Computer mouse for photo editing: Getting ready to replace a malfunctioning computer mouse. I'm finding the array of choices overwhelming! Speaking strictly from the standpoint of...

srt101fan

Getting ready to replace a malfunctioning computer mouse. I'm finding the array of choices overwhelming!

Speaking strictly from the standpoint of photo editing, are there any issues I should consider in the selection of a mouse? Is the ability to adjust sensitivity important?

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Your standard three button (that includes the scroll wheel) mouse should work. Most modern operating systems allow you to adjust the sensitivity to your liking. Apart from that, it's all about the ergonomics and how it feels when you use it. I have a logitech bluetooth mouse that I have set to use on three separate computers (work, main pc, laptop) and it does just fine on all three.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Is mouse ballistics a mouse function or an operating system function?
I always thought OS.

I just use Microsoft 3500 mice (3 button). They're a bit smaller and fit my hand better.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

I do a lot of my editing on a laptop while sitting on a couch recliner. I have found that a Logitech Track Ball is great for me. I place it next to me on the couch in a comfortable position for my arm and It works very well for me.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

lowkick wrote:

I do a lot of my editing on a laptop while sitting on a couch recliner. I have found that a Logitech Track Ball is great for me. I place it next to me on the couch in a comfortable position for my arm and It works very well for me.

I tried a track ball once, didn't like it at all.

But hey, everyone is different, eh?

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Longshadow wrote:

Is mouse ballistics a mouse function or an operating system function?
I always thought OS.

I just use Microsoft 3500 mice (3 button). They're a bit smaller and fit my hand better.

Yes and no. I have a gaming mouse that has it's own software to calibrate sensitivity depending on what surface the mouse is on. It also comes with several small weights to streamline the balance for the mouse as well. For pretty much anything other than combat related gaming, it is probably overkill for photo processing or any other function most people use computers for

srt101fan

Longshadow wrote:

I tried a track ball once, didn't like it at all.

But hey, everyone is different, eh?

I'm with you. Track balls or touch pads don't work for me. Has to be a mouse.

srt101fan

johngault007 wrote:

Yes and no. I have a gaming mouse that has it's ow... (show quote)

I'm not a gamer. A simple 3-button mouse has served me well in the past. But I'm trying to get more serious about photo editing and wonder if some mice are better suited for that.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

johngault007 wrote:

Yes and no. I have a gaming mouse that has it's ow... (show quote)

Ahhhh. A specialty mouse...... Special application. I don't do games.

Well, per se.
To me getting my/a web page to do what I want it to do is a game.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Yeah, that's why I didn't mention that mouse in my original response. I only break out that "beast" if I'm playing games....lol

It has programmable buttons for quick actions so fingers don't have to search on the keyboard and stuff....overkill for anything but gaming..hehe

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

srt101fan wrote:

I'm with you. Track balls or touch pads don't work for me. Has to be a mouse.

Eww. Touch pads. Yuck also.
I can run a mouse anywhere, except draw a straight line or circle.

nathanweddings

I do a lot of fine (as in tiny) photo editing and image creation. For me a trackball works best. I'm 80 now. & not quite as steady so putting my left hand on top of my right for the really fine work solves the problem.

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

srt101fan wrote:

Getting ready to replace a malfunctioning computer mouse. I'm finding the array of choices overwhelming!

Speaking strictly from the standpoint of photo editing, are there any issues I should consider in the selection of a mouse? Is the ability to adjust sensitivity important?

I do my photo editing on a desktop; when the original mouse gave out, I replaced it with a cheap "Amazon Basics" mouse. It works fine for photo editing.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

srt101fan wrote:

Getting ready to replace a malfunctioning computer mouse. I'm finding the array of choices overwhelming!

Speaking strictly from the standpoint of photo editing, are there any issues I should consider in the selection of a mouse? Is the ability to adjust sensitivity important?

In paper, a higher dpi mouse is better.
In actual use, I feel and see no difference because the mouse sensitivity can be adjusted in cursor preference.

A tip for moving mouse precisely; have the heel of the palm and the finger tips (Thumb, ring & small finger) all touching the the mousepad. Small movements laterally are done using the finger do a rolling push on the mouse instead of using the wrist. Push & pull is achieved with a squeeze/milking motion with the fingers. This technique work best on a small boxy mouse with vertical sides.

For heavy editing, you might want to try a pen & tablet like Wacom.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

My desk rarely has room to swing a mouse so I have been using a trackball for several decades. My current one is a Logitech and it has a button on it to change the mouse speed to slow. I find it VERY useful when trying to edit photos because my default mouse speed is pretty fast (to compensate for the need to move the cursor all the way across two screens occasionally).

The gaming mouse sounds interesting. If it has a similar feature I would say that it would be a good choice if your muscle memory is hardened on a mouse rather than a trackball.