Gaming Mice
Let's start with the basics; I can easily predict that most of you already know what a computer mouse is. But just in case there are some of our dear friends who don't know, I'll introduce the topic smoothly with some background information.
What is a computer mouse?
A computer mouse is an electronic device that interfaces between a person (in this case, you) and a computer. With the wonders of technology, you can navigate your computer screen and access all kinds of amazing things with just one click.
Chances are you are already using it if you are using a desktop computer. You probably even came to this site using a mouse. There is a wide variety of types of computer mice, ranging from low to high end and affordable to luxury prices. Classic three-button mice can be seen in corporate offices or on the countertop of someone who doesn't play video games.
What is a gaming mouse?
A gaming mouse is also a type of computer mouse, but a different type from the $5 mice. In fact, they are VERY DIFFERENT. If you've ever seen them, you may already know how different they can be. They are AWESOME; they have FLAIR and work PERFECTLY. It was probably due to their appearance that I became a fan of gaming mice.
A gaming mouse is a computer mouse that has been designed specifically for gaming with tailored ergonomics, adjustable sensitivity sensors, programmable buttons, and more.
There is a funny mistake that a lot of gamers make and that is spending large sums of money on high-performance PCs and neglecting the keyboard and mouse.
Especially for a more serious gamer, but also for other users, this behavior is not very wise, since your PC gaming keyboard and your mouse completely interface between you and your computer. Your overall control and precision, therefore, depend on them.
Imagine your mouse and keyboard as your weapons on a battlefield. You can be a good soldier, but without the proper weapons, you are nothing on the battlefield.
The main types of Gaming Mouse:
There are several types of gaming mice, but how are they classified? Here is how they are generally grouped:
1. By Gaming Type
Some mice are more suited to certain games: PC or single-player multiplayer type games, strategy or adventure games. In fact, there is no real rule, you can play any type of game without any type of mouse, but some mice are better suited to certain types of gaming than others because of their design.
2. FPS / RPG mouse
These mice can be found everywhere. I find it a little weird to classify a mouse as an “FPS / RPG mouse” because you can really play FPS / RPG with any type of mouse. But some mice are designed specifically for FPS / RPG games and they have unbeatable features.
Some are even designed for E-sports and professional gaming. They can have exceptional optical sensors, programmable buttons placed specifically for these games, quick DPI adjustment buttons, etc. I have even seen buttons for the snipe as extras!
3. MMO / MOBA mouse
It's a new range of gaming mice. They are relatively easy to recognize. Just by looking at the buttons placed on the numeric keypad on the thumb rest, you will be able to recognize that it is an MMO / MOBA mouse. MMO mice come with a small, twelve-button numeric keypad while MOBA mice typically have 6, 7, or 8 buttons placed in a circle on the thumb rest.
The fashion for MMO mice started with the legendary Razer Naga mouse. When it first appeared, it hit the nail on the head and totally transformed the concept of MMO
playstyle. Since then, all other MMO mice manufactured have followed the concept established by the Razer Naga. Some manufacturers have taken the concept and taken it a step further by adding formidable improvements.
The 12-button numeric keypad is there to let you program these buttons specifically.
So it would be almost a mistake to forget that MMO mice are designed to maximize the comfort of your hand during long hours of play. MMO gamers will know what I'm talking about when I say that MMO mice are typically bigger and heavier than other types of mice and generally fill the hand well when gripping in the palm. They are very comfortable and you will feel good when handling them.
MOBA mice have fewer buttons because you just won't need them when playing DOTA or League of Legends. This is why they typically have 6 to 8 buttons on the thumb rest, just enough and directly under your thumb.
4. By type of ergonomics
Gaming mice are classified by three types of ergonomic shapes: “Palm Grip”, “Claw Grip” and “Fingertip Grip”.
