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Even with the onset of the age of the touchscreen, owning the best computer mouse is still more important than ever. From work to online shopping to esports, the mouse is just a significant part of everyday life, and choosing one according to your immediate needs can be life-changing. So while there’s a slew of specs to sort through, today we’re focusing on weight and comparing a heavy vs light mouse.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
And don’t stop here. We have a wide variety of helpful mouse articles, such as our comparison of trackpads vs traditional mice. Or, perhaps you haven’t considered what goes on underneath your mouse. If that’s the case, read up on how a hard vs soft mouse pad can affect gaming performance.
Insider Tip
For those who suffer from wrist pain, take periodical breaks to stretch your wrists.
Analyzing why a mouse’s weight matters began with the gaming industry, but it’s become an essential question for all users. Altering the weight of a mouse doesn’t only change the experience in terms of functionality, but it can also lead to a more comfortable work life.
Of course, we’re not arguing one is better than the other. It’s a matter of preference. But there are some general understandings behind each type of mouse, and below, we’ll outline where they shine.
Also, for any gamers who’d like to check out gaming-specific mouse content, we have an interesting article explaining the differences between playing Osu! with a mouse vs a tablet.
A lightweight mouse usually weighs under 80 grams, while a heavier option will weigh upwards of 120 grams. A lighter mouse is better for quick controls, speed, and sensitive movement because a user requires less effort to move it. For this reason, many gamers prefer a lightweight mouse for quick-response games like FSP. On the other hand, heavier mice take more effort to control, meaning they can be challenging to manage in fast-paced scenarios.
For slower-paced MMO games or regular use, heavier mice are nice because they are more stable, and users can feel the movements their making. Additionally, heavier mice are recommended for average computer use because the sensitivity of lighter mice is a difficult adjustment for many users.
Warning
Although a lightweight gaming mouse can be more accurate and quick, it often takes newcomers a while to get used to.
Heavier mice tend to be larger, meaning they have room for added features. This means that, typically, lighter gaming mice have reduced features, especially if the manufacturer tries to make them as lightweight as possible.
STAT: Ergonomic issues account for over 50% of reported work-related illnesses, according to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration. (source)