ZisaLog: Beginner’s Guide to Building a Custom PC 
A mouse is an input device used to move the cursor on a computer screen and perform basic operations such as clicking and scrolling.
The mouse is essential for computer work, but with so many types and features, many people may be unsure which one to choose.
If a mouse does not fit the user, it can cause hand and finger fatigue, reduce work efficiency, and in severe cases, lead to problems such as tendonitis.
This article explains in simple terms the basic knowledge of computer mice, key points for choosing one, and important precautions.
- Choose the connection method (wired, Bluetooth, or wireless 2.4GHz) according to usage.
- Decide mouse size based on hand size and whether it needs to be portable.
- Check if necessary buttons such as forward/back and DPI switch are present.
- At minimum, side buttons for forward/back are recommended.
- Check in advance if the PC supports Bluetooth mice.
- Note that Bluetooth mice cannot be used in the BIOS screen.
- Ergonomic mice are effective for preventing tendonitis.
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
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Table of Contents
Basic Knowledge of Computer Mice
This section explains the basics of mice, including connection methods, sizes, and their advantages.
Mouse Connection Methods (USB Wired / Bluetooth / Wireless 2.4GHz)
There are mainly four types of mouse connection methods.
| USB Wired | Bluetooth | Wireless (2.4GHz) | PS/2 (Old Type) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Features | – No need for power, stable – Low price – No delay, good for gaming | – No cables, clean look – Does not use USB port – Great for portability | – Easy connection with USB receiver – Be careful not to lose the receiver – Some have built-in receiver storage | – Stable wired connection – Not mainstream now – Used in some old systems |
| Connection Type | Wired | Wireless (Bluetooth) | Wireless (USB Receiver) | Wired (Dedicated Port) |
| Response | ◎ | △ | ○ | ◎ |
| Connection Stability | ◎ | △ | ○ | ◎ |
| Power/Battery | Not needed | Needed (Battery) | Needed (Battery) | Not needed |
| Port Used | USB Port | Not needed | USB Port (Receiver) | PS/2 Port |
| Ease of Setup | ◎ Just plug in | △ Pairing needed | ◎ Just plug in | ◎ Just plug in |
| Cable Freedom | △ Cable limited | ◎ Very free | ◎ Very free | △ Cable limited |
| Portability | △ Cable gets in the way | ◎ | ○ Risk of losing receiver | △ Cable gets in the way |
| Availability | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | × No PS/2 mice |
If the goal is to reduce cables on the desk for a clean look, a wireless mouse such as Bluetooth or 2.4GHz is recommended.
For those who often carry their mouse and find cables annoying, Bluetooth mice are the best choice, considering the risk of losing a USB receiver.
Also, for gaming where every moment counts, a wired mouse is better due to its response speed and stability.
In terms of response speed and connection stability, wired connections (especially USB wired) have very little delay and are stable because they send signals directly.
For this reason, wired mice are still popular among users who play fast-paced games like FPS.
However, for casual gamers who do not need professional-level stability and response, Bluetooth or wireless (2.4GHz) mice are also fine.
Ken
Both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless use wireless communication, so there may be slight signal delays or interference.
Especially with Bluetooth, due to its power-saving design and communication protocol, response speed tends to be a bit slower.
However, these differences are technical, and for general office work or daily PC use, there is almost no noticeable difference.
Bluetooth is marked as “△” here, but compared to other connection methods, this is only a technical difference. Bluetooth mice are comfortable enough for everyday use.
Ken
The features, advantages, and disadvantages of each connection method are also explained.
≫ Related article: What are mouse connection methods? Explanation of Bluetooth, wired, wireless (2.4GHz), and PS/2
Mouse Sizes (Small / Medium / Large)
Mouse sizes are generally divided into three types: small (S), medium (M), and large (L). In the image, from left to right are small (S), medium (M), and large (L).
Here are the specific numbers:
| Size | Length | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 85–100 mm | – Easy to carry, usable in many situations – For people with small hands – Good for claw or fingertip grip – Lightweight and less tiring |
| Medium | 100–120 mm | – Fits standard hand sizes – Well-balanced, fits most people – Usable for various purposes |
| Large | 120–135 mm | – For people with large hands – Stable – Good for palm grip – Suitable for long hours of use |
Mouse size standards differ by manufacturer and product, so there is no clear definition by number.
