Whereas no gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, the best mannequin may give you a better feeling of management and make your downtime altogether extra snug. Which one is “best” for you finally comes right down to desire: 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 a couple of choices that glided above the remaining. After numerous hours in CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Remaining Fantasy XIV and extra PC video games, these are our picks for the most effective gaming mice you should purchase, plus some basic suggestions to remember throughout your search.
Greatest gaming mouse
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If cash is not any object, the most effective gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve examined is the Razer Viper V3 Professional. It prices a hefty $160, however it’ll provide you with little to complain about for those who play a ton of aggressive PC video games and may abdomen the worth.
With its frivolously grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and delicate flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form needs to be snug for a variety of hand sizes and grip varieties. 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 quick or flat that it might’t accommodate palm grippers. The primary mouse buttons are contoured in a means that offers your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both facet to subtly nudge them to the best spot once you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other means, this is among the safer shapes we’ve examined.
The Viper’s construct high quality is great. 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 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 gentle. 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 nowadays, 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 price of 8,000Hz, however as famous under, few folks will really seen 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 ok for this market and roughly in step 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 fans. As such, it provides 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 gadget to make it tougher to hit accidentally. For the reason that gadget 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 may 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.
- Distinctive efficiency
- Very good construct high quality
- Snug for many grip varieties and hand sizes
- Costly
- Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
- Thick charging cable
$155 at Amazon
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If you need a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Professional. 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 in all probability be a contact too fats for smaller-handed people and fingertip grippers. This type of form isn’t as straightforward to whip round because the Viper, however its excessive, sideways-sloping hump ought to present a extra stress-free place to relaxation your hand over the course of the day.
Razer sells two variants of the DeathAdder V3 Professional: one with an 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, however it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet.Additionally, the facet buttons are larger, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless troublesome to hit accidentally. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, however nonetheless critically light-weight. The PTFE toes are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. And whereas the sensor is technically a technology older, efficiency is successfully flawless.
In any other case, you’re an identical characteristic set. The optical most important buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The frivolously notched scroll wheel is smooth, 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 dongle that allows these increased charges within the field. The textured “classic base” mannequin comes with a smaller USB receiver that “only” goes as much as 1,000Hz, however because it’s typically accessible for much less at third-party retailers, it’s in all probability a greater worth. Normally, the largest knock in opposition to the DeathAdder V3 Professional is that it’s costly, with the 8,000Hz mannequin priced at $160.
The newer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which prices $99, is a “1B” choose right here. Though it’s positioned under the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Pro Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t surrender the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and smooth (if smudge-heavy) coating of its larger 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 key 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 price grabbing as an alternative.
- High-shelf efficiency
- Light-weight
- Snug for these with medium to massive arms
- Costly
- Naggy software program
- Not perfect for smaller arms
$118 at Walmart
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget
Should you don’t thoughts connecting over a cable, our favourite wired gaming mouse with a symmetrical design is the Endgame Gear OP1 8K. It weighs simply 50 grams and has a easy design with flat sides and a reasonably-sized hump sloping down the again. It’s a bit smaller and extra slim than most mice we’ve examined, so it’ll be comfiest with a claw or fingertip grip, although a palm grip may work in smaller arms. The entire thing is extremely sturdy, with no flex or rattle, whereas the sleek matte plastic coating provides a good bit of grip. The built-in cable is gentle, versatile and cleverly titled upwards on the base of the mouse, all of which helps 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 means that makes them (comparatively) straightforward to swap out in a worst-case state of affairs. Normally, the gadget’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 primary clicks are on the stiffer facet however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You may really set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both means the buttons are straightforward to spam. The proper mouse button on our unit does sound a little bit sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you may pop in quieter switches on a budget if you’d 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 accidentally.
Sensor efficiency is predictably wonderful; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a spread of video games. With its gentle weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, the whole lot 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 like one thing out of the Home windows 95 period however is easy to grok and takes up subsequent to no assets.
