Revo Posted December 10, 2021 Posted December 10, 2021 The best gaming mouse is one that feels right for your grip and offers excellent performance with your favorite games. Getting a mouse that feels like it belongs in your hand and has the proper feature set and packs a strong sensor will improve the flow of your gameplay and make the hits you land more satisfying. There are dozens of players in the mouse game today, and why not? Models can range from cheap and simple to premium ones boasting helpful features, like wireless charging or a plethora of programmable buttons. There are also bold design choices, like flashy RGB and removable parts, and even adjustable weights on some models. We'll help make choosing the best gaming mouse for you easier by breaking down the best gaming mouse for different uses (and users) below. Note that while this list has both wired and wireless options, we also have another list that focuses solely on finding the best wireless mouse. Quick Shopping Tips Optical or Laser? : Both sensor types can offer a great experience. But optical mice have slightly better accuracy. Laser mice work on more surface types. If you’re really picky, go for an optical sensor, preferably one designed or developed by PixArt. Wireless or Wired? : Wireless mice have come a long way in the last few years, but they still have downsides, including limited battery life (particularly with RGB) and potential latency. If you opt for a wireless, aim for one with 30 hours or more battery life. You’ll also need to decide if you want Bluetooth, a 2.4 GHz dongle connection or both. Bluetooth is handy for switching among multiple devices, but introduces more latency, but 2.4 GHz requires a USB port and dongle that’s easy to lose. Look for mice that let you store the dongle inside the shell. Palm, Claw or Fingertip Grip? : It’s good practice to examine how exactly you hold your mouse. There are three common mouse grips: Palm Grip - The base of your palm rests on the back of the mouse, with your fingers lying on top. Claw Grip - Where your wrist rests on the mouse mat, the palm doesn’t touch the mouse, and your fingertips grip the edges of it and the buttons. Fingertip Grip - Where your wrist and palm are elevated off the mouse mat and mouse. Again, the mouse is gripped with just the fingertips at its edges and on the buttons. Knowing your grip style will help you find the perfect mouse since grip type is often tied to the size of your hands. So a mouse designed for a fingertip grip will likely be larger than one designed for a palm grip. DPI, CPI, IPS and Acceleration? : DPI and CPI are effectively the same marketing terms. Traditionally we used DPI in print to declare how many dots per inch something would be printed in, in regards to image clarity. CPI, however, stands for counts per inch, and that’s how many counts your mouse takes per inch it travels. A higher CPI doesn’t necessarily mean a better mouse sensor either. A delicate combination of CPI and IPS is essential. IPS, or inches per second, is the maximum velocity at which your sensor can still track those counts. The higher the IPS combined with the CPI, the better the sensor. And then there’s acceleration. That’s how many Gs your mouse can handle and still track effectively. If you’re dashing the mouse back and forth and left and right in short, sharp movements, some mice may flake once they reach a specific G rating. Best gaming mouse round-up at a glance Best Overall: Razer Basilisk V3 Best Splurge: Logitech G502 Lightspeed Best Wireless: Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Best Budget: Corsair Katar Pro XT Best FPS: Glorious Model D- Best FPS Alternate: Cooler Master MM720 Best for Big Hands: Corsair Ironclaw RGB Best Wireless Versatility: Razer Basilisk Ultimate Best MMO: Razer Naga Trinity Best for Fingertip and Claw Grips: Glorious Model O- 1. Razer Basilisk V3 Best Gaming Mouse SPECIFICATIONS Sensor: Razer Focus+DPI: Up to 20,000 native (26,000 via software)IPS: 650 IPSAcceleration: 50gInterface: USB Type-A cableErgonomics: Right-handed ergonomicProgrammable Buttons: 13, including 5x scroll wheelWeight: 3.3 ounces (93.55g)Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.11 x 2.36 x 1.65 inches (129.79 x 59.94 x 41.91mm) TODAY'S BEST DEALS VIEW AT AMAZON View at Microsoft US View at Amazon See all prices (4 found) REASONS TO BUY +Many well-placed, programmable buttons +Multiple scroll wheel inputs with adjustable modes REASONS TO AVOID -Scroll wheel can be clunky and loud Advertisement The Razer Basilisk V3 is the best gaming mouse to hit our lab. Its 9 (13 if you include all the scroll wheel inputs) programmable buttons, well-crafted shape and premium, textured finish make it versatile across gaming genres and even productivity workloads. While it’s on the heavier side compared to honeycomb-style mice for FPS games, PTFE feet help it glide easily, and a dedicated sniper button is easy to reach and drops CPI instantly for headshots. Customization options abound, from the 11 individual RGB zones to the aforementioned buttons. Each button can also have a secondary function when using “HyperShift.” The Basilisk V3 is also unique in its scroll wheel’s ability to swap from a tactile to smooth, free scroll at the tap of a button or based on how you flick it. However, that does mean that the wheel can sound rattly and is particularly noisy when switching modes. It can also wobble when shifting side-to-side aggressively. The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a worthy, simpler alternative if you don't need that much programmability. But the Basilisk V3 earned our Editor’s Choice Award with its advanced feature set, build and customization options. More: Razer Basilisk V3 review best gaming mouse Logitech's G502 Lightspeed boasts customizable weight and wireless charging. (Image credit: Logitech) 2. Logitech G502 Lightspeed Best