Classification of types of computer mice. The gyroscope turned the computer mouse into a bat

Greetings to all readers.
Today I’ll tell you about a wireless keyboard and mouse with a gyroscope, which I wanted to adapt to my TV.
And why you wanted to, read under the cut.

Let's start with the fact that I was wondering if keyboards and mice of Chinese origin would fit my TV. Why did I become interested? Yes, because when I bought a TV at the CSN in a household appliances store, they sold me a keyboard for 3k and said that other than this one, no other would suit you.
In fact, I have long wanted a mouse with a gyroscope, well, for a long time, from the moment I bought a TV, since it has a browser, you can surf social networks without getting your butt off the couch.
Well, and, accordingly, a keyboard to conduct dialogues with friends.
So I ordered a keyboard and mouse from one seller, found it with delivery from Russia, so it didn’t take long.
The parcel reached me in just a week.

Here's a screenshot for you

I made it, plus delivery to the doorstep, but since I was at work, they delivered it to me at the entrance.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention that on the day of delivery an SMS is sent to your phone that the order will be delivered today from this time to this time and the phone number of the delivery person.
In general, it was convenient.
I received the parcel not in a standard black garbage bag, wrapped with tape from the delivery company “007EX”

Our wireless miracle devices were waiting for us in the package.
Let's start with the mouse.
This mouse was packaged in a branded box with brief information about the product.

I was pleased with the package, or rather, that the batteries were included.


I read in the instructions that the kit should include a USB receiver, but for the life of me I couldn’t find it. I looked in the box, and also looked in the battery compartment, since these receivers are mainly hidden there, but everything was unsuccessful. I thought maybe it had fallen somewhere during the opening, but I didn’t find it, I thought I’d complain, and again I reached into the battery compartment and found this damn USB receiver on the front side. I turned the mouse about five times and didn’t notice it.

We insert it into the TV, and it identifies our device as an AirMouse, click “YES” and voila, our mouse works.
In the TV settings you can change the speed of the mouse cursor, I set it to the fastest.
One minus of this mouse, or rather, probably not the mouse, but my TV, is that if you connect a keyboard and a mouse to the TV at the same time, then only the buttons on the mouse work:
1) Left mouse button
2) Right mouse button
3) Wheel.
Buttons such as volume, etc. do not work.
And I came to the conclusion that I bought a keyboard in vain, and one mouse is enough for me, because it can do everything quickly enough and without a keyboard.

The mouse is made in the shape of a pear and fits comfortably in the hand.
Here are the sizes for you


In general, a very good mouse, I advise those who have a Smart TV or set-top box to buy it, it’s a very convenient thing.

Video of the mouse working

Let's move on to the keyboard.
It was also packaged in a branded box


In terms of configuration, it is inferior to the mouse in that it does not have batteries.
Here's the whole set

In the instructions you can see which hotkeys are responsible for what.

There is a Russian and English layout, on the right side there is a touchpad for working without a mouse, this keyboard is well suited for a tablet, for a TV it is only suitable for a browser.
For working with other applications, a full-fledged keyboard is no longer suitable, since in applications you need to select the letter you want to type using arrows or the mouse.
In general, I bought it in vain, I will only use a mouse, and I will adapt this one somewhere, or give it as a gift.

The size of the keyboard is not very large, but not small either.






Keyboard length = 32 cm
Width = 10cm
Thickness = very thin
Touchpad size = approximately 8 by 9 cm.
The keyboard is really very thin, it was somehow unusual to use it the first time.
When connected to a TV it is defined as

Let's take a look at the back of the keyboard.
Here we have a power button and a compartment for AAA batteries (the USB transmitter is also stored in this compartment), and the series and product number are also written.

I'll hide it here

Any person who works at a monitor for many hours in a row has a desire to lean back in his chair, move away from the table, and stretch out his numb legs. But things don't go away. “Klava,” let’s say, can still be placed on your lap. But a mouse pad is hardly any more. However, there is a way out.

