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Ask DN: I need a new mouse. What would you recommend?

almost 7 years ago from , Product Designer

I have an iMac. I use the mouse that came with and go through batteries like once a week. I've done this for years and I'm finally sick of buying so many batteries. Any suggestions for a designer who points and clicks a lot?

43 comments

  • Marcel Wichmann Marcel Wichmann , almost 7 years ago

    Logitech's MX Master is a... masterpiece. Never had a more comfortable mouse. It's wireless and can be used wired while charging. ★★★★★

    16 points
    • Dustin CartwrightDustin Cartwright, almost 7 years ago

      Do you use your MX Master via bluetooth by chance? I'm on the fence with getting one... But I've heard poor reviews from people using the RF dongle on windows, and bluetooth on macs...

      1 point
      • Marcel Wichmann Marcel Wichmann , almost 7 years ago

        I use the dongle-thingy on OS X, Bluetooth works most of the time, but not every time.

        0 points
      • Joe AlfonsoJoe Alfonso, almost 7 years ago

        I use it with bluetooth at work and the dongle at home. Until a recent update I would have to keep adding it as a new device. But it's been fine for about 2 months now.

        0 points
      • Julian LengfelderJulian Lengfelder, almost 7 years ago

        Bluetooth works very well as long as I do not switch between different computers. Every other time I try to reconnect with my MacBook via Bluetooth after I used it on a different machine I does not work. But needs to be paired again.

        0 points
    • Joe AlfonsoJoe Alfonso, almost 7 years ago

      I love it too, but do you have any issues with how far back the left side buttons are? I have pretty smalls hands and I would still love them moved forward half an inch or so. Other than that, yes it's an absolutely outstanding mouse. I switch computers so the multiple connections was a clincher for me.

      0 points
    • Steven GarritySteven Garrity, almost 7 years ago

      I reluctantly got the MX Master, as I couldn't find a good wired mouse. For the most part, it works well. I do find it to be 99% as reliable as a wired mouse, and I do have to charge it. I wish they made the same model, with a cable. That said, it generally works well.

      0 points
  • Jon DarkeJon Darke, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    A Wacom tablet. 2 weeks of pain followed by decades of increased efficiency, accuracy and reduced RSI

    3 points
    • Andy StoneAndy Stone, almost 7 years ago

      I was wondering if anyone was going to throw this in. I've been on a Wacom for 12+ years and I really enjoy it. Lightning fast at work with it, but I'm hilariously bad with a standard mouse these days.

      0 points
  • Sauro Sauro , almost 7 years ago

    I'm using the Logitech MX Anywhere 2, smaller and cheaper than MX Master and good too.

    3 points
  • Wyatt CampizWyatt Campiz, almost 7 years ago

    I still use Apple's Magic Mouse, however I've thought about switching to Logitech Performance Mouse MX or a Razer mouse. As far as Razer I'm unsure which model, but I prefer wireless mouses.

    3 points
  • Alex M.Alex M., almost 7 years ago

    Don't get the Performance MX. The battery lasts less than a week. Otherwise it's a great mouse.

    2 points
  • Geoff YuenGeoff Yuen, almost 7 years ago

    I use a Logitech Marathon Mouse. With regular batteries it lasts 3 years. It's comfy - moreso than the Magic Mouse.

    1 point
    • Jason WilliamsJason Williams, almost 7 years ago

      Yep. Lasts forever. Lots of configurable buttons and quite comfy. Zero complaints. I've got one at home and one at work.

      0 points
  • Nathan LongNathan Long, almost 7 years ago

    If cords don't bother you, the Logitech M500 is a super solid mouse at a really reasonable price.

    The smooth scroll wheel is nice, so are the two extra buttons. Not very fancy but it's comfortable in the hand and I haven't had a single issue with mine, and it's going on 7 years old...

    1 point
  • Metin SarayMetin Saray, almost 7 years ago

    I'd stick with Magic Mouse 2 since you can charge it and does not require batteries. I can't imagine using macOS without magic mouse now. I use every gesture on it and hate corner gestures. (double tap with two fingers opens mission control, two finger swipe switches the desktops etc, and on sketch i do pinch with two fingers to zoom in-out)

    1 point
  • diego fernandezdiego fernandez, almost 7 years ago

    The Logitech MX Master is a solid option. A bit too big in size for my taste, and with slow tracking (I like insane levels of tracking speed)

    I currently use the Razer's Deathadder Chroma. In fact, I have three between home, office, and on-the-go backpack.

    Razer's software is a joke compared to Logitech's, but hardware-wise this option is perfect. Not only has a fair size, but it also offers the perfect number of customizable buttons on the side (2)

    I play Starcraft (high APM) and LoL (fast/high precision) so I might be biased a bit :P

    1 point
    • Dirk HCM van BoxtelDirk HCM van Boxtel, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

      Yeah, I vote gaming mice too. The extra buttons come in handy in several other pieces of software too.

      G502 here, after sitting on the MX series for ( ... omg) most of my life!

      .edit: also, braided cord because I want my mice corded. And adjustable weight/balance.

      0 points
  • Curtis EstridgeCurtis Estridge, almost 7 years ago

    I use an MX Master and love it.

    1 point
  • Francesco BelvedereFrancesco Belvedere, over 6 years ago

    Definitely anything by Logitech.

    https://www.logitech.com/en-us

    Solid build, super comfortable to use, compact, ergonomic (it just feels like my hand was made to fit the mouse), stylish even — they have some versions that have fun graphics. SUPER affordable. I have been using the M525 mouse for like 4 years. Love this way better than any Apple mouse. It uses a USB sync and the batteries last forever. I actually use rechargeable AAs in mine. Maybe I have to change them 2x a year, seriously!

