Mouse issues

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I’m having some mouse issues, and I don’t know if it’s me or the mouse.

On both of my computers (my work computer and my personal computer), when I click the left button, usually nothing happens. I have to bring my finger forward and click the front end of the left button in order to get a left-click. And on my personal computer, if I click in the center of the left button, it does a right-click; I have to click on the left edge of the left button in order for it to do a left click.

Maybe both of my mice are going bad at the same time. Maybe I need to get better mice. Or maybe my technique is deteriorating as I get older.

Does anyone know of a good, basic USB wired mouse which has good, solid buttons which can help someone like me? One which hopefully isn’t too expensive.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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GDR

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Mice do wear out, and it sounds like the switches are worn out.  There are plenty of good mice out there.  I don’t know your budget, but I like SteelSeries Rival 310, for about $39 plus shipping from amazon.  There are lots of good mice available.  Cheap mice use cheap switches, but you don’t need to spend a whole lot to find a good mouse.

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MrJimPhelps: Maybe reading your answers to the following questions might help others here make useful recommendations:

(1) Are you using the same mouse with both computers?

(2) Or do you have two mice and use one in one computer, the other in the other computer?

(2) If two mice, do you use the same mouse always with the same computer?

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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What is the ‘cleanliness’ of the work environments for these mice?
Is there a chance that they’ve picked up some contaminants that are, mechanically, partially jamming the buttons themselves? I’m thinking like threads or yarn or … don’t know what. How old (dates) are they? Usage: light, medium, heavy? Other than the problems that you’ve mentioned, have there been other anomalies? How long have these quirks been peering around?

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MrJimPhelps: I have had the same issues as you describe with every mouse, wired or wireless, with every desktop computer I have ever owned, usually beginning when the mouse device reaches about two-to-three years of age. Most frequently, the left mouse button begins double-clicking when I have only left-clicked once; whereupon I then have to right click on an item or menu choice to activate the pop-up or drop-down menu so as to be able to right-click again on the select option. My solution to these problems has been to purchase inexpensive USB-connected mouse devices as replacements, knowing full well that a new mouse device replacement will need to be purchased about every three years for each computer. Fortunately, Walmart (and others as well) sell good USB-connected mouse devices like the Logitech corded mouse for under $10.00 USD. You can spend 3-to-4 times as much for a better mouse but it will not last 3-to-4 times longer than the ten dollar Logitech mouse.

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wavy

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What about fluff?  You didn’t say whether you were using a mouse with an actual ball, or a laser mouse.  The ball could pick up fluff, and possibly give some of the errors that you hve described.

I prefer trackballs, and have to make sure that the socket in which the ball moves is clean.

Dell E5570 Latitude, Intel Core i5 6440@2.60 GHz, 8.00 GB - Win 10 Pro

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Thanks to everyone for your comments. In truth, when I am working on someone else’s computer, these are the same thoughts I have. But when I work on my own computer, I often don’t think of the simplest things; rather, I think of how I can keep that really old mouse (or whatever) going!

I’m sure that both mice are simply worn out. I’m just too cheap to replace them!

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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how ’bout ordering any inexpensive Logitech usb wired mouse from Staples:

https://www.staples.com/usb+wired+mouse/directory_usb%2520wired%2520mouse

I shop at Staples (both the online and local store) and have gotten a few of these Logitech mice for less than $30

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I would suggest buying several inexpensive, but OK mice, to avoid having the bother, every few years, of going through the process of first having problems, then living with them and living with them, until finally deciding to look for a replacement.

For example, now I have two Apple optical CD/DVD drives for my Mac, because, in my own experience, all optical drives have broken down after three or four years of frequent use (in my case, mostly watching movies and shows on DVD).

So one drive is now in use, the other is the spare, against the day this one starts to cause problems.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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I have been using Logitech M510 wireless mice for years. I absolutely love them. I have never had the micro switches for the buttons wear out. Usually it is the off-on switch on the bottom that gives up the ghost. Now I never turn off the mice, except when I am traveling. The batteries last for several months.

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Here’s what I just bought:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165222161617
Cooler Master MM720 Gaming Mouse.

I read good reviews on it – it was the cheapest good mouse on the review I read.

US$32 – Hopefully it will last longer than the cheap mice I’ve been using!

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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Looks like a very good corded mouse. Discard that ethanol alcohol cleaning pad. You definitely do not want to absorb ethanol alcohol through your skin as it is very bad!

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People drink ethanol all the time. Methanol is the one that’s highly toxic. The amount of ethanol you would absorb through your skin via the typical handling frequency of the pad is inconsequential unless you have some hypersensitivity to it; same for any vapor you might inhale.
But if you want to be extra careful, wear a pair of latex (or rubber, or …) gloves.

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Myst

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Even methanol is not a problem if one handles a pad wet with it for a short time, for example when used for cleaning a small item such as a mouse. I have handled it many times, back in the day, using it to warm up the nozzle of a kerosene heater before turning it on, and I am still here at close to 80 and with good eyesight, thank you very much.

