No gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, however a very good one can provide you a better sense of management whereas making your playtime extra snug. Which one is “best” will all the time be subjective: Form is king, because the adage goes, and everybody’s arms are totally different. That stated, we’ve examined dozens of well-reviewed gaming mice over the previous a number of months to search out those that stood out essentially the most. After enjoying by numerous periods of CS2, Overwatch 2, Remaining Fantasy XIV and extra PC video games, listed below are our picks for the most effective gaming mice you should purchase, together with some basic purchasing recommendation to bear in mind earlier than you pull the set off.
One of the best gaming mouse
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: Wi-fi, wired (USB-C) | Form: Symmetrical | Weight: 54 grams | Dimensions: 5 x 2.51 x 1.57 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Professional 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 | Most polling fee: 8,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): As much as 95 hours at 1,000Hz
If cash is not any object, the most effective gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve examined is the Razer Viper V3 Professional. It prices a hefty $160, however it’ll offer you little to complain about for those who play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the worth.
With its calmly grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and mild flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form needs to be snug for a variety of hand sizes and grip varieties. It’s a bit on the broader facet, and it in all probability works finest with a claw or fingertip grip, however it’s not so quick or flat that it may possibly’t accommodate palm grippers. The primary mouse buttons are contoured in a approach that offers your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both facet to subtly nudge them to the suitable spot if you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other approach, this is without doubt one of the safer shapes we’ve examined.
The Viper’s construct high quality is great. It’s impressively gentle at 54 grams, which makes it a breeze to flick round in fast-paced video games, but its matte plastic body isn’t coated in dust-inviting holes like many different choices across the similar weight. We’ve seen zero hints of creaking, flexing or rattling after months of testing. The end picks up some finger smudges however is grippy and delightfully mushy to the contact. The primary click on buttons use sturdy optical switches however aren’t particularly loud. Although they aren’t fairly as full or crisp as the best possible mechanical switches, they’re nonetheless snappy to press, neither too agency nor too gentle. The 2 programmable facet buttons are well-sized and simple to achieve. The scroll wheel, in the meantime, is tight and quiet, with clearly outlined steps and a textured end.
Efficiency, as is the case with many high-end gaming mice today, is successfully flawless. Razer’s Focus Professional 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 — say that 5 occasions quick — is principally overkill from a technological perspective however makes the mouse exceptionally correct and constant all the identical. It’s aided by amply-sized, smooth-gliding PTFE toes and a rock-solid connection to an included “HyperPolling” dongle. The latter lets the mouse attain a most polling fee of 8,000Hz, however as famous beneath, few individuals will really seen any profit from leaping that prime. Principally, it’ll simply zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Professional can rise up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is ok for this market and roughly per our expertise, however that drops to only 17 hours at 8,000Hz.
If the worth didn’t make it apparent, the Viper V3 Professional is for gaming fanatics. As such, it offers up among the perks you’d discover on extra mainstream mice: There’s no RGB lighting or Bluetooth, whereas the ability button/DPI switcher is situated on the underside of the machine to make it tougher to hit by chance. Because the machine makes use of a particular dongle as a substitute of a conventional receiver, it nonetheless requires you run a separate USB-C cable out of your PC or gaming laptop computer. You may join over that cable when the battery is low, fortunately, however it’s comparatively thick. And whereas Razer’s Synapse software program makes it easy sufficient to regulate settings, it’s one thing of a useful resource hog. It’s additionally Home windows-only. These are all nitpicks, although. The Viper V3 Professional is excellent, and it ought to really feel proper at residence within the arms of dedicated FPS gamers.
- Distinctive efficiency
- Excellent construct high quality
- Snug for many grip varieties and hand sizes
- Costly
- Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
- Thick charging cable
$160 at Amazon
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: Wi-fi, wired (USB-C) | Form: Proper-handed | Weight: 63 grams | Dimensions: 5 x 2.67 x 1.73 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Professional 30K Optical Sensor | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 | Most polling fee: 8,000Hz (“classic base” mannequin requires non-compulsory dongle) | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): As much as 90 hours at 1,000Hz
If you would like a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Professional. It packs a lot of the similar strengths because the Viper V3 Professional however has a taller, barely wider and extra dramatically flared design that’s tailor-made to right-handed customers. Most individuals with medium to giant arms ought to discover it to be a pure match with a palm or claw grip, although it’ll in all probability be a contact too fats for smaller-handed people and fingertip grippers. This type of form isn’t as straightforward to whip round because the Viper, however its excessive, sideways-sloping hump ought to present a extra stress-free place to relaxation your hand over the course of the day.
