Mouse switch chatter
Also called double click chatter · double clicking issue
Switch chatter is when a single mouse click registers as two. The metal contacts inside a worn mechanical switch bounce as they close and the mouse reports the bounce as a second click.
The mouse test flags any two clicks on the same button less than 50ms apart. That is faster than a person can double click on purpose, so a flag there points at the switch rather than your finger.
In practice
Chatter is the most common way a mouse fails. It starts as an occasional double click, often noticed when a folder opens on a single click or a selection drops. It can also show up as a held click that briefly lets go during a drag. Both come from the same worn contacts bouncing when they should stay closed.
How to check
Click steadily in the mouse test at a normal pace for a minute. The test flags any two clicks on one button less than 50ms apart. A few flags while clicking slowly is chatter. Then hold the button down for ten seconds and watch for flicker. Chatter usually comes and goes at first, so test on a few different days.