The idea is not to drink it. It is a cheap substitute for the real thing in bootleg liquor and the news frequently come out about tens of people dying or going blind after drinking cheap booze at a big party somewhere, mostly in still “dry” parts of the world. It was a big deal during prohibition in the USA, and one that metaphorically speaking, raised a big warning sign, written in large and red block letters, on the dangers of outright prohibition of things that make people feel good, but are bad for them.

More dangerous than methanol is the isopropyl alcohol used to clean monitor screens and various bits and pieces of computer hardware: clogged printer heads, for example. One should be really, really careful handling it. Or breathing in its vapors:

https://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1076.pdf

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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I have the Logitech M325 wireless mouse for the PC and have had no problems with it. The battery lasts a long time when I remember to use the on/off switch at the bottom. Recently bought a rechargeable Bluetooth mouse I use for the iPad, Mac and Chromebook. Both have been very stable and price on these two mice is affordable. Each are under 20 bucks on Amazon depending on color.

MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, and SOS at times.

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Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is much less dangerous than methyl alcohol (methanol). I know because I work with several certified labs who readily work with IPA, yet refuse to work with methanol since there is high risk of their employees inhaling fumes from methanol. On the other hand IPA is used to rub your skin every time when you get a shot, such as a COVID vaccination.

Ingesting as little as 10 mL (0.34 US fl oz) of pure methanol can cause permanent blindness by destruction of the optic nerve.

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Update: My Cooler Master MM720 Gaming Mouse is a very nice mouse:

* It fits my hand perfectly (I am right-handed). It was obviously designed for a right-handed person. (I wonder if they make a left-handed version?)

* It has a really solid, quality feel about it, much more so than the cheap mice I have been using.

* The cursor moves fast as I move the mouse; if I hold it snuggly between my thumb and little finger, I have excellent control of the mouse.

One day I will figure out how to configure the mouse in Linux Mint XFCE; for now I am happy.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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Update: I don’t know what I did, but now my mouse keeps changing colors! It’s driving me up the wall! The instruction booklet that came with it is almost worthless for turning off the colors. There is no support on their website unless I join Fanzone, which I will not do. The FAQ section gives me an error when I click on the link.

They have some software for Windows 10 and 11, but nothing for Linux.

If I don’t figure this out soon, I will return it to Ebay for a refund. (I’d prefer to smash it with a hammer, but I don’t want to lose the $30+ that I spent on it!)

It’s a great mouse, other than the continually changing colors.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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Go to the product page for your MM720:

https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/peripheral/mice/mm720/#item1

Scroll down to near the bottom of the page and click on the Support button. This should result in download links for Product Sheet, Quick Start Guide, and the MasterPlus software for your mouse.

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Should’a gotten a Ford Model T – “Any color you want … along as you want black.”

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Posting a question on a linux support forum could help.  Even if there is no official driver there may be someone who has crafted a solution.

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Update: After trying to get some help with my mouse, and getting none, I have decided to ask for a refund from Ebay.

Here’s what happened:

* I did a search and found that another person had the same issue. He fixed it by downloading and installing the MasterPlus software, then disabling the mouse combo feature in the software.

* I then went to coolermaster.com and clicked on Tech Support. I couldn’t find anywhere to download the software, but there was a Chat option, so I chose it. Following was my chat:

8:33 AM
This conversation will remain available for up to 24 hrs after the chat is closed. To remove it sooner, choose End Chat from the drop-down menu.
My mouse (MM720) keeps changing colors! How do I get the color/light to go off, or to stay on only one color?This message didn’t send.

8:33 AM
Hey Guest 5857, thanks for reaching out! Please create a ticket at account.coolermaster.com, if you’re experiencing difficulties with one of our products.

If you have a parts request, please contact our support team and open a support ticket with [Part Request] in the title.

You can also ask your question on our Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/coolermaster
Seen

You started chat session with our operator
To stop this chat just press Stop Chat button, or send “stop chat” message.
Stop Chat
So you’re going to make me go through all that, when all I want to know is how to set the mouse so the colors don’t keep changing?This message didn’t send.
Hello?This message didn’t send.
I tried going on Discord, but it would never let me past the Captcha. Since you people make it so incredibly difficult to get help for simple things, I will return my mouse to the Ebay seller from whom I bought it, and I will post my experience there for all the world to read. Sad, because it’s a great mouse other than for the stupid color changes, and other than for your refusal to answer a simple question.

Discord would never accept my choices on the Captcha; it made me keep doing it over and over. Also, “this message didn’t send” sounded like I got a canned “response” to my question, but there never was any actual chat going on.

I was also given the option of joining FanZone to get an answer to my question. I really did not want to join something just to see if I could get an answer to my question; and it sounded like no one from Cooler Master was going to help me, rather another user would.

As I said in the chat window, it’s a great mouse except for the constant color changes, which drive me up the wall.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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ScotchJohn

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Update: Here’s what I did to fix this: I purchased a cheap wireless mouse. I bought the Logitech M185 USB wireless mouse for US$14.95 at Office Depot. I agree with GoneToPlaid that Logitech wireless mice are good quality, so I bought the cheapest regular-sized one that they had. I plugged in the USB dongle, and it instantly started working.

