Important Considerations for Choosing a Gaming Mouse. When searching for a gaming mouse, make sure your next choice meets all of these requirements.
Purchasing a gaming mouse can be costly, but if you aim to outperform your competitors in competitive games, it’s essential to meet certain criteria. Here are some noteworthy features that every modern gaming mouse should have.
Enhanced Polling Rates
For a significant period, the standard polling rate was set at 1000Hz. However, as demand for high refresh rate displays reaching up to 240Hz has increased, peripheral manufacturers have started promoting higher polling rates.
Modern gaming mice now feature polling rates of 2000Hz, 4000Hz, and even up to 8000Hz. If you have a monitor with a refresh rate of either 240 Hz or the faster speed of 360 Hz, it may be beneficial for you to use gaming mouse brands that offer impressive polling rates between 4000Hz and 8000Hz.
A traditional mouse with a polling rate of 1000Hz updates the cursor position every millisecond, providing a total of 1000 updates per second. In contrast, a mouse boasting an enhanced polling rate of 8000Hz refreshes its data every 0.125 milliseconds, delivering up to 8000 updates in one second.
Playing games on a high refresh rate monitor along with increased mouse polling rates results in smoother enemy tracking, which reduces click latency and allows for quicker event registration.
Several premium Razer mice support a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, though you might need to buy Razer’s HyperPolling wireless dongle separately to enjoy this feature. However, the Razer Viper V3 Pro model comes with this accessory included as standard equipment, eliminating any extra cost.
Featherlight
The days of gaming mice weighing over 100 grams are a thing of the past. Today, most competitive gamers prefer lighter mouse models because they put less strain on hands during long gaming sessions and allow for more precise in-game movements.
Most modern gaming mice generally weigh between 50 and 70 grams. However, options like the Finalmouse Ultralight X are available for those seeking a lighter choice under 40 grams.
Unfortunately, nearly all gaming mice in this weight category feature perforations to reduce their mass, making the Ninjutso Sora V2 a rare exception.
Switches must function in response to light signals
Although mechanical switches are commonly used in gaming mice, choosing a mouse with optical switches is crucial if you’re looking for an edge in competitive games. Glorious Gaming asserts that these switches can enhance speed by up to 80% because they use infrared light rather than physical connections within the switch to detect input.
They offer incredibly quick response times, and their absence of physical contact enhances their durability. As a result, if you plan to use your gaming mouse extensively over time, these switches are more reliable for the long haul. With non-mechanical switches like these, there’s no need to worry about facing double-click issues typical of some mechanical switch-equipped gaming mice.
Razer’s latest mice, including the DeathAdder V3 Pro and Viper V3 Pro, feature optical switches. Meanwhile, Logitech has incorporated hybrid optical-mechanical switches in its recent models like the G502X and G Pro X Superlight 2.
Side buttons
Various types of gamers have specific needs when it comes to gaming mice, making it essential to choose one that suits the games you typically play. MMO enthusiasts might find a mouse with numerous programmable side buttons most beneficial—like the Razer Naga V2 Pro mentioned earlier.
On the other hand, if you prefer FPS games, a mouse with two side buttons should meet your needs. However, choosing one with programmable buttons on both sides can make executing in-game actions even easier.
If shooting games are your primary choice, it might be unwise to buy an MMO-style mouse. Its numerous side buttons could affect aiming precision.
Having additional side buttons makes it easier to perform specific in-game actions, such as building structures in Fortnite or triggering ultimate abilities during Valorant matches.
Looking for a gaming mouse saves you from pressing extra keys on the keyboard and helps improve your focus on character movements.
Low Delay
Buying a cheaper Bluetooth mouse might be appealing, but it’s not ideal for gaming due to its tendency for input lag. Choosing a wired mouse would alleviate latency issues, although it may present the challenge of cable drag that can hinder smooth cursor movement.
To stay ahead in online multiplayer gaming, it’s essential to invest in a 2.4GHz wireless gaming mouse, which ensures smooth connectivity and minimizes latency issues.
You can select from a range of models offered by top brands like Logitech and Razer, which cater to various budgets while maintaining excellent performance and convenience.
If you frequently play FPS games, finding a gaming mouse is essential. In that case, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 should be your go-to option. However, if you’re more into MMO games, consider trying the Razer Naga V2 Pro!
