STACK #224 June 2023

TECH FEATURE

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TOOLS O THE TRA

The mighty mouse If you’re upgrading a keyboard, why stop there? Don’t overlook the importance of the humble mouse. A mouse, like a keyboard, is in constant use throughout the working day and, as such, needs to be built for the job at hand. The stability and speed of wired mice are preferable for competitive gamers, but in our opinion, it’s hard to go past a wireless mouse in the office. Wireless mice are far less restrictive, free up space in small work areas, and don’t snag on water bottles or triple espressos. The first step is to pick a mouse that feels good in your paw. Ergonomics play an essential role in limiting complications with RSI and mouse-wrist. The upright handshake grip of an ergonomic mouse, for instance, takes the pressure off the wrist, ensuring a smooth and comfortable operation. Optical and laser technology offer different subtle advantages, with the latter, for example, being able to operate on most surfaces, including glass. For the ideal office mouse, look for comfort and a good quality build from a brand you know you can trust. A higher-end wireless mouse offers comfort, precision, and reliability.

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Like Batman and Robin, the keyboard and mouse combo are inseparable, and have been for over 50 years.Today we take them for granted, which often translates to the lack of investment we put into them: any old keyboard or mouse will do, right? Well, in short, no. Spend any time with a quality mechanical keyboard or premium mouse, and you’ll soon see why quality – and productivity – rule supreme. Words Bec Summer

Logitech MX Master 3s Performance Wireless Mouse

The result of ongoing generational improvements, if you’re looking for a top-shelf wireless office mouse, you’ve found it. An excellent battery life, comfortable grip, and second horizontal

Mechanical keyboard? Say what?

scrolling wheel make the MX Master 3s a force to be reckoned with. It can even track on glass.

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini Wireless Keyboard

It’s minimalism all the way for this sturdily built feature-packed performer. Responsive

The most popular types of keyboards used today are rubber membrane and mechanical. Keyboards with rubber membrane switches are cheaper, but the keys feel second-rate and ‘squishy’ to press. The keyboard of choice for gamers, speed typists, journos, or anyone who values maximising their output is mechanical. And no, you don’t have to check the water and oil with this one. Mechanical keyboards have individual durable switches that are spring activated. They not only feel good when depressed but sound good, too – it’s all about cerebral satisfaction here. These keyboards are more expensive but ask any of the writers at STACK (we all use them) if they believe the investment is worth it, and you’ll get a resounding yes. Trust us, try one out – you won’t go back!

Logitech MX Vertical Advanced Ergonomic Mouse Resplendent in design, the MX Vertical is more than just an architectural wonder. The unusual 57-degree vertical angle aims to reduce wrist pressure and has been conceived and tested to lower muscle strain and even improve posture. Featuring a four-month

and comfortable to use, the Mini has what it calls Tactile Quiet switches, so users get all the feels of a mechanical keyboard without the noise. It offers up to two weeks on a charge (with no backlighting) and can connect across three different devices. Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard Designed to work across multiple operating systems, the MX Keys is a sleek, lightweight backlit keyboard built for speed. The secret to its low profile is its scissor switches, and the indented keys are wider and help keep typos to a minimum. Battery life is ten days – more if you kill the backlights. Like the MX Mini, the MX Keys can pair with up to three devices.

long charge, the mouse can connect in three different ways: USB-C charging cable,

Bluetooth, or via the company’s Logitech

Unifying Receiver system.

58 JUNE 2023

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