Gaming mice are a wonderful thing. They are perfect for controlling all those mouse clicks and keeping the screen alive, but most gaming mice tend to be very expensive (even high-end ones).
Since a gaming mouse is usually meant to last for several years of non-stop gaming, it’s important to know how often you should be replacing them.
So, how long can a gaming mouse last and how often should you replace your gaming mouse? Let’s find out
What is the average lifespan of a gaming mouse?
The lifespan of a gaming mouse is not fixed, but it depends on the number of hours you play. If you play less than 6 to 8 hours in a week, then you will be able to keep it for more than 2 years. But, if you play more than 12 hours a week, then you should replace the mouse within 2 years.
What Problems Can Occur With An Old Gaming Mouse?
Undeniably, gaming mice have become a very important part of our day-to-day life. It has become the most important part of our PC.
We use it every day, whether it is for gaming or for work. But have you ever considered what will happen if your gaming mouse gets old and breaks?
Well, here are a few signs that it may be time for an upgrade.
Laggy Cursor Movement
If you’re having issues with laggy cursor movement on your mouse, it’s probably time to replace your gaming mouse.
The first thing you should do when you notice laggy cursor movement is to use the mouse on a different device. If that doesn’t fix the problem, take your mouse to a local repair shop.
If they can’t fix the issue, you may need to get a new mouse.
Mouse Suddenly Stops Working
If your mouse suddenly stops working, check to make sure it is plugged into your computer or laptop.
If it’s plugged in, unplug it and try plugging it back in.
If that doesn’t work, and you tried it on another PC, then the chances are, your mouse has fully died.
Cursor Freezes Frequently
If your cursor freezes frequently, you may need to replace your mouse.
Cursors freeze for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is because you have too many programs open on your computer.
You can use the Task Manager in Windows to see which applications are using the most resources. You can then close them one at a time to see if that fixes the issue.
This can also happen if you are using a wireless gaming mouse. In that case, you should try changing the batteries as old worn-out batteries can cause your cursor to freeze due to it not having enough power to transmit the signal to your PC.
It’s also possible that there’s a virus on your computer.
In that case, you’ll need to download a virus scanner and run a virus scan on your computer.
In either case, make sure that your computer is running as smoothly as possible and that you’re using the right drivers for your hardware.
Buttons Have Stopped Working
If your buttons have stopped working, it may be time to replace your mouse.
Buttons can stop working for a number of reasons.
One of the most common reasons is because your mouse has worn out and the button contacts have become loose. You can test this by pressing each of the buttons and seeing if they still work.
If not, it may be time to get a new mouse.
Random Cursor Movements
When your mouse is working properly, the cursor should move smoothly across the screen and there should be no random movements. However, if the cursor moves erratically or if it freezes, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your mouse.
It’s important to note that while the mouse itself may be malfunctioning, your computer can still be fine.
How often should you replace your gaming mouse?
There is no fixed time which you should use a gaming mouse, but you need to be very careful about this, as if you use it continuously then it will not perform as well as it used to.
If you use a mouse for too long then it will get dirty and will become less responsive.
The best thing you can do is to clean your mouse regularly. You can clean the mouse surface using a cloth or a lint-free tissue.
If the scroll wheel or buttons become less responsive, then you should consider buying a new mouse as getting replacement mouse parts and fitting them can be a real pain.
If you are a heavy user, then you should replace it every two years. But if you are a light user, then you can use it for up to three years without any issues.
In any case, you should always replace your mouse if it shows any sign of wear and tear.
What can you do to extend the life of your mouse?
If your mouse has not yet broken, it’s a good idea to take good care of it while you still can.
Here are some simple tips for extending the life of your mouse:
Clean It
You need to clean your gaming mouse regularly to ensure that it is kept in good condition.
If you use it for long hours then it will get dirty over time and will also start to collect dust.
Make sure that you clean the surface of your mouse with lint-free tissue.
You should also clean the scroll wheel and buttons using a lint-free tissue.
If your mouse is dirty then it will not perform as well. You should only use a clean mouse. You should never use a dirty mouse for gaming.
Get A Decent Mouse Pad
You can find a mouse pad at any office supply store. While there are many types of mousepads, I recommend getting a mouse pad that is easy to clean such as one of the many hard gaming mouse pads available on the market.
Once you have cleaned your mouse pad, you’ll want to make sure it’s dry before you use it again.
Clean Your Mouse Pad
You should clean your mouse pad at least once per month. It’s a good idea to use a microfiber cloth or a wet paper towel to clean your mouse pad. Just wipe down the pad with a circular motion, and you should be able to remove any dirt.
Buy A Mouse From A Reputable Brand
Ok, so not really a tip to extend the life of your current mouse, but if you are already shopping for a new mouse, make sure that you buy one from a well-known brand such as Logitech or Razer.
These companies make great, long-lasting products that you can easily find fixes for online (should anything go wrong).
They also have a reputation for honoring their warranty.
When you buy a non-branded gaming mouse, it’s likely that you won’t be able to get much help from the company should anything go wrong.
With that in mind, if you are going to spend a lot of money on a gaming mouse, make sure that you invest in a product that is known and trusted by other gamers.
You don’t want to be left with a mouse that doesn’t work when you need it most!
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to say that when it comes to your mouse, you shouldn’t really have to replace it. As long as it still works and performs adequately, I would leave it alone.
If your mouse is not performing up to par, then you should get another one.
However, you don’t have to replace your mouse every single year. If it works just fine and is working properly, you can probably hold out for a while before replacing it.