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. Essentially the most urgent concern could also be that it might fall out of inventory every so often, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.
- Quick to click on and flick
- Sturdy, ultralight design
- Mild and versatile cable
- {Hardware} is customizable
- A bit small for giant arms
- Aspect buttons really feel considerably hole
- Occasional inventory points
$75 at Endgame Gear
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
It’s a couple 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 most important buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump working down its center. It’s fantastically cozy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized arms, however it’ll additionally play properly with claw grips. Those that want a fingertip grip or simply have smaller arms will seemingly discover it too chunky, nonetheless.
The design as a complete feels sturdy; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet once you press down exhausting, however you’d should exit of your strategy to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is lots 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 will likely be significantly 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 12 months of testing. Whereas most important clicks aren’t almost 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 means that naturally invitations your index and center fingers.
The scroll wheel is perhaps 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 might tilt side-to-side — which helps clarify the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that allows you to swap between a standard ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That may be helpful exterior of video games — say, when you might want to scroll by means of a large doc or Excel sheet.
Razer’s Synapse software program continues to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, however it makes customizing DPI ranges, macros and RGB results easy sufficient. It can save you as much as 5 totally different profiles to the mouse itself, although your lighting customizations gained’t carry over.
We haven’t had any main points with sensor accuracy, both, however at roughly 100 grams, the Basilisk V3 is clearly heftier than the ultralight mice we spotlight above. 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 price. In some ways, that is the precise reverse of the OP1 8K, a tool that feels designed from the bottom up for aggressive fare. As a substitute, the Basilisk V3 is sensible for righties who need a cozy and dependable mouse they’ll flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s often accessible for lower than $50 at third-party retailers nowadays, you possibly can take into account it our favourite “value” mannequin as properly.
- Tremendous snug for medium to massive arms
- Effectively-built, with versatile cable
- Versatile scroll wheel
- Good worth
- Too heavy to be perfect for FPS video games
- Too cumbersome to be perfect for small arms
- Scroll wheel is noisy
- Naggy software program
$44 at Walmart
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
If you need a mouse particularly designed for MMO and MOBA video games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does a very powerful 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 differentiate with out having to look down. Uniquely, you possibly can 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 possibly can tackle that. Both means, having a number of buttons proper underneath your thumb makes it a lot simpler to play MMOs like Remaining Fantasy XIV and even single-player RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, which ask you to navigate a number of “hotbars” of instructions at any given time.
Like most MMO mice, the Scimitar RGB Elite is on the bigger and heavier (108g) facet, however 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 building feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and first rate PTFE toes. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW 3391) isn’t precisely superior nowadays, however it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no vital points with latency, both.
Nonetheless, there are a couple 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 could possibly be firmer. These most important buttons by no means really feel mushy, however they use mechanical switches, in order 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, modify the (gentle) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.
Nonetheless, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer choice nowadays. At a worth that often hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite gives higher worth than most. Should you hate cables, Corsair sells a wi-fi model of the gadget too.
- Cleverly textured facet buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
- Usually snug and well-built
- Respectable worth relative to MMO mouse market
- Stiff cable
- Scroll wheel is just too recessed
- Annoying software program
$60 at Amazon
Lamzu
Whereas our high wi-fi picks are nice, we notice that they aren’t low-cost. If you need a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as expensive, take into account the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K. Clunky identify apart, it tracks precisely and feels well-built. Its mechanical clicks are crisp and full, whereas its scroll wheel is quiet and sufficiently tight. The design is light-weight (57g) and 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, significantly towards the entrance, with a centered hump that isn’t fairly as aggressive. It’ll really feel at residence with a claw grip for any hand measurement, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it snug too. (Simply stick to the Viper for those who 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 in opposition to 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.
- Satisfying clicks and quiet scroll wheel
- Cozy for claw or fingertip grips
- Respectable worth
- Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
- Not perfect for palm grips
- Ugly software program
$102 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 means of its paces.
Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2
The Logitech G Professional 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 fees over USB-C. However the Viper’s most 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 like the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, Razer’s Viper V3 HyperSpeed is a lower-cost variant of the top-end Viper V3 Professional. (Complicated, we all know.) At $70, it’s a stable worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are just about 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 toes, 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 could want that its DPI button is positioned on the highest of the mouse, although, and its easier on-off change is sweet.
Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed
The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra reasonably priced wi-fi model of the Basilisk V3 with the identical 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 change between a ratcheted and free-spin mode. It additionally makes use of much less sturdy mechanical switches and solely helps one onboard profile. All that mentioned, it’s a good worth at $70.
Pulsar X2 V2
The Pulsar X2 V2 is an efficient different to the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K if you’d like a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It has a broadly comparable form as Lazmu’s mouse however is marginally lighter. Its plastic shell is sweet and durable, however we discover its flatter sides and hump make it rather less inviting to palm and claw grips. It does use optical switches, however its most 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 comprised of magnesium alloy as an alternative of plastic. It performs about on par with our high picks, which is great, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to go well with palm and claw grippers properly. (If BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is principally that.) Nonetheless, the in depth cutouts all around the sides and high shell are noticeable within the hand and make the gadget 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 take a look at PC, and it’s costly at $169.
Zowie U2
Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a wonderfully first rate different to the Viper V3 Professional that prices about $30 much less. It tracks nice, it’s light-weight (60g) and its mechanical clicks really feel positive. 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, 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 little bit cumbersome, although some could want not having to put in any additional bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a reasonably fundamental 1,000Hz polling price — that’s not an enormous deal in apply, 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 supplies 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 gadget, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At $80, the G309 continues to be positive 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 lots gentle (53g) because of 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 snug, so we expect it’s price the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other stable, albeit heavier, choice with an identical form, however it’s not accessible for buy.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi is a budget-friendly wi-fi variant of the Haste 2. It might 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 most important buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed a couple of sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, significantly once we had HyperX’s Ngenuity software program open.
Logitech G502 X
The Logitech G502 X has a usually comparable form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra facet buttons. Nonetheless, its most 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 typically accessible within the $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless positive if you’d like a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. You may really feel the fee chopping in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nonetheless, 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 choice with a compact form. It’s a lot lighter (58g) than the Logitech G203, with a extra versatile cable and optical switches as an alternative of mechanical ones. It’s priced at $40, although, placing it in one thing of a no man’s land between the G203’s and Basilisk V3’s common going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however you probably have smaller arms, use a fingertip grip and need a symmetrical mouse on a budget, go for it.
Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi
There’s lots to love concerning the Wonderful Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi: an ergonomic form that’s paying homage to the Basilisk V3/Logitech G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable 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 Wonderful Mannequin D 2 Wi-fi additionally has holes throughout its shell but doesn’t carry out or really feel considerably higher than different mice across the $100 mark. Critiques from different websites say it has latency points, too. The ergonomic Mannequin D 2 Professional and symmetrical Mannequin O 2 Professional aren’t loaded with cutouts, however their most important buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.
Razer Naga Left-Handed Version
The Razer Naga Left-Handed Version isn’t almost nearly as good of a worth because the Scimitar RGB Elite, however it’s one of many few MMO mice that’s really constructed for lefties.
Logitech G600
We might 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 superb wi-fi mannequin and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible.
Be aware, nonetheless, that we’re strictly speaking about mice that use a 2.4GHz connection (over a USB dongle), not Bluetooth. Lots 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 “normal” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t count on various days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you utilize recurrently. 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 properly.
That’s to not say the premium is rarely price it: Who needs but one other cable on their desk? You might want a wi-fi mannequin for those who hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is positioned in a clumsy spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you possibly can hook up in a pinch as properly. But when worth is your major concern, a superb 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 “more comfortable” than one other is generally subjective. Guaranteeing your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve accomplished our greatest to think about how every gadget we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger arms alike.
