Today is the 40th anniversary of the computer mouse, which one has been your favorite?

Logitech Mx Master 3 Front
Logitech Mx Master 3 Front (Image credit: Dan Thorp-Lancaster / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Today is the 40th anniversary of the first computer mouse going on sale.
  • The first mouse shipped with the Xerox Star computer on April 27, 1981.
  • We'd like to know what your favorite mouse of all time is.

It's been 40 years since the first computer mouse became commercially available. Back on April 27, 1981, the Xerox Star computer shipped with a clunky brick of a mouse. While the exact form factor of the mouse has changed over the years, the general concept is the same. A draggable and clickable cursor allows you to navigate a computer easily with just your hand.

Over the years, the best mice have gotten lighter, more colorful, and more customizable. They've also become more specialized. For example, the best ergonomic mice don't look exactly like best PC gaming mice, though there is some overlap (shoutout to the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro for being ergonomic and great for gaming).

We'd love to know which mouse has been your favorite over the years. It could be a mouse with a ball inside from the 90's. Perhaps you love a gaming mouse that lets you play your favorite PC game all day. If you're on the computer all day, you may lean towards a mouse that protects your wrist.

Being someone's favorite isn't the same as being the best, but we'll share a couple of our favorites. In his Razer Viper review, it "A PC gamer's new best friend." Our managing editor just shared his Logitech MX Master 3 review, in which he called it "Truly the master of mice."

What's been your favorite mouse? Let us know in the comments below.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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