Best precision gaming mouse

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Biggrich76

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 16, 2005
Messages
411
After playing World of Warcraft and Rift almost exclusively for the past couple years, I've been playing a lot of BFBC2 and Black Ops lately in anticipation of BF3 and MW3 (I pre-ordered both). However, I'm noting that my g500 is not as accurate as I would like it to be. When aiming down the sight, I feel like the movements are a little jerky and should be more precise.

I have tried adjusting multiple combinations of DPI, sensitivity, mouse pads, and everything else I could think of to try and reach the precision I'm looking for ... but it just hasn't happened. After reading around, there is a general consensus that laser mice (g500, g9x, Xai, etc.) are supposedly inferior to gaming grade optical mice. I've narrowed down the best optical mice from several sources below:


  • Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer - First non-ball mouse I ever owned. I still have it and it still works although it's pretty worn.
  • Logitech MX518 - I used to own this mouse, didn't seem to notice much of a difference after upgrading to the g500
  • Razer Deathadder - Never used a Razer mouse before but some people really love them
  • Cooler Master Storm Spawn - Supposedly a very good mouse, but reviews are sparse

Right now, I am leaning towards the CM Storm Spawn because it's the most recently released optical mouse with the new Avago 3090 optical sensor and I use a claw/fingertip grip. Does anyone have any serious suggestions/reviews to help me decide?

Or am I just getting older and I should deal with the fact that my gaming accuracy is going downhill? :p
 
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I currently have a Deathadder, and looking to replace it soon. I've discovered that regardless of "click sensitivity", it's still double clicking more often then not (The left button). I've had it 3-4 years, and it's showing it's age by now.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.
 
Biggrich76 said:
After playing World of Warcraft and Rift almost exclusively for the past couple years, I've been playing a lot of BFBC2 and Black Ops lately in anticipation of BF3 and MW3 (I pre-ordered both). However, I'm noting that my g500 is not as accurate as I would like it to be. When aiming down the sight, I feel like the movements are a little jerky and should be more precise.

I have tried adjusting multiple combinations of DPI, sensitivity, mouse pads, and everything else I could think of to try and reach the precision I'm looking for ... but it just hasn't happened. After reading around, there is a general consensus that laser mice (g500, g9x, Xai, etc.) are supposedly inferior to gaming grade optical mice. I've narrowed down the best optical mice from several sources below:


  • Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer - First non-ball mouse I ever owned. I still have it and it still works although it's pretty worn.
  • Logitech MX518 - I used to own this mouse, didn't seem to notice much of a difference after upgrading to the g500
  • Razer Deathadder - Never used a Razer mouse before but some people really love them
  • Cooler Master Storm Spawn - Supposedly a very good mouse, but reviews are sparse

Right now, I am leaning towards the CM Storm Spawn because it's the most recently released optical mouse with the new Avago 3090 optical sensor and I use a claw/fingertip grip. Does anyone have any serious suggestions/reviews to help me decide?

Or am I just getting older and I should deal with the fact that my gaming accuracy is going downhill? :p
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Ha. I thought I was just getting old when playing BF2BC for the first time this weekend. I switched between a G9 and a Razer Mamba, and neither felt good. I'm at the ripe old age of 28 and I feel like I suck at these twitchy PC fps games now when I was a CS mad man a decade ago.
 
Ruoh said:
I currently have a Deathadder, and looking to replace it soon. I've discovered that regardless of "click sensitivity", it's still double clicking more often then not (The left button). I've had it 3-4 years, and it's showing it's age by now.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.
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Thanks for that. I certainly don't want to give up other things like click sensitivity for accuracy. Hopefully I can find something with all the right things. I will miss the extra side button on my g500 though.

Katalysis said:
Ha. I thought I was just getting old when playing BF2BC for the first time this weekend. I switched between a G9 and a Razer Mamba, and neither felt good. I'm at the ripe old age of 28 and I feel like I suck at these twitchy PC fps games now when I was a CS mad man a decade ago.
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haha, I feel the same way! I'm 30 (will be 31 this month) and I remember being so good at the original COD and MOH when they came out in the late 90s/early 2000s. Hopefully a mouse upgrade will help!
 
Don't get me wrong the Deathadder served me well for years, but it's certainly not going to last forever. I think I may drop by Fry's after work and see if they have any Lachesis mice.
I'm right there with you on the gaming age. Getting back into FPS at 32 isn't a walk in the park. ;)
 
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I recently was plagued with the 'jerky aiming' problem in BC2 and other shooters and blamed my mouse as well. After several new mice I figured out it was due to my mouse pad being worn out. It happens slowly over time and your aim degrades due to it and I can't really say it was noticeable anywhere *but* shooters.

