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Best Mouse For Programming?
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?
Since when can you use a mouse in Emacs or VI?
I've found most KVMs make it so my wireless input devices don't work. :(
Isn't this kind of like asking, "What are the best training wheels to use on the Tour de France?"
Elite programmers should be using an environment where they don't have to use the mouse at all, or use it minimally. They know key commands for everything, except maybe when you want to test out a mouse feature, in which case you can't assume the user has a cool mouse anyway.
Information theory is life. The rest is just the KL divergence.
I use a keyboard with an IBM trackpoint so i don't keep moving my right hand between keyboard and mouse. It takes a little to get used to it, but it worth the try! http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/healthycomputing/trkpnt.html
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.
Seriously, once you get used to key bindings, you end up being much faster in ide's like vim and emacs than with a mouse (yeah, I consider them ide's).
It takes some time thought, but believe me, it's worth it.
There simply isn't a better mouse in the world. All the fancy X11/Compiz shortcuts you actually need can go on it, rechargable batteries, easy to move and most of all, incredibly ergonomic.
Plus that endless scroll feature is perfect for grokking long walls of code.
The Logitech Marble Mouse trackball has four buttons, sturdy, and won't cause your neck to get strained from the fine motor control required to move a regular mouse. Mine has a USB cable; I do not know if a wireless version is available.
Wireless with built in rechargable battery that lasts several days easily for me. Lots of buttons, the scroll wheel is very nice, you can keep it in standard click mode, or use free scrolling, or toggle between the two easily; automatically or manually.
Fully programmable with lots of buttons, forward/back, and the cool thumb quick flip thing.
It contours very well in the hand, and I really like the extra lip under the thumb. It has some nice weight to it, but it's not too heavy to be tiresome. Overall it's the best mouse I've every owned.
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I do all my programming by floating through a giant VR simulation of the computer's memory with various bits of code randomly located in countless giant towers. I don't see why you would need a "mouse" for such a thing.
First of all, I'd suggest not wireless if you are worried about it 'moving' around with you not looking. Almost any wireless mouse I've used does that sometimes, with the exception of Gyration. (Microsoft, Logitech, and several off brands) Second of all, if you want sturdy feeling, you might go for one of the cases based on the Logitech mx500 (including the G5) or some of the similarly shaped Microsoft mice. (Unless you are left-handed.) The Logitech mx518 I'm using has at least 3 buttons which can be mapped to something useful. (Intended as forward, back, and app-switch. I think you can remap the +/- resolution buttons, but I haven't bothered)
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/2987&cl=us,en
the mouse I use for programming is an older variant of this one. I've been quite happy with it. scroll wheel has nice feedback for flipping thru code, it's heavy and has a nice solid feel.
I am in no way affiliated with logitech, I just like their stuff.
In Soviet Russia jokes are formulaic and decidedly non-humorous.
I had a Kensington wireless mouse that you could charge while you were using it through a simple USB cable. I thought it was great because I didn't have to worry about putting it in some silly dock and wait every time I forgot to charge it and it went dead on me.
Of course, it didn't take long before I just started using it plugged in all the time, giving me an overly expensive wired mouse.
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.
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.
You're welcome.
I made my mind up about wired/wireless things a while back, and went with wired. For the sake of a single cable, I don't have to worry about recharging things, or buying batteries, and all that wankery. It just works. It sits there. Hell, it plugs into the USB hub on the keyboard, or the USB hub on the monitor. I've never had programming issues with a wired mouse. Mostly because I know a couple of keyboard shortcuts in the software I use...
You're better off getting a keyboard without a numberpad, so that the mouse is closer to your right hand when you are typing and switching to the mouse. Numberpads should be on the left side of the keyboard, for this reason (for right handed people). Take Excel - left hand - numberpad for numbers, right hand mouse or cursors for moving. Sorted.
Howdy.
While taste in mice and features vary, one thing I would vouch for, if you're right handed and have a full keyboard, is to learn to use your mouse with your left hand. I worked with Gene Korienek in the early 1990s and we discussed how to optimize mouse motion. Since the page navigation, Return key, and numeric pad are all on your right side, using your mouse with your left hand will make you more effective for some activities such as using spreadsheets, Photoshop, web surfing, etc. I went "mouse southpaw" since then -- super-comfortable.
