Are you a music producer looking to increase your productivity and improve your workflow? If that is the case, this article is for you!
Choosing the right mouse is one of the best ways to help you with your workflow.
I was amazed how something so simple could have such a massive knock-on effect on my creativity and for a relatively low cost.
Let’s jump right in!
In a Hurry? Check Out Our Top 3
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
If you ever looked up Kensington Expert Trackball, you know that this is one of the top-rated mice for music production. The mouse is ergonomically shaped, and it has a detachable armrest, which allows the user to have the ultimate comfort.
The software allows you to program the four buttons for the various shortcut, scrolling, and action functions. These are great to use for hotkeys to the most used functions in your DAW (digital audio workstation). The scrolling ring is fantastic for moving the page up and down and is effortless to use.
I've had mine for over a year now and love it. It did take a few days to get used to after coming from a traditional mouse, but now it feels completely natural.
For someone that has suffered from RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) after a long studio session, the Kensington Trackball has improved that, meaning I can work for longer.
Pros
- It comes with an armrest for increased comfort - great for those long sessions.
- The trackball is excellently precise and has four customizable buttons
- The ergonomic shape is suited for ambidextrous and long-term use. The batteries last for months of heavy use
Cons
- For just a mouse, this is a large piece of hardware that can take a little while to get used to
Logitech G604 Lightspeed Mouse
The G604 is a professional mouse designed with producers and gamers in mind. Its fifteen adjustable buttons can be mapped to your DAW to automate various tasks and speed up your entire workflow.
You have a good grip due to the rubbery material. No matter how large or small your hand is, you'll be able to use the mouse quickly.
The trackball is fantastic for scrolling through Pro Tools one moment and playing a game at another.
Pros
- The build and material quality is excellent design is perfect for electronic music production, casual use, and gaming
- The software it comes with is easy to install, use, and master
Cons
- There's no tactile bum to differentiate the buttons around the thumb
- Unfortunately, there are no onboard profiles
Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse
You have another Logitech model in the third spot on the list, but this one is a crossover model.
That means the M570 allows you to move the cursor without actually moving your hand. This option makes it great for producing on the go. Designed to mold to your hand to help reduce RSI risk, the M570 is an ideal studio mouse.
The three programmable buttons allow you to map out any function, and battery life can last up to eighteen months; this mouse offers fantastic value.
Pros
- You can easily use it on glossy surfaces, so it's great on the goIt's wireless and ergonomic
- The small trackball is pretty precise and easy to use Super long battery life
Cons
- Some users say that the mouse isn't comfortable for long-term use
- The trackball can jam from time to time and get uncomfortable
- It only has two buttons for mapping different Pro Tools functions
Contour Design Unimouse Mouse
Do you like having long studio sessions? Grinding for hours before finishing your creation?
If so, you need something comfortable and reliable. You can use the Unimouse in any position you want, whether it's angled or completely vertical. Whatever's comfortable to you.
The ability to switch positions so quickly reduces pain and pressure on your joints, allowing you to work in comfort for hours on end.
It also has six programmable buttons, state-of-the-art sensors for seamless performance, and a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, which will last you three months.
Pros
- It contains multiple programmable buttons
- The thumb and angle are fully adjustable
Cons
- It's pretty costly and isn't suitable for beginners
- The software utility it comes with is quite large
Logitech MX Master 3
Is comfort your main goal? Then Logitech Master mouse is what you should consider.
It supports the hand in its natural position by having the buttons placed within easy reach. The Master mouse has the main wheel for scrolling, which adapts to your scrolling speed.
You also have another thumb wheel, which can be used for horizontal scrolling, but you can customize each scroll wheel in the settings.
Last but not least, this mouse comes equipped with tracking technology, which allows it to track movements on any surface.
Pros
- The ergonomics are excellent, and the mouse is very comfortable
- Smart thumbwheel and speed scrolling wheel settings
- It tracks perfectly on glossy and glass surfaces
Cons
- At times, the thumb scrolling wheel is hard to hit precisely
- The batteries won't last long and need charging often
- There's no trackball, which may be a significant hindrance for some
Buyers Guide
When choosing which studio mouse you’re going to buy, there are many considerations you need to take into account.
Let’s look at the key ones below.
Go Wireless
Today, there are two types of mice: wired and wireless.
Wired mice use a cord to connect to the computer/laptop/Macbook, while wireless mice do not need a cable as they can connect to the PC through Bluetooth or WiFi.
Wireless mice are more convenient because they do not have a cord that can get tangled or caught by other objects. However, wireless mice batteries will need charging, or the batteries are changing ever so often.
For me, the advantages of not having a cable to worry about outways having to replace the batteries a couple of times a year.
