Best mouse for programming [Reviews 2021] – Full Buyer’s Guide
Looking for a comfortable mouse for programming?
Stop searching; this is the right guide for you!
We’ll see in this review all the best mice for programmers for each category, to make sure you find the one that’s right for you.
Whether you’re looking for a customizable mouse, a vertical mouse, or an ergonomic mouse, you’ll find the best choice for you.
Let’s jump into the reviews!
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A mouse is an essential tool for a programmer. A lambda mouse can reduce your productivity but can also cause hand fatigue. With a multitude of choices on the market, a programmer could be confused to select the best mice for his needs. This guide should help.
11 Best Mice for Programmers
Comparison Table – Best Mouse for Programming
| Mice | Reason to choose | DPI | Wireless | Price |
| Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse | Convenient button customization | 4000 | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Anker Wireless Vertical Mouse | Effective design | 1600 max | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Razer Basilisk X | Amazing performance | 16000 | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Logitech G602 | Best Choice for programmers | 2500 | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Corsair Nightsword RGB | RGB LED | 18000 | No | Shop now at Amazon |
| Lenovo 0A36188 | Right and left-handed usage | 1200 | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Logitech M557 | Side-to-Side scrolling | 1000 | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Dell Premier | Right and left-handed usage | 1600 | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
| Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 | Best Vertical Mouse for programming | nc. | No | Shop now at Amazon |
| Razer DeathAdder Elite | High precision | 16000 | No | Shop now at Amazon |
| Logitech m570 trackball | TrackBall Mouse | nc. | Yes | Shop now at Amazon |
Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse – Best Choice
The MX Master 2S has been designed to offer high performance compared to its reasonable price. It is perfectly suitable for daily use thanks to its ergonomics that does not tire your hand. You will be able to use it without any problem for hours of programming instances. It has low latency with high precision (4000dpi).
In terms of durability, its design and construction are unmatched by any other mouse on the market. Indeed, to increase its robustness, Logitech has opted for a weight of 5.8 ounces. This may seem high, but it does not in any way reduce its performance and comfort of use.
Thanks to these 7 customizable buttons and its scroll wheel, you will be able to program several shortcuts for your different needs. The reactivity of the buttons is very fast what’s more.
The Logitech Performance MX mouse works on both Windows and Apple operating systems, and you can also connect to up to 3 devices at once. You’ll be able to juggle with your laptop and desktop computer, for example.
The Logitech Performance MX mouse has outperformed many models because of its responsiveness and ease of use. None of its competitors can compete with it for these features. That’s why gamers use it so much.
On the other hand, it is not designed for everyone. Its design is ideal only if you are right-handed. I don’t recommend it for left-handed people, you may be disappointed by the design and other mouse models are much better for you.
Its main shortcoming is the frequency of battery drain.
Pros :
- Convenient and responsive button customization
- Works very well without a mouse pad
- Can be used during recharging
- Solid
Cons :
- Mouse design not suitable for left-handed users
- Battery life
- Not the best mouse for gamers
Anker Wireless Vertical Mouse – Best Vertical Mouse
If you’re looking for a low-profile vertical model for occasional use, the Anker mouse is for you. Despite its low price, its elegance is textured with solid quality of life features. Its natural look prevents your hand from slipping thanks to its rubberized finish.
Its two-button design is complemented by two thumb buttons that allow you to switch easily from back to front; it’s a real asset that can help you in many applications from simple web browsing to more serious games. The buttons are rigid, it will take some time to get comfortable with this mouse.
The three different DPI settings (800/1200/1600 DPI) allow you to find the cursor speed best suited to your particular sensitivities.
The Anker mouse offers a sleep function after 8 minutes of inactivity. To exit standby, you will need to press the left or right button.
The mouse weighs just over 3.4 oz which is quite reasonable for this type of mouse and therefore makes it easy to handle. It also has a slot to store the USB dongle, useful to avoid losing the USB Dongle while you are on the move.
The ANKER mouse is a wireless mouse that uses 2 AA batteries that last almost three months. You can also pair it with your PC, MAC or as a TV controller that creates a 2.4G wireless connection.