Razer sells two variants of the DeathAdder V3 Professional: one with the same soft-touch end because the Viper V3 Professional, and one with a extra textured matte plastic coating. We examined the latter; it’s not as grippy or {smooth} to the contact, however it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet. Additionally, the facet buttons are greater, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless troublesome to hit by chance. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, however nonetheless severely light-weight. The PTFE toes are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. And whereas the sensor is technically a era older, efficiency is successfully flawless.
In any other case, you’re taking a look at the same function set. The optical major buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The calmly notched scroll wheel is mushy, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at an honest 90 hours, and you may join a lighter and extra versatile USB-C cable in a pinch. Each variations of the mouse additionally help polling charges as much as 8,000Hz, although solely the SKU with the “smooth-touch” texture comes with a wi-fi dongle that allows these larger charges within the field. The textured “classic base” mannequin comes with a smaller USB receiver that “only” goes as much as 1,000Hz, however because it’s usually out there for much less at third-party retailers, it’s in all probability a greater worth. Typically, the most important knock towards the DeathAdder V3 Professional is that it’s costly, with the 8,000Hz mannequin priced at $160.
The newer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which prices $99, is a “1B” decide right here. Though it’s positioned beneath the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Pro Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t hand over the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and mushy (if smudge-heavy) coating of its greater sibling, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 10 hours larger at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The foremost distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a touch shorter hump. In case your arms are on the smaller facet, it’s price grabbing as a substitute.
- High-shelf efficiency
- Light-weight
- Snug for these with medium to giant arms
- Costly
- Naggy software program
- Not splendid for smaller arms
$115 at Walmart
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget
Connectivity: Wired (USB-A) | Form: Proper-handed | Weight: 49 grams | Dimensions: 4.65 x 2.38 x 1.46 inches | Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 | Switches: Kailh GX | Most polling fee: 8,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): N/A
In the event you don’t thoughts connecting over a cable, our favourite wired gaming mouse with a symmetrical design is the Endgame Gear OP1 8K. It weighs simply 50 grams and has a easy design with flat sides and a reasonably-sized hump sloping down the again. It’s a bit smaller and extra slim than most mice we’ve examined, so it’ll be comfiest with a claw or fingertip grip, although a palm grip can even work in smaller arms. The entire thing is extremely sturdy, with no flex or rattle, whereas the graceful matte plastic coating offers a good bit of grip. The built-in cable is gentle, versatile and cleverly titled upwards on the base of the mouse, all of which helps scale back any dragging sensation as you throw your hand round.
The OP1 8K makes use of mechanical switches, however the mouse is designed in a approach that makes them (comparatively) straightforward to swap out in a worst-case situation. Typically, the machine’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, non-compulsory facet grips and bigger PTFE toes within the field.
By default, the primary clicks are on the stiffer facet however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You may really set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both approach the buttons are straightforward to spam. The fitting mouse button on our unit does sound somewhat sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you may pop in quieter switches on a budget if you need a distinct noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two facet buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re arduous to hit by chance.
Sensor efficiency is predictably glorious; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a spread of video games. With its gentle weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, all the pieces about it feels tailored for snapping round in esports-style video games like Counter-Strike 2 that prioritize fast reactions. The mouse additionally helps polling charges as much as 8,000Hz — that’s nonetheless removed from important, however it’s at the least simpler to activate when there’s no battery drain to fret about. We additionally like Endgame Gear’s configuration software program, which appears like one thing out of the Home windows 95 period however is straightforward to grok and takes up subsequent to no assets.
At $75, the OP1 8K actually isn’t the most affordable wired mouse, however it’s nonetheless a great way lower than wi-fi high-performance fashions. Probably the most urgent concern could also be that it may possibly fall out of inventory on occasion, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.
