Editing Computer mouse (section)

=== Inertial and gyroscopic mice ===
Often called "air mice" since they do not require a surface to operate, inertial mice use a tuning fork or other [[accelerometer]] (US Patent 4787051<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freepatentsonline.com/4787051.html |title=Inertial mouse system |website=Free Patents Online |access-date=2018-03-23 |date=1988}}</ref>) to detect rotary movement for every axis supported. The most common models (manufactured by Logitech and Gyration) work using 2 degrees of rotational freedom and are insensitive to spatial translation. The user requires only small wrist rotations to move the cursor, reducing user fatigue or "[[gorilla arm]]".

Usually cordless, they often have a switch to deactivate the movement circuitry between use, allowing the user freedom of movement without affecting the cursor position. A patent for an inertial mouse claims that such mice consume less power than optically based mice, and offer increased sensitivity, reduced weight and increased [[usability|ease-of-use]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freshpatents.com/Highly-sensitive-inertial-mouse-dt20060727ptan20060164393.php |title=Highly Sensitive Inertial Mouse |website=Fresh Patents |access-date=2006-12-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108083136/http://www.freshpatents.com/Highly-sensitive-inertial-mouse-dt20060727ptan20060164393.php |archive-date=2007-01-08}}</ref> In combination with a wireless keyboard an inertial mouse can offer alternative ergonomic arrangements which do not require a flat work surface, potentially alleviating some types of repetitive motion injuries related to workstation posture.