What’s the Big Deal with Gaming Mice?
If you use a computer, chances are you use a mouse. So, what makes a gaming mouse different from a regular one and why does it matter? Gaming mice are specifically designed for PC gaming. There are several major aspects to consider when it comes to choosing which one to buy. Let’s learn more about this small, but important computer accessory.
What are Gaming Mice?
When your customers are simply using their computer to write business reports or surf the web, a general mouse is ideal. Those tasks don’t require quick response time or multiple buttons. However, gaming is a different beast. Gaming mice are specifically designed to enhance a gamer’s experience. They’re made to make hours of gaming comfortable. While a gaming mouse isn’t necessary for regular work, it’ll be worth the investment if your customer spends a lot of time gaming on their PC or Mac.
Speed of a Gaming Mouse
First person shooter, or FPS, games require speed and precision. No matter how fast a person’s hand can move, if the mouse doesn’t translate those movements to the screen, the character they’re playing can’t move at optimal speeds.
Gaming mice rely on DPI, or dots per inch. The more DPI a mouse has, the more sensitive it will be. Generally, a regular mouse has 1,600 DPI. Gaming mice usually have 4,000 DPI or higher, meaning a quicker response time from when the mouse moves to the curser moving on the screen.
Comfort and Usability of Gaming Mice
While speed is a major bonus of gaming mice over regular mice, comfort is another. Gaming mice are designed with the expectation of the user being at the computer for hours. They’re ergonomically built so your customers’ hands won’t cramp, and also prevent sweat build-up.
Another design feature of gaming mice is that they have adjustable Lift-Off Distance (LOD). This means that the owner can change how far the mouse must be off the mousepad or desk for the mouse sensor to stop tracking. High LOD means the mouse is lifted higher for it to stop working. For games that require a lot of quick movement or changing where the mouse is positioned, this is useful since the mouse will continue working further from the mousepad or desktop surface.
Something to keep in mind regarding LOD is the mousepad the user is working with. Different materials affect LOD differently, specifically the thickness of the mousepad. While this may not be a make-or-break factor, it can affect gameplay in certain cases when lifting the mouse to move it quickly is important.
Buttons of Gaming Mice
The last major distinction between gaming mice and regular mice are the buttons. Regular mice generally have left and right buttons on the top of the mouse. Sometimes there are two buttons on the side as well. Gaming mice can have up to 18 buttons. Each button can be programed to execute a specific command and the possibilities are only limited by the game itself. Some functions include but are not limited to:
- Weapon switching and reloading
- Attacks
- Scoping
- Casting spells
- Adjusting camera angles
- Moving
In addition to gaming commands, buttons can be set up for regular work.
- Cut, copy, or paste
- Undo
- Launch a program
- Zooming in and out
- Volume controls
What to Consider When Buying Gaming Mice
With so many different gaming mice available it can be hard to decide what mouse to buy. There are a few things to keep in mind when your customers are shopping for a new mouse.
- What games are your customers playing? Different games require different speeds as and boast different features.
- Wired or wireless? Modern technology has made the differences between these two negligible. The price, however, remains a big factor in buying one or the other. Generally, wireless mice are more expensive.
- The DPI in comparison to the game the customer is going to play. As stated earlier, the DPI affects the speed of the mouse in relation to the screen.
- Grip style: different players have different grips when they hold their mouse. As a result, different mice will feel better or worse to hold and affect their comfort while playing.
- Lighting and style: many gaming mice have internal lights and can be customized to fit each customer’s style. Many gamers have invested money and time to create their perfect gaming set up. As a result, they’ll want a mouse that fits their vision.
Conclusion
Buying a gaming mouse can be a big purchase. It’s much more than simply a cosmetic choice. Taking into consideration all the specifications and perks of each mouse will make helping customers easier and more rewarding, and ensures your customers have the best gaming experience possible.
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