Some Elecom models have S, M, L sizes, and after researching various mouse sizes, the above table is a general classification.
Here is how each size looks when held with a palm grip:
Small (S)
Length: 93mm
Medium (M)
Length: 110mm
Large (L)
Length: 127mm
My hand size is the average of 184mm, which is the average for adult men.
The measurement is from the wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger. The average hand sizes by gender are as follows:
Male average: 183.4mm
Female average: 169.3mm
The main deciding factors are your hand size and whether you use the mouse for long periods or carry it around.
Small mice are suitable for people with small hands or those who value portability, and are convenient for use with laptops.
Medium mice fit most hands and are well-balanced, making them less tiring for long use.
Large mice are recommended for people with large hands or those who want a firm grip, and are also suitable for precise operations and gaming.
The advantages and disadvantages of each size are also explained.
≫ Related article: Thorough explanation of the differences and how to choose mouse sizes (small/medium/large)
How to Hold a Mouse (Palm Grip / Claw Grip / Fingertip Grip)
There are mainly three ways to hold a mouse.
The most common is “palm grip,” followed by “claw grip” for quick reactions in FPS and action games, and “fingertip grip” for precise or rapid clicking.
(Palm Grip)
(Claw Grip)
(Fingertip Grip)
| Name | How to Hold | Features | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Grip | Hold the mouse by covering it with the whole palm. Large contact area between hand and mouse, supporting it firmly. | – Stable and less tiring for long use – Better for large movements than fine ones | – General work – Long hours – MMORPGs and simulation games |
| Claw Grip | Hold the mouse as if grabbing it with fingers and the base of the palm. Fingers are arched. | – Good for both fine and large movements – Easy to use finger strength | – Tasks requiring quick reactions – FPS and action games |
| Fingertip Grip | Hold the mouse only with fingertips. The palm barely touches, and the mouse is operated as if floating. | – Easy for fine movements and quick clicks – Can be tiring for long use | – Tasks needing precise mouse control – Quick or repeated clicking – Short tasks |
The advantages and disadvantages of each grip are also explained.
≫ Related article: Thorough explanation of the three mouse grips (palm/claw/fingertip)
How to Choose a Mouse [Functionality]
This section explains points related to mouse performance and usability.
Mouse Sensors (Optical / BlueLED / IR LED / Laser)
A mouse sensor is a component/technology that detects the position and movement of the mouse and reflects it as cursor movement on the computer.
The sensor is like the “eye” of the mouse, responsible for accurately reading hand movements.
There are mainly four types of mouse sensors:
| Sensor | Light Source | Main Features | Tracking Accuracy | Usable Surfaces | Power Consumption | Cost | Usage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday | Business | Gaming | Creative | |||||||
| Optical (LED) | Red LED | – Inexpensive and widely used – Stable operation – Weak on transparent or glossy surfaces | Standard | Normal | Low | Cheap | ◎ | ◎ | △ | △ |
| BlueLED | Blue LED | – Usable on glossy and fabric surfaces – High tracking accuracy – Slightly higher cost | High | High | Somewhat high | Normal | ◎ | ◎ | ○ | ○ |
| Infrared (IR) LED | Infrared LED | – Very low power consumption – Uses invisible light, gentle on eyes – High tracking accuracy | High | Normal | Very low | Somewhat high | ◎ | ◎ | ○ | ○ |
| Laser | Laser light | – Extremely high tracking accuracy – Usable on glass and glossy surfaces – Higher price | Very high | Very high | Somewhat high | High | ○ | ○ | ◎ | ◎ |
Overall performance can be summarized as follows:
Laser > BlueLED = IR LED > Optical (Red LED)
The cost listed for each sensor is just a trend for the component; the price of the mouse itself is often determined by other features and specifications.
So, “high cost” does not always mean “expensive mouse”.
The advantages and disadvantages of each sensor are also explained.
≫ Related article: What is a mouse sensor? Explanation of roles, features, and advantages of four types of sensors
Mouse Buttons
Mice have various buttons. Here are their names and locations.
