I don't care what you lot say, the side buttons on a mouse are for copy and paste (on desktop)
A PC Gamer poll reveals most users assign mouse side buttons to browser navigation, while a vocal minority prefer copy/paste for ergonomic efficiency.
The PC Gamer hardware team debated the optimal use of side buttons on gaming mice, traditionally set to forward/back navigation by default. A poll was launched to gauge user preferences, revealing a sharp divide between common browser-based assignments and alternative functions. The discussion stemmed from observations about Razer’s new MMO mouse, which features 12 buttons, prompting broader questions about utility and ergonomics.
Results showed 1,343 respondents using side buttons for forward/back navigation, aligning with default settings. A smaller group of nearly 200 users, including the author, favored copy/paste assignments for streamlined workflows. The author argued that copy/paste functionality reduces reliance on keyboard shortcuts, offering a more ergonomic approach to text manipulation.
Over 400 participants selected 'something else entirely,' indicating custom macros tailored to specific games or genres. The author admitted to using side buttons for 'C' and 'V' inputs during first-person shooters, acknowledging a hybrid approach. The debate highlighted differing priorities among users, from productivity to in-game performance.
The poll underscores the subjective nature of mouse button customization, with no single 'correct' use case. The author’s unconventional habits, such as resting their middle finger on the scroll wheel, further illustrated the personalization trend in peripheral setups. The discussion remains open-ended, inviting broader input on ergonomic and functional preferences.