First 2 are the 'normal' ones, left click and right click. The scroll button has 3 switches, you can push it to the left, the right, or push it down. The last 2 are on the left side by the thumb, a very handy position when you get used to using them. All the switches can be programmed to perform any of about 25 tasks. I use the buttons built into the scroll wheel for volume up & down and mute. I use the 2 on the left side by the thumb for back and forward when browsing the web. All are easy to program and easy to use.