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You’ve got your Xbox, you’ve got your PC, but what do you use to play games on either of them? A mouse!
Mice are the most important piece of equipment for any gamer. With so many different kinds available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
The best way to find out which gaming mouse is perfect for you is by reading this article and learning about all the features that make a great gaming mouse.
We will go over some common models and explain their pros and cons in detail.
If we don’t cover your favorite model here then it’s possible we’ll mention another article that would be helpful in making a decision too!
We’ll also cover what to look for in a gaming mouse and then we’ve got some recommendations.
So let’s start by looking at the most important feature – the sensor!
1. Sensor
The Sensor is used to track your hand movements in games and with it being such an important feature you want it to be very good, right? Well, that largely depends on the games you play and the style of mouse that you want. If for example, all you play is casual or console games then a wireless mouse with a laser sensor will be excellent for you! But maybe you play lots of high-speed FPS games and find wired mice to be more compatible with your needs? Or maybe some other criteria that we’ll talk about in more depth later on? Either way, sometimes you may need to test out different mice to discover the one with the best sensor for you!
2. Button Configuration
Do you prefer a symmetrical mouse or maybe an older style where your thumb is on either side? It’s important to consider this before buying so check out the pictures to get a good idea of what to look for.
3. Wireless vs. Wired
Wireless mice can often be beneficial because they do away with the hassle of dealing with cords but wired models are still preferred by professional gamers for their precision and accuracy. If you play casual games then wireless would absolutely be your best option, but if you’re looking for something to use at a competitive level then wired is definitely the way to go.
4. Buttons
The amount and type of buttons on your mouse can also be important depending on what you do with it and how advanced your games are. If you’re not an advanced gamer then all that you need is left and right-click, but if more buttons are required then things can start to get a bit more complicated and it’s time to check the different button configurations of each model.
5. Optical vs. Laser
The technology used by your mouse sensor (where movement is detected on your screen) is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a gaming mouse! This is because optical sensors are more accurate at low speeds so are best suited to FPS games where there’s constant movement. On the other hand, laser sensors are better for high-speed movements so are ideal for RTS players that need to do precision targeting across long distances.
6. Weight
The weight of your mouse is also important because it can affect how tired your hand gets during a long gaming session. Some mice are heavier than others and often you can add weights to your mouse in order to balance the weight out.
7. Hand size
The size of your hand may also affect your choice when it comes to picking up your perfect mouse! With that being said, there’s no reason why you can’t try them all out if you have the opportunity, there are lots of mice out there for all hand sizes so if you’re not sure then go get a handful and test them out.
8. Wired vs. Wireless
Wired mice can provide excellent precision but wireless models allow for more freedom which is good for gamers that prefer being able to move around naturally. You’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons of both to find which one suits you best!
9. Price
The price should also be considered when choosing a gaming mouse because it’s directly linked to features so the more expensive models will generally have better sensors, buttons, weights, etc. We’ve included lots of good mice in this guide so even if you’re on a tight budget then you’ll be able to find some good options.
10. Max DPI
This is just another way of saying ‘sensitivity’ and it’s measured in dots per inch, which is the amount that your cursor moves on your screen when you move the mouse by one inch – easy! For casual gamers then 400-800DPI is enough but if you’re a professional gamer then your mouse’s DPI should be at least 2,400-3200DPI.
11. Max Polling Rate
For gamers using lower DPI settings of around 400-800, then there’s no need to use the maximum polling rate so it can often be turned down in order to save battery life. To put it simple, the polling rate refers to how frequently your mouse sends information back to your computer and the higher it is then the smoother and more precise movements will be.
12. Varying Weight
The weight of your mouse can vary depending on what you need from it so if you want something for casual gaming which tends to involve a lot of clicking then you should look for an option that’s heavier. For pro gamers who require very low DPI settings and high accuracy, then lighter mice are more suitable.
13. Mouse Feet
If you’re looking to buy a mouse mat separately to go with your gaming mouse then it’s important to check what type of feet the mouse has, as this will affect how well it lasts and performs on your chosen surface. Some mice can be destroyed easily by certain surfaces, but this shouldn’t be the case if you get a good mouse mat to go with your purchase!
14. Lift-Off Distance
Lift-off distance is basically the amount of space that’s needed between your mouse and its pad in order for the optical sensor to recognize that there’s nothing underneath it. If your lift-off distance is too high then you’ll need to make sure that your mouse pad is always completely flat and free of debris, otherwise, this can interfere with responsiveness which will affect how well you play games.
15. Polling Rate
The polling rate refers to how frequently information is sent between your mouse and computer. For casual gamers, polling rates can often be turned down in order to save battery life, however professional gamers require the best possible precision so will need to use the maximum polling rate.
16. DPI
Dots per inch refers to how sensitive your mouse is – more dots means higher sensitivity! A lower DPI setting of around 400-800 dots is enough for some casual gamers but more serious players should consider using at least 2000 dots or above for the most accurate results.
17. Pixart’s 3310 Optical Sensor
This sensor is probably the most common one found in today’s mice so it really is reliable. It uses an Avago lens with a built-in LED to give accurate tracking.
18. Pitch / Yaw Durability Test
This test is designed to determine how long your mouse lasts under intense use – not all models can survive this level of punishment! The durability test involves moving back and forth on the same axis until the product fails, which means that it will be easier for some mice to last longer than others.
19. Weight Tuning System
Some advanced gaming mice have weights inside them which allow you to customize their weight according to your preferences, usually between 5g – 24g, depending on the model. This can be particularly useful for pro gamers who need to change their settings quickly depending on what game they’re playing.
Final words
Gaming mice can be a very personal choice, so it’s important to do your research before making any purchase. The input has given you some advice on what to look for in a gaming mouse and also provided recommendations from different brands that are worth considering. If this article was helpful then please share with friends who might find it interesting too!
