In the world of video games, the weight of your mouse plays a crucial role in how you perform.
Whether you’re looking to improve your first-person shooter reaction time or just looking to make surfing the web easier, choosing the right weighted mouse can make all the difference in your playstyle.
So, to answer the question: Yes, the weight of your mouse does matter. Just not in the way you may think.
While there are pros and cons to both heavy and light mice, let’s take a look at some of the key differences between weighted mice, and where they can be best utilized.
What Are the Major Differences Between Light and Heavy Mice?
While it’s been widely, and incorrectly, accepted that heavier mice are bad for gaming. I hate to break it to you, but this isn’t true. Heavy mice and light mice offer their own benefits independently.
Depending on their purpose of use, there are plenty of situations in which a light mouse is the better choice, and the same can be said for heavy mice.
Average Mice Weight
Considering the average weight of a general-purpose mouse is around 100 grams.
Using a Light Mouse
Light mice are typically easier to move, meaning you can be more accurate at lower sensitivity settings.
You’ll have more precise control, which makes light mice the correct choice for most First-Person-Shooter style games that a require fast and precise reaction time.
Lightweight mice weigh under 90 grams by definition, are great for individuals with smaller hands, or gamers who are just looking to have full control over their quick snap movements. However, this is just the start, and the weight race between manufacturers is blindingly obvious, with many current lightweight designs locking in around the 60g mark.
While a light gaming mouse might help those fast reactions, there are a few downsides too. can pose a bit of an annoyance for general browsing, or less “fast-paced” gameplay styles. Due to their light nature, they take a bit more input for proper movement and become more annoying to use in general-purpose situations over time.
The Lightest Gaming Mice
Currently, the lightest gaming mouse is the G-Wolves Hati S, which weighs just 49g. however there are plenty of other gaming mice that weigh around the 50g mark including the Cooler Master MM720 and the Glorious Model O, there are a few other models
If you are looking for a serious light gaming mouse, then you are going to need to buy a honeycomb-style mouse. This style of mouse has become hugely popular over the last few years not only for its ability to shave the weight of your mouse but because they look great too!
Using a Heavy Mouse
Heavy mice on the other hand offer a completely opposite experience than their counterparts. In comparison, heavy mice are more cumbersome and require less physical input overall to control mouse movement.
Mice that weigh over 130 grams are considered heavy mice and are the perfect option for individuals who play MMO or other game styles where precision is not the most important factor.
Heavy mice can become cumbersome over time for everyday use, and are revered by hardcore gamers everywhere.
Heaviest Gaming Mice
If a heavy gaming mouse is your style, then there are plenty of great heavy gaming mice out there for you.
Currently, the heaviest mouse you can get your hands on is the Asus Rog Spatha. This heavy wireless gaming mouse tips the scales at 180g and is ideally suited to gamers who use the palm grip when holding the mouse.
Under the hood, the Spatha has a Magnesium alloy frame that contributes plenty to both the weight and durability of this mouse. The mouse also features 6 side buttons, which make this one of the best heavy mice for MMO games.
I also really like that ASUS gives you the option of using the magnetic changing station or plugging in the USB and not miss a second of the action.
What is the best weight for a gaming mouse?
The best-weighted mice option for your gaming needs can also be determined based on how you hold your mouse while playing.
Depending on how you play, you may have difficulties with one versus the other, so it’s important to know which are best suited for your grip play style.
Grip style can be broken into the three most widely used types through all of gaming. With each style, a different weight mouse is best suited, and you can expect to get the most comfortable fit when you choose correctly.
Fingertip Grip Style
Individuals who use the fingertip style grip on their mice are usually people who play FPS based games that require more precision. Since this play style utilizes the least amount of finger contact for movement, it’s generally understood you’ll get better performance with a lightweight mouse. Since overall tension on the mouse is decreased, it’s better to have less mass to move overall, resulting in significantly increased accuracy and response.
Palm Grip Style
Users who use the whole of their pal to grip the mouse, or palm grip style, would benefit most from using heavyweight mice. Typically used by MMO players, comfort and utility can be prioritized over precision. With heavier mice, you can choose a more ergonomic fitting mouse with several different side button options that you need for your gaming pleasure.
Claw Grip Style
Most often the playstyle of choice, Claw grip style can lend itself to both heavy and light mice configurations. For users will smaller hands, due to the decrease in total contact with the mouse, they may struggle to be comfortable using higher weight mice. On the other hand, users with larger hands can benefit from heavier mice, as their overall maneuverability will see an increase. Claw Grip Style players are afforded the ability to best use both light and heavy mice depending on their preference.
Now You Know Why Weight Matters
While there are plenty of qualities that are important when it comes to choosing the right mouse for gaming, they pale in comparison to how important weight is. Depending on your playstyle and grip type, choosing the right weight can make all the difference in improving your playstyle, precision, or even just make the experience a little bit more enjoyable.
Check out the video below for more information on different weight mice, and get a more in-depth look at what makes choosing the right one so important, and some of the most important features to look for.