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Difference between Mouse and Joystick

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Optical Mouse is a pointing device used with a graphical interface to click on the icons on the screen or monitor. It is a small object which can be over a flat surface. When it is moved, a graphical arrowhead called the pointer moves on the screen. Using this pointer any object on the screen can be selected. It has a left and right button for selecting along with a scroll wheel in the centre which is used to move a page up and down.

Joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base. It moves in different directions to control the device it is attached to. It is commonly used for playing video games. It has special push buttons which are pressed to provide input to the computer. It is also used as a control device in the cockpit of aeroplanes.

 

Below is a table of differentiation between Optical Mouse and Joystick:

 

Optical Mouse

Joystick

1. An optical mouse is a pointing device which uses infrared light to illuminate the surface. It is an input device which is used in controlling the pointer of the device it is attached with.
2. Mouse system corporation was the first company to use an optical mouse in 1980. Joystick was patented in 1926.
3. It is popular among regular users. It is popular among gamers for playing games.
4. Its price is economical. It is expensive compared to a mouse.
5. It uses LED technology. It uses sensors and actuators for getting control.
6. It needs to shift its position to move the pointer. Only the stick moves in different directions but the base is fixed at a point.
7. Precision of the mouse is good. It provides high precision.
8. Optical mouses use glider pads. Ball bearings are used at the bottom and top of the joystick.

Last Updated : 15 May, 2022
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