |
Tilt or horizontal scroll | Moves side to side in wide spreadsheets and timelines |
Silent clicks | Quieter buttons for shared spaces and calls |
Multi-device pairing | Connects to several devices and switches with a button |
Rechargeable battery | Charges over USB-C instead of using disposable batteries |
Glass tracking | Works on glass and other glossy surfaces |
Gesture controls | Holds a button and moves the mouse to trigger actions, such as switching desktops |
Ambidextrous shape | Works for left- and right-handed users |
Sustainable materials | Some mice use recycled plastics and packaging |
How to choose a mouse
The best mouse is the one that feels comfortable in your hand and fits how and where you work. Use these questions to narrow your choice:
Where will you use it? A full-size mouse suits a home or office desk, while a compact Bluetooth mouse is easier to carry.
Wired or wireless? Choose wired for a fixed desk and no charging, 2.4 GHz wireless for reliable cable-free use, or Bluetooth to save a USB port.
How long do you use it each day? For many hours of use, consider a contoured or vertical ergonomic mouse.
What size is your hand? Check the mouse's dimensions and choose a shape that supports your grip.
Which features help your work? Look for side buttons for browsing, a fast scroll wheel for long documents, silent clicks for shared spaces, or multi-device pairing.
What surface will you use? If you work on glass or glossy desks, choose a mouse with glass tracking or use a mouse pad.
Do you also game? Consider a gaming mouse with a high polling rate and low latency. See our gaming peripherals guide.
Recommended mice by use
You need | Consider |
|---|---|
A reliable office mouse | Wired or 2.4 GHz wireless mouse with a comfortable contoured shape |
Travel | Compact Bluetooth mouse with a rechargeable battery |
All-day comfort | Vertical or contoured ergonomic mouse |
Limited desk space | Trackball mouse |
Several computers | Multi-device wireless mouse |
A quiet workspace | Mouse with silent clicks |
Mouse frequently asked questions
Is a wireless mouse as good as a wired mouse?
For everyday work, yes. Modern wireless mice are responsive and reliable. Wired mice never need charging and have the lowest latency, which matters most for competitive gaming.
What DPI should I use?
Most people find 800 to 1,600 DPI comfortable for everyday work. Use a higher DPI on large or multiple monitors, and fine-tune cursor speed with your operating system's pointer speed setting.
Is a higher DPI better?
Not necessarily. Higher DPI moves the cursor faster, which can make precise work harder. Accurate tracking at the DPI you use matters more than a mouse's maximum DPI.
Are vertical mice better for your wrist?
Many people find vertical mice more comfortable because they hold the hand in a handshake position that reduces forearm twisting. Comfort is personal, so it can take some time to adjust. If you have pain, consult a healthcare professional.
Why is my mouse cursor jumping or lagging?
Common causes include a dirty sensor, a reflective or glass surface, low batteries, a receiver that is too far away, or wireless interference. Try cleaning the sensor, using a mouse pad, replacing or charging the battery, and moving the receiver closer.
What is the difference between Bluetooth and a USB receiver?
A USB receiver uses a dedicated 2.4 GHz connection that is very responsive and simple to set up. Bluetooth connects without a receiver, which saves a USB port and often supports pairing with several devices.
Can I use one mouse with multiple computers?
Yes. Multi-device mice pair with several computers or tablets and switch between them with a button. Some also let you move the cursor between computers and copy files across them using companion software.
Do I need a mouse pad?
A mouse pad isn't required, but it gives the sensor a consistent surface for smoother tracking, protects your desk, and can make movement more comfortable.
Related accessories glossary guides
Accessories glossary: What computer accessories are, plus key terms
Keyboards: Mechanical, wireless, and ergonomic keyboards
Pens and styluses: Precise input on touchscreen devices
Docking stations: Connect your mouse, keyboard, and monitors through one cable
Bags and cases: Carry your laptop and travel mouse safely
Gaming peripherals: Gaming mice, polling rate, and sensors