Left Button
Right Button
Wheel Button
Side Button
DPI Switch Button
Function Button
| Button Name | Main Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Left Button | – Basic click operation – Select and drag – Double-click to open files or apps | – Found on all mice |
| Right Button | – Found on all mice – Shows context menu – Calls extra options or settings | |
| Wheel / Wheel Button | – Scroll up and down – Middle click by pressing wheel – Side scroll with tilt (on supported mice) | |
| Side Button (Forward/Back) | – Forward/back in web browsers or Explorer – Can be customized for other functions with special software | – Many mice have them, but not all. – Highly recommended to have these buttons. |
| DPI Switch Button | – Change mouse sensitivity (DPI) – Quickly switch for different uses | – Good for gaming or creative use. |
| Function Button | – Assign custom functions or shortcuts – Customizable with special software from the manufacturer – Useful for gaming or work efficiency |
Left/right buttons and the wheel are standard on all mice.
Other useful buttons include side buttons for forward/back on web pages, a DPI button for changing sensitivity, and function buttons for assigning custom keys or shortcuts.
Ken
Function buttons are often found on higher-end mice, so consider your needs and budget. If you do not need them or want to save money, at least choose a mouse with side buttons for forward/back.
Being able to go back on web pages or folders with the mouse is very convenient.
Which buttons are needed for each use is also explained.
≫ Related article: Thorough explanation of mouse button types and roles
Mouse Wheel
The mouse wheel is a rotating part located in the center of a computer mouse, mainly used for easily scrolling the screen.
By rolling the wheel up or down with a finger, users can quickly move through web pages or documents.
Other things the wheel can do include:
- Clicking a link with the wheel opens it in a new tab.
- Clicking and moving the wheel enables auto-scroll.
- Holding Ctrl and rolling the wheel zooms in/out.
Without the wheel, users would need to use keyboard arrow keys or the scroll bar, which requires more hand movement and shifting the view or cursor. The mouse wheel allows operation with just a fingertip, greatly improving usability.
Some mice also have a tilt function, allowing left/right scrolling by tilting the wheel.
Other ways to use the mouse wheel and the types of wheels (stepped, smooth, tilt, silent) are also explained.
≫ Related article: Mouse wheel roles, usage, and types
Trackball Mouse
A trackball mouse is an input device with a large ball inside the body, which is rolled with a finger or thumb to move the cursor.
It is easy to make fine or precise cursor movements, so it is useful in fields with detailed work, such as graphic design, CAD, and video editing.
There are several types based on shape and ball position, so users can choose according to their needs and preferences.
- Thumb-operated type
- Index/middle finger-operated type
- Palm-operated type
Because the mouse body does not need to be moved, there is less strain on the wrist and arm, helping to prevent tendonitis.
Ken
The advantages, disadvantages, and recommended trackball mice are also introduced.
≫ Related article: What is a trackball mouse? Differences and advantages explained [with real experience/photos]
How to Choose a Mouse [Compatibility, Precautions]
This section explains important points to watch out for when choosing a mouse.
Mainly about Bluetooth mice.
For Bluetooth Mice, Check PC Compatibility
When using a Bluetooth mouse, first check if the computer has Bluetooth capability.
Bluetooth mice can connect wirelessly without a USB receiver, but if the computer does not have Bluetooth, they cannot be used.
Laptops usually have Bluetooth as standard, but desktop computers generally do not have Bluetooth.
If Bluetooth is not built-in, a separate Bluetooth adapter (USB type, etc.) can be added.
Other ways to add Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, such as expansion cards, are also introduced in the related article.
≫ Related article: How to add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a custom PC
Bluetooth Mice Cannot Be Used in BIOS
Bluetooth mice do not work in the BIOS screen, so if you need to use a mouse in BIOS, prepare a USB wired mouse or a wireless (2.4GHz) mouse.
Bluetooth only works in Windows, so Bluetooth mice cannot be used in the BIOS screen before Windows starts.
When installing an OS, initializing a PC, or making hardware settings not available in Windows, it may be necessary to enter BIOS, so keep a non-Bluetooth mouse on hand.
