Mouse — Pointing & Cursor Control
The precision tool that moves your cursor and drives interactions. Explore it in the interactive 3D viewer below, with the key facts about how it works and how it fits into a PC build.
By PC Anatomy contributors · Published 2026-08-11 · Updated 2026-11-12
What Is a Mouse?
A computer mouse is the precision pointing device that moves the cursor on screen, translating hand motion into cursor movement with buttons and a scroll wheel for clicks, drags, and navigation.
The mouse translates hand motion into cursor movement. An optical sensor captures surface movement thousands of times per second, while buttons and the scroll wheel trigger clicks, drags, and navigation.
What Does a Mouse Do?
A mouse moves the cursor with optical tracking, selects and drags with its buttons, scrolls through pages, and switches sensitivity on the fly for precision tasks like gaming and design work.
- Move the cursor with optical tracking.
- Select, click, and drag with primary and secondary buttons.
- Scroll through pages and documents.
- Switch sensitivity on the fly for precision tasks.
How Does a Mouse Work?
An optical sensor illuminates the surface and captures micro-images thousands of times per second, comparing them to detect movement and direction. Buttons and the scroll wheel send signals to the computer, which converts them into cursor motion and clicks.
Example Specifications
These values illustrate a common desktop setup. Specifications vary by model; check the manufacturer’s documentation before choosing or installing hardware.
| Sensor | Optical |
|---|---|
| DPI | 400 – 26,000 |
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connection | 2.4 GHz / BT / USB |
| Weight | 58 g |
Sensor and DPI
DPI (dots per inch) sets how far the cursor moves per inch of hand motion. High-DPI sensors track tiny movements for precise aim in games and pixel-level work in design tools.
Polling Rate
The polling rate is how often the mouse reports its position — modern gaming mice report up to 8,000 times per second. Higher rates feel more responsive on high-refresh monitors.
Buttons and Ergonomics
Additional side buttons provide handy shortcuts and macros. Worn micro-switches cause double-clicking, and weight and shape affect long-session comfort.
Mouse in a PC Build
The mouse is a plug-and-play peripheral that works over USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth. DPI sensitivity, weight, button count, and grip shape are the main choices for comfort, office work, and gaming.
The mouse is the natural way to point, select, and navigate. High-DPI sensors track tiny wrist movements for precise aim in games and pixel-level work in design tools.
Related Computer Components
Every part of a computer works together. Learn how the Mouse connects with the rest of the system:
References and further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mouse do?
A mouse moves the cursor and drives interactions on screen. An optical sensor tracks surface movement thousands of times per second, and its buttons and scroll wheel trigger clicks, drags, and navigation.
What is DPI on a mouse?
DPI (dots per inch) measures cursor sensitivity: how far the cursor moves per inch of physical mouse movement. Higher DPI suits fast sweeping motion; lower DPI suits precise aiming and editing.
Why is my mouse double-clicking?
Double-clicks usually come from worn micro-switches inside the buttons after years of use. The switch can be replaced, or the mouse can be replaced if the switches are not serviceable.
Explore the Mouse in 3D
Use the interactive viewer to rotate, zoom, and inspect the Mouse. Drag to orbit, scroll to zoom, and use the toolbar to reset the camera.
