 | A Podcaster's Dream: Quiet Click Mouse!posted by Bo Bennett, Group AdministratorSunday, February 28th 2010 @ 10:56 AM  (1 ratings) |
I cannot tell you how many of our listener's write in with complaints of all the background clicking noises. As much as I try to keep the mouse away from the MIC, the clicking sound inevitably comes through and annoys our listeners. For months I have been trying to solve this problem... here is what I have tried:
- Mouse on leg. I actually tried controlling the wireless mouse under my desk using my leg as a mouse pad. This was very awkward, uncomfortable, and on video it made me look like I was doing something naughty. Oh yea, and you can still hear the clicking.
- Post editing. I tried editing out the clicking. It worked when we were not taking at the same time, but took about 1 hour per 20 minute episode.
- Quest for the "silent mouse". Looked on line for a silent mouse. There was only one company from Japan that USED to make these, but don't anymore. I guess loud clicks are all the rage.
- Removing the click. I found instructions on-line on how to remove the click from the average mouse. All you need is a mouse, some tools, a soldering iron, and a PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT.
Then, I decided to stop into my local Staples office supply store where they had a display of about 20 different mice. I had the opportunity to click away and test each one. By mouse #18, my hope began to wane as each mouse click seemed louder than the next, but behold! Mouse #19 make a noise so faint that if it weren't for the tactile feedback I wouldn't have even known I clicked the button! The mouse was the Microsoft Bluetooth 5000 which retails for $49.95.
I immediately grabed the first one off the shelf and brought it home, only to discover the click was LOUD on the unit I bought! But I was not ready to throw in the towel just yet. I went back to Staples and picked up another package. I pressed the mouse button through the thin plastic package expecting to hear a loud click, but I heard nothing. I exchanged my mouse for the identical model, but just in the other package and sure enough, it was silent.
I realized that Microsoft makes these in different "runs" and some have the very quiet click and some do not. The good news is that if you buy this at your local store, you can easily test this by clicking the button through the packaging.
This mouse works on both MAC and PC and has been working great for me. Even with the mouse right up to MIC, you cannot hear the click! It is a podcaster's dream :)
