Does mouse quality affect ability to use brush etc in Photoshop

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silverbirch

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Ultimate Geek
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#72183 22-Nov-2010 13:55

Hi

I've just started using Photoshop and find it difficult to be accurate with the mouse when removing blemishes or unsightly bits of background. I recently bought a logitech wirelssM305 mouse for use with my laptop and it seems more accurate. I usually buy basic USB optical mice. Would it be my worthwhile investing in a more expensive quality mouse?

Many thanks

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Disrespective

1934 posts

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#407674 22-Nov-2010 14:06

Yes and no, in my experience bluetooth mice have a small 'lag' as the PC connects to the mouse and vica versa before starting to move. Also, whilst most bluetooth mice are laser ones, a simple optical wired mouse can sometimes have just as poor quality as the surface they are being used on can cause issues.

A good, high dpi (Sensitivity) Laser mouse will do the job, don't go all out though.

On a similar note, i've used one of these before. It was a little different, but pretty nice too. Not sure if it's meant for PS work, but was great for modelling and navigation. http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacenavigator.html

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#407752 22-Nov-2010 15:51

Thanks for that input. I've tried with the wireless and again with the wired and I think the wired causes less errors. I'll take a look at the high sensitivity ones. I use simply the desktop whcih is rather worn. Will check about best surfaces for optical mice.

Thanks

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

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Ragnor

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#407956 23-Nov-2010 01:53

If I may make a suggestion, the Logitech MX518 is my favourite "bang for buck" wired mouse.

http://www.gearbot.co.nz/store_products/search/logitech%20518/

Acrux

56 posts

Master Geek
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#409932 26-Nov-2010 15:31

Try to sign your name with a mouse. Na really try it! You will be frustrated beyond belief. Go get yourself a small or medium size graphics tablet, using a pen to draw with is very natural and intuitive. They may cost the same as a good mouse but do completely different tasks.

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silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#409957 26-Nov-2010 16:19

I'm not sure how much I'll actually use Photoshop, but the idea of a graphics tablet and pen does sound good. Maybe a Christmas present to myself!

Thanks people for your suggestions.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

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da5id

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#415651 10-Dec-2010 18:12

I also find that, for me, when I tried a wireless mouse I found it could be too heavy, maybe because of the weight of the batteries and the fact that I am more used to a wired mouse. I am just using a wired Microsoft scroll-wheel mouse (Optical 3000). I agree with acrux that a graphics tablet can be good, especially for removing blemishes and that kind of thing. You can use a pen almost like a traditional spray painter would by holding the pen slightly away from the graphics tablet and using the secondary (side) button of the pen to spray.

Where I find that a mouse is superior to a pen is when I'm using the pen tool in Illustrator etc. Maybe it's just that my hand is a bit shaky, but I find that with my whole hand on the mouse I am more accurate for point-to-point work.