One of the best gaming mouse in 2024

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

One of the best 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, but it surely’ll provide you with little to complain about should you play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the value.

With its frivolously 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 greatest with a claw or fingertip grip, but it surely’s not so brief or flat that it may’t accommodate palm grippers. The principle 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 suitable spot while you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other means, this is without doubt one of the safer shapes we’ve examined.

The Viper’s construct high quality is superb. It’s impressively gentle at 54 grams, which makes it a breeze to flick round in fast-paced video games, but its matte plastic body isn’t 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 tender 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 occasions 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 beneath, few individuals will truly 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 ok for this market and roughly according to our expertise, however that drops to simply 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 ability button/DPI switcher is situated on the underside of the system to make it more durable to hit accidentally. Because the system 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 or gaming laptop. You may join over that cable when the battery is low, fortunately, but it surely’s comparatively thick. And whereas Razer’s Synapse software program makes it easy sufficient to regulate settings, it’s one thing of a useful resource hog. It’s additionally Home windows-only. These are all nitpicks, although. The Viper V3 Professional is excellent, and it ought to really feel proper at dwelling within the fingers 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

If you need 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 fingers 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 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 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, but it surely’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 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 the same function set. The optical fundamental buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The frivolously notched scroll wheel is tender, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at an honest 90 hours, and you may 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 wi-fi dongle that permits these greater charges within the field. The textured “classic base” mannequin comes with a smaller USB receiver that “solely” goes as much as 1,000Hz, however because it’s usually obtainable for much less at third-party retailers, it’s most likely 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 beneath 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 tender (if smudge-heavy) coating of its larger sibling, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 10 hours greater at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The main distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a touch shorter hump. In case your fingers are on the smaller facet, it’s value grabbing as an alternative.

Execs

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

Cons

Costly
Naggy software program
Not best for smaller fingers

$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 may work in smaller fingers. 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 means that makes them (comparatively) simple to swap out in a worst-case state of affairs. Normally, 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 principle clicks are on the stiffer facet however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You may truly set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both means the buttons are simple to spam. The precise 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 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 glorious; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a spread of video games. With its gentle weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, every thing about it feels tailored for snapping round in esports-style video games like Counter-Strike 2 that prioritize fast reactions. The mouse additionally helps polling charges as much as 8,000Hz — that’s nonetheless removed from important, but it surely’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 affordable wired mouse, but it surely’s nonetheless a great way lower than wi-fi high-performance fashions. Essentially the most urgent concern could also be that it may 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 fingers
Aspect buttons really feel considerably hole
Occasional inventory points

$75 at Endgame Gear

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

It’s a number of years previous, 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 fundamental buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump operating down its center. It’s fantastically cozy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized fingers, but it surely’ll additionally play properly with claw grips. Those that want a fingertip grip or simply have smaller fingers will possible discover it too chunky, nevertheless.

The design as an entire feels strong; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet while you press down onerous, however you’d must exit of your solution 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 whole, together with two easy-to-reach facet buttons and a devoted “sensitivity clutch” that allows you to momentarily drop to a decrease DPI for moments the place you might must purpose extra exactly. The latter will probably be significantly robust for the smaller-handed to succeed in comfortably, although.

The Basilisk V3 makes use of older optical switches than our different Razer high picks, however we haven’t had any double-clicking points after properly over a 12 months of testing. Whereas fundamental 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. Much like the Viper V3 Professional, the buttons are grooved in a means that naturally invitations your index and center fingers.

The scroll wheel may be the weakest ingredient: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, but it surely’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That stated, it may 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 it’s essential scroll via an enormous doc or Excel sheet.

Razer’s Synapse software program remains to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, but it surely makes customizing DPI ranges, macros and RGB results easy sufficient. It can save you as much as 5 totally different profiles to the mouse itself, although your lighting customizations gained’t carry over.

We haven’t had any main points with sensor accuracy, both, however at roughly 100 grams, the Basilisk V3 is clearly heftier than the ultralight mice we spotlight above. Whilst you completely can go off in Counter-Strike or Valorant with it, the mouse’s weight and large 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 cozy and dependable mouse they will flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s usually available for lower than $50 at third-party retailers nowadays, you’ll be able to think about it our choose for the most effective funds gaming mouse as properly.

