Difference between clicking trackpad vs not clicking?

It's just a user preference. I prefer tap to click.

Yes, trackpads have a mode that can be enabled in System Preferences to enable Tap to Click. There are almost no advantages to clicking the trackpad deeply. Some prefer that confirming "click" noise. Otherwise, it should seem as if it might spare your trackpad from a little wear and tear, while keeping it quiet as you record. The Magic Mouse does require a click with noise unless you use a 3rd party app.

To get to Tap to Click in the System Preferences, go to the Apple on the top left of the status bar, choose System Preferences, tap "Trackpad," click the Point and Click tab, and check, "Tap to Click."

Here's a link to the Apple Magic Trackpad on the Apple Store website, where you can read reviews, see pricing, etc. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC380LL/A/magic-trackpad

Good luck with your recordings!

Drag and drop works with tap when enabled in System Preferences > Accessibility > Trackpad & Mouse > Trackpad options

With this set, you can drag and drop with one finger or three using tap,tap-drag.

brett romero wrote:

On a Macbook Pro, is there any difference between clicking the trackpad hard enough that it makes the mechanical click sound vs tapping it, which makes no sound?

No.

I'd like to mask out the clicking noise while doing screen recordings. It seems I can accomplish everything with silent taps that I can accomplish through clicking. Although the silent taps take some getting use to.

I don't believe the mouse can do this?

Not natively.

3rd party apps will do it.

-> BetterTouchTool

-> MagicPrefs

There are other alternatives, including 3-finger drag, that can be adjusted in the Settings. Keep in mind that these gestures may interfere with others.

brett romero wrote:

Thanks. I believe drag n' drop does require the deep press on a trackpad?

No.

I thought you wanted to use the mouse instead of a trackpad?