The most effective gaming mouse in 2024

Whereas no gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, the precise mannequin can provide you a larger feeling of management and make your downtime altogether extra comfy. Which one is “finest” for you finally comes right down to choice: Form is king, as they are saying, and everybody’s arms 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, Last Fantasy XIV and more PC games, these are our picks for one of the best 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, 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 in case 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 mild flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form ought to be comfy for a variety of hand sizes and grip types. It’s a bit on the broader facet, and it most likely works finest with a claw or fingertip grip, however it’s not so quick or flat that it might probably’t accommodate palm grippers. The principle mouse buttons are contoured in a approach that provides your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both facet to subtly nudge them to the precise spot once you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other approach, this is among 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 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 delicate 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 best possible 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 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 today, is successfully flawless. Razer’s Focus Professional 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 — say that 5 instances quick — is principally overkill from a technological perspective however makes the mouse exceptionally correct and constant all the identical. It’s aided by amply-sized, smooth-gliding PTFE toes and a rock-solid connection to an included “HyperPolling” dongle. The latter lets the mouse attain a most polling charge of 8,000Hz, however as famous beneath, few individuals will really observed any profit from leaping that prime. 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 only 17 hours at 8,000Hz.

If the value didn’t make it apparent, the Viper V3 Professional is for gaming fanatics. As such, it offers up a few 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 a substitute 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 residence within the arms of dedicated FPS gamers.

Execs

• Distinctive efficiency
• Very good construct high quality
• Comfy 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’d like a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs a lot of the similar strengths because the Viper V3 Professional however has a taller, barely wider and extra dramatically flared design that’s tailor-made to right-handed customers. Most individuals with medium to massive 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 people 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 the same soft-touch end because the Viper V3 Professional, and one with a extra textured matte plastic coating. We examined the latter; it’s not as grippy or {smooth} to the contact, however it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet.Additionally, the facet buttons are greater, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless tough to hit accidentally. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, however nonetheless severely light-weight. The PTFE toes are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. And whereas the sensor is technically a technology older, efficiency is successfully flawless.

In any other case, you’re taking a look at the same characteristic set. The optical predominant buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The calmly notched scroll wheel is delicate, 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 assist polling charges as much as 8,000Hz, although solely the SKU with the “smooth-touch” texture comes with a dongle that allows these larger 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 accessible for much less at third-party retailers, it’s most likely 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 beneath the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Professional Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t quit the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and delicate (if smudge-heavy) coating of its greater sibling, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 10 hours larger at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The foremost distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a touch shorter hump. In case your arms are on the smaller facet, it’s value grabbing as a substitute.

Execs

• Prime-shelf efficiency
• Light-weight
• Comfy for these with medium to massive arms

Cons

• Costly
• Naggy software program
• Not splendid for smaller arms

$118 at Walmart

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget

In case 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 may 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 scale back any dragging sensation as you throw your hand round.

The OP1 8K makes use of mechanical switches, however the mouse is designed in a approach that makes them (comparatively) simple to swap out in a worst-case situation. Typically, the machine’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, non-obligatory facet grips and bigger PTFE toes within the field.

By default, the principle clicks are on the stiffer facet 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 simple to spam. The appropriate 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 in order for you a special 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 accidentally.

Sensor efficiency is predictably wonderful; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a spread of video games. With its mild 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 at the least simpler to activate when there’s no battery drain to fret about. We additionally like Endgame Gear’s configuration software program, which appears like one thing out of the Home windows 95 period however is easy to grok and takes up subsequent to no sources.

At $75, the OP1 8K definitely 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 problem could also be that it might probably fall out of inventory now and again, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.

Execs

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

Cons

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

$75 at Endgame Gear

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 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, however it’ll additionally play nicely with claw grips. Those that want a fingertip grip or simply have smaller arms will possible discover it too chunky, nevertheless.

The design as an entire feels sturdy; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet once 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 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 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 it’s possible you’ll have to intention extra exactly. The latter might be notably powerful 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 nicely over a yr of testing. Whereas predominant clicks aren’t almost as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable stability between firmness and pace. 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 could be 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 might 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 useful outdoors of video games — say, when it’s worthwhile to scroll by means 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. 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 charge. In some ways, that is the precise reverse of the OP1 8K, a tool that feels designed from the bottom up for aggressive fare. As an alternative, the Basilisk V3 is 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 today, you may take into account it our favourite “worth” mannequin as nicely. 

Execs

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

Cons

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

$44 at Walmart

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If you’d like 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 facet buttons, all of which ship a cushty, 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 facet panel with an Allen key included within the field, so in case you discover the buttons tough to succeed in by default, you may handle that. Both approach, having a number of buttons proper below your thumb makes it a lot simpler to play MMOs like Last 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 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 building feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and respectable PTFE toes. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW 3391) isn’t precisely superior today, however it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no significant issues 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 might be firmer. These predominant 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 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 possibility today. At a worth that normally hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite gives higher worth than most. In case you hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the machine too.

Execs

• Cleverly textured facet buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
• Usually comfy and well-built
• First rate 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’d like a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as dear, take into account the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K. Clunky title apart, it tracks precisely and feels well-built. Its mechanical clicks are crisp and full, whereas its scroll wheel is quiet and sufficiently tight. The design is light-weight (57g) and delicate 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 residence with a claw grip for any hand dimension, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it comfy too. (Simply stick to the Viper in case you use a palm grip.) Past that, Lamzu’s companion software program is ugly however purposeful, and the included charging cable is suitably versatile.

The principle knock towards the Atlantis is the set of cutouts strewn about its baseplate, which scale back the load however go away the mouse’s inside open to mud and particles. It’s higher to have these holes on the underside than the highest in the event that they have to be there, however the Viper avoids this danger completely. That mentioned, the Atlantis prices $60 much less, so it’s a good worth for a premium mouse.

