The very best gaming mouse in 2025

No gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting destroyed in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, however the proper decide can provide you a better sense of management whereas making your downtime extra comfy. In reality, which one is “greatest” for you comes all the way down to choice: Form is king, because the mouse nerd adage goes, and everybody’s fingers are completely different. However to make issues a bit of simpler, we’ve examined dozens of well-regarded gaming mice over the previous couple of years and picked out a number of choices which have glided above the remaining. After enjoying numerous hours of CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Ultimate Fantasy XIV and more PC games, listed below are our picks for the very best gaming mice you should buy, damaged down by form and use case. We’ve additionally included some normal recommendation to bear in mind throughout your search.

The very best gaming mice

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If cash is not any object, the very best gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve examined is the Razer Viper V3 Pro. It prices a hefty $160, however it’ll offer you little to complain about for those who play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the value.

With its flippantly 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 aspect, and it most likely works greatest with a claw or palm grip, however it’s not so giant or tall that it could’t accommodate fingertip grippers. The primary mouse buttons are contoured in a means that offers your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both aspect to subtly nudge them to the proper spot if 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 mild 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 identical 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 primary 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 mild. The 2 programmable aspect 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 as of late, 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 ft and a rock-solid connection to an included “HyperPolling” dongle. The latter lets the mouse attain a most polling price of 8,000Hz, however as famous under, few individuals will truly seen any profit from leaping that prime. Principally, it’ll simply zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Professional can rise up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is okay for this market and roughly per 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 a number of the perks you’d discover on extra mainstream mice: There’s no RGB lighting or Bluetooth, whereas the facility button/DPI switcher is positioned on the underside of the system to make it more durable to hit accidentally. Because the system makes use of a particular dongle as an alternative of a conventional receiver, it nonetheless requires you run a separate USB-C cable out of your PC or gaming laptop. You possibly can join over that cable when the battery is low, fortunately, however it’s comparatively thick. And whereas Razer’s Synapse software program makes it easy sufficient to regulate settings, it’s one thing of a useful resource hog. It’s additionally Home windows-only. These are all nitpicks, although. The Viper V3 Professional is excellent, and it ought to really feel proper at dwelling within the fingers of dedicated FPS gamers.

Professionals

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

$133 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The Hitscan Hyperlight is a implausible different to the Viper V3 Professional for individuals who need one thing smaller and cheaper. It has a equally secure form with a modest centered hump, solely its sides are a bit of straighter towards the highest. The primary distinction is that it’s thinner and far shorter, with a noticeably decrease button top, so it’s greatest suited to these with smaller fingers and/or fingertip or claw grippers. You probably have larger fingers and use a palm grip, it received’t be as accommodating as our high decide.

That mentioned, it’s a good bit lighter, weighing simply 41 grams. That makes it a breeze to shortly swipe round, although a part of why the Hyperlight is so… hyperlight is as a result of it has giant cutouts on its backside. This exposes a number of the mouse’s electronics to potential mud and particles in your desk. That mentioned, we’ll take this form of design over mice with holes within the high shell, because you’ll nearly all the time preserve your mouse face-down anyway.

The remainder of the Hyperlight’s design is completely sturdy, with no looseness or rattling if you give it a shake. The matte plastic end is properly crisp, and we dig the minimalist aesthetic of the factor. We additionally love its Omron optical switches, which have a beautiful bounce to them and create a deeper, extra even tone than the Viper V3 Professional’s fundamental clicks. Total efficiency is outstanding — as is the case with most fashionable gaming mice — and the PTFE ft transfer easily, although it’s important to set up them your self. The scroll wheel has clearly outlined notches as properly, although it could get a bit of loud with heavier spins. The aspect buttons really feel and sound cheaper than these on the Viper, too, and battery life is a bit shorter (albeit nonetheless high quality) at 75 hours or so. The included cable may additionally stand to be extra versatile, although it’s actually usable.

Hitscan is a reasonably new US-based firm and the Hyperlight is its first product, so that you’re taking a bit of leap of religion right here. However other reviewers we belief have additionally been impressed, and the person suggestions we’ve seen across the internet has been overwhelmingly constructive. The value helps: At $90, it’s not low-cost, however it’s properly under different premium choices just like the Viper V3 Professional (You possibly can buy a dongle that permits 8,000Hz polling price assist for $25 extra, however you don’t want it.) If you would like a smaller efficiency mouse and might dwell with the hole-y underside, it’s excellent. Notice that Hitscan sells it in batches, although, so it’s possible you’ll run into inventory points sooner or later.

