Can a 5 Button Mouse with Firefox Switch Tabs and What's the Best Option?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of a 5 button mouse in Firefox, specifically whether the additional buttons can be programmed to switch between tabs. Participants also seek recommendations for suitable non-wireless 5 button mice.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Product recommendation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about programming the 4th and 5th buttons of a 5 button mouse to switch tabs in Firefox.
  • Another participant suggests that mouse button functionality is configured through mouse settings rather than the browser itself.
  • A different participant mentions the need to bind specific keys, such as page up/down or ctrl+tab, to the mouse buttons for tab navigation.
  • One participant shares their experience with the MS Intellimouse Explorer, noting its ergonomic design.
  • Another participant discusses their recent purchase of a Dynex optical mouse and expresses the need for software to program its buttons.
  • It is noted that configuring mouse buttons is more about driver/software settings than browser settings.
  • A participant mentions the extension SwiftTabs as a potential solution for tab switching.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that mouse button functionality is configured through mouse settings, but there is no consensus on the best method or software for achieving tab switching in Firefox. Multiple suggestions and experiences are shared without a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific mouse models and their experiences, but there is no detailed exploration of the software options available for programming the buttons. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness of different approaches.

Who May Find This Useful

Users interested in enhancing their browsing experience with a 5 button mouse, particularly those looking for programming options and recommendations for non-wireless mice.

mattmns
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2 questions.

First, can I program a 5 button mouse such that in firefox I can use the 4th and 5th buttons to switch between tabs?

Second, any recommendations for a good 5 button (non-wireless) mouse?

Thanks!
 
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I can do 6 things with a touchpad, I program what to do in the touchpad program; not firefox itself. I'd think it works the same for mouse buttons, so look under mouse configuration?
 
You need to bind page up/down to those buttons in your mouse settings.

I always thought the MS Intellimouse Explorer had good ergonomics
 
So I can bind keys? For example, ctrl+tab to move forward in tabs? If so, cool, thanks.

I will check out that MS mouse. I have a MS wireless mouse and I like the feel, but the thing is wireless and heavy and the batteries have to be changed too often. Thanks
 
dynex mouse

I just got a Dynex optical mouse w/ 5 buttons and a USB and P/S2 compatible plug, and I think they sell it at Best Buy, but I'm still looking for software to program the buttons. Wireless mice are such a hassle, they even require batteries.
 
it's more of a mouse driver/software configuration than a browser configuration thing. All you need to do is use your mouse config software (Control Panel/Mouse) to bind each button to whatever key sequence you use for switching tabs.
 
Extension SwiftTabs
 

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