Image: Hayden Dingman / IDG
If you want to be competitive in PC games these days, you can forget about using a run-of-the-mill office mouse. Instead, you’ll need a powerful device that’s optimized just for gaming.
Manufacturers go to great pains to design specialist devices that give players an edge, with enhancements like unique body sizes and shapes, customizable weight, and extra grips to increase speed and accuracy. On top of that, the best gaming mice have unique hardware enhancements like highly sensitive sensors and complex button configurations to keep up with fast-paced games.
Deciding on the right mouse is a highly personal decision that needs careful consideration. Factors like the size and shape of your hand, your preferred grip style, the types of games you play, and the number of buttons you need, are all factors in your quest for the best gaming mouse.
Why you should trust us? PCWorld has delivered in-depth product reviews and news going on 40 years now. Our reviewers aren’t just peripheral geeks, they’re also avid gamers on a mission to find the best gaming gear for themselves. Because of that they know the ins and outs of gaming gear, what’s good and what’s not.
Every mouse we review is put through a rigorous testing process by our expert reviewers. We appraise everything from the device’s comfort, and reliability, to its performance in games. We also compare each product to competitors to sum up whether or not they represent value for money. See our article on how we test gaming mice for more details.
Updated April 18, 2024 to include the Alienware Pro Wireless, which earns our pick for best esports and FPS mouse for its ultra-light weight, comfortable handling, and 4KHz refresh rate, which you get right out of the box. We also recently reviewed an old favorite gaming mouse that many players enjoy for its reliable performance, the SteelSeries Aerox 3.
Razer DeathAdder V3 – Best wired gaming mouse / Best overall
Pros
Very light (59 grams) Ergonomic design for right-handers High-precision sensor USB polling rate of 8000Hz Durable Razer Optical Switches (up to 90 million clicks) High-quality PTFE grade feet
Cons
Non onboard storage of the key assignment No RGB lighting Price When Reviewed:$69.99Best Prices Today:$69.99 at Amazon
Lightweight, wired FPS mice don’t come any quicker than the Razer DeathAdder V3, which is maxed out with an extraordinarily sensitive 30,000 DPI Razer Optical Sensor and a whopping 8,000Hz hyper-polling rate that’s eight times as fast as the standard 1,000Hz polling rate you get in other FPS gaming mice.
If that isn’t already enough speed for you, the V3’s lightweight 2.08-ounce (59 grams) chassis and 100 percent PTFE feet combine for an exceptionally quick and smooth glide over your mouse mat, making it even more deadly in FPS gaming. Just based on the DeathAdder V3’s weight alone, you’d think it would have a tiny body with a less than comfortable grip, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Rather, it’s just ideal for palm grippers with large- to medium-sized hands who will undoubtedly find plenty of support in its generous proportions for all sorts of tricky maneuvers.
Read our full Deathadder V3 review
Logitech G502X – Best wired gaming mouse runner-up
Pros
The 25K Hero sensor is very proficient even at high DPI settings The buttons are extremely well placed for accessibility The rubber thumb rest provides plenty of grip
Cons
Not including swappable trigger buttons seems like a missed opportunity There’s no RGB lighting except a small DPI indicator light The mouse wheel is quite noisy Price When Reviewed:69.99Best Prices Today:$59.99 at Amazon$59.99 at B&H$59.99 at Best Buy
The Logitech G502, which so wowed gamers back in 2014 has evolved into a new model, the Logitech G502X, which boasts several big improvements over its predecessor. These include: a higher-resolution 25K sensor, a new rubberized thumb grip, and lightning-fast hybrid optical-mechanical switches.
Admittedly, its 89-gram weight means it’s not the lightest gaming mouse on the market. However, any concerns about performance fall by the wayside because of the larger and more accessible buttons. You still get 13 programmable options, including the side trigger button and DPI buttons cut into the left main click, but the trigger is now closer to your thumb and easier to reach, and the DPI buttons are longer and harder to misclick. This ultimately means the G502X has arguably the best all-rounder button setup you can get.