Professionals

Comfy for fingertip and claw grips and smaller fingers
Glorious optical switches
Light-weight
Respectable worth

Cons

Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
Pretty quick for palm grips with bigger fingers
Cable might be extra versatile

$90 at Hitscan

Picture 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 price: 8,000Hz (“basic base” mannequin requires elective dongle) | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): As much as 90 hours at 1,000Hz

If you would like a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs a lot of the identical 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 giant 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 of us and fingertip grippers. This sort of form isn’t as straightforward 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 an analogous 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 because the Viper, however it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet. The DeathAdder’s aspect buttons are larger, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless troublesome to hit accidentally. The PTFE ft are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, however it’s nonetheless light-weight. And whereas the sensor is technically a technology older, efficiency is successfully flawless.

In any other case, you’re taking a look at an analogous function set. The optical fundamental buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The flippantly notched scroll wheel is tender, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at a good 90 hours, and you’ll 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 larger 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 out there for much less at third-party retailers, it’s most likely a greater worth. Usually, the largest knock in opposition to the DeathAdder V3 Professional is that it’s costly, with the 8,000Hz mannequin priced at $160.

Professionals

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

Cons

Costly
Naggy software program
Not very best for smaller fingers

$95 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The newer Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which prices $99, is a “1B” decide right here. Though it’s positioned under the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Professional Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t surrender the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and tender (if smudge-heavy) coating of pricier DeathAdder V3 Professional, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life ranking is definitely 10 hours larger at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The key distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a slightly shorter hump. In case your fingers are on the smaller aspect and also you need an ergonomic form, it’s price grabbing as an alternative.

Professionals

Lighter and extra reasonably priced than DeathAdder V3 Professional
Easy, grippy end
Respectable worth

Cons

Smaller measurement is not as pleasant to bigger fingers as DeathAdder V3 Professional
Naggy software program
Quick and pretty stiff charging cable

$99 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget

For those who 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, no holes 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 also 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 mild, versatile and cleverly titled upwards on the base of the mouse, all of which helps scale back any dragging sensation as you throw your hand round.

The OP1 8K makes use of mechanical switches, however the mouse is designed in a means that makes them (comparatively) straightforward to swap out in a worst-case state of affairs. Usually, the system’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, elective aspect grips and bigger PTFE ft within the field.

By default, the primary clicks are on the stiffer aspect however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You possibly can truly set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both means the buttons are straightforward to spam. The proper mouse button on our unit does sound a bit of sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you’ll pop in quieter switches on a budget in order for you a distinct noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two aspect buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re exhausting to hit accidentally.

Sensor efficiency is predictably glorious; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a spread of video games. With its mild weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, every part about it feels tailored for snapping round in esports-style video games like Counter-Strike 2 that prioritize fast reactions. The mouse additionally helps polling charges as much as 8,000Hz — that’s nonetheless removed from important, however it’s not less than simpler to activate when there’s no battery drain to fret about. We additionally like Endgame Gear’s configuration software program, which appears to be like like one thing out of the Home windows 95 period however is straightforward to grok and takes up subsequent to no assets.

At $75 (or $85 at Amazon), the OP1 8K actually isn’t the most affordable wired mouse, however it’s nonetheless a great way lower than wi-fi high-performance fashions. Essentially the most urgent challenge could also be that it could fall out of inventory once in a while, as Endgame Gear is a comparatively small firm out of Germany.

Professionals

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

$85 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

It’s a number of years outdated, however the Razer Basilisk V3 stays our favourite wired gaming mouse with an ergonomic design. This one is extra aggressively contoured than “ergo” mice just like the DeathAdder V3 Professional, with a big rubberized thumb relaxation, lengthy fundamental buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump working down its center. It’s fantastically cozy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized fingers, however it’ll additionally play properly with claw grips. Those that want a fingertip grip or simply have smaller fingers will seemingly discover it too chunky, nevertheless.

