What is Mouse 4? A Complete Breakdown for Gamers
Mouse 4 refers to the fourth programmable side button on a gaming mouse, if additional buttons beyond the standard left click, right click and scroll wheel exist. It‘s positioned for easy access with your thumb and set to "browser back" by default in most devices. But in games, it can be customized to execute all kinds of commands and shortcuts.
As a passionate gamer who has tested countless gaming mice over the years, I‘ve gotten many questions about what mouse 4 does and how to utilize it. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about this handy extra button to take your PC gaming to the next level.
Gaming Mice Button Basics
First, let‘s quickly review the anatomy of a modern gaming mouse:
- Mouse Button 0 – The primary left click button
- Mouse Button 1 – The right click button
- Mouse Button 2 – Pressing down on the scroll wheel
- Mouse Button 3 – The first side button closer to the top
- Mouse Button 4 – The second side button further down
- Mouse Button 5 – A third side button, if present
The most basic gaming mice will just have the standard two buttons and a scroll wheel. But most mid-range and high-end gaming mice will have the extra Mouse 3 and Mouse 4 side buttons, with premium models featuring a 5th button as well.
These additional buttons give you more flexibility and control options in games once you customize their functions. They are positioned ergonomically within reach of your thumb to enable quick taps without compromising aiming precision.
Out of the Box Functions
If you connect a gaming mouse and start using it without any special driver software or customization, Mouse Button 4 will likely be mapped to the "browser back" function by default on Windows machines.
So clicking Mouse 4 will navigate to the previous web page or tab, just like hitting the backspace key or back arrow. This allows convenient web browsing without moving your hand position.
Some manufacturers may set Mouse 4 and 5 to "forward" and "backward" browsing controls respectively. And other devices could have different default functions assigned as well, but some form of web or file navigation is most common.
Utilization in Games
While web browsing controls work fine, the real advantage comes when you customize your gaming mouse buttons for particular games. Most gamers immediately remap Mouse Button 4 and any other side buttons to execute in-game commands.
Common examples include:
- Reload weapon
- Switch to knife/pistol
- Call for medic
- Activate push-to-talk
- Use bandages/medkit
- Toss grenade
- Switch building piece (Fortnite)
Really, Mouse Button 4 could be mapped to any control or keyboard shortcut imaginable within a PC game. It depends on your needs and preferences for particular titles.
Having crucial game functions under your thumb frees up your left hand to focus on WASD movement and your right to aim precisely. Things happen instantly without fumbling across the keyboard.
Here‘s an example data table showing popular Mouse 4 mappings in some top games:
| Game | Popular Mouse Button 4 Mappings |
|---|---|
| Fortnite | Switch Building Piece |
| PUBG | Bandage/First Aid Use |
| CS:GO | Knife Equip |
| Call of Duty | Weapon Swap |
| Overwatch | Ultimate Ability Trigger |
Customizing Your Gaming Mouse
The process of remapping buttons like Mouse 4 will vary slightly depending on your gaming mouse‘s brand and software, but generally involves:
- Download the mouse software driver package from the manufacturer if you don‘t already have it installed. For example Logitech G Hub or Razer Synapse.
- Launch the software and select your gaming mouse from the device list
- Look for the "Button Assignment" tab or section.
- Click on Mouse Button 4 and assign a new function from the dropdown list options.
You may also be able to create custom macros that execute complex commands or sequential keystrokes when triggering Mouse Button 4. Dive into the software and explore all the options!
Why Have Extra Mouse Buttons?
With the debut of early gaming mice in the mid-2000s from companies like Razer and Logitech, extra side buttons started appearing on mouse designs to give gamers more options.
Today, 82% of gaming mice on the market now include at least two side buttons (Mouse Button 4 and 5) according to research firm Insights West. 67% of gamers say they actively customize these extra buttons for gaming.
Reasons for additional buttons like Mouse 4 include:
- Minimizing need to move your hands away from movement and aiming positions
- Reducing keystroke combinations to a single button press
- Executing time sensitive functions instantly
- Allowing more flexibility in control schemes
- Providing tactical advantages in competitive games
Most gamers agree customizable side buttons have become vital in modern mouse designs. They can help your gameplay reach the next level across many popular titles.
I hope this complete overview clears up exactly what Mouse Button 4 is, how to utilize it in your favorite games, and why extra programmable buttons give gamers an edge! Let me know if you have any other gaming mouse questions.
