Introduction
This article is meant to be the ultimate resource from everything I’ve researched and come to learn myself. Use the original research to decide if a gaming mouse is right for you or if you think a gaming mouse would also be good for the normal work you do. A gaming mouse ultimately can suit anyone for the following reasons:
1. Precision is better on a gaming mouse
Superior precision is a reality all good gaming mice have for the following reasons:
Gaming mice are built with higher DPI settings (dots per inch) which is essentially how fast your mouse reports its position to the computer.
The higher the DPI, the more sensitive your mouse is to minor hand movements. This is great for gaming but also for graphic design for fine tuning visual details, video editing and clicking on the exact frame you want to select in an action scene, or photoshopping digital art.
On average, competitive gamers will play with a smooth 600dpi (dots per inch) or lower to maximize aiming accuracy for games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six.
Gaming mice with 1500 DPI and higher are too sensitive even for casual gaming because it causes pixel jumping on all 1080p resolution monitors.
The Best Mouse DPI Settings for Each Gamer Type
2. Response time is faster
| Mouse Model | Response Time (ms) |
|---|---|
| Logitech G Pro (Gaming) | 1 ms |
| Razer DeathAdder (Gaming) | 1 ms |
| Logitech M185 (Office) | 8 ms |
| Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse (Office) | 10 ms |
The mechanical build of the mice’s sensors are generally made from higher budget material because gamers invest in gaming equipment more than workers in an office cubicle. Gaming mice also have a wider range of adjustable sensitivity to fit various gaming and non-gaming tasks.
“My gaming mouse isn’t just for gaming; its adjustable sensitivity helps me draw fine lines in digital art and react quickly in-game. It’s like having a versatile tool for every task. The Logitech G502 HERO is my go-to.”
–Cooper, interior designer and gamer
If you’re at all on the fence if you NEED a gaming mouse for you’re work and gaming goals, check out this article here.
3. A gaming mouse is more durable than a regular mouse
Most office mice are built to be stationary and used for simple clicking and scrolling through the web. During intense gaming sessions, gamers need a mouse that can be quickly manipulated and pressed during intense sessions and even be sweat resistant.
On average, a gaming mouse will last you 2-5 years of extreme use, which is a great return on investment.
The table below helps you understand how long each component of a gaming mouse will last on average:
| Component | Lifespan Estimate |
| Shell | 10,000 – 20,000 hours (depending on build quality) |
| Scroll Wheel | 5,000 – 10,000 hours (may vary based on usage) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | 5,000 – 10,000 hours (depends on usage and signal strength) |
| Sensors | 20,000 – 50,000 hours (high-quality sensors) |
| Foot Pads | 6 – 12 months (depends on surface and usage) |
To really know how to make your gaming mouse last in the long haul, check out these pro tips.
4. Button customization is better
Hot keys are a trademark of good gaming mice. You can assign quick tasks to each button in cases where it would be slower to use your other hand to press a key on the keyboard.
Some examples of these hotkeys tasks would be activating a special ability, mini map commands, open party chat, or melee.
Non gaming tasks for these buttons could include volume control, copy paste text, minimize windows etc.
To really decide on how many buttons you would need for your individual setup, check out my article here.
5. Ergonomic support is superior on a gaming mouse
As mentioned before, gamer’s place a way higher demand on their wrists over longer periods of time than people who work at an office on a normal mouse.
Gaming companies likes SteelSeries, Razer, and Logitech built their gaming mice with ergonomic support in mind so that every type of player is accounted for. Whether you want a claw grip, ambixtrous, or fingertip grip, there’s a design that will fit you.
Some gaming mice even have honeycombed shaped holes in them for a variety of reasons to favor ergonomic support.
If you’re like me and have big hands, I wrote an article on the best gaming mice for big hands.
6. Style and lighting options are better for gaming mouse brands
Gaming mice often boast stylish designs to appeal to gamers’ aesthetic preferences and complement their gaming setups.
Sleek lines, vibrant RGB lighting, and futuristic aesthetics not only enhance the visual appeal of the mouse but also contribute to the immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, stylish design elements can differentiate gaming mice from standard mice, reflecting the passion and identity of the gaming community.
7. Gaming mice give players a competitive advantage
As mentioned before, advanced sensors, ergonomic fit, and style all help a gamer become a better player.
8. Software integration with Windows is more optimized
Optimized software for gaming mice typically comes in the form of dedicated control panels or applications provided by the manufacturer.
Some of these software integration applications include:
- Logitech G HUB
- Razer Synapse
- Corsair iCUE
- SteelSeries Engine
With this type of software, button mapping, macro key creation, RGB lighting controls, and DPI sensitivity can be catered towards any gaming rig you’re using.
9. Workflow is better on a gaming mouse
A gaming mouse’s customizable buttons offer significant benefits in non-gaming tasks, such as graphic design. In programs like Adobe Photoshop, these buttons can swiftly switch between tools, zoom in and out, or activate essential functions like copying and pasting layers.