The design as a complete feels sturdy; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right aspect if you press down exhausting, however you’d must exit of your approach to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is a lot versatile, whereas the PTFE ft glide easily. We additionally dig the fun-but-not-garish RGB lighting across the mouse’s underside and scroll wheel. There are 11 customizable buttons in complete, together with two easy-to-reach aspect buttons and a devoted “sensitivity clutch” that permits you to momentarily drop to a decrease DPI for moments the place it’s possible you’ll must purpose extra exactly. The latter will likely be significantly powerful for the smaller-handed to succeed in comfortably, although.

The Basilisk V3 makes use of older optical switches than our different Razer high picks, however we haven’t had any sturdiness points after a pair years of testing. Whereas fundamental clicks aren’t practically as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable stability between firmness and pace. 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 is likely to be the weakest aspect: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, however it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That mentioned, it could tilt side-to-side — which helps clarify the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that permits you to swap between a traditional ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That may be useful outdoors of video games — say, when it is advisable to scroll by a large doc or Excel sheet.

Razer’s Synapse software program remains to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, however it makes customizing DPI ranges, macros and RGB results easy sufficient. It can save you as much as 5 completely different profiles to the mouse itself, although your lighting customizations received’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 broad body imply it’s not expressly designed for video games like these. It can also’t go above a 1,000Hz polling price. In some ways, that is the precise reverse of the OP1 8K, a tool that feels designed from the bottom up for aggressive fare. As an alternative, the Basilisk V3 is sensible for righties who need a cozy and dependable mouse they’ll flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s usually available for lower than $50 at third-party retailers as of late, you possibly can think about it our decide for the very best finances gaming mouse as properly.

It’s price noting that Razer has launched a barely refreshed mannequin known as the Basilisk V3 35K. That one comes with a technically improved sensor and newer optical switches, although the burden and general form are just about similar. 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 out there for much less. For those who see the 35K mannequin on sale for the same value, although, be happy to get that as an alternative.

Professionals

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

Cons

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

$40 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If you would like a mouse particularly designed for MMO and MOBA video games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does an important 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 aspect buttons, all of which ship a cushty, firm-but-not-stiff sensation when pressed. Two of the panel’s 4 button rows are textured, which makes them simpler to tell apart with out having to look down. Uniquely, you possibly can bodily reposition this aspect panel with an Allen key included within the field, so for those who discover the buttons troublesome to succeed in by default, you possibly can handle that. Both means, having a bunch of buttons proper beneath your thumb makes it a lot simpler to play MMOs like Ultimate 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) aspect, however it’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 building feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and first rate PTFE ft. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW3391) isn’t precisely superior as of late, however it’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, however it’s a contact too recessed between the primary buttons, and it might be firmer. These fundamental buttons by no means really feel mushy, however they use mechanical switches, in order that they carry extra of a long-term sturdiness threat 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, regulate the (delicate) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.

However, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer possibility as of late. At a value that usually hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite affords higher worth than most. For those who hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the system too.

Professionals

Cleverly textured aspect buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
Typically comfy and well-built
Respectable worth relative to MMO mouse market

Cons

Stiff cable
Scroll wheel is just too recessed
Annoying software program

$60 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The $130 Pulsar X2 CrazyLight is price contemplating over the Viper V3 Professional and Hitscan Hyperlight for those who’re dedicated to a claw or fingertip grip and spend all of your time enjoying twitchy shooter video games. We’re beginning to surprise simply what number of prefixes for the phrase “mild” these mouse firms can slap onto their merchandise, however the CrazyLight’s title is acceptable, because it weighs a mere 37 grams with its normal PTFE skates. It’s one other quick symmetrical mannequin, corresponding to the Hitscan Hyperlight in general footprint, however it has a flatter hump down the middle. Meaning it received’t actually fill out medium-to-large fingers with a palm grip. But it surely’s comfy for every part else, and its slight body feels pure in video games that demand snap reactions. You know the way baseball gamers will generally swing a heavier bat after they’re on deck to make their precise bat really feel quicker? That is form of just like the mouse equal of swinging that lighter bat.

A dependable sensor and easy-gliding ft assist, whereas the clicky optical switches are quick with out feeling too delicate. (Count on a sharper tone, although.) The scroll wheel is well-tuned and exact. There’s no creaking or flexing regardless of the low weight, and it’s all coated in a satisfying matte plastic. It additionally is available in a number of enjoyable colours. The 2 aspect buttons are considerably skinny, and Pulsar’s software program is a bit of clunky. That is additionally one other one with an open backside aspect, so it’s extra vulnerable to mud than the Viper V3 Professional. However, whereas the CrazyLight isn’t fairly as welcoming to all fingers as Razer’s mouse, it does what it units out to do.

