The most effective gaming mouse in 2024

Whereas no gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Obligation, the precise mannequin may give you a better feeling of management and make your downtime altogether extra comfy. Which one is “greatest” for you finally comes all the way down to choice: Form is king, as they are saying, and everybody’s arms are totally different. However, we’ve examined dozens of well-regarded gaming mice over the previous a number of months and picked out a number of choices that glided above the remaining. After numerous hours in CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Ultimate Fantasy XIV and more PC games, these are our picks for one of the best gaming mice you should buy, plus some common suggestions to remember throughout your search.

Finest gaming mouse

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If cash is not any object, one of the best gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve examined is the Razer Viper V3 Pro. It prices a hefty $160, however it’ll provide you with little to complain about should you play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the worth.

With its flippantly 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 types. It’s a bit on the broader facet, and it in all probability works greatest with a claw or fingertip grip, however it’s not so brief or flat that it could possibly’t accommodate palm grippers. The primary mouse buttons are contoured in a method that provides your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both facet to subtly nudge them to the precise spot if you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other method, this is likely one of the safer shapes we’ve examined.

The Viper’s construct high quality is superb. 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 lined 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 smooth 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 very best mechanical switches, they’re nonetheless snappy to press, neither too agency nor too mild. 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 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 ft 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 under, few folks will truly seen any profit from leaping that top. Principally, it’ll simply zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Professional can stand up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is ok for this market and roughly in line with 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 offers 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 tougher to hit by chance. For the reason that machine 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, 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 arms of dedicated FPS gamers.

Professionals

• Distinctive efficiency
• Excellent construct high quality
• Snug for many grip varieties and hand sizes

Cons

• Costly
• Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
• Thick charging cable

$155 at Amazon

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If you would like a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs a lot 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 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 simple to whip round because the Viper, however its excessive, sideways-sloping hump ought to present a extra enjoyable 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 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 critically 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 taking a look at an analogous characteristic set. The optical important buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The flippantly notched scroll wheel is smooth, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at an honest 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 allows these increased charges within the field. The textured “classic base” mannequin comes with a smaller USB receiver that “solely” goes as much as 1,000Hz, however because it’s usually obtainable 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” choose right here. Though it’s positioned under the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Professional Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t surrender the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and smooth (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 foremost distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a slightly shorter hump. In case your arms are on the smaller facet, it’s value grabbing as an alternative.

Professionals

• Prime-shelf efficiency
• Light-weight
• Snug for these with medium to giant arms

Cons

• Costly
• Naggy software program
• Not very best for smaller arms

$118 at Walmart

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 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 mild, 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 method that makes them (comparatively) simple to swap out in a worst-case state of affairs. Typically, the machine’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, non-obligatory facet grips and bigger PTFE ft within the field.

By default, the primary clicks are on the stiffer facet 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 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 need a unique noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two facet buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re onerous to hit by chance.

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 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, however it’s a minimum of simpler to activate when there’s no battery drain to fret about. We additionally like Endgame Gear’s configuration software program, which seems to be 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 cost effective wired mouse, however it’s nonetheless a great way lower than wi-fi high-performance fashions. Probably the most urgent difficulty could also be that it could possibly fall out of inventory sometimes, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.

Professionals

• Quick to click on and flick
• Sturdy, ultralight design
• Mild and versatile cable
• {Hardware} is customizable

Cons

• A bit small for giant arms
• Aspect buttons really feel considerably hole
• Occasional inventory points

$75 at Endgame Gear

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

It’s a number 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 important 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 effectively with claw grips. Those that favor a fingertip grip or simply have smaller arms will doubtless discover it too chunky, nevertheless.

The design as an entire feels strong; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet if you press down onerous, however you’d need to exit of your technique 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 facet buttons and a devoted “sensitivity clutch” that allows you to momentarily drop to a decrease DPI for moments the place you might must intention extra exactly. The latter might be notably powerful 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 effectively over a yr of testing. Whereas important clicks aren’t almost 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 may be the weakest factor: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, however it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That mentioned, it could possibly 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 helpful outdoors of video games — say, when it’s good to scroll by way of an enormous 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 vast 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 a substitute, the Basilisk V3 is sensible 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 usually available for lower than $50 at third-party retailers nowadays, you possibly can think about it our favourite “worth” mannequin as effectively. 