Read our full Logitech G502X review
Corsair M75 Air Wireless – Best ambidextrous grip
Pros
Its narrow high-backed design enables superior control The 26K Optical Sensor is quick and precise Up to a quick 2000Hz / 0.5ms default polling rate
Cons
One button for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be confusing There’s just one on-board memory profile No DPI switcher button Price When Reviewed:99.99Best Prices Today:$68.88 at Amazon$79.99 at B&H$79.99 at Best Buy
The Corsair M75 Air’s 26K Optical Sensor reports at a quick 2,000Hz maximum polling rate (that’s 1,000Hz higher than some more expensive FPS gaming mice), which means you get ridiculously smooth and precise motion in games like Fortnite and Counter-Strike 2 in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi mode. Yet, this mouse’s hardware alone isn’t the only trick up its sleeve — its symmetrical design is just as noteworthy.
The mouse’s excellent symmetry and low-key side buttons allow it to be used just as easily as a left- or right-handed mouse. There are five buttons all up, which all fire off quickly enough to win surprise attacks, but there’s no DPI button to speak of. If you like a feeling of control in your play, the M75 Air’s high back is perfect for that; it pushes against your palm comfortably, syncing with your movements. The M75 Air’s long narrow front also provides plenty of space to stretch out your trigger fingers.
Read our full Corsair M75 Air Wireless review
Logitech G203 LightSync – Best ultra-budget gaming mouse
Pros
A comfortable design that resembles more expensive esports mice Sturdy and well-built The RGB lighting really pops
Cons
Some sensor lag was experienced with large, fast movements The sensor’s lift-off distance is higher than some mice The RGB logo on the top isn’t customizable Price When Reviewed:$39.99Best Prices Today:$26.55 at Amazon$29.99 at B&H$29.99 at Lenovo USA
Few devices offer as much bang for buck as this wired RGB gaming mouse that combines comfort, style and decent performance but without a hefty price tag. The Logitech G203 resembles more expensive esports mice with its simple 6-button configuration, small body and ambidextrous shape, but despite being substantially cheaper than rivals, it still feels sturdy and well-built. The G203’s 8,000 DPI sensor isn’t the quickest you’ll find, but for causal gamers it’s still a more than adequate performer that tracks accurately.
The G203 isn’t lacking style either. It features a signature rounded back design with colorful RGB band and Logitech logo that lights up your gaming den with pops of color. The RGB band is also customizable in the Logitech G Hub app, with the option to personalize three separate lighting zones.
Read our full Logitech G203 LightSync review
Razer Cobra Pro – Best wireless gaming mouse
Pros
Its Razer Focus Pro 30K sensor is superb Dedicated DPI up/down buttons makes switching DPI on the fly easy Having 11 zones of RGB is brilliant
Cons
The dimensions won’t suit large hands Buying the Cobra Pro with a Hyper polling dongle costs extra It’s a little heavier than its stablemate the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Price When Reviewed:129.99Best Prices Today:$115 at Amazon$129.99 at Best Buy$129.99 at GameStop
The Razer Cobra Pro is an excellent all-round gaming mouse with a very sensitive 30K sensor that will give the best esports mice a run for their money. While its 79-gram weight makes it a little heavier than many competitive FPS mice, it boasts features that most don’t have. Indeed, features like its up / down DPI buttons that allow you to switch DPI on the fly, its gorgeous 11 zones of RGB lighting and Tri-Mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) make it a highly versatile and sought after gaming mouse.
Its one drawback, however, is its compact size, which comfortably fits small to medium sized hands but is a little too small for some large hands. Of course, this won’t affect players who prefer to use a claw grip, so this mouse is especially suited to them.
Read our full Razer Cobra Pro review
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – Best budget wireless gaming mouse
Pros
The solid top back is comfortable and stylish The 26,000 sensor can target at lightning speeds Bluetooth functionality makes it one of the most versatile esports mice you can get
Cons
The compact buttons can feel a bit cramped at times There’s just one RGB zone to play with It’s more expensive than its predecessor Price When Reviewed:$89.99Best Prices Today:$79.99 at Amazon$89.99 at HyperX
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless features a lightning-fast 26,000 DPI sensor, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, as well as a dedicated DPI switcher and still manages to be lighter and more affordable than some rivals. It weighs just a little over 2 ounces (61 grams), which is ideal for fast competitive gaming and esports. Its generous proportions and easy six-button configuration are just ideal to fit medium- and large-sized hands.
