Whereas no gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, the proper mannequin may give you a larger feeling of management and make your downtime altogether extra comfy. Which one is “best” for you in the end comes right down to desire: Form is king, as they are saying, and everybody’s arms are completely different. Nonetheless, we’ve examined dozens of well-regarded gaming mice over the previous a number of months and picked out just a few choices that glided above the remainder. After numerous hours in CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Remaining Fantasy XIV and extra PC video games, these are our picks for one of the best gaming mice you should purchase, plus some common ideas to remember throughout your search.
Finest gaming mouse
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If cash isn’t any object, one of the best gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve examined is the Razer Viper V3 Professional. It prices a hefty $160, nevertheless it’ll provide you with little to complain about when you play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the value.
With its calmly grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and delicate flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form must be comfy for a variety of hand sizes and grip sorts. It’s a bit on the broader aspect, and it most likely works finest with a claw or fingertip grip, nevertheless it’s not so quick or flat that it might’t accommodate palm grippers. The principle mouse buttons are contoured in a method that provides your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both aspect to subtly nudge them to the proper spot whenever you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other method, this is without doubt one of the safer shapes we’ve examined.
The Viper’s construct high quality is great. It’s impressively mild 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 tender to the contact. The principle click on buttons use sturdy optical switches however aren’t particularly loud. Although they aren’t fairly as full or crisp as the very best mechanical switches, they’re nonetheless snappy to press, neither too agency nor too mild. The 2 programmable aspect 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 nowadays, is successfully flawless. Razer’s Focus Professional 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 — say that 5 occasions quick — is mainly 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 ft and a rock-solid connection to an included “HyperPolling” dongle. The latter lets the mouse attain a most polling price of 8,000Hz, however as famous under, few individuals will truly observed any profit from leaping that top. Largely, it’ll simply zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Professional can rise up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is okay for this market and roughly in line with our expertise, however that drops to simply 17 hours at 8,000Hz.
If the value didn’t make it apparent, the Viper V3 Professional is for gaming fanatics. As such, it provides up a few of 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 system to make it more durable to hit accidentally. For the reason that system makes use of a particular dongle as an alternative of a standard receiver, it nonetheless requires you run a separate USB-C cable out of your PC. You’ll be able to join over that cable when the battery is low, fortunately, nevertheless 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 sorts and hand sizes
- Costly
- Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
- Thick charging cable
$155 at Amazon
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If you need a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Professional. It packs many 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 most likely be a contact too fats for smaller-handed of us and fingertip grippers. This sort of form isn’t as simple 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 an analogous 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet. There are different variations. The aspect buttons are greater, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless tough to hit accidentally. The design is heavier at 63 grams however nonetheless severely light-weight. The PTFE ft 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 an analogous function set. The optical predominant buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The calmly notched scroll wheel is tender, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at a good 90 hours, and you may join a lighter and extra versatile USB-C cable in a pinch. Each variations of the mouse additionally assist polling charges as much as 8,000Hz, although solely the SKU with the “smooth-touch” texture comes with a dongle that permits these increased 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 typically accessible for much less at third-party retailers, it’s most likely a greater worth. Normally, the most important knock in opposition to 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” choose right here. Though it’s positioned under the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Pro Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t surrender the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and tender (if smudge-heavy) coating of its greater sibling, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life ranking is definitely 10 hours increased at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The main 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 aspect, it’s price grabbing as an alternative.
- Prime-shelf efficiency
- Light-weight
- Snug for these with medium to giant arms
- Costly
- Naggy software program
- Not ideally suited for smaller arms
$118 at Walmart
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget
Should 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 provides a good bit of grip. The built-in cable is mild, 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 method that makes them (comparatively) simple to swap out in a worst-case state of affairs. Normally, the system’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, non-obligatory aspect grips and bigger PTFE ft within the field. By default, the primary clicks are on the stiffer aspect however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You’ll be able to truly set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both method the buttons are simple to spam. The suitable mouse button on our unit does sound just a little sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you may pop in quieter switches on a budget in order for you a unique noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two aspect buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re onerous to hit accidentally.
Sensor efficiency is predictably wonderful; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a variety of video games. With its mild weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, every little thing 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, nevertheless it’s not less than simpler to activate when there’s no battery drain to fret about. We additionally like Endgame Gear’s configuration software program, which appears to be like like one thing out of the Home windows 95 period however is easy to grok and takes up subsequent to no sources.