- Quick to click on and flick
- Sturdy, ultralight design
- Mild and versatile cable
- {Hardware} is customizable
- A bit small for big arms
- Aspect buttons really feel considerably hole
- Occasional inventory points
$75 at Endgame Gear
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: Wired (USB-A) | Form: Proper-handed | Weight: 101 grams | Dimensions: 5.11 x 2.95 x 1.65 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Professional 30K Optical Sensor | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-2 | Most polling fee: 1,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 11 | Battery life (rated): N/A
It’s a couple of years outdated, however the Razer Basilisk V3 stays our favourite wired gaming mouse with an ergonomic design. This one is extra aggressively contoured than “ergo” mice just like the DeathAdder V3 Professional, with a big rubberized thumb relaxation, lengthy major buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump operating down its center. It’s fantastically cozy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized arms, however it’ll additionally play properly with claw grips. Those that desire a fingertip grip or simply have smaller arms will doubtless discover it too chunky, nonetheless.
The design as a complete feels sturdy; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet if you press down arduous, however you’d must exit of your option to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is a lot versatile, whereas the PTFE toes glide easily. We additionally dig the fun-but-not-garish RGB lighting across the mouse’s underside and scroll wheel. There are 11 customizable buttons in whole, together with two easy-to-reach facet buttons and a devoted “sensitivity clutch” that allows you to momentarily drop to a decrease DPI for moments the place it’s possible you’ll have to intention extra exactly. The latter will likely be notably robust for the smaller-handed to achieve comfortably, although.
The Basilisk V3 makes use of older optical switches than our different Razer prime picks, however we haven’t had any double-clicking points after properly over a 12 months of testing. Whereas major clicks aren’t almost as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable stability between firmness and velocity. They aren’t all that loud, both. Much like the Viper V3 Professional, the buttons are grooved in a approach that naturally invitations your index and center fingers.
The scroll wheel is likely to be the weakest ingredient: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, however it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That stated, it may possibly tilt side-to-side — which helps clarify the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that allows you to swap between a traditional ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That may be helpful exterior of video games — say, when it is advisable to scroll by a large doc or Excel sheet.
Razer’s Synapse software program continues to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, however it makes customizing DPI ranges, macros and RGB results easy sufficient. It can save you as much as 5 totally different profiles to the mouse itself, although your lighting customizations received’t carry over.
We haven’t had any main points with sensor accuracy, both, however at roughly 100 grams, the Basilisk V3 is clearly heftier than the ultralight mice we spotlight above. When you completely can go off in Counter-Strike or Valorant with it, the mouse’s weight and huge body imply it’s not expressly designed for video games like these. It can also’t go above a 1,000Hz polling fee. In some ways, that is the precise reverse of the OP1 8K, a tool that feels designed from the bottom up for aggressive fare. As an alternative, the Basilisk V3 is smart for righties who need a cozy and dependable mouse they will flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s often out there for lower than $50 at third-party retailers today, you’ll be able to think about it our decide for the most effective price range gaming mouse as properly.
It’s price noting that Razer launched a barely refreshed mannequin known as the Basilisk V3 35K since our final replace. That one comes with a technically improved sensor and newer optical switches, although the burden and total form are just about an identical. Provided that we didn’t have many points with the tech within authentic V3, we’d nonetheless advocate getting the older model whereas it’s nonetheless in inventory and out there for much less. In the event you see the V3 35K on sale for the same worth, nonetheless, it needs to be protected to only get that one as a substitute.
- Tremendous snug for medium to giant arms
- Properly-built, with versatile cable
- Versatile scroll wheel
- Good worth
- Too heavy to be splendid for FPS video games
- Too cumbersome to be splendid for small arms
- Scroll wheel is noisy
- Naggy software program
$44 at Amazon
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: Wired (USB-A) | Form: Proper-handed | Weight: 108 grams | Dimensions: 4.98 x 2.48 x 1.57 inches | Sensor: PixArt PMW3391 | Switches: Omron D2FC-F-Ok | Most polling fee: 1,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 17 | Battery life (rated): N/A
If you would like a mouse particularly designed for MMO and MOBA video games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does crucial factor any MMO mouse can do, which is allow you to entry a number of in-game actions with minimal effort. That’s because of its 12 programmable facet buttons, all of which ship a snug, firm-but-not-stiff sensation when pressed. Two of the panel’s 4 button rows are textured, which makes them simpler to differentiate with out having to look down. Uniquely, you’ll be able to bodily reposition this facet panel with an Allen key included within the field, so for those who discover the buttons troublesome to achieve by default, you’ll be able to handle that. Both approach, having a bunch of buttons proper below your thumb makes it a lot simpler to play MMOs like Remaining Fantasy XIV and even single-player RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, which ask you to navigate a number of “hotbars” of instructions at any given time.
