Best Non-Gaming Wired Mouse for Productivity

[didjamatic]

I've been using 5 button mice for some time, but considering something new.   Trackball didn't do it for me (for now) so I'm considering some of the latest 5+ button wired mice but... I'm not a gamer. So any gaming functionality doesn't help me.  

My interest is in it's function, comfort and productivity.

Some that I've considered are

Logitech G9 or G9x or MX518 or G500 - I love the interchangeable grip idea of the G9's, but the other 2 look like great options

Microsoft Sidewinder - Looks really cool but might be a little big.  My hands aren't massive so I don't care for oversized mice.

Razer Naga - EDIT: This looked promising, But it doesn't look like the Naga supports custom key mappings outside of games.  So that eliminates this mouse for me.  I would love to be able to launch 12 apps from those mouse buttons but it's not an option.  Now, if it was a keypad, that could be pretty cool.

Am I missing any good contenders?  Has anyone used the Naga for non-gaming and programmed the buttons?

[Rajagra]

I just noticed something good about my G9 which I've had for ages. The right mouse button extends around the front of the scroll wheel. Meaning you can keep three fingers on top of the mouse yet still use your middle finger to right-click (and operate the wheel too.) How the hell did I miss this brilliant piece of design before now?

[didjamatic]

My top choice is probably the G9/G9X (not sure if the weights on the X are worth the extra) I like the interchangeable grips and it's a really good looking device to me.  It looks functional, like a tool or a device.  I don't care for swoopy crap all over things unless there is a purpose for it.  But the other Logitechs are nearly half the price of the G9 so that is appealing as well.

[ch_123]

The Steelseries Ikari is a good pick. Less gimmicky than the G9 and shaped in a more sensible manner.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I prefer tracking ball devices, such as my IBM TrackPoint L40SX mouse.  It can be used as either a trackball or a regular mouse.  They are very good mice, and I use them all the time.  I am looking into buying another one.

[ch_123]

The old Trackpoint is a pretty nifty device, but not something that I'd use as a primary mouse. Mouse technology has got to a stage where even a cheap mouse like the Logitech RX250 can beat the best mice of yesteryear...

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Lets put it thisway, for laptops, the TrackPoint L40SX is the most practicle.

[ch_123]

I can't make a completely objective opinion as I haven't tested the L40 with a computer, but I think a Logitech Trackman would be worth the extra money on basis of ergonomics and modern amenities such as optical tracking and scroll wheel. It's easy enough to get one cheaply. I use one as a travel mouse, when I need such a thing.

EDIT: There's one here if you're interested.

Apologies for going offtopic.

[Hak Foo]

The MX400 is nice; tactile side buttons

[timw4mail]

The MX400 is nice; tactile side buttons

They click anyway, they don't really feel that tactile.

[keyb_gr]

Mouse technology has got to a stage where even a cheap mouse like the Logitech RX250 can beat the best mice of yesteryear...

What kind of feet do these have? IMO it's got to be teflon (PTFE), the plastic ones don't really cut it. It took me a while until I had those on my M-BJ58 attached firmly (lost feet were a common problem on this kind of mouse), but it slides easily on most any kind of surface.

And yes, it's hard to beat a trackpoint for a shleptop.

[PRISONER 24601]

I would choose whatever is most comfortable with my mousing style. I use the "claw" grip, so I generally go with a medium-large sized, symmetrical mouse. I don't have the biggest paws, but I use three fingers: index on L button, middle on scroll, and ring finger on R button. Mice, like keyboards, are fairly subjective things.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I can use any kind of mouse, but I prefer trackballs for everyday use.  I don't know why, I just do.

[microsoft windows]

I like my Microsoft mouse. It's lasted for over 15 years and could easily last another 50 years of daily use.

[YpoCaramel]

If you're looking for something a bit different, have you considered a ergomouse like the Verticalmouse 3?

It's a good mouse, no compromise in the sensor, though it takes a day or two to get used to it does reduce CTI.

[hyperlinked]

I would choose whatever is most comfortable with my mousing style. I use the "claw" grip, so I generally go with a medium-large sized, symmetrical mouse.

Finally! Another Claw grip! My brother!