Programmers can optimize their workflow by assigning shortcuts for code snippets and debugging commands, enhancing coding efficiency.
Even in everyday productivity applications like Microsoft Office, gaming mice accelerate workflow by performing tasks such as tab management and text manipulation, reducing reliance on keyboard shortcuts.
10. A gaming mouse is compatible on multiple media platforms
Gaming mice are used on gaming laptops, desktop PCs, PS5s, and XBOX Series X. The main reason is that a gaming mouse is more accurate than a controller these days.
If you want to know how to specifically hook up a gaming mouse to a PS4 and PS5, check out this article here.
11. Warranty and customer support are better with gaming mouse companies
Firstly, gaming mouse companies often offer longer warranty periods compared to standard peripherals, providing users with peace of mind and assurance of product quality.
These warranties may cover defects in materials or workmanship for extended periods, ensuring that users are protected against unexpected issues that may arise during the lifespan of the mouse.
“If you ever have a problem with your gaming mouse, companies like Razer are super helpful! When my mouse was acting funny, I just had to ask them for help, and they fixed it fast so I could get back to playing games without any issues!”
— Julian S, amateur gamer
12. Tactile feedback is more customizable
Some gaming mice feature feedback mechanisms, such as adjustable click resistance or customizable scroll wheel tension, enhancing the feel and responsiveness of the mouse.
While there’s a specific reason why a gaming mouse doesn’t vibrate like a controller, you can still adjust feedback settings such as the ones mentioned.
13. Performance is consistent in all environments and surfaces
Whether you’re using a mouse pad, a desk surface, or even a couch armrest, the mouse’s advanced sensors and tracking technology adapt seamlessly to provide smooth and accurate cursor movement.
This consistency allows gamers to maintain their competitive edge, whether they’re playing at home, at a LAN party, or on the go, without worrying about fluctuations in performance due to changes in the gaming environment.
14. Gaming mice make you a cooler gamer
The gaming community takes pride in the gear that they support. Companies like Logitech, Steelseries, and Razer are among the most popular, but there are tons more. Most gamers that play online competitive shooters like Fortnite and Halo Infinite also envy the pros that play and the setups they have.
Below is a table of the gaming mice pro gamers use. These are products you could easily purchase to hone your skills the same way.
| Pro Gamer | Game | Mouse |
| MrSavage | Fortnite | ROCCAT KONE Pure Ultra |
| Tenz | Valorant | Finalmouse Starlight Pro |
| S1mple | Counter Strike | Logitech G PRO X Superlight |
| Tommy Trewren | COD Warzone | custom Scuf Infinity4PS PRO Tommey |
| HusKers | Apex Legends | Logitech G Pro Wireless |
| GarretG | Rocket League | Sony Dualsense |
| JJonAk | Overwatch | Logitech G403 |
What gaming companies make the best gaming mice?
The top companies I’ve researched and personally used in terms of gaming mice comes between Logitech and Razer. I would say Logitech comes out on top for making more budget friendly mice that perform as well as Razer. But for a full comparison, check out my article on Logitech vs Razer.
Below are some of the most popular gaming mice according to gamers and my experience testing a few of them myself:
| Company | Most Popular Mouse | Why It’s Popular |
| Logitech | Logitech G502 | Customizable, accurate, and versatile design. |
| Razer | Razer DeathAdder | Stylish, ergonomic, and precise for comfortable gaming. |
| SteelSeries | SteelSeries Rival | Well-built, ergonomic, and customizable for precision. |
| Corsair | Corsair M65 | Durable, comfortable, and customizable for performance. |
| Zowie | Zowie EC | Simple, accurate, and ergonomic for competitive play. |
| HyperX | HyperX Pulsefire | Lightweight, responsive, and affordable for precise gaming. |
Here’s some more about the noteworthy companies:
SteelSeries
SteelSeries offers a range of gaming mice designed for various grip styles and preferences. The SteelSeries Rival series, in particular, is highly praised for its ergonomic design and customizable features.
Corsair
The Corsair M65 stands out for its rugged yet comfortable design, premium materials, and advanced customization options, making it a top choice for gamers who seek durability, performance, and the ability to fine-tune their mouse settings.
Zowie
Zowie’s EC series is highly regarded for its no-frills approach, focusing on performance and reliability with flawless sensors, ergonomic shapes, and plug-and-play simplicity, catering to competitive gamers who prioritize accuracy and consistency.
HyperX
Combining lightweight design, responsive sensors, and affordability, the HyperX Pulsefire series appeals to gamers seeking a comfortable and reliable gaming mouse that delivers precise performance without breaking the bank.
Additional Free Resource
In the dynamic world of gaming mice, these brands stand out for their innovation and quality. For more gaming insights and more in-depth insight on the best gaming gear setup, scroll to the bottom or top of this article and sign up for my free ebook!
If you have any further questions, comments, or inquires, feel free to send an email to entertainmentden.ns@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to respond. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more exciting content!