Like most MMO mice, the Scimitar RGB Elite is on the bigger and heavier (108g) facet, however it’s not the bulkiest mannequin we’ve seen. Its form needs to be accommodating to palm and claw grips, and most hand sizes. The center has a rounded, not-overly-aggressive hump, whereas the underside is extra gently sloped than rivals like Razer’s Naga lineup. The general building feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and respectable PTFE toes. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW3391) isn’t precisely superior today, however it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no important points with latency, both.
Nonetheless, there are a couple of downsides. The braided cable feels sturdy however considerably stiff. The scroll wheel is grippy and correct sufficient, however it’s a contact too recessed between the primary buttons, and it might be firmer. These major buttons by no means really feel mushy, however they use mechanical switches, in order that they carry extra of a long-term sturdiness threat than optical alternate options. (Corsair charges them at 50 million clicks.) And Corsair’s iCue software program is, frankly, the worst: You can use it to customise key bindings, assign macros, modify the (gentle) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.
Nonetheless, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer possibility today. At a worth that often hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite provides higher worth than most. In the event you hate cables, Corsair sells a wi-fi model of the machine too.
- Cleverly textured facet buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
- Typically snug and well-built
- First rate worth relative to MMO mouse market
- Stiff cable
- Scroll wheel is simply too recessed
- Annoying software program
$59 at Amazon
Lamzu
Connectivity: Wi-fi, wired (USB-C) | Form: Symmetrical | Weight: 57 grams | Dimensions: 4.84 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches | Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 | Switches: Huano Clear Blue Shell Pink Dot | Most polling fee: 4,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): No score offered
Whereas our prime wi-fi picks are nice, we notice that they aren’t low-cost. If you would like a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as dear, think about the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K. Clunky title apart, it tracks precisely and feels well-built. Its mechanical clicks are crisp and full, whereas its scroll wheel is quiet and sufficiently tight. The light-weight wi-fi design (57g) is mushy within the hand, although it’s one other one that may decide up smudges pretty simply. It has a wider and lower-profile form than the Viper V3 Professional, notably towards the entrance, with a centered hump that isn’t fairly as aggressive. It’ll really feel at residence with a claw grip for any hand measurement, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it snug too. (Simply persist with the Viper for those who use a palm grip.) Past that, Lamzu’s companion software program is ugly however useful, and the included charging cable is suitably versatile.
The primary knock towards the Atlantis is the set of cutouts strewn about its baseplate, which scale back the burden however go away the mouse’s inside open to mud and particles. It’s higher to have these holes on the underside than the highest in the event that they should be there, however the Viper avoids this threat completely. That stated, the Atlantis prices $60 much less, so it’s an honest worth for a premium mouse.
- Satisfying clicks and quiet scroll wheel
- Comfortable for claw or fingertip grips
- First rate worth
- Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
- Not splendid for palm grips
- Ugly software program
$102 at Amazon
Pulsar Gaming Gears
(Xlite V3 Medium) Connectivity: Wi-fi, wired (USB-C) | Form: Symmetrical | Weight: 55 grams | Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.6 x 1.7 inches | Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 | Switches: Raesha Optical (90 M) | Most polling fee: 1,000Hz (4,000Hz with non-compulsory dongle) | Programmable buttons: 5 | Battery life (rated): As much as 100 hours at 1,000Hz
The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a superb various to the DeathAdder V3 Professional if you need a right-handed design. It has the same contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, however it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and huge variants, so you’ll be able to select a measurement that matches your arms finest. Every have inflexible outer shells and snappy optical buttons, although the graceful plastic coating isn’t as grippy as both of the DeathAdder’s finishes and the facet buttons aren’t as crisp.
Just like the Atlantis, the Xlite V3 additionally has cutouts throughout the underside, making it extra inclined to gunk. Nonetheless, it is a gentle, snug and extremely responsive ergo mouse. For a typical avenue worth of $70, it’s a powerful purchase.
