OT: Mouses

I don't recall. I've gone through a fair number of mice over the years.

Wouldn't have thought so.

Not really. Through-hole components can be a pain if the holes aren't really big enough. With these switches, you can lift each pin in turn with tweezers, or even cut the pins and unsolder them individually.

OK, that's the only reason I am interested, its a nuisance to have to keep replacing the mouse every year or so, particularly as I need much more than a very basic mouse and you usually can't get another of the same one again because Logitech keeps changing the damned things.

Fraid so.

But there are no thru hole components involved when when replacing a microswitch when it has gone flaky.

Still rather easier to replace a microswitch.