Whereas no gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, the best mannequin may give you a higher feeling of management and make your downtime altogether extra comfy. Which one is “best” for you in the end comes all the way down to choice: Form is king, as they are saying, and everybody’s palms are totally 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 remaining. After numerous hours in CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Ultimate Fantasy XIV and extra PC video games, these are our picks for the perfect gaming mice you should buy, plus some basic ideas to remember throughout your search.
Finest gaming mouse
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If cash isn’t any object, the perfect 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 if you happen to play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the worth.
With its calmly grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and delicate flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form ought to be comfy for a variety of hand sizes and grip varieties. It’s a bit on the broader aspect, and it most likely works greatest with a claw or fingertip grip, however it’s not so brief or flat that it will probably’t accommodate palm grippers. The primary mouse buttons are contoured in a approach that provides your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both aspect to subtly nudge them to the best spot once 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 superb. 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 identical 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 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 aspect buttons are well-sized and simple to succeed in. 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 instances 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 toes 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 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 simply 17 hours at 8,000Hz.
If the worth didn’t make it apparent, the Viper V3 Professional is for gaming lovers. As such, it provides up a number of the perks you’d discover on extra mainstream mice: There’s no RGB lighting or Bluetooth, whereas the facility button/DPI switcher is situated on the underside of the machine to make it more durable to hit accidentally. For the reason that machine makes use of a particular dongle as an alternative of a conventional 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, 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 dwelling within the palms of dedicated FPS gamers.
- Distinctive efficiency
- Excellent construct high quality
- Comfy for many grip varieties and hand sizes
- Costly
- Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
- Thick charging cable
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
In order for you a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Professional. It packs many of the identical 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 massive palms 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 people and fingertip grippers. This sort 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 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, however it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet.Additionally, the aspect buttons are larger, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless troublesome to hit accidentally. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, however nonetheless significantly light-weight. The PTFE toes are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. And whereas the sensor is technically a technology older, efficiency is successfully flawless.
In any other case, you’re an analogous characteristic set. The optical essential 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’ll 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 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 obtainable for much less at third-party retailers, it’s most likely a greater worth. Basically, 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 under the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Pro Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t quit the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and tender (if smudge-heavy) coating of its larger sibling, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 10 hours increased at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The most important distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a touch shorter hump. In case your palms are on the smaller aspect, it’s value grabbing as an alternative.
- Prime-shelf efficiency
- Light-weight
- Comfy for these with medium to massive palms
- Costly
- Naggy software program
- Not supreme for smaller palms
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget
When 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 slender than most mice we’ve examined, so it’ll be comfiest with a claw or fingertip grip, although a palm grip may work in smaller palms. 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 gentle, versatile and cleverly titled upwards on the base of the mouse, all of which helps cut 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. Basically, the machine’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, non-compulsory aspect grips and bigger PTFE toes within the field.
By default, the principle clicks are on the stiffer aspect however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You’ll be able to 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 proper mouse button on our unit does sound a bit of sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you’ll pop in quieter switches on a budget if you would like 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 exhausting to hit accidentally.
Sensor efficiency is predictably glorious; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a variety of video games. With its gentle weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, every part 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 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 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 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 subject could also be that it will probably fall out of inventory occasionally, 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 giant palms
- Facet buttons really feel considerably hole
- Occasional inventory points
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
It’s just a few 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 essential buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump operating down its center. It’s fantastically cozy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized palms, however it’ll additionally play properly with claw grips. Those that choose a fingertip grip or simply have smaller palms will probably discover it too chunky, nevertheless.
The design as a complete feels strong; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right aspect once you press down exhausting, however you’d need to exit of your option to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is loads 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 aspect buttons and a devoted “sensitivity clutch” that allows you to momentarily drop to a decrease DPI for moments the place you could have to intention extra exactly. The latter will likely be significantly robust for the smaller-handed to succeed in 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 yr of testing. Whereas essential clicks aren’t practically as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable steadiness 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 perhaps the weakest component: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, however it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That mentioned, it will probably 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 you could scroll by means of 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 gained’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. Whilst you completely can go off in Counter-Strike or Valorant with it, the mouse’s weight and broad 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 desire 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 obtainable for lower than $50 at third-party retailers nowadays, you may think about it our favourite “value” mannequin as properly.
