What do you do if the gaming mouse you're using is hurting your eSports performance?

1 Check your mouse settings

The first thing you should do is make sure that your mouse settings are optimal for your game and your personal comfort. This includes adjusting the DPI (dots per inch), which determines how sensitive your mouse is to movement, the polling rate, which measures how often your mouse reports its position to your computer, and the acceleration, which affects how fast your cursor moves based on how fast you move your mouse. You can tweak these settings in your mouse software or in your game options, depending on the game and the mouse model. Experiment with different values until you find the ones that work best for you.

2 Evaluate your mouse grip

The next thing you should do is evaluate how you hold your mouse, and whether it's compatible with the shape, size, and weight of your mouse. There are three main types of mouse grip: palm, claw, and fingertip. Palm grip is when you rest your entire hand on the mouse, claw grip is when you arch your fingers and press the buttons with your fingertips, and fingertip grip is when you only touch the mouse with your fingertips, leaving your palm off the mouse. Each grip has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the game genre, the mouse design, and your personal preference. For example, palm grip is more comfortable and stable, but less agile and precise than claw or fingertip grip. You should choose a mouse that matches your grip style, or change your grip style to fit your mouse.

3 Consider your mouse pad

Another factor that can affect your gaming performance is the type and quality of your mouse pad. A mouse pad can provide a smooth, consistent, and comfortable surface for your mouse to glide on, as well as reduce friction, noise, and wear and tear. However, not all mouse pads are created equal. Some are made of cloth, some are made of hard plastic or metal, some are thin, some are thick, some are small, some are large, some are plain, some are textured. You should choose a mouse pad that complements your mouse and your game, depending on the DPI, the sensor, the weight, and the genre. For example, if you use a low DPI and a lot of arm movement, you might want a large and smooth mouse pad. If you use a high DPI and a lot of wrist movement, you might want a small and rough mouse pad.

4 Test your mouse performance

The final thing you should do is test your mouse performance in different games and scenarios, and compare it with other mice if possible. You can use various tools and methods to measure and analyze your mouse performance, such as software that tracks your clicks, movements, and accuracy, or online games that test your reaction time, speed, and precision. You can also watch and learn from professional eSports players who use the same or similar mice as you, and see how they set up and use their mice. You should look for any signs of inconsistency, lag, jitter, skipping, or malfunctioning in your mouse, and see if they affect your gaming results.

5 Upgrade your mouse if needed

If you've done all the steps above, and you're still not satisfied with your mouse performance, or you think you can do better with a different mouse, then it might be time to upgrade your mouse. There are many factors to consider when choosing a new gaming mouse, such as the sensor, the buttons, the shape, the size, the weight, the cable, the lighting, the software, and the price. You should do some research and compare different models and brands, and read reviews and feedback from other users and experts. You should also try out different mice in person, if possible, and see how they feel and perform in your hand. You should aim for a mouse that meets your needs, preferences, and budget, and that can help you improve your eSports performance.

6 Enjoy your gaming experience

The most important thing to remember is that your gaming mouse is not the only factor that determines your eSports performance. It's also about your skills, your strategies, your teamwork, your mindset, and your enjoyment. A gaming mouse is a tool that can help you play better, but it's not a magic wand that can make you win every game. You should use your mouse as a way to enhance your gaming experience, not as a source of stress or frustration. You should have fun with your mouse, and with your game.