Execs

• Satisfying clicks and quiet scroll wheel
• Cozy for claw or fingertip grips
• First rate worth

Cons

• Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
• Not splendid for palm grips
• Ugly software program

$102 at Amazon

Different gaming mice we examined

Word: The next is a number 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 Pro X Superlight 2 is a detailed rival to the Razer Viper V3 Professional for individuals who need a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has the same “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 fees over USB-C. However the Viper’s predominant 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 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 nearly equivalent 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 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 could want that its DPI button is situated on the highest of the mouse, although, and its less complicated on-off swap is sweet.

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 swap 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 in order for you 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 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 want the Atlantis when each are at their regular MSRP of $100.

Pwnage Stormbreaker

The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wi-fi mouse that’s largely created from magnesium alloy as a substitute of plastic. It performs about on par with our prime picks, which is superb, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to go well with palm and claw grippers nicely. (If you already know BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is principally that.) Nonetheless, the intensive cutouts everywhere in the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the machine extra prone 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 observed extra connection stutters than regular on our take a look at PC, and it’s costly at $169.

Zowie U2

Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a wonderfully respectable 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 among 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, however 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 might make adjusting settings a bit of cumbersome, although some could want not having to put in any further bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a reasonably primary 1,000Hz polling charge — that’s not an enormous deal in follow, however it is technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot 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 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 provides it successfully infinite battery life in case 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 effective 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 similar worth.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a good wired mannequin for individuals who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs nicely for aggressive play, and it’s loads mild (53g) due to a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which can be 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 the same form, however it’s not accessible 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 might be OK in case 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 predominant buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed just a few sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, notably once we had HyperX’s Ngenuity software program open.

Logitech G502 X

The Logitech G502 X has a typically comparable form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra facet 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.

Logitech G203 Lightsync

The Logitech G203 Lightsync is our former funds choose. It’s usually accessible within the $30 vary today, and at that worth it’s nonetheless effective in order for you a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. 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 roughly the identical form, however it requires a AA battery to work and thus weighs simply over 100g. It, too, feels considerably outdated in 2024.

Razer Cobra

The Razer Cobra is one other value-oriented wired possibility with a compact form. It’s a lot lighter (58g) than the Logitech G203, with a extra versatile cable and optical switches as a substitute of mechanical ones. It’s priced at $40, although, placing it in one thing of a no man’s land between the G203’s and Basilisk V3’s regular going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however in case you have smaller arms, use a fingertip grip and need a symmetrical mouse on a budget, go for it.

Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi

There’s loads to love in regards to the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless: an ergonomic form that’s harking back to the Basilisk V3/Logitech G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable facet buttons, the flexibility to attach over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a {smooth} scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for $100. Nonetheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each increase considerations about its long-term sturdiness.

Wonderful 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 predominant 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 really constructed for lefties.

Logitech G600

We’d proceed to suggest 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 very good wi-fi mannequin and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible.

Word, 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 bettering on a regular basis, however with their larger efficiency calls for and RGB lighting, most wi-fi gaming mice normally do not final so long as “regular” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t anticipate quite a lot of days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you employ repeatedly. 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 larger price than their wired counterparts as nicely.

That’s to not say the premium is rarely value it: Who desires but one other cable on their desk? Chances are you’ll want a wi-fi mannequin in case 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 nicely. But when worth is your main concern, a very good wired mouse is normally 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. Guaranteeing your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve achieved our greatest to contemplate how every machine we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger arms alike.

We additionally thought-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 entire 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.

Typically, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the scale of your hand, it’s possible you’ll want your mouse to be a particular size to make use of it comfortably. A fingertip grip can permit for extra speedy actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a stability between the 2. Switch and Click has a very good breakdown in case you’d like a bit extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a selected grip fashion. 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 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 always include aggressive gaming classes.

The gaming mouse market is generally cut up between two design types: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are virtually 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 could not have further buttons on each side). Whether or not an ergonomic or ambidextrous gaming mouse works finest for you is essentially a matter of private choice.

A gaming mouse’s toes, in the meantime, ought to present a constant glide and scale back the friction between your mouse and mouse pad beneath it as a lot as attainable. For one of the best efficiency, search for toes created from PTFE (aka Teflon). All toes 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, in case 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 might make it simpler to see which one you’re at the moment 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 fairly mild, and it’s not like a 100g mouse appears 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 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 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 attainable 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 a substitute of mechanical ones. Since these contain fewer bits making bodily contact, they need to typically be extra sturdy and fewer liable 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 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 choice: It’s your decision lighter buttons in case you play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally seemed to testing from sites 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 at the least two further buttons on the thumb-side panel which can be simple to succeed in 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 at the least 12 facet buttons is preferable with the intention to entry as many hotbar instructions as attainable.

As for the scroll wheel, it ought to have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant however make it clear 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 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 typically 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 a variety of phrases associated to sensor efficiency. To be clear, a gaming mouse’s responsiveness doesn’t come right down to only one spec. However for readability’s sake, right here’s a rundown of the extra noteworthy jargon:

• 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 fluff: Few individuals play above 3,000, with 800 a standard candy spot. This idea can 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 may 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 face up to earlier than it begins to trace inaccurately.

• Polling charge is a measure of how usually a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Typically, the extra regularly your mouse reviews data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time ought to be. Something at 500Hz or above is okay 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 robust PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh charge.

• Raise-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor beneath it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as attainable 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 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 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 attainable, 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 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 intensive a producer’s program is, the higher. That is the case with most client 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 overestimated on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the net. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however in case you ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some degree 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 consumer 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 technique 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.