This mouse’s solid plastic casing is also a lot more comfortable for claw and fingertip grippers than its predecessor — the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless, which has perforated casing. Price-wise, you’d expect to pay more than $100 for an esports/FPS mouse of this caliber, but the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless currently costs just $54 at Amazon.
Read our full HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless review
Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ – Best gaming mouse for tinkerers
Pros
Eminently customizable Uses a reliable PMW3389 sensor Feels durable
Cons
Customization options aren’t always intuitive Heavy, even with the weights removed Hard to know whether Mad Catz peripherals are the more reliable nowadays Price When Reviewed:$76.08Best Prices Today:$91.40 at Amazon$99.99 at B&H
The Mad Catz R.A.T 8+ is about as customizable as gaming mice come, featuring a modular design that allows you to change up its component parts exactly as you wish to find your ideal mouse shape and weight. Doing so requires you to pull discrete levers and turn knobs integrated into the mouse’s body, so there’s a fairly steep learning curve before you know what you’re doing.
Still, if you love tinkering, this mouse will keep you entertained for hours at a time. It also doesn’t skimp in the button department, providing 10 buttons all told, orientated in some pretty original positions for extra convenience. With a stripped-back, bare-bones look, the Mad Catz R.A.T 8+ also stands out in the crowd, making it an obvious talking point at any group gaming sessions.
Read our Mad Catz R.A.T 8+ review
Razer Naga V2 Pro – Best gaming mouse for MOBA and MMO games
Pros
The swappable button plates let you tailor your button setup to your game’s command load The sensor is very accurate and without a hint of lag There’s tons of comfort and the build quality is excellent
Cons
The Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches are a little stiff at first and need wearing in It weighs 134 grams which is quite heavy even for an MMO mouse It’s currently very expensive Price When Reviewed:$179.99Best Prices Today:$179.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Best Buy$179.99 at Razer
The Razer Naga V2 Pro does one better than just let you program your buttons how you like them—it features three swappable side-button plates that you can change out to tailor your mouse’s physical button setup to your game’s command load. Consequently, it makes a great all-around gaming mouse. In my playtesting I found it was especially perfect for MOBA and MMO games since you get a total of 22 commands with the 12-button plate attached, so there’s lots of options.
As well as a very comfortable design, the V2 Pro also sports an accurate and precise 30,000 DPI sensor and Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches in the buttons that actuate in just 0.2 milliseconds. In our review, its 134-gram weight made it a little heavy for achieving top performance in FPS games, but in MMO games this extra weightiness made weapons play feel extremely authentic and highly satisfying.
Read our full Razer Naga V2 Pro review
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless – Best for MOBA and MMO games runner-up
Pros
Sliding keypad Precise sensor Flexible connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB cable Long battery life Robust workmanship
Cons
Bulky design Higher weight compared to other gaming mice Learning curve for MMO mouse newcomers Different operating modes could confuse beginners Only suitable for right-handers Price When Reviewed:$129.99Best Prices Today:$109.99 at Amazon$109.99 at Best Buy$129.99 at B&H
The Scimitar Elite Wireless’ sensor is both responsive and accurate in fast games thanks to its 26,000 DPI resolution and quick 2,000Hz polling rate. That’s despite the mouse weighing a hefty 4 ounces (114 grams). You get 16 programmable buttons all up, which is enough for a round robin of favorite commands in games like World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls Online.
A grid of 12 mechanical buttons sit on a side-oriented keypad, which has the unique advantage of being able to slide to fit your finger position — something most other MMO gaming mice simply can’t do. That means those furthest from you need not be a struggle to reach. The Scimitar Elite Wireless is also one of the most versatile of the MMO gaming mice, since it boasts all three connectivity types — 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and a wired connection via a USB-C cable.
Read our full Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless review
Razer Basilisk V3 – Best mouse wheel / Best for scrolling
Pros
The Razer Focus + sensor gives faultless performance Scrolling is made simpler with the HyperScroll Tilt Wheel The RGB lighting looks fantastic
Cons
It’s quite heavy and bulky You’re limited to wired connectivity only Price When Reviewed:69.99Best Prices Today:$44.99 at Target $49.99 at Amazon$49.99 at Best Buy
The Basilisk V3 resembles the Razer Basilisk V2 in size and shape, sporting similar right-handed curves and a slightly arched thumb rest. Among its best features are an 11 button layout, 26,000 DPI Razer Focus+ sensor, and second-generation Razer optical switches that are fast enough for all kinds of gaming—whether that’s casual or serious. But the real magic lies in the Basilisk V3’s HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, which is a fancy name for its mouse wheel. This tilts in four directions and triggers downwards to put five commands at your fingertips, ideal for tactical FPS games like Rainbow Six.
