Using a vertical mouse for gaming isn’t popular, which is easily understandable.
That’s because it’s generally heavy, clunky, and has a different overall feel compared to a regular gaming mouse.
Gaming mice, in general, are lightweight. This is crucial when it comes to competitive FPS games such as Valorant, where quick flicks determine whether you live or die.
Weight might not be that important when playing other types of games but the consensus is that gaming mice should be light.
The weight alone will deter users from trying out a vertical mouse. Even the lightest model is almost twice as heavy as a regular gaming mouse.
Still, you may be curious about how the actual experience is when using a vertical mouse for gaming. So despite my qualms, I decided to give it a try and tell you my honest opinion about it.
Why I Bought Vertical Mouse
Before we get started with my whole experience, here’s a quick back story.
Weight is one of the reasons why I never really considered gaming using a vertical mouse.
However, my wrist started to hurt these past months after long hours of working and playing. So my initial thought then is to buy an affordable vertical mouse that I can use for office work and then use my regular mouse for gaming.
I bought the Delux M618DB wireless vertical mouse because it’s cheap and I can use it with my iPad whenever I’m on the go.
A few days after using it, I noticed that I no longer feel any wrist pain even after long hours of working.
That’s when the idea came up – why not try this mouse for gaming? Since I already have one, it might be worth a shot.
I thought that maybe the experience is not that different after all even though switching from one mouse to another could be a drag sometimes.
Using a Vertical Mouse for Gaming
Gaming with a vertical mouse is quite challenging at first.
It took me several days to get used to it for work and a few more hours to dial in my muscle memory for gaming.
The first challenge, as expected, is the weight. Playing fast-paced games like Apex Legends felt like a chore since I constantly need to lift the mouse to adjust my aim.
Flicking is difficult too. Considering that Playing Valorant is already a challenge, playing it using a vertical mouse adds to that difficulty.
Compared to Apex Legends, I wasn’t able to adjust my game. I ended up getting frustrated since I couldn’t hit quick shots or spray transfers.
Playing MOBAs like Dota 2 is alright though. It’s not as difficult as playing FPS games. A single game can go on for hours and using a vertical mouse for it gave me an advantage.
The other challenge is the grip. Playing games with this grip style actually takes a lot of getting used to.
However, there’s one thing that I love about playing with a vertical mouse: tracking enemies is easier. This is probably due to my whole arm moving instead of just my wrist.
In the end, trying the vertical mouse made me realize that it will take a long time before it would be great for gaming.
Unless manufacturers find a way to match its weight to that of a regular gaming mouse, I don’t see it becoming a mainstream option any time soon.
What to Look for in a Vertical Mouse
Now if you still want to purchase a vertical mouse for work or gaming, here are the things you should consider.
High DPI
Having high DPI options allow for precise cursor movement. It also helps with faster reaction times while playing fast-paced titles.
Adjustable DPI
Make sure that you’re buying a vertical mouse with adjustable DPI settings. This lets you customize your mouse to your preference.
It’s also advantageous if you play a lot of games with different sensitivities.
Extra Customizable Buttons
Gaming mice have customizable buttons so you can set different macros. Some vertical mice also have extra buttons.
You can set these buttons and make it easier for you to do certain moves or tasks.
High Polling Rate
The polling rate is the transfer rate of data between the mouse and the computer. The higher the polling rate, the faster the transfer rate the lesser the delay while playing.
Is Switching to a Vertical Mouse Worth It?
Ultimately, using a vertical mouse is worth it if you use it for productivity. With this type of mouse, working long hours can be more bearable since it reduces wrist pain.
It also reduces the chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome or other wrist-related issues.
However, gaming with a vertical mouse is not worth it at the moment.
If you’re experiencing pain while using a regular gaming mouse, then it might be time to try a mouse with a different shape or weight.
Have you tried gaming with a vertical mouse? Let me know your experience in the comments below.
Aim is a tech and gaming content writer who loves playing Apex Legends, Valorant, and Dota 2. He also plays casual games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokemon titles on his Nintendo Switch too. He also builds gaming computers and does tech troubleshooting on the side.