How to pick the right gaming mouse
In moments where a single missed click could mean the difference between winning or losing, having the right gear to guide you on your way to victory is key.
Unlike your average office mouse, gaming mice are designed with gaming specifically in mind.
Both types have the same function and come in various shapes and styles. The big difference here is that most gaming mice come with additional built-in buttons, configurations, and a more suitable shape for in-game effectiveness and prolonged use.
Even something as trivial as having a firm grip goes a long way!
Source: Razer
Understanding your grip
The right mouse positioning and grip can go a long way in winning games. The keyword here is “comfort” you want to be able to smoothly control your cursor over a long period without feeling sore.
When finding the right grip, the size of your hands has a big part to play. People with smaller hands may often hold their mouse with a palm grip as the mouse easily fits in their palm, while others prefer a so-called claw grip, only using the tip of their fingers to control the mouse for increased precision.
Another major factor when it comes to grip in the shape of the mouse. Manufacturers have gotten very creative in producing mice of different shapes and sizes, and certain shapes might change the way a mouse rests on your palm.
You want a gaming mouse that doesn’t cause strain when you finally get that perfect grip, even after playing your favorite game for hours.
Different types of gaming mice
There is a wide range of gaming mice designed with specific games in mind to help you climb the rankings of your favorite genres.
Source: Razer
Designed for FPS games
The most common gaming mouse is the shooter mouse with the conventional mouse buttons and two to three thumb buttons. This is the most common type of gaming mouse and are very easy to use. Players can assign controls like "Reload", "Throw Grenade", and "Melee" to the additional buttons for smooth gameplay.
They have DPI settings that can easily be adjusted and come with great response times which is everything a gamer needs when playing a shooter. This is your go-to if you are someone that spends a lot of time on FPS games.
Source: Razer
Designed for MMO's
MMORPG's like Age of Empires and World of Warcraft come with a lot of skills and controls. Most MMO mice come with over nine thumb buttons, which come in handy when playing these games. These extra buttons are used for those necessary controls that may have been more difficult to access on-screen or on your keyboard.
They may have their cons in button sizes, but once you get used to them, you have the perfect button configuration literally at your fingertip.
Source: Razer
Designed for most games
This mouse sits in the middle by offering the basic shooter mouse the advantage of a few additional buttons without straying too far. The Hybrid mouse offers players a few additional buttons but not as much as the MMO mouse. It is perfect for players who enjoy playing a variety of games and don't want the hassle of having to change their setup with each game.
Mobile/Portable Mice
A bonus on our list is the portable mouse. This is a mouse perfect for players who move around with High-spec laptops. They are usually very small, simple, and wireless and therefore can easily be carried around. You never know when you might want to play a quick game with your friends while away from home.