The American company Gyration produces a computer mouse that can work not only without a mat or table, but without any support at all - right in the air.

The Ultra GT Cordless Optical Mouse is equipped with a two-axis gyroscopic sensor developed by Gyration.

The sensor tracks the movement of the hand holding the mouse. The cursor on the computer screen moves accordingly.

Movement occurs only when the owner of this “bat” holds down the trigger button at the bottom of the device. There is a recess for the index finger. Regular mouse buttons, those on top, are “clicked” with your thumb.

By releasing this trigger, you can scratch yourself, press a couple of keys on the keyboard, or take a sip of coffee.

Avid gamers should appreciate the gyroscopic mouse - it will never run out of mouse pad (photo from gyration.com).

However, it is enough to double-click on the “trigger” in the “belly” of the mouse and it goes into the mode of constantly tracking hand movement. You no longer need to hold the key.

Those who have tried the new product in action say that in this case some training is necessary, but then work on the Internet is twice as fast.

Gyration keyboard with native mouse installed on the charger. A unified style is also important (photo from gyration.com).

In addition, with the help of this mouse you can make spectacular presentations using large plasma screens or projectors.

Imagine, a computer stands on a table in the corner of the classroom, and the speaker walks around in the middle of the room and changes pictures on the screen with a careless movement of his wrist.

The optical sensor located at the bottom turns on when the device is used as a traditional desktop computer mouse (photo from gyration.com).

It's time to say that this mouse communicates with the computer via a radio channel.

The receiver is plugged into the USB port. Working distance - 9.15 meters. There is also a “Professional” modification with a radio range of 30.5 meters.

The mouse does not require special drivers and is compatible with both PC and Mac. And just like with a regular mouse, the sensitivity of the gyroscope can be adjusted from the “desktop control panel”.

It is interesting that this mouse can also perform in the “tabletop league”. If you put it on the mat, it turns into a wireless optical mouse.

Let’s add that the company sells this amazing machine for $80, the mouse runs on nickel-metal hydride batteries, and can also be powered by standard AAA batteries.

For those who like a unified style, the company offers Gyration radio keyboards as a set with their own mouse. There are both full-size and compact options.

Having created a new technology, the company did not stop at mice.

A Media Center Remote appeared, which can control a PC-based multimedia complex.

The new remote control is probably intended for very lazy people who want to switch the functions of the entertainment center with a simple wave of the hand (photo from gyration.com).

This time, the hand motion sensor is used to reduce the number of “clicks” when controlling entertainment equipment.

Just move your hand to the right to change the TV tuner channel, or swipe down to start a DVD.

Don’t know what aero mice are or came across an article while looking for the top best models? Then you've come to the right place! Today we invite you not only to learn in detail about the features of the Air Mouse, but also to get acquainted with the best options that can be purchased inexpensively on or. Aero mice appeared relatively recently, and solutions available to most users were only a couple of years old. Despite the name, they only partially repeat the functions of a conventional computer mouse, and are in particular demand among owners of TV boxes and media centers.

What is Air mouse?

An air mouse is a kind of remote control (a number of models look like a miniature keyboard), which in its functions is similar to computer mice. Instead of an optical sensor or ball, which are used in conventional mice and transmit data about the movement of the cursor when in contact with the surface, the Air Mouse uses a gyroscope.

A gyroscope is a device that is capable of responding to changes in orientation angles by any body. The term was first coined back in the mid-1800s, and an example of a gyroscope is a spinning top. Gyroscopic sensors are used in household appliances, stabilization systems, etc.

The operating principle of the air mouse is that by moving it in the air, the cursor moves on the screen. Moreover, you don’t have to move your whole hand – just control your hand. In terms of comfort, it is seriously inferior to ordinary mice, if, of course, we are going to use it for working on a computer. However, the advantages of the 3D Air Mouse rise to the top when a TV Box appears in the house, allowing you to enjoy mobile games, web surfing and social networking on the big screen while lying on the sofa.