Now... for programming I use MacVim and a number of plug-ins and extensions. When I'm programming, unless it's something that's got a GUI or it's iPhone/Mac specific, I seldom use the mouse. One of the biggest advantages of using a keyboard instead of a mouse is sensory memory. There are actions in Vim (and possibly TextMate, emacs, etc.) that you can execute automatically, without thinking about the exact key press sequence, and without having to lift your hands off the keyboard. Check into any of these editors, add the appropriate plug-ins (e.g. "UNIX is my IDE") and see what works best for you. I went from keyboard-only (TurboPascal, Turbo C, vi/UNIX) to GUI IDE (Smalltalk/V, Symantec Cafe, Visual Studio, IDEA) back to keyboard-only for most programming tasks. Now my coding is split between keyboard-only (scripting, Java, C, assembler) and GUI/mouse for only a few environments that leave you no other option (Xcode/Interface Builder).
Cheers!
E
http://eugeneciurana.com | http://ciurana.eu
I would absolutely recommend going with a gaming-grade mouse like the Logitech G9, Creative Fata1ity 2020, or one of the new OCZ mice if you need something less expensive. The ones I mentioned have user-adjustable weights, lots of buttons, and ultra-accurate laser tracking. They are wired (reliability, etc...) but you might be able to find something comparable in wireless trim.
Best of luck - a good mouse is a very valuable computing asset.
While mildly funny, this reeks of elitism and untruth. You are associating memorization of esoteric editor commands and customization options with programming skill. While there's likely a good correlation, one can have one without the other.
On a separate note, modern IDEs, such as Eclipse, require the use of the mouse. I would argue that this streamlines the coding process, leaving the developer to focus on the actual design and logic.
My Thinkpad X61's touch point is perfect. It's in the middle of the keyboard, so there is minimal hand movement to move the mouse when typing. It moves much better than the touchpad because you don't need to reload once you reach the edge of the sensitive location. It also takes up very little room, so it works on the plane, etc.
Logitech MX-518 is the best gaming mouse I've ever used. High precision, no drift, works great on a variety of surfaces.
When I showed up for my first day of a programming job a few years ago (at a game development company), guess what mouse was plugged into my machine? Yep, an MX-518.
I have one at home, one at work and I've always been more satisfied with them.
I think there is a happy medium somewhere between totally eschewing the mouse and copy pasting individual letters to form words and lines.
Evoluent Vertical Mouse
If you have to use a mouse, it might as well be one that isn't going to destroy your wrist.
It might clash with your stereotypical clicky keyboard but it'll fit right in with that ergonomic keyboard that you actually use.
I don't get why you would need a mouse for programming.. programming languages are typed, no?
Scroll wheel
Scroll bars
Select for cut/copy and paste
Menu options
Setting and going to bookmarks
Navigating the various browsers and dropdowns
Hovering over a variable in the debugger to see its value
Many more..
Yes...they all probably have keyboard equivalents, I just consider them awkward workarounds.
Remember, you can pound in a screw with a wrench if you really want to...
A mouse is sometimes the right tool for the job
Really? I would also say, WHY?
I use a microsoft mouse... with cable. No need to recharge or change batteries. I keep my workspace clean and just the most minimal stuff, and it's so much better than when I let it be cluttered. If you have so much mess, you have worse problems than the mouse cord. Begin there.
The cord NEVER tangles, I don't even notice it at all.
Wireless are BULKIER, HEAVIER, more EXPENSIVE and the ones I bought have frizzled out. They might be prone to interference with other mice or other stuff. It's really annoying to sit down to work and find your mouse does NOT work, and you have no fresh or charged batteries.
Really, the cord does NOT get in the way. Well, not if you use it right.
That's what I was thinking: "A mouse for programming, WTF?"
The best mouse I have ever owned is my Logitech MX518. Previously I was a big fan of the regular Microsoft ball mice. I am a "twitch" gamer so I value high performance and accurate mice. Anyway, back to the MX518. As it's optical it never "clogs up" and it's wired so it always works 100% of the time with no batteries and no matter what interference is around. It has a variable sensitivity right in the mouse (no software needed) and has a high sample high for quick movement.
You guys are arguing like this is a boolean issue. It's not. I use corded mice for my desktops, and a Bluetooth mouse for my laptop. Both work flawlessly for me in each environment. The Bluetooth mouse is lighter and smaller than either of my corded mice (almost too light, as I prefer a bit of inertial feedback.) I've never had a reception issue with the Bluetooth mouse, and I've had it for over six months and have not had to change the batteries.
As for wired, cord routing isn't really a problem if you deal with it correctly. I use a binder clip with about a foot of free play between it and the mouse, and it's never been an issue since. And I do like the look of a lit-up mouse, which I can't get with a wireless mouse. (A glowing, battery-sucking mouse doesn't make much sense.)
Seriously, it's not worth getting all defensive over. There are easy solutions to the corded mouse problems. And spending about $40-$50 can get you a very reliable, very precise Bluetooth mouse. Paying $9.99 for a cheap-ass cordless mouse out of the bargain bin at Micro Center is going to set you up for serious disappointment. And I've found that paying $9.99 for a cheap-ass corded mouse can give me hand cramps. Don't be a cheap-ass and you won't have the problems.