Impressively, the HyperScroll Tilt Wheel also has extra AI scrolling modes that make your scrolling and browsing a lot easier. In our testing we enjoyed toggling between “Tactile” and “Free-Spin” modes, which allowed us to switch between a slow, precise scrolling action and a faster, smoother scrolling action that was useful for getting to the end of long websites more easily.
Read our full Razer Basilisk V3 review
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse – Best gaming mouse for esports / first-person shooters
Pros
4KHz wireless polling rate The buttons are soft and have quick debounce The Alienware styling looks awesome One of the most precise mouse wheels I’ve used Weighs just over 2 ounces
Cons
The back could do with more height There’s no RGB lighting It’s quite large so won’t suit everyone Price When Reviewed:149.99Best Prices Today:$149.99 at Amazon$149.99 at Best Buy$149.99 at Dell
You hear a lot about DPI being the main factor that determines performance. But quite frankly polling rate is twice as important for aiming at and hitting fast moving players in FPS games. Hence why this mouse is so lethal, it comes with a 4KHz polling rate right out of the box, that’s quadruple the reporting rate of some other big-name FPS gaming mice.
Everything else about this mouse is tailored for speed and precision too — from its ultra-light weight of just over 2 ounces to its soft buttons with their ultra-quick debounce rate. If you want the fastest performance in FPS gaming, you need to get this mouse!
Read our full Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse review
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 – Best gaming mouse for esports / first-person shooters runner-up
Pros
Symmetrical body provides nice accuracy Ultra lightweight – it weighs just over 2 ounces Quick and accurate 32,000 DPI sensor
Cons
The mouse wheel feels a little flimsy No Bluetooth connectivity It’s expensive Price When Reviewed:159Best Prices Today:$141.48 at Amazon$149 at B&H$159 at Lenovo USA
With a 2,000Hz polling rate, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 reports to your PC faster than a bunch of rival pro-grade FPS gaming mice, so it feels a little faster and more responsive. It’s also disarmingly accurate thanks to its 32,000 DPI Hero 2 optical sensor, which is one of the quickest and most accurate you can find.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2’s simple five-button design is the very definition of symmetry — which only increases the pointer-like precision you get wielding it. Indeed, if you’re an esports professional or aspiring to be one, this mouse is certainly one of the best you can get. It doesn’t come cheap, though: It cost a nail-biting $159.99 at the time I reviewed it. Shown here is the pink color. It’s also available in Black and White.
Read our full Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 review
Here we had to make a choice on the best of the best, but the competition in the FPS gaming mouse category is fierce. For two other excellent options for FPS gaming, be sure to check out the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition.
Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8KHz Edition – Best buttons
Pros
Ultra-light weight (barely more than 2 ounces) Precise sensor with up to 26,000 DPI Long lasting optical switches (100 million clicks) with fast response time (0.2 milliseconds) High polling rate (up to 8000Hz wired, 4000Hz wireless)
Cons
High price Overkill technical specifications for average users High-end features don’t necessarily benefit everyday use Not fully suitable for left-handers despite symmetrical design Price When Reviewed:$129.99Best Prices Today:$125 at Amazon$129.99 at Glorious
There are mice for beginners and then there’s the Model O 2 Pro 4K/8K Edition, a mouse that falls firmly into the advanced (pro) category. Among its most drool-worthy features for competitive gaming is its buttons, which use optical switches: Apart from just being extremally tactile, they’re satisfyingly loud and a 0.2 millisecond response time means they’re incredibly quick to fire. They’re also highly durable, rated for 100 million clicks.
