A six-button mouse typically handles left-click, right-click, scroll-wheel click, forward and back navigation, plus a DPI or programmable button, each with a distinct role.
Understanding the 6 button mouse functions on your desk turns a simple peripheral into a real productivity tool. Whether you are navigating documents, browsing the web, or gaming, knowing what each button does by default — and which ones you can reassign — helps you work faster without reaching for the keyboard.
The Six Buttons And Their Standard Jobs
While button placement varies slightly by brand and model, most six-button mice share the same general layout. Here is how each button behaves out of the box on a typical mouse.
| Button | Default Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Left Click | Select, open, drag, highlight text and objects | The primary input on any mouse |
| Right Click | Opens context menus and additional options | Triggers secondary actions in most applications |
| Scroll Wheel / Middle Click | Vertical scrolling; pressing the wheel acts as a middle button | The wheel rotates and clicks down as two separate functions |
| Back Button (Side) | Browser back, previous folder, undo navigation | Usually the forward-most side button on the left side |
| Forward Button (Side) | Browser forward, next folder, redo navigation | Usually the rear side button; app support varies |
| DPI / Sensitivity Button | Cycles through cursor speed presets | Some models let you remap it; others place it under the mouse |
If you are shopping for a mouse that handles all six buttons well right out of the box, our tested roundup of the best 6-button mice covers reliable models for work and gaming alike.
Six-Button Mouse Functions: What You Can Remap
Most six-button mice let you reassign nearly every button using the manufacturer’s software or a third-party utility. Microsoft’s own mouse button documentation shows that defaults such as left click, right click, browser back, and even Print Screen can all be changed to something more useful. For Logitech devices, the standard assignment is left click, right click, middle click, DPI cycle, forward, and back — every one of which is customizable in Logitech’s configuration app.
To customize your mouse, open the vendor’s software, select your model, and look for a “button assignment” section. From there you can bind keystrokes, macros, or app-specific commands to any button. On macOS, native support for extra buttons is limited, so third-party tools are usually needed. Microsoft’s mouse button reference provides a useful baseline for what each button can be set to in Windows.
Mistakes That Trip Users Up
The most common error is assuming every six-button mouse shares the same layout. Some brands put the DPI switch on top, others hide it underneath, and a few let you remap it entirely. A second frequent misunderstanding is treating the side buttons as universal browser keys — many applications ignore them unless you configure the binding yourself. Finally, people sometimes confuse the scroll wheel click with scrolling itself; the wheel does both, but pressing it down activates a separate middle-click function that apps handle differently.
If your mouse supports onboard profile storage, any remapping you apply carries over to other computers. That is convenient, but always verify your bindings before relying on them in a game or a work application.
FAQs
What is the sixth button on a 6-button mouse?
The sixth button is usually a DPI or sensitivity switch that cycles through cursor speed presets. On some models it is a fully programmable button, while on others it is placed on the underside to prevent accidental presses during regular use.
Do the side buttons work in every application?
No. Browser back and forward are the most consistently supported side-button functions, but many desktop applications ignore them unless you bind a specific keystroke or command in your mouse software. Testing each app after remapping is the safest approach.
Can I change what the DPI button does?
It depends on the mouse model. Some let you reassign the DPI button to any function in the manufacturer’s software, while others restrict it to cycling through preset sensitivity levels. Checking the mouse’s configuration app will tell you which type you own.
References & Sources
- Microsoft. “What are the default buttons and wheel assignments for my mouse?” Documents default button functions and reassignment options in Windows.
- Logitech. “MX Anywhere 3S Business Wireless Mouse.” Product page illustrating Logitech’s standard six-button layout and software customization.
- Lenovo. “Mouse Button Glossary.” Explains general mouse-button functions across brands and models.