What are technologies used by cordless mice to communicate their movements to the computer system unit?

In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Computers have made a significant impact on the modern world of technology. They have come a long way from enhancing communication systems to performing calculations on numerical data with great ease.

This programmable devices make life easier for human beings in various ways. But behind the machine, there is a great deal of computer accessories that support its primary functions: input, output, processing, and storage.

In this article, we will focus on input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, as these two devices involve most interactions with a computer.

A keyboard enables a computer user to enter data, commands, and programs into the CPU (Central Processing Unit), whereas a mouse translates physical motion into motion on a computer video display screen.

They may look like ordinary computer accessories, but they are more than that. Keyboards and mice play an important role in computer functionality. They are like puzzle pieces, without them—a computer system is no use.

To help you have a better understanding of these computer components and accessories, we have compiled a list of pointers about input devices, mainly focusing on these two. We also included some tips that you may find useful when purchasing a keyboard and mouse set.

Computer Input Devices

To use a computer effectively, it must have channels for receiving input from the user, as well as for delivering output to the user.

Input refers to the mode by which data enters the computer. Input devices include a keyboard, which early computers used to allow the user to enter data. And a mouse that lets the user select an item to run a program. These two later became a standard component of a computer.

Output devices are essential as well. Output refers to the mode by which data is delivered. Displays like video display terminal (VDT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) are the most known output devices. Speakers for audio output and printers for printed output are also included.

Computer Accessories: Mouse

While completely new devices are regularly introduced, some standards are upgraded and iterated upon, like the computer mouse. In modern times, there are 2 primary types of mice: wired and wireless.

Before we go on, we must understand what a computer mouse is. A mouse is a hand-operated input device used to control the cursor in a GUI (graphical user interface) to navigate to different items on the screen.

The mouse is placed on a flat surface, such as a mouse pad or desk, in front of your computer. Moving the mouse pointer on the screen can shift and select text, icons, files, and folders on your computer.

It can have 1 button, 2 buttons, 3 buttons, or even 3 buttons and a scroll button. But most PCs now have a mouse with 2 buttons and a scroll button in the centre. A mouse can be connected to the system unit or can be wireless.

Different Types of Computer Mice

There are various types of computer mouse available in the market. These include:

• Mechanical Mouse. A refined version of Engelbart’s original mouse, a mechanical mouse uses a metal or rubber ball that rolls in any direction as the user moves/controls it. The two rollers attached to the body tracks the movement and convert it into a command that the computer decodes.

• Optical Mouse. This utilises a light-emitting diodes (LEDs) sensor to detect motion then sends that information to the computer to operate as per movement.

• Wireless Mouse. As the name suggests, this type of computer mouse has no wires. RF and Bluetooth mice fall under this category.

• Vertical Mouse. Resembling a shark’s fin, a vertical mouse stands upright with the primary buttons located at the sides. For people who suffer from wrist pain, this type of mouse is worth a try.

• Stylus Mouse. A stylus is very similar to a pen, and are mostly enjoyed by artists. It is held using a writing position and draws on a pressure-sensitive pad.

• Cordless 3-D Mouse. A 3D mouse like this can be pointed at the computer screen like a TV remote.

Computer Accessories: Keyboard

Whether it is a personal computer or a laptop, a keyboard is necessary as it is the best interface device to input data. No computer is complete without it.

Resembling a typewriter, this peripheral device has special keys that do certain things, mainly used for typing text onto the computer screen. It consists of multiple buttons, including letters, numbers, symbols, and special characters like the Atl key and Windows. The numbers and letters are arranged on the keyboard the same as in the typewriter, helping the user to type quickly.

Different Types of Keyboard

Most computer users use the standard QWERTY keyboard. But just like a computer mouse, keyboards now come in a wide range of styles.

Styles of computer keyboard include the following:

• Ergonomic Keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards benefit body posture as they reduce strain and better fit the user. So instead of bending your hands, an ergonomic keyboard lets you straighten your hands. Plus, the space bar is a lot bigger than a regular one, which enables fast typing.

• Flexible Keyboard. Made of soft silicone, this highly portable keyboard acts the same as a normal keyboard, connecting to the computer via a USB (universal serial bus) connection serial port. But what makes this keyboard unique is that it is water and dust-resistant and does not require constant cleaning.

• Wireless Keyboard. A wireless keyboard connects to computers, laptops, iPads, or tablets without any cables. Hence the name. This type of keyboard uses radio-frequency (FR), infrared (IR), or Bluetooth technology to connect with devices. It reduces the wires around while allowing the user to operate a PC or laptop from a flexible distance.

