User Guides The Gaming Mouse Guide

With so many gaming mice out in the market , It is simply a herculean task to get the one which would fit you right. Your skills do matter while playing a game , but couple it with a mouse and it could make a lethal combination , give you the edge which you have been looking for all along … The search for your mouse ends here. Mus musculus :cool2:

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While getting yourself a mouse , you will have to take the following factors into consideration –

• Cost – The Most important factor , as far as I’m concerned . I would not pick up a high end MMORPG typed mouse for playing an FPS game like counter strike – While an MMORPG would cost you Rs.5000 , an FPS mouse would do good at Rs800 – All depends on the features you are looking for .

• Hand Grip & Ergonomics – Every human is an extremely unique being , with that said , He holds the mouse in many different ways , you might hold it one way and I another , It is very important that you take this into consideration and then buy the mouse , buying a mouse just for its features and not giving a damn about ergonomics is downright dumb !

There are a lot of types of mouse grips around :

• Palm Grip

• Claw Grip

• Finger Tip

• Your own method of holding , post a picture – I’m always curious

For more on this Visit – Razer Ergonomics Guide

• Sensitivity - This is one more question you will have to ask yourself before getting that little mouse to its new home and this is a highly over rated one. Higher mouse sensitivity means the mouse is more responsive to the mouse’s movements , Sensitivity is measured in DPI (Dots Per Inch – Dots per inch - The basic funda is - higher the dpi , lesser your movements . But just because the mouse has a very high sensitivity doesn’t mean that it is a better mouse – in most of the cases higher the sensitivity means your hand should be more stable , or you’d have to switch to a lower sensitivity. Some of today’s mice come with adjustable DPI while in-game , but beware the button might be in a place you don’t want to mess around with while getting fragged in the other end – right beside the tracker below the mouse . This is one of the most important things I’d like to stress – Higher DPI is a marketing hype , If you are someone who doesn’t move the mouse around much while gaming then a high dpi mouse is good , if you generally tend to move the mouse quite a bit , then a high dpi mouse isn’t your plate of mouse :p

• Macros - You have a specific command line to be performed in-game but you don’t want to type it on the keyboard ? Fear not , you have buttons on the mouse just for that purpose .This comes as a boon especially for those MMORPG game play guys – like DoTA, WoW etc. There are a lot of these types of mice in today’s market , but you might want to get yourself something that doesn’t have too many pages , and not too little , just right – like the penguin in Oswald – if you know what I mean ;)

• Other things to consider – Now the other factors mainly include wether you want your mouse wired/wireless , basically for those who have that extra pound to spend on the mouz – Really doesn’t matter , all the latency/relay lags which people say wireless mouse might experience is hardly noticeable even if it does exist, so if you are going with a good wireless mouse , then don’t have second thoughts . Next comes the bling factor , lighting ? Awesome , you don’t want lighting – Im cool :p Then , another additional feature which comes with today’s mice is the slotted weight option – this gives that extra comfort edge while playing.

--ALWAYS GET A FIRST HAND FEEL OF THE MOUSE BEFORE YOU BUY IT --

^ Once you get a mouse and then not feel good about its shape is just pointless :|

• Folks , that’s about It , (with the introduction) if you did patiently read through the factors to be considered , then I hereby pronounce you mouse literate :D

• The criterion which we are going to take in comparing the mice are

• Tracker - Scroll / Optical / Laser

• Max Resolution

• Cable Length

• Cost

Now coming down to the List of nominations …

1. Gigabyte GM-M6800

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This is one of the cheapest gaming mice you will find in todays market but doesn’t look like something that costs as much , has pretty decent looks with the typical gaming mouse curves – but the build quality is pretty ok’ish.

• Tracker - Optical

• Max Resolution – 1600 DPI (Adjustable)

• Cable Length – 1.5 Metres ( Non Braided)

• Cost – Rs.675.

2. Logitech MX518

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Ah , the old reliable – This has been a mainstay mouse for many gamers and gaming enthuisats alike , provides a great feel for the hand and performs great ! , comes with a soft sculpted ergonomic grip which provides just the right comfort while gaming – But beware this grip might just be a turn off , wears down considerably after use .

• Tracker - Optical

• Max Resolution – 1800 DPI (Adjustable)

• Cable Length ~2metres

• Cost – 1300 Rupees ( Non Braided)

3. Razer Abyssus

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This is a gaming mouse made for regular computer users as well as gamers alike, containing only 3 programmable keys . But this has quite a punch , with an IR sensor inside , it makes it one of the most simplest yet accurate gaming mice yet .

• Tracker – (Infra Red) Laser

• Max Resolution – 3500 DPI

• Cable Length – 7 Ft (Non Braided)

• Cost – 1,350

4. Microsoft Intelli Explorer 3.0

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Microsoft's updated IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 brings a few gamer-friendly tweaks to the design of the venerable mouse , this still is a bit buggy , but hopefully it gets resolved soon. This mouse is quite good for both normal browsing and gaming . Also , the build quality has is not that very impressive - sloppy rubber padding and plastic - needs a 4.0 imo :bleh:

• Tracker - Optical

• STANDARD Resolution – 500 DPI

• Cable Length – 1.8 metres (Non Braided)

• Cost – Rs.2000

5. Razer Death Adder

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The current best selling mouse, has great features , build quality is great and doesn’t show signs of a lot of wear and tear on its texture. Death Adder gaming mouse has pin point accuracy and comes bundled with an excellent customization software, and two responsive thumb-side buttons .

