Differences between Mac & PC Mouses

[benjackson]

I've noticed when using PCs that their mouses are much more precise and easier to use than the mac counterparts. I use a Logitech wireless optical mouse, and MouseZoom to get higher speeds, but I still can't get the same level of precision on my mac. Is there something different in the way Windows and MacOS handle the mouse, or is it the hardware?

 

[MisterMe]

... or the user?

 

[Qion]

Um. I'm guessing it's the user.... but maybe it's the wireless's problem. Do you have Airport running at the same time your mouse is? How about a wireless phone? These both could cause some interference which leads to jumping... but if you're using a wired mouse and you still think that mouse movements are "less precise", I would have to say that's just personal opinion.

(There's plenty of other graphic artists and photographers that would back me up on that one)

 

[ElDiabloConCaca]

If you'd like more precision, turn the mouse speed all the way down in the "Keyboard & Mouse" pane of the System Preferences. Higher speed != more precision.

 

[thendis]

I find wireless mice are frustrating for anything requiring precision, like graphic design or computer games. I've only ever used a Microsoft wireless optical on WinXP, bought about 1.5 yrs ago, so maybe theyve gotten better since then. I just find there is a *slight* delay between physical movement and on-screen movement. drives me nuts. but that's just me.

 

[Mikuro]

I think most of Logitech's mice work on both Macs and PCs. So I doubt it's the hardware. If there's a difference, it probably has to do with different drivers. You said yourself you use a third-party utility to fine-tunbe your mouse's behavior. So you'll probably need some special add-ons to get it the way you want on the Mac. I use USB Overdrive myself.

Also, I don't think it's a matter of "precision" so much as being "the way you like it". This is a very subjective thing. All I know is I MUCH prefer the feel and responsiveness of mice on Macs. But then again, I've never fine-tuned it much on Windows, and certainly never experimented with third-party drivers.