The perfect gaming mouse in 2024

No gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, however an excellent one may give you a better sense of management whereas making your playtime extra snug. Which one is “greatest” will all the time be subjective: Form is king, because the adage goes, and everybody’s arms are totally different. That mentioned, we’ve examined dozens of well-reviewed gaming mice over the previous a number of months to seek out those that stood out essentially the most. After taking part in by numerous classes of CS2, Overwatch 2, Last Fantasy XIV and more PC games, listed here are our picks for the most effective gaming mice you should purchase, together with some common purchasing recommendation to bear in mind earlier than you pull the set off.

The perfect gaming mouse

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If cash isn’t any object, the most effective gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve examined is the Razer Viper V3 Pro. It prices a hefty $160, nevertheless it’ll provide you with little to complain about for those who play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the value.

With its flippantly grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and mild flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form needs to be snug for a variety of hand sizes and grip types. It’s a bit on the broader facet, and it most likely works greatest with a claw or fingertip grip, nevertheless it’s not so brief or flat that it could’t accommodate palm grippers. The principle mouse buttons are contoured in a method that offers your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both facet to subtly nudge them to the fitting spot whenever 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 gentle 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 mushy 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 gentle. The 2 programmable facet buttons are well-sized and straightforward 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 charge of 8,000Hz, however as famous under, few folks will really observed any profit from leaping that top. Principally, 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 per 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 among the perks you’d discover on extra mainstream mice: There’s no RGB lighting or Bluetooth, whereas the facility button/DPI switcher is positioned on the underside of the system to make it more durable to hit by chance. For the reason that system makes use of a particular dongle as a substitute of a conventional receiver, it nonetheless requires you run a separate USB-C cable out of your PC or gaming laptop. You possibly can join over that cable when the battery is low, fortunately, nevertheless it’s comparatively thick. And whereas Razer’s Synapse software program makes it easy sufficient to regulate settings, it’s one thing of a useful resource hog. It’s additionally Home windows-only. These are all nitpicks, although. The Viper V3 Professional is excellent, and it ought to really feel proper at residence within the arms of dedicated FPS gamers.

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

$160 at Amazon

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Connectivity: Wi-fi, wired (USB-C) | Form: Proper-handed | Weight: 63 grams | Dimensions: 5 x 2.67 x 1.73 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Professional 30K Optical Sensor | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 | Most polling charge: 8,000Hz (“basic base” mannequin requires elective dongle) | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): As much as 90 hours at 1,000Hz

In order for you a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs many of the similar strengths because the Viper V3 Professional however has a taller, barely wider and extra dramatically flared design that’s tailor-made to right-handed customers. Most individuals with medium to 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 of us 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 identical soft-touch end because the Viper V3 Professional, and one with a extra textured matte plastic coating. We examined the latter; it’s not as grippy or {smooth} to the contact, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet. 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 toes are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. And whereas the sensor is technically a era older, efficiency is successfully flawless.

In any other case, you’re an identical function set. The optical important buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The flippantly notched scroll wheel is mushy, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at a good 90 hours, and you may join a lighter and extra versatile USB-C cable in a pinch. Each variations of the mouse additionally help polling charges as much as 8,000Hz, although solely the SKU with the “smooth-touch” texture comes with a wi-fi dongle that allows these larger charges within the field. The textured “classic base” mannequin comes with a smaller USB receiver that “solely” goes as much as 1,000Hz, however because it’s typically out there for much less at third-party retailers, it’s most likely a greater worth. Basically, the largest 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 Professional Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t hand over the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and mushy (if smudge-heavy) coating of its greater sibling, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 10 hours larger at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The foremost distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a slightly shorter hump. In case your arms are on the smaller facet, it’s value grabbing as a substitute.

Execs

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

Cons

Costly
Naggy software program
Not preferrred for smaller arms

$115 at Walmart

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget

If you happen to 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 also can work in smaller arms. The entire thing is extremely sturdy, with no flex or rattle, whereas the graceful matte plastic coating offers a good bit of grip. The built-in cable is gentle, versatile and cleverly titled upwards on the base of the mouse, all of which helps scale back any dragging sensation as you throw your hand round.

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

By default, the primary clicks are on the stiffer facet however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You possibly can really 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 appropriate mouse button on our unit does sound a bit sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you may pop in quieter switches on a budget if you would like a distinct noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two facet buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re exhausting to hit by chance.

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 little thing about it feels tailored for snapping round in esports-style video games like Counter-Strike 2 that prioritize fast reactions. The mouse additionally helps polling charges as much as 8,000Hz — that’s nonetheless removed from important, nevertheless it’s 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 to be like like one thing out of the Home windows 95 period however is easy to grok and takes up subsequent to no sources.