    But it is just the most comfortable mouse to use and I have used them all. It has two clicks a left and right and a scroll wheel. So what if it doesnt have all the touch gestures — I have a separate Apple trackpad if I want gestures. I sometimes use them both at the same time, since the trackpad is a Bluetooth connection and the mouse a USB sync they dont interfere.

    I mostly do UI and visual design and felt the Apple mouse with all of its gestures and scrolling felt just fragile to use. When I want to draw I use the trackpad or my Wacom tablet but when I need precise and responsive mouse work i am using my Logitech.

    Hope that helps.

    0 points
  • Dorin FrunzeteDorin Frunzete, almost 7 years ago

    Mionix Naos fit perfect on my hand.

    0 points
  • Mike AbbotMike Abbot, almost 7 years ago

    Using Logitech g700. Perfect imo. G9 was a really good mouse though.

    0 points
  • Savvas AlektoridisSavvas Alektoridis, almost 7 years ago

    Explorer Touch Mouse by Microsoft, uses a usb mini receiver and batteries last for 1 1/2 years (yes years not months,true and tested). It is accurate and comfortable, not very big, just perfect in hand.

    0 points
  • Smail SmajkicSmail Smajkic, almost 7 years ago

    I prefer this one. http://i.imgur.com/TYN2X.gif

    0 points
  • Cody Gallner, almost 7 years ago

    I use Logitech M185, it's a wireless one with a mini USB receiver. Lasts 3-6 months and batteries in my country are really cheap, $1 for 20.

    0 points
  • Jeff HeatonJeff Heaton, almost 7 years ago

    TLDR: Logitech MX Master half the time, Wacom the other half

    I would second all of the people that suggest the MX Master. It's the mouse I use most at work. It's a beaut' next to my Sculpt keyboard (black is the new black, and ergonomic is for always). I have the old Performance MX that I use at home. I'd say it's a hair more comfortable than the MX Master, but the master is so cool and it has a better scroll wheel so I'm in. Never had connectivity issues on either of my Macbook Pro's with the dongle.

    The reason I suggest a wacom for the other half is RSI. I'm not that old and I know my fingers and wrists get tired. I find my wacom is a great option for when I'm standing at my desk because the wrist angle is much better. Plus switching up the way you use those muscles and tendons is good for you in the long run.

    Which wacom? The best you can afford. I know people that like to use a separate scroll device when using the wacom. Or they get really crazy and use a magic trackpad at the same time.

    0 points
  • Kevin SuttleKevin Suttle, almost 7 years ago

    Magic Trackpad 2. I'm telling you. Force Touch FTW http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ2R2LL/A/magic-trackpad-2

    0 points
  • J. C.J. C., almost 7 years ago

    The best mouse I've ever tried is Logitech M325. It's simple, no extra buttons, just left, right buttons and scrollwheel. I think my battery lasted over a year before I had to switch it out. It's smaller than the average mouse, which makes it require less force to move, and it fits perfectly in my hand. It has a pretty high score on Amazon.

    0 points
  • Spencer HoltawaySpencer Holtaway, almost 7 years ago

    https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-K-KJ17MCA4BA-Individual-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSMJU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1466100147&sr=8-6&keywords=eneloop+aa

    0 points
  • Jodi WarrenJodi Warren, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    Not what you asked, but consider trying the Magic Trackpad (rechargable via Lightning cable). I would never game with it, but I find it much nicer than using mice for the day-to-day tasks.

    Btw, invest in some rechargeable AAs (Eneloops are best) and a decent charger, and you'll never need to buy batteries again.

    0 points
  • Nathan NormanNathan Norman, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    I would highly recommend the Logitech g602 Gaming Mouse. http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/g602-wireless-gaming-mouse It's one of the best investments I've made. The ability to program every button for different frequently used commands saves a ton of time.

    Pair it with the SteerMouse app http://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/ to have custom shortcuts for every program.

    If you notice the tracking acting weird, use the included USB extender, the range on this mouse is pretty bad.

    0 points
    • Wyatt CampizWyatt Campiz, almost 7 years ago

      The mouse has a decent amount of programmable buttons, what do you program each button for? Excuse my lack of knowledge, I've never had a mouse with the capability to do so.

      0 points
  • Manny Larios, almost 7 years ago

    Upgraded to a Logitech MX Master mouse when it first launched - filled with connectivity issues on OS X. It's gotten better, but still looses connectivity. Not enough to stop using it, but enough that it's noticeable. My Logitech Performance MX mouse is the best mouse I had own up until then, which is why I naturally graduated to MX Master - I was quite disappointed.

    I also own a Mionix NAOS 7000 gaming mouse for my PC. Feels great for gaming and even better for designing. It just got tiresome to connect / disconnect the mouse from home office to work office, which is why I keep using the Logitech MX Master.

    0 points
  • Mike KrukMike Kruk, almost 7 years ago

    Magic Mouse 2 has a built-in battery and charges via lightning cable. The placement of the charge port is terrible, but I upgraded for the sole purposes of not replacing batteries every other week. The old magic mouse ate batteries like crazy.

    Getting the Magic Mouse 2 was huge, and I have to plug it in maybe once a month. No more batteries!

    0 points
    • Manny Larios, almost 7 years ago

      I agree with the placement of the Lightning port, but it only takes about two minutes to get a day's worth of battery life, so I wasn't too upset about it. i wish my iPhone would charge as fast :)

      0 points
  • Kris KimKris Kim, almost 7 years ago

    You don't have to buy batteries for new magic mouse since you can charge through lighting cable. Not sure if you still like Magic mouse but just letting you know (I know you already knew this tho).

    0 points