We often hear gamers bandying the expression “my mouse is an extension of my hand” in relation to their Razer mice. This pretty much sums up what we set out to achieve each and every time we approach the drawing board – a fine equilibrium between in-game performance and comfort that exists with Razer mice and with none other. This three-way (user-mouse-playstyle) optimization is the result of research-driven design, not by casual observation, and certainly not by chance. Through the validation sessions conducted with both “casual” and “hardcore” gamers over the years, we have identified three prevalent grip styles

Here, we present our findings on, established through years of both “casual” and “hardcore” gamer testing, that have informed—and continue to inform—the ergonomic development of our mice.

The claw grip is another style of holding a computer mouse that requires a user to arch his hand and form a claw shape, pulling the mouse in so the rear end of the mouse is stabilized by barely touching the pit of the user’s hand.

The claw grip is defined by the fact that six contact points are made on the surface of the mouse.

The claw grip is most often characterized by the arching fingers required to hold the mouse and press each mouse button. The formation of the user’s fingers and the retracted stance of the hand over the mouse make this grip vaguely resemble the claw of a bird, which is where the style draws its moniker. The mouse is held and controlled by the tips of the user’s index and ring or pinkie fingers and stabilized by the pit of the user’s hand so the mouse does not sway when it is lifted.

Actuation of the left and right mouse button is achieved by clicking either button with the tip of the user’s index or middle finger.

The claw grip can be used with any mouse, but is most commonly used with mice with a high profile and high lipped edges, so the mouse can be held by the user’s fingertips without accidentally actuating the mouse’s side buttons and so the mouse can be lifted repeatedly and quickly. High lipped edges are ideal contact points for the claw and fingertip grip as they keep the fingertips away from the mousing surface, which can cause “finger drag” and therefore reduce speed and accuracy.

Examples of progamers who use the claw grip:

• Peter “utR” Mogensen, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, Team Dignitas

Alexey '*Cypher*' Yanusheusky, Quakelive, Team Serious Gaming
"For me the claw grip is the best way to hold my mouse. I need to be able to move my mouse fast in different directions to be able to aim perfectly. With the claw grip it feels as if my mouse is the most 'mobile'.

Maciej '*av3k*' Krzykowski, Quakelive, Serious Gaming
"The claw grip is what I use. In this way I don't have to move my full hand to get movement into my mouse, with my fingers I can also move my mouse."

• Shaun "Apollo" Clark, Command & Conquer 3, Team Dignitas

• Erik “ekL” Larsson, Counter-Strike 1.6, Team ExsequoR
"I use a claw grip. I used to use a fingertip grip but I've always felt that I would be able to exercise more control over the mouse if I could somehow incorporate my palm into the grip. I feel that resting your palm on the mouse allows for more stability because you can apply more weight on it, making it easier to control. The Razer DeathAdder suits me very well because it has a large back on which my palm can rest, enabling me to use the claw grip."

• Rick '*r1k*' Smit, Call of Duty, Team Serious Gaming
"Clawgrip I use. It’s all very personal and I just use what feels most natural and comfortable to me. With this grip I feel I have the best control over the mouse while I'm aiming."

• Bob '*supreme*' Janssen, Call of Duty, Team Serious Gaming
"I prefer using the claw grip in combination with my Razer DeathAdder, it's just what makes me feel comfortable so I can perform my game at the
very best. The thing I like about using the claw grip is that I've always felt I had more control over the mouse while being ingame.

• Nikolaus '*SonKiE*' Cassidy, Warcraft III, Team Serious Gaming
"I prefer the Claw Grip. The Claw Grip allows me max. comfort and control during early and late game micro battles. I can easily move the mouse quickly without obstacles. Having my thumb rest on the side buttons allows for quick and effective macro's to be used to get an edge over you opponent any day."

Examples of progamers who switch between grips:

• Hendry "jo3" Handisurya, Defense of the Ancients, Team Sanctuary
"IMO, a palm grip makes the mouse easier to control. But sometimes when I want to opt for reaction speed in-game, I will switch to a claw grip. Razer mice such as the Lachesis, which I use, open up both options to me."

Adrien "*burnedd*" Denis, Quakelive, Serious Gaming
"For me, the palm grip is the best for fast aim and fast movement. Sometimes when I am in tight situations, I use the clawgrip."

Kevin '*RotterdaM*' van der KooI, Warcraft III, Serious Gaming /
"Since Warcraft III games tend to go on for quite some time, I personally find it much more relaxing to use a palm mouse grip, even though during big fights I might switch to claw grip for a short amount of time which is possible with a Deathadder as well, but 98% of the time I use a palm grip which is very comfortable on a Deathadder."