Mouse grip styles can be very important when it comes to productivity and effectiveness.
Computer gamers as well as people who work on a computer all day long can start to have sore fingers or tense wrist if they do not grip the mouse in a comfortable way.
There are a few different ways that you can use a mouse, but what is a mouse grip and which one is the best and most ergonomic?
What are Mouse Grip Styles?
Don’t you just put your hand on the mouse and stop worrying about it?
Well, maybe… but you may also find that there are different ways to hold a mouse that suit different people and different tasks.
Knowing how you grip a mouse can help you choose a mouse that will be beneficial for you.
A mouse grip style is just a way of holding the mouse. There are different types of grips. In addition, there are different sized mouse that work well with each grip style.
This ensures that you get one that is the right size for your unique hand and way of grasping the controls.
The easiest way to discover your own mouse grip style is to use the mouse like you would any other time. Then, look at your hand position without moving it.
This can match one of the 3 primary types or variants of those types. It is important to note that some gamers actually change their grip style depending on the genre or style of game they are playing.
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For example, during a laid back game, they may be more likely to use a softer fingertip grip, but during a competitive match they could switch to a clasping palm type grip.
How to Hold a Mouse According to Ergonomics
There is no single defined way to hold a mouse and everybody is different. Therefore, the grip style you choose should be comfortable and relaxed.
However, some grip styles are better for different tasks or for different gaming styles or genres.
Still, the most important thing is that you choose your own grip style as well as the size of your hands and the shape of your mouse.
There are some things to keep in mind to use the mouse ergonomically.
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Grip And Position:
Try to grip the mouse lightly without any strain in your hand or fingers. The wrist should remain straight and the arm should stick out at close to a 90 degree angle.
To do all of these things, you also need to position the mouse at a comfortable distance from your body. You should be able to tap all the buttons easily without moving anything besides your fingers.
Also, keep it in a good place relative to your keyboard and monitor screen to ensure that you are centered without having to reach for any of the gaming materials or objects.
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Breaks:
Also, strive to take breaks every half hour or so throughout a gaming session or day of work. This can help you prevent discomfort and may even prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
The tension that builds up during prolonged use of a mouse can cause minor swelling that, over time, can contribute to hand and wrist problems.
Sitting Position:
Finally, keeping your body in an ergonomic position can also influence the beneficial aspects of holding a mouse correctly.
If you are slouched over or do not keep your feet flat on the floor, then you may have balance issues that can cause tension in your wrist.
This could also cause pain in the back, neck, and shoulders that could cause you to adjust your mouse grip subconsciously and negatively.
Types of Mouse Grip Styles
There are three main styles of gripping a mouse and then there are additional variants on those primary styles.
Most people can easily narrow their style down to one or two of the styles, but there are also hybrid uses that combine multiple styles.
Also, you may not use the same style for work that you do when gaming.
Let’s look at each of the styles and why it can be beneficial and then note some of the downsides and a mouse that works great for each style that you may be interested in buying.
Palm Grip
The is the most common type of grip and is what you will see most kids do when they first begin to use a mouse.
It is comfortable and laid back while also providing a lot of control from wrist to elbow and the rest of the arm. This is true even during a prolonged period of working or gaming.
With the palm grip style, your palm will rest on the curvature of the mouse. The fingers will lay softly on the top of the buttons so that you do not have to move them very much to click.
The fingers will wrap like a cage around the mouse and only the index and middle finger will remain on top while the thumb rests on one side and the pinkie and ring finger rest on the other with a slight grip for control.
While this style is natural and comfortable during long periods, there are still some downsides. For gaming, the complete touching of the mouse by the palm and hand can cause some problems with reaction time.
Furthermore, there may be a little less control over wrists that can hinder the ability to use flick aim or mouse flicking during a gaming session.
The palm grip can be good for elbow aiming, though, which may be good for some people. But it doesn’t allow for minuscule movements that are necessary for some games.
Fingertip Grip
Whereas the palm grip style has complete contact between the mouse and the hand, this style does not.
With the fingertip grip, only the tips of the fingers grip the controls on the mouse. This is great for fast-paced gaming because it allows for flowing, free movements.
The index and middle fingers will remain on the top of the mouse, but only at the tips of the fingers. The palm is lifted off the mouse so that there is no contact.