The mouse’s other hardware is similarly honed for speed and precision, including its 26,000 DPI sensor that has an 8,000Hz Hyper-polling rate in Wired Mode. In Wireless (2.4GHz Wi-Fi) Mode you get a polling rate of up to 4,000Hz, which is a nice speed boost over the default 1,000Hz polling rate you get in some rivals. Suffice to say you can really tune your performance settings to impressive levels with this mouse. That said, all the high-end hardware can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just starting out. This mouse is also not cheap — expect to play as much as $99 for the privilege of all that top-end tech.
Read our full Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8KHz Edition review
ROCCAT Burst Pro Air – Best RGB gaming mouse
Pros
Owl-Eye sensor is very precise and quick You won’t find a mouse with more stunning RGB lighting Dual wireless as well as wired connectivity
Cons
81-gram weight can feel heavy if you’re used to a lighter mouse Mouse wheel lacks left and right lateral clicks Pricey compared to some rivals Price When Reviewed:79.99Best Prices Today:$34.99 at Best Buy$48.85 at Walmart79.99 at ROCCAT
The ROCCAT Burst Pro Air’s four dedicated RGB lighting zones shine colored light through its semi-transparent body, creating a mesmerizing sheen-like glow that looks totally stunning from any angle. If the semi-transparent shell is your canvas, then ROCCAT’s Swarm app provides your painter’s palette, letting you go to town customizing each zone with up to 16.8 million colors and a range of stunning effects.
But as any gamer knows, looks aren’t everything. Consequently, we also chose the Pro Air because of its excellent gaming performance, which in our play testing we attributed to its comfortable eight-button design, powerful 19,000 DPI Owl-Eye optical sensor, and low-latency optical switches, which are rated for 100 million clicks.
The Pro Air also scores big points for its excellent connectivity options, which includes low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless options, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for wired connectivity. For another great ROCCAT gaming mice that has previously taken top position for ‘Best RGB gaming mouse’ also check out the ROCCAT Kone XP.
Read our full ROCCAT Burst Pro Air review
Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless – Most original gaming mouse design
Pros
Very good sensor Ultra-flat front Very light Eco-friendly design Long battery life
Cons
Unusually placed charging socket Design might take some getting used to for some users Price When Reviewed:$99Best Prices Today:$99 at Amazon$109 at Cherry Xtrfy
The Xtrfy M8’s design is as unique as possible, with the charging socket placed on its right-side rather than at the front like just about every other gaming mouse you will find. But while some players may like that and others not so much, what we salute the most in its design is the fact that its housing is made from 60 percent recycled plastic.
Despite the reused materials, this mouse’s hardware is just perfect for pro-gamers. It’s powered by a Pixart 3395 sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI. A low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal provides a response time as fast as 1 millisecond. If changing debounce is your jam, the M8 also allows you to choose between four settings: 2, 4, 8, or 12 milliseconds. Plus, it weighs just 55 grams which makes it one of the lightest and quickest mice you will move over your mouse mat.
Read our full Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless review
Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – Best dual-purpose gaming and productivity mouse
Pros
Quick and accurate sensor High sensor positioning Very long battery life
Cons
No RGB lighting 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity only Weighs less than 3 ounces Price When Reviewed:69.99Best Prices Today:$69.99 at Amazon$69.99 at Best Buy$69.99 at Razer
With no RGB lighting and a modest uni-color Black casing, the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed is stealthy enough to be your work or study mouse, and yet it also has some of the best hardware for esports you can find in a wireless mouse. That includes a whopping 30,000 DPI Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor and super-quick Razer Gen 2 Mechanical Switches.
The Viper V3 Hyperspeed’s design gives you precision control of your movements; it features a high back and lots of length in the fingers so that you can stretch out in a palm grip. The high position of the sensor catches your movements at their origin for split-second quicker movement than we’ve experienced in some rivals. The Viper V3 Hyperspeed also supports 4,000Hz HyperPolling, which really makes this mouse cook with fire in fast action games like CouterStrike — although you will have to shell out $29.99 extra for the HyperPolling dongle (not included). The Viper V3 also has excellent battery life. In fact, a single AA battery provides up to 280 hours of operation at the mouse’s default polling rate of 1,000Hz.
The V3 Hyperspeed currently costs $69.99 at Razer, Amazon, and Best Buy. In a similar vein but with more modest hardware and for $15 cheaper, be sure to check out the Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed too.
