You have a gaming mouse or regular mouse, or perhaps even both.
Have you ever asked yourself about the differences between these two types of mice?
You have one that is designed for gaming specifically, but does it mean it is a better mouse overall? Because for a good gaming mouse, you are mostly paying more. You can find a decent regular mouse for $10-$20, but you can easily spend over $50 on a gaming mouse.
- Fantastic Gaming Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Elite
- Most Comfortable Gaming Mouse: Razer Naga Hex V2
- Comfortable Bluetooth Travel Mouse: Logitech Triathlon M720
So the question is: What is the difference between a gaming mouse and a regular mouse?
Gaming Mouse vs Normal Mouse
If you are using a regular mouse and wondering if a purchase of a mouse designed especially for gaming would improve your PC work, then there are a few critical considerations you have to keep in the mind. They make all the difference when switching from a normal mouse to a gaming model.
Benefits Of Using A Gaming Mouse
Ergonomics
A mouse with an ergonomic design is crucial if your plan is to use a mouse for hours each day. Consider that as a number one priority when choosing the right computer mouse for you.
Because gamers spent a lot of time on the PC, having a badly designed mouse would be uncomfortable, that´s why ergonomics is the main advantage if we compare gaming vs normal mouse. A regular mouse is not really designed with the comfort in a mind, and are mostly not easy on your wrist as a mouse for gaming.
On the other hand, if your job consists of working for long hours on the PC, there is a special category of mice – trackball mouse. A type of computer mouse that is specially designed to provide less fatiguing for some PC tasks and can be used by people with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.
Durability and Performance
Another feature where gaming mouse dominates. Designed to last for lengthy periods of daily use, a mouse for gaming is mostly made of high-quality materials which lead to high durability and better performance.
Use of high-quality materials is also a reason why a gaming mouse is more expensive when compared to a normal one. But it´s still wise to invest in a gaming mouse in the long run.
Customization
Simply put, the normal mouse has two buttons, plus a scroll wheel in the middle which sometimes is a button. On the other hand, good gaming mouse designed will usually have 6-8 programmable buttons. Some mice on the market will offer you 12 or more buttons, but these devices are mostly made for MMORPG. However, for gaming, 6 programmable buttons are enough.
And in addition to the number of buttons, with most gaming mice you get the ability to customize the buttons. What does it mean? You can easily change the buttons (and their functions) around to better suit your gaming technique.
Sensitivity
Let´s begin this paragraph with an explanation of what mouse sensitivity is. If we are talking about the sensitivity of a mouse, we are using the term DPI (dots per inch). An indicator of mouse speed and precision – not accuracy, at which you move across the monitor screen. In short, the DPI of the mouse determines its sensitivity. A more sensitive mouse is great for gaming as the cursor is reacting to even small movements. It is on you which DPI settings you would prefer.
Do you want to check your mouse’s DPI? Check manufacturer’s specifications, install drivers or use a free online DPI calculator or use our guide.
Do you want to change mouse DPI? Check our simple guide.
Negatives of Using a Gaming Mouse
If you´ve read this article correctly, you already know the main disadvantage of a gaming mouse. The price.
Price – With a gaming mouse, you get a durable, customizable and ergonomic computer accessory which is mostly x-times expensive than a standard mouse. On average, we are speaking about $60-$100 for a good mouse for gaming, but there are also premium models with a price of over $100.
Gaming Mouse vs Normal Mouse: Conclusion
To wrap it up, a gaming mouse offers more customizability, sensitivity, and durability, but it would not make you a better PC player. However, a good mouse for gaming is still better than a regular mouse, with an exception of trackballs. These mice are fantastic for professions where a long-time PC use is necessary (graphic designers, architects), but they don’t perform as well on some simple activities.
Fantastic comfort for your hand
The beauty of the DeathAdder Elite is that it is a versatile mouse. It can be used for playing real-time strategy games, first-person shooters, action RPGs or MOBAs. It is an excellent gaming mouse that is easy to grasp, well constructed, and performs amazingly across a wide variety of game genres. View Razer DeathAdder Elite on Amazon.
Awesome thumb-operated trackball
In terms of ergonomic design, we like Logitech’s MX Ergo. Compared to a typical mouse, this advanced trackball actually decreases the muscular strain by 20 percent. The secret to this improvement in comfort is the exclusive, adjustable hinge design that allows for the highest level of individualized comfort. View Logitech MX ERGO on Amazon.
Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum
Awesome customization
After its release, Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum gained a reputation as one of the best all-purpose gaming mice. No wonder, the Proteus Spectrum is an evolutionary upgrade of the fan-favorite Proteus Core mouse with customizable RGB illumination. View Logitech G502 on Amazon.
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Main photo by Burst
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