At $75, the OP1 8K definitely isn’t the most affordable wired mouse, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a great way lower than wi-fi high-performance fashions. Probably the most urgent concern could also be that it might fall out of inventory once in a while, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.
- Quick to click on and flick
- Sturdy, ultralight design
- Gentle and versatile cable
- {Hardware} is customizable
- A bit small for giant arms
- Aspect buttons really feel considerably hole
- Occasional inventory points
$75 at Endgame Gear
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
It’s just a few years previous, 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 predominant buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump operating down its center. It’s fantastically cozy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized arms, nevertheless it’ll additionally play effectively with claw grips. Those that desire a fingertip grip or simply have smaller arms will possible discover it too chunky, nevertheless.
The design as a complete feels sturdy; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right aspect whenever you press down onerous, however you’d must exit of your method to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is a lot versatile, whereas the PTFE ft 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 complete, together with two easy-to-reach aspect 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 shall be significantly robust for the smaller-handed to achieve comfortably, although.
The Basilisk V3 makes use of older optical switches than the opposite Razer fashions above, however we haven’t had any double-clicking points after effectively over a yr of testing. Whereas predominant clicks aren’t practically as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable steadiness between firmness and pace. They aren’t all that loud, both. Much like the Viper V3 Professional, the buttons are grooved in a method that naturally invitations your index and center fingers. The scroll wheel could be the weakest aspect: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, nevertheless it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That stated, it might tilt side-to-side — which helps clarify the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that allows you to swap between a standard ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That may be useful exterior of video games — say, when you must scroll by a large doc or Excel sheet.
Razer’s Synapse software program remains to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, nevertheless it makes customizing DPI ranges, macros and RGB results easy sufficient. It can save you as much as 5 completely 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 large body imply it’s not expressly designed for video games like these. It can also’t go above a 1,000Hz polling price. 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 a substitute, the Basilisk V3 is smart for righties who need a cozy and dependable mouse they’ll flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s normally accessible for lower than $50 at third-party retailers nowadays, you may take into account it our favourite “value” mannequin as effectively.
- Tremendous comfy for medium to giant arms
- Nicely-built, with versatile cable
- Versatile scroll wheel
- Good worth
- Too heavy to be ideally suited for FPS video games
- Too cumbersome to be ideally suited for small arms
- Scroll wheel is noisy
- Naggy software program
$44 at Walmart
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If you need 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 aspect 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 may bodily reposition this aspect panel with an Allen key included within the field, so when you discover the buttons tough to achieve by default, you may tackle that. Both method, having a bunch of buttons proper underneath 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) aspect, nevertheless it’s not the bulkiest mannequin we’ve seen. Its form must 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 development feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and first rate PTFE ft. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW 3391) isn’t precisely superior nowadays, nevertheless it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no vital points with latency, both.
Nonetheless, there are just a few downsides. The braided cable feels sturdy however considerably stiff. The scroll wheel is grippy and correct sufficient, nevertheless it’s a contact too recessed between the primary buttons, and it could possibly be firmer. These predominant 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 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, alter 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 choice nowadays. At a worth that normally hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite presents higher worth than most. Should you hate cables, Corsair sells a wi-fi model of the system too.
- Cleverly textured aspect buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
- Usually comfy and well-built
- Respectable worth relative to MMO mouse market
- Stiff cable
- Scroll wheel is just too recessed
- Annoying software program
$60 at Amazon
Lamzu
Whereas our prime wi-fi picks are nice, we understand that they aren’t low cost. If you need a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as expensive, take into account the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K. Clunky identify 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 design is light-weight (57g) and tender within the hand, although it’s one other one that may choose up smudges pretty simply. It has a wider and lower-profile form than the Viper V3 Professional, significantly 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 dimension, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it comfy too. (Simply stick to the Viper when you use a palm grip.) Past that, Lamzu’s companion software program is ugly however practical, and the included charging cable is suitably versatile.
The principle knock in opposition to the Atlantis is the set of cutouts strewn about its baseplate, which scale back the burden however depart 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 totally. That stated, the Atlantis prices $60 much less, so it’s a good worth for a premium mouse.
