Tips To Choose a Left-Handed Gaming Mouse
Using your left hand on a right-handed device (and vice versa) feels weird. The ergonomics are all wrong and the side button layouts are a hassle. Unfortunately, many solutions are only designed for right-handed users; you may not even be aware that left-handed mice exist. If you require a left-handed mouse, there are some amazing left-handed variants of popular mice available, as well as ambidextrous mice. However, there are some factors to keep in mind if you need to choose a left-handed gaming mouse.
When choosing a left-handed gaming mouse, casual players should buy a TrackBall left-handed mouse that works on all surfaces, doesn’t require arm-wrist mobility, and is durable. Players in search of a mouse with the natural "Handshake" alignment should buy a Vertical Ergonomic Mouse for its ergonomic design. Finally, players who want an affordable ambidextrous mouse should go for a SteelSeries Sensei Raw.
Reasons to Purchase a Left-Handed Ergo Gaming Mouse
Left-handed or right-handed, holding a vertical mouse in hand, keeps your forearm bones – the Ulna and Radius – normally aligned instead of being "crossed". Indeed, when you hold a traditional mouse you’ll notice that your bones are one above the other at your elbow while, at the wrist level, these same bones are next to each other.
Purchase a left-handed gaming mouse to alleviate computer arm syndrome, free your dominant hand, and have a personalized and individualized mouse.
You can read more about hand positions and the problems associated with holding a regular mouse in this article from the Journal of Applied Ergonomics.
It makes sense for you to opt for a left-handed mouse if you’re a left-handed person. Still, even if you’re a right-handed user, there are reasons why using a left-handed mouse is beneficial:
Reason 1. To Alleviate Computer Arm Syndrome
Alleviate computer arm syndrome by distributing the mouse handling between both hands.
Reason 2. To Free Your Dominant Hand
By being able to use both hands to operate your mouse means that your dominant hand will be free to carry out other tasks including writing, eating, and drinking. So using a left-handed mouse could certainly be beneficial if you are right-handed.
Reason 3. An Ergonomic Left-Handed Mouse is Very Individualized
When you convert to an ergo left-handed mouse it is usually customized to your specifications and needs and it would be very difficult for your work or gaming mates to use your mouse.
Reason 4. To Avoid Tendon Strain
Tendons that are fatigued for prolonged periods of time may develop Tendonitis which is tendon inflammation. Tendinitis is a very common ailment in people who carry out physical work and inappropriate movements repetitively like gamers.
This study from the Journal of Physiotherapy examined office workers as individuals at risk of epicondylitis - degenerative elbow tendonitis develops due to repetitive daily manual tasks. Tendonitis, epicondylitis, and tenosynovitis are not only painful diseases, but can also render the limb unproductive for an extended time. Moreover, wrist tenosynovitis can exacerbate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) as explained in this article by the American College of Rheumatology.
Therefore, using the ergonomic left-handed gaming mouse will reduce the risk of these unwanted syndromes.
Tips to Choose a Left-Handed Mouse for Gaming
Of course using a left-handed mouse for gaming should be beneficial and so it is important that you choose the right one with that in mind.
To choose the best left-handed mouse, consider sensor technology, sensitivity - including DPI and CPI, and preferred gaming grip.
This YouTube video tutorial by Let me Review That For You explains a little more about the Razer Viper Ultimate Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse for use by a left-handed gamer.
To choose a left-handed mouse, we recommend considering these tips:
Tip 1. Sensor Technology
The choice of the sensor plays a vital role in the selection process and you need to decide between a mouse that has a laser sensor like this one or an optical sensor like this one. The advantage of the laser sensor lies in its adaptability to almost any type of surface, unlike the optical sensor which has to have a specific surface to work optimally.
Tip 2. DPI & CPI Sensitivity
Most gaming mice today have adjustable levels of sensitivity to suit various types of gaming. This generally varies from 200 to 10,000 DPI. For MMO and RPG games, you’ll not need a mouse with high sensitivity, unlike when you’re playing an FPS game.
If you want to perform optimally in an FPS game, it’s advisable to choose a gaming mouse like this with a sensitivity of 3000 to 10,000 DPI and more. This is because FPS is an action game genre that demands fast, precise, and much more fluid movements.
Be sure to check out our article that guides you through all the steps to test and change mouse DPI, to get the most out of your mouse.
Tip 3. Number and Location of Macro Buttons
It’s essential that the buttons be within reach of your fingers. The more you have to extend your fingers, the more pressure is exerted on your joints and muscles. Especially if you’re a fan of MMO or RPG. It is also preferable to opt for a mouse with multiple configurable keys like this one, that can be adapted to various types of games. Most mice today have 5 to 15 customizable macro buttons. This Razer Naga Pro features up to 19 buttons. Be sure to also read our related article explaining how to choose a gaming mouse with a lot of buttons for more details.
Tip 4. Adapt Your Grip to the Type of Game Being Played
The Palm Grip
The benefit of a palm grip is that it’s comfortable and it gives you a lot of stability, especially in flick shots and sudden movements from A to B. It’s very easy to do it in a straight line without any shake to your shot.
