Easy Gaming Mouse Quality Tests & DIY Tips
Knowing how gaming mouses are tested can give excellent insight into why different mouses are recommended and the reasoning behind this. This is also useful so readers can make more informed decisions about which mouse would be best for them and why. So read on to find out exactly what gaming mouse quality tests mean and what they entail.
Gaming mouse quality tests evaluate different characteristics in a mouse. The main ones used are DPI, IPS, and Acceleration. DPI (dots per linear inch) is how precise a mouse can be pointing at a specific point. IPS (inches per second) is the maximum distance a mouse can cover in a second before tracking is lost. Acceleration is how far the mouse will move in ratio to physical movement.
1. DPI - Dots Per Linear Inch
DPI is a measure of how many dots per inch (DPI) the mouse can generate on the screen. The higher the DPI, the more precise the mouse will be at any given point on the screen.
For gaming, it is important to have a high DPI because that means you can move the mouse faster without losing accuracy. This precision is also important for tasks that require a lot of clicking, such as photo editing. And according to this review from Tom’s Hardware this Razer Basilisk V3 is the top gaming mouse.
2. IPS - Inches Per Second
IPS is a measure of how fast the mouse can move before it loses tracking. Gaming mice with high IPS can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time without losing the ability to track properly. This is important for gaming because it means the mouse can move faster without becoming inaccurate.
Therefore, a gaming mouse with low IPS will start to lose track if it’s moved too quickly, making it less ideal for gaming.
3. Acceleration
Acceleration is how far the mouse will move in relation to physical movement. For gaming, it’s important to have a low acceleration because it means you will need to physically move the mouse less to move the cursor on the screen.
This is important because it gives you more precise control over your cursor, which is especially important in fast-paced gaming environments. A gaming mouse with high acceleration will start to move the cursor faster the more you move the mouse, which can be confusing and difficult to control. For this reason, it is important to look for a gaming mouse with low acceleration if you want precise cursor control.
Summary of How to Choose the Best Gaming Mouse
| The kind of games you play | Gaming Mouse Quality Tests to Maximize Performance | Examples of Good Gaming Mouses With High-Quality Scores |
| FPS | Accuracy and acceleration | Logitech G502 Hero |
| RPG | DPI | Steelseries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse |
| MOBAs | Button placement and software | Corsair Dark Core Rgb Pro Se |
| MMO | General quality | Honeycomb Wired Gaming Mouse |
| RTS | Multiple functions and controls | Logitech g mx518 Gaming Mouse |
Statistics-Based Gaming Mouse Quality Tests
Common gaming mouse statistics include sensor accuracy, latency, and debounce. Sensor accuracy refers to how well the mouse tracks movement. Latency is a measure of how long it takes for the mouse to start moving after it has been moved. Debounce indicates how much the mouse cursor moves after the mouse stops moving.
Sensor Accuracy
The sensor is the most important part of any gaming mouse. It is what tracks the movement of the mouse and translates it into cursor movement on the screen. The accuracy of a sensor is measured in DPI, which stands for dots per linear inch. The higher the DPI, the more accurate the sensor will be.
Latency
Latency is the time it takes for the cursor to start moving after the mouse has been moved. The lower the time between when you move the mouse and when the cursor on the screen begins to move is known as latency. On a fast PC, it's unavoidable.
Debounce
Debounce is a measure of how much the mouse cursor moves after you stop moving the mouse. The lower the debounce, the less the cursor will move after you stop moving the mouse. This is important because it gives you more precise control over your cursor, which is especially important in fast-paced gaming environments.
A gaming mouse like this with a higher debounce means that your cursor continues to move after you stop moving the mouse, making it more difficult to control.
Hardware Quality Tests for Gaming Mouses
To test gaming mouse hardware quality, look for custom commands, general design such as buttons and ergonomics, as well as specific features such as wireless connectivity, onboard memory, and programmable buttons.
Custom Commands
Custom commands are shortcuts that can be programmed into the mouse to make it easier to perform certain actions. For example, a custom command could be programmed to launch a specific game or open a particular website.
To test for custom commands, try to find a gaming mouse that allows you to program in your own shortcuts.
General Design
When testing for the general design, pay attention to the overall look and feel of the mouse. Does it look and feel cheap or flimsy? Are the buttons easy to press? Is the mouse comfortable to hold?
Also, consider the ergonomics of the mouse. Is it designed for right-handed or left-handed users? All these factors can affect your experience using the mouse.
Button Placement
The placement of the buttons on a gaming mouse can be important for some gamers. For example, if you are a left-handed gamer, you may want to look for a mouse that has the buttons placed in a way that is comfortable for you to use.
Comfort and Ergonomics
To maximize comfort and ergonomic gaming mouse designs, look for a mouse that fits your hand size and grip style like this one. This article from UC Santa Cruz Environmental Health & Safety explains all about mousing safely.
Grip Type Design
There are three main types of grips: palm, claw, and fingertip.
Palm Grip
The entire hand rests on the back of the mouse. This is the most common grip style.
Claw Grip
The hand is positioned so that the fingers are curled in a claw-like fashion. This grip is often used by gamers who need to make quick, precise movements.
