If you are looking for a gaming mouse and you are confused with the thousands of options available or have no idea where to start and what to look for, then you are in the right place. Do not worry if you are a beginner in the gaming community or if you believe that the only difference from a regular mouse is that it is colorful. Let's take a detailed look at the different types and the individual features and functions of the various mice available on the market, so that you can understand, compare, and find the ideal one for you.

1. Connectivity

Connection Method

The choice of connecting a gaming mouse to the computer is usually an easy task, as there is no doubt that wired mice have better response time and are preferred by gamers.

However, depending on the type of game, the frequency of use, or the gamer's level, a wireless mouse may be a more ideal choice than the classic wired one.

• Wired mice: This is the most common way of connecting gaming mice to the computer, as wired connection offers shorter response time. Due to the immediacy of the connection, there is better and more direct communication of the wired mouse with the computer in minimal time, something that is essential in a gaming environment.

• Wireless mice: On the other hand, wireless mice, as their name suggests, are connected wirelessly to the computer, without a cable. They offer greater freedom of movement but are not preferred by gamers, as compared to wired connection, they have greater response time.

• Wired & wireless mice: There is always the option of a mouse that combines wireless and wired use. These mice allow either wireless connection or wired connection, offering greater freedom of movement by combining wireless connection in everyday use with low response times required in gaming.

Connection Medium

Mice designed for gaming can be connected to the computer either via a cable with USB, or wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

2. Sensor

The Alpha and Omega in a gaming mouse is the response rate, which affects everything, while everything is affected by it. Let's see what types of sensors we encounter and how the game is affected, based on the sensor analysis.

Sensor Type

The sensor is the mechanism by which the mouse understands how far and how fast the user moves it, in order to translate this movement into cursor movement on the screen. There are several different types, such as the BlueSpot sensor, the V-Track sensor, and the IR sensor, which are less common. The most popular ones are the optical sensor and -to a lesser extent- the laser sensor, which are used in the majority of gaming mice. Let's take a closer look at these 2 types and their differences.

• Optical Sensor: This is the most common type of sensor in gaming mice. It is lighter, more durable, and more accurate than lasers on non-glossy surfaces.
• Laser Sensor: Laser sensors offer great sensitivity, high resolution, and can be used even on glossy surfaces.
  

Most gamers use low resolution in order to have greater accuracy (especially in FPS games), and they use mice on non-glossy surfaces such as gaming mousepads.

Sensor Resolution

The sensor resolution refers to how small changes on the surface the sensor can recognize and is measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI). In practice, larger movements are made with higher resolution, requiring less movement from the mouse. For example, many gamers prefer low resolution for greater accuracy in FPS games, while they prefer higher resolution in real-time strategy games.

Many mice have adjustment, either through software or with buttons, so they can operate at lower resolutions, while most have DPI adjustment capability for operation -at will- at lower resolution.

Usually preferred resolutions are:

• 400-800 DPI for MOBA (e.g.: League of Legends, DOTA)
• 400-1000 DPI for FPS (e.g.: Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, Doom)
• 1000-1200 DPI for RTS (e.g.: StarCraft, Age of Empires)
• 1000-1600 DPI for MMORPG (e.g.: World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls)

Higher resolutions are less useful and mainly used for impressing by manufacturers.

3. Buttons

Number of Buttons

The number of buttons is related to the extra capabilities and functions that each mouse can offer. They are very important during gaming, as they can save time, providing greater performance and productivity. Mice with increased number of buttons are useful mainly in MMO games.

Programmable Buttons

Almost all buttons, found in most gaming mice, are programmable. This allows the user to define specific actions (shortcuts) that they would possibly do with the help of a gaming keyboard, so that by pressing the respective button, the corresponding action is executed. Thus, especially in online multiplayer games, they will prove very helpful, for a more immediate and fast gaming.

Sniper Button

With the Sniper button, you can make temporary DPI changes, meaning in the sensor's resolution. A useful button especially in FPS games, where different response and quick switching play an important role, so that you have speed, but also precision - all at the right moment.

4. Design

The design of a mouse plays an important role, especially when it comes to gaming, which requires time. So, a gamer wants an ergonomic and comfortable mouse that can be handled with either hand, suits him. The majority of gaming mice are designed for right-handers, however there is also a variety of mice designed for use with both hands, which are convenient for left-handers.

5. Additional Features

Weight Adjustment

This is a very convenient feature for the user, as the mouse comes with weights, allowing the gamer to adjust the weight according to their preferences and needs. Weight adjustment is recommended for games that require great stability and precision in movements.

RGB Lighting

Most gaming mice feature the characteristic built-in RGB lighting with multiple colors, visually distinguishing them from regular computer mice. RGB lighting can take various shades, combining the colors red, green, and blue, offering a modern aesthetic result.

Battery Life

In wireless mice, battery life is very important. The more autonomy a mouse has, the more hours of uninterrupted gaming it can offer to the user. So, if you choose a wireless mouse, it is good to take this parameter into account and of course remember when you will need to charge it, so you never run out of...ammunition.

6. Dimensions & Weight

Even the dimensions and weight play a significant role in a gaming mouse. The endless hours of gaming create the need for a mouse that is tailored to each gamer. A heavier mouse by nature can be useful in games that require precision, while a lighter one offers greater flexibility of movement and speed.

7. What "handle type" are you?

Finally, something you need to know before purchasing a gaming mouse is that depending on the games you want to play, the grip you hold the mouse changes. There are 3 different types of grips. Let's see them in detail:

Claw grip

This is the most flexible grip style. It offers greater accuracy and more wrist mobility, which means that the claw grip works for every game and every mouse.

MOBA and MMO games, such as League of Legends and World of Warcraft, require accuracy for movement and small adjustments for game menus. The claw grip provides both.

Palm grip

In this type of grip, the palm takes center stage. As the entire palm and fingers come into contact with the mouse, it provides a better grip, while movements come from the forearm and elbow.

The palm grip is considered the most precise grip, as movements from the hand and elbow are more precise than those from the fingertips or the whole fingers. Most professional FPS players prefer this type of grip.

Fingertip grip

As only the tips of the fingers come into contact with the mouse, this grip style allows for smaller, faster movements. This means that a finger grip is recommended for certain FPS games, such as Apex Legends and Fortnite, which have a faster pace and focus on speed.

Unfortunately, with the fingertip grip, precision is sacrificed, as movements made only with the fingers are fast, but not as precise.

Don't forget! Taking into account the above individual characteristics and combining those that fit the needs and the use you want to make on your gaming mouse, you can come to the ideal choice for you. Before you decide, you can also take a look at the reviews of other users, in order to see their opinion and experience, which may help you reach a final decision much more easily.

If you are also interested in a computer mouse, you can take a look at the detailed guide for mice.