I’m not a gamer, but I like some casul games from time to time, like Timberborn or Shapez. Yesterday I wanted to start a game again, after a period of not gaming since february or so. I’ve been getting used to sitting in my comfy chair in the evening, doing some programming or some online ciurse. I would like to game in my comfy chair as well, instead of sitting behind my desk where I’ve been working all day. But games demand much more intense mouse usage. A mouse does not work very well on an armrest. Have any of you solved that problem?
You may find that a different mouse will work better. For instance, I have an MX Master 3 that won’t register movement at all on my couch. Meanwhile a cheap little $15 mouse reads just fine.
Unrelated, I miss my MX Master 2. The wheel was so much better.
You can use a ducky mini 2 (60%) (three levels of keys/macros and mouse function); but really just use a controller. Or just get $1200 Steelcase chair and get the mouse pad addition. Also you can get a laptop stand for like $40 and use that, as in they can slide under your chair and give you platform to put your mouse and drinks on.
Steam controller.
The trackpads are great and weirdly make a decent keyboard too.
There are so very many devices geared towards this issue. I don’t think I have anything to add to comments lready here except that you should try a few of the optuons if possible and see what vibes best with you and your specific setup.
Trackball mouse, either wired or wireless. No need to move the mouse at all besdes to get it into a comfortable position.
Only thing you really gotta worry about from there is occasionally removing the ball and cleaning where it rests from gunk that builds up and causes friction.
I love trackballs, and I wish there was a bigger market for gaming trackball mice.
I personally wouldn’t have much of a use for gaming trackball mice, but I would absolutely buy one. Imagine a trackball that has a ball that rolls smooth as butter. Pure heaven!
Check out the Elecom Huge! I think there’s a more premium model of it that has extra-smooth rollers, but I’ve got the base version and it’s smooth enough for general use. I can’t really use it for aiming in FPS games because it jitters a bit no matter what DPI setting I use (maybe something else the premium model fixes, as well), but the shape and button positions are spectacular for most other use, IMO.
I’ll keep that in mind. My current Elecom was a good purchase, so it’ll probably be a few years before I switch, but definitely gonna keep it in mind.
I use a large sketchbook as a mousepad. The sketchbook sits on a pillow to lift it to the appropriate height. Works great.
Steam controller
- sock off
- mouse on floor
- foot mouse
The Steam Controller with its two trackpads and gyroscope paired up with Steam Input which lets you configure the controller (even non-Steam controllers) very granularly to your liking.
For shooters the best setup for me is to use the right stick for broad aiming and the gyro for precision.
For strategy and management games I use the right trackpad as a mouse and the left trackpad for hotkeys. In StarCraft I set up the left trackpad to be contained to the area on the screen where the selected unit’s functions are displayed. Not good enough for multiplayer, but good enough for casual play.
KDE Connect Remote Input for me, but I mostly play mouse games on my desktop.
I’m KBM at my desk, but controller on the couch.
If you insist on mousing, you’re going to have to engineer yourself a stable flat surface. Options really depend on available anchor points and how permanent you want it, but start with a board and figure out how to to attach it, screws, clamps, dowels, zip ties, extra-strength velcro-strips…
If it’s a couch upholstered arm rest, make it a table with the leg going to the floor on one side, and between the cushions on the other.
Worse case scenario, ditch the armrests and just put the board on your lap.
Edit: maybe thumb (trackball) mouse or trackpad.
Mostly a Steam controller. It works in almost every application or game.
I’ve also got a trackball for the few cases where the controller doesn’t work. I don’t use it very often because I don’t think there’s a comfortable way to use it on the couch without using a lapdesk or something.
Get a lap desk
Logitech Ball mouse. You move the ball with your thumb and your hand stays still. Takes a little getting used to.
That’s a trackball. A ball mouse is a regular mouse from 30 years ago.
Exactly, trackball, lol
When I read ball mouse I almost had a stroke, those things needed constant maintenance.
This probably isn’t what you’re talking about, but I miss the old Trackman Marble mice. I had a Trackman Marble FX that I used for years until I finally upgraded to USB.
Unfortunately I found that taxing on my thumb over time. What I use instead in those situations is a proper trackball, with fingers controlling the ball and thumb on buttons.
I got a Ploopy Adept almost a year ago now and it has quickly become my main mouse. I love that thing. Only problem is lack of feedback when scrolling makes some games where you have to scroll to select things, like Minecraft, a teensy bit more annoying
I have a Kensington trackball with scroll ring. Yours is probably way better for gaming (dig all the buttons), but as a person with early arthritis, I love how easy this is on the hand, and the scroll ring is just awesome for fine adjustments and webpage browsing, both.
https://www.google.com/search?q=kensington+trackball+with+scroll+ring&udm=2
I’m sure there’s better stuff out there, but it’s been years since I was collecting trackballs. (and the Logitech stuff was generally disappointing from back in the day)
I considered that one, as well. I really liked the scroll ring, but opted for the Ploopy for more buttons. The top ones are not particularly convenient to reach all the time, but are definitely necessary. Just wish someone would make a decent trackball with a clicky scroll wheel and multiple buttons!
In any case, I can understand the undeniable, magnetic attraction of the word “Ploopy!” :D
touchpad and thumb trackball are what I use.
