Why do mice now have Buttons 4+5 on the left side?

[JEDI]

I bought my $5 mouse years ago. It has button 4 on the left side and button5 on right.
Something like this:

i was at Microcenter and most of their cheap 5 button mice have buttons 4+5 on the left side.

when did this change? and WHY?

 

[nickbits]

Easier yo use 4/5 with thumb than whatever you use for the right button. 4/5 have been on left for 5-10 years.

 

[Binky]

MMO's (games with many buttons, everywhere)

 

[KentState]

Much easier to use my thumb than pinky and that's typical in most people.

 

[TheStu]

$5 mouse?? Why do you hate yourself???

As others have said though, easier to use your thumb to hit the buttons. Mine has 4/5/6 on the left side.

 

[ViRGE]

I'm with JEDI here: the buttons need to be split between the left and right sides. When they put both buttons on the same side, they inevitably put them right where you want to put your thumb when you just want to move the mouse around. And when they don't do that, it's still hard to make sure you're hitting the right button.

I'll cherish my MS Intellimouse Opitcal until the day I die (or the day it dies).

 

[lehtv]

Not only is it easier to use left side buttons, but a button on the right side would be awkward with the way I grip the mouse. I'd be accidentally pressing it all the time.

 

[JEDI]

I'm with JEDI here: the buttons need to be split between the left and right sides. When they put both buttons on the same side, they inevitably put them right where you want to put your thumb when you just want to move the mouse around. And when they don't do that, it's still hard to make sure you're hitting the right button.

I'll cherish my MS Intellimouse Opitcal until the day I die (or the day it dies).

yes, Intellimouse FTW!

and they still make those! unfortunately, its not that cheap.
i miss the old days of Pricewatch and 5button mouse for $5 shipped

 

[JEDI]

Not only is it easier to use left side buttons, but a button on the right side would be awkward with the way I grip the mouse. I'd be accidentally pressing it all the time.

for me:
index finger on left mouse button
middle finger on right mouse button
thumb on left side of mouse
ring finger on right side of mouse

like holding a split fingered fastball

 

[Ayah]

I used to have a Razer Lachesis which has 2 buttons on the left side and 2 on the right side, could never use the ones on the right side effectively. Might not be too much of an issue outside of gaming, but I tend to move the mouse and click at the same time.

 

[aarontpx]

I personally do NOT like extra buttons on my mouse.

 

[ther00kie16]

Side button placement in general is hit and miss for each person as everyone's hand is slightly different. With most mice, it seems the front is a tad tall too tall so my ring finger is draped over the side and exerts some pressure on the side, an unfortunate design if there were side buttons on the right side of my mouse. Perhaps if mice were narrower, it wouldn't be as much of a problem. But then again, a person with larger hands may feel the need to pinch the mouse in order to move it sideways, causing unnecessary clicks of a right-side button.

I remember seeing a mouse with 4+5 in 2 different possible arrangements on the left side to accommodate those with slightly larger/smaller hands and thought that was cool. What they need is a fully customizable mouse with rails so you can finely adjust the position of buttons, including whichever side you prefer.

 

[biostud]

my mx-518 has both on left side, and that is not a new mouse.

 

[Blain]

I personally do NOT like extra buttons on my mouse.

True... the magic mouse is the way to go.