how much of a difference does a good mouse make?

toughwimp11

Senior member
May 8, 2005
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I was just wondering if there is a huge difference in performance in fps games when using a good gamer mouse (ex. g5 or g7) and using a normal optical mouse?

do people generally feel themselves doing better or is the advantage minimal?
 

Schadenfroh

Elite Member
Mar 8, 2003
38,416
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Well, the g5 has the selector button(s) on it that allow you to switch between precision modes on the fly. It is really handy when you go from spraying and praying at close range to snipping at different precision levels.

I also enjoy the weight cartridge that gives it a bit of mass, but the armor that they put around the cord is useless, my wooden desk (in which a hole was drilled to run these cables) shredded the cable's covering. The IBM Model M's cord held up just fine;)
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
3,851
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i would say no

there is a huge diff between optical/laser and old ball mice, but between the diff laser/optical I imagine its basically all going to be the same, and that what you want is one that feels comfortable to you.
 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
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are wireless mice up to the task for gaming now or is there still to much of a lag issue?
 

tasmanian

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2006
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Originally posted by: pontifex
are wireless mice up to the task for gaming now or is there still to much of a lag issue?

My wireless works perfect with no lag. That is untill it runs out of batteries.
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
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Originally posted by: pontifex
are wireless mice up to the task for gaming now or is there still to much of a lag issue?

I've never had any lag issues, I started with the MX700 and use an MX1000 now

freedom of movement, plus the extra weight = win imo
 

Skacer

Banned
Jun 4, 2007
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The G7 seems to be a good wireless gaming mouse pontifex. Comes w/ 2 batteries also.
 

schneiderguy

Lifer
Jun 26, 2006
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The main reason I use my mx518 isnt for the accuracy as much as it is the comfort... it's the most comfortable mouse I have ever used
 

dds14u

Golden Member
Feb 24, 2004
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There definitely IS a bit of a difference.
Two completely subjective differences are:

1) Higher DPI mice will allow you to reach higher sensitivies while maintaining accuracy. Try switching a ball mouse or a dell OEM optical to really high sensitivity and you'll notice it will jump multiple pixels at once when you move it.

2) Better mice usually have a higher threshold for tracking movement speed. If you have a cheaper optical or laser mouse, try moving it left and right on your screen as fast as you can. You may notice that the mouse will not follow your movements and the cursor may jump erratically.

These are the facts. Whether or not they will affect you is another story.

With that said, gaming mice will generally have better hardware.
 

danEboy83

Member
Jun 7, 2007
176
3
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i say anything above 800 dpi is golden for a laser mouse, i personally like a large weighted mouse like logitch's MX series, i've went from an MX400/500? to a MX518 and it's almost double the DPI but i can't tell the difference between the two. i'd still rather have the 518 for the on the fly changing of DPI, it slows down my sensitivity if i use a lower DPI which i think is pretty cool to have.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
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About as much difference the last time this question was asked.
I would say do a search, but who knows if you'll get any results.

Will say my standard piece then leave:

It wont make you a better player, but it will show you just how good a player you really are.
 
Dec 27, 2001
11,272
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Well, there is no magic mouse. However, finding one that suits you can definitely make a difference. I can't stand those new molded stlye mice. I prefer using a traditional plain vanilla mouse, so I've been stuck with a ball mouse for years. Also don't want wireless.

Finally, I find out about the Logitech G3 which is laser, wired, and is the old school style. So I've gotten more accurate in CS:S and the side button set to "swap weapons" gives me a solid one second jump on most other players when switching to pistol. I don't really use the high sentitivity settings as I like greater control. Wouldn't make a great player out of a lousy one, but definitely gets some obstacles out of your way as you start getting really good.
 

Sureshot324

Diamond Member
Feb 4, 2003
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A very high DPI mouse can actually use a lot of CPU power. If I bring up the task manager and move my mouse around really fast, the CPU usage goes up to like 10% for each core, and that's on an Opteron 170 with a Razer Copperhead.
 

imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
9,148
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Originally posted by: KMFJD
How exactly does weight affect a mouse?

Probably affects you more than the mouse. Just try sliding a rock and a box of tissues around. Since it weighs your hand down more, you will be able to move it a bit more precisely, slowly and smoothly.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
Originally posted by: Sureshot324
A very high DPI mouse can actually use a lot of CPU power. If I bring up the task manager and move my mouse around really fast, the CPU usage goes up to like 10% for each core, and that's on an Opteron 170 with a Razer Copperhead.
Gee thats funny, I got a dual-core 4800+ and a copperhead mouse.
When I whip it around real fast I dont see any change in CPU usage.
 

KMFJD

Lifer
Aug 11, 2005
31,935
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Originally posted by: Imp
Originally posted by: KMFJD
How exactly does weight affect a mouse?

Probably affects you more than the mouse. Just try sliding a rock and a box of tissues around. Since it weighs your hand down more, you will be able to move it a bit more precisely, slowly and smoothly.

I would think that the weight would have to be something more significant than a couple of grams to make an a difference on a mouse though.
 

Gautama2

Golden Member
Jun 13, 2006
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Heres some facts for you.

Before, my aversage KD ratio in CSS on a single server with over 1000 kills was 1.10
Now with my G5 it is 1.35-1.45


And even if you dont improve, the mouse is a lot funner to use. I would never go back.
 

Cluelessoldtimer

Junior Member
Apr 16, 2007
21
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The addition of the extra buttons was a large benefit to me (I went from a 2 button + wheel mouse to a 7 button mouse). Once I became comfortable using those additional mouse buttons is really helped me switch weapons and kits quickly and without glancing at the keyboard and taking my fingers off the WASD keys.

Switching sensitivities on the fly is also a boon to sniper work.

It will give you an edge, once you learn to use it.