Guide
Tips for your first gaming mouse
by Kevin Hofer
My top 4 gaming mice of 2022
29.12.2022
Translation: Eva Francis
Gaming mice are like shoes – they either fit or they don’t. Here are my current favourites.
What’s the best mouse for gaming? I’m asked this question all the time. My answer? It depends. Every hand is different and no two people move the same way when they’re gaming. It also depends on which types of games you play. Let’s take a look at which mice I use regularly.
I don’t play MMOs, so I have no experience with mice designed for this genre. I like a light mouse. And I’m left-handed, but have been socialised to use a computer like a right-handed person. So my list includes right-handed, light computer mice with few buttons.
Here’s my top four – starting at the bottom of the list and working towards my all-time favourite.
4. Logitech G Pro X Superlight
This mouse by a Swiss peripherals manufacturer is already a few years old. But it’s just as good as the competition’s newer releases in terms of finish, sensor and switches. It costed a ridiculous 180 francs when it was launched, but is now available for around 100 francs. That’s a good price.
The downsides? Its sliders and the cable. They can’t keep up with the competition. The mouse just doesn’t glide as well as others. And the cable, well, what can I say... A disaster. I might as well connect my mobile phone charging cable. Not a trace of flexibility. Sure, you usually operate a wireless mouse without a cable. But when you run out of battery, you have no other choice than to connect it to its useless cable.
3. Xtrfy M42
What I liked most about the Swedish manufacturer’s mouse is its modularity. Its top shell can be replaced. Thus, the mouse is suitable for all common grip types and fits like a glove, even if you use a palm grip. Don’t know what palm grip means? This illustration will help you:
The finish, buttons and sensor of the M42 are top-notch. Although replaceable parts often make unwanted noises, there's no creaking with this one. The drawback? Again, its cable. It’s stiff for a wired mouse, so I always use a mouse bungee that lifts the cable and makes me forget it’s there. Price-wise, even with a bungee, the M42 is the most affordable mouse on my list.
2. Xtrfy MZ1 – Zy’s Rail
Xtrfy isn’t shy to try out new things. That’s one reason why two of their mice made my top four. Zy’s Rail was created in collaboration with Zy Ryoka aka Rocket Jump Ninja. He’s a mouse reviewer, shooter specialist and fingertip grip gamer. That’s exactly the MZ1’s target group. If the grip doesn’t suit you, this mouse isn’t for you.
As with the M42, my only complaint is the cable. Again, I find it too stiff. That’s generally a problem with Xtrfy. A wireless version of the MZ1 has been launched, too. But it costs almost twice as much as the wired version, which has a price tag of about 70 francs. Having said that, the price is justified by its uniqueness – no other mouse is designed this specifically for fingertip gamers. Therefore, few are produced.
1. Razer Deathadder V3 Pro
The Deathadder is one of the most recent mice I’ve tested. Although I never warmed to it's predecessors, the V3 Pro won me over completely. The best feature is its ergonomics. This mouse fits my hand like a well-worn leather glove. Its finish, sensor and buttons are flawless. I’ve never experienced side buttons that work this well before.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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