Comparison Apple Magic Trackpad 3 vs Apple Magic Trackpad 2

The type of connection used by the mouse.

All types of mouse connection can be divided into wired and wireless. There are also combined models that allow both methods; however, for a number of reasons, they have not received much distribution.

Wired mice can vary in connector type; however, the universal standard nowadays is USB, other options are much less common (see "Cable" for them). Anyway, such mice are much cheaper than wireless counterparts, moreover, they do not require batteries / accumulators and have an almost unlimited lifespan. On the other hand, the wire restricts mobility and can be inconvenient when connecting, especially if the computer is located far away or in a hard-to-reach place.

Wireless devices, in turn, can connect via radio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi ; in some models, two options are combined — at the user's choice, (usually radio and Bluetooth). Regardless of the interface used, all such models are more convenient than wired ones due, in fact, to the absence of a cable; and their range is at least a few metres, so a wireless mouse can also work as a kind of remote control. At the same time, a wireless connection is more expensive than a wired connection, and besides, it requires autonomous power supply — as...a result, the period of continuous operation of the mouse is limited.

As for the different types of wireless connection, here are their features:

— Radio. To connect over the air, usually, a wireless adapter is used, which is connected to the USB port of the computer. This method is convenient in that it can be used with any computer, including systems that do not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules. The disadvantages of this option include the fact that the adapter requires a free connector; as a result, with a small number of USB ports, difficulties can arise. However, this moment, if necessary, can be easily corrected by connecting a USB hub; so it is this connection method that is most popular among modern wireless mice.

— Bluetooth. The main advantage of this connection method is that many modern devices — laptops, most monoblock computers, smart TVs, etc. — have built-in Bluetooth modules. Thus, you can connect the mouse to such equipment directly, without occupying hardware connectors. And for PCs not equipped with internal Bluetooth modules, appropriate adapters are available (which may even be included with the mouse). In addition, some advanced models with such a connection are able to remember several Bluetooth devices at the same time and switch between them literally “with the touch of a button”. The Bluetooth communication range is at least 10 m with line of sight.

— Wi-Fi. A rather specific option, which is extremely rare — in certain models of laptop mice (see "In the direction"). In many respects it is similar to Bluetooth — in particular, it is designed mainly to work with built-in modules and allows you to use a mouse without occupying hardware connectors. At the same time, the range of communication via Wi-Fi is much greater. On the other hand, this advantage is not of fundamental importance, and on the technical side, the creation of Wi-Fi mice is associated with certain difficulties. That is why this type of connection has not received distribution.

Interface used for wired connection in mice that have this capability (see "Connection type").

The most popular nowadays is the connection through the classic USB port. Mice for the newer USB-C connector, for a number of reasons, are produced quite a bit, despite the advanced capabilities of this interface. And PS/2, on the contrary, is gradually giving way to newer and more advanced standards. Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:

— USB. Connect to a traditional, full-size USB port (called USB A). Such connectors are extremely widespread: they are practically mandatory for modern PCs and laptops, and are also used as standard for working with peripherals in smart TVs, media centers and other types of electronics. That is why the vast majority of wired mice use this connector.

— USB-C. The newest (for 2020) type of USB connector; is significantly smaller than the USB A described above, as well as a convenient double-sided design. Such connectors are increasingly used in modern PCs and laptops, but very few mice are made for them; this is due to several reasons. Firstly, advanced versions of USB are often implemented through the USB-C connector, with high speed and high power supply; for mice, these characteristics are not needed, but they can be useful for more demanding devices. Secondly, the USB-C hardware soc...ket can be used for interfaces other than USB (primarily Thunderbolt v3 and v4). Thirdly, it is simply easier to get into the full-size USB A connector with a plug — especially when trying to blindly find the connector on the back of the system unit. In light of all this, only a few laptop mice are produced under USB-C (see "In the direction").

— PS/2. A specialized connector with a characteristic round shape, used exclusively for keyboards and mice; colloquially known as "pee in half". PS/2 inputs are found exclusively in desktop PCs — they are too bulky for laptops. In general, this interface is considered obsolete and less used, but it can still be found in modern computers. At the same time, PS/2 has a very practical advantage: connecting a mouse to such a socket allows you to leave an additional USB connector free, which, in turn, can be useful for other peripherals. However, mice with only such a plug nowadays are almost never found — devices that can also connect to USB have become more common (see below).

— USB or PS/2. This option most often means that the mouse itself is equipped with a USB plug, and an adapter for PS/2 is supplied with it. Thus, the device turns out to be as versatile as possible in connection; at the same time, adapters are very inexpensive, their price is almost invisible compared to the cost of the mice themselves (even inexpensive ones). Therefore, most modern manipulators with the ability to work through PS/2 belong to this category.

Additional features of the cable that the mouse is equipped with.

These features may include a winding system, a detachable wire, and a braided wire(however, most modern mice still have a cable without a braid). Here is a more detailed description of all these features.