Read our full Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed review
MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless – Best rechargeable gaming mouse
Pros
Charging dock included Current high-end sensor from Pixart Omron switches Three connection modes (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired) Good price-performance ratio
Cons
A bit heavy for “Lightweight” Software is a little convoluted Price When Reviewed:$99.00Best Prices Today:$69.99 at Amazon$84.99 at B&H$84.99 at Walmart
The MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless gaming mouse combines practicality, functionality, and stellar looks better than just about any other gaming mouse. As well as supporting all three connectivity types — 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired — it features visually striking RGB Diamond Lightgrips down each side that hold your fingers to the mouse’s body and provide you with a lot of precision control over movement. Another practical feature is the convenient charging dock that makes recharging a piece of pie and means it’s very difficult to ever run out of battery.
The GM51 Lightweight Wireless has impressive hardware for gaming, including a Pixart PAW 3395 sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI and Omron switches in its buttons, which are known for their durability and speed. Although its 89-gram weight is at the upper end of what many would call lightweight, its balanced size makes it especially comfortable for palm and claw grips.
Read our full MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless review
How we test gaming mice
To ensure that our gaming mice selections are the pick of the crop, the PCWorld team subjects them to extensive play testing as well as a legion of other tests. We scrutinize everything from how well a mouse perform in games, to the size and shape of it in the hand, to comfort and ergonomics, to customizations. Here are the main categories our tests fall under:
Gaming performance: At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how a mouse looks; it’s how it performs that matters. To evaluate a mouse’s performance we look specifically at how sensitive and responsive its sensor is and also how well the sensor tracks movement. Precision is also a key consideration, with mice that are more accurate generally scoring better in our reviews than those that aren’t. In wireless mice we also evaluate the speed and strength of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, keeping a look out for red flags like signal dropouts or interference. Some mice also come with software enhancements that determine the mouse’s lift-off distance, which we also examine in our testing. Design and ergonomics: You won’t find another tech device for which design plays a more crucial part of a user’s experience. And, while it’s true that there’s no one shape, size, or configuration that fits every gamer, there’s enough variation out there for every gamer to find their own perfect fit. When looking at design, we consider the size and shape of the device itself and the type of hand it fits. Gamers tend to use one of three common grip types—palm, claw, or fingertip—so a mouse’s compatibility with one or all of those types is a big consideration. Software: Being able to tweak settings like your mouse’s DPI and polling rate and create specific profiles for your favorite games can make or break your gaming experience, which is why a mouse’s software support is so important. Our PCWorld reviewers’ focus here is to consider the range and scope of software support and how readily settings can be modified, changed, and saved for future use.
FAQ
1.
Should I choose a wired or wireless mouse or one with both connectivity types?
It used to be generally well accepted that wired gaming mice had the edge over their wireless counterparts, providing gamers with a much faster and more accurate signal between mice and PCs. However, that’s less true today thanks to the popularity of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies, which have almost levelled the playing field.
I say almost, because there’s no denying that wired gaming mice still deliver the fastest and most secure connections you can get. That said, whether you choose one type over the other should come down to your gaming priorities.
If you’re a serious competitive gamer or esports player, where winning or losing sits on a knife’s edge, opting for a wired mouse over a wireless one is a good decision, since it’s less likely a signal dropout or interference will disrupt your play. Every competitive edge counts. However, wireless mice are infinitely more portable and allow you to switch between devices at a whim, so if nimbleness and portability is more important, a wireless mouse will be a better fit.
2.
What size and shape mouse should I get?
Hands, just like gaming mice, come in all different shapes and sizes, and for comfort reasons it pays to match like with like. While categorizing sizes of hands can be highly subjective, chances are you’ll be able to guess whether your hand is on average small, medium, or large. You can then find a mouse that best fits from among the size categories below:
• Small gaming mouse: Length: Less than 6.7 inches; width: 2.9 to 3.3 inches
• Medium gaming mouse: Length: 6.7 to 7.9 inches; width: 3.3 to 3.9 inches
• Large gaming mouse: Length: 7.9 inches; width: 3.9 to 4.3 inches
Gaming mice generally come in three shapes: left-handed, right-handed, and ambidextrous. Ambidextrous mice are designed to be neutral in that they can be just as easily used by your left or right hand. Alternatively, left-handed and right-handed mice are tailor-made for the dominant hands specified by their namesakes, often sporting bespoke curves and button placements for one or the other. Unless you switch between hands, using a gaming mouse that matches your dominant hand will go a long way to improving your performance and comfort.
