Mechanical Mouse

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Mechanical Mouse

A mechanical mouse is an input device with a rotating ball at its base, which detects movement as it rolls, translating it into cursor movement on the screen. This outdated technology has largely been replaced by optical mice.

Mechanical Mouse

A mechanical mouse, also known as a Ball mouse, is an input device that uses a mechanical tracking system to detect movement on a Surface. It consists of a ball housed inside the mouse, which rolls as the mouse is moved. The rotation of the ball is detected by a series of rollers or sensors, which convert the movement into electrical signals that are sent to the computer. The computer then uses these signals to move the cursor on the screen accordingly.

Compared to optical and Laser mice, mechanical mice are generally less precise and have a lower resolution. However, they are also more durable and less susceptible to dust and dirt, making them ideal for use in harsh or dusty environments.

Applications

Mechanical mice are commonly used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Gaming: While optical and laser mice have become more popular for gaming due to their higher precision, mechanical mice are still used by some gamers who prefer their durability and tactile feedback.
  • Industrial environments: Mechanical mice are often used in industrial settings where durability and resistance to dust and dirt are important.
  • Point-of-sale (POS) systems: Mechanical mice are commonly used in POS systems due to their reliability and ease of use.
  • Education: Mechanical mice are often used in schools and other educational settings due to their low cost and durability.

History

The mechanical mouse was invented in 1968 by Douglas Engelbart at the Stanford Research Institute. Engelbart’s mouse was a large wooden device with a metal ball that tracked the mouse’s movement.

In the 1970s and 1980s, mechanical mice became more compact and affordable, and they began to be widely adopted in personal computers. By the 1990s, mechanical mice had become the standard input device for most computers.

In the early 2000s, optical and laser mice began to replace mechanical mice in many applications due to their higher precision and resolution. However, mechanical mice remain popular in certain applications where durability and low cost are important.