Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Best Mouse For Programming?

Posted by timothy on from the keep-it-away-from-cigarettes-and-drugs dept.

LosManos writes "Which is the best programming mouse? Mandatory musts are wireless, and that it doesn't clog up like old mechanical mice. Present personal preferences are for: lots of buttons, since if I have moved my hand away from the keyboard I can at least do something more than move the pointer; sturdy feeling; not too light, so it doesn't move around by me accidentally looking at it." What would you recommend?

5 of 569 comments (clear)

  1. Mouse? by gameboyhippo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Since when can you use a mouse in Emacs or VI?

    1. Re:Mouse? by Z34107 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I second the logitech G5. They're cheap, I love the adjustable weights, and just enough buttons for my taste. Middle-click for opening and closing tabs, and two side buttons for forward and back.

      But, mousing in an IDE? Even in Visual Studio, the only button that gets any use is the left mouse button, and maybe the middle-click scrollwheel button for opening and closing tabs. Everything has a keyboard shortcut.

      I'd recommend a good keyboard instead - I have an IBM Model M I whip on for nostalgia, but I'm very happy with my Das Keyboard II. THAT will make more difference in programming! Unless you're using Lego Mindstorms :P

      --
      DATABASE WOW WOW
  2. Wireless? You've already ruled me out by mdarksbane · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I never want to have to worry about replacing batteries, recharging, or waiting for the mouse to make up from sleep on anything as core to my workflow as a mouse.

    Personally I think that any good gaming mouse works well for coding. You've got your extra buttons (which mostly just give you an extra forward/back in your browser) and good accuracy. I'm a fan of my Razer Diamondback, although by this point the grippy paint they put on it is coming off so it looks a bit shabby.

    I would say with 100 certainty that your keyboard is ten times more important than your mouse for programming. The mouse just has to not get in your way.

  3. Re:Huh? WTF is a programming mouse? by MpVpRb · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I have been programming since 1971.

    Back them I used punch cards.

    Then, teletypes.

    Now, I use a mouse and keyboard.

    I definitely consider myself a "real" programmer.

    Times change, so do tools.

  4. Are you bored? by iamapizza · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Quite possibly the worst ask-slashdot question ever. While we're at it, let's also discuss the best mousepad for programming as well as the best type of wood for desks for programming.

    --
    Always proofread carefully to see if you any words out.