Gaming Mouse With Side Buttons Are Extra Clicks Worth It Or Just Clutter

Gaming mice today come packed with features—adjustable DPI, RGB lighting, ergonomic designs, and, of course, an array of side buttons. While some gamers swear by them, others see them as unnecessary clutter that adds complexity without value. So, are these extra clicks truly beneficial, or do they just complicate the user experience? The answer isn’t universal. It depends on how you play, what games you prefer, and how much control you want over your setup.

Side buttons, often referred to as \"thumb buttons\" or \"programmable keys,\" originated from productivity-focused mice designed for web browsing and office work. But in gaming, their role has evolved into something more strategic. From quick weapon swaps in FPS titles to casting spells in MMOs, these buttons can turn a good player into a more efficient one—if used correctly.

The Functional Role of Side Buttons in Modern Gaming

At their core, side buttons serve as programmable inputs. Most gaming mice feature two: one activated by the thumb’s forward press, the other by a backward motion. High-end models may offer four or more, especially those tailored for MMORPGs where dozens of abilities need rapid access.

In first-person shooters like *CS:GO* or *Valorant*, players often bind side buttons to actions such as:

• Weapon switching (e.g., toggling between pistol and rifle)
• Peeking (hold-to-slide while strafing)
• Quick grenade deployment
• Push-to-talk for voice chat

In massively multiplayer online games (*World of Warcraft*, *Final Fantasy XIV*), the utility scales dramatically. Players assign entire ability rotations, mount summoning, or inventory shortcuts to these buttons, reducing reliance on keyboard modifiers and minimizing hand movement.

Even in strategy and simulation titles, side buttons find purpose. An RTS player might map hotkeys for unit groups or base commands, while a flight simulator enthusiast could use them for landing gear or communication menus.

“Programmable side buttons are about efficiency, not just convenience. They reduce input latency caused by hand travel across the keyboard.” — David Lin, Peripheral Designer at Razer

When Extra Clicks Add Value—and When They Don’t

The usefulness of side buttons hinges on three factors: game genre, personal playstyle, and muscle memory development.

Games That Benefit Most:

• MMORPGs: Dozens of abilities make remappable buttons essential.
• FPS/TPS: Quick-access binds improve reaction time in high-pressure moments.
• MOBAs: Spell combos and item usage benefit from dedicated inputs.
• Productivity & Streaming: Switch scenes, mute mics, or launch apps mid-game.

Games Where They’re Less Useful:

• Casual or mobile ports: Simple controls don’t require extra inputs.
• Puzzle or narrative-driven games: Minimal interaction reduces button utility.
• Platformers: Typically rely on directional precision, not macros.

For competitive players, even a 0.2-second reduction in action execution can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Side buttons help achieve that edge. However, for casual gamers who prioritize simplicity, having too many options can lead to confusion or accidental presses.

Tip: Start with one essential bind (like push-to-talk) and gradually add more as you build comfort with thumb placement.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Despite their potential, side buttons aren’t foolproof. Poor design or misuse can turn them into liabilities rather than assets.

Accidental Actuation: This is the most frequent complaint. If buttons are too large, too sensitive, or poorly positioned, resting your thumb can trigger unwanted commands. Gamers have reported accidentally dropping weapons, opening menus mid-fight, or muting teammates during critical calls.

Solution: Choose mice with recessed or textured side buttons. Adjust actuation force if supported by firmware. Test different grip styles (palm, claw, fingertip) to minimize contact when idle.

Overprogramming: Some users assign complex macros or rarely used functions, defeating the purpose of quick access.

Solution: Prioritize high-frequency actions. Use software like Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, or SteelSeries GG to audit usage stats and refine bindings.

Lack of Muscle Memory: Just because a button exists doesn’t mean it’s usable under pressure. Training your brain to use it instinctively takes time.

Solution: Practice in low-stakes environments. Use training maps or offline modes to drill new bindings until they become second nature.

Mini Case Study: From Frustration to Fluid Control

Alex, a *Rainbow Six Siege* player, initially dismissed side buttons after accidentally opening the pause menu during a ranked match. He disabled them entirely for six months. But after watching pro streamers use them for gadget switching and comms, he reconsidered.

He re-enabled one button for push-to-talk and practiced daily in custom games. Within two weeks, he noticed improved coordination with his team. Encouraged, he added a second bind for camera deployment. A month later, he credited his side buttons for helping secure a clutch win by quickly toggling between his primary weapon and stun grenade.

