Need help determining which is the right gaming mouse for you? Don’t worry, actually this is a challenging task, especially these days because there are different types of models available in the market.
Having the right kind of mouse can help you to achieve your aim in your gaming session, it doesn’t matter if you are playing FPS, MOBA, or MMO games. Also, for other gaming actions like switching weapons and adjusting camera angles is easy to do that with a gaming mouse.
So, in this article, I will share with you all the important factors that you should look into it when you are going to buy a gaming mouse.
Let’s get started without any further delay.
The Ultimate Gaming Mouse Buying Guide Of 2023 – 11 Important Things To Consider
1. Games You Intend To Play:
When you are planning to buy a gaming mouse then you need to take a few things into consideration like the game’s genre that you want to play. The reason behind this is that each and every game genre has different requirements and focus like its accuracy and precision while some other games focus on fast movement.
When you are planning to buy a gaming mouse then you need to take a few things into consideration like the game’s genre that you want to play. The reason behind this is that each and every game genre has different requirements and focus on accuracy and precision while some other games focus on fast movement.
For FPS (First Person Shooter) games like Doom Eternal and Call of Duty games matters the accuracy of the mouse rather than having more programmable side buttons. Let’s take an example, for shooting games, you’ll need a mouse which is precise, consistent, and reliable.
But if you want to play MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games like DOTA or MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) games such as World of Warcraft then it is good to have more programmable buttons to get a good gaming experience.
2. Types Of Sensor – Laser vs Optical:
There are two types of gaming mouse is available such as Optical and Laser. So, the difference between both of them is that laser mouse uses a laser beam to illuminate a surface as the name suggests while an optical mouse uses an infrared LED.
Generally, an optical sensor gaming mouse is more preferable than a laser mouse because it is inexpensive but less susceptible to jitter that can throw off your gaming purpose.
Actually, laser gaming mice can be used on any kind of surface such as reflective or glossy surfaces like glass. On the other side, optical gaming mice is can be used on specific flat, non-reflective surfaces, like, mouse pads and wooden desks.
If we compare both mice technically then laser mice are comparatively more accurate than optical mice. But it can little inaccurate when slower-defined mouse movement, as results in jitter and inconsistency. It happens just because they have overanalyzed the surface where they are placed and this is how it makes them less ideal for gaming.
With all that said, the gap between both laser and optical gaming mice is not that important in terms of both price and accuracy.
Following are some terms that you may come across when we’ll discussing about mouse sensors:
- DPI: A mouse which comes with adjustable DPI is more favorable for gaming.
- Jitter: Actually, jitter or mouse stuttering is a flaw, which is not good for gaming.
- Polling Rate: Choose a mouse which has at least 500Hz of polling rate.
- Life Off Distance: It should be low as much as possible.
- Acceleration: During gaming mouse acceleration should be turned off.
- Prediction/Angle Snapping: While gaming prediction/angle snapping should be turned off.
3. Grip Style:
When you are going to buy a gaming mouse it is also very important to consider the grip style. The reason is that it helps to determine the size, shape, and weight of the mouse and which one is comfortable for you. There are mainly three grip styles:
- Palm Grip
- Claw Grip
- Fingertip Grip
1. Palm Mouse Grip:
The Palm grip is one of the most popular grip styles which is widely used by gamers and non-gamers because it allows you to hold or use the mouse in a natural way.
This is a relaxed grip style and in this style, your arm does most of the work for moving, gliding, and pointing.
Because of this relaxed grip style, you can’t expect the exact position or movements of the mouse but easily you’ll get large glides.
2. Claw Mouse Grip:
This Claw grip style is most popular in the gamer’s community and especially in E-Sports games and FPS.
In this grip style, your hand will make a shape like a claw and you need to slightly arch your palm where you have to bit arch your palm with less contact with the mouse. Also, your index and middle fingers are also will be arched.
3. Fingertip Mouse Grip:
According to the name, the Fingertip grip style allows you to use a lot of fingertips.
To use this mouse you need to master the grip style because it is little difficult as compared to the previous grip style.
While using this grip style, your fingertips can only touch the mouse and your palm can’t come in touch with the mouse.
4. Connection Type – Wired or Wireless
As the name suggests, you can connect wired gaming mice to your laptop/computer through the wire and this is the most popular type of mouse among gamers. Actually, the wired cable serves two purposes firstly, it provides power to the mouse, and secondly, it transmit the signals from the mouse to the laptop/computer.
The best thing about wired mice is that you don’t need to worry about replacing the battery. Also, it provides a stable connection without any signal interference. On top of that, it is less expensive and gives a faster response time as compared to wireless mice.
Speaking about wireless mice, it is powered by a replaceable battery, which makes it a little heavy as compared to wired mice. Further, the best part about the wireless mice is that without wire it keeps your desk clean and also you can use your laptop/computer by seating farther away.
Without wire/cable, it is the best portable option. If we talk about the drawback of wireless mice then it is a little more expensive than wired mice, slower to react, and signal interference can cause a lagging issue. Further, because it is powered by the batteries as you know, and that’s why you need to replace it when it dies.
