If you spend most of your time in front of a computer, either for gaming or for work, it is crucial that you know how to hold a mouse properly. Wrist and hand movements that are done repetitively like using your mouse or typing for too long greatly increases the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome also known as repetitive strain injury.
There are different shapes, sizes and weights for mice, and these factors affect how you would hold and move the mouse. It is vital that you pick one that fits your hand comfortably. You should be able to move your mouse around effortlessly without having to strain your wrists and arms even after long periods of time.
There are a number of different mouse grip styles that are unique to each other. How you hold the mouse depends on a number of factors. In this article, we are going to discuss the different styles of mouse grip styles to help you pick the style that is best suited for you.
Mouse Grip Styles
Palm Grip – the palm grip is the most basic and most comfortable way to hold the mouse. It is a grip method used by both gamers and non-gamers, professionals and casuals. This grip is adapted quite easily to your desk and to a change in set-up.
This is a more of a restive approach to gripping and holding the mouse, and this grip does not tire your hand. Nor do you have to force additional weight on the mouse, without putting much pressure on your hands and wrist. With this, you can move the mouse easily while keeping your hands flat on the mouse. This wouldn’t tire your hand as easily during long gaming sessions.
Hand to mouse size comes into play with this grip. If you have small hands, however, you may face some issues because a typical gaming mouse is larger in size compared to a regular mouse. Smaller hands will face trouble reaching the ends of the mouse buttons for accurate actuation, which might result in discomfort.
Claw Grip – given the name, this grip makes your hand resemble a claw, and contrary to what some might think, this does not exert any extra pressure on the hand at all. Your fingers will be positioned directly on top of the buttons, allowing for a faster reaction time, and the palm rests on the rear end of the mouse, with pressure against the slope of the mouse.
Your fingers will form an arch, which will lead the tips of your index and middle fingers directly on the mouse buttons. This is an ideal position, but may not be as forgiving as the Palm Grip when held for long periods of time. Probably around 2-3 hours maximum, depending on how you grip the mouse and your own physical limits.
The gaming mouse usually comes with more buttons than a regular mouse, this grip allows you to utilize those additional buttons, therefore, highly recommended for those who have to use more buttons than the normal mouse can provide.
This grip provides flexibility and ease of mobility which can help with those clutch plays that are demanded of competitive gaming.
Note: Claw Grip greatly helps with horizontal mouse movement.
Fingertip Grip – the palm of your hand is not in contact with the mouse for this grip to give your fingers the freedom to control the movement. This grip is most ideal for sudden bursts of short-distance movements, and for stead, single-directional drags. It means you keep a high-level of accuracy for micro-movements.
This is the most effective in competitive esports, where accurate mouse movement is paramount. Quick and sudden movements mean you can precisely control the mouse cursor to maximize accuracy. This grip gives players a high-level of control in their mouse, and is maximized with muscle memory.
Specific micro movements are very important in gaming, and having consistent mouse movement along with optimal control is the key for peak performance. A fingertip grip partnered with a disabled mouse acceleration provides an optimal setting for a top gaming performance.
What is the best grip for gaming
The mouse grip that you use will have an impact on the efficiency and the precision of your aim and your entire gaming experience, for sure, but there is no right answer that fits everyone. So just choose what is comfortable for you.
The palm grip will provide the most support and long-term comfort but requires you to aim with your arm which can prove to be slow compared to other grips. The claw and the fingertip grip will provide more control especially during fast paced games because of the flexibility for quick adjustments while handling the mouse.
Choosing a mouse grip is just a matter of personal preference. These are simply general guidelines to help players reach a knowledgeable decision in which grip they think they should use. There is no one size fit all for gaming, so just enjoy yourself, and pick what makes you happy! Good luck!
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