A gaming mouse is an essential tool for playing PC games. You can play various games such as PUBG or Counter-Strike easily and comfortably using a gaming mouse. However, there are some unfamiliar terms that may be difficult to understand, such as DPI, IPS, polling rate, and so on.
We will explain how to choose a gaming mouse easily. We will also give recommendations for good gaming mice, such as Logitech, SteelSeries, Razer brands, and others. This article has been reviewed by our gaming content creator, Faynilla. Find a suitable gaming mouse that can support your performance in playing games!
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a gaming mouse and a regular mouse?
The difference between a gaming mouse and a regular mouse is its sensor with high accuracy and dots per inch (DPI) rate. Gaming mice usually have resolutions above 2,000 DPI, while the resolution level of ordinary mice is only 800-1 200 DPI. The gaming mouse is also designed to follow the curve of the hand so that it is comfortable to use for a long time.
Generally, gaming mice are equipped with onboard memory, while ordinary mice do not have this feature. Not only that, but the gaming mouse also has an LED sensor that helps increase the speed of mouse movements. Meanwhile, ordinary mice are not equipped with LED features and additional buttons on the mouse.
Actually, you can just play PC games using a regular mouse. However, if you want to improve your gaming performance, of course, Best gaming mouse is very important. Choose a gaming mouse that matches the type of game and how you play.
Collaborating with experts: how to choose a gaming mouse
Each type of mouse has different characteristics. Therefore, choose based on the type of game you play. To find the best gaming mouse based on your needs, check out some of the points below!
1. Performance and accuracy check
The performance and accuracy of a gaming mouse greatly affect the gaming experience. Some games require a mouse that has different levels of accuracy and performance. Check out the following explanation for a more complete explanation.
DPI that can be adjusted according to the sensitivity and accuracy needed will be more profitable
Dots per inch (DPI) is a number that indicates the number of dots reached when the mouse has moved one inch away. The higher the DPI, the faster the cursor moves. So, you can run your character faster with just a few hand movements. That way, your hands don’t get tired easily.
On the other hand, when using a mouse with low DPI, you can aim more precisely and easily. If you play several different types of games, choose a mouse that can be changed DPI. By using this kind of mouse, you can enjoy FPS and MMO games comfortably.
In addition to DPI, there are also the term counts per inch (CPI). However, broadly speaking, this term indicates the same description as DPI.
The higher the polling rate, the faster the PC reads information from the mouse.
The polling rate is the amount of information sent from the mouse on a PC per second. The higher the number, the faster the information the PC captures when the button is pressed. Obviously, a high poll rate can increase your edge when playing.
In FPS games like PUBG or Counter-Strike, the enemy will keep moving. So, timing shooting and hiding is very important. Of course, it will be very annoying if you lose due to the slow response of the mouse.
In general, a mouse with a high polling rate will be very useful. However, a high-speed mouse that receives too much hand movement can make the cursor move on its own. As with DPI, a mouse with a polling rate setting feature will certainly be more functional for various games.
High IPS can respond to fast hand movements.
Inches per second (IPS) or tracking speed is a numerical value that indicates how quickly the mouse responds to your movements. If the IPS is high, moving the cursor becomes smoother, even at high speeds. Conversely, a mouse with low IPS will be slow to respond even if you move it quickly.
In FPS games that require reflexes, IPS numbers are important. A standard Gaming mouse generally has around 50 IPS. Meanwhile, in high-performance Gaming mouse, there are products with an IPS value of more than 400. You will benefit more in the game if you buy a mouse that has a high IPS.
2. View the number and arrangement of mouse buttons
For MMO games, you usually use a keyboard to play them. Gaming mice suitable for MMO games are products that have side buttons or macro buttons. If the mouse is equipped with a lot of side buttons, you can easily activate the skills that have been inputted.
The number of shortcuts that are inputted certainly depends on each game. However, if there are many shortcuts that you want to input, you should use a mouse that is equipped with twelve side buttons. The more buttons will indeed make you need more time to adapt. However, if you are used to it, playing MMO games will feel more practical and easier.
Meanwhile, you only need 2-4 side buttons to play FPS games. It should be noted that the side button is not only located on the side of the mouse only. So, don’t forget to make sure the mouse has a side button position that is comfortable for you.
3. Ensure the gaming mouse is easy to use
You can add comfort when using a gaming mouse by considering the weight, grip feeling, and size of your hand. Let’s look at the explanation further.
Size can be determined based on how you hold the mouse
Using a mouse is noticeably easier if you choose a product that suits the way you grip while playing. We will explain some types of grips below:
Fingertip grip: the fingertip rests on the mouse. For this type of grip, choose a mouse that is small and light.
Claw grip: the palm and fingertips touch the mouse. If you belong to this type, choose a rather large mouse. A larger Mouse will be more stable and easier to use in this grip position.
Palm grip: the entire palm touches the mouse. Choose a mouse that is large according to the palm of your hand for those of you who have this type of grip.
Game type and play style affect mouse weight selection
The weight of the mouse is also one of the important points to play comfortably. A mouse weighing less than 150 grams is suitable for playing FPS games. That way, your movements will be faster, and your hands will not get tired. The load on the hands and shoulders will also decrease.
If you like to play different types of games, choose one that is adjustable in weight. Each game usually requires a different mouse weight configuration. That way, your gaming experience will be more enjoyable.
④ Determine based on the presence or absence of cable
For gaming mice, we recommend using a wired mouse because there is no delay in sending information. In addition, many gamers like to use a wired mouse because they don’t have to think about the problem of running out of battery.
Nevertheless, lately, there are many wireless mice that have almost no lag. Whether using dry batteries or rechargeable batteries, the quality has been further improved. If you are bothered by the cable, choose a wireless mouse with specifications that can match a wired mouse.
⑤ Consider a trackball mouse for gaming as well as working
A Trackball mouse is a mouse equipped with a ball to move the cursor. When using a conventional mouse, you have to move the entire body of the mouse to move the cursor. However, if you are using a mouse trackball, you can simply move your thumb or forefinger depending on the position of the ball on the mouse. This will certainly make your wrist free from fatigue.
You can use the mouse trackball to work as well as play games that require low sensitivity. The mouse Trackball can also make movements faster in some types of games. The unique design makes it does not require much space for mouse movement. That way, your table will look neater.
⑥ Check the availability of the on-board memory feature if you change PCs frequently
The Onboard memory serves so that the mouse can save settings or macros that you have saved in advance via the PC. If you often switch between PCs, laptops, and so on, this feature will certainly be very helpful. You also don’t have to bother rearranging the mouse buttons.
⑦ Choose a gaming mouse from popular manufacturers for more stable performance
If you want to emphasize design and stable performance, choose a mouse from a popular manufacturer. We recommend Logitech as a standard manufacturer of gaming mice. Logitech has been widely trusted by newbies and professional gamers. This manufacturer offers a large selection of products, ranging from affordable to high-end.
However, if you like the design and beautiful light decoration, choose the Razer brand as your gear. Products from Razer are also popular among gamers because they have stable performance. Meanwhile, if you want a mouse with a luxurious model, choose a product from SteelSeries.