- Tremendous comfy for medium to massive palms
- Properly-built, with versatile cable
- Versatile scroll wheel
- Good worth
- Too heavy to be supreme for FPS video games
- Too cumbersome to be supreme for small palms
- Scroll wheel is noisy
- Naggy software program
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
In order for you a mouse particularly designed for MMO and MOBA video games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does an important factor any MMO mouse can do, which is allow you to entry a number of in-game actions with minimal effort. That’s due to 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 tell apart with out having to look down. Uniquely, you may bodily reposition this aspect panel with an Allen key included within the field, so if you happen to discover the buttons troublesome to succeed in by default, you may deal with that. Both approach, having a bunch of buttons proper beneath your thumb makes it a lot simpler to play MMOs like Ultimate 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, however it’s not the bulkiest mannequin we’ve seen. Its form ought 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 development feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and first rate PTFE toes. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW 3391) isn’t precisely superior nowadays, 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 just a few 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 principle buttons, and it could possibly be firmer. These essential buttons by no means really feel mushy, however they use mechanical switches, so that they carry extra of a long-term sturdiness danger 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 (delicate) 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 nowadays. At a value that normally hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite presents higher worth than most. When you hate cables, Corsair sells a wi-fi model of the machine too.
- Cleverly textured aspect buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
- Typically comfy and well-built
- Respectable worth relative to MMO mouse market
- Stiff cable
- Scroll wheel is simply too recessed
- Annoying software program
Lamzu
Whereas our prime wi-fi picks are nice, we understand that they aren’t low cost. In order for you a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as expensive, think about 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 decide 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 dwelling with a claw grip for any hand measurement, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it comfy too. (Simply keep on with the Viper if you happen to use a palm grip.) Past that, Lamzu’s companion software program is ugly however practical, and the included charging cable is suitably versatile.
The primary knock towards the Atlantis is the set of cutouts strewn about its baseplate, which cut 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 have to be there, however the Viper avoids this danger fully. That mentioned, 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 supreme for palm grips
- Ugly software program
Pulsar Gaming Gears
The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a superb different to the DeathAdder V3 Professional if you would like a right-handed design. It has an analogous contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, however it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and massive variants, so you may select a measurement that matches your palms greatest. 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 vulnerable to gunk. Nonetheless, this can be a gentle, comfy and extremely responsive ergo mouse. For a typical avenue value of $70, it’s a powerful purchase.
- Stable worth
- Properly-suited for palm and claw grips
- Obtainable in several sizes
- Holes in baseplate depart inside open to mud and particles
- Coating could possibly be grippier
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 means of its paces.
Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2
The Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 is an in depth rival to the Razer Viper V3 Professional for many who desire a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has an analogous “potato”-style form, its monitoring is equally large and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. Not like the primary Superlight, it additionally prices over USB-C. However the Viper’s essential 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.
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 stable worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are just about equivalent 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 may 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 huge sibling because the mid-tier DeathAdder. Some might choose 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 comfy 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 mentioned, it’s a good worth at $70.
Pulsar X2 V2
The Pulsar X2 V2 is an effective different to the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K if you would like a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It has a broadly comparable 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 essential 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 value, it’s nonetheless higher for FPS gamers than the Viper V3 HyperSpeed, however we choose 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 an alternative of plastic. It performs about on par with our prime picks, which is superb, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to go well with palm and claw grippers properly. (If you realize BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nonetheless, the intensive cutouts all around the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the machine extra vulnerable to clutter buildup than the DeathAdder V3 Professional. Whereas the buttons and scroll wheel are impressively tight, the principle clicks are a bit too stiff and high-pitched for our liking. We additionally seen extra connection stutters than normal on our check PC, and it’s costly at $169.
BenQ Zowie U2
Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a superbly 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 high quality. It additionally comes with two receivers, one in every of 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 palms 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 a bit of cumbersome, although some might choose 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, however it is technically behind many different mice on this value vary.
Logitech G309 Lightspeed
There isn’t a lot fallacious 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 if you happen to 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 machine, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At $80, the G309 continues to be high quality for extra informal varieties who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However until you employ PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the identical value.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a good wired mannequin for many who desire a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s loads gentle (53g) due to 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 comfy, so we predict it’s value the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other stable, albeit heavier, possibility with an analogous form, however it’s now not obtainable 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 if you happen to 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 mentioned, its essential buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed just a few sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, significantly once we had HyperX’s Ngenuity software program open.
Logitech G502 X
The Logitech G502 X has a usually comparable form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra aspect buttons. Nonetheless, its essential buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many palms, its rubber cable isn’t as versatile and it lacks RGB.