Gaming Mouse Splurge SPECIFICATIONS Sensor: Logitech Hero 16KDPI: 16,000IPS: >400Acceleration: > 40gInterface: USB Type-A dongle or wiredErgonomics: Right-handedProgrammable Buttons: 11Weight: 4.02-4.59 ounces (114-130g)Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.20 x 2.95 x 1.57 inches (132 x 75 x 40mm) TODAY'S BEST DEALS VIEW AT AMAZON View at Logitech G EMEA View at Conrad Electronic See all prices (6 found) REASONS TO BUY +Great design +Wireless charging capability +Optional weight adjustment +Weighs less than the original REASONS TO AVOID -Powerplay gets in the way of weight adjustment -Expensive Advertisement A lighter and wireless version of the po[CENSORED]r Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed is a fantastic weapon for your arsenal if you can stomach the price tag. With premium features, like six additional weights (two 4g ones and four 2g ones) for customizing the mouse’s feel, the G502 Lightspeed starts earning your investment. With Logitech’s high-CPI and power-efficient Hero sensor and an ample number of programmable buttons, the G502 Lightspeed is fit for any gaming genre. Its shape is familiar and comfortable, crafted in first-person shooter style. When you can’t risk a wireless connection, the G502 Lightspeed also comes with a reliable cable. In addition to connecting to your PC with a wireless dongle, you can make it so you never have to connect the G502 Lightspeed to a cable at all -- not even for charging. With the Logitech G Powerplay wireless charging mouse pad, the mouse is always charged as long as the pad is plugged into a USB port. Sadly, the mouse pad takes away the ability to use either of the G502 Lightspeed’s 4g weights and is currently $120. If you’d like a mouse that can charge wirelessly with a broader variety of mouse pads (and more), consider Qi charging mice, like the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE. Read: Logitech G502 Lightspeed review best gaming mouse wireless Razer's DeathAdder V2 Pro is the best wireless gaming mouse for most players. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 3. Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Best Wireless Gaming Mouse SPECIFICATIONS Sensor: Razer Focus+DPI: 20,000IPS: 650Acceleration: 50gInterface: USB Type-A dongle, Bluetooth or wiredErgonomics: Right-handedProgrammable Buttons: 8Weight: 3.1 ounces (87.88g)Dimensions (LxWxH): 5 x 2.42 x 1.68 inches (127 x 61.47 x 42.67mm) TODAY'S BEST DEALS VIEW AT AMAZON View at Microsoft US REASONS TO BUY +Rock-solid performance +Strong wired and wireless connectivity REASONS TO AVOID -The price -Other mice may be better for palm grips, smaller hands The best wireless gaming mouse for most is the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro. It takes the po[CENSORED]r and accessible shape of the wired Razer DeathAdder V2 and cuts the cord without cutting performance. With a 2.4 GHz USB-A dongle using Razer's HyperSpeed technology, gaming performance proved on par with the mouse's wired alternative. The DeathAdder V2 Pro uses Razer's most advanced optical sensor that excels in gaming, even at high CPI settings. In addition, dual sensitivity buttons help with on-the-fly adjustments. Meanwhile, the left and right-click buttons' mechanical-optical switches can be divisive, especially for those who like the feel of tactile mechanical switches, but we didn't suffer any misclicks. The DeathAdder V2 Pro does face some stiff competition, especially considering its hefty $130 MSRP (although it's sometimes on sale for around $120). For example, you can currently find the Logitech G703 Lightspeed for $64. And if you're willing to go over $100, there are other premium cable-free gaming mice to consider, like the Razer Basilisk Ultimate and Logitech G502 Lightspeed mice listed on this page. But for a wireless gaming mouse that gets down to business without the fuss and extra features, the DeathAdder V2 Pro is top of the line. For more wireless mice recommendations, including for gaming and productivity, check out our Best Wireless Mouse round-up. Read: Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro review best gaming mouse budget The Corsair Katar Pro XT is heavy on specs but light in weight and price. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 4. Corsair Katar Pro XT Best Budget Gaming Mouse SPECIFICATIONS Sensor: Pixart PMW3391DPI: 18,000IPS: 400Acceleration: 50gInterface: USB Type-AErgonomics: Right-handed, claw, fingertipProgrammable Buttons: 6Weight: 2.68 ounces (73g)Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.56 x 2.53 x 1.49 inches (115.8 x 64.2 x 37.8mm) TODAY'S BEST DEALS VIEW AT AMAZON REASONS TO BUY +Comfortable, familiar design +Feels light, without honeycomb holes REASONS TO AVOID -Wireless model costs just a few dollars more -Not as light as some pricier alternatives Advertisement If you want a well-specced, comfortable gaming mouse at an affordable price, the Corsair Katar Pro XT is the best gaming mouse for you. At just 2.68 ounces, this lightweight mouse is excellent for long gaming sessions and is quickly adjustable. It’s a bit low profile but has a nice, ambidextrous-shaped shell that doesn’t feel cheap, despite this being a budget mouse. Targeting FPS and MOBA players, Corsair’s mouse glides easily without cable drag, thanks to PTFE feet and a paracord USB-Type-A tether. Speaking of the tether, the wireless version of this mouse, the Corsair Katar Pro Wireless, can be found for slightly more, if not on sale, for the same price as this wired version. So that’s worth considering. And if you’re after the lightest mouse, something with a honeycomb shell, like the Glorious mice on this page, save more weight. The Katar Pro XT isn’t the flashiest or most unique mouse out there but will make a reliable gaming companion. More: Corsair Katar Pro XT review
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