John
The Kensington "expert" trackball. Here Big and sturdy, stays in one place so you can whack the scroll ring or paste button without looking. Most of the time my hands are on the keyboard, and when they're not I don't want to go mouse hunting. Not cheap, but TANSTAAFL.
Not on this site. Not unless he wanted to see 300 posts extolling the virtues of the Model M. Ugh.
Comment of the year
I'm rather fond of this one:
http://www.amazon.com/3M-EM500GPL-Ergonomic-Mouse-EM500GPLLARGE/dp/B00008KWWF
It has a couple of benefits over the EVM:
1) it has a base that your hand can rest on.
2) the main buttons are thumb-activated, which is good if you were getting pain from finger movement.
The main disadvantage is the lack of a scroll wheel, but I've gotten so used to button scrolling that I don't find this to be a problem.
A mouse is a very personal thing, and a new one typically takes some getting used to. Some people will like it, others will not.
p.s. They have a wireless version too now, apparently.
I have to agree with the "no mouse" posts here. If you think about the things you usually do with a mouse, they're mostly all incredibly time consuming compared to keyboard actions.
Selecting menu options is a big one: how much faster it is to type "CTRL-s" rather than moving the mouse to the "Edit" menu, clicking, moving the mouse to "Search" and clicking again. Not a big deal for casual web browsing, but if you're doing hundreds (thousands?) of searches every day it adds up.
Navigating (scroll wheel or scroll bar) is another mouse thing. Using search (from the keyboard shortcut) can usually make scrolling unnecessary. How much productivity is wasted every day by people scrolling through a code listing, searching visually for a specific string that could be located in less than 1 second with a search.
A few years ago I removed the menus and scrollbar from Emacs and would leave my mouse upside down so that it was inconvenient to use. After getting used to how fast everything could be done, it's painful to work "over the shoulder" with most other coders (everyone else where I work uses Eclipse and frequently resorts to mouse usage.)
... also, I can kill you with my brain.
I was going to ask:
"What question can I ask that so lame as to be pointless, and will still enrage enough people to cause a flamewar?"
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
Back to the topic, for the attention-deprived, a plug for my recommendation: Logitech Trackman Wheel. It's not actually manufactured any more, but is still available through any number of sources. And it's so robust, it'll last forever.
When you code, at least when you do things like I do, that is, you are using vim and a lot of xterms, it's best to have something that enables you to move your pointer without you having to move your hand a lot. What I have at work is a Thinkpad keyboard (Lenovo/IBM make those) which has a pointing stick in the middle. It's not made for accuracy (for that I have a separate mouse next to the keyboard. Which is a simple Razer Copperhead gaming mouse. The point is, you shouldn't have to move your hands too much when you code. Especially when all you do is changing xterm.
For those that use other development environments the answer may be different.
It's not a mouse really it's a trackball, and it's not wireless, but it is the best pointing device I've used for programming.
I like to keep my eyes on the code, and I use vim so I don't reach for the mouse a lot, but when I do I want to find it in the same place on my workstation every time. That's the best thing about a trackball, they don't move, the wires don't move and don't get snagged or tangled so who needs to mess with batteries or recharging. Give that ball a flick and the pointer scoots across the screen, so much better than doing push, lift, pull, drop circles with my poor old wrists.
Long time ago when I worked on Windows I used all four big buttons programmed for click, double click, hold down, and left click. Now I work in KDE, use the mouse much less, and almost never double click.
If you can find one get the old Expert Mouse. The new Expert Mouse Pro has extra buttons and a wheel and has suffered much cost reduction, it's is cheap crap compared to the original.
An important thing to remember, mice are for poking and hoping, exploring programs you have not seen before, when you know what you are doing working with a mouse versus a keyboard is like pointing and grunting versus fluent conversation.
It took a real world war to end the airplane's patent wars. - Fâché Rouge -
I love my mouse. I play starcraft and it's great for that, and I customize it and make it do a lot of stuff. But some of the things on your list, I just couldn't let slide:
- scroll bars in programming are totally useless. Page Up / Page Down, various shortcuts in vim and Emacs make them basically obsolete. Interactive search and proper knowledge of navigation techniques including setting bookmarks in your code is WAAAY more efficient than scrolling
- select for cut/copy and paste. Try learning VIM, seriously.
- menu options. This is my biggest objection. Shortcuts!! In well designed menus they're listed right next to the menu item
- setting and going to bookmarks - firefox has a great way of handling this. You add keywords to your bookmarks and then just type them in. I got $10 that says I can Ctrl+L + + Enter faster than you can click on your bookmarks