The design process is always more than just aesthetics and function. For Razer, and for me personally, it’s about recognizing and meeting the diverse needs of the global gamer community. As a tribute to Lefty Day, I want to share some reflections on our journey in pioneering the Lefty Mouse – a project I care about.
In our right-handed world, lefties like me often find ourselves adapting to tools and technologies that weren’t designed for them. This challenge extends to the digital realm, where default settings on devices, especially the ubiquitous mouse, favor right-handed users.
Celebrating Lefty Day: Recognizing Uniqueness and Challenges
Lefty Handed Day is a moment that Razer cares deeply about, reminding us of the importance of inclusivity in design. As we mark this day, we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to serve the left-handed gaming community.
Since the advent of the computer mouse in the 1960s, left-handed users have struggled to find devices tailored for right-handers. As technology becomes ubiquitous, calls for inclusivity have grown louder. In the late 1990s, various manufacturers attempted to produce left-handed mice, but these mice often lacked the sophistication and ergonomics of the right-handed models.
Razer’s leadership in left-handed mice: A designer’s pride
One of our proudest moments came in 2010 when Razer launched theRazer DeathAdder Left Handed Edition. It’s not just another product; it’s a product. This is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity.With Naga’s left-handed version ofPublished, this commitment is inLefty Day 2020Further solidified, this technology has resonated deeply with MMO gamers worldwide.
For left-handed gamers, these innovations are transformative. The challenges of setting up game rigs, as well as the complexities of gameplay are eased. In our commitment to design and inclusivity, we help level the playing field.
Dialogue with the community
We often seek feedback from the gaming community and really understand the impact of our designs.It is in this spirit that we teamed up with left-handed gamer and Twitch variety hostChryselliCollaborated.
Krysellia is an architectural designer who enjoys role-playing, video games, and travel. We wanted to get her thoughts on the gaming peripheral scene and being a left-handed gamer:
Q1. As a LH player, what is your game setup like? How do you tweak it to suit your gaming preferences?
good question! Actually my setup is not fundamentally different from anyone else’s. However, it reflects where I hold the mouse with my left hand and the keyboard with my right. I do prefer the full, tenkeyless, and 60% boards because it’s more comfortable for my hand since it doesn’t cramp as much.
Q2. What tweaks did you make to enhance the gaming experience and performance?
Oh, not a lot. I’ve always used my mouse with my left hand, but that had to change when I first started playing FPS games. Realigning my right hand was very difficult as I felt out of aim and unsteady. It was just a weird experience. Since most mice are right-handed, I had to look for an ambidextrous mouse if I wanted to continue gaming with my left hand.
The default keybindings are also an issue. I’ve tried using the same keybindings as everyone else with my right hand, but it’s never comfortable. That’s when I got the idea for the flip control – using PL;” instead of the typical WASD.
Q3. What’s your experience with Razer’s efforts to cater to different play styles and needs, especially left-handed gamers like you?
I’m very happy that gaming companies are starting to offer accessories for different playstyles. Gaming should be a pastime, a competitive experience for everyone. As a lefty, I’ve had trouble finding gaming accessories in the past, but raising awareness about the struggles of lefties is a step in the right direction. I’m glad it’s more accessible now.
Thanks for sharing, Keiselia!
With design as the core, keep moving forward
Today, as we mark Lefty Day, our commitment to Razer and my personal mission as Global Head of Design is to continue to innovate for all gamers. We don’t just create devices; we create devices. We’re building experiences. The future has unlimited potential, and we hope that every design can touch life, inspire gamers, and push the industry towards greater inclusiveness.
To all of us left-handed gamers, and all advocates for inclusive design:Cheers to more left turns in the gaming world!
Source: Razer