The amount of space between the mouse and the palm can vary depending on the mouse and the user.
This type of grip makes it easier to lift the mouse and drag it across the desk and is perfect for flick shots and rapid reaction. It has low tension, but does require a firmer grip for complete control.
This grip style may also be delinquent in slow tracking movements and can also be tiresome for the wrist and hand after a while.
Not only that, but it doesn’t feel as natural for a lot of people and can take some getting used to before it works well.
Claw Grip
Claw grip is the third style. In some ways, it combines the other two types, but it is its own type because there are some differences as well.
The hand will rest on the mouse with the tip of the fingers on the left and right buttons, just like with fingertip style.
However, the back end of the palm will make contact along the curve of the mouse as well.
The claw grip works great for both control and rapid adjustments. It is more comfortable than fingertip style and also offers precise movements without losing stability.
There is a reason that this is currently the most popular choice for gamers and is great for real time strategy and good for first person shooters.
However, for working on tasks and long term sustained and repetitive movements and real time strategy and puzzle games it may not be as good as the palm style.
For rapid and extreme flicking, many gamers also prefer the fingertip style.
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How to Choose a Mouse for Your Grip Style
There are some things to keep in mind when deciding on the mouse that will work for your grip style. Regardless of the grip style, it is crucial that you take the size of the mouse into account.
Everybody has different sized hands and the grip you use will only be effective if the mouse fits that size.
Palm Grip Style:
For palm grip style, the size can vary greatly because it has to match the curvature and shape of the palm. For this style you will also want to make sure to find one that has a tall curve, but still remains natural.
The tips of your fingers should comfortably fall to the side and only flex when you are moving the mouse. The tips of the fingers should rest on the top of the buttons without accidently pushing them down.
For palm grip style, one great option is the ROCCAT Kone AIMO PC Gaming Mouse because of the cool features.
- 5 lighting Zones - featuring five Independently configurable lighting Zones, you can now customize your gaming aesthetic like never before; they also Synergize perfectly to allow for even smoother and more fluid lighting transitions
- Iconic Kone ergonomics - The legendary Kone shape has been tried and tested and is loved by Gamers the world over; close your eyes and place your hand atop it and you'll know it's unmistakably the Kone AIMO
It has lighting and 24 button functions with easy shift ability. It also has optimal sensitivity for a lot of users and a comfortable texture.
Finger Tip Style:
If you prefer the fingertip style, then you do not want a mouse with a tall curve. Instead, you want it to have a flat arch that does not impede the palm and allows space between the mouse and your hand.
This type is usually small and for the benefits of the fingertip grip style it must also be very lightweight.
The Razer Orochi V2 Mobile Wireless Gaming Mouse: Ultra Lightweight is perfect for rapid motion using the fingertip style.
- <60G ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN* — for seamless control when gaming on the go * exlcudes battery weight
- 2 WIRELESS MODES — Maximize its battery life for work via Bluetooth, and maximize after-hours gaming with the seamless, low-latency performance of Razer HyperSpeed Wireless.
It is sleek and comfortable and light enough to use fingertip style grip with ease. It also has Bluetooth for wireless to save battery and make the battery last up to 950 hours!
Claw Grip Style:
Finally, for claw style grippers, you want something that combines lightweight aspects with a higher back of curve that flattens near the top. The buttons need to be sensitive and the sides need to drop off faster than some other mice.
SteelSeries Rival 600 Gaming Mouse is a great choice for claw style grip. The mixture of lightweight and functional buttons works well and it also has silicone grips for durability and comfort.
- Exclusive true move 3 12,000 cpi, 350 ips optical 1 to 1 tracking esports sensor
- The world's lowest and most accurate lift off distance; Cable length 2 meter; 6.5 foot
Finally, it has a magnetic wrist rest that can suit the claw shaped grip style.
Conclusion On Mouse Grip Styles
Grip style is something a lot of people don’t think about, but it can make a difference regardless of whether you are a competitive gamer, casual gamer, or just use a mouse for work.
The three main styles all offer pros and cons for any user.
If you have never thought about mouse grip then it can be good to see your own style and then see if the other styles work better for your comfort and functionality of the mouse.
Last update on 2022-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
