Gaming on the PC: A Mouse Query

RagnorakTres

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Feb 10, 2009
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So I've recently been considering the possibility of getting a trackball mouse (mostly for the reduction of wrist stress) and I recently came upon a conundrum: How does one game with a trackball?

The problem is mostly FPS's because of the twitch reflex and pinpoint accuracy most of them require to be played effectively. Is it possible to develop this kind of accuracy with a trackball, or should I keep my blue-laser optical mouse as well?
 

delet

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Nov 2, 2008
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Very, very carefully. I suppose if you keep trying you'll eventually get the feel of it and become a god with that trackball.

I'm not even remotely familiar with trackball mice though, so I'd personally stick with the laser mouse.
 

Plurralbles

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Jan 12, 2010
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I remember using them just to navigate the computers in my ancient 7th grade computer lab. they were shit even for that. But that could just be me.
 

CrysisMcGee

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Sep 2, 2009
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If you are referring to the mouse you move with your thumb, forget it. These things suck and I hated them whenever I had to use one.

You simply can't use one as accurately. You overcompensate and screw up all the time..
 

S.R.S.

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Nov 3, 2009
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There's something I haven't heard in a while pretty soon you'll be asking for ps one game saves (just kidding).

Can't you have both? one for gaming and the other for general use. After all you're not going to abandon you're other mouse are you?
 

Diligent

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Dec 20, 2009
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I've never delved into it myself, but I have heard of people using a trackball, including pro-gamers for FPS and such, and they apparently swear by it. Seems a bit weird to me though, I couldn't imagine getting used to that. Then again, I suck at console FPS aiming with my thumbs, but many kids who grew up on it find it easier than using a mouse so I guess its about whatever you're accustomed to.
 

Stryc9

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Nov 12, 2008
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I used a trackball for a long time, but it was before FPS games were really played with a mouse, you just used the keyboard. I did however find that after getting used to the trackball it was pretty effective for RTS games. I haven't even seen many trackballs for sale in the last couple of years, and didn't see any when I was actually shopping for a new mouse at Christmas.

As far as reducing wrist strain goes it'll only replace it with a different set of muscles hurting after extended periods of use.
 

e2density

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Dec 25, 2009
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Well, a trackball just lacks the precision that a mouse does. Trackballs are generally very-low on friction, so stopping your trackball dead like you could a mouse would be challenging.

I recommend a gaming mouse. I use the Deathadder, but everything having to do with mice is personal preference. It comes down to your Windows Sensitivity, In Game Sensitivity, Most played games, Preferred playstyle, mouse surface, etc.
 

Weaver

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Apr 28, 2008
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Diligent said:
I've never delved into it myself, but I have heard of people using a trackball, including pro-gamers for FPS and such, and they apparently swear by it. Seems a bit weird to me though, I couldn't imagine getting used to that. Then again, I suck at console FPS aiming with my thumbs, but many kids who grew up on it find it easier than using a mouse so I guess its about whatever you're accustomed to.
My friend can use them and we're usually neck and neck in FPS games. I still have no idea how he manages to be honest.
 

maninahat

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Nov 8, 2007
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A track ball is the equivelant of turning an old fashioned mouse upside down and trying to operate the roller ball. It is not only imprecise, but really unweildy and unergonomic. I remember one gamer who insisted on using one. Using his machine was extraordinarily annoying. Plus, he'd employ this totally useless gizmo; a miniture keyboard with only a dozen buttons (wasd+e+q+shift+tab etc.) for gaming. Absolute shit, and a pain in the ass to hold onto.
 

Hiphophippo

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Nov 5, 2009
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I know a guy who rocks a giant red logitech trackball and he's a badass in fps games. It's ridiculous watching him play, and he doesn't play slower paced games. The man plays old school Quake 3 and the original Unreal Tournament.

It's obviously some sort of voodoo.
 

keybird

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Jun 1, 2009
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A track ball for you two fore fingers is actually really helpful and now that I have been using it for 2-3 years I can't go back to an old mouse