If you are looking for a gaming mouse and you are confused by the thousands of options available or have no idea where to start and what you need to pay attention to, then you are in the right place. Don’t 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 end up with the ideal one for you.

1. Connectivity

Connection Type

Choosing how to connect a gaming mouse to a computer is usually an easy matter, since there is no doubt that wired mice have a 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 to connect gaming mice to a computer, as a cable connection offers a shorter response time. Due to the directness of the connection, there is better and more immediate communication of the wired mouse with the computer in minimal time, which is essential in a gaming environment.

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

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

Connection Method

Mice intended for gaming can connect to a computer either via a USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-fi.

2. Sensor

The be-all and end-all in a gaming mouse is the response speed, a factor that affects everything, while at the same time everything is affected by it. Let’s see which sensor types we encounter and how gameplay is affected, based on the sensor resolution.

Sensor Type

The sensor is the mechanism by which the mouse understands at what distance and at what speed the user moves it, so as 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 are the optical sensor and -less commonly- the laser sensor, which are used in the majority of gaming mice. Let’s take a more detailed look at these 2 types and their differences.

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

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

Sensor Resolution

Sensor resolution refers to how small changes on the surface the sensor can recognize and is measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI). In practice, this means that with higher resolution, larger movements are achieved, requiring less movement from the mouse. For example, many gamers prefer low resolution so they can have 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 also operate at lower resolutions, while most have the ability to adjust DPI, for operation -as desired- at a lower resolution.

Usually the 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 more rarely useful and are mainly used by manufacturers for show.

3. Buttons

Number of Buttons

The number of buttons has to do with the extra features 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 an increased number of buttons are mainly useful in MMO games.

Programmable Buttons

Almost all the buttons found on most gaming mice are programmable. This gives the user the ability to assign specific actions (shortcuts) that they might otherwise perform with the help of the gaming keyboard, so that pressing the respective button executes the corresponding action. Thus, especially in online multiplayer games, they will prove very helpful for more direct and faster gaming.

Sniper Button

With the Sniper button you can temporarily perform DPI switching, that is, the sensor resolution. A useful button especially in FPS games, where different response and quick switching play an important role, so that you have speed as well as accuracy - all at the right moment.

4. Design

The design of a mouse plays an important role, especially when we are talking about gaming, which requires time. So, a gamer wants a mouse that is ergonomic and comfortable, that can be used with either hand, as it suits them. The majority of gaming mice are intended for right-handed users, however there is also a variety of mice designed for use with both hands, which also suit left-handed users.

5. Additional Features

Weight Adjustment

This is a very convenient feature for the user, since 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 movement accuracy.

RGB Lighting

Most gaming mice feature built-in RGB lighting with multiple colors, which visually distinguishes them from ordinary 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, maximum battery life is very important. The more autonomy a mouse has, the more hours of uninterrupted gaming it can offer the user. So if you choose a wireless mouse, it is good to take this parameter into account as well and of course remember how often it will need to be charged, 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 features and combining those that match the needs and the use you want to make of your gaming mouse, you can end up with the ideal choice for you. Before deciding, you can also take a look at other users’ reviews, so you can see their opinion and experience as well, which may help you reach the final decision much more easily.

If you’re also interested in a computer mouse, you can take a look at the detailed mouse buying guide.