How to use an air mouse?

If it differs from a regular mouse, don’t be afraid - in terms of use, it’s very simple. First, it needs to be connected. For this, as a rule, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless interfaces are used. A number of models are accompanied by a special receiver that is inserted into a free USB port; some solutions do without it. To preserve all the advantages of the Air Mouse, a wired connection is not used.

Secondly, you need to adjust the sensitivity of the air mouse. This is done using special buttons on the device itself. After this you can start using:

• move the air mouse to move the cursor;
• to open an application or make a selection, use the button that shows the left mouse button;
• to open the context menu, use the button that shows the right mouse button;
• Also, such devices are equipped with at least a minimum of control buttons familiar to a remote control; some models are designed as small keyboards, which will be appreciated by fans of social networks and instant messengers.

Do not throw the air mouse on the shelf if the first acquaintance caused a negative reaction - you need to get used to controlling this device. In just a week, you will notice that you have become accustomed to the unusual gadget and will never exchange its functionality for the meager capabilities of a regular remote control.

What are air mice compatible with?

Most modern air mice are compatible with a huge number of devices: TVs, tablets, smartphones, etc. These devices are supported by all popular operating systems. However, the main devices to which Air Mouse is often purchased additionally are TV Boxes. Multimedia set-top boxes running the popular OS perfectly support a huge number of air mice, providing the user with comfortable work.

It is worth noting that not all branded air mice are supported by devices from other manufacturers. For example, a solution from LG may not work with a Samsung TV, no matter how hard you dance with a tambourine.

It is also worth paying attention to the connection method (via built-in wireless modules or an external dongle), since not every set-top box or other device has ports for connecting additional devices.

6 best air mice in 2019

After reviewing the characteristics of popular models, as well as user reviews, we have selected the top five Air Mouses for the summer of 2019.

LEORY Air Mouse with voice control

To connect the new 2019 LEORY Air Mouse to the console, you need to insert pinky batteries (not included). And insert the receiver into the USB port of the TV BOX. The set-top box immediately recognizes it. And lo and behold! Now, holding the air mouse in your hand, you can control the cursor simply by moving it through the air.

TIKIGOGO touch keyboard

This touch keyboard is compatible with Windows, Pad, Android TV Box, Smart TV and even PS4.

• Operating voltage: 3.3W
• Power: battery, USB
• Operating time: up to 10 hours
• Charge voltage: 4.4V ~ 5.25V
• TX power: less than +5dBm
• Power consumption: 55mA (on), 1mA (sleep)

Let's start with the air mouse, which is ideal for users who have just decided to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of these not quite ordinary devices. Externally, we see a very ordinary remote control, reminiscent of those that accompany TV Boxes. The Rii i7 Mini looks quite attractive for its price: sloping edges, high-quality plastic, and a protruding back. The air mouse has excellent ergonomics - it fits perfectly in your hand, you can easily reach every button.

The Rii i7 Mini connects to devices via a wireless USB radio operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The manufacturer claims a working distance of up to 10 meters, as well as compatibility with all popular operating systems today (Windows, Android, Mac OS). The Rii i7 Mini is powered by two AAA batteries, which is more convenient for many users than conventional batteries that have the ability to discharge at the most inopportune moment. For comfortable operation, the necessary minimum of control buttons is provided, including:

• power button;
• volume up/down buttons;
• buttons to go/return to page;
• pause/play;
• five-way navigation button;
• left/right mouse buttons;
• context menu button;
• Home button.

The 3D Air Mouse Rii i7 Mini will be an excellent tool for expanding the capabilities of already familiar smart consoles running Android. With such an air mouse it is much more convenient to play many games and browse the Internet.

