Ultimate Guide to Gaming Mouse

What is LOD? What is DPI? query rate? angle snap? Find out here.

 

LOD

LOD stands for Lift Off Distance. This refers to the height at which a mouse stops detecting (tracking) movement when lifted off the mouse pad. A LOD of less than 3mm is optimal in most cases to ensure fast and accurate movement.

DPI

DPI stands for "dots per inch". In mice, it refers to the sensitivity of the mouse. A higher DPI allows for faster mouse movement with less hand movement. Lower DPI can allow for slower and more accurate movements in most cases.

Polling-Rate

The polling rate is the number of times per second your mouse communicates with your computer to report its movement. Usually this is measured in Hertz (Hz) and higher amounts mean the mouse is reporting its position more frequently. This allows for faster communication with the PC and ultimately better gaming performance.

Sensor (PMW, PAW, etc.)

This allows the mouse to register your movements. Most gaming mice openly advertise their sensor so gamers can see what they can do with the mouse. PAW and PMW are acronyms for different types of sensors that Pixart (a large sensor company) makes. Many gamers are looking for high-end sensors like the Pixart 3335, 3370, 3389, etc. as each has its own characteristics and functions. PAW refers to low-power sensors typically used in wireless gaming mice, while PMW refers to the full-power sensors typically used in wired gaming mice.

Angle Snapping

Angle snapping is usually available on high-end mice and allows the mouse sensor to align your movements. This is useful when drawing straight lines or doing other editing work where mouse movements need to be precise. Depending on the sensor, some lower-end mice can also offer this.

Ripple Control

Ripple Control is also usually available in high-end mice and allows the mouse sensor to smooth your movements. This may be useful for some gamers and editors who want more control at a higher DPI. Depending on the sensor, some lower-end mice may also have this feature.

Macro

With macros, you can either use one or more keys as if they were another key, or use that key for multiple key presses. In other words, your mouse buttons can be set to perform multiple actions, e.g. B. double-click, or even to activate a keyboard key or other combinations.

Ambi / Ambidextrous

Ambi refers to the general shape of the mouse and its design. Ambi mice have a parallel shape, which means that both sides of the mouse have the same design and curvature. It's worth noting that not all Ambi mice are actually ambidextrous. This means that while you can use them with your left hand, some of the buttons may not be accessible.

Ergo / Ergonomic

Ergo refers to the general shape of the mouse. Ergomice are designed to conform to the natural contours of your hand and grip during use. This means they are usually comfortable for long periods of time and are usually designed to conform to your hand as it naturally rests on the mouse. Keep in mind that while an ambi mouse can be used with either hand, although not perfectly, an ergo mouse is designed to only be used with the left or right hand.

Mouse skates / feet

Mouse skates are the soft pads on the bottom of the mouse that allow it to glide effortlessly across the mouse pad for smooth movement.

Weight size

In today's market, mouse weight and size are important to some gamers as they want a lighter mouse that is sized to fit their grip type. (For more information on grip types see our article: Mouse Grip Types) This is a personal preference and it is recommended that you know your hand size and grip type so you can find the mouse that perfectly suits your needs.

On-board storage

On-board memory refers to a feature of mid-range and high-end gaming mice that gives you the option to store information directly in the memory of the mouse itself. Generally, this onboard memory is used to store RGB, macro, DPI, and other preferred settings and allows gamers to easily switch to their different presets to suit different games or playstyles.

Programmable keys

There are the usual "face" buttons on a mouse, like the mouse buttons, scroll wheel, page up, page down, etc. These refer to the programmable buttons when a mouse specification says it has them. Macros can be assigned to these buttons. There may also be other keys, e.g. B. RGB ON/OFF, Power ON/OFF, Bluetooth mode, etc. These are not programmable.

double click

This refers to a mouse clicking the button twice for each physical single click. Some gamers, especially Minecraft players, want to find a mouse that can double click or at least have software that can adjust the click rate to double click. However, for most users, a mouse that "double-clicks" and cannot be switched means that it is defective and long (sometimes even short-term) use has damaged the switch. This is not the same as intentionally double-clicking the mouse.