These dimensions are as follows: 120×62.8×74.8 mm
Pros :
- Great value for a low price
- Next/Previous buttons for web browsing
- Automated energy saving mode
- Elegant and attractive design
Cons :
- Below-average optical tracking
- Brower Back and Froth buttons are misplaced
Razer Basilisk X: Best Mouse for programming
This mouse was designed by the most popular manufacturer among gamers: Razer. Razer is the number one manufacturer of gaming peripherals in the United States. It is perfectly suited for programmers.
Razer Basilisk X is one of the best mice for programmers regarding the number of customization options. It has 6 programmable buttons that allow complex macro functions to be reconfigured and assigned via Razer Synapse 3. The software supplied with the mouse allows you to change DPI preferences (with a maximum of 16000DPI). The default settings are already so well programmed that you don’t need to change them.
The Razer Basilisk X offers dual-mode connectivity: it supports Bluetooth for efficient power consumption and HyperSpeed Wireless for lag-free gaming. In fact, this technology dramatically reduces latency and also reduces interference. Its autonomy is 450 hours on Bluetooth and 285 hours on HyperSpeed Wireless.
The dimensions of the mouse are 130x60x42 mm. With the battery, the weight will reach a little more than one hundred grams. The power and connectivity units can be handled under the hand rest. Thanks to the mechanical switches, the mouse supports up to 50 million clicks.
The Razer Basilisk X comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Amazing performance
- Dual-mode for connectivity
- Long battery life
Cons:
- No wired backup
- Lack of DPI indicator
Logitech G602 – Best Vertical Mouse
The logitech G602 has a robust design that is perfect for programmers and gamers. Its ergonomics are well thought out and therefore comfortable to use every day no matter the size of your hand. It is possible to set the DPI (between 250 and 2500) to please the largest number of people (for web browsing or programming for example). Its precision is increased thanks to the Delta Zero sensor technology, it is possible to use it on different surfaces.
The G602 is a wireless mouse that works with disposable batteries. Its autonomy can go up to 250 hours (it works best with polaroid AA batteries). It also has a battery saver.
The mouse has 11 easily customizable buttons and the supplied software is easy to install and compatible with Windows and OS X.
Mouse dimensions: 5.5 L x 3.3 L x 1.7 H inches.
Pros:
Reliable design
Convenient customization with 11 programmable buttons
Provides excellent grip
Cons:
Large and somewhat heavy construction
Corsair Nightsword RGB – Best RGB Mouse
The new Corsair Nightsword mouse has been designed for right-handed users. It is very well suited for programming and for Gaming (FPS and MOBA in particular) thanks to the thumb support. It has been designed with a comfortable contoured shape that fits your hand naturally with high-performance rubber grips inspired by the mice of e-sports players.
Thanks to its 18,000 DPI native PixArt PMW3391 optical sensor (adjustable in 1 DPI steps), accuracy and sensitivity are ultra-precise.
It has ten fully programmable buttons that allow you to program multiple macros, especially useful for the picky gamer. It includes two sets of weights with six mounting locations that allow you to adjust the weight between 119 and 141 grams to fit your hand perfectly.
Available in wired mode only. These dimensions are 5.08 x 3.38 x 1.71 inches.
Pros :
- Adaptable weight system
- Efficient sensor with granular level adjustment
- Extra thumb support
- A harmonious design of RGB light
Cons :
- Rubber design can slide the hand
- Only for right-handed people
Lenovo 0A36188 – Ambidextrous Mouse
The Lenovo Laser Mouse 0A36188 is designed for both right- and left-handed users. Its finish is pleasant to the touch and can be used for hours of programming. The scroll wheel with 4 lateral directions can be used as a button and function key.
The high resolution 1200 DPI laser sensor makes it a precise and sensitive controller, using Bluetooth 3.0 technology to connect to your various devices. It is also possible to use a small USB dongle for devices that are not equipped with Bluetooth. The micro-size USB dongle fits neatly inside the mouse; ideal for your travels.
Along with the mouse, you will receive the two necessary batteries so that you can use it directly.
These dimensions are as follows: 3.80 x 2.20 x 1.30 inches.