At $75, the OP1 8K actually isn’t the most affordable wired mouse, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a great way lower than wi-fi high-performance fashions. Essentially the most urgent concern could also be that it could fall out of inventory occasionally, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.

Execs

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 working down its center. It’s fantastically comfortable for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized arms, nevertheless it’ll additionally play properly 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 strong; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet whenever you press down exhausting, however you’d should exit of your method to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is a lot versatile, whereas the PTFE 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 must goal extra exactly. The latter will probably 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 high picks, however we haven’t had any double-clicking points after properly over a yr of testing. Whereas important clicks aren’t practically as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable stability between firmness and velocity. They aren’t all that loud, both. Just like the Viper V3 Professional, the buttons are grooved in a method that naturally invitations your index and center fingers.

The scroll wheel is likely to be the weakest ingredient: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, nevertheless it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That mentioned, it could 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 outdoors of video games — say, when you want to scroll by an enormous doc or Excel sheet.

Razer’s Synapse software program remains to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, nevertheless it makes customizing DPI ranges, macros and RGB results easy sufficient. It can save you as much as 5 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 vast 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 a substitute, the Basilisk V3 is smart for righties who need a comfortable 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 may contemplate it our decide for the most effective price range gaming mouse as properly.

It’s value noting that Razer launched a barely refreshed mannequin referred to as the Basilisk V3 35K since our final replace. That one comes with a technically improved sensor and newer optical switches, although the burden and total form are nearly similar. Provided that we didn’t have many points with the tech inside authentic V3, we’d nonetheless advocate getting the older model whereas it’s nonetheless in inventory and out there for much less. If you happen to see the V3 35K on sale for the same worth, nevertheless, it needs to be protected to only get that one as a substitute.

Execs

Tremendous snug for medium to massive arms
Effectively-built, with versatile cable
Versatile scroll wheel
Good worth

Cons

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

$44 at Amazon

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 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 may bodily reposition this facet panel with an Allen key included within the field, so for those who discover the buttons troublesome to succeed in by default, you may handle that. Both method, having a number of buttons proper underneath 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, nevertheless it’s not the bulkiest mannequin we’ve seen. Its form needs to be accommodating to palm and claw grips, and most hand sizes. The center has a rounded, not-overly-aggressive hump, whereas the underside is extra gently sloped than rivals like Razer’s Naga lineup. The general development feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and first rate PTFE toes. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW3391) isn’t precisely superior nowadays, nevertheless it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no significant issues with latency, both.

Nonetheless, there are a number of downsides. The braided cable feels sturdy however considerably stiff. The scroll wheel is grippy and correct sufficient, nevertheless it’s a contact too recessed between the primary buttons, and it could possibly be firmer. These 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, alter 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 normally hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite provides higher worth than most. If you happen to hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the system too.

Execs

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

Cons

Stiff cable
Scroll wheel is simply too recessed
Annoying software program

$59 at Amazon

Lamzu

Whereas our high wi-fi picks are nice, we notice that they aren’t low-cost. In order for you a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as dear, contemplate 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 light-weight wi-fi design (57g) is mushy within the hand, although it’s one other one that may decide up smudges pretty simply. It has a wider and lower-profile form than the Viper V3 Professional, notably towards the entrance, with a centered hump that isn’t fairly as aggressive. It’ll really feel at residence with a claw grip for any hand dimension, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it snug too. (Simply keep on with the Viper for those who use a palm grip.) Past that, Lamzu’s companion software program is ugly however practical, and the included charging cable is suitably versatile.

The principle knock towards the Atlantis is the set of cutouts strewn about its baseplate, which scale back the burden however go away the mouse’s inside open to mud and particles. It’s higher to have these holes on the underside than the highest in the event that they have to be there, however the Viper avoids this danger solely. 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
Comfortable for claw or fingertip grips
Respectable worth

Cons

Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
Not preferrred 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 would like a right-handed design. It has an identical contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, nevertheless it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and large variants, so you may select a dimension 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 vulnerable to gunk. Nonetheless, this can be a gentle, snug and extremely responsive ergo mouse. For a typical avenue worth of $70, it’s a robust purchase.

We’ll word that Pulsar has launched a revised model of this mouse referred to as the Xlite V4 since our final replace. We haven’t been in a position to take a look at it simply but, although it doesn’t look like an enormous refresh, primarily including a more recent sensor in successfully the identical form. We’ll replace this advice as soon as we’re in a position to get our arms on the V4, however for now we stand by our present decide, particularly when it’s out there for a cheaper price.

Execs

Stable worth
Effectively-suited for palm and claw grips
Out there in several sizes

Cons

Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
Coating could possibly be grippier

$100 at Amazon

Different gaming mice we examined

The new Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 wireless gaming mouse. — The Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

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

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 an identical “potato”-style form, its monitoring is equally great and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. In contrast to the primary Superlight, it additionally expenses 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.

Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX

The G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is the ergonomic model of the Superlight 2, packing the identical sensor and hybrid switches in a chunkier, right-handed form. We discovered its proper facet to flare out a bit an excessive amount of, although, typically leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with medium-sized arms might discover its heart hump to be too aggressive for constant aiming as properly. The DeathAdder V3 Professional’s important buttons are nonetheless extra invitingly curved and constant to press past that, whereas its coating isn’t as slippery. The DEX’s scroll wheel is tighter, and all of its inner tech is nice, so under no circumstances is that this a poor alternative. However at $159, there are higher values on the market.

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed

Very similar to the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, Razer’s Viper V3 HyperSpeed is a lower-cost variant of the top-end Viper V3 Professional. (Complicated, we all know.) At $70, it’s a strong worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are nearly similar to the extra premium mannequin, and although it technically has a worse sensor, the drop-off is hardly noticeable. The principle trade-off is that it’s heavier (about 82g), because it requires a AA battery for energy. That doesn’t make it outright hefty, however you may really feel the distinction in twitchier video games. It makes use of older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE 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 want that its DPI button is positioned on the highest of the mouse, although, and its less complicated on-off swap is good.

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed

The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra reasonably priced wi-fi model of the Basilisk V3 with the identical snug form and structure, plus a quieter scroll wheel. As a result of it requires a AA battery for energy, although, it weighs round 115g. That is not nice for fast-paced video games. The scroll wheel can’t tilt left or proper, both, nor can it 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 various 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 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 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 high picks, which is superb, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to swimsuit palm and claw grippers properly. (If BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nonetheless, the in depth cutouts all around the sides and high shell are noticeable within the hand and make the system extra vulnerable to clutter buildup than the DeathAdder V3 Professional. Whereas the buttons and scroll wheel are impressively tight, the primary clicks are a bit too stiff and high-pitched for our liking. We additionally observed extra connection stutters than normal on our take a look at PC, and it’s costly at $169.

BenQ Zowie U2

Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a wonderfully 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, one among 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, nevertheless it also needs to work for fingertip grippers with bigger arms or palm grippers with smaller ones. Alas, the scroll wheel is gratingly loud and the plastic coating picks up smudges and hand oils prefer it’s its job. There’s additionally no configuration software program, which might make adjusting settings a bit cumbersome, although some might 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 apply, nevertheless it is technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot improper 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 for those who personal Logitech’s (expensive) PowerPlay charging mat. That’s neat! Most individuals, although, might want to pop in a AA battery, which pushes the burden up round 85 grams. As most of that weight is felt towards the again, the mouse can really feel comparatively clunky to fling round in FPS video games. We’re not followers of the ugly recess throughout the center of the system, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At $80, the G309 remains to be nice for extra informal varieties who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However until you utilize PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the similar worth.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a good wired mannequin for individuals who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s a lot gentle (53g) because of a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which are lined by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and extra snug, so we predict it’s value the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other strong, albeit heavier, possibility with an identical form, nevertheless it’s now not out there for buy.

A few of the gaming mice we tested for our latest update. Left to right: the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless, the Razer Cobra Pro, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2. — Just a few extra gaming mice we have examined. Left to proper: the Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi, the Razer Cobra Professional, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

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 for those who should go wi-fi and solely have $50 to spend, as its shell feels sturdy and its low-profile form is well-suited to claw or fingertip grips. It’s a bit weightier than the wired Haste 2 (about 70g) because it runs on a AAA battery, however that’s nowhere close to heavy. That 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 typically comparable form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra facet buttons. Nonetheless, 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 decide. It’s typically out there within the $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless nice if you would like a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. You possibly can 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, nevertheless 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 normal going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however if in case you have smaller arms, use a fingertip grip and need a symmetrical mouse on a budget, go for it.

A blue Logitech G203 Lightsync gaming mouse rested on top of a black mouse pad on a desk. — The Logitech G203 Lightsync (Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi

There’s a lot to love concerning 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 power to attach over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a {smooth} scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for $100. Nonetheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each elevate issues about its long-term sturdiness.

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 important buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.

Razer Naga Left-Handed Version

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

Logitech G600

We might proceed to advocate our former MMO decide, the outdated however splendidly versatile Logitech G600, however sadly it’s been discontinued.

What to search for in a gaming mouse

Wired vs. wi-fi

Shopping for a wi-fi gaming mouse used to imply sacrificing a sure stage of responsiveness, however fortunately, that’s now not the case. Over the previous few years, wi-fi connectivity has improved to the purpose the place the distinction in latency between an excellent 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 usually 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 count on various days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you utilize commonly. 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 value than their wired counterparts as properly.