If you have a new mousepad disregard this but it's definitely something to look into.

Personally I bought one of the steelseries cloth mats - no more problem with jerky aiming. Unfortunately the laser in my G9 doesn't track the surface properly so I need to locate a new hard mat. Ironically my friend's Naga has no problems at all tracking on the same pad even though it's almost the same laser.
 
I have had many mouses ( MX 518,G500,Deathadder, R.A.T, G700) all of them great. However for my hand and gaming exp ( every MMO ever and most top FPS games) I love the G700. It fits me well and the side buttons are a must for vent/key binds. The response on it seems very good and fast I don't have any problems taking peoples heads off :)
 
I may be out of date as I know there are newer mice out, but I've had a Razer Lachesis for several years, and it is the smoothest mouse I've ever used. Still very happy with it, and actually surprised it has lasted this long, as my Razer mice in the past tended to die fairly quickly.
 
TwistedAegis said:
Still very happy with it, and actually surprised it has lasted this long, as my Razer mice in the past tended to die fairly quickly.
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Did you ever experience the issue I'm now having, with the left button "double clicking"? It's as though the double click sensitivity is maxed out in the software. Just asking because you mentioned that you've had multiple Razor mice.
 
I have not, and I've used Razer exclusively since they came out with the Boomslang (best mouse of all time, btw). I have had issues where the button "sticks" somewhat when depressed on some of the older ones.
 
Spawn is a very good mouse for claw / finger grip, i give you that,excellent build quality perfect rubberized grip on the sides, 99% flawless sensor, very good micro switches, light weight etc, g500 tracks poorly on most cloth surfaces, plus there's a 5% positive acceleration that gets enabled by itself everytime you do fast swipes, even on an "ideal" for laser sensors surface, previous generator laser mice were even worse in this aspect, anyway here are some more tips

1) always play with mouse acceleration and mouse smoothing OFF, here's a specific guide for removing BC2's mouse smoothing http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/0/1011843.page#6097925 polling rate should be set to 500hz, lower is laggy higher eats too much cpu cycles, vsync and triple buffering should be disabled as well, more informative links can be found on my steam profile http://steamcommunity.com/id/SoFGR

2) Do you play with headphones ? can you use audio cues to your advantage ? good 3d sound can give you kills and save your ass multiple times you know.

3) give colour fidelity and viewing angles the backseat and invest on a 120hz monitor, feels much smoother for fps gaming, not to mention image tearring gets drastically reduced so you won't feel like enabling vsync ever again :D

4) bc2 specific tips : open your settings.ini, set bloom to false, increase vertical fov from 55 to something higher if you feel like your field of view looks too narrow, set undergrowth to low for less grass and foilage

5) use a dpi calculator if you tend to switch back and forth between mice http://www.google.gr/url?sa=t&sourc...vDo2ZtDgA&sig2=NVxjEan8gIK5a05aghKWYg&cad=rja don't over do it with the dpi settings, most of the time higher dpi = higher mouse sensitivity = less cm required for a full 360 turn = higher margin of error, you should use a sensitivity that forces you to use your whole mouse pad in order to a 360 turn, or atleast half of it if you feel lazy / the fps you're playing is too fast paced for full arm movement.
 
Ruoh said:
Did you ever experience the issue I'm now having, with the left button "double clicking"? It's as though the double click sensitivity is maxed out in the software. Just asking because you mentioned that you've had multiple Razor mice.
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I have had that problem with my Mamba. I think the way the mouse is designed, you can easily and accidentally click sometimes depending on how you are holding the mouse. If my hand gets a little tremble and I sit in a certain position, I will involuntarily click my Mamba but not my G500.
 
Tried the razer bandwagon with the Mamba, went back to the G700 and haven’t looked back. It’s never let me down on a headshot with its amazing dpi precision, more thumb buttons and far better button placement IMO.

And the kicker, when the batteries run out I don’t have to plug in a stupid cord which cancels out the reason for a wireless mouse in the first place. Just grab a eneloop off the wall and swap it in, back up and running in 10 seconds, a minor nuisance every 3 or so days. Also have the K800 keyboard, lasts for an entire month on one charge. Logitech has it nailed down pat.
 
Is their a palm grip mouse similar to the mx510/518, but slightly smaller and laser (purely because I don't like the optical glow)?

The alternative is the g500, but I've heard some issues with the sensor giving the feeling of acceleration (can't stand this at all). And the higher weight is a slight turn off.
 
