There are a lot of cheap and ill performing computer mice out there, even with good reviews, and so here we’ll take a look of what we feel are the best performing and suitable options for architects, students and designers.
For most of us a computer mouse needs to firstly work and be responsive, but also look good and work ergonomically.
To offer a quick answer to the question of which mouse is best (as with our guide on external hard drives), the three options below (in descending order) provide a solid performance at different price points, but like most things, the more you pay, the better the product it.
Best high-end mouse for architects and designers
Compact Performance Mouse, Wireless, Comfort, Fast Scrolling, Any Surface, Portable, 4000DPI, Customizable Buttons, USB-C, Bluetooth - Graphite
Best mid-range mouse for architects, students and designers
Enjoy Same Click Feel with 90% Less Click Noise, 2 Year Battery Life, Ergonomic Right-Hand Shape for Computers and Laptops, USB Unifying Receiver, Black
Best budget mouse for architects, students and designers
E-YOOSO Computer Mouse 5 Adjustable DPI 6 Buttons Cordless Mouse Wireless Optical Mice with USB Nano Receiver, 2.4G Portable Ergonomic Wireless Mouse for Laptop/Windows/Mac/Office PC
What to look for before buying
Which connection?
There are two options available for connecting a mouse to a computer, via a cable or wirelessly.
Cable operated mice simply plug into the back or side of your computer or monitor, whilst wireless options can be connected via a wireless receiver, that may or may not be built into your PC, laptop or Mac.
The positives of a wireless connection are obvious, there are no cables to get in the way and look unsightly and you have much more of a free rein over where the mouse can move on your desk. You need to aware however, that especially with cheaper options, the distance the mouse can be from its receiver can be limiting.
Generally speaking you get what you pay for, cheap wireless mice will have a short transmission distances and can fall in and out signal.
You will not have this problem however with a traditional cable connection, and these in our experience offer the best reliability if you are on budget, but you do have to contend with a cable and the possible restrictions it brings.
Suitability
When deciding on the type of mouse to buy, you firstly need to consider its suitability for the type of work you will be doing and more importantly where you will be doing it.
For example, if you travel a lot and work in varying locations, you won’t be able to guarantee how much space you will have available to operate, and so in this circumstance a sensibly sized wireless mouse would be the best option.
Larger and more specialist options with or without cables are best suited to permanent desk spaces.
Extra buttons
The number of features a mouse has and can provide is down to personal preference. Some will simply just have the middle mouse wheel (an Apple mouse has nothing), and some will have multiple buttons and options that provide short cuts to on screen commands.
Specialist mice for 3D work offer the most options, but in turn are often visually very different. For us, the simpler the mouse the better.
Battery
Batteries are a key consideration when buying a wireless mouse, as the cheaper options will require them for the mouse to work, whilst more expensive products will have their own charging facilities often via a USB cable.
Keyboard combos
In our experience, when buying a keyboard and mouse combination, you can’t cut corners on price. A keyboard needs to provide a solid and well made platform to work on (the Apple keyboards are great at this) …there is nothing worse than a noisy rattling keyboard.
Cheap options and Imitations
We can’t stress enough to not buy cheap alternatives or imitations of the examples we recommend (others are available), they will feel, look and perform terribly. We’ve been there, and have ended up replacing them instantly.
A good mouse needs to sit well in your hand, feel solid and be quiet when moved, and have well placed secure buttons.