Although tracking can be very smooth, playing against enemies having good ADS (aim down sight) might cause you to lose tracking. Therefore, it’s not a favorable grip for this and you have limited verticality.
The Fingertip Grip
The fingertip grip is similar to the palm grip, but only the fingertips actually touch the mouse. The benefit of a fingertip grip is that you have greater dexterity. With tracking games, it’s better because you can adjust to the enemy’s whereabouts, regardless of the efficient ADS (Aim Down Sight) they perform.
If you’re playing Fortnite, Overwatch or Apex, you still have a lot of verticality.
The Claw Grip
The claw grip, also called the spider grip, doesn’t put the full weight of your palm over the mouse just the back of the palm is in contact with the mouse with your fingers raised and curled to seize the front of the mouse (taking on the shape of a spider).
The Claw grip has the stability of a palm grip, the accuracy of a fingertip grip, and good tracking as well as flick shots, with a good degree of verticality. Yet, it can cause some hand strain.
Have a look at our article to know more about those three grip types and to learn how to choose the ideal gaming mouse grip type for you.
Tip 5. Consider the Form and Shape of the Mouse
You need a mouse that has an ergonomic shape like this one so that your hand is in the right position. The best mice have an optimal design, allowing your hand to be comfortable. They also offer an optimal position for your wrist, arm, and shoulder to prevent tension, and pain, reducing your risk of developing tendonitis or mouse arm syndrome.
You may also find interest in our related article explaining the different gaming mouse hand positions to help you choose the one that's right for you.
Tip 6. Durability
You don’t want a mouse that will break after a few weeks. Accordingly, you should opt for one that’s made of sturdy materials like this one. It would be a good idea to check customer reviews on the product before buying.
Tip 7. Consider the Price of the Gaming Mouse
The price must always be taken into account. There is a wide range of gaming mice available on the market with choices for all budgets but if you need an efficient gaming mouse, you’ll need to spend a little more money.
Summary of Wireless Left-Handed Gaming Mice
| Left-handed wireless gaming mouse | What features make it advantageous? | What kinds of games to use this mouse for? | Price |
| Trust Gxt 144 Rexx | Ergonomic, keeps the hand at a natural angle and allows for gaming without causing pain. | RPG and exploration games.Any game without rapid-pace shooting. | ~ $60 |
| Logitech G Pro | Ambidextrous, rugged, lightweight, and has longer battery life than predecessors. | All game genres. Gaining more reputation in FPS. | ~ $110 |
| Razer Viper Ultimate - Wireless | Ambidextrous, has 70 million click buttons, has 70 hours of battery life, and is very lightweight weighing 74gm. | All game genres. Acceptable in FPS | ~ $120 |
You may also be interested in learning how to use a mouse and keyboard for Xbox cloud gaming or maybe how to choose a cheap gaming mouse overall. If so, be sure to read our related articles for more information.
How To Turn Your Right-Handed Mouse Into a Left-Handed Mouse
To turn a right-handed mouse into a left-handed mouse in windows 10, follow these five simple steps:
Step 1. Go to “Start”
Open the start menu.
Step 2. Choose "Settings"
Navigate to the “Settings” menu.
Step 3. Choose "Devices"
Select “Devices”.
Step 4. Select "Mouse"
Click “Mouse” in the “Devices” menu.
Step 5. Navigate to "Select Your Primary Button"
In the "Mouse” menu choose "Select your primary button" and select your preference.
Is an Ambidextrous Mouse a Left-Handed Gaming Mouse Alternative?
In Latin, the term "Ambi" means "both sides," and the term "Dextro" means "to the right side." Therefore, "Ambidextrous" literally translates to "both are right."
An ambidextrous mouse is a left-handed gaming mouse alternative and is specially designed to suit both left-handed as well as right-handed users. The two sides of this mouse are symmetrical along its longitudinal axis.
As explained in this article from Healthline, an ambidextrous person can use the left and right hand, as well as the left and right foot, with equal skill. Usually, people who are naturally born left-handed or left-footed have the potential to become ambidextrous with persistent training and practice.
Ambidextrous mice usually have a simple and basic design. This is the reason that many gamers and office workers prefer to use them. Some ambidextrous mice, such as this Logitech G903, allow you to install buttons on the left side or the right side, depending on your preferences.
Can You Get a Left-Handed Gaming Mouse?
According to this article from WorldAtlas, left-handed individuals make up 10-12% of the world’s population.
You can get a left-handed gaming mouse, but they are not as common as right-handed or ambidextrous mice.
Consequently, left-handed gaming mice are rare because there are much fewer left-handed users out in the world. Additionally, purely left-handed mice are rare since ambidextrous mice have replaced them and are readily available. These mice are designed to suit right-handers, left-handers, and ambidextrous people too.
However, there are some exceptions, such as this Razer Naga (Left-Handed Edition), which is entirely suitable for left-handers. Left-handed mice can help users with skeletomuscular illnesses. By using a left-handed mouse, you can train your unskilled left hand to be more efficient and can actually change your brain’s functioning as explained in this article from the International Weekly Journal of Science.