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Designers are as good as their tools allow them to be. And when you, as a designer, are creating something on the computer, the mouse is essentially your brush. This is one of the most important pieces of hardware you'll ever need in your graphics design career besides a quality monitor and graphics card.
So how do you go about selecting the best mouse for your designing work in 2021? You must go through a checklist for each mouse you prospect. In this guide, learn about the things you must look for in a mouse. Along with that, we list some of the recommended mouse available for you to consider and purchase.
Characteristics of a Good Mouse for Designers
There are many mice available in the marketplace for you to choose from. As a designer, you must select the ones that fit the job. The mouse should ideally increase your efficiency as you draw and design on the canvas.
All the mice that make this happen have certain things in common. You should look for these characteristics when shopping for a good mouse geared towards designers.
Wireless Connectivity
There are basically two types of mice out there, wired and wireless. If you’re shopping for a mouse for a designer, then it ought to be a wireless one. And the reason for this is a wireless mouse is a symbol of creativity. In fact, the mouse you use today itself is a product of creative thinking.
When Steve Jobs was designing a mouse for Apple’s first personal computer, the mouse was much expensive. It was David Kelly of IDEO who applied the concept of design thinking to create the mouse as we know it. So working with a creative tool by your side will enhance your own creativity as a designer.
Secondly, a wireless mouse will offer you freedom of movement. So you do not have to restrict yourself to a boundary when you’re designing your stuff.
Ergonomics Design
All mouse meant for designers and heavy-duty boast of an ergonomics design. They are built with keeping the user in mind. Thus, prolonged use of mouse doesn't put any stress on the tendons or the wrists or joints. They also prevent RSI or Repetitive Strain Injuries.
So with an ergonomic design, you can focus more on your design work and less on pain. The vertical mice offer maximum comfort. They are designed to allow your hand to rest on the surface, thus minimizing muscle work and movement that are known to lead to RSI.
Responsiveness
When designing, the mouse cursor should keep pace with your hand movements. If it fails to do so, then it’s enough to interrupt your entire creative flow. Technically known as a Lag, it should be minimal or nonexistent. While your computer setting does play a role in responsiveness, it’s actually the surface of the mouse and the sensor that determines the most.
When gliding over a surface, the sensor records the image of it. In this way, it calculates the movement. Ideally, the higher the frequency of the image capture, the better. So you should check for responsiveness in a mouse before purchasing.
Reliability
Finally, the mouse you select for designing should be reliable to work with. They should be reliable in all aspects. This includes connecting to the computer seamlessly, not drying out too soon, do not have much interference with nearby frequencies, and so on.
They shouldn't also break too soon. Go with a mouse that has at least a year-long warranty period. If it breaks within the warranty period, then it's the company's liability to get the mouse replaced at the earliest.
Best Mouse for Designers in 2021
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse
This is by far the best mouse you can get for your designing job. The MX brand series is already popular among consumers, and the Master 3 model is above all in the price range.
The main feature of this mouse is the ultra-fast MagSpeed scrolling, which is a proprietary technology of Logitech. This provides an 87% better precision level than its lower model, Master 2S. Overall, it's 90% faster than a regular Logitech mouse.
A complete wireless model equipped with 2.4 GHz frequency technology, you should expect no lag working with this mouse. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS. If you’re concerned about the battery backup, then worry not because a full charge lasts up to 70 days on standby and 3-4 hours for regular use.
MX Master 3 is tested to work on a normal glass surface and works just fine. No need for a mouse pad, thanks to its 4000 DPI sensor. The product comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty, which should keep you worry-free for a year.
Pros
Up to 90% faster than regular Logitech mouse
4000 DPI sensor that works on any surface
Comfort shape and ergonomic design
Cons
Relatively expensive
Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse
Another quality product from Logitech, most of the features are the same as the Master 3 model. But it’s comparatively a bit slower, and hence comes with a cheaper price tag of under $70.
The features that it inherits from the Mater 3 model are a 4000 DPI sensor, long battery life, fast scrolling speed, precision marking, and an ergonomics design with a full graphite body.
Extending on the last feature, you can work hours on this mouse and still not have hand fatigue. The graphite body feels so smooth to hold and work with that you won’t even feel any discomfort.
The Master 2S model is also capable of dual connectivity, which allows you to connect to up to 3 computers. The Bluetooth Smart wireless technology ensures you'll experience the same speed and precision across all connected computers.
A 500 mAh in-built Li-Po battery keeps the mouse running for 70 days on standby and 3 hours on continuous use. So you do not have to put the mouse on charge regularly, which also makes it ideal for traveling artists.
Pros
Auto shift scrolling for faster operations
4000 DPI sensor
Can connect with up to 3 computers
Cons
60% of the body is rubber, which gets discolored after a few months
Microsoft WS3-00001 Surface Mouse
Microsoft is known to create world-class software products, but this mouse from the tech giant is equally good. The mouse is rather simple to look at and gives the impression of a minimalist design.
There are two main benefits to it. First, it keeps the mouse simple and doesn’t complicate things. This allows you to intuitively work with it from the get to. No learning curve or lengthy configuration is involved. Second, it consumes less energy by having fewer buttons and parts, thus is energy efficient.
The designers at Microsoft have also achieved an exceptional level of accuracy with this mouse. You’ll get to realize the precision and clicks that are consistent across all devices. And no, it doesn’t only work with Microsoft, although it is designed for the Surface Pro. You can have this mouse work with any Windows computer, Macbook, or Android device.
The mouse is also incredibly quiet. It doesn't produce many click ticks, if at all. Neither does scrolling. So work even in the library with full confidence.
Pros
Minimalist and ergonomics design
Metal scroll wheel for exceptional accuracy
Long battery life
Cons
Designed exclusively for Surface Pro range of products
Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
As already mentioned, vertical mice offer a maximum comfort level. Their design includes a resting area for the wrist. Thus, it aids in wrist pain, which occurs due to prolonged use of the mouse. Also, if you're suffering from RSI, this mouse will help.
The main reason for going with this mouse, besides the vertical design, is the cost. It is very cheap compared to the above models. You can get it under a $30 price tag.
It has a 1600 DPI resolution optical sensor that is sensitive enough for fast scrolling. Not only fast but also precise.
The mouse has several buttons on the sides that enable one-click functionality. You can find the next/previous buttons, among others that are pre-designed and don't require configuration.
The energy saver mode will conserve energy when left idle for 8 minutes. Expect 2-3 hours of uninterrupted use with this mouse.
Last but not least, the mouse is covered with an 18-months product warranty. This is a bargain considering the lower price it sells for.
Pros
Vertical ergonomic design to aid RSI
Reliable and accurate optical tracking
Cheap and affordable
Cons
Speed is on the lower side
Has a learning curve
To Sum up
Irrespective of whether you’re working on a Macbook, Chromebook, Windows, laptops, computer, tablet PC, a mouse is common for all. Manufacturers often leave the decision of buying a mouse on the end consumer.
Choosing the right optical tracker mouse is the key to getting the job done faster as a designer. The products mentioned above boast rave reviews from thousands of satisfied customers. Before selecting a mouse, you should consider your own specific requirements. This will help you better decide which mouse to purchase.