Professionals

Extremely light-weight design that is nice for fingertip and claw grips
Glorious efficiency
Nicely-built

Cons

Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
Not constructed for palm grips with bigger fingers
Aspect buttons aren’t the very best

$130 at Amazon

Pulsar Gaming Gears

The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a wonderful different to the DeathAdder V3 Professional in order for you a right-handed design. It has an analogous contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, however it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and large variants, so you possibly can 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 aspect buttons aren’t as crisp.

Just like the CrazyLight, the Xlite V3 additionally has cutouts throughout the underside, making it extra vulnerable to gunk. Nonetheless, it is a mild, comfy and extremely responsive ergo mouse. At its latest avenue value of $70 (pre-tariffs), it’s a powerful purchase.

We’ll observe that Pulsar has a revised model of this mouse known as the Xlite V4. We haven’t examined it for ourselves however it’s not a significant refresh, primarily including a more moderen sensor and 8K polling assist (with an elective dongle) within the . If the Xlite V3 goes out of inventory, or for those who see the 2 mice out there for a similar value, simply seize the V4. However the V3 is the higher worth whereas it stays in inventory at a reduction.

Professionals

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

Cons

Holes in baseplate go away inside open to mud and particles
Coating might be grippier

$100 at Amazon

Different gaming mice we have examined

A white gaming mouse rests on a marble table. — The Lamzu Maya X. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Notice: The next is a collection of particularly noteworthy mice we have examined, not a complete listing of each single mannequin we’ve ever put by its paces.

Lamzu Maya X

The Lamzu Maya X is a good symmetrical mouse and an in depth competitor to the Razer Viper V3 Professional. It’d be subsequent in line for an honorable point out, because it has a lot of the issues we like in regards to the Hitscan Hyperlight and Pulsar X2 CrazyLight: a {smooth} matte end, a sturdy body, easy-gliding ft, correct efficiency, a decent scroll wheel and a light-weight design (46g). It’s shut in measurement to the Viper V3 Professional, however it’s cheaper at $120, plus it makes use of the superior Omron optical switches we praised for the Hyperlight above. Its configuration software program can be totally accessible over the net (for Chromium-based browsers not less than), so that you don’t must obtain something further to your PC.

Nevertheless, we expect the Viper’s longer body and ever-so-slightly extra concave sides preserve it just a bit comfier for bigger fingers and palm grips. Its aspect buttons are nonetheless extra satisfying to press and its end offers extra grip. The Maya additionally follows the “go away all the backside of your mouse uncovered” pattern to succeed in its decrease weight. And although the software program being web-based is nice, it is rather a lot a Chinese language Gaming App with grammatical errors and bizarre formatting quirks. The truth is that high quality margins separate high-end gaming mice these days — the Maya X is nice, however we want the Viper at this measurement, whereas the Hitscan and CrazyLight are higher for smaller fingers.

Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is an in depth rival to the Razer Viper V3 Professional for individuals who need a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has an analogous “potato”-style form, its monitoring is equally great and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. In contrast to the primary Superlight, it additionally costs over USB-C. However the Viper’s fundamental clicks are crisper and extra pleasant-sounding, its aspect buttons aren’t as mushy and its scroll wheel is each firmer and grippier. It’s additionally barely lighter.

The new Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 wireless gaming mouse. — The Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2. (Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

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 aspect to flare out a bit of an excessive amount of, although, usually leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with medium-sized fingers might discover its heart 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 selection. However at $180 after a tariff-related value hike, 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 similar to the extra premium mannequin, and although it technically has a worse sensor, the drop-off is hardly noticeable. The primary trade-off is that it’s heavier (about 82g), because it requires a AA battery for energy. That doesn’t make it outright hefty, however you possibly can really feel the distinction in twitchier video games. It makes use of older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE ft, 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 might want that its DPI button is positioned on the highest of the mouse, although, and its less complicated on-off change is sweet.

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed

The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra reasonably priced wi-fi model of the Basilisk V3 with the identical 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 mentioned, it’s a good worth at $70.

