We all know how to use a computer mouse because nowadays it has become something very normal and even an everyday activity, part of our routine. But very few people know or want to know how a computer mouse works. I mean what are all the inside parts of a computer mouse and what is the role of every one of them. The ones who do know have technical knowledge and skills. However, there are some people who are curious enough to search for the answer to their questions, but have no technical information and knowledge. The best explanation for this category of people is the picture. Of course, I don't take out all the components of my computer mouse just to see what's inside. Besides, even if I did that, I wouldn't know how to put them back in their place. So the next best thing to do is search for a computer mouse diagram over the internet. I found some, with the necessary information written on the diagram and I want to share this with you:

This computer mouse diagram is the most simple one I found and it presents the position and functions of the three usual mouse buttons. Most computer mice look like this, with the three buttons positioned in the front part of the computer mouse and the area for leaning your palm on in the middle and at the back of the mouse. So, as you can see in the diagram, the left mouse button is positioned on the left of the mouse and is used for clicking with the purpose of moving the mouse cursor on the computer screen. You can perform four different commands by using the left click button. The first one is to point, that is to move the mouse in order to make the pointer move on the screen. The second command is to click: if the mouse cursor is in the place you want it to be, click and let go and the click will perform your command. The third command is "click and drag" - you can use it to move things on the screen from one place to another; just simply move the cursor in the right place, click on it , hold the button pressed and at the same time move the cursor around the screen until you get to the point where you want to move that particular item. Then release the button and the work is done. The last command of this left mouse button is "double click" - you perform the same movement as is click, but do it twice and without a pause between the clicks. Double click allows you to open files or play certain films and so on. The right mouse button is on the right front side of the mouse and when you use the right click this opens a window with the other menus you can choose from: copy, cut, paste, refresh, arrange icons by, new, print, create shortcut, add to favourites, according to the page or document opened when you right click. Of course, between the two buttons there is the scroll wheel used to navigate more easily and faster through web pages. You can use the keyboard arrows to do that, too, but it takes a longer time and it can be tiring after prolonged use. Sometimes the scroll wheel can be used to zoom in or out certain images ; it depends on the web page that you browse or the operating system used.  It is basic information and a very clear and short mouse diagram.

The second diagram shows the inside structure and components of a computer mouse (actually the model in the picture is a ball computer mouse). It shows the principle according to which the ball mouse functions. You can see the roller ball that rolls when you move the computer mouse. The roller ball is covered with rubber in order to smooth its moves and it is placed on a support wheel and two shafts. According to your movements, the ball rolls in a certain direction and activates the two shafts and, as a consequence, the horizontal wheel or the vertical wheel inside the mouse. They allow the translation of these movements into movements of the cursor on the computer screen. This is made possible by the infrared signals sent by the LED and received by a  light detector. You can also see the slots of the wheels and the switch on top of the mouse. Of course, not all computer mice have one present. Another component of this particular mouse is the connecting cable, that connects the computer mouse to the central unit of the computer, allowing the signals to be sent and received thus enabling the commands you give to be performed. Again, not all computer mice have a connecting cable; some of them work just as fine as wireless computer mice, sending the signals through infrared light or laser to a receiver that is connected to the central unit of the computer.



The third computer mouse diagram I present to you is a particular case and it presents the process of configuring the Logitech MX Revolution mouse. This model is supposed to be the most advanced mouse in the world, or so the Logitech company claims it. This mouse has a lot of buttons, indeed, all with different functions: the main scroll wheel, functioning as any normal scroll wheel on any computer mouse. The different thing about it is the presence of the thumb scroll wheel, that can be used for other purposes or even reprogrammed to do back and forth movements between web pages. Then there's the one touch search button and the back/forward buttons, also reprogrammable do perform whatever functions you may want.



This is a very simple and valuable diagram of a mechanical computer mouse. It presents in a simple manner and at the same time in a descriptive way the functioning of a mechanical mouse allowing you to see both the plastic outside shell of the computer mouse and the tiny inside component parts that enable its proper functioning. First step: when you move the mouse, the ball moves, too. Th second step: X and Y rollers hold the ball and allow the movement transfer. Step 3: the optical encode the movements and send the signals through the light holes. Step 4: infrared LEDs send light signals through the disks. Step 5: the light sensors receive the signals sent and reconvert the X and Y movements into cursor movements. Simple and imaginative at the same time. This diagram helps you understand the inside parts and functioning of a computer mouse.



The last diagram I found is a more complex one, even if it practically presents the same things: a more detailed description of the inner parts of a computer mouse. If you do not have a great imagination, this diagram is perfect for you. It describes in detail and in separate drawings the exact positioning and components of the computer mouse parts. Actually this diagram is made as a design for a prototype computer mouse in the early days of the computer industry designed by Douglas Dayton.