You can buy the Rii i7 Mini air mouse at a profit in one of the online stores in China. For example, on AliExpress a model today will cost about 650-700 rubles.

Zeepin TK668

One of the disadvantages of standard remote controls that come with smart set-top boxes is the lack of a normal keyboard for convenient text entry. The Zeepin TK668 air mouse is ready to correct this situation, which is equipped not only with a gyroscope, but also with a full-fledged keyboard.

The solution is a classic-looking remote control, with navigation buttons on one side and a keyboard on the other. The air mouse is made with sloping sides, which ensures comfortable use. The material was fairly high-quality glossy plastic (looks stylish, but not very practical). The buttons are made of high-quality rubber. The model turned out to be quite compact and lightweight.

The Zeepin TK668, like many analogues, is connected via an external 2.4 Ghz USB dongle (it is better not to move more than 10 meters from the set-top box with the air mouse). The 3D Air Mouse is powered by a built-in battery, one charge of which is enough for about a month of daily use. Recharging is carried out using a micro-USB cable, which is included in the package.

As already noted, on one side of the Zeepin TK668 there are buttons for navigation:

• nutrition;
• increase/decrease sound;
• a five-position wheel with an “OK” button in the center, which acts as the left mouse button;
• "Home" and "Context Menu" buttons;
• mouse mode switch button.

On the other side of the air mouse we have a full-fledged keyboard, only the buttons are much smaller.

Please note that there are no Russian letters on the keyboard. Indelible stickers can solve the problem

Zeepin TK668 is an interesting solution that will replace several devices at once. I'm pleased with the price. Thus, many Chinese online stores offer an air mouse for only 600 rubles.

T5-M

T5-M is an Air Mouse with a simple name, the functions of which are very similar to the Zeepin TK668, discussed just above. This model manages to accommodate a set of buttons for navigation and a full-fledged keyboard, complemented by a stylish design.

The device is quite large, but it is comfortable to use. All controls are scattered on both sides: on top there are control buttons, on the bottom there is a keyboard. There is no battery compartment - the built-in battery is used. The case material is high-quality plastic. The air mouse feels good in the hands, although it is a bit long compared to a regular remote control.

To connect the T5-M, a 2.4 Ghz USB dongle is used; it is compatible with all popular operating systems, but is best suited for use with TV Boxes and PCs. In addition, an IR transmitter is provided, which allows you to combine the device with many household appliances.

The set of navigation buttons is standard:

• power button;
• increase/decrease sound level;
• five-way navigation button;
• buttons simulating right/left mouse buttons;
• buttons for quickly launching the browser, muting sound and recording voice.

The keyboard keys are rubberized, made in the form of small islands, and are pressed with a pleasant short stroke.

The T5-M may appeal not only because of its stylish design, but also because of its low cost. On most online sites it is estimated at 600-700 rubles.

VONTAR MX3 Air Mouse Backlight

First of all, this air mouse attracts with an abundance of navigation buttons and backlighting, which not only looks great, but will also be useful at night. The model has a nice and ergonomic design, as well as a full keyboard with miniature keys.

The body material is plastic, which is quite practical and pleasant to the touch. The case is slightly curved at the edges for greater comfort when working with the keyboard. The buttons are rubberized and, as already mentioned, are backlit. The color is white, soft and non-irritating. There are really a lot of control buttons, and it would take half an article to list them completely. The keyboard is comfortable to use, despite the small size of the buttons.

The VONTAR MX3 Air Mouse Backlight is connected via a wireless interface and a 2.4 Ghz dongle, which comes with the air mouse. The Air Mouse is powered by two AAA batteries, the compartment for which is hidden on one side. We should also highlight the microphone, which is rarely found in such devices. It can be used to voice control the TV box, which is very convenient.

To finish our list of the best air mice we have the honor of an interesting solution, which is distinguished by the presence of an input for connecting headphones. The Rii i25A is a classic Air Mouse, which is equipped with the necessary buttons for navigation, an additional QWERTY keyboard, and a microphone. In general, everything you need is there.