• Mechanical Keyboard. Commonly used in both home and office, this keyboard is designed with high durability and responsiveness, and is built to last. It provides crisp click sound, medium resistance, and better feedback for ultimate typing and gaming performance. What’s more, it offers unique features such as LED lighting, key construction, and PCB board as compared to traditional keyboards.

• Gaming Keyboard. Designed in mind especially for gamers, this keyboard highlights specific keys like W, A, S, D, and the arrow keys used for games. Gaming keyboards often have faster input response. They also often have additional keys for keybinding commonly used actions.

The overall design and location where you will place the mouse relative to the keyboard are important considerations when purchasing a set. Mouse buttons should be easy to click, move, and the cursor should move accurately on the screen.

Moreover, the size and the shape of the mouse should fit your hand comfortably. Hold the mouse with your hand in a neutral posture and your hand should not be bent up or down or sideways.

As for the keyboard, consider what kind of work you will be doing with your keyboard and chose the type that will suit your purpose. If it is for work, you can opt for the standard or ergonomic keyboard. But if it is for gaming, a gaming keyboard is ideal.

Wiltronics Computer Accessories: Keyboards & Mouse

Check out our wide range of computer accessories: keyboards and mice.

HP Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set

The quality HP wireless keyboard & wireless mouse (CM2140) allows maximum productivity and precise accuracy.

The keyboard comes with a simple plug-and-use USB Nano dongle to provide a convenient wireless connection. Dedicated hotkeys provide immediate access to Windows 10 features and adjustable legs provide the perfect tilt for your typing comfort.

Other product features include:

• Simple plug-and-use USB dongle to provide liberating wireless connection
• Adjustable legs provide the perfect tilt for your typing comfort
• Dedicated hotkeys to provide instant access to features in Windows 10
• HP wireless mouse, with 2 batteries and USB dongle

You might also like this full-sized HP wireless keyboard (CM2130).

Wireless Keyboard & Mouse 2.4GHz

This all in one wireless keyboard and mouse solution (CM2174) is perfectly suited for use on your Raspberry Pi Computer or other home and office PC applications. It features a QWERTY keyboard and an ergonomically designed precision mouse with a scroll wheel.

You can connect to your Raspberry Pi Computer or PC with the nano-sized USB receiver tucked into the base of the mouse. Other features include:

• Battery-powered wireless functionality
• Up to 10m operating range
• Operates on the 2.4GHz spectrum
• Batteries included

Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad

Interacting with a Raspberry Pi or PC has never been easier with this wireless keyboard/mouse (CM2177) combo. With a full-featured keyboard, a set of function keys and a fully functioning mouse, this mini wireless combo is perfect for a massive range of applications—thanks to its wireless support across a range of products, not just the Raspberry Pi.

Note: This is not a Bluetooth device.

Other features include:

• 2.4GHz RF communication (USB Dongle receiver supplied)
• Fully featured trackpad/touchpad mouse
• 30 hours of working time
• 800mAh replaceable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Recharge Battery from any USB port – includes USB-to-mini USB charging cable
• Small and lightweight – comfortable to use
• Auto-sleep and wake feature extends battery life

Slim USB Computer Keyboard – QWERTY

This is a slim design QWERTY USB Keyboard (CM2158) ready for use on your Raspberry Pi B+ Computer and is perfect for everyday use! You can change the inclination of the keyboard with two stands discreetly tucked away on the sides.

Optical Mouse

This optical mouse (CM2182) features 2 buttons and a scroll wheel. Easy to set up and USB powered, so no need for batteries.

Black Wireless Mouse

Boasting an ergonomic design, this black wireless mouse (JXM5247) features a customisable DPI precision from 800 to 1600 to match your preference. Other product features include:

• Wireless operation up to 10m
• Battery saver mode
• Up to 14″/second tracking speed
• USB 1.1 compatible
• Sleep mode

Plain Black Mouse Pad

This plain black mouse pad mat (JXM5099) is suitable for all types of computer mice. With high-quality and durable performance, it provides easy and smooth movement.

Made from a blend of Polyester and Spandex and is only 2mm thick. It also has a non-skid surface that holds the mat in place.

Laptop Cooling Pad Dual Fan

Prevent your PC from overheating with this laptop cooling pad dual-fan (JXC5211)! Featuring a non-slip design and dual 140mm fans, simply place your laptop on this pad to prevent it from overheating.

Great for smaller computers when gaming or photo editing, and it simply plugs into your USB port!

© Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 2021