The effects of mouse weight and connection type on performance, muscle activity, and preferences among professional gamers

Abstract

Professional gaming requires rapid and repetitive mousing for long durations which may result in fatigue and discomfort that could increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders or impaired performance. This study aimed to determine whether mouse weight (80g versus 87g) or connection type (wireless versus wired) impacted gamers’ muscle activity, performance, and device preference. Sixteen professional players were recruited to use four mice that differed in connection type and weight. The wireless mouse had a lower error rate (p = 0.05) and a higher overall comfort rating (p = 0.01). No statistically significant differences between mouse weight were found. The findings of this study indicate that professional gamers performed slightly better when using the wireless mouse and preferred the wireless mouse. These findings may provide some guidance to the design and selection of gaming mouse.