Palm vs Claw vs Fingertip Grip: Which is the Best Mouse Grip Style?
When we talk about computer peripherals, the mouse is one of the most important. You will need to get a mouse-based on your exact needs. If you love to put several hours into prolonged gaming sessions, then by default, you need a good gaming mouse. However, if you need a mouse to suit your office work needs, you will need regular mice with high durability. At times, manufacturers can trick us into buying a mouse that contrasts with our work/demand.
While it is essential to know the difference between a gaming and a standard mouse, you must know every aspect of a mouse and its design. The overall design and Mouse grip also make a huge difference when selecting a mouse. An ergonomically designed mouse allows for a good gaming posture, easy clicking and has a vertical design to avoid wrist sprains. The shape and size of your mouse vary from one model to another. Therefore, ensure that your chosen mouse is comfortable enough to operate.
This article mapped out all the differences between the three different types of mouse grips, namely palm, claw, and fingertip. We have listed all the differentiating factors to help you get better accustomed to the type of grips you want to buy and use. Remember that there is no right way to hold a mouse. Although, it is best if you choose a mouse that lets you aim, scroll, and make other movements without any issues or pain.
Types of Mouse Grips
There are a total of three different mouse grips. Each grip has a unique design that provides good functionality and comfort. However, no single mouse is suitable for all types of grips and is best used in combination. But before going ahead with the comparisons, here are the three different types of mouse grips and how they can maximize your overall efficiency.
1. Palm Grip
The Palm is the most commonly used grip as it allows your palm to rest comfortably on the lower portion of the mouse while your fingers rest on the buttons. The Palm is a comfortable grip, is long-lasting, and prevents fatigue while allowing you to make steady, robust, and stable movements.
The Palm grip provides for an excellent and smooth overall control of the mouse. In addition, it works best for tracking and during low-sensitivity gaming. However, this grip isn’t the best fit if your work/gaming includes rapid clicking, faster sweeps, and quick micro-adjustments. If these intrigue you in some capacity, we have prepared a comprehensive compilation of the best palm grip gaming mouse for your reference
How To Use A Palm Grip?
The Palm grip allows for all of your fingers and palm to rest comfortably on the buttons and the lower portion of the mouse. The palm grip is an ergonomic solution to wrist fatigue and pain.
To palm grip your mouse, follow the simple steps mentioned.
- Place Your Entire Palm onto the mouse.
- Let your fingers glide naturally onto the buttons
- Now your palm and fingers should be fully gripping the mouse without leaving any space in-between
- Ensure that your fingers and palm perfectly cradle your mouse
This should be your ideal palm placement since your palm placement is vital during long work hours or prolonged gaming sessions.
2. Claw Grip
Gamers usually prefer to go with this type of grip to provide swift movement and timely reactions. The Claw is the most balanced grip among the three since it uses a six-point contact with the rear with your fingertips used for movement. This mouse is comfortable enough and can go on long enough without causing any fatigue whatsoever.
In contrast to the Palm Grip, the Claw grip is the best fit for rapid clicking and making quick micro-adjustments. This grip allows your fingers to be more responsive, making it easier to track movements. However, the downside is that the Claw Grip is known to create finger fatigue and put extra tension in your palm. If these intrigue you in some capacity, we have prepared a comprehensive compilation of the best claw grip gaming mouse for your reference
How To Claw Grip Your Mouse?
The Claw Grip is by far the best option to improve your aim, precisions, and overall accuracy when playing FPS or MMORPGs. To effectively claw grip your mouse, use the steps mentioned below.
- Place Your Fingers Underneath The Mouse Knuckles (These knuckles are shaped like a claw )
- Place your Thumb on the left side of the mouse
- Place your Index on the left-click button
- Place your Middle on the scroll button (button at the center of the mouse )
- Place your Pinky on the right side of the mouse.
As per the adjustment mentioned above, placing your fingers can help you get those twitch movements when you are gaming. You don’t need to sweep your mouse over for more significant actions. Instead, a short arc mouse movement will get the job done. Note that the finger positioning is customizable, and you can choose your finger-positioning at your convenience. The primary benefit of the Claw Grip is that you can execute fast and snappy motions with your wrist.
3. Fingertip Grip
This grip uses a five-point fingertip contact and provides the highest precision making the perfect grip for FPS games (check mouse specifically for FPS gaming). However, the major downside is that this grip is slightly uncomfortable and less standard than a traditional office mouse. Since the fingertip grip offers extremely low tension, you can get a lot of freedom of movement from your wrist.