Your preferred grip type should also be considered when selecting a suitably shaped mouse. Here’s a rough guide for matching grip types with mouse shapes:
• Palm grip: Long, flat mice tend to be a better fit and more comfortable
• Claw grip: Narrower and smaller mice tend to suit this grip style
• Fingertip grip: Lighter mice are often preferred by fingertip grippers to reduce strain
3.
How light should my mouse be?
Gaming mice weights have been gradually trending downwards over the years as players look for lighter options that are quicker to move and prevent arms and wrists getting overly tired or sore in long play sessions. FPS (first-person shooter) gamers in particular tend to go for the lightest mice possible, seeing every millisecond of speed advantage as worth chasing.
Despite this, there’s no ideal gaming mouse weight for all gamers, but rather a deeply personal preference. In fact, some gamers—often those with larger hands or stronger arms—actually prefer heavier mice for the extra stability they get. Still if you are one of those looking for the lightest mouse possible, anything under 70 grams will be among the lightest on the market.
4.
Does DPI really matter on a gaming mouse?
Your mouse’s sensor is the essential hardware component that relays movement to your PC. Mice sensors are rated for DPI, or dots per inch, which tells us how far a cursor moves per inch of mouse movement—that is, how sensitive it is. Manufacturers really hype up the importance of high DPIs, which can be a bit misleading because they don’t necessarily equate to better gaming performance (they can, but not in all circumstances).
For example, if you play a lot of FPS and want the absolute best accuracy while targeting opponents, a lower DPI (between 800-1,000) is preferable, since this allows you to make short, sharp, and precise movements more easily. However, if you make a lot of wide, sweeping hand movements, or if your display is a very high resolution, a mouse with a high DPI (between 12,000-30,000 DPI) can be an advantage.
The great thing about most modern gaming mice is that they can switch between DPI profiles just by clicking a small button behind the mouse wheel. That said, our advice is to opt for a gaming mouse with the highest DPI your budget allows, and then choose your preferred setting for different gaming scenarios by using this handy DPI-switching feature.
5.
Is an optical or laser sensor better for a gaming mouse?
Optical sensors are the most popular with gamers since they tend to have less jitter and smoothing problems. These sensors work by casting down infrared or LED light onto your mousepad and capturing thousands of digital images per second, that then reveals the precise location of the mouse to the PC.
On the other hand, laser sensors use a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diode to determine positioning. In most cases an optical sensor will do just fine. However, if you plan on using your mouse on a translucent surface (like glass), a laser sensor is preferable since it will have better sensitivity to a variety of surface textures.
6.
How many buttons do I need on a gaming mouse?
The type of games you play should help you determine how many buttons you need. For example, if you’re a big fan of real time strategy (RTS), role-playing games (RPG), or massively multiplayer online (MMOs) games, you’d be we’ll advised to choose a mouse with between 10 and18 buttons—like the Razer Naga Pro or the SteelSeries Aerox 9. These games typically require you to fire off a lot of commands quickly, so the more buttons you have to program commands and macros in, the better.
On the flipside, if FPS is your go-to game type, you’ll probably want to keep your button count to between 6 and 8 buttons. Chances are you won’t need the higher button-count for your smaller list of commands. Plus, buttons tend to increase a mouse’s weight, so opting for a mouse with fewer will most likely mean it’s lighter and quicker to move in the frantic FPS action.
7.
Should I get RGB lighting on a gaming mouse?
RGB lighting is a fun feature to have in any gaming device that can brighten up your gaming den with pops of color. It can also be pretty useful, allowing you to see your device better in dimly lit rooms or at night. And yet, there may be times when you opt to use a mouse that has only a minimal RGB, or none at all.
The most common example is if you plan on using your gaming mouse covertly at work. In this case, mice like the Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed, that have no RGB lighting zones and can convincingly pass as standard black office mice, are ideal because your colleagues will be none the wiser.
Author: Dominic Bayley, PCWorld Australia Editor
Based in Australia, Dominic Bayley is a hardcore tech enthusiast. His PCWorld focus is on PC gaming hardware: laptops, mice, headsets and keyboards.
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