We’ll observe that Pulsar has launched a revised model of this mouse known as the Xlite V4 since our final replace. We haven’t been in a position to take a look at it simply but, although it doesn’t seem like an enormous refresh, primarily including a more moderen sensor in successfully the identical form. We’ll replace this suggestion as soon as we’re in a position to get our arms on the V4, however for now we stand by our present decide, particularly when it’s out there for a lower cost.
- Strong worth
- Properly-suited for palm and claw grips
- Obtainable in several sizes
- Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
- Coating might be grippier
$100 at Amazon
Different gaming mice we examined
Notice: The next is a collection of particularly noteworthy mice we have examined, not a complete listing of each single mannequin we’ve put by its paces.
Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2
The Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 is a detailed rival to the Razer Viper V3 Professional for many who need a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has the same “potato”-style form, its monitoring is equally great and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. Not like the primary Superlight, it additionally fees over USB-C. However the Viper’s major clicks are crisper and extra pleasant-sounding, its facet buttons aren’t as mushy and its scroll wheel is each firmer and grippier. It’s additionally barely lighter.
Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX
The G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX is the ergonomic model of the Superlight 2, packing the identical sensor and hybrid switches in a chunkier, right-handed form. We discovered its proper facet to flare out somewhat an excessive amount of, although, usually leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with medium-sized arms might discover its middle hump to be too aggressive for constant aiming as properly. The DeathAdder V3 Professional’s major buttons are nonetheless extra invitingly curved and constant to press past that, whereas its coating isn’t as slippery. The DEX’s scroll wheel is tighter, and all of its inside tech is nice, so under no circumstances is that this a poor selection. However at $159, there are higher values on the market.
Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed
Very similar to the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, Razer’s Viper V3 HyperSpeed is a lower-cost variant of the top-end Viper V3 Professional. (Complicated, we all know.) At $70, it’s a strong worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are just about an identical to the extra premium mannequin, and although it technically has a worse sensor, the drop-off is hardly noticeable. The primary trade-off is that it’s heavier (about 82g), because it requires a AA battery for energy. That doesn’t make it outright hefty, however you’ll be able to really feel the distinction in twitchier video games. It makes use of older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE toes, too, plus it lacks a port for connecting a cable. So it’s not as near its massive sibling because the mid-tier DeathAdder. Some might desire that its DPI button is situated on the highest of the mouse, although, and its easier on-off change is sweet.
Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed
The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra reasonably priced wi-fi model of the Basilisk V3 with the identical snug form and structure, plus a quieter scroll wheel. As a result of it requires a AA battery for energy, although, it weighs round 115g. That is not nice for fast-paced video games. The scroll wheel can’t tilt left or proper, both, nor can it change between a ratcheted and free-spin mode. It additionally makes use of much less sturdy mechanical switches and solely helps one onboard profile. All that stated, it’s an honest worth at $70.
Pulsar X2 V2
The Pulsar X2 V2 is an efficient various to the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K if you need a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It has a broadly related form as Lazmu’s mouse however is marginally lighter. Its plastic shell is sweet and durable, however we discover its flatter sides and hump make it rather less inviting to palm and claw grips. It does use optical switches, however its major clicks aren’t as quiet or full-feeling as these of the Atlantis. It, too, has cutouts throughout the underside shell. We’ve seen the X2 V2 go for $70 on Amazon in latest months — at that worth, it’s nonetheless higher for FPS gamers than the Viper V3 HyperSpeed, however we desire the Atlantis when each are at their regular MSRP of $100.
Pwnage Stormbreaker
The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wi-fi mouse that’s largely created from magnesium alloy as a substitute of plastic. It performs about on par with our prime picks, which is great, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to go well with palm and claw grippers properly. (If you recognize BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is principally that.) Nonetheless, the intensive cutouts all around the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the machine extra inclined to mess buildup than the DeathAdder V3 Professional. Whereas the buttons and scroll wheel are impressively tight, the primary clicks are a bit too stiff and high-pitched for our liking. We additionally seen extra connection stutters than traditional on our take a look at PC, and it’s costly at $169.
