Why Some Gaming Mice Have Holes: The Surprising Reasons


Introduction

When I was new to the gaming world, I initially aesthetics was the number one selling point for how gaming keyboards and gaming mice looked.

After I did some more research, I noticed there were some gaming companies that made some of their mice with a hollow, holed out design such as the Glorious Model O and the Corsair Sabre.

After more research and talking to some of my pro amateur gamers, these are the reasons some gaming mice have holes in them:

So why do gaming mouse have holes in them?

Some gaming mice feature designs punctuated by holes to enhance airflow, reducing sweaty hands and discomfort during gameplay. Additionally, these holes contribute to a lighter weight, minimizing fatigue and improving precision, making them favored by competitive gamers.

The rest of the article will further elaborate on these reasons and help you decide if this is a necessary feature for you.

Ventilation is improved

One of the best benefits from having a gaming mouse with holes is improved ventilation through your hand.

Solid mouse shells make almost every gamer sweat, especially if they’re playing intense online competitive matches like in Halo Infinite or Fortnight style games.

Desk fan with holed mouse setup

Why some players opt for a desk fan, this still won’t provide you with the same airflow you would get from having a holed out gaming mouse.

“At first I thought the design of a holed out gaming mouse looked weird, but after several hours of gaming, it’s nice to not have sweaty hands at the end of it all.”

— Julian, avid amatuer gamer

Even if your hands don’t sweat during long gaming sessions, consider some of the next few benefits to using a gaming mouse with holes.

A gaming mouse with holes has reduced weight

The average gaming mouse weighs between 70-80 grams while a gaming mouse with holes will weigh between 60-70 grams.

This difference doesn’t seem like much, but think about how many times you will drag your mouse around your workspace over the course of a few hours. It totals up to miles!

The below table compares the average weight of a gaming mouse with holes:

Gaming Mouse With HolesWeight (grams)
Logitech G Pro X Superlight63g
Razer Viper Ultimate74g
Corsair Sabre RGB Pro74g

Now take a look at the average weight of a gaming mouse without holes:

Regular Gaming MouseWeight (grams)
Logitech G502 Hero121
Razer DeathAdder V282
SteelSeries Rival 60096

Notice how much heavier a regular gaming mouse can be. But why else is this important?

Here are some additional reasons:

  1. A lighter gaming mouse is easier to aim with and facilitates a faster snapping of reflexes during fast paced games.
  2. Your aim stays more accurate over time because it requires less muscle to move your mouse around.
  3. With a lightweight mouse, gamers can easily lift and reposition it without feeling weighed down. This agility is particularly advantageous in games that require frequent flicks, swipes, and rapid changes in direction, providing players with a competitive edge in maneuverability.

For detailed information on how heavy a gaming mouse should be, check out my article here.

Pro Gamer Tip:

To enhance your aiming speed and precision with a gaming mouse, practice maintaining a consistent grip and wrist movement to develop muscle memory.

Some gamers favor a mouse grip with holes

Gaming mice with holes, such as those with honeycomb designs, offer improved grip due to enhanced airflow, reducing moisture buildup and preventing hands from becoming sweaty during intense gaming sessions.

When I visited my brother, I was able to try his Glorious Model O and I noticed my aim was much more accurate and I felt like I had more control of my characters aim.

If you’re like me and have big hands, check out my article here on the best mice.

Important Note: you can still put grip tape on a gaming mouse with holes without affecting its ventilation.

Additionally, the lightweight nature of these mice reduces fatigue, allowing for longer gaming sessions without sacrificing control or comfort.

Gaming mice with holes have an innovative aesthetic

If I’m being totally honest, I think gaming aesthetics are one of my top priorities for selecting my gaming gear.

I’m apart of a facebook gaming community and some of the guys that post their setups have some sweet looking rigs which have gaming mice with the honeycomb holes. Take a look below:

I like the gaming mouse pairing with the keyboard. The mouse in the picture is the Corsair Sabre.

As you can see, the shelled out gaming mouse in this one adds to the texture appeal that this guy was trying to achieve.

I really like the sleek surface with the mechanical switches for the keyboard and mouse combo. LED lighting on both also compliments the gaming mouse with holes.

To really decide on which gaming mouse is right for you, check out this article.

As you can see, aesthetics is a major selling point for gaming mice that have holes. It ultimately appeals to gamers who like innovative design.

Recommended products

Glorious Model O

This is the one my brother is an avid player of. It enhances maneuverability and reduces wrist fatigue during long gaming sessions.

The perforated design also helps to keep hands cool and dry, providing a comfortable grip for improved control and accuracy in competitive gaming scenarios.

Cooler Master MM710

Ultralight 2 for their lightweight construction, which reduces fatigue during extended gaming sessions, and the improved airflow provided by the holes, keeping their hands cool and dry for better grip and comfort.

These features contribute to a more enjoyable gaming experience and enhanced performance, particularly in fast-paced games where precision and agility are crucial.

Finalmouse Ultralight 2

The honeycomb perforations promote airflow, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining a comfortable grip even during intense gaming sessions.

Overall, the combination of its lightweight nature and breathable design makes the Finalmouse Ultralight 2 a top choice for gamers seeking both performance and comfort.

XTRFY M4 RGB Mouse

Unlike some other honeycomb mice, the M4 RGB features a unique hexagonal pattern that enhances grip and comfort while adding a touch of style to the gaming setup.

Additionally, the mouse offers customizable RGB lighting and programmable buttons, allowing users to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences while enjoying the benefits of its lightweight and breathable design.

Any downsides to a gaming mouse with holes?

While we’ve talked about all the reasons you might want to get a gaming mouse with holes, it’s important to know some of the downsides.

While none of these are deal breakers, they are definitely worth a mention

Dust accumulates faster on a gaming mouse with holes

Because there’s less material protecting the internal mechanics from dust, you might need to clean your mouse a little more often.

One thing I recommend to gamers in my emails is to spend a few dollars on an air compressor can that is specifically for electronics

The outer holed shell might not be as durable

If you travel a lot of have young kids that also like to game on your setup, then a gaming mouse with holes might not be the best option.

If one of the honeycomb plastic holes cracks from it falling, it could slowly degrade the performance of the gaming mouse over time and your overall comfortability.

A gaming mouse with holes offers less protection from drinks and food

A lot of gamers drink soda or eat chips during sessions. Any spillage of these items could be even more detrimental to your gaming mouse because its outer shell won’t protect against the elements.

Free Additional Resource

For the best gaming gear e-book with recommended setups, feel free to sign up your email to receive it! Scroll to the top or bottom of this page to see the panel!

The evolution of gaming mice to feature honeycomb designs has brought about several significant advantages for gamers.

These perforated shells not only improve airflow, keeping hands cool and dry during intense gaming sessions, but also contribute to a lighter weight, reducing fatigue and enhancing precision.

While there are some considerations such as dust accumulation and potentially reduced durability, the benefits of improved grip, reduced weight, and enhanced aesthetics make gaming mice with holes a compelling choice for gamers seeking an edge in their gaming experience.

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