It’s value noting that Razer launched a barely refreshed mannequin known 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 just about an identical. On condition that we didn’t have many points with the tech within authentic V3, we’d nonetheless suggest getting the older model whereas it’s nonetheless in inventory and obtainable for much less. If you happen to see the V3 35K on sale for the same worth, nevertheless, it ought to be protected to simply get that one as an alternative.

Execs

Tremendous comfy for medium to massive fingers
Nicely-built, with versatile cable
Versatile scroll wheel
Good worth

Cons

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

$44 at Amazon

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

Nevertheless, there are a number of downsides. The braided cable feels sturdy however considerably stiff. The scroll wheel is grippy and correct sufficient, but it surely’s a contact too recessed between the principle buttons, and it could possibly be firmer. These fundamental 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, modify the (delicate) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.

Nonetheless, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer possibility nowadays. At a worth that often 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 comfy 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 understand that they aren’t low cost. If you need a performance-focused mannequin with a symmetrical form that isn’t as dear, think about 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 light-weight wi-fi design (57g) is tender 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 dwelling with a claw grip for any hand measurement, however fingertip grippers ought to discover it comfy too. (Simply persist with the Viper should you use a palm grip.) Past that, Lamzu’s companion software program is ugly however useful, and the included charging cable is suitably versatile.

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

Execs

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

Cons

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

$102 at Amazon

Pulsar Gaming Gears

The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a superb various to the DeathAdder V3 Professional in order for you a right-handed design. It has the same contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, but it surely’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and large variants, so you’ll be able to select a measurement that matches your fingers greatest. Every have inflexible outer shells and snappy optical buttons, although the graceful plastic coating isn’t as grippy as both of the DeathAdder’s finishes and the facet buttons aren’t as crisp.

Just like the Atlantis, the Xlite V3 additionally has cutouts throughout the underside, making it extra prone to gunk. Nonetheless, it is a gentle, comfy 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 known as the Xlite V4 since our final replace. We haven’t been capable of take a look at it simply but, although it doesn’t seem like an enormous refresh, primarily including a more moderen sensor in successfully the identical form. We’ll replace this suggestion as soon as we’re capable of get our fingers on the V4, however for now we stand by our present choose, particularly when it’s obtainable for a cheaper price.

Execs

Strong worth
Nicely-suited for palm and claw grips
Accessible in numerous sizes

Cons

Holes in baseplate depart 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)

Word: The next is a number of particularly noteworthy mice we have examined, not a complete record of each single mannequin we’ve put via 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 great 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 fundamental 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, usually leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with medium-sized fingers could discover its middle hump to be too aggressive for constant aiming as properly. The DeathAdder V3 Professional’s fundamental 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 not at all is that this a poor alternative. However at $159, there are higher values on the market.

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 strong worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are just about an identical 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’ll be able to 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 massive 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 change 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 comfy form and format, 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 stated, it’s an honest worth at $70.

Pulsar X2 V2

The Pulsar X2 V2 is an effective various to the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K 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 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 fundamental 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 current 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 an alternative 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 you realize BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nevertheless, the in depth cutouts all around the sides and high shell are noticeable within the hand and make the system extra prone to mess 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 standard 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 respectable 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 superb. It additionally comes with two receivers, one in all 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, but it surely also needs to work for fingertip grippers with bigger fingers or palm grippers with smaller ones. Alas, the scroll wheel is gratingly loud and the plastic coating picks up smudges and hand oils prefer it’s its job. There’s additionally no configuration software program, which may make adjusting settings a bit 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, but it surely is technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot incorrect with the Logitech G309 Lightspeed in a vacuum. It’s constructed like a tank, its sensor is correct and its egg-like form ought to really feel OK, if not superlative, in most hand sizes and grip varieties. It makes use of the identical hybrid switches because the G Professional X Superlight 2, so the clicks don’t sound nice however are quick. It additionally has a supercapacitor inside, which supplies it successfully infinite battery life should you personal Logitech’s (expensive) PowerPlay charging mat. That’s neat! Most individuals, although, might want to pop in a AA battery, which pushes the 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 superb 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 an honest wired mannequin for individuals who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s lots gentle (53g) due to a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which are lined by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and extra comfy, so we expect it’s value the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other strong, albeit heavier, possibility with the same form, but it surely’s not obtainable 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. — A couple of 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 should you should go wi-fi and solely have $50 to spend, as its shell feels sturdy and its low-profile form is well-suited to claw or fingertip grips. It’s a bit weightier than the wired Haste 2 (about 70g) because it runs on a AAA battery, however that’s nowhere close to heavy. That stated, its fundamental buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed a number 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. Nevertheless, its fundamental buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many fingers, 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 obtainable within the $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless superb in order for you a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. You may really feel the price reducing in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nevertheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger fingers. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a wi-fi mannequin with roughly the identical form, but it surely requires a AA battery to work and thus weighs simply over 100g. It, too, feels considerably outdated in 2024.