What started as clutter became a critical part of his toolkit—not because the hardware changed, but because his approach did.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Side Buttons

Do	Don't
Assign frequently used actions (e.g., voice chat, weapon switch)	Map obscure functions you’ll rarely need
Test button placement with your natural grip	Buy a mouse based solely on button count
Use driver software to track button usage	Enable macros in competitive games unless allowed
Start simple and scale up as needed	Ignore ergonomics—buttons should feel accessible, not strained
Customize per-game profiles for optimal layout	Keep default bindings if they don’t suit your workflow

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Your Side Buttons

Maximizing the value of side buttons requires intentional setup. Follow this timeline to integrate them effectively:

1. Week 1: Evaluate Your Needs
   Identify which actions you perform most often. Is it voice communication? Inventory management? Ability casting? Write down your top three candidates for binding.
2. Week 2: Basic Configuration
   Using your mouse software, assign one function to each side button. Keep it simple—push-to-talk on one, weapon swap on the other. Play normally and note any accidental triggers.
3. Week 3: Refine Placement and Sensitivity
   If buttons are too easy to press, adjust actuation settings or change grip slightly. Consider taping over unused buttons temporarily to avoid misfires.
4. Week 4: Expand Thoughtfully
   Add a secondary function only if the first bindings feel natural. For example, bind a grenade shortcut or a quick heal. Avoid stacking more than four total custom actions unless necessary.
5. Ongoing: Review and Adapt
   Every few weeks, check your usage logs (if available). Remove underused binds and replace them with higher-priority ones. Rotate configurations based on active games.

Expert Insight: Why Button Layout Matters More Than Count

It’s tempting to equate more buttons with better performance. But industry experts emphasize thoughtful design over sheer quantity.

“The number of buttons is irrelevant if they’re awkwardly placed. A well-positioned pair beats six clustered ones that cause fatigue.” — Lena Torres, UX Lead at Corsair Gaming

Torres points to human anatomy: the thumb moves in an arc, not straight lines. Ideal side buttons follow this motion, sitting slightly angled toward the front and back edges of the mouse. Flush surfaces prevent snags; tactile feedback ensures confident actuation.

She also warns against “feature bloat”: marketing teams often highlight button counts to stand out, even when most users won’t benefit. “A mouse with twelve buttons aimed at casual gamers is like giving a chef ten knives they’ll never use,” she says.

FAQ

Can side buttons improve my aim in FPS games?

Not directly. They don’t affect sensitivity or tracking. However, by offloading common actions (like sprint or crouch) to thumb buttons, you free up keyboard fingers for smoother movement and aiming, indirectly supporting better control.

Are side buttons allowed in professional tournaments?

Yes, unless explicitly restricted by event rules. Most esports organizations permit programmable buttons as long as they don’t automate gameplay (e.g., auto-bunny hopping). Always verify per tournament guidelines.

I keep hitting the buttons by accident. What should I do?

Try adjusting your grip or choosing a mouse with recessed buttons. You can also disable them temporarily and rebuild muscle memory slowly. Some players use small rubber caps or tape to reduce sensitivity during learning phases.

Checklist: Getting the Most Out of Your Gaming Mouse Side Buttons

• ✅ Assess your primary game genres and identify high-frequency actions
• ✅ Choose a mouse with well-placed, tactile side buttons suited to your grip style
• ✅ Install official driver software for full customization
• ✅ Assign one essential function per button (start with push-to-talk or weapon switch)
• ✅ Test in non-competitive environments before using in ranked matches
• ✅ Monitor usage and remove underutilized bindings every few weeks
• ✅ Create separate profiles for different games (e.g., MMO vs. FPS layouts)
• ✅ Re-evaluate every month—optimize based on actual performance gains

Conclusion: Clutter or Catalyst? It’s Up to You

Side buttons on gaming mice aren’t inherently valuable or wasteful. Their worth emerges from how intentionally they’re used. In the hands of a thoughtful gamer, they streamline workflows, reduce input strain, and unlock new levels of responsiveness. In less deliberate setups, they become sources of frustration—clutter disguised as capability.

The key lies in treating these buttons not as default features, but as tools to be mastered. Like any upgrade, their power reveals itself through practice, refinement, and alignment with your goals. Whether you're navigating Azeroth’s vast realms or securing a 1v5 clutch in *Overwatch*, the right click at the right moment can redefine what’s possible.

🚀 Ready to optimize your setup? Revisit your mouse bindings today—assign one meaningful action, test it for a week, and see how it changes your game. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below.