Unfortunately, using a fingertip grip requires a lot of finger movements which ultimately affects the consistency. A fingertip grip is recommended for those with huge hands and a tiny mouse. If these intrigue you in some capacity, we have prepared a comprehensive compilation of the best fingertip grip gaming mouse for your reference.
How To Use Fingertip Grip?
A fingertip grip can work as a game-changer if you are looking for precision and speed when you game or work because this grip relies solely on your fingers to get things done. While this grip offers the least amount of control, it can be of great assistance when aiming.
To properly use a fingertip grip, follow the steps given.
- Find Your Fit (This grip is generally used by people with large hands or by people who have a small mouse). Therefore, you must find the right fit.
- Relax Your Hand
- Place Your Index finger on the left-click button
- Place your middle finger on the scroll-button
- Place your Ring finger on the right-click button
- Curl your thumb and pinky finger
- Place your Thumb on the left side
- Place your Pinky finger on the right side.
- Curl your fingertips
- Push your mouse away from your palm
Since there aren’t many fingers involved in the operation, the Fingertip grip offers a great degree of control required for moving, aiming, and controlling your mouse movements.
Palm Vs Claw Vs Fingertip: Grip Comparison
From a broader perspective, palm, claw, and fingertips may share a few similarities, but their techniques and practical implementation differ significantly. However, you must choose a mouse-fit hat that suits your overall style of working/gaming irrespective of the type of grip.
Therefore, we have added a detailed comparison table to help you get a better understanding of all the differentiating factors.
| Factors | Palm | Claw | Fingertip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrist Positioning | Both Palm and Fingers rest on the mouse | Palm on the mouse | Only Fingertips rest on the mouse |
| Level Of Control | High | High Dexterity + Control | Less |
| Best For | Scrolling | Rapid Clicks | Speed + Precision |
| Level Of Wrist Control | High Elbow + Arm control | High | High Wrist + Finger Control |
| Key Attributes | Tracking | Flicking | Rapid Movement |
| Aim Assist | Arm Aiming | Wrist Aiming | Wrist + Arm Aiming |
| DPI Accusomtized | Low | High | High |
As mentioned earlier, a Claw grip is a hybrid and provides you the best from both Palm and Fingertip grip combined. With the Palm grip, you gain a greater degree of control over your mouse and allows you to cover a larger surface area. Meanwhile, a fingertip grip is designed explicitly for people with huge hands or for those using a tiny mouse.
As the suggests, you use only your fingers to control your mouse. This type of grip is perfect for moving and aiming with higher sensitivty. The Claw Grip allows high dexterity and mouse control making it perfect for flicking, aiming, rapid clicks, and enhanced precision.
- Palm Grip is for Larger Movements
- Claw Grip Is For Improved Precision
- Fingertip Grip is mostly used for speed and precision aiming
Who Should Use A Palm Grip?
The Palm grip allows for all of your fingers and palm to rest comfortably on the buttons and the lower portion of the mouse. The palm grip is an ergonomic solution to wrist fatigue and pain, making it ideal to be used during prolonged gaming sessions.
Gamers who enjoy having control over their mouse but simultaneously desire comfort and longevity should definitely opt for the palm grip. This is because it allows for a comfortable finger-wrist-shoulder movement, in turn helping you cover large motions when aiming, tracking, and sniping.
Who Should Use A Claw Grip?
The Claw Grip is by far the best option to improve your aim, precisions, and overall accuracy when playing FPS, MOBA, or MMORPGs. A claw grip allows for faster movements and rapid clicks compared to the traditional palm grip. The claw grip combines both finger and palm grip, meaning that it will give you the best features from both of them.
The claw grip allows for maximum palm control making your wrist movements more natural and flexible. This is the best fit for those prone to CSGO and value rapid-fire and precise movements. Though the Claw grip may not provide longevity, it makes up for it by providing more agility and adjustment.
Who Should Use A Fingertip Grip?
A fingertip grip can work as a game-changer if you are looking for precision and speed when you game or work because this grip relies solely on your fingers to get things done. The Fingertip Grip is the best fit for those with large hands or for those who have a tiny mouse. There is no contact between the palm and the mouse when using a fingertip grip.
Also, gamers who prefer to play FPS and have multiple targets to take down simultaneously with speed and precision can benefit significantly by using a fingertip extensively. The fingertip grip is effective for aiming but can cause fatigue and wrist sprain.
The Bottom Line
We hope our article was able to successfully walk yiu through the different mouse grips to choose from. You must know about the type of grips and their respective perks and drawbacks. From a broader perspective, palm, claw, and fingertips may share a few similarities, but their techniques and practical implementation differ significantly. However, you must choose a mouse-fit hat that suits your overall style of working/gaming irrespective of the type of grip.