BenQ Zowie U2
Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a superbly respectable various to the Viper V3 Professional that prices about $30 much less. It tracks nice, it’s light-weight (60g) and its mechanical clicks really feel wonderful. It additionally comes with two receivers, one in all which doubles as a helpful charging dock. It has a symmetrical form with sides that curve inwards and a decently-sized hump on the again; BenQ says it’s designed for claw grips, and it’s certainly good for that, however it must also work for fingertip grippers with bigger arms or palm grippers with smaller ones. Alas, the scroll wheel is gratingly loud and the plastic coating picks up smudges and hand oils prefer it’s its job. There’s additionally no configuration software program, which may make adjusting settings somewhat cumbersome, although some might desire not having to put in any further bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a reasonably fundamental 1,000Hz polling fee — that’s not an enormous deal in follow, however it is technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.
Logitech G309 Lightspeed
There isn’t a lot incorrect with the Logitech G309 Lightspeed in a vacuum. It’s constructed like a tank, its sensor is correct and its egg-like form ought to really feel OK, if not superlative, in most hand sizes and grip varieties. It makes use of the identical hybrid switches because the G Professional X Superlight 2, so the clicks don’t sound nice however are quick. It additionally has a supercapacitor inside, which supplies it successfully infinite battery life for those who personal Logitech’s (expensive) PowerPlay charging mat. That’s neat! Most individuals, although, might want to pop in a AA battery, which pushes the burden up round 85 grams. As most of that weight is felt towards the again, the mouse can really feel comparatively clunky to fling round in FPS video games. We’re not followers of the ugly recess throughout the center of the machine, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At $80, the G309 continues to be wonderful for extra informal varieties who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However except you utilize PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the similar worth.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is an honest wired mannequin for many who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s a lot gentle (53g) because of a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which are coated by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and extra snug, so we predict it’s price the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other strong, albeit heavier, possibility with the same form, however it’s not out there for buy.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi is a budget-friendly wi-fi variant of the Haste 2. It could be OK for those who should go wi-fi and solely have $50 to spend, as its shell feels sturdy and its low-profile form is well-suited to claw or fingertip grips. It’s a bit weightier than the wired Haste 2 (about 70g) because it runs on a AAA battery, however that’s nowhere close to heavy. That stated, its major buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed a couple of sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, notably once we had HyperX’s Ngenuity software program open.
Logitech G502 X
The Logitech G502 X has a usually related form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra facet buttons. Nonetheless, its major buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many arms, its rubber cable isn’t as versatile and it lacks RGB.
Logitech G203 Lightsync
The Logitech G203 Lightsync is our former price range decide. It’s usually out there within the $30 vary today, and at that worth it’s nonetheless wonderful if you need a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. You may really feel the fee reducing in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nonetheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger arms. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a wi-fi mannequin with kind of the identical form, however it requires a AA battery to work and thus weighs simply over 100g. It, too, feels considerably outdated in 2024.
Razer Cobra
The Razer Cobra is one other value-oriented wired possibility with a compact form. It’s a lot lighter (58g) than the Logitech G203, with a extra versatile cable and optical switches as a substitute of mechanical ones. It’s priced at $40, although, placing it in one thing of a no man’s land between the G203’s and Basilisk V3’s traditional going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however in case you have smaller arms, use a fingertip grip and need a symmetrical mouse on a budget, go for it.
Superb Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi
There’s a lot to love concerning the Superb Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi: an ergonomic form that’s harking back to the Basilisk V3/Logitech G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable facet buttons, the flexibility to attach over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a {smooth} scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for $100. Nonetheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each increase issues about its long-term sturdiness.
Superb Mannequin D 2 Wi-fi
The Superb Mannequin D 2 Wi-fi additionally has holes throughout its shell but doesn’t carry out or really feel considerably higher than different mice across the $100 mark. Critiques from different websites say it has latency points, too. The ergonomic Mannequin D 2 Professional and symmetrical Mannequin O 2 Professional aren’t loaded with cutouts, however their major buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.
Razer Naga Left-Handed Version
The Razer Naga Left-Handed Version isn’t almost nearly as good of a price because the Scimitar RGB Elite, however it’s one of many few MMO mice that’s really constructed for lefties.
Logitech G600
We’d proceed to advocate our former MMO decide, the outdated however splendidly versatile Logitech G600, however sadly it’s been discontinued.
What to search for in a gaming mouse
Wired vs. wi-fi
Shopping for a wi-fi gaming mouse used to imply sacrificing a sure stage of responsiveness, however fortunately, that’s not the case. Over the previous couple of years, wi-fi connectivity has improved to the purpose the place the distinction in latency between a very good wi-fi mannequin and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible.