Pulsar X2 V2

The $100 Pulsar X2 V2 is one other first rate possibility in order for you a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It’s out there in mini and normal sizes: The previous is a technically weightier (51 grams) model of the X2 CrazyLight, whereas the latter is that however larger. Each have sturdy plastic frames, although they’re nonetheless meant for claw or fingertip grips first. In addition they have cutouts throughout their undersides. As with the Xlite V3, Pulsar now sells a more moderen mannequin known as the X2 V3, although that’s a minor refresh with an up to date sensor and 8K polling price assist. The most recent mannequin is price getting as an alternative when the X2 V2 isn’t discounted, however we want the Hitscan Hyperlight and its extra pleasing clicks to each on this value vary.

Pwnage Stormbreaker

The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wi-fi mouse that’s largely produced 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 go well with palm and claw grippers properly. (If you realize BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nevertheless, the intensive cutouts everywhere in the sides and high shell are noticeable within the hand and make the system extra vulnerable to clutter buildup than the DeathAdder V3 Professional. Whereas the buttons and scroll wheel are impressively tight, the primary clicks are a bit too stiff and high-pitched for our liking. We additionally seen extra connection stutters than traditional on our check PC, and it’s costly at $169.

BenQ Zowie U2

Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a superbly first rate different to the Viper V3 Professional that prices about $30 much less. It tracks nice, it’s light-weight (60g) and its mechanical clicks really feel high quality. It additionally comes with two receivers, considered one of which doubles as a useful charging dock. It has a symmetrical form with sides that curve inwards and a decently-sized hump on the again; BenQ says it’s designed for claw grips, and it’s certainly good for that, however it also needs to work for fingertip grippers with bigger 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 of cumbersome, although some might want not having to put in any further bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a 1,000Hz polling price — that’s not a giant deal in observe, however it’s technically behind many different mice on this value vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot improper 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 provides it successfully infinite battery life for those who personal Logitech’s (pricey) 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 $90 after a latest value hike, the G309 remains to be OK for informal varieties who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However except you utilize PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the identical value.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a good wired mannequin for individuals who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s a lot mild (53g) due to a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which can be lined by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and extra comfy, so we expect it’s price the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other strong (albeit heavier) possibility with an analogous form, however that mouse has been discontinued.

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 number of extra gaming mice we have examined. Left to proper: the Superb Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi, the Razer Cobra Professional, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2. (Picture 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 for those who should go wi-fi and solely have $50 to spend, as its shell feels sturdy and its low-profile form is well-suited to claw or fingertip grips. It’s a bit of weightier than the wired Haste 2 (about 70g) because it runs on a AAA battery, however that’s nowhere close to heavy. That mentioned, its 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.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Professional

We had persistent, debilitating connection points with the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro on each Home windows 11 and macOS over a number of days, so we will’t suggest it.

Logitech G502 X

The Logitech G502 X has a typically related form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra aspect buttons. Nevertheless, its fundamental buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many fingers and its rubber cable isn’t as versatile. It is also way more costly after Logitech’s latest spherical of value will increase, plus it lacks RGB.

A gray gaming mouse rests on a light granite tile. — The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Professional. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Logitech G203 Lightsync

The Logitech G203 Lightsync is our former finances decide. It’s usually out there within the $20 to $30 vary as of late, and at that value it’s nonetheless high quality in order for you a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. You possibly can really feel the associated fee chopping 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, however it requires a AA battery to work and thus weighs simply over 100g. It, too, feels considerably outdated in 2025.

Razer Cobra

The Razer Cobra is one other value-oriented wired mouse 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 is often priced between $35 and $40, although, so the G203 is often cheaper. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however when you’ve got 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)

Alienware Professional Wi-fi Gaming Mouse

The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse tracks properly, glides easily and weighs just below 60 grams with out having any holes in its outer shell. It’s formed like a Logitech G Professional X Lightspeed 2 with wider sides, so it ought to be comfy for palm or claw grippers with giant or medium-sized fingers. Its matte end is a contact too slippery, nevertheless, and its fundamental buttons aren’t as constant or satisfying to press as our high picks (regardless of utilizing Omron optical switches). Clicking them towards the highest is just too tender, clicking them towards the again is just too stiff. The again aspect button sounds hole past that, and Alienware’s configuration software program chews up far an excessive amount of reminiscence. All of that is overpriced at $150.

Superb Mannequin I 2 Wi-fi

There’s a good quantity to love in regards to the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless: an ergonomic form that’s paying homage to the Basilisk V3/G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable aