A Comprehensive Guide to Buying the Best Gaming Mouse

Your Guide to buying the best Gaming mice

Overview

Whether you’re a professional gamer or just an occasional gamer looking for a reliable piece of kit, finding the right gaming mouse can be a daunting task. With so many shapes, sizes and features available, it can be difficult to know exactly what you need and what you should be looking for. This guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a gaming mouse. We will discuss the features to consider, offer advice on what type of mouse might be best for you, and provide an overview of the best gaming mouse currently available on the market.

Key features

  1. DPI or CPI: This stands for "Dots Per Inch" or "Counts Per Inch" and refers to the number of times a mouse can detect movement. Generally, gaming mice are higher in these ratings than regular mice, offering better accuracy and speed.
  2. Polling Rate: This measures how many times the mouse reports its position to the computer in a second. Generally, higher polling rates provide better accuracy and faster response times.
  3. Buttons: Most gaming mice have extra buttons you can map to specific keyboard shortcuts or macros. These can be helpful for executing complex gaming maneuvers quickly.
  4. Weight: Depending on your gaming style, you may prefer a lighter or heavier mouse. Many gaming mice come with adjustable weights to suit different user preferences.
  5. Ergonomics/Design: It's important to choose a mouse that fits your hand size and grip style. Many gaming mice come in different sizes and shapes to suit different users.
  6. Software/Macros: Many gaming mice come with software to customize button mapping, polling rate, and other features. This can help you customize your mouse to your specific gaming needs.
  7. Price: Gaming mice come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to consider your budget before making a purchase.

See the most popular Gaming mice on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Ergonomics: Gaming mice are designed with ergonomic considerations, often featuring contoured shapes and adjustable weights to provide a comfortable grip and reduce fatigue.
  • Customizable Buttons: Many Gaming mice have a variety of customizable buttons that allow you to assign specific in-game functions to specific mouse buttons, giving you an edge over your competition.
  • High Precision: Gaming mice offer higher precision than traditional mice, allowing for more accurate tracking and faster response times.
  • High Durability: Gaming mice are designed to withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions, featuring high-grade materials and tougher switches for extended life.
  • RGB Lighting: Most Gaming mice feature RGB lighting, giving you the ability to customize the look and feel of your gaming setup.

Cons

  • Cost: Gaming mice tend to cost more than regular mice, so they may not be a suitable option for people on a tight budget.
  • Size: Gaming mice are usually larger than regular mice and may not be suitable for those who have smaller hands.
  • Noise: Gaming mice make clicking noises that may be distracting for your coworkers or to people in your household.
  • Durability: Gaming mice tend to be less durable than regular mice, meaning they may need to be regularly replaced if used heavily.
  • Power Usage: Some gaming mice use batteries that need to be replaced or recharged frequently.

Best alternatives

  1. Keyboard and Mouse Combos - Bundles that include a gaming mouse and a gaming keyboard, typically meant for someone looking to get both a mouse and a keyboard in one purchase.
  2. Gaming Keypads - Controllers that focus on using the left hand and a variety of programmable buttons for gaming.
  3. Game Controllers - Controllers designed for gaming, such as the Xbox 360 controller.
  4. Trackballs - A mouse alternative that use a ball to control the cursor instead of moving it with your hand.
  5. Tablet Input Devices - Specialized devices that allow you to control your computer by writing or drawing on a tablet.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Gaming Mouse - A device used to input commands to a computer or gaming console.
  • Mousepad - A surface used to provide a smooth and consistent surface for a gaming mouse to track on.
  • Gaming Keyboard - A type of keyboard designed for gaming, with extra keys, custom backlighting, and other specialized features.
  • Mouse Bungee - A device designed to hold a gaming mouse and keep the cord from tangling.
  • Mouse Skates - Interchangeable feet that are placed at the bottom of a gaming mouse to improve tracking precision and speed.
  • Mouse Grips - Personalized grips on the side of a gaming mouse to help with comfort and stability.
  • Weight Tuning Kit - An adjustable set of weights to add to a gaming mouse to tailor its weight to the preference of the user.

Common questions

  1. What is a gaming mouse? A gaming mouse is a computer mouse designed for use in gaming, providing features such as higher sensitivity, more buttons and ergonomic design tailored towards gamers.
  2. What are the features of a gaming mouse? Features of a gaming mouse can include higher sensitivity, additional buttons for macros, adjustable weight, customizable lighting and ergonomically designed shape.
  3. What is DPI in gaming mice? DPI stands for dots per inch and is a measure of the mouse’s sensitivity. The higher the DPI of a mouse, the more sensitive it is and the faster it can move.
  4. Do gaming mice have extra buttons? Yes, some gaming mice have up to 8 extra buttons that can be programmed for macros or other commands.
  5. What is the difference between wired and wireless gaming mice? Wired gaming mice are connected to the computer with a cable while wireless mice are connected via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or a USB receiver. Wireless mice offer more freedom of movement but are more expensive and can have a higher input lag compared to wired mice.
  6. What types of grips are suited for gaming mice? The most common types of gaming mouse grips are claw grip, palm grip and fingertip grip. Claw grip is suitable for fast movements, palm grip is comfortable for long periods of use and fingertip grip is suitable for precise movements.

Trivia

In 2017, two professional gaming mice were released that featured built-in sensors to measure the temperature of the mouse and the user's hand. The idea was to encourage gamers to keep their hands cool while playing. However, the mice ended up being recalled after users reported that the sensors often experienced technical problems and would display incorrect temperature readings. This caused some amusement in the gaming community who had expected that the mice would offer an advantage in gaming. Source: PC Gamer.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.