• Tracker – (IR) Laser

• Max Resolution – 3500 DPI

• Cable Length - 7 Feet (Braided)

• Cost – 2,100 Rupees …

6. Steel Series Kinzu

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This is one of the most comfortable mouse you can find , looks quite ordinary , performance is pretty damn killer , and does a great job in FPS games , only downside is that It has only 1 macro button , so limited modifiable options make it less popular among those who play games where a lot of macros are used , but then people who play a lot of CS , CS: S will love it – I love this mouse , lot of professional CS gamers feel so too …

• Tracker – Optical

• Max Resolution – 3200 CPI (Counts Per Inch)

• Cable Length - 7 Feet (Braided)

• Cost – 2,100 Rupees …

7. Arctic Cooling M571
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This is quite an interesting mouse , with a new egro shape , I haven’t personally tried it , going by its looks , I’m guessing it will do quite good , comes are a pretty cheap price , haven’t really seen gaming Laser mice so cheap (TE – Dealers Paradise) , If anyone has tried this one out , please do comment on its performance , quality. Comes with slotted weights , which again is another plus .

• Tracker – Laser ( Seems it works on glass , it’s a first for me !)

• Max Resolution – 2400 DPI

• Cable Length - 1.8 Metres (Don’t know wether braided or not)

• Cost – 1250 Rupees

8. Steel Series Ikari

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The SS Ikari is designed with a more broader range of game generes being covered . Ikari is typically suited for FPS , MMO and RTS games . It is typically suited for people with medium sized palms , right handed design , but almost looks bilaterally symmetrical. Only downside on this one is the build quality , it just doesn’t seem to pan out properly .

• Tracker – Optical

• Max Resolution – 3200 CPI

• Cable Length - 6.5 Ft (Braided)

• Cost ~Rs.3000

9. Razer Naga

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The king of all MMORPG games , this mouse is THE one if you are totally into MMORPGs like DoTA , WoW etc . With 17 Programmable Keys things can get quicker for you to perform specific command lines while in-game , this is surely one heck of a mouse – but it does come at a price…

• Tracker – Laser

• Max Resolution – 5600 DPI – MegaWOW !

• Cable Length ~2 metres

• Cost ~ 5k Rupees (Wide variation in prices)

10. Razer Mamba

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This is certainly the most $3X!3$7 of all the mice I’ve gamed with ! The oomph factor on this one is just amazing , Smooth curves , dashing looks and the bling all add up to give one hell of a mouse ! Wireless or Wired the mamba is just drop dead gorgeous , this one would make quite a big hole in your pocket , so caveat emptor !

• Tracker – Laser

• Max Resolution – 5600 DPI – MegaWOW !

• Cable Length - :p

• Cost - 7k Rupees

• Battery Life ~14 hours , continous gaming

That’s about it for now , I guess that’s a small bit of information on gaming mice , tonnes out there , which are not included in this list – Make sure you find the right one for you , good luck !

Also , Im making a small table of sorts which I'd include in the top , some what of a reckoner which will give all the needed data , Currently in progress , will add it once I'm done .

PS : All criticisms and comments welcomed , my first guide/tutorial – I do have a lot to learn so please help me do that , Also if any typographical errors found , then please do leave a comment , will be very thankful to you for that bit of help .

I hope you found this article useful,

Thank You :)
 
blufox said:
Ikari Optical - 1250?

lol :D.

Man correct it.

I ll buy 10 Ikaris for that price.

Im really sorry :ashamed: used the format , forgot to take off price :(

Ikari sells for 3.5k in Lynx India (but i've seen some 2nd hand - 2 week old ikaris @ 2.5k)

Cant buy 10 Ikaris for 3.5k sire :bleh:
 
Congratulation On your first guide:clap:. It is gonna help most of us who are looking to buy gaming hardware. I am gonna buy a gaming mouse and keyboard under 4.5k and this guide certainly cleared my doubts. I had decided on deathadder but then a backlit keyboard wouldn't fit the budget so I've now decided on Artic M571:)
Btw, does Razer Abyssus have extra buttons and is M571 available in Bangalore ?

Now,waiting for the Keyboard Guide.:D
 
kidpikoon said:
Awsome Stuff!!!

Is the Razer Naga the best wired mouse to go for???

Is Razer Mamba better than it being a wireless mouse???

Razer Naga is one of the best IF you are into MMORPGs , not for FPS usage - Too many buttons and you might feel discomfortable - Depends , your hand might like , and mine would'nt , it will be wise only if you get a hands-on experience on the mouse...

