There is not just one way to hold your mouse. Knowing how to hold your equipment is essential before looking at software and exercises to work on AIM. In this article, we will see the different ways of handling it, and particularly look at the one used by many professional players: the claw grip.
FPS fan? This video might inspire you to use the Claw grip for gaming!
What is claw grip?
This position is sometimes called the “spider position.” Just like in the traditional posture, it consists of placing the palm of your hand at the end of the mouse. Where there is a difference is in the fingers. They must be folded back on themselves. Pressure on the buttons must be done directly with the tips of the fingers, or even nails.
The best gaming mice for Claw Grip!
What are the advantages of the claw grip?
Using a claw grip mouse is best for users who need to make quick and precise movements. While stabilizing the back of the mouse with the palm of the hand, the fingertips can make small movements. Concretely, in a video game, only the wrist must move. The fingers are used to aim well at the enemy and to shoot. Obviously, all this is also possible with the traditional mouse position, but the claw grip is more optimized!
Another point to note is the speed of execution of clicks. The handling means that the number of clicks per second can be much higher. This is due to the position of the fingers which reduces the support surface, and which gives the user the possibility of increasing the frequency.
The number of games requiring rapid clicks (to type faster for example) is significant. And the claw grip can really give a huge advantage! For all FPS requiring rapid movements, this mouse grip is the most effective.
What are the disadvantages and contraindications of claw grip?
It also has some disadvantages. Already, if you are not used to it, it will take you several hours of play to really see what this position can bring you.
Then, some players don't get used to it, and feel like the mouse is slipping away from them. Control is reduced and they lose performance.
Finally, and this is undoubtedly the most important element, in addition to being uncomfortable at first, muscle tension may appear. In fact, the wrist is overused unlike the classic holding style. If you play for long periods of time, it is not recommended to use this position all the time, as this risks triggering tendonitis in the long term.
Which mouse for the claw grip?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of mouse models. Obviously, no matter how you use your mouse, certain features are a guarantee of quality, such as the sensor.
However, in our case, it is recommended to choose a gaming mouse with special characteristics. It must be neither too light, to be precise, nor too heavy to reduce tension on the wrist. The back of the mouse should be slightly domed to provide a better hold, and so that the palm can rest properly on it.
Other mouse grips
There are two other mouse grips.
The Palm Grip : This name was given to the best-known and most traditional grip. The hand covers the mouse, from palm to fingers. This position is not the most recommended for playing video games, however, it allows for very wide movements. By using the arm and shoulder, you will be able to turn around quite easily.
It has the advantage of not causing any muscular tension. The wrist is spared, because the efforts are also distributed between the arm and the shoulder.
The Fingertip : This position is suitable for rapid and broad movements. Unlike the Palm Grip, the goal is not to cover the mouse. Only three fingers should touch the equipment, thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Very difficult to master and unnatural, it is difficult to have good AIM and good TRACKING with this grip. It is only recommended in a few situations, and for experienced players.
What should we remember?
The claw grip is used by many players, especially at high levels. It is to be favored on the majority of FPS. Getting started can take a little time, and is not suitable for everyone. The majority of mice are compatible.
The only downside is health. In the long term, tension and tendinitis may appear, so it should not be overused.