Professionals

• Tremendous comfy for medium to giant arms
• Nicely-built, with versatile cable
• Versatile scroll wheel
• Good worth

Cons

• Too heavy to be very best for FPS video games
• Too cumbersome to be very best for small arms
• Scroll wheel is noisy
• Naggy software program

$44 at Walmart

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

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 tell apart with out having to look down. Uniquely, you possibly can bodily reposition this facet panel with an Allen key included within the field, so should you discover the buttons troublesome to achieve by default, you possibly can deal with that. Both method, having a bunch of buttons proper below 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) facet, however 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, however it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no significant issues with latency, both.

Nevertheless, there are a number 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 important 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, regulate the (delicate) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.

However, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer possibility nowadays. At a worth that often hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite presents higher worth than most. When you hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the machine too.

Professionals

• Cleverly textured facet buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
• Typically comfy and well-built
• Respectable worth relative to MMO mouse market

Cons

• Stiff cable
• Scroll wheel is simply too recessed
• Annoying software program

$60 at Amazon

Lamzu

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 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 smooth 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, notably 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 persist with the Viper should you 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 cut back the load 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 an honest worth for a premium mouse.

Professionals

• Satisfying clicks and quiet scroll wheel
• Comfortable for claw or fingertip grips
• Respectable worth

Cons

• Holes in baseplate depart inside open to mud and particles
• Not very best for palm grips
• Ugly software program

$102 at Amazon

Pulsar Gaming Gears

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 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 large variants, so you possibly can select a measurement that matches your arms 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 facet 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 robust purchase.

Professionals

• Strong worth
• Nicely-suited for palm and claw grips
• Out there in several sizes

Cons

• Holes in baseplate depart inside open to mud and particles
• Coating might be grippier

$70 at Amazon

Different gaming mice we examined

Be aware: The next is a collection of particularly noteworthy mice we have examined, not a complete record of each single mannequin we’ve put by way of its paces.

Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2

The Logitech G Pro 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 fees over USB-C. However the Viper’s important 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.

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 possibly can 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 large sibling because the mid-tier DeathAdder. Some might favor that its DPI button is situated on the highest of the mouse, although, and its less complicated on-off change is good.

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed

The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra inexpensive 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 an honest worth at $70.

Pulsar X2 V2

The Pulsar X2 V2 is an effective 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 comparable 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 important 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 favor 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 produced 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 swimsuit palm and claw grippers effectively. (If BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nevertheless, the in depth cutouts all around the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the machine 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 seen extra connection stutters than common on our check PC, and it’s costly at $169.

Zowie U2

Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a superbly first rate 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 nice. It additionally comes with two receivers, certainly one 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 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 a bit of cumbersome, although some might favor not having to put in any additional bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a reasonably fundamental 1,000Hz polling fee — that’s not an enormous deal in observe, 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 should you personal Logitech’s (expensive) PowerPlay charging mat. That’s neat! Most individuals, although, might want to pop in a AA battery, which pushes the load 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 nice 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 identical 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 effectively for aggressive play, and it’s a lot mild (53g) because of a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which are lined 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 not obtainable for buy.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless is a budget-friendly wi-fi variant of the Haste 2. It could be OK should 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 mentioned, its important buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed a number of sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, notably after 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 facet buttons. Nevertheless, its important 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 choose. It’s usually obtainable within the $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless nice if you need a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as potential. You’ll be able to really feel the price slicing 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 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 common going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however when you’ve got 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 in regards to the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless: an ergonomic form that’s paying homage 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. Nevertheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each increase considerations about its long-term sturdiness.

Superb Mannequin D 2 Wi-fi

The Glorious Model D 2 Wireless additionally has holes throughout its shell but doesn’t carry out or really feel considerably higher than different mice across the $100 mark. Reviews from other sites say it has latency points, too. The ergonomic Model D 2 Pro and symmetrical Model O 2 Pro aren’t loaded with cutouts, however their important buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.

