A gaming mouse is a mouse with many features mainly designed for gamers. It’s more durable and faster than normal mice. There are a lot of features of a gaming mouse that make it stand out from the crowd.
DPI (Dots per inch)
“DPI” can be used as a standard measurement for mice sensitivity as higher DPI means the device has greater accuracy than those with lower DPIs. Most games require high sensitivity, so gamers tend to use high-end gaming mice with a high dpi rating. A good range would be between 2000 and 9500 dpi for first-person shooting games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, while RTS games such as Starcraft 2 require a relatively low dpi of 600-800.
Sensor Type
Another important feature to note would be the sub-type of sensor it has. There are three major types, namely laser, optical, and AIMO (Analog input Multi-Objective) sensors, each having its advantage over the other two. Laser sensors are faster than optical ones but lack accuracy, while optical mice tend to have more accurate readings but perform poorly on reflective surfaces compared to laser mice. On the other hand, AIMO sensors are a new type of sensor that tracks objects at any angle or direction depending on how you move your mouse.
Programmable Buttons
Most gaming mice have additional buttons located near your thumb, which are programmable using the mouse’s software which can be assigned to any function. These buttons are usually located behind your thumb, so you won’t accidentally press them.
Shape and Weight
Gaming mice are designed for gamers who use their right hand, while most regular mice are built for left-handed people. The shape of a gaming mouse is normally wider than normal mice to provide better grip when clicking; the two major shapes available are claw grip and palm grip, with each giving different comfort levels depending on how you hold it. Gaming mice also tend to be heavier than normal ones since they need more durability due to intense movements during gameplay, sacrificing speed for endurance.
Lubricant Pads
Size matters! Lubricant pads on the side of a gaming mouse absorb sweat and reduce friction between your hands and the mouse. This prevents hand fatigue and increases comfort levels when playing games for hours, which is normal for gamers.
Lighting Effects
Some brands allow you to customize lighting effects such as changing light colors and modes to go with certain models; this feature is usually found in high-end mice and comes in useful during LAN parties or just showing off at online multiplayer competitive games such as Overwatch or League of Legends.
Ergonomic Design
Most gamers play for hours on end, so ergonomics plays an important part in choosing a suitable gaming mouse since it needs to provide a grip than normal mice without straining your hand or arms. This is usually solved by making the mouse design slightly curved inward, so it fits comfortably in your palm, and also, some gaming mice come with a detachable wrist rest for extra comfort.
Onboard Memory
Some gaming mice have a built-in onboard memory that saves all your button settings, macros, and profile settings without the need to install any software on your computer. This is very useful, especially if you’re using someone else’s computer and don’t want them to change your button configuration or, worse, delete it.
Cable Length
The standard length for a gaming mouse cable would be around 1.8 to 2 meters long, but some gaming mice come with an extension cable, which gives you more freedom to move around your desk. This is useful if you have a large desk and don’t want the cable to get in the way or restrict your movement.
Price
Lastly, the price range for gaming mice can go from below $20 to over $200, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing since some features might not be necessary for you but are important to other gamers. For example, if you’re not into competitive gaming and don’t require a lot of buttons, then there’s no need to buy a mouse with 12 programmable buttons.
So these are some of the top features that you should look out for when purchasing a gaming mouse. Do keep in mind that each person’s preference might be different, so it’s best to go to a store and try out a few gaming mice before making your final decision.