Mamba is more like a multi-genre mouse fits in pretty well in a lot of games , although i'd kinda mind the price :|

Another alternative to the mamba is the Logitech MX-Revo / MS Sidewinder X8 (wireless)
 
Great guide overall. I do have some corrections you may or may not want to implement though. The Ikari Optical does 1600CPI max. The Ikari Laser does 3200CPI with customizable CPI, while the Optical does 400/800,800/1600, and 400/1600. Also, the price of the Optical is 2400, and Laser, well, I'm not sure.

You might want to include that the Razer mice are built for people with smaller hands or those who use the claw grip. The IE3 is for medium sized hands and the SS Ikari Optical for big hands/palm grippers IMO. I've used the MX518 and its rather small for my hands because size wise, its on par with the DA. You may or may not want to include the Logitech G5, G500, G1, Roccat Kova, Kone, etc. The G5 is a step up in size compared to the MX518, G500 is the G5 with a billion buttons, and well, you can google the rest ;)

Like a few have mentioned above, the grip wears out quick on the IE3, build quality is meh ( I've owned two :O! ), plastic on the mouse wears off, the scroll wheel becomes loose very quick and the double click and wire disconnection issues show up very quick.

Also, you can mention that every mouse is visible and the user can get a feel for it in the box itself ( plastic moulded to the mouse ) to see if he/she is comfortable with it.

One last thing.. The mousepad/surface that the mouse is placed on matters a lot. Apparently ( I read this somewhere, so don't flame me ) Logitech tracks better on white surfaces and Razer on dark. I used my G5 on a dark surface and it was fine so I'm not sure about that. Anyway, my Ikari Optical is smoother on my Mantis Speed than on my Qck, but its the other way around for my IE3. So each mouse is suited to a mousepad but the amount of friction is all down to the user.

Kudos :), Just my $.02
 
Let me clear some air about this steel series stuff -

There are 4 Mice (Not including WoW mouse) in teh SS Arsenal

1- Steel Series Kinzu - Max is 3200 CPI - This one is optical

2-Steel Series Xai (Laser Variant of Kinzu) - Upto 5000 CPI

3-Steel Series Ikari Optical - This is the one mentioned in the guide- there is a lot of variations in the prices in different sites , but from what I've seen all are around the 3k mark - so I hope that clears it. And yes the Ikari Optical can only do a max of 1600 CPI

4- SteelSeries Ikari Laser - This is not in the guide , havent seen this variant being used much either , and dont have an Idea about the price, But IMO it wouldnt really make a HUGE difference in gaming unless you are gaming in max senstivity , both in-game and max senstivity in the mouse settings.

Also , About the surface , I does make quite a bit of a difference , but AFAIK , Laser mice (except the AC-M571) don't seem to work on glass surfaces. Correct me if I am wrong people , I havent tried this exp. at my place.

every mouse is visible and the user can get a feel for it in the box itself ( plastic moulded to the mouse ) to see if he/she is comfortable with it.
- Very true , I've been saying the same , get a hands-on feel to the mouse before choosing the mouse , once you spend 7k and buy it and then say I dont like it is pretty darn nooby.

@monkee : Thanks for the post the 2¢ did make good sense to me :)
 
Unfortunately the SMC site is down, else theyre selling Ikari Opticals for 2.5k.. And LSG Live ( where I got mine from last week ) is selling for 2.3k shipped :)
 
They're all okay for casual gaming. But you have to feel the mouse and try it before you buy it, else you'll be stuck with literally a useless piece of junk that you can't get used to.. Like me and my IE3s. I miss my G5 :(
 
sajitsm said:
:facepalm:

Go back to your cave you crawled out from... :D
- Come on mate , not so harsh on kidpkoon , I was " T3H UL7R/\ N00B" some time back :p - Remember - " Pro bhi kabhi noob tha "

kanishk619 said:
awesome, so awesome article, though i taken the DA again without trying MX518 and i regret my buy now
Thanks mate , I highlited the most important thing on the red :p Just to get things into prespective - I personally love 2 mice - The kinzu and the mx518 although I like the DA - never had the opportunity to buy it - in the mouse world - "every hand to himself" is quite apt
 
l33t said:
"every hand to himself"

No, Thank you...I rather keep it to myself...I mean, free...like suspended in air without touching anything. Dammit!!!

You can mention normal sensitivity options...like mine is three-way on-the-fly switchable(800-1600-3200). I remember one of them razers having dpi switch on the bottom(duh!!!) No. of buttons and distribution of buttons on each side can be a nice touch. Similarly, a few of those logitechs have tilt wheels.
 
I have played every popular fps games with different mices, I have tried Deathadder, kinzu, lachesis, mx518, logitech g9 also I have used my friends laster ikari and Mamba (which sucks). I find logitech g9 to be the best among these as it forces a claw grip, deathadder is good too.. however Kinzu and Mamba don't deserve to be in this list and also Razer naga is just for mmorpg's
 
Very nice guide dude !
i am about to buy a new gaming mouse soon and neded an article just like that !
thanx a lot , it helped me :)
by the way i have a grip that is between claw and palm( lol ! i know it sounds vague ! ) !
which mouse should i get ??
i play cod4 mainly , and am confused betwen AC-m571 and razer DA !
 
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