Ruoh said:
Did you ever experience the issue I'm now having, with the left button "double clicking"? It's as though the double click sensitivity is maxed out in the software. Just asking because you mentioned that you've had multiple Razor mice.
Click to expand...

I've burned through three copperheads within a year and a half period, all turned useless due to that doubleclicking issue. You'd think they'd put quality switches in a 40+ dollar mouse. When I was playing diablo 2 the left mouse button would be the first to go (within 6 months both times) and when I was playing WoW the right mouse button died in under 6 months (hold down to rotate the camera).

I haven't used a razer mouse since. Apparently it hasn't improved in 5 years either since my friend's naga had to be replaced for the same left click issue after ~10 months of use.
 
Katalysis said:
Ha. I thought I was just getting old when playing BF2BC for the first time this weekend. I switched between a G9 and a Razer Mamba, and neither felt good. I'm at the ripe old age of 28 and I feel like I suck at these twitchy PC fps games now when I was a CS mad man a decade ago.
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No kidding, I turn 30 next month and I'm feeling it. I used to play high-sens and twitchy, but that went downhill. I've switched to being a low-sens player and that helped a bunch. Now I use all of a 14'' mousepad for shooters, and I think I'm more accurate now than I even was back playing CS.


Biggrich76 said:
  • Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer - First non-ball mouse I ever owned. I still have it and it still works although it's pretty worn.
  • Logitech MX518 - I used to own this mouse, didn't seem to notice much of a difference after upgrading to the g500
  • Razer Deathadder - Never used a Razer mouse before but some people really love them
  • Cooler Master Storm Spawn - Supposedly a very good mouse, but reviews are sparse

Or am I just getting older and I should deal with the fact that my gaming accuracy is going downhill? :p
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I actually own all four of these mice. They build up over time. :rolleyes:
IME = Great for shooters, light weight, driver can be modded to a 1000hz polling. Feels like plastic, low dpi is annoying in windows.
mx518 = Has angle snapping. Feature for some people I guess. Good shape mimicked by many logitech mice over the years.
deathadder = great palm mouse, the black edition is really nice (the one I have). Perfect sensor. Should be noted that the black edition is infrared sensor, so there is no optical glow. You cant tell its on.
Spawn = See my review on the mouse subforum. It's good. I would say its the best available claw mouse.

Anyway if your accuracy is going downhill, lower your sensitivity. As in, use your whole mousepad, do a 180' turn from the center to the edge. It requires a lot more 'work' to play that way but it helps a ton.
 
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limitedaccess said:
The alternative is the g500, but I've heard some issues with the sensor giving the feeling of acceleration (can't stand this at all). And the higher weight is a slight turn off.
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According to my research (and my experiences playing FPSs with my g500) all laser mice have tracking issues at high speeds. ie. the "feeling" of acceleration.

I'm a high-sensitivity player, so I think the acceleration of laser mice might be the root of my problem. I might try some games tonight at a lower sensitivity but I don't really see myself liking it.
 
Drakenfeng said:
I've burned through three copperheads within a year and a half period, all turned useless due to that doubleclicking issue.
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I just cracked open my deathadder, and cleaned the hell out of it. It's like a brand new mouse again.
 
The Logitech G9 is the most precise mouse Ive ever used. I dearly love my Deathadder and use it primarily because its the most comfortable Ive ever tried but the G9's laser was surgical.
 
Biggrich76 said:
According to my research (and my experiences playing FPSs with my g500) all laser mice have tracking issues at high speeds. ie. the "feeling" of acceleration.

I'm a high-sensitivity player, so I think the acceleration of laser mice might be the root of my problem. I might try some games tonight at a lower sensitivity but I don't really see myself liking it.
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I heard mixed things about the g500 issue.

Some, like you mention, say it is an issue with the actual sensor used.

Others I hear it is due how the sensor is placed higher up than most mice.
 
I've used three different MX518's I went through in 2 years, the G9 for 2 years, and now the DeathAdder for 1 year.

The G9 is my favorite of them all still. It always felt so precise, smooth, and great with hardsurface mousepads. (RatPad XT).
 
I thought about making a new thread for this but I'll just add it here -

Anyone have a recommendation for a high quality gaming mouse for lefties? (either lefty ergonomic or ambi is fine) Also would like a mouse that can track perfectly even at very high speeds across the surface. TY :)
 
Razer..it's just the best.

I play fast paced FPS games and I also play in ladders and leagues. I have tried others and they just don't do what the Razer mice can do. It really is subjective though.
 