Pros:
- Suitable for right- and left-handed people
- A pleasant finish
- The tilt wheel allows scrolling through the pages
Cons:
- No DPI indicator
Logitech M557 – Side-to-Side scrolling
The Logitech M557 is designed for right or left-handed users. It’s perfectly suited for use with your fingertips or palm, whether you’re on a laptop or desktop computer. The optical mouse is very responsive and convenient.
With its side scroll wheel, you can scroll up and down through documents, but you can also tilt the scroll wheel to move from one page to another. It is very useful for juggling several programs or software.
The mouse comes with a customization software that allows you to optimize the mouse precision to the maximum, this will increase your programming efficiency.
Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, it is possible to connect to any type of computer equipped with Bluetooth. It works on Mac, Windows, Chrome OS, and Android.
The battery life is extremely long with an autonomy of one year. On top of that, it has a standby mode to push the battery life to the maximum.
The dimensions are as follows: 1.34 x 2.28 x 3.93 inches. Its weight is 2.16 ounces.
Pros :
- Solid build
- Completely noiseless wheel
- The supplied software allows configuring the mouse actions
- Battery Lifetime
Cons :
- Too small for large hands
Dell Premier – Best mouse with 1600 DPI laser
The DELL PREMIER WM527 mouse is suitable for right-handed users. The mouse’s ergonomics are very flexible, the ARC design offers significant comfort and reduces fatigue during long programming sessions. The mouse has a 1600 DPI laser sensor and works very well on different surfaces such as glass (track-on-glass) or shiny surfaces.
As for connectivity, the WM527 mouse can be used in a 2.4GHz wireless connection or with Bluetooth 4.0 technology. The USB dongle to be paired with 6 different devices, so no need to carry many cables and peripherals on the go. It is also possible to connect the mouse to two computers simultaneously thanks to the two types of connectivity.
The dimensions are as follows: 4.46 x 2.63 x 1.44 inch. Its weight is 3.04 ounce.
Pros :
- Ergonomic design
- Dual connectivity (Bluetooth and wireless)
- 5 adjustable buttons
Cons :
- Not an ambidextrous mouse
Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 – Best Vertical Mouse for Programming
The Evoluent VM4R mouse is a very good quality mouse, it is a very good choice for programmers and developers. This ergonomic mouse will help you avoid pain and discomfort due to long programming sessions. This mouse is vertical, this has the advantage of not stiffening your wrist and maintaining a good posture. The thumb rest has been redesigned to offer even more comfort compared to previous versions of the Evoluent line. It is especially suitable for right-handed users.
Its shape has been carefully sculpted for uncompromising comfort and easy access to the 6 programmable buttons. You can configure the mouse with the included VerticalMouse Mouse Manager software for button customization.
Like most good mice on the market, it is possible to adjust the pointer speed. This can be adjusted using the mouse sensors. In addition to this, light-emitting diodes mounted on the top of the mouse, which pass through the chrome thumb rest, indicate the selected pointer speed.
The mouse works in wired mode, it does not have a wireless connection. It is plug-n-play compatible with all current operating systems (Windows, OS X, or Linux).
Mouse Dimension: 5.4 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches
Mouse weight: 7 ounces
Pros:
- Ergonomic Mouse
- Change of the DPI possible
- Good software
Cons:
- No wireless connection
Razer DeathAdder Elite – High Precision
The Razer DeathAdder Elite is part of RAZER’s world-renowned line of high-performance gaming mice. This mouse features a rubberized and grooved scroll wheel for increased precision and control.
Its grip offers optimal comfort thanks to the small tactile bumps. So if you need extreme support and a perfect grip, I really recommend the Razer DeathAdder Elite.
It has 7 customizable and programmable buttons thanks to the Razer Synapse software. You can assign these 7 buttons to complex macros, ideal for programmers who also play video games.
It has been designed with a high-precision 16000 DPI optical sensor. It is possible to adjust the sensitivity of the mouse with dedicated reprogrammable DPI buttons.
The mouse has a beautifully immersive and customizable set of RGB colors. It is possible to configure from a color set of 16.8 million combinations. This illuminator is synchronizable with games and peripherals compatible with Razer Chroma and Philips Hue products.
It is also equipped with mechanical switches that can support up to 50 million clicks. Razer DeathAdder Elite is guaranteed for 2 years.