Notice, nonetheless, that we’re strictly speaking about mice that use a 2.4GHz connection (over a USB dongle), not Bluetooth. Lots of the finest wi-fi gaming mouse fashions help each connection choices, which is nice for journey, however Bluetooth’s latency is usually too excessive to be dependable for gaming.
Going wi-fi nonetheless has different trade-offs, too. Battery life is enhancing on a regular basis, however with their larger efficiency calls for and RGB lighting, most wi-fi gaming mice often do not final so long as “normal” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t anticipate various days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you utilize usually. Some gaming mice provide wi-fi charging too, which makes issues a bit simpler. Good wi-fi gaming mice often come at a a lot larger value than their wired counterparts as properly.
That’s to not say the premium is rarely price it: Who needs but one other cable on their desk? You could want a wi-fi mannequin for those who hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is situated in an ungainly spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you’ll be able to hook up in a pinch as properly. But when worth is your main concern, a very good wired mouse could also be a greater worth.
Consolation and grip varieties
Everybody’s arms are totally different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “more comfortable” than one other is generally subjective. Guaranteeing your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve achieved our greatest to contemplate how every machine we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger arms alike.
We additionally thought of how every peripheral accommodates the three grip types most individuals use whereas holding a mouse: palm, fingertip and claw. As a refresher, a palm grip is when your entire hand rests on the mouse, together with your fingers resting flat on the primary buttons. A fingertip grip is if you steer the mouse solely with the ideas of your fingers, together with your palm not involved with the machine in any respect. A claw grip is when your palm solely touches the again fringe of the mouse, together with your fingers arched in a claw-like form towards the buttons.
Typically, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the dimensions of your hand, it’s possible you’ll want your mouse to be a particular size to make use of it comfortably. A fingertip grip can permit for extra speedy actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a stability between the 2. Swap and Click on has a very good breakdown for those who’d like a bit extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a specific grip type. For what it’s price, yours really is a claw gripper more often than not.
Construct high quality and design
A great gaming mouse feels sturdy and received’t flex or creak when used strenuously. We valued mice with none overly sharp angles or grooves that might be awkward for most individuals to carry. And whereas most gaming mice have plastic exteriors, not all plastic is created equal, so we regarded for finishes that have been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that usually include aggressive gaming periods.
The gaming mouse market is generally cut up between two design types: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are nearly all the time made with right-handed customers in thoughts and infrequently function devoted thumb rests. Ambidextrous mice are extra symmetrical and designed for use with both hand (although they might not have further buttons on each side). Whether or not an ergonomic or ambidextrous gaming mouse works finest for you is basically a matter of non-public desire.
A gaming mouse’s toes, in the meantime, ought to present a constant glide and scale back the friction between your mouse and mouse pad beneath it as a lot as attainable. For the most effective efficiency, search for toes created from PTFE (aka Teflon). All toes will ultimately put on down, however many mice include spares, and most producers promote replacements if wanted.
As for flashy RGB lighting, it’s a pleasant bonus, however little greater than that. Nonetheless, for those who’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra client tech may stand to do issues for pleasure’s sake). Extra virtually, some mice allow you to assign customized lighting settings to separate profiles, which may make it simpler to see which one you’re presently utilizing.
Weight
Gaming mice have gotten lighter and lighter through the years, with some latest releases weighing lower than 40 grams. Your mouse doesn’t want to be that feathery — something below 80g continues to be fairly gentle, and it’s not like a 100g mouse looks like a complete anchor. Regardless, a light-weight mouse makes it simpler to drag off quick actions repeatedly, with much less inertia. That stated, some gamers nonetheless take pleasure in somewhat little bit of bulk of their gaming mouse (comparatively talking), particularly with video games that aren’t as reliant on twitchy reactions.
To achieve these lightest weights, some producers have launched gaming mice with “honeycomb”-style designs, which function an array of cutouts within the outer shell. These mice can nonetheless carry out nice, however having a bunch of holes that expose the interior circuit board to attainable sweat, mud and detritus isn’t the most effective for long-term sturdiness.