— Retractable. Wire equipped with a special coil for winding. This feature greatly simplifies transportation: during off-hours, the wire is as compact as possible and does not get tangled, and when used, it can be unwound to the desired length (usually the coil allows this possibility). All this is especially important for laptop mice (see "In direction") — in fact, most models with a wire reel fall into this category.

— Removable. Wire that can be detached from the mouse. Almost all mice with two connection options have this feature — wired and wireless: when working in a wireless format, the cable can be removed so that it does not interfere. However, there are also purely wired devices with such a cable — mostly laptop devices, where the wire is removed for ease of transportation. Also note that most often a universal connector like microUSB is used to connect the cable, so if necessary, the wire can be replaced with another one — for example, a longer one.

— In a braid. The presence of an additional braid on the mouse cable. This feature makes the wi...re more durable, reliable and resistant to bending. On the other hand, braid tends to accumulate dirt and fray when worn; because of this, the wire sheath loses its presentation faster than in mice without a braid. Yes, and such a wire is more expensive than a regular smooth one.

The battery life of the mouse (see "Power") on a single battery charge.

The operating time in this case is quite approximate: it is indicated for a certain average mode of use, and the actual battery life may turn out to be either less or more than the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the application. Nevertheless, this is a fairly reliable indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate different battery models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in real battery life.

Separately, we note that the operating time for rechargeable mice is generally less than for battery-powered models, so this parameter is indicated in days, not months.

— USB receiver. A device that is found only in models with wireless connectivity. Such a receiver is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop, and communication is carried out through it. This is the way all mice with a radio connection work, for them the presence of a USB receiver in the kit is almost mandatory. At the same time, this accessory is also found in the Bluetooth model — in them it plays the role of an adapter for equipment that is not equipped with its own Bluetooth modules.

— Replaceable legs. Legs are small protrusions on the bottom surface of the case, on which the mouse rests, standing on the work surface. They reduce resistance, allowing the device to slide freely in any direction, and also compensate for minor irregularities to a certain extent. However, due to constant friction, the legs are subject to heavy wear, over time they wear out or may come off. Thus, modern mice may come with interchangeable legs; such a complete set means that regular overlays can be easily removed by the user.

— Interchangeable side panels. A feature found primarily in game models (see "By Direction"). At the same time, the purpose of removable panels can be different. So, in some models, they are used to fine-tune the width or overall shape to the user's hand. In other devices, rearranging the panel allows you to change the functionality — for example, install four side...buttons instead of two, providing additional features in games (and return the panel with two classic side buttons back while surfing the Internet and other everyday tasks). Such nuances should be clarified in each case separately.

— Replaceable top panels. Additional components that can be installed in place of the standard top of the mouse to change its appearance or ergonomics. Their support is implemented in some models of gaming mice (see “Direction”). Replaceable top panels provide the ability to customize the mouse to suit individual ergonomic preferences, and they also serve as a stylistic element in the design of the manipulator.

— Rug. Mice that use the mouse pad as a power source are required (see "Power"), but this accessory can also be supplied with more traditional models. In the latter case, it is worth clarifying what material the pad is made of, what dimensions and design features it has — these points may not meet the user's requirements, in many cases it is more convenient to buy an underarm pad separately.

— Case. The cover will be appropriate if you need to regularly move the mouse from place to place (for example, for frequent competitions or with a work laptop). In a protective case, your “rodent” will not be afraid of external damage to which a mouse can be subjected even while in the personal compartment of a backpack.

— Additional switches (mics) — for example, spare switches of the same type as regular ones, or interchangeable ones that differ in characteristics.

— Interchangeable side buttons. Separate side buttons that can replace regular ones. These may be keys of a different shape or spare parts of a similar design.

— Interchangeable top panels. Used to change the design and/or overall shape of the upper part of the case. The latter allows you to further adjust the mouse to the user's personal preferences — for example, change its height or turn a symmetrical device into an asymmetric one, for one or another hand.

— Stickers. Decorative stickers that allow you to personalize your device, giving it an original look.

— Additional cable. A replacement wire that differs from the main one in length and/or other characteristics (for example, the presence / absence of a braid).

— Headphones. Gaming computer headphones supplied with mice of the corresponding specialization (see "By Direction").

— Docking station — provides convenience in charging and storing the wireless device.

The total weight of the mouse. For models with a wired connection, usually, it is indicated without cable, and for devices with weight adjustment (see above) — without weights.

This parameter is important primarily for professional gaming applications, although it is often relevant for ordinary users. Theoretically, less weight promotes speed and reduces fatigue. At the same time, in fact, much depends on the personal habits and preferences of the user: a mouse that is too light may “not be felt in the hands” and not give familiar feedback. Therefore, although most mice have a lower weight limit of 60 – 80 g, however, even among professional gaming models there are much more massive devices — 120 – 140 g or more. The lightest variety of "rodents" is laptop (see "In the direction"), among them devices come across and less than 60 g.

Also note that the weight to some extent depends on the size and “tricked out” of the device, but there is no unambiguous dependence here: models similar in size and functionality can differ markedly in weight.