The design of the air mouse is very attractive: rounded shapes, unusual button placement, interesting notches on the body. By the way, it is made of glossy plastic, but fingerprints do not appear thanks to the notches. The device is powered by a built-in battery, so a Micro-USB port is conveniently located at one of the ends. The connection is standard: a wireless interface, supplemented by an external receiver. Also on the case there is a 3.5 mm minijack, which allows you to connect a headset. Together with a microphone, you can comfortably chat with a friend on Skype when everyone in the apartment is asleep.

There are a sufficient number of control buttons - all frequently used ones are available. The QWERTY keyboard keys have additional functions that are activated by holding FN. An infrared port and programmable buttons that allow you to control many household appliances are a bonus.

Rii i25A is the most expensive air mouse in our selection. Today you can buy it for about 1,500 rubles. The price is justified by the high-quality build and the presence of a headphone jack.

Good afternoon (evening/night optional).

Today I’ll tell you about a gyroscopic mouse. Taken as a temporary replacement for a gyro-head tracker running on Arduino. But that's another story, please under the cut:

PREFACE

The seller sent me the device in a bubble bag. This gadget comes with a dongle; batteries are not included.

The first thing is a warning:

All responsibility, namely independent penetration into the body of the finished product with subsequent violation of its integrity and performance, lies with the person who committed this action.

DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERISTICS

It has small dimensions of 14cm in length and 4cm in width.

Fits very comfortably in the hand:

In general, it is convenient to use, the body is glossy and does not creak.

Two AAA batteries are used.

Radio frequency - 2.4 GHz (as stated by the manufacturer).

FUNCTIONAL

The range is stated to be up to 20m. In a room of 18m^2 it works without problems or breaks. Since the device is equipped with a digital gyroscope, it works relative to its axes.

A caveat: the cursor movements will be inverted if you take the device backwards. To achieve the best results, the device should at least be pointed with the correct end towards the monitor/TV, etc.

Based on the attached images, we can conclude that the device is more designed for Android devices. This conclusion is prompted by the presence of familiar symbols - home buttons and menus.

The top button on the device turns the mouse on and off.
Below it there are volume buttons, a 4-way joystick, a selection confirmation button, a back button and a menu.

Below that there are home keys, a pointer blocking button, up and down buttons, and a volume mute button.

A nuance: in the Windows operating system, the back button and menu function as the right mouse button, and the OK button functions as the left button. The volume buttons work fully, the mute button works, the home button opens Internet Explorer, the up and down buttons do not function, the mouse mute key works.

The mouse was taken to work in a Windows environment, I was completely satisfied with the functionality.

The device was tested in Windows 10, 7. Automatically installed as an HID input device.

There is no point in talking at length about ergonomics, so let’s move on directly to disassembling the device.

DISASSEMBLY

The device is very easy to disassemble:
We turn the device over, open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, unscrew the 4 screws, carefully pry up the case and unclip the 4 latches.

The dongle is a little more difficult to understand; due to its increased complexity, I don’t recommend tinkering with it, but I’ll provide its guts for you:

The device itself, like the dongle itself, is based on the bk2433 chip


Which, based on the description, is a microcontroller with a BK-51 processor core.

There is also a gyroscope chip soldered on the board, I couldn’t find a datasheet for it, I hope you can help me identify it.
The gyroscope from experience with this device is 3-axis.

They use quartz with a frequency of 16,000 MHz in both the receiver and transmitter.

CONCLUSIONS

The device completely and completely suits me as an end user, everything works out of the box, take it out, turn it on, use it.
Regarding non-working moments, they should be taken into account; this is not a minus, as everyone’s tasks are different.

Regarding the nuance of control:
This has its advantages; if the PC is behind you, the device will fully retain its functionality due to axis inversion.

No cons were noticed.