Biggrich76 said:
According to my research (and my experiences playing FPSs with my g500) all laser mice have tracking issues at high speeds. ie. the "feeling" of acceleration.

I'm a high-sensitivity player, so I think the acceleration of laser mice might be the root of my problem. I might try some games tonight at a lower sensitivity but I don't really see myself liking it.
Click to expand...


Acceleration of laser mice kicks in ONLY during fast long swipes, in other words it affects low-medium sens players only, if you notice jittery tracking while aiming, try a mousepad that's specifically designed for the avago 9500 sensor like steelseries 4HD/9HD


Also double check if mouse acceleration is set to OFF in software and ponter speed is set to 6/11

I'd say give the spawn a shot, it's just like a g9 but with a pinky rest and a much more reliable sensor if you ever wise up and lower your mouse sensitivity, low LOD, unskippable when used on hard mousepads, plug and play, on-board memory etc.
 
I don't know why theres no love for the Microsoft Sidewinder. I love mine, and I tear it up in BC2.

Used to love the Logitech G series, but bought a 500 when my first Sidewinder took a crap and it made my hand cramp up quick after using the other for a few years. I just bought another Sidewinder :)

EDIT: Oh and stay away from the X5, its crap. The original and the X8 are G2G.
 
darkstarcow said:
I have the http://www.mionix.net/page.php?al=naos3200 they have the better one which was posted above. Though price wise the 3200 matches the Logitech mx518 and Microsoft explorer, while blowing them out of the water in my opinion.
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Interesting. I've never really heard of the Mionix mice before and I can't find many reviews on them. From what I can see, the 3200 uses a 3200DPI "LED"-optical sensor and the 5000 uses a 5000DPI laser sensor.

Can anyone elaborate on the Mionix sensors?

EDIT: I just came across a forum post elsewhere that indicates the Mionix 3200 uses the same optical sensor as the MX518 and the Mionix 5000 uses the same laser sensor as the g500, G9, Xai, etc.
 
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Colonel Sanders said:
I thought about making a new thread for this but I'll just add it here -

Anyone have a recommendation for a high quality gaming mouse for lefties? (either lefty ergonomic or ambi is fine) Also would like a mouse that can track perfectly even at very high speeds across the surface. TY :)
Click to expand...

The Deathadder 3.5g has a Left handed version. I've been doing some more reading today and I am leaning toward a Deathadder myself, because a lot of people are saying that it has the best 1:1 movement with no acceleration.

The 3.5g supposedly has some issues on cloth surfaces, however there is a firmware update which supposedly correct it.
 
Also, I don't know if you saw, but the clicking issue I was having was resolved by cleaning the hell out of my mouse. I'm going to stick with Razor for a while it seems. They make some pretty good mice.
 
Biggrich76 said:
The Deathadder 3.5g has a Left handed version. I've been doing some more reading today and I am leaning toward a Deathadder myself, because a lot of people are saying that it has the best 1:1 movement with no acceleration.

The 3.5g supposedly has some issues on cloth surfaces, however there is a firmware update which supposedly correct it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I ended up ordering a left handed Deathadder and Goliathus pad. :)
 
Pro CSS'er for about 5 years.

MX518 died a while back. Using a Deathadder now. couldn't be happier. Death Adder is spot on.
 
piscian18 said:
Pro CSS'er for about 5 years.

MX518 died a while back. Using a Deathadder now. couldn't be happier. Death Adder is spot on.
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The only thing that worries me about the Deathadder is the design. It's a very "flat" mouse which seems like it would be very good for palm grip. As a claw gripper myself, I don't know how I would like the feel of it.

ShuttleLuv said:
G400
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This is the new version of the MX518. It uses the same sensor, with some movement prediction (which some people hate). They've also doubled the DPI to 3600 and increased the polling rate to a full 1000 hz. I loved my MX518 back in the day, but I think I'm looking for something different now.

I just came across the Puretrak Valor mouse while looking at some other mouse pads. I hear the Puretrak Talent pad is one of the best cloth pads out. Although I prefer a slicker hard surface over the textured feeling of cloth. Has anyone used the Valor or seen any in depth reviews on it?
 
Yeah if you love the MX518 or G5, def get the G400. If not, maybe a death adder.
 
I like the G9, but not sure how the G9x performs.

Can't go back to normal stuff!
 
Gigabyte Ghost GM-M8000X is my favorite, like it more than the G9 it replaced.
 
Using a G9x now and find it works great.

I'm looking at grabbing a Steelseries Ikari, has anyone used one of their mice before?
 
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