Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 5 down vote favorite

In an effort to reduce the likelihood that I'll get mouse-related RSI in my (dominant) right hand, I've taken to using an additional second mouse with my left.

I'd like to flip the left and right mouse buttons on just the left-hand mouse, but the Switch primary and secondary buttons option in the Mouse Properties window in Windows 7 applies to both mice.

Does anyone know of a way of achieving what I'm after?

share|improve this question
2  
What are the mice? (I ask because it's possible the proprietary manufacturer's configuration apps will let you do this - I believe Logitech does, at least.) – Shinrai Aug 16 '11 at 14:17
2  
sounds like a way to get shoulder pain instead ;-/ try a trackball if you haven't already, ideally in the middle of a split keyboard. The keyboard width helps the shoulders, the trackball helps the fingers (click with thumb on mine) and putting it in middle helps the wrists. my 2 cents. – Sirex Aug 16 '11 at 14:18
1  
Are you good with a soldering iron? I've only done this once, but on that mouse's board the circuit traces connecting the buttons were big, easy to cut, and easy to solder to. Four cuts and four pieces of wire, plus 30 minutes of your time, might solve your problem. (Of course this voids all warranties and risks destroying the mouse!) – Chris Aug 16 '11 at 22:03
I have done this with 2 Logitech G9 mice via their software Setpoint. The mice appear as two profile and on one i clicked the option "swap buttons". However, it swapped the buttons for both! So it failed. – Valamas Aug 17 '11 at 0:16
1  
@Chris You know, that's no a bad idea! :) If all else fails, I might give that a shot. Thanks for causing me to re-think the problem! – Aidan Whitehall Aug 17 '11 at 13:56
show 3 more comments

5 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

The following program worked for me, try it out, hope will be helpful for you! Best of luck!

EitherMouse 0.4 - auto switch mouse buttons on second mouse

share|improve this answer
+1 This program looks like the perfect solution to the askers problem. Also, welcome to Stack Exchange! – Wipqozn Jan 13 '12 at 17:04
up vote 2 down vote

Unless your mouse has some proprietary drivers/apps that let you reconfigure the buttons to whatever you want, you can't do it from Windows alone. As you already found, the Windows Mouse properties window applies to all plugged-in and recognized pointing devices. Collectively they will share one cursor and set of behaviors (double-click speed, appearance, primary/secondary, etc.).

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

Try EitherMouse. Using it I've configured per mouse settings, at least swap buttons for left mouse.

http://www.autohotkey.com/board/topic/44468-eithermouse-0581-not-just-for-leftys-anymore/

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

I have a similar set-up with two mice and a track-ball - all from Logitech.

Using the SetPoint software from Logitech you can configure every Logitech mouse/trackball individually, even the "swap mouse buttons" function (just tested on Windows 7 and SetPoint v6.51.8).

Unfortunately this is a manufacturer dependent solution and you did not write what mice you are using.

share|improve this answer
up vote -1 down vote

I've been using two mice for a few years now, and the simplest solution, has been to learn to use the buttons in their default layout. Part of the reason for this is to maintain compatibility on any machine I'm assigned. Regardless of the workstation I'm on, I can always just throw in a second USB mouse, and start using them both.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.