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A program that allows a high degree of customization for your mouse functions

A program that allows a high degree of customization for your mouse functions

Vote: (56 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: PhilG

Version: 2.20.2

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(56 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

PhilG

2.20.2

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Allows you to map different keys and functions to your mouse buttons.
  • The interface is accessible and you are shown what functions you can change.
  • You can choose between different profiles for other users or button mapping functions.

Cons

  • Meant more for advanced users, but everyday users can also get use from this.
  • Can only assign buttons that are on your mouse, so you must know what buttons are on your specific mouse.

X-Mouse Button Control is a mouse utility program that allows you to map different keys to the buttons. Normally your mouse can only point and click. That's incredibly useful, but it's also limited in functionality. This program allows you to change how the mouse behaves so that it suits your needs better.

Main Features

This program is a mouse utility software that lets you change the mouse's behavior. Everyone knows how a mouse normally performs. The left click selects whatever the mouse cursor is on, the right click opens up a menu with more options and the scroll wheel scrolls up and down. That's great for most users, but it may not be ideal for advanced users or those who want to do more with their mouse.

You'll find that this program gives you complete control of your mouse. You can map completely different keys and functions to your mouse. This means that you can change how the buttons and scroll wheel behave when you use them. It's easy to make revisions through the program as well if you don't like the changes you made.

Global or Application Changes

You're allowed to make either global or specific application changes. Global changes are those that affect the mouse regardless of which program you're using. This means that the button mapping will remain the same from one application to another. Because of this, you should consider the basic functions you commonly use when browsing, on the desktop screen, reading information, opening files and other common tasks.

There are also application changes. This means that the mouse will act a certain way when the application is open and active, but it will revert to its normal or global behavior when the application is inactive. Most people find that it's best to do this with multimedia and gaming application. For example, you can map specific buttons and actions to your mouse that make sense when using that program such as performing certain actions, changing the volume and so on right from your mouse.

The benefit of application changes is that you can completely change the mouse so that it intimately fits the needs of that specific program, but it easily goes back to normal when the program is inactive.

You can also make profiles as well. A profile stores your specific changes and utilizes them when that profile is active. This is good if multiple people are using the same computer, or if you want to quickly swap from one set of mouse behaviors to another. Simply choose the profile and the changes you made will become active.

Buttons and Functions

You can choose to map either certain keys or functions to each mouse button. When you open the program you will see a text box that prompts you to enter the custom keys or functions for each mouse button. Simply add the information there and X-Mouse Button Control will do the rest.

If you want to simply have it select a key, then enter the letter or number key in this text box. Adding a function is almost as easy. That's because X-Mouse Button Control shows you a long list of possible functions that you can easily add to the text box. For example, you can make the mouse button control volume, use directional keys, change brightness and more. Just type in the command as it appears in the menu and your mouse will do the rest.

There are also many aspects of your mouse that you can change. Of course you can change what keys and functions are attached to your buttons and scroll wheel, but you can also change what happens when you push the scroll wheel side to side, double clicks, dragging and dropping and more.

Available Mouse Buttons

One of the best things about X-Mouse Button Control is that you can map so many keys and functions to your mouse. Nearly every mouse behavior can be changed to suit your needs. At the same time, you need to consider when your mouse can actually do. For example, you can map functions to the scroll wheel or if you click your scroll wheel to the left or right.

While this is great, your mouse might either lack a scroll wheel or not be able to click to the left or right. If your mouse doesn't have these buttons or features, then you won't be able to use them even if you map them through the program. Keep this in mind as some people might take the time to map buttons they won't be able to use.

Quickly Switch Profiles

As mentioned above, you can make various profiles to change the mouse's behavior. This is good if you have different people using the computer, or if you want to switch between completely different button maps within an application. Changing the profiles can be done easily and quickly if you know how to use the program.

The manual way is to go into the program and then choose your profile. That works fine with multimedia programs, but it might be too slow if you're using an intensive program like a gaming application. You can also make your own hotkey combinations that will change the profile. This allows you to switch the profile without ever opening the software, which is much faster.

No Tutorials

While this program is clearly laid out and shows you the various functions you can map, it lacks tutorials that new users might need. Many users are able to adapt to the software, but you'll have to look elsewhere if you want a guided tutorial or more information.

For example, if a certain function is confusing you, then you'll have to try to find help from other users on the internet. This program currently lacks tutorials, guides or extra help if you need it. That being said, the program is fairly easy to use if you know the different buttons on your mouse and what functions you wish to map to them.

Meant for Advanced Users

This program is fairly accessible and easy to use, but it was meant more for advanced users who already know about the various functions and button combinations for their computer. That's why it lacks tutorials. The truth is that advanced users are often those who require custom mapping, but everyday users can also see benefits from this.

The good news though is that while this was made for advanced users, it's fairly easy for everyday users to change how their mouse behaves. Just give it time, test your mouse after making the changes and you should have no problem making the most of this program.

Simple Interface

X-Mouse Button Control has a very barebones interface that lacks color or graphical buttons. It's a very straightforward approach that is easy to navigate, but boring for the eyes. Navigating because the different menus is very easy, and there are various checkboxes, drop-down menus and other features that allow you to easily make your selection.

While it is boring, the program quickly gets down to business and lets you make the changes that you want.

Pros

  • Allows you to map different keys and functions to your mouse buttons.
  • The interface is accessible and you are shown what functions you can change.
  • You can choose between different profiles for other users or button mapping functions.

Cons

  • Meant more for advanced users, but everyday users can also get use from this.
  • Can only assign buttons that are on your mouse, so you must know what buttons are on your specific mouse.