Razer Naga Left-Handed Version

The Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition isn’t almost pretty much as good of a price because the Scimitar RGB Elite, however it’s one of many few MMO mice that’s truly constructed for lefties.

Logitech G600

We’d proceed to advocate our former MMO choose, 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 degree of responsiveness, however fortunately, that’s not the case. Over the previous few years, wi-fi connectivity has improved to the purpose the place the distinction in latency between a great wi-fi mannequin and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible.

Be aware, 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 bettering on a regular basis, however with their increased efficiency calls for and RGB lighting, most wi-fi gaming mice often do not final so long as “regular” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t count on various days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you utilize repeatedly. Some gaming mice supply wi-fi charging too, which makes issues a bit simpler. Good wi-fi gaming mice often come at a a lot increased value than their wired counterparts as effectively.

That’s to not say the premium isn’t value it: Who needs but one other cable on their desk? Chances are you’ll want a wi-fi mannequin should you 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 possibly can hook up in a pinch as effectively. But when worth is your major concern, a great wired mouse is often a greater worth.

Consolation and grip varieties

Everybody’s arms are totally different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “extra comfy” than one other is generally subjective. Making certain your consolation is probably the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve accomplished our greatest to think about how every machine we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger arms alike.

We additionally thought of how every machine accommodates the three grip kinds 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, along with your fingers resting flat on the primary buttons. A fingertip grip is if you steer the mouse solely with the guidelines of your fingers, along 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, along 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 scale of your hand, you might want your mouse to be a selected 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 steadiness between the 2. Switch and Click has a great breakdown should 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 value, yours really is a claw gripper more often than not.

Construct high quality and design

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 seemed for finishes that have been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that usually include aggressive gaming classes.

The gaming mouse market is generally break up between two design kinds: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are nearly all the time 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 additional 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 ft, 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 one of the best efficiency, search for ft produced from PTFE (aka Teflon). All ft 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, should you’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 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 present 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 below 80g continues 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 mentioned, some gamers nonetheless take pleasure in 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 succeed in 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 interior circuit board to potential 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 players nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it is not like you need to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They simply carry a bit of extra long-term danger in a vacuum.

Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, you might have considered trying important buttons which have a softer really feel when pressed, with sufficient journey to make inadvertent actuations much less frequent. However even that could be a matter of choice: It’s your decision lighter buttons should you play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally seemed to testing from sites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we advocate has a sufficiently low click on latency, that means your clicks will register with minimal lag.

Past the usual click on panels, a great gaming mouse must also have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for a minimum of two additional buttons on the thumb-side panel which are simple 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 a minimum of 12 facet buttons is preferable with a view 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 if you’ve truly scrolled. Its texture must 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 trendy gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.

Whereas looking for gaming mice, you’ll see a lot of 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:

• 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 and marketing fluff: Few folks play above 3,000, with 800 a standard candy spot. This idea can also be known as CPI (counts per inch), which is probably the extra correct time period, although DPI is used extra usually.

• IPS, or inches per second, refers back to the most velocity a mouse sensor helps. The upper the IPS, the quicker you possibly can transfer the mouse earlier than it turns into incapable of monitoring motions accurately.

• 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.

• Polling fee is a measure of how usually a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Typically, the extra steadily your mouse stories data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time must 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 best way 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 fee.

• Raise-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 view to keep away from unintended cursor actions whereas repositioning their mouse.

Software program and onboard reminiscence

It doesn’t take lengthy to seek out horror tales about bugs and different niggling points brought on by gaming mouse software program, so the best app is one which doesn’t pressure you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to regulate 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 choose 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 all the time good to have.

Guarantee and buyer help

Most main gaming mice manufacturers supply 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 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, a lot of which you may even see puffed up on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the internet. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however should you ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some degree of buyer help 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 utterly refreshed this information for late 2024, including new important 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 strategy of testing Logitech’s new G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX, a flagship ergonomic mouse that the company announced proper as we have been placing the ending touches on this replace.