Switches, buttons and scroll wheel
A rising variety of gaming mice use optical switches as a substitute of mechanical ones. Since these contain fewer bits making bodily contact, they need to usually be extra sturdy and fewer susceptible to undesirable “double-clicks” over time. Many avid gamers nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it isn’t like it’s best to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They only carry somewhat extra long-term threat in a vacuum.
Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, it’s your decision major buttons which have a softer really feel when pressed, with sufficient journey to make inadvertent actuations much less frequent. However even that may be a matter of desire: It’s your decision lighter buttons for those who play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally regarded to testing from websites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we advocate has a sufficiently low click on latency, which means your clicks will register with minimal lag.
Past the usual click on panels, a very good gaming mouse must also have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for at the least two further buttons on the thumb-side panel which are straightforward to achieve and troublesome to press by chance. Many mice have extra buttons, which is usually a plus, however not in the event that they pressure you to contort your fingers to keep away from hitting them. For MMO mice, having at the least 12 facet buttons is preferable so as to entry as many hotbar instructions as attainable.
As for the scroll wheel, it ought to have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant however make it clear if you’ve really scrolled. Its texture needs to be grippy, and it should not make a distracting quantity of noise when used. The wheel must also be clickable, providing you with one other enter to customise for sure video games (e.g., to regulate the zoom on a sniper rifle).
Sensors and efficiency
Some are more adept than others, however usually talking, the optical sensors constructed into most fashionable gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.
Whereas purchasing for gaming mice, you’ll see a variety of phrases associated to sensor efficiency. To be clear, a gaming mouse’s responsiveness doesn’t come right down to only one spec. However for readability’s sake, right here’s a rundown of the extra noteworthy jargon:
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DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of a mouse’s sensitivity. The upper the DPI setting, the extra your cursor will transfer with each inch you progress the mouse itself. Lots of the finest gaming mice promote extraordinarily excessive DPIs that prime out above 30,000, however that’s largely advertising and marketing fluff: Few individuals play above 3,000, with 800 a standard candy spot. This idea can be known as CPI (counts per inch), which might be the extra correct time period, although DPI is used extra usually.
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IPS, or inches per second, refers back to the most velocity a mouse sensor helps. The upper the IPS, the sooner you’ll be able to transfer the mouse earlier than it turns into incapable of monitoring motions appropriately.
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Acceleration goes with IPS. On this context, it refers to what number of Gs a mouse can stand up to earlier than it begins to trace inaccurately.
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Polling fee is a measure of how usually a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Typically, the extra ceaselessly your mouse stories info to your PC, the extra predictable its response time needs to be. Something at 500Hz or above is ok for gaming. The candy spot for many is 1,000Hz. Many more recent mice can go all the way in which as much as 8,000Hz, however you begin to see diminishing returns the upper you go except personal a robust PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh fee.
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Carry-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor beneath it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as attainable so as to keep away from unintended cursor actions whereas repositioning their mouse.
Software program and onboard reminiscence
It doesn’t take lengthy to search out horror tales about bugs and different niggling points attributable to gaming mouse software program, so the perfect app is one which doesn’t pressure you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to modify as most of the elements above as attainable, ideally to a number of distinct profiles. Ideally, it can save you your settings on to the mouse itself, letting you decide your customizations again up on one other machine with out having to redownload any software program. All that is most necessary on Home windows, however Mac compatibility is all the time good to have.
Guarantee and buyer help
Most main gaming mice manufacturers provide warranties between one and three years. The longer and extra intensive a producer’s program is, the higher. That is the case with most client tech, however we observe it right here as a result of the gaming mouse market is especially flush with merchandise from less-than-household names, lots of which you might even see overestimated on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the net. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however for those who ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s price checking that some stage of buyer help is in place. We’ve made certain our picks for the most effective gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor consumer opinions.
Latest updates
November 2024: We’ve up to date this information with testing notes on the Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX. We’ve additionally added mentions of the Razer Basilisk V3 35K and Pulsar Xlite V4, two not too long ago launched updates to a few our present picks. We intention to check these extra absolutely, alongside a couple of others, for our subsequent replace.
September 2024: We have fully refreshed this information for late 2024, including new major picks based mostly on form alongside notes on a number of different gaming mice we have examined in latest months. We’re now within the means of testing Logitech’s new G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX, a flagship ergonomic mouse that the corporate introduced proper as we have been placing the ending touches on this replace.
