If you’re shopping for a gaming mouse right now, chances are you’re aware of just how many “features” each device has. Ultrapolling, onboard memory, interchangeable body panels, gold plated USB connectors and braided cabling are just the beginning. Are any of these feature worth considering when mouse shopping?
If it sounds like marketing, it probably is.
Customisable mouse grips
Comfort is probably the most important factor when choosing a mouse. One that is comfortable to hold is easier to get used to, and feels more natural when gaming. With this in mind, it makes sense to buy a mouse with adjustable panels or interchangeable shells, right? Wrong. The Cyborg R.A.T. series feature interchangeable palm and pinky grips, and can be adjusted to suite your mouse hand perfectly. But why on earth do you need to go to such lengths? A mouse suited to your style of play might not be perfect in the beginning, but as you get used to the mouse your comfort level increases. And all those spare panels? A waste, they’ll sit in the box gathering dust, reminding you that you overpaid for nothing.
Cyborg R.A.T 9
High DPI über alles
The classic marketing technique, a higher number must mean mouse X is better than mouse Y right? Well not really, have you ever tried to game at 5600dpi? Very few players can control extremely high dpi settings effectively, with most gamers preferring settings between the 800 and 2000dpi range.
Polling rate
Another buzz word where a higher number is better, many gaming mouses are quick to point out that their 1,000hz polling rate is twice as fast as a bog standard 500hz polling rate, making their mouse superior to the competition. Smoother and more responsive gameplay is promised, but in reality there is very little tangible difference between the two technologies as human reaction time is the limiting factor.
On the flipside, there are a few features that you might overlook now, but have far more effect on gaming than those above.
Braided cable: It doesn’t sound like much, but a regular lanner knows how often mouse cables get caught on things. A braided cable means less chance you’ll rip the mouse cable, turning your mouse into a fairly useless paperweight.
Braided mouse cabling
On the fly dpi adjustment: One for the FPS gamers, the ability to change between dpi settings as you change weapons is a massive advantage.
Programmable side buttons: Making use of your thumb while gaming means quicker response to the situation. Whether you’re knifing an enemy or activating a hotkey, side mouse button are a must for any gamer. For an example of this done wrong however, take a look at the Razer Naga.
Razer Naga
An example of the state of gaming mouses today, six years ago Logitech released the MX518, a mouse that defined a generation. By today’s standards it cannot compete with interchangeable weight systems, lasers sporting three times its dpi and acceleration so “low” it can’t help but blush. Yet somehow it remains a firm favourite among gamers who when faced with the prospect of upgrading, would gladly buy the six year old tech once again. It costs less than a third of today’s high end mice, but does everything a gamer needs to remain competitive and more importantly, enjoy the game.
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Logitech MX518
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