We additionally thought of how every gadget 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 complete hand rests on the mouse, along with your fingers resting flat on the primary buttons. A fingertip grip is once you steer the mouse solely with the information of your fingers, along with your palm not in touch with the gadget in any respect. A claw grip is when your palm solely touches the again fringe of the mouse, along with your fingers arched in a claw-like form towards the buttons.
Normally, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the 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 enable for extra speedy actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a stability between the 2. Change and Click on has a superb 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 price, yours really is a claw gripper more often than not.
Construct high quality and design
A very good gaming mouse feels sturdy and gained’t flex or creak when used strenuously. We valued mice with none overly sharp angles or grooves that could possibly be awkward for most individuals to carry. And whereas most gaming mice have plastic exteriors, not all plastic is created equal, so we appeared for finishes that had been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that usually include aggressive gaming periods.
The gaming mouse market is generally cut up between two design kinds: 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 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 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 comprised of 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 shopper tech might stand to do issues for pleasure’s sake). Extra virtually, some mice allow you to assign customized lighting settings to separate profiles, which 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 underneath 80g continues to be moderately gentle, and it’s not like a 100g mouse appears 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 get pleasure from a little bit 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 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 an alternative of mechanical ones. Since these contain fewer bits making bodily contact, they need to usually be extra sturdy and fewer susceptible to undesirable “double-clicks” over time. Many avid gamers nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it isn’t like you must keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They simply carry a little bit extra long-term danger in a vacuum.
Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, it’s your decision most 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 desire: You might have considered trying lighter buttons for those who play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally appeared to testing from websites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we suggest has a sufficiently low click on latency, that means your clicks will register with minimal lag.
Past the usual click on panels, a superb gaming mouse also needs to 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 can be straightforward to succeed in and troublesome to press accidentally. Many mice have extra buttons, which could be a plus, however not in the event that they pressure you to contort your fingers to keep away from hitting them. For MMO mice, having a minimum of 12 facet buttons is preferable in an effort 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 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 manage the zoom on a sniper rifle).
Sensors and efficiency
Some are more adept than others, however usually talking, the optical sensors constructed into most fashionable gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.
Whereas looking 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 right down to only one spec. However for readability’s sake, right here’s a rundown of the extra noteworthy jargon:
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DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of a mouse’s sensitivity. The upper the DPI setting, the extra your cursor will transfer with each inch you progress the mouse itself. Lots of the 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 might be the extra correct time period, although DPI is used extra typically.
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IPS, or inches per second, refers back to the most velocity a mouse sensor helps. The upper the IPS, the sooner you possibly can transfer the mouse earlier than it turns into incapable of monitoring motions appropriately.
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Acceleration goes with IPS. On this context, it refers to what number of Gs a mouse can stand up to earlier than it begins to trace inaccurately.
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Polling price is a measure of how typically a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Normally, the extra continuously your mouse reviews info to your PC, the extra predictable its response time needs to be. Something at 500Hz or above is ok for gaming. The candy spot for many is 1,000Hz. Many more recent mice can go all the best way as much as 8,000Hz, however you begin to see diminishing returns the upper you go until personal a strong PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh price.
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Elevate-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor under it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as attainable in an effort to keep away from unintended cursor actions whereas repositioning their mouse.
Software program and onboard reminiscence
It doesn’t take lengthy to search out horror tales about bugs and different niggling points brought on by gaming mouse software program, so the best app is one which doesn’t pressure you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to modify as most of the elements 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 gadget 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 shopper 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 might even see puffed up on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the net. 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 price checking that some degree 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 evaluations.
Latest updates
September 2024: We have fully refreshed this information for late 2024, including new most important picks based mostly on form alongside notes on a number of different gaming mice we have examined in latest months. We’re now within the strategy of testing Logitech’s new G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX, a flagship ergonomic mouse that the corporate introduced proper as we had been placing the ending touches on this replace.