Choosing the right gaming mouse seems easy, but with an overwhelming variety of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide. The temptation to avoid the hassle and settle for an affordable gaming mouse is understandable and not a bad approach for some. However, we know which mice are better than the rest, whether you want the best or are simply looking for a solid option that doesn’t cost too much.
This guide contains recommendations to suit a variety of budgets, use cases, grip styles, and game genres. We will keep this updated as new and notable models are released.
The best wireless mice
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
If you’re looking for the best wireless gaming mouse, your search could end with Razer’s DeathAdder V3 Pro. The latest version features a simpler design than its predecessor and is also significantly lighter. Plus, its slightly ergonomic tilt makes it less taxing on the wrist than some competing mice, like Logitech’s G Pro X Superlight.
This mouse has Razer’s Focus Pro 30K optical sensor. It’s fantastic for gaming, although its claims of next-level performance are a bit ostentatious; most people won’t use their highest sensitivity levels (Razer is far of the only gaming company trying to win over people with the advertising strategy “the bigger the better”).
Its 90 hours of wireless battery life per charge and a maximum polling rate of 4000 Hz make it the market leader. However, to get that 4000Hz feature, which pings your PC 4000 times per second instead of the average 1000, you’ll need the optional “HyperPolling” receiver, which isn’t worth it for most people.
Corsair Darkstar Wireless RGB
Looking for a wireless gaming mouse with more programmable inputs? With a total of 15 buttons, the Corsair Darkstar Wireless RGB wastes no time. It’s a bit short of having as many buttons as dedicated MOBA/MMO mice, although it should be a suitable option for people who dabble in multiple gaming genres. Six of those buttons flank its comfortable thumb grip, making each of the low-profile inputs easy to press.
Darkstar offers low click latency while connected to its included dongle via 2.4 GHz and up to 65 hours of battery life per charge. That figure increases to 80 hours if you use Bluetooth mode. It’s convenient to be able to switch, although Bluetooth mode sacrifices some latency speed for both movement and clicking.
Like most gaming mice, this one ties in with add-on software that can enable more features or let you customize buttons, lighting, and more. Beyond that, Corsair’s iCUE software allows you to calibrate the mouse sensor on multiple surfaces. So if you’re like me and like to take your laptop to the couch, you can calibrate it for that.
That software package is also where you can activate Darkstar’s unique tilt gestures, a feature exclusive to Corsair’s high-end gaming mice. These can make an intuitive input method for, well, almost anything. You can use it to reload in FPS games, throw a grenade, or quick save. It sounds complicated, but it’s great because it allows your left hand to focus on fewer tasks, such as movement, while tilting the mouse can open the map. The Elder Scrolls online or check the leaderboards in Call of Duty, to name a few examples. It can even be applied to non-gaming tasks.
The 15 programmable inputs here could fall behind competitors like the Razer Naga V2 Pro, a proper wireless MOBA/MMO mouse. But Corsair makes up for it with a lightweight build, better polling rate (2000Hz vs 1000Hz), and optional tilt gestures.
Keychron M3 Wireless Mouse
At a third of the cost of previous wireless gaming mice, the Keychron M3 manages to pack a big punch in its affordable, thoughtfully designed casing. Currently, it is the most affordable wireless gaming mouse. Unlike many options, the M3 is suitable for ambidextrous use and works just as well for left-handed as right-handed players. It also works just as well for gaming as it does for general office use, and it’s impressive that this roughly $50 mouse has PTFE feet, allowing it to glide as smoothly as more expensive models.
If you’re worried about the performance of this budget gaming mouse in games, don’t be. With its 26,000 DPI PixArt PAW3395 sensor, its performance seems indistinguishable from some more expensive mice. People attuned to high DPI mice may feel otherwise, but it should work fine for most. Something worth noting in terms of comfort is that the traditional ambidextrous mouse shape places your wrist in a flat position compared to the more ergonomic tilt of previous options from Razer and Corsair. Depending on the person, you may feel tension during long gaming sessions. Keychron also offers a mini option for around the same price, in case you want something smaller.
Corsair Iron Claw Wireless
Most gaming mice are not comfortable to use for a long period of time. But some, including the affordable Corsair Ironclaw wireless mouse, improve comfort with a tilt that puts your wrist in a more comfortable position. slightly More open position than typical mice, with your hand arched comfortably around it. It may seem insignificant, but some people will notice the difference.
Best wired gaming mice
Logitech G502X
The Logitech G502 Logitech makes a more expensive wireless version, but this model feels almost as good to use and offers slightly better click latency.
Aside from the somewhat ergonomic right-handed construction, one of my favorite features is the scroll wheel. It has two modes: the default one that provides a sense of precision (and when you need to carefully switch between weapons) and a speed mode that allows the wheel to spin freely.
Through the Logitech G Hub software, you can customize the five additional inputs on the left side of the mouse. Overall, the 13 buttons (including left and right wheel tilt) can be programmed in up to 25 ways, making them a great choice for multiple game genres.
Razer NagaX
With 16 programmable buttons (including a set of 12 buttons on its side), the Razer Naga X combines everything you’d expect from a dedicated MOBA/MMO mouse with the high-end features included with many of Razer’s other mice. It has a capable sensor and an adjustable polling rate from 125Hz to 1000Hz, and its optical mouse switches are rated to be faster and more durable than mechanical switches.
A big advantage of the Naga
SteelSeries Prime
The SteelSeries Prime is a mouse with few buttons and a simple design, but don’t underestimate it. Its ambidextrous shape and performance make it a great value. Like more expensive mice, it features optical switches, ensuring quick input recognition on your PC, plus longevity that mechanical switches can’t match. It offers an 18,000 DPI sensor and at the bottom there is a screen where you can toggle both the DPI and its polling rate.
A nice touch is that its USB-C cable can be detached, allowing you to tie it up or replace it easily.
Razer Basilisk V3
The Basilisk V3 is an ergonomic and reliable mouse. Despite not having many buttons, its 11 buttons can be customized to have 24 inputs through Razer Synapse.
That versatility is combined with an ergonomic shape, a top-notch 26,000 dpi sensor, and exceptionally low click latency. This means that Basilisk V3 has the excellent performance you would expect from Razer. and the level of customization that even the most serious MOBA/MMO players want. It is wired, although the Pro version offers a wireless alternative.
