How to choose a gaming mouse

What characteristics to pay attention to

The form

The most important thing about a gaming mouse is its comfortable shape. However, this is an extremely subjective factor, therefore, ideally, you need to hold the device in your hands before purchasing. If this is not possible, focus on past experience. For example, if you already have a comfortable mouse, but it is not suitable for games - in this case, ask for advice on the forums and topic groups. This will help you not to be mistaken with a blind choice.

Most models can be divided into two categories: ergonomic and symmetrical. The former take into account the natural bend of the palm and have recesses on the sides for a comfortable grip. Their main advantages are low brush load and cursor movement speed. Usually, ergonomic models are large and sharpened for right-handers.

Left-handers should take a closer look at models with a symmetrical body. They are also suitable for different types of grip. The compact mouse is controlled by your fingertips for improved pointing accuracy. Large models are designed for a "claw" grip with a high click rate.

Weight

Another extremely important parameter. A mouse that is too light degrades pointing accuracy; a mouse that is too heavy can be simply uncomfortable. The optimal weight is about 90 grams.

Some models are also equipped with a system of weights, with which the user himself selects a comfortable weight. However, this significantly increases the final price of the device and can become a distraction: the player will constantly wonder if he has put enough weights. Therefore, it is better to choose mouse, the weight of which suits you initially.

Sensor type

Modern gaming mice use laser and optical (LED) sensors. The difference between them lies in the type of illumination: the former use a laser to read the surface, the latter use an infrared diode.

In recent years, both technologies have evolved to the point that they will suit most gamers, but now many more models use optics. The reason lies in the cheapness of such sensors.

Laser mice are more sensitive and can work on different surfaces, even glass. Optics need a special mat.

Sensitivity

Most gaming mice can operate at extremely high sensitivities - up to 16,000 DPI. The higher this indicator, the faster the cursor response and the greater the distance it will travel for the same mouse movement.

Nevertheless, such extreme values ​​are practically not needed anywhere, even in dynamic online shooters like Overwatch. Therefore, most will have enough sensitivity up to 5000 DPI.

Connection type

A few years ago, it was believed that a gaming mouse must be wired. With the development of technology, this rule has lost its relevance, and now there are enough wireless models on the market for gamers.

Most gaming solutions have their own radio link and come with a USB receiver. There are also models that work via Bluetooth, but this type of connection is worse due to a less stable signal and a longer delay.

If the type of connection is not important, keep the price in mind. Good wireless mice much more expensive than wired counterparts, and the need to charge them every couple of months or change batteries has not been canceled.

Additional buttons

In gaming mice, the set of buttons is not limited to standard LMB and RMB. Almost all models have additional keys on the sides, to which you can assign certain actions.

To program such buttons, manufacturers release special software that can be downloaded from official sites. With its help, you can reassign keys and set macros on them - an algorithm of actions of almost any complexity.

Such capabilities will be useful not only for gamers, but also for advanced users who work in office programs and IT development environments.

Which gaming mice should you buy

ASUS TUF Gaming M3

Ergonomic wired mouse based on Pixart 3325 sensor (sensitivity up to 7,000 DPI). The seven programmable buttons are equipped with 20 million-click switches. There is a backlight.

Buy

Zet edge

Comfortable body with a grippy coating, quality buttons and wheel, Pixart 3325 sensor with 10,000 DPI. And all this is very affordable price.

Buy

MSI Clutch GM40

Symmetrical mouse suitable for both left-handers and right-handers. Equipped with 5,000 DPI Pixart 3310 sensor, additional side keys and Teflon-braided cable.

Buy

Logitech MX518 Legendary

New version of the legendary mouse. Exceptionally comfortable body, robust wheel with optical encoder and proprietary HERO 16K sensor with sensitivity up to 16,000 DPI.

Buy

Logitech G Pro Wireless

Flagship wireless model. Sturdy, comfortable design, great buttons and scroll wheel, fast Lightspeed radio transmission, and up to 60 hours of battery life thanks to the energy efficient HERO 16K sensor.

Buy

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

Wireless model from a famous brand. Good body materials, high-quality 16,000 DPI Pixart 3369 sensor and one of the best scroll wheels among gaming mice. All this at a low price by Razer standards.

Buy

SteelSeries Rival 3

A relatively inexpensive high-quality mouse based on the TrueMove Core sensor. A comfortable shape like the Rival 100/110 models, a quality wheel and good buttons with a resource of 60 million clicks.

Buy

HyperX PulseFire Raid

Model with flagship Pixart 3389 sensor (sensitivity up to 16,000 DPI). Great build quality, five side buttons and a vertical and horizontal scroll wheel.

Buy

Dark Project ME ‑ 2

Mouse from young Russian company developed on the proven Pixart 3360 sensor (sensitivity - up to 12,000 DPI). The symmetrical body is suitable for both left-handers and right-handers. The model will also delight you with high-quality wheels, buttons and cable.

Buy

Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless

An inexpensive and well-tailored wireless mouse. Powered by a Pixart 3325 sensor with a sensitivity of up to 10 thousand DPI, it offers a quality housing with a universal shape.

Buy