Razer Cobra

The Razer Cobra is one other value-oriented wired possibility with a compact form. It’s a lot lighter (58g) than the Logitech G203, with a extra versatile cable and optical switches as an alternative of mechanical ones. It’s priced at $40, although, placing it in one thing of a no man’s land between the G203’s and Basilisk V3’s standard going charges. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however when you have smaller fingers, 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 lots 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. Nevertheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each elevate 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 fundamental buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.

Razer Naga Left-Handed Version

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

Logitech G600

We might proceed to suggest our former MMO choose, the previous 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 not the case. Over the previous couple of 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.

Word, nevertheless, 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 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 enhancing on a regular basis, however with their greater efficiency calls for and RGB lighting, most wi-fi gaming mice often do not final so long as “regular” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t count on 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 often come at a a lot greater value than their wired counterparts as properly.

That’s to not say the premium isn’t value it: Who needs but one other cable on their desk? Chances are you’ll want a wi-fi mannequin should you hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is situated in a clumsy spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you’ll be able to 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 fingers are totally different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “extra comfy” than one other is usually subjective. Making certain your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve completed our greatest to think about how every system we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger fingers alike.

We additionally thought of 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 entire hand rests on the mouse, along with your fingers resting flat on the principle buttons. A fingertip grip is while you steer the mouse solely with the ideas 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.

Normally, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the dimensions of your hand, you might want your mouse to be a particular 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. Switch and Click has an excellent breakdown should you’d like a bit extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a selected grip type. For what it’s value, 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 usually 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 function devoted thumb rests. Ambidextrous mice are extra symmetrical and designed for use with both hand (although they might not have further buttons on each 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 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, should you’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra shopper 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 may 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 current releases weighing lower than 40 grams. Your mouse doesn’t want to be that feathery — something below 80g remains to be moderately 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 stated, 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 achieve 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 an alternative of mechanical ones. Since these contain fewer bits making bodily contact, they need to usually be extra sturdy and fewer liable to undesirable “double-clicks” over time. Many avid gamers 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 extra long-term danger in a vacuum.

Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, it’s your decision fundamental 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: It’s your decision lighter buttons should you play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally appeared 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, an excellent gaming mouse also needs to have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for a minimum of two further buttons on the thumb-side panel which are simple to succeed in and tough to press accidentally. Many mice have extra buttons, which is usually 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 a minimum of 12 facet buttons is preferable so as 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 while you’ve truly 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 usually talking, the optical sensors constructed into most fashionable gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.

Whereas purchasing for gaming mice, you’ll see plenty 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. 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 individuals play above 3,000, with 800 a typical 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 sooner you’ll be able to 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 usually a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Normally, the extra steadily your mouse reviews info to your PC, the extra predictable its response time ought to be. Something at 500Hz or above is ok for gaming. The candy spot for many is 1,000Hz. Many more recent mice can go all the way in which as much as 8,000Hz, however you begin to see diminishing returns the upper you go until personal a strong PC and play on a gaming monitor with a very excessive refresh charge.
Carry-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 so as 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 power you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to modify as most 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 choose 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 assist

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 shopper 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 may even see overvalued on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the internet. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however should you ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some stage of buyer assist is in place. We’ve made certain our picks for the most effective gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor person evaluations.

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 lately launched updates to a few our present picks. We purpose to check these extra totally, alongside a number of others, for our subsequent replace.

September 2024: We have fully refreshed this information for late 2024, including new fundamental picks primarily based on form alongside notes on a number of different gaming mice we have examined in current months. We’re now within the strategy of testing Logitech’s new G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX, a flagship ergonomic mouse that the company announced proper as we had been placing the ending touches on this replace.

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