Ergonomics is one of the first things to consider when buying a gaming mouse because your mouse will be with you during all your gaming sessions and it is essential that you feel comfortable using it. First of all, you need to find what type of grip is best suited to you. Which do you feel most comfortable with?
Which one gives you a feeling of full control over your mouse? These are the vital questions you will need to answer when choosing your mouse. Answer it then find the grip that suits you best, that will be your starting point.
5. By Sensor Type
Sensors are the eyes of your gaming mice. Using sensors, our mice detect the position and direction of our mouse movement.
They process the signals coming from the surface in their processors and convert them into commands transmitted to the computer. This is how the cursor moves on the screen. This is all possible thanks to the mouse sensors.
Previously, mice were equipped with balls that followed the movement of the mouse in place of modern sensors. They operated on the same concept but did the job mechanically. Now thanks to technological advances we have access to laser and optical sensors. How are they different? And which is the best of them?
These two types of sensors do the same job but in a different way:
Laser sensors - Laser sensors rely on the Doppler Effect while optical sensors take pictures of the surface and assess changes in the patterns.
Optical sensors - Optical sensors are preferred in pro-gaming because they are known for their high precision. There is a value in gaming sensors known as “Mouse Acceleration” and optical sensors are typically sold without mouse acceleration. Some, designed for maximum precision, come with near Zero Acceleration.
6. Wired or Wired
You will surely have seen wired and wireless mice. Some gamers, especially pros, prefer wired mice while some gamers prefer wireless mice. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these choices?
Wired mice are preferred by a pro or more hardcore gamers and by many other types of gamers because they simply don't trust the data transmission efficiency of wireless mice. They are afraid of signal interruptions or transmission delays that do not occur when using wired mice.
You might believe it and at first glance, it seems logical. But keep in mind that there are wireless mice that have proven to be MUCH MORE THAN SUITABLE. Test results show that a high-end wireless gaming mouse has no difference in data transmission speed with its wired counterparts.
And to top it off no cables are cluttering your way. I can't even describe the sheer convenience of wireless mice to you.
But pro gamers still use wired mice in case there is an interruption in the signal between the computer and the mouse which would cost them a minute of play which is not acceptable in a professional gaming environment because thousands of dollars may be at stake.
7. Vertical Mouse
A vertical mouse allows you to extend your hand and arm naturally, easing any existing wrist pain and can help prevent you from developing Carpal Tunnel or RSI.
One of the most common injuries gamers sustain while playing competitively or casually is chronic hand fatigue. The unique vertical shape of the mouse offers users better control and improved comfort.
The main considerations when choosing:
There are some things to consider when looking for a gaming mouse. And these are:
The ergonomics of the mouse
- The performance parameters
- The type of games you play
- Wired or Wireless
- Optical, Laser or Infrared sensor
- The price
The ergonomics of the mouse:
The ergonomics of your mouse should be your first priority when choosing a gaming mouse; your feel and its comfort are paramount because you will constantly be using it. You cannot escape it. That's why you first need to determine what type of grip is right for you.
But there are three main types of grip.
The palm grip: Your entire hand is resting on the mouse, and you use your palm to move it. These mice typically have a wider back to allow your palm to rest comfortably.
This type of grip is faster than other types but is also generally less precise, so if you are a gamer who faces situations where you need perfect precision, this type of grip should not do.
Claw grip: This type of grip is called a “claw” because your hand looks like a claw when you hold the mouse. The fingers are arched like a claw would be, and you can use your thumb, ring finger, and pinky finger to control mouse movement more precisely. It is much more precise than the palm grip but can also prove to be much more tiring.
It's a type of grip that's intermediate between the palm grip and the fingertip grip, with which you can control a good number of different mice.
Finger grip: Your palm is not resting on the back of the mouse. You control the mouse only with your fingertips. It is known to be the most precise grip of all but it does not guarantee you comfort. Those who seek precision above all will find their height with a finger-grip mouse. Adapting to this kind of mouse can take time because it is not the natural position of the hand.