- Satisfying clicks and quiet scroll wheel
- Cozy for claw or fingertip grips
- Respectable worth
- Holes in baseplate depart inside open to mud and particles
- Not ideally suited for palm grips
- Ugly software program
$102 at Amazon
Pulsar Gaming Gears
The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a wonderful different to the DeathAdder V3 Professional in order for you a right-handed design. It has an analogous contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, nevertheless it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and huge variants, so you may select a dimension 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 aspect buttons aren’t as crisp. Just like the Atlantis, the Xlite V3 additionally has cutouts throughout the underside, making it extra prone to gunk. Nonetheless, it is a mild, comfy and extremely responsive ergo mouse. For a typical road worth of $70, it’s a powerful purchase.
- Strong worth
- Nicely-suited for palm and claw grips
- Obtainable in numerous sizes
- Holes in baseplate depart inside open to mud and particles
- Coating could possibly be grippier
$70 at Amazon
Different gaming mice we examined
Observe: The next is a collection of particularly noteworthy mice we have examined, not a complete record of each single mannequin we’ve put by its paces.
The Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 is an in depth rival to the Razer Viper V3 Professional for many who need a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has an analogous “potato”-style form, its monitoring is equally super and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. In contrast to the primary Superlight, it additionally prices over USB-C. However the Viper’s predominant clicks are crisper and extra pleasant-sounding, its aspect buttons aren’t as mushy and its scroll wheel is each firmer and grippier. It’s additionally barely lighter.
Very like 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 stable worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are just about similar to the extra premium mannequin, and although it technically has a worse sensor, the drop-off is hardly noticeable. The principle 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 may really feel the distinction in twitchier video games. It makes use of older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE ft, 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 less complicated on-off change is good.
The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra reasonably priced wi-fi model of the Basilisk V3 with the identical comfy form and format, 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 a good worth at $70.
The Pulsar X2 V2 is an efficient different to the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K in order for you 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 good 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 predominant 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.
The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wi-fi mouse that’s largely created from magnesium alloy as an alternative 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 effectively. (If you understand BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nonetheless, the in depth cutouts all around the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the system extra prone 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 observed extra connection stutters than traditional on our take a look at PC, and it’s costly at $169.
Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a wonderfully first rate different 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 effective. It additionally comes with two receivers, one in every of which doubles as a useful 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, nevertheless it also needs to 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 just a little cumbersome, although some might desire not having to put in any further bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a reasonably primary 1,000Hz polling price — that’s not an enormous deal in follow, nevertheless it is technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.
There isn’t a lot unsuitable 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 sorts. 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 when you personal Logitech’s (pricey) 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 system, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At $80, the G309 remains to be effective for extra informal sorts who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However except you employ PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the similar worth.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a good wired mannequin for many who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs effectively for aggressive play, and it’s a lot mild (53g) because of a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which can be coated by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and extra comfy, so we expect it’s price the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other stable, albeit heavier, choice with an analogous form, nevertheless it’s not accessible for buy.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi is a budget-friendly wi-fi variant of the Haste 2. It might be OK when you 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 predominant buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed just a few sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, significantly after we had HyperX’s Ngenuity software program open.
The Logitech G502 X has a usually related form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra aspect buttons. Nonetheless, its predominant buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many arms, its rubber cable isn’t as versatile and it lacks RGB.
The Logitech G203 Lightsync is our former funds choose. It’s typically accessible within the $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless effective in order for you a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as doable. You’ll be able to really feel the fee reducing in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nevertheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger arms. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a wi-fi mannequin with roughly the identical form, nevertheless it requires a AA battery to work and thus weighs simply over 100g. It, too, feels considerably outdated in 2024.
The Razer Cobra is one other value-oriented wired choice with a compact form. It’s a lot lighter (58g) than the Logitech G203, with a extra versatile cable and optical switches as an alternative 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 you probably have smaller arms, use a fingertip grip and need a symmetrical mouse on a budget, go for it.
There’s a lot to love in regards to the Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi: an ergonomic form that’s paying homage to the Basilisk V3/Logitech G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable aspect buttons, the power 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 elevate issues about its long-term sturdiness.
The Wonderful 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. Evaluations 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 predominant buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.
The Razer Naga Left-Handed Version isn’t practically nearly as good of a price because the Scimitar RGB Elite, nevertheless it’s one of many few MMO mice that’s truly constructed for lefties.
We’d proceed to suggest our former MMO choose, the previous 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.