I really love my Razer Diamondback and I wish there were more mice that had the seven button configuration that it has. Sadly, even Razer appears to be abandoning that design as a lot of their more current models favor a five button design. There aren't a lot of 7-button mice that work well on Macs so as much as I'd like to try some other mice, I'm locked to this one for now.

Side thumb buttons are used to page up and page down.
Right pinky buttons are used save and create new documents
Scroll wheel button is used to reload Web pages

Those shortcuts in combo with me always having my left hand on the keyboard to copy, cut, paste, and close windows usually means that the only time my right hand ever needs to touch the keyboard is when I need to type. This especially saves me a lot of time when working in Photoshop or when I'm trying to debug code.

[1839cc]

I can use any kind of mouse, but I prefer trackballs for everyday use.  I don't know why, I just do.

I have always preferred them too. Didn't even go through an "adjustment period". It was instantly natural to me.

On topic, I have a Microsoft IntelliMouse with IntelliEye 1.0. Pretty sweet USB optical mouse with that popular MS shape.

$2.00 at a Goodwill store. And it's still white!

[microsoft windows]

I found a cool old optical mouse on ebay from the 1980's. It takes 25-pin serial and requires an external power adapter. It also has a special mouse pad so the laser can track the lines on the pad. It's not too expensive so I might get it and play around with it.

[ch_123]

I found an early optical mouse lying around in college, made by the company that invented the optical mouse. Problem was that they need a special mousepad (which wasn't with the mouse), the connector was Sun only and the thing was small and uncomfortable. Basically it was crap in just about every way.

[microsoft windows]

The one on ebay is nearly IDENTICAL to that one you pictured. Even has the same special mouse-pad!

[didjamatic]

I got a G9X on Amazon.  I love everything about it so far.

[ch_123]

The one on ebay is nearly IDENTICAL to that one you pictured. Even has the same special mouse-pad!

I think I saw the one you are looking at. Be warned - it is missing the power adaptor it needs.

[AndrewZorn]

i replaced my mx518 with the g9

yes, the g9 is kind of gimmicky and gamery, but really it is a great mouse.  the way you can make the wheel free-spinning is great, i only change it back for games... free scrolling long pages is so nice, instead of grinding your way down the page, you just flick it to start, and then stop it when you want.

the shape is also pretty perfect with the default grip (i havent used the other one because i hear the finish wears REALLY fast)
you can operate it with no grip at all, it becomes the size of a laptop-style mouse... just looks ugly and feels a little boxy.

being able to uninstall setpoint and never seeing it again after setting up the mouse (even multiple profiles) is also awesome.  almost as good as dip switches.

[microsoft windows]

I think I saw the one you are looking at. Be warned - it is missing the power adaptor it needs.

I saw. It shouldn't be too hard to find one at Radio Shack though.

[HaaTa]

I found an early optical mouse lying around in college, made by the company that invented the optical mouse. Problem was that they need a special mousepad (which wasn't with the mouse), the connector was Sun only and the thing was small and uncomfortable. Basically it was crap in just about every way.

Show Image

I had one of those a few years ago, (complete workstation actually). Too bad the 21" monitor crapped out.

[YpoCaramel]

yes, the g9 is kind of gimmicky and gamery, but really it is a great mouse.  the way you can make the wheel free-spinning is great, i only change it back for games... free scrolling long pages is so nice, instead of grinding your way down the page, you just flick it to start, and then stop it when you want.

Seriously, the Microgear wheel makes it a great "daily driver" mouse. The Razers, Sidewinders, Steelgears and others are fine gaming mice, being able to spin the wheel gives it an edge in daily use.

[HaaTa]

Seriously, the Microgear wheel makes it a great "daily driver" mouse. The Razers, Sidewinders, Steelgears and others are fine gaming mice, being able to spin the wheel gives it an edge in daily use.

Agreed.

[AndrewZorn]

it just makes you wonder why it was ever the other way around
the only time i find it advantageous to have it in 'normal' mode is for switching weapons and stuff

[ch_123]

I had one of those a few years ago, (complete workstation actually). Too bad the 21" monitor crapped out.

You can get 13W3 to VGA adapters pretty easily.

I actually found a stack of mousepads for the sun Mice. They're in pretty bad condition though.