One other thing to bear in mind is a wireless connection can drop out now and then. Pulling out the USB transmitter and putting it back in quickly solves the issue.
Standard Mouse or Tracker Ball
Choosing between a standard mouse or tracker ball will probably be your most significant decision when selecting a mouse for your studio.
A standard mouse will provide a higher level of precision than trackballs, which can be helpful for some people when audio editing. Mice are also more ergonomic than trackballs and are also often cheaper.
A trackball is similar to a mouse. Instead of gliding around on top of your desk or mouse pad, you rest your palm or fingers with the buttons beside it. When you move your hand, the ball spins inside its housing to generate input on the screen.
Trackballs are typically suitable for people who spend long hours at their desks because they require fewer arm movements. This is great if your space is limited.
Also, once you get the hang of using a trackerball, you’ll be able to move your cursor around the screen much faster.
Also, bear in mind if you plan on doing other things besides audio production. A trackball mouse might not be ideal for your Fortnight killstreak!
Features
Depending on what features you are looking for in a mouse will influence what your best options are.
Would you like lots of programmable buttons so you can link them to shortcuts on your DAW?
Different mice also come with different IPS ratings, the inches per second the mouse can cover. This determines how well the mouse can keep up with high-speed movements.
This is aimed more at gamers, but it still might be something you want to be aware of. It’s also sometimes referred to as DPI (dots per inch)
Another feature to be aware of is the weight of the mouse. If you plan to get a traditional mouse, you’ll want to get one that’s light and easy to move around.
Finally, you might want a mouse that has some flashy RGB lighting to match your setup. However, I’d advise getting something more practical over its looks.
Comfort
Last but not least is the most important thing you should look at when buying a mouse: comfort.
Getting pain in your hand or wrist is not fun, but unfortunately, this can happen if you plan to spend lots of time using a mouse.
Luckily our list includes products that have been specifically designed with ergonomics in mind.
Also, we all have different hand sizes. Most mouse sellers will display the size specifications. You can also read user reviews to find out how accurate they are.
Related Questions
What Mouse is the Most Convenient to Use?
From my experience, Logitech’s G604 model is the most convenient mouse to use. It’s very versatile – you can use it for production, gaming, and work – and it will still last you for at least a couple of years. Thanks to the tillable design and multiple buttons, it can easily switch from a professional, producer mouse to a casual piece of hardware, young children can use.
Is There a Long Lag When You Use a Wireless Mouse?
When you decide to use a wireless mouse, you must know that some lag time can be at specific points. The average wireless mouse has around 8.16ms of lag. The lag occurs due to the 125Hz USB polling price and the machine’s time to transmit a signal wirelessly. Of course, you can eliminate this problem by purchasing a high-end wireless mouse.
Is there a Noiseless Clicking Mouse?
Do you live with multiple people? Or do you have a young child? Do you still want to work on your PC late at night? You can do that if you opt for a noiseless mouse. I recommend you try Kensington Expert Trackball, which is used at any time of the day, without making almost any clicking noises. You can work in a completely silent room, and you won’t make a loud sound.
Is It Necessary to Use a Mouse for Ableton?
While there are many keyboard shortcuts for music software, Ableton Live can’t be used properly without a good mouse for music production. To make full use of Ableton, you need to find a mouse that lets you manage the pointer with high precision. That’s because Ableton comes with many attributes that will benefit from using a mouse with additional buttons. The same can be said for all other DAWs like FL Studio and Logic Pro X.
What Should Be a Music Production Mouse?
Is the best mouse for music production any different from the best gaming mouse? Many music producers prefer wired mice because they allow them to make quick edits without overthinking any lag. Of course, you can always get a quality wireless mouse like Logitech G604 with many productivity-enhancing features and long battery life.
How to Choose the Best Mouse for Music Production?
That depends on several reasons. What kind of producer are you, full-time or part-time? What’s your experience level? What type of music are you producing? Once you answer all of those questions, you’ll be able to determine what kind of mouse is best suited for your needs.
What Is the Best Mouse for Music Production by Hand Size?
What’s the most important thing to pay attention to when choosing a mouse? It’s size, of course. That’s because your mouse needs to fit your hand perfectly. A person with relatively small, Donald Trump-like hands would find it difficult to use a large mouse and vice-versa. The grip is also an important aspect you need to pay attention to. Certain mouse types can accommodate different grip types, from palm, fingertip, and claw grips.
What Mouse is the Most Convenient to Use?
If you can map out some of the functionalities you need daily, you can find a mouse that will save you a couple of hours each month on repetitive actions. But what mouse is the most convenient to use? The one with the most buttons? Well, if you don’t need too many buttons, they can become a hindrance. The Logitech G604 has six buttons, which is just the correct number.
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