If you’re looking to pick up a new PC mouse for your home office setup, you should consider getting one designed specifically for gaming. They are responsive, customizable and come in all different shapes and sizes. Plus, there are tons of wired and wireless options out there. You don’t even have to be a gamer to use one. If you’re not entirely convinced, don’t worry, I aim to convince.
Sensitivity
Gaming mice have a higher DPI (dots per inch) than traditional mice, which directly affects sensitivity and responsiveness. DPI is a good indication of how fast your mouse moves across the screen. The higher the number, the faster it travels. For gaming mice, DPI ranges from 400 to 26,000 DPI. It’s a huge range, I know. In general, a high number is important for those who play fast-paced games, where every second counts. For normal use, you don’t need super-high DPI.
Fortunately, most gaming mice have a physical button that lets you change the DPI on the fly. If you choose a mouse that doesn’t have a DPI button, you can easily change it in your computer’s settings. For everyday tasks, the most comfortable range is 800 to 1,200. Anything faster than that and the mouse will quickly move away from you.
Gaming mice are designed to be used for long periods of time, so personal comfort is a key factor. They provide a natural grip and a naturally comfortable place for your toe to rest. This helps reduce any stress on the hand or wrist. They are also designed for different grip styles such as palm, claw and finger. On the other hand, traditional mice are flat and not raised or slanted. They lack the support needed to keep your hand in its natural position.
IDG / Hayden Dingman
Additional buttons and macro capabilities
Gaming mice allow you to bind physical buttons to software, in-game commands, etc. The idea is to have easy access to time-saving shortcuts. The SteelSeries Aerox 9, for example, has up to 18 programmable buttons. However, if you’re using a gaming mouse for work or everyday tasks, too many buttons can be overkill. You can still program these buttons to speed up your workflow and save you time. You can set it up to copy and paste information, close and open browser tabs, etc. Traditional mice don’t have these extra buttons, which means you spend more time clicking.
RGB Lighting
RGB lighting is just fun. However, this has no effect on the functionality of the mouse. It is only there to set the mood. If you’re looking to add a bit of flair to your home setup, it’s best to use RGB lighting. Personally, I use the SteelSeries Rival 3 gaming mouse and I love seeing the stream of rainbow lights. It is very mesmerizing and relaxing. If you find the RBG lighting too distracting, you can always switch it off.
