Are Gaming Mice Actually Worth the Money?
Gaming mice versus regular mice: a guide
What is a PC gamer’s most prized possession? Their headset? Maybe those fancy RGB fans? Oh, the mechanical keyboard! Actually, that might be a close second. In truth, nothing can beat a gaming mouse when it comes to PC gaming accessories.
For a gamer, a mouse is like a sword. It’s an extension of themselves. But when it actually comes to buying a gaming mouse — or knowing which model is better than another — it can get super confusing. So let’s try to figure this out by starting at a high level: is the “gaming” tag simply a marketing gimmick, or does it really make a difference?
Also, let’s look at these mice from the point of view of an FPS player. Games with high frame rates that require quick reaction time are ideal to put gaming hardware to the ultimate test — that is, games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Call of Duty.
“Mouse” versus “gaming mouse”
When you hear the term “gaming mouse”, your mind might initially conjure images of an obnoxious, edgy-looking RGB-laden slab — but believe me, there’s more to the idea of a gaming mouse than the way it looks. For starters, many gaming mice opt for a laser sensor rather than the traditional optical sensor. Why? Laser sensors can achieve a higher DPI. DPI — or, dots per inch — is an important ingredient for gaming. There are other elements to consider, of course: do you go wired or wireless? Elaborate braided cables have almost become an industry standard at this point (and going wireless for a gaming mouse can be risky because of latency issues — although having said that, if you want to go wireless, I’d recommend Lightspeed by Logitech and Hyperspeed by Razer). Don’t forget, too, that gaming mice tend to be more expensive than their regular, non-flashy counterparts.
What to look for in a gaming mouse
Buying a gaming mouse can be quite daunting. It’s a pretty saturated market at this point; there are so many manufacturers to choose from, various specs to consider, and a wide range of features on offer. Let’s break down the key components for a gaming mouse that you should look for:
- DPI (dots per inch): DPI — as well as the type of sensor on the mouse — is probably the most important specification. You may be thinking “Hey Nuzair, I play this game at 800DPI now — why would I need a mouse with a 16,000DPI sensor?” And sure, you don’t really need it — but it’s way better to have it. More DPI equals greater precision. The extent to which this matters to you largely depends on what games you prefer to play, and how competitively you play those games.
- Polling rate: This refers to the number of times your mouse reports data back to your computer in a given time. Polling rate is typically measured in Hz. Ideally, you want to get a mouse with a high polling rate (1,000Hz) and low latency (1ms) for the most accurate and responsive movements.
- Macros: One common feature of nearly all gaming mice is the additional buttons. Often, these buttons are on the side or top. The extra buttons are known as “macros” and they are often one of the most useful elements of a gaming mouse. Why? Because you can assign different combos or tasks to them. And if you’re someone like me, who uses a gaming mouse for productivity, you can bind macros to do certain tasks (for example, you could bind ctrl + shift + n to a single button).
- Software and in-built memory: Whether you’re assigning macros, creating different RGB settings, or whatever else — these are all taken care of by the software and built-in memory. This is one area where you can differentiate between the high-quality gaming mice and the cheaper models; having great software is not only important for creating these settings, but it’s also important for setting up different profiles for specific games and programs.
- RGB: Let me just be clear here — no, RGB does not make you a better player. But an RGB lighting system definitely looks rad. And if you’re going to pay extra for it, then it might as well be worth the money. Good manufacturers give you a wide array of settings to choose from. RGB zones are tastefully placed and everything is evenly lit (so that it doesn’t look like you crammed Christmas lights inside your mouse).
- Creature comforts: This is a fairly subjective area, admittedly. Creature comforts are not found in every mouse, too. Here’s an example: my Logitech G502 has the ability to increase the weight of the mouse and to even choose whether or not I make it nose or tail heavy. These kinds of comforts can be manufacturer-specific and will be highly variable, but it’s worth looking at the available options to decide what is important to you.
- Price: This is a tricky area where a lot of people fumble. It’s not hard to find a gaming mice at a very affordable price, especially if you go hunting on Amazon. But my recommendation is to go for something decent (it might be the difference between $40-$75 versus $10-$25)— think of your gear as an investment.
- Ergonomics: This is all about how the mouse feels in your hand. Ergonomics don’t entirely depend on the shape of the mouse — they also relate to the size, grip type (palm, claw, fingertip) and even weight. Newer mice aim to achieve lower weight to create fewer restrictions for users. Whichever way you go, you want to look at a mouse that fits your hand and is comfortable with your grip style.
- Wired or wireless: This is quite an old debate. It’s easy to just immediately recommend a wired mouse to reduce latency. But if you’re going for a more expensive mouse (that is, over the $100 mark with a reliable brand like Logitech or Razer) then you may be ready to cut the wires.
I hope this makes finding a gaming mouse just a little simpler and supports you to make a good decision with your upcoming purchases. But let’s return to the original question:
Are gaming mice worth it?
The answer is a roaring yes! Even if you are a casual gamer, possessing half-decent gear can help you improve immensely. Let me know what gear you use in the comments; I’d love to know.