5. Shape And Size – Ergonomic vs Ambidextrous
The shape and size is also an important factor that you need to consider while purchasing because it determines how comfortable it is in your hand. On top of that, it also helps to determine whether the mouse is suitable for left handed or right handed gamers.
If the shape and size of the mouse is not comfortable in your hand then you can’t play games for a long.
There are mainly two types of mouse designs:
- Ergonomic
- Ambidextrous
1. Ergonomic Gaming Mouse – Best For Comfort
The design of ergonomic mice is built to keep in mind that it fits naturally into the gamer’s hand so that it reduces discomfort and muscle strain.
Also, on the sides of ergonomic mice, it has grooves which allow your thumb and fingers to comfortably rest on them.
The buttons on this ergonomic mouse are placed strategically which allows your fingers to easily rest on them. So, this thing makes it a better choice if you want to play games for a long time.
When you are going to choose an ergonomic gaming mouse, you need to make sure that it perfectly fits in your hand. On top of that, this ergonomic mouse is designed differently for left handed and right handed.
2. Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse – Best For Right And Left Handed Users
Ambidextrous mice are evenly shaped and this is why it can be used for both left and right-hand users comfortably.
If you are one who will be able to use both hands during gaming then the ambidextrous mouse is a good option for you to switch hands during long hours of gaming sessions so that it reduces arm strain.
The ergonomic mouse provides better comfort but still, some gamers choose ambidextrous mice because they feel it that is easier to the wrist on this mouse during gaming.
6. Weight:
Weight is also an important factor to consider while choosing a gaming mouse. Usually, a gaming mouse weighs around 100 grams. But still, there are some mouse which weighs 80 grams while some have around 165 grams of weight.
A gaming mouse which is light in weight works well if you want to use your mouse at low DPI but still, you can be able to make hard glides. If you’ll go with a heavy mouse then it works well in such situations where precision is not that much important and preferred high DPI.
Actually, a heavy mouse is steadier than a lightweight mouse and this thing prevents it from moving easily with the slightest amount of force. But sometimes, because of its heavy weight needs a little extra effort, and due to this it starts to feel uncomfortable after doing a long gaming session.
7. Build Quality:
Speaking about the build quality, we all know that the mouse is built with plastic in a matte or glossy finish. Actually, the finish of the mouse determines how the mouse feels when your hand is rest on it. According to this, if you will go with a glossy finish mouse then it feels slippery when your hands are sweaty.
On top of that, you also need to consider how the mouse buttons feel, usually, it depends upon the switch type used in the mouse. In most of the gaming mice, the switches are used called Omron. Also, the mouse switch type determines the feel of click is whether soft or stiff.
Let’s take an example, if you want to play fast paced games like MOBA and RTS then you need to have less tension soft clicks. While for FPS games, precision is very important and for that reason, you need to have more tension hard clicks to avoid any accidental shots.
8. Mouse Feet:
The mouse feet also called mouse skates, are small pads which are placed at the bottom of the mouse and it helps to determine how much drag you are experiencing while you glide the mouse over the mousepad or surface.
Generally, it is made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is also known as Teflon.
Almost all the gaming mice which come with stock feet are good in terms of quality and it is durable too. But eventually, after using few years they wear out and then you need to replace them with similar or other types of mouse feet.
9. Cable – Braided vs Rubber:
If you are planning to go with the wired mouse then there are two types of cable options such as braided cables and rubber cables.
Let’s talk about the braided cables first, it is quite different from the rubber cables as it has a protective sleeve over the cable which offers extra protection. This is the thing which makes braided cables more durable than ordinary rubber cables.
And the best part is that the protective sleeves of braided cables are available in different color options, so you’ll find the color which matches to your PC. The only drawback of this braided cable is that its protective sleeves make it less flexible as compared to rubber cables.
10. Programmable Buttons:
If you don’t know what is programmable button is, then programmable buttons allow you to perform some complex gaming moves with just a single button click.
This is why you don’t to remember or use complex keyboard shortcuts. If you are planning to play MOBA and MMO games then you’ll need a mouse which have at least 6 programmable buttons.
Usually, the gaming mouse which is designed especially for FPS games they have fewer side buttons. Also, some gaming mice, have an on-the-fly DPI button which allows you to lower the DPI immediately and with the help of this you can aim with better precision.
11. Price and Warranty:
This is also an important factor when choosing a gaming mouse. So, when you are making a purchase decision you need to make sure that it is within your budget and also it includes a warranty.
If any kind of issue you’ll face in the gaming mouse under the warranty period then it can be fixed or replaced without any extra cost.
Final Verdict:
Well, in this guide I have tried my best to cover almost all the important things that you need to consider when you are buying a gaming mouse. Considering all the important things will help you to choose the best gaming mouse according to your needs and budget.
It is advisable by most of gamers that first give priority to comfort and performance. Sometimes, it also happens that you may have to try out various gaming mice over time before you’ll get the suitable gaming mouse for you.
So, this is from my side, I hope you liked this article and also it helps you. Still, if you have any queries then feel free to ask me by commenting below.
