Your Guide to Buying a Gaming Mouse

A gaming mouse is considered one of the important tools for computer games, but it is certainly not the most important since the graphic card, computer screen, and computer specification is much more important! Nonetheless, choosing the suitable computer mouse will undoubtedly enhance the gaming experience!

Generally, video gamers can be divided into two main types: the first type prefers using a joystick while playing, and the second type prefers using a gaming mouse. This categorization is not completely true as there is a third type who prefers using both devices depending in the game they are playing.

Hence there is a replacement to a gaming mouse as using it or a joystick depends on the type of game you want to play. Choosing a gaming mouse is an important task and there are certain specifications you need to check before making a final decision.

There are hundreds – even thousands – of models of gaming mice, therefore we will list some factors that might help you choose one like the mouse’s speed and sensitivity (response rate).

We have previously written an article to guide you when buying a mouse for your computer. We listed the general factors and main specifications of different types of computer mice. We have also written an article about choosing a suitable graphic card for your computer!

In this article, we will guide you while buying a gaming mouse to improve your gaming experience.

Factors you need to consider when buying a Gaming Mouse

Below you will find the important factors you need to check before making a final decision:

Mouse Sensitivity

It is known to everyone that the mouse’s sensitivity is a factor you can control through your computer’s settings. It is also known that the more sensitive the computer mouse, the faster the cursor will move on the screen. The sensitivity is measured in DPI and CPI which are written on the mouse’s box.

DPI is short for Dots per Inch, and it measures the number of dots the mouse can move through in one inch of the computer. CPI is Characters per Inch, and it indicates the number of characters the mouse can move through in one inch of the screen.

Increased sensitivity means that the user will move the mouse in a smaller frame to move the cursor between two points on a screen. This is a feature preferred by gamers who play action and fast sports games.

The level of sensitivity differs from one type of mice to another. A mouse with more than 5000 DPI will need a steady hand to move the mouse. This will provide the user with exceptional entertainment while playing! Remember that you can always change the mouse’s sensitivity from the computer’s settings.

A regular mouse usually has an 800 DPI. A gaming mouse should have sensitivity between 100 and 8200 DPI; some games need higher sensitivity.

Gaming Buttons

A regular mouse has two main buttons – right and left clicks. A gaming mouse has more buttons, each perform a task or command. Some can also be programmed according to the game you are playing allowing you more control.

To a person buying a gaming mouse for the first time, it may seem that the more the buttons the better the mouse. That is not true! What makes one mouse better than another is ease of access to the buttons and their task efficiency. Many production and manufacturing companies add a ‘scroll’ for more ease!

Other Specifications

After listing the most important specifications you need to check (sensitivity or speed, and buttons), there are additional features that you can choose to make the smartest decision.

At first, you have to check the sensors. The most common type of mouse nowadays (whether normal or gaming mice) has laser sensors instead of the traditional tracking ball (which used to get stuck).

Then, you have to check the connectivity. Similar to regular mice, a computer mouse can be connected to the computer through a wire or wirelessly. Most wireless gaming mice has a wire than can be connected to the computer as well (turn it from wireless to wired). Also, connecting the wireless mouse to the computer will charge it.

Also, you can check the mouse lights. Video gamers like to have a bright lit mouse with different colors for each button. That is not only because it will become more appealing to the eye, but it will also be an indicator when playing in dim lights. Many video gamers prefer playing with the lights switched off and so the mouse light will indicate where the buttons are!

The mouse weight is also another factor you need to check. Some gamers prefer a mouse with a light weight while others like a heavy mouse. We cannot advise you to choose one here as it is up to you to determine whether you want a light or heavy mouse.

Summary

Generally, and even though there are different types, designs, colors, and shapes of gaming mice, almost all manufacturing companies produce them with comfortable materials that makes the mouse easier to use.

One factor for choosing a gaming mouse is its sensitivity, and then its design and easy usage. Make sure of the DPI number as it indicates the sensitivity. Afterwards, check the number of buttons and make sure to get one with a suitable number as it might confuse the player if there is a large number of buttons.

Some of the leading manufacturing companies for gaming mice include: SteelSeries, Razer, Logitech, Mad Catz, and others.

There are three price ranges for gaming mice: the first is less than 50 USD, the second between 50 and 100 USD, and lastly more than 100 USD. Certainly, you cannot expect outstanding performance form a 20 USD gaming mouse.

The price increases as the specifications and features increase. Always remember that higher prices does not mean better products. Make sure to determine what you want and to choose what you need according to the budget.

Be smart before making a purchase!