If you are not sure what BIOS is or what it can do, see the related article below.
≫ Related article: What is BIOS/UEFI? Explanation of roles, differences, how to start, and how to update
How to Choose a Mouse [Other]
This section explains left-handed mice, settings, and health considerations.
Mouse Tendonitis and Ergonomic Mice
Mouse tendonitis is a condition where the tendon sheath (the membrane covering the tendon) in the wrist or thumb becomes inflamed due to long mouse use, causing pain, swelling, or discomfort.
“Mouse tendonitis” is not a medical term, but is a convenient way to describe tendonitis common among frequent computer users.
(With a regular mouse)
The natural wrist position is slightly slanted, but when using a regular mouse, the palm is held flat against the desk, twisting the wrist.
In other words, holding a mouse itself puts strain on the wrist.
This unnatural posture, if continued for long periods, puts extra stress on the muscles and tendons of the wrist and forearm.
(With an ergonomic mouse)
Ergonomics Mouse Ergonomic mice are designed to keep the wrist at a natural angle, avoiding twisting.This greatly reduces the strain on the muscles and tendons of the wrist and forearm, making it less tiring even during long work sessions.
Vertical mice, in particular, allow the hand to be held at a handshake angle, so the wrist is not twisted and the mouse can be operated in a more relaxed posture.
Ken
The features and advantages of mouse tendonitis and ergonomic mice are also summarized.
≫ Related article: What is a tendonitis-prevention mouse (ergonomic mouse)?
About Mouse Settings
Mouse settings allow adjusting mouse movement, button assignments, sensitivity, and more for easier use.
Main settings include pointer speed, swapping left/right buttons, scroll amount, and double-click speed.
Some mice can also be customized with special software from the manufacturer.
With this software, users can assign functions, shortcuts, or macros to function buttons, which cannot be set in standard Windows mouse settings.
Some models allow switching profiles by pressing a mouse button.
By optimizing these settings, users can improve work efficiency, comfort, prevent mistakes, and reduce strain on hands and arms.
This is especially recommended for those who use computers for long hours or do detailed work like illustration or design.
Detailed settings, how to set them, and customization screens for “Logitech MX Master 2S” and “Elecom M-DUX30” are also introduced.
≫ Related article: How to set up a mouse: methods, items, and benefits [Efficiency/Reduced Strain]
Left-handed and Ambidextrous Mice
When left-handed users choose a mouse, left-handed models or symmetrical designs are recommended.
Most mice are made for right-handed use, so forcing a left-handed person to use a right-handed mouse can cause extra strain on the wrist and fingers.
In fact, it will not fit the hand at all and will feel uncomfortable.
Left-handed Mouse
Symmetrical Mouse
Symmetrical mice are designed for comfortable use with either hand.
With click and side buttons on both sides, both right- and left-handed users can operate them intuitively.
Especially, models with side buttons on both sides allow comfortable shortcuts and browsing regardless of dominant hand.
≫ Related article: What is a left-handed mouse? Features, differences from right-handed, and recommended models
Summary: Choose a Mouse That Fits Your Hand Size and Purpose for Comfortable Operation!
This article explained the key points for choosing a mouse, including types, connection methods, sizes, grips, features, compatibility, and health considerations.
Here are the key points again:
- Choose the connection method (wired, Bluetooth, or wireless 2.4GHz) according to usage.
- Decide mouse size based on hand size and whether it needs to be portable.
- Check if necessary buttons such as forward/back and DPI switch are present.
- At minimum, side buttons for forward/back are recommended.
- Check in advance if the PC supports Bluetooth mice.
- Note that Bluetooth mice cannot be used in the BIOS screen.
- Ergonomic mice are effective for preventing tendonitis.
Because a mouse is a tool used every day, it is important to choose one that fits the user.
There are many points to check, such as connection method, size, grip, sensor, and button layout, but understanding each feature and choosing accordingly can improve work efficiency and reduce fatigue.
Also, using an ergonomic mouse or adjusting mouse settings to suit the environment and body can make operation even more comfortable.
Please use this article as a reference to find the best mouse that fits your hand and matches your purpose and work style.
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