It can only be used in wired USB mode. It works perfectly on Windows.
Mouse size: 2.9 x 1.69 x 5 inches
Mouse weight: 4.6 ounces
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- 7 programmable buttons
- Customizable RBG color
Cons:
- No wireless mode
Logitech m570 trackball – Best TrackBall Mouse for Programming
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The LOGITECH WIRELESS M570 TRACKBALL mouse allows you to use a marble-look trackball under your thumb. A trackball is a pointing device that allows you to move your cursor by rolling a ball that spins, but remains stationary on your desktop. Your hand will naturally adapt to the ergonomic design of the mouse. You won’t feel tired even after long hours of work since you can move the cursor without moving your hand or arm, thus avoiding overloading your wrist.
The mouse features Logitech’s advanced 2.4 GHz system for data transmission with no delays or data loss. You can even control your device up to 30 feet away with the same accuracy and speed.
With its plug-and-forget Unifying receiver, you can connect up to five other Unifying-compatible devices, such as a wireless keyboard. This is very useful when you don’t have enough USB ports on your laptop or desktop computer.
The battery life is excellent compared to other models on the market. In fact, you will be able to use the mouse for 18 months without having to change the battery. The mouse requires only one AA battery to operate and has an indicator light to estimate the remaining battery life.
The LOGITECH M570 Trackball can be used on virtually any surface. It is compatible with Windows, Linux and MAC OS X operating systems with versions 10.5 or higher. For MAC users, in order to fully use the functions of the back, front and center buttons, you will need to install additional software.
Mouse size: 9.8 x 2.6 x 8.9 inches
Mouse weight: 6.4 ounces
Pros:
- Ergonomic design with trackball
- Works on various surfaces
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- No bluetooth connectivity
What You Need In A Mouse for Programming
Among this wide range of choices, it can be difficult to find the best mouse for programmers. Nowadays, computer mice come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Professional programmers simply cannot use the classic mouse models because of the long hours in front of their computers.
In order to choose the best mouse for programming, you have to decide what is important for you. The different influencing factors for you decide to choose are:
- Design and Ergonomics
- Wireless/Wired Cable
- Programmable Buttons
- Scroll Wheel
- Left or Right Handed
Best Mouse for Programming – Design and Ergonomics
We use our mouse several times a day, so it is important to have a comfortable mouse to avoid unnecessary pain. The majority of today’s mice have an ergonomic design. The three main types of ergonomic mice are :
- Sculpted
- Vertical
- Trackball
To relax your hand, your fingers must be parallel to your body. Vertical mice are often considered the best from an ergonomic point of view, but they are not the only options. A sculpted mouse can do the job very well if it is well designed. Mice with trackball technology also offer freedom of movement for your fingers.
Best Mouse for Programming – Wireless/Wired Cable
Wired mice offer the advantage that you don’t have to worry about the battery or the loss of the USB dongle.
But with wireless mice, you don’t have to worry about the wires.
Each of these 2 modes has its own utility, you must see this according to your uses.
Best Mouse for Programming – Programmable Buttons
Programmable buttons can save you a lot of time and can be very useful for programming or video games. However, on some mice, improperly placed soft buttons can be detrimental to ergonomics. With mice with programmable buttons, it is often necessary to install third-party software to customize them.
If you don’t think you need it, it’s best to look at a mouse with few or no customizable buttons.
Best Mouse for Programming – Scroll Wheel
A scroll wheel on the mouse allows you to scroll through your code faster. For me, it is indispensable for programmers. You should not neglect this aspect when choosing a mouse.
Best Mouse for Programming – Left or Right Handed
For left-handed people, it is important to choose a mouse that is suitable for use with the left hand. Be sure to consult the documentation so that you are not disappointed when you purchase.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have reviewed the best mice for programming. We have proposed different types of mice to satisfy all the different programmer profiles. I hope this will help you in your final choice! If you still have doubts about several models, please feel free to send me your comments. I will be happy to help you in your choice.
If you are looking for a monitor for programming, you can consult this complete guide :
8 best monitor for programming coding
If you are looking for a keyboard for programming, you can consult this other guide :
See you soon for new reviews!
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