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 for those who hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is positioned in an ungainly spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you may hook up in a pinch as properly. But when worth is your major concern, an excellent wired mouse could also be a greater worth.

Consolation and grip varieties

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

We additionally thought-about how every peripheral accommodates the three grip types most individuals use whereas holding a mouse: palm, fingertip and claw. As a refresher, a palm grip is when your complete hand rests on the mouse, along with your fingers resting flat on the primary buttons. A fingertip grip is whenever you steer the mouse solely with the guidelines of your fingers, along with your palm not in touch with the system in any respect. A claw grip is when your palm solely touches the again fringe of the mouse, along with your fingers arched in a claw-like form towards the buttons.

Basically, 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 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 stability between the 2. Switch and Click has an excellent breakdown for those who’d like a bit extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a selected grip type. For what it’s value, yours really is a claw gripper more often than not.

Construct high quality and design

A superb gaming mouse feels sturdy and received’t flex or creak when used strenuously. We valued mice with none overly sharp angles or grooves that could possibly be awkward for most individuals to carry. And whereas most gaming mice have plastic exteriors, not all plastic is created equal, so we seemed for finishes that have been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that always include aggressive gaming classes.

The gaming mouse market is usually break up between two design types: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are nearly all the time made with right-handed customers in thoughts and sometimes function devoted thumb rests. Ambidextrous mice are extra symmetrical and designed for use with both hand (although they could 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 private desire.

A gaming mouse’s toes, in the meantime, ought to present a constant glide and scale back the friction between your mouse and mouse pad beneath it as a lot as attainable. For the most effective efficiency, search for toes created from PTFE (aka Teflon). All toes will ultimately put on down, however many mice include spares, and most producers promote replacements if wanted.

As for flashy RGB lighting, it’s a pleasant bonus, however little greater than that. Nonetheless, for those who’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra client tech may stand to do issues for pleasure’s sake). Extra virtually, some mice allow you to assign customized lighting settings to separate profiles, which might 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 underneath 80g remains to be fairly gentle, and it’s not like a 100g mouse seems 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 little bit of bulk of their gaming mouse (comparatively talking), particularly with video games that aren’t as reliant on twitchy reactions.

To succeed in these lightest weights, some producers have launched gaming mice with “honeycomb”-style designs, which function an array of cutouts within the outer shell. These mice can nonetheless carry out nice, however having a bunch of holes that expose the interior circuit board to attainable sweat, mud and detritus isn’t the most effective for long-term sturdiness.

Switches, buttons and scroll wheel

A rising variety of gaming mice use optical switches as a substitute of mechanical ones. Since these contain fewer bits making bodily contact, they need to 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 is not like it is best to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They simply carry a bit 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 may be a matter of desire: You might have considered trying lighter buttons for those who 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, which means your clicks will register with minimal lag.

Past the usual click on panels, an excellent 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 are simple to succeed in and troublesome to press by chance. Many mice have extra buttons, which generally is a plus, however not in the event that they drive you to contort your fingers to keep away from hitting them. For MMO mice, having at the least 12 facet buttons is preferable to be able 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 whenever you’ve really scrolled. Its texture needs to be grippy, and it should not make a distracting quantity of noise when used. The wheel also needs to be clickable, providing you with one other enter to customise for sure video games (e.g., to regulate the zoom on a sniper rifle).

Sensors and efficiency

Some are more adept than others, however typically talking, the optical sensors constructed into most trendy gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.

Whereas searching for gaming mice, you’ll see quite 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 high out above 30,000, however that’s largely advertising and marketing fluff: Few folks play above 3,000, with 800 a typical 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 typically.
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 appropriately.
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 typically a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Basically, the extra continuously your mouse studies info to your PC, the extra predictable its response time needs to be. Something at 500Hz or above is okay for gaming. The candy spot for many is 1,000Hz. Many more moderen mice can go all the way in which as much as 8,000Hz, however you begin to see diminishing returns the upper you go until personal a robust PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh charge.
Carry-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor under it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as attainable to be able 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 attributable to gaming mouse software program, so the best app is one which doesn’t drive you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to alter as lots of the facets above as attainable, ideally to a number of distinct profiles. Ideally, it can save you your settings on to the mouse itself, letting you decide your customizations again up on one other system 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 provide warranties between one and three years. The longer and extra in depth a producer’s program is, the higher. That is the case with most client tech, however we word 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 overvalued on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the internet. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however for those who ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some stage of buyer help is in place. We’ve made positive our picks for the most effective gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor consumer critiques.

Latest updates

November 2024: We’ve up to date this information with testing notes on the Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX. We’ve additionally added mentions of the Razer Basilisk V3 35K and Pulsar Xlite V4, two just lately launched updates to a few our present picks. We goal to check these extra totally, alongside a number of others, for our subsequent replace.

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 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.

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