Observe, nevertheless, 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 assist each connection choices, which is nice for journey, however Bluetooth’s latency is mostly 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 increased efficiency calls for and RGB lighting, most wi-fi gaming mice normally do not final so long as “normal” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t anticipate quite a lot of days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you employ often. Some gaming mice provide wi-fi charging too, which makes issues a bit simpler. Good wi-fi gaming mice normally come at a a lot increased value than their wired counterparts as effectively.
That’s to not say the premium isn’t price it: Who needs but one other cable on their desk? You could want a wi-fi mannequin when you hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is situated in a clumsy spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you may hook up in a pinch as effectively. But when worth is your main concern, a very good wired mouse is normally a greater worth.
Consolation and grip sorts
Everybody’s arms are completely different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “more comfortable” than one other is generally subjective. Making certain your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve carried out our greatest to contemplate how every system we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger arms alike.
We additionally thought of how every system 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 complete hand rests on the mouse, along with your fingers resting flat on the primary buttons. A fingertip grip is whenever you steer the mouse solely with the ideas of your fingers, along with your palm not involved with the system in any respect. A claw grip is when your palm solely touches the again fringe of the mouse, along with your fingers arched in a claw-like form towards the buttons.
Normally, 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 enable for extra fast actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a steadiness between the 2. Swap and Click on has a very good breakdown when you’d like a bit extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a selected grip model. For what it’s price, yours really is a claw gripper more often than not.
Construct high quality and design
A superb gaming mouse feels sturdy and received’t flex or creak when used strenuously. We valued mice with none overly sharp angles or grooves that could possibly be awkward for most individuals to carry. And whereas most gaming mice have plastic exteriors, not all plastic is created equal, so we seemed for finishes that had been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that always 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 ft, 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 doable. For one of the best efficiency, search for ft created from PTFE (aka Teflon). All ft will finally 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, when you’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra shopper tech might 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 at the moment 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 underneath 80g remains to be moderately mild, and it’s not like a 100g mouse looks like a complete anchor. Regardless, a light-weight mouse makes it simpler to tug off quick actions repeatedly, with much less inertia. That stated, some gamers nonetheless take pleasure in just a little little bit of bulk of their gaming mouse (comparatively talking), particularly with video games that aren’t as reliant on twitchy reactions.
To succeed in 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 doable sweat, mud and detritus isn’t one of the best for long-term sturdiness.
Switches, buttons and scroll wheel
A rising variety of gaming mice use optical switches as an alternative 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 you must keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They simply carry just a little extra long-term threat in a vacuum.
Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, it’s your decision predominant 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 when you play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally seemed to testing from websites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we suggest 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 also needs to have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for not less than two further buttons on the thumb-side panel which can be simple to achieve and tough to press accidentally. Many mice have extra buttons, which could be a plus, however not in the event that they power you to contort your fingers to keep away from hitting them. For MMO mice, having not less than 12 aspect buttons is preferable with the intention to entry as many hotbar instructions as doable.
As for the scroll wheel, it ought to have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant however make it clear whenever you’ve truly scrolled. Its texture must be grippy, and it should not make a distracting quantity of noise when used. The wheel also needs to be clickable, supplying 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 trendy gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.
Whereas purchasing for gaming mice, you’ll see numerous 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 typical candy spot. This idea can also be known as CPI (counts per inch), which might be the extra correct time period, although DPI is used extra typically.
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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 may 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 face up to earlier than it begins to trace inaccurately.
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Polling price is a measure of how typically a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Normally, the extra continuously your mouse studies data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time must be. Something at 500Hz or above is okay for gaming. The candy spot for many is 1,000Hz. Many more moderen 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 strong PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh price.
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Carry-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor under it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as doable with the intention 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 power you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to alter as lots of the points above as doable, ideally to a number of distinct profiles. Ideally, it can save you your settings on to the mouse itself, letting you choose your customizations again up on one other system 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 assist
Most main gaming mice manufacturers provide warranties between one and three years. The longer and extra in depth a producer’s program is, the higher. That is the case with most shopper tech, however we notice 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 may even see overrated on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the net. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however when you ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s price checking that some stage of buyer assist is in place. We’ve made certain our picks for one of the best gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor person critiques.
Latest updates
September 2024: We have fully refreshed this information for late 2024, including new predominant picks primarily based 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 had been placing the ending touches on this replace.