And quite frankly, it is nice not to have a wire attached to the mouse.

Update on the CoolerMaster mouse: I returned the mouse to the seller and received a full refund in my bank account for the purchase price.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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I am using a Logitech wireless mouse, no track ball. The problem I am having is when I open my eM Client, & click on a e-mail, then use my mouse pointer on the scroll bar, I get a little symbol & my scroll button gets hard to move. I have checked all my mouse settings, but it doesn’t show anything about the symbol & auto – scroll. I just keep hitting the button till it can get of that mode. Has anyone ever heard of this? BTW I use Win – 21H2 OS….

GDR

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Inadvertent clicks of the mouse wheel is a fairly frequent issue, but I don’t think there’s a general solution for all programs.

Windows 11 Pro version 22H2 build 22621.1778 + Microsoft 365 + Edge

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There is a solution to the wheel click issue but it involves cutting the track to that switch, which is where I went as my mouse is cheap and the effect as I view it is such as to make me wonder why someone would create that feature with such range, sensitivity at the control and buffer size such that a minor twitch buffers enough screen roll to get through pages. Note how none of the wheel parameters on the main.cpl wheel tab can be set to zero either, though I guess dropping from 3 to 1 might make it useful, I wanted the option “off”.

As to the dodgy left button, some annoying people can use the switch primary and secondary buttons (main.cpl, first (buttons) tab) and put the mouse on the opposing side of the keyboard without having issues using a different hand (effectively wearing out the right click switch while waiting to go shopping..). The fun starts when someone else decides to replace the “dodgy mouse” with theirs, as the setting seems to persist..

 

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Thanks oldguy, I am also a oldguy. If the problem continues I will buy a USB wired mouse. Thanks for the reply, GDR…

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Update: I haven’t been able to find a mouse where the buttons always work, unless I extend my finger all the way to the front of the button. So I went on Ebay and bought a brand-new, still in the package Microsoft PS/2 mouse. I recall that back in those days, a Microsoft mouse was one of the best mice you could buy. And I have a PS/2 mouse connector available, since I have a PS/2 keyboard and am using only the keyboard connector of my PS/2 to USB adapter.

I’ll post back here when I get the mouse and have tried it out.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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I received my “new” mouse this morning – never opened, still in the original packaging. I hooked it up to my laptop, and it was everything I remember from the old days – the buttons work perfectly, without having to contort my hand into an unnatural position. And the ball works perfectly too. Although it is a bit slower than an optical mouse, it is fast enough.

My take on this: mouse companies have evidently been cutting tiny corners over the years, resulting in poor button quality these days. By getting this mouse, I am going back to a time when quality was more important that it apparently is today.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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Jim, thank you for your many updates on this, keeping us informed.

I’ve been watching your posts as you’ve methodically worked through the issues that you have encountered.

I’m beginning to experience similar issues so I’m going to re-read your posts before jettisoning my current wired rodent.

Rick

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MrJimPhelps

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I enjoy reading everyone’s comments and seeing the experiences they have had.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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I have had a number of mice wear out and act strangely when they do. First thing I check with wireless mice is a fresh set of batteries.

If still having issues, then I buy a replacement. I accept that they all have finite lifetimes, and they don’t build them like they used to.

My go-to these days is the Logitech M705 Marathon Mouse. I have three of them. 🙂

Full size, wireless, with a hyper-fast flywheel style scroll wheel that lets you spin your way through long documents. Don’t think I could live without that feature now! On/off button allows you to toggle standard scroll mode.

Currently on sale for $29.99 (regularly $49.99).

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/mice/m705-wireless-mouse.910-001935.html

For: Win/Mac/Chromebook

Windows 10 Pro 22H2

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Back in the days when wired, PS/2 mice with a ball were the standard, I occasional used my soldiering skills to “swap” the left/right switches inside the mouse when the main left-click started acting up (back then, a “working” right-click wasn’t as important as it is today.)

That’s basically no longer possible with modern mice, the switches are now “surface mounted” to the PCB, so I keep a few spares of my favorite mouse on hand for when the one I’m using craps out.

Current mouse is a 4 yr old wireless, optical, Logitech M325 with 2 spares on-hand just in case.

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Microfix

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Another logitech M325 user with a spare, been a trusty little rodent for many a year.
We use Logitech wired 2 button optical USB wheel mice (with usb>ps2 adaptor) for the desktops with another spare. There was a neat registry trick where one could alter the dpi/ resolution/ threshhold of these which turned out to be excellent vfm* for gaming during the early-mid XP era and still going strong today nearly 20 years later!
vfm* = value for money

Keeping IT Lean, Clean and Mean!

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alejr

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Microfix wrote:

There was a neat registry trick where one could alter the dpi/ resolution/ threshhold of these

It’s also possible to edit the “default.xml” file the Logitech SetPoint S/W uses to restore the functions Logitech removed from some of their mouse buttons (i.e. double-click for the middle button for the M325.)

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Microfix

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