If you have a computer, then some sort of mouse is required to use it. Whether you own a desktop PC or a laptop, they both need something to move the pointer around on the screen.
However, not every computer mouse is made for the same purpose or has the same options. Some computer mice focus on accessibility and compatibility while others are made for high-performance gaming.
Finding a mouse that will help you improve your gaming skills is a must for anyone who is serious about gaming or looking to play video games competitively. A gaming mouse is a great investment if you want a device that is more comfortable and durable than your typical computer mouse with added functionality and buttons. These mice also have a faster response time than regular ones, making them perfect for gaming.
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What is a ‘Gaming’ Mouse and What Makes It Different?
Gaming mice are an entirely separate product from your average mouse, which becomes obvious the second you try one out for yourself. They have distinct features that make them better suited to competitive gaming, and they are engineered to help you give your best performance every time you play your favorite game.
Some of these features include:
- Comfort by design. Gaming mice are created with the ergonomics of long computer sessions in mind. Gaming mice also offer various grip styles, adjustable weight, and ambidextrous options.
- Personalization through software. Unlike regular computer mice, gaming mice often come with built-in lighting that can be changed through software installed on your computer. This allows you to customize the look of your setup, and you can also change your DPI.
- Programmable buttons. Another benefit of gaming mouse software is the ability to reprogram buttons to create macros or remap them. It’s important to note that some gaming mice have a different number of buttons depending on what type of games they are designed for.
- Overall durability. You may notice that the paint on your regular computer mouse has worn away after minimal use. This is not the case with gaming mice, and their components and general material quality are also higher. Finally, gaming mice generally come with a longer warranty than regular mice.
What is Input Lag and Why Does It Hinder Gaming Performance?
Input lag is the time between clicking a button on your mouse and the computer registering the action. When you are using an everyday mouse for a simple task, this lag time is unnoticeable and does not matter in the long term.
However, if you’re gaming, especially competitively, this hardware limitation will be felt and can affect your overall performance in game. For example, if you are playing a first-person shooter (FPS) and click on an enemy to snipe them, with input lag, by the time the shot actually registers they will have most likely moved to a different spot.
Gaming mice contain higher quality sensors and transmitters, which helps to reduce input lag dramatically. This allows the computer to accurately show your motion with the mouse, and you can make those difficult shots that would be hindered by a regular mouse.
Finding Your Preferred DPI (Something Not All Mice Can Do)
DPI (dots per inch) is how mouse sensitivity is measured. A higher DPI means your cursor will move quickly across your screen, and a lower DPI means the cursor will move more slowly.
Usually gaming mice have a large range of DPI, starting at 100 with some going as high as 25,000. It’s unlikely that you would need such a high DPI, as most people stay within the 100 to 2,000 DPI range.
Increased DPI range can be useful to people that are playing games where they must move very quickly or if they are playing on a very large screen. Some gaming mice even have a button dedicated to lowering the DPI instantly.
The adjustability of DPI with a gaming mouse is crucial to helping you feel comfortable in your gaming environment, whatever that may be.
Wired or Wireless, What is the Difference?
You might be surprised to learn that modern wireless gaming mice have about the same amount of input lag as their wired counterparts, and many of the same features. While this was not always the case, the advancement in mouse technology has made it so that performance is more or less equal across the board.
When it comes to choosing the gaming mouse that is right for you, you should think about whether it will be awkward for you to plug your mouse directly into your computer depending on space limitations and where your USB ports are located.
On the other hand, owning a wireless mouse means either remembering to buy batteries or remembering to charge them. Choosing a gaming mouse is a personal decision, and you should consider all your options carefully.
Durability and Reliability
If you are considering buying a gaming mouse, you will notice immediately that they come with a higher price tag. And if you’re paying more money for a product, chances are good that you expect that product to be made from higher quality materials than its cheaper counterpart.
The good news is, with gaming mice you truly do get what you pay for. They are made with more reliable parts that result in a more durable end product, one that will continue to deliver excellent performance over time.
Consistency is key when you’re trying to improve your gaming skills, so spending a little extra money in the short term can be beneficial in the long run. All you have to do is make sure you take care of your gaming mouse – treat it like an investment piece – and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post all about gaming mice. If you have any additional tips for finding the perfect gaming mouse or if you have any recommendations for gaming mice, share them with us in the comments!
