If you are a PC gamer using a gaming mouse, you may not be aware that there are actually multiple different grip styles for holding the mouse.
These different grip styles will be suitable depending on your hand size, mouse type and gaming preferences.
Each different grip will offer slightly varied benefits and drawbacks when it comes back to gaming performance.
Here we will break down the different gaming mouse grip types and look at their effectiveness for all gaming experiences.
We will also break down the different kinds of gaming mouse that cater best for these different grip styles. Here is how to hold a gaming mouse.
Palm Grip Style
The first and perhaps most common way to hold a gaming mouse is to make use of a palm grip.
In this method, you place your palm at the back end of the mouse and naturally place your fingers forward onto the buttons.
This means that the entirety of your palm and fingers will be making contact with the mouse.
This kind of grip is probably more suitable for people who play first person shooters, since you will get complete control of your mouse.
This control can help with your aim and allow quick adjustments on the fly.
When placing your palm on the mouse, it may feel uncomfortable at first. If this is the case you should adjust your positioning until it feels natural which will help with hand comfort during long play sessions.
Your thumb will usually be on the left side of the mouse, or the opposite if you are left handed.
If you are left handed, it may be wise to seek out an ambidextrous mouse or a mouse specifically designed for left-handed use.
This kind of grip can require slightly more desk space, since you could be making wide, sweeping arm movements to adjust your aim.
Where other grips can put pressure on your wrist and fingers, the palm grip mostly transfers that load onto your arm, elbow and shoulder.
For people with smaller or mid-sized hands, the palm grip will be ideal but for those with larger hands, you may need to adapt your grip.
Claw Grip Style
Where the palm grip maintains complete contact with the casing of the gaming mouse, the claw grip allows some space between your hand and the mouse.
In this case, you will be placing your palm at the base of the mouse as before, it is slightly elevated to create a void between the upper parts of your palm and the top of the mouse.
This elevation means that your fingers will be pointed downwards somewhere midway on the mouse buttons.
This is different to the palm grip where your fingers will be extended along the entirety of the mouse button.
Where the thumb is rested alongside the mouse in a palm grip, the thumb in the claw grip is secured using the tip as the other fingers are.
This grip is ideal if you have larger hands, since you will be able to maintain control over smaller gaming mice while allowing a rapid movement range.
This kind of grip creates the perfect pressure for micro-adjustments and fast movements. This means that many professional gamers and esports players have adopted the claw grip since that level of precision could be the difference between a win and a loss in intense battles.
First person shooter games that require more precision are perfect for the claw grip, such as a Valorant and CS:GO.
For most shooters such as Call of Duty or Overwatch, you may find more utility with another one of the grip types highlighted here.
Where the palm grip transfers the pressure onto your arm, elbow and shoulder, the claw grip is much more intensive on the wrist.
If utilizing the claw grip, you should take regular breaks and undertake stretching exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Alongside the regular claw grip, there are a variety of hybrid styles that players may wish to adopt if they feel uncomfortable during longer play sessions.
One such style sees you using your middle finger specifically for the mouse wheel, freeing up your other fingers to exclusively focus on the mouse buttons.
Fingertip Grip
While the other grip types highlighted here are focused on control, the fingertip grip is geared more toward dexterity.
Here, your palm actually makes no contact at all with the mouse, instead resting on your desk or mouse pad.
This means that for very large hands, it can be better for allowing longer fingers to reach the various mouse buttons.
The control in this grip is achieved from the slight pressure of your fingers on the mouse buttons, which is still sufficient for aiming and controlling the mouse.
For larger and heavier gaming mice, this grip can prove uncomfortable or tiring over longer play sessions.
It can also put increased pressure on your wrists so again it is important to take regular breaks and stretch your fingers, wrists and arms in between sessions.
In a similar way to the claw grip, this will offer quickfire movements perfect for reaction based games including first person shooters.
It will also require less desk space since it will be much more difficult to make sweeping arm movements due to the lesser control afforded by the grip.
Our Thoughts on Mouse Hold Style
To find your perfect gaming mouse grip, you should test all of them out with hybrid variations if they feel comfortable and natural.
Most people will already be making use of the palm grip but depending on the games you play or your hand size, one of the other two styles may be more beneficial for you.
Regardless of which grip style you employ, it is important to take regular breaks and stretch your fingers, hands, arms and shoulders to maintain your skeletal health through longer gaming sessions.
When purchasing your next gaming mouse, carefully consider which grip style you will be using and use this to inform your decision.
A gaming enthusiast who started their gaming venture all the way back on a Gameboy Advanced (Purple) on Pokemon Yellow.