Logitech G203 Lightsync
The Logitech G203 Lightsync is our former finances decide. It’s typically obtainable within the $30 vary nowadays, and at that value it’s nonetheless high quality if you would like a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as potential. You’ll be able to really feel the fee chopping in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nevertheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger palms. 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 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 normal going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however when you’ve got smaller palms, use a fingertip grip and desire a symmetrical mouse on a budget, go for it.
Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi
There’s loads 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 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 elevate issues about its long-term sturdiness.
Wonderful Mannequin D 2 Wi-fi
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. Opinions 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 essential buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.
Razer Naga Left-Handed Version
The Razer Naga Left-Handed Version isn’t practically pretty much 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 suggest 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 now not the case. Over the previous few 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, nevertheless, that we’re strictly speaking about mice that use a 2.4GHz connection (over a USB dongle), not Bluetooth. Most of the greatest wi-fi gaming mouse fashions help 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 price than their wired counterparts as properly.
That’s to not say the premium isn’t value it: Who needs but one other cable on their desk? You could want a wi-fi mannequin if you happen to 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 may hook up in a pinch as properly. But when value is your main concern, a very good wired mouse is normally a greater worth.
Consolation and grip varieties
Everybody’s palms 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 palms alike.
We additionally thought-about how every machine 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, together with your fingers resting flat on the principle buttons. A fingertip grip is once you steer the mouse solely with the ideas of your fingers, together with your palm not in touch 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.
Basically, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the dimensions of your hand, you could want your mouse to be a selected size to make use of it comfortably. A fingertip grip can enable for extra speedy actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a steadiness between the 2. Swap and Click on has a very good breakdown if you happen to’d like a bit extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a specific grip model. For what it’s value, yours actually is a claw gripper more often than not.
Construct high quality and design
An excellent gaming mouse feels sturdy and gained’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 appeared 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 at all times made with right-handed customers in thoughts and sometimes characteristic devoted thumb rests. Ambidextrous mice are extra symmetrical and designed for use with both hand (although they might not have further buttons on either side). Whether or not an ergonomic or ambidextrous gaming mouse works greatest for you is basically a matter of non-public choice.
A gaming mouse’s toes, in the meantime, ought to present a constant glide and cut back the friction between your mouse and mouse pad beneath it as a lot as potential. For the perfect 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, if you happen to’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 presently utilizing.
Weight
Gaming mice have gotten lighter and lighter over time, with some latest releases weighing lower than 40 grams. Your mouse doesn’t want to be that feathery — something beneath 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 mentioned, some gamers nonetheless get pleasure from a bit of 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 characteristic an array of cutouts within the outer shell. These mice can nonetheless carry out nice, however having a bunch of holes that expose the inner circuit board to potential sweat, mud and detritus isn’t the perfect 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 players nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it isn’t like it is best to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They only carry a bit of extra long-term danger in a vacuum.
Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, it’s your decision essential 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 choice: It’s your decision lighter buttons if you happen to play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally appeared 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 must also 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 are straightforward to succeed in and troublesome 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 a purpose to entry as many hotbar instructions as potential.
As for the scroll wheel, it ought to have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant however make it clear once you’ve really scrolled. Its texture ought to be grippy, and it should not make a distracting quantity of noise when used. The wheel must also be clickable, supplying you with one other enter to customise for sure video games (e.g., to manage 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 searching for gaming mice, you’ll see numerous phrases associated to sensor efficiency. To be clear, a gaming mouse’s responsiveness doesn’t come all the way 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. Most of the greatest gaming mice promote extraordinarily excessive DPIs that prime out above 30,000, however that’s largely advertising fluff: Few individuals play above 3,000, with 800 a standard 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 quicker you may transfer the mouse earlier than it turns into incapable of monitoring motions accurately.
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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 price is a measure of how typically a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Basically, the extra ceaselessly your mouse experiences data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time ought 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 until personal a strong PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh price.
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Elevate-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 potential with a purpose 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 brought on by 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 modify as lots of the points above as potential, 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 vital on Home windows, however Mac compatibility is at all times 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 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 might even see overrated on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the internet. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however if you happen to ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some stage of buyer help is in place. We’ve made positive our picks for the perfect gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor person critiques.
Latest updates
September 2024: We have utterly refreshed this information for late 2024, including new essential 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 technique of testing Logitech’s new G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX, a flagship ergonomic mouse that the firm introduced proper as we had been placing the ending touches on this replace.