Fingertip Grip
Only the tips of the fingers are touching the mouse. This is the least common grip style and is often used by gamers who need to make very fast, precise movements.
Surface Tracing - Weight And Feel
The weight and feel of a gaming mouse can be important for some gamers. A heavier mouse may be more difficult to control but can offer more precision, and conversely, a lighter mouse may be easier to control but can be less precise.
The surface material of the mouse can also affect how it feels to use it. Some gamers prefer a smooth surface that allows for easy movement, while others prefer a textured surface that provides more grip.
Build Quality
Gaming mouse quality tests include testing for click rating, materials used, and overall finish. Look for a mouse with a high click rating since this indicates good build quality.
Mouse Click Rating
The click rating is the number of times a button can be clicked before it starts to fail. A gaming mouse with a high click rating is more likely to last longer than a mouse with a low click rating.
Materials
When looking at the materials used in a gaming mouse, pay attention to the type of plastic used. Most gaming mice use acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is cheap and has mediocre mechanical properties. PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastics and Ocean plastics represent a newer trend in mouse plastic materials and are a blend of different plastic types - polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC). With these plastics, you get strong mechanical properties as well as reliability (in addition to being more environmentally friendly).
Finish
The finish of a gaming mouse can also be an indicator of quality. A mouse with a high-quality finish will have a smooth, even surface with no rough edges. A mouse with a low-quality finish may have rough edges or uneven surfaces.
In general, a gaming mouse with a higher quality finish like this one has, will be more durable and last longer than a mouse with a lower quality finish.
Wear And Tear Factors
Wear and tear can be related to gaming mouse build quality. Things to look out for are spongy buttons, staining, and marks from use.
Spongy Buttons
If the buttons on a gaming mouse feel spongy or soft, it may be an indication of poor build quality. Spongey buttons can be caused by low-quality materials or poor manufacturing.
Staining
Staining on a gaming mouse can be caused by sweat, oils from your skin, or other liquids. Staining can be an indication of poor build quality or poor materials.
Marks
Marks from use, such as scratches or scuffs, can also be an indication of poor build quality.
A gaming mouse that is made with high-quality materials and has a high-quality finish will be more resistant to wear and tear.
Software
The software plays a huge part as flexibility is key for those that play multiple games. Mice with game integration and programmability alongside presets and switching make a huge difference due to the ability to tailor it for different games.
Game Integration
Game integration is the ability of the mouse to work with specific games. Some gaming mice have specific buttons that are programmed to work with certain games. Other gaming mice have generic buttons that can be programmed to work with any game.
Programmability
Programmability is the ability to program the mouse to perform certain actions. Some gaming mouses have internal memory that allows you to store your settings. Other gaming mouses require software to be installed on your computer in order to program the mouse.
Presets and Switching
Presets are pre-configured settings that can be selected with the click of a button. Some gaming mouses like this have multiple presets that can be switched between. Other gaming mouses only have one preset.
On the other hand, switching is the ability to switch between different settings on the fly. Some gaming mouses have the ability to switch between different DPI settings, while other gaming mouses can switch between different profiles.
If you're wondering how much a gaming mouse costs, make sure to read our related article to find out!
How Can I Test a Gaming Mouse
There are various sites that allow the testing of a gaming mouse. Utilize them to test a gaming mouse and then use this information to decide what things should be improved, such as speed, accuracy, etc.
There are websites where you can test gaming mice to see how they work. This can help you figure out if there is a problem with your mouse and if it’s working the way it’s supposed to.
For example, if your mouse isn't moving as fast as you would like it to in a first-person shooter game, or if it isn't scrolling as quickly as you would like in a strategy game, you can use the results from these tests to find a mouse that works better for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the best websites for mouse testing.
| Website | Gaming Mouse Tests Performed |
| Mouse Sensitivity.Com | DPI |
| ClickSpeeder | Acceleration |
| Online Mouse Test | Overall functions |
| Mouse Accuracy | Accuracy |
Wireless Vs. Wired Mouses for Gaming
Both have different advantages, namely that your wired mouse will never go flat mid-game and therefore has a huge advantage; however, wires can get caught and don't give quite the same level of movement as the mouse can be affected by the wire itself.
Wireless and wired mouses both have advantages and disadvantages, and these depend on personal preferences and types of gaming.
With this in mind, wireless mouses have become the preferred option for gamers, though they do tend to be more expensive, and like anything with a battery, the charge levels will decrease over time, arguably decreasing its lifespan.
There are pros and cons to both wireless and wired mice for gaming. Let's take a closer look at them:
Wireless Mice Advantages and Disadvantages
- They are free of cables, which can be a nuisance when you're trying to play games.
- Wireless mouses often have a longer battery life than wired mice.
- They are more portable than wired mice
- Wireless mice can sometimes be less reliable than wired mouses.
- They can be more expensive than wired mouses.
- Wireless mice can be more susceptible to interference from other devices.
Wired Mice Advantages and Disadvantages
- Wired mice are more reliable than wireless mice.
- Wired mice usually have a shorter response time than wireless mice
- Wired mice can be restrictive since they need to be plugged into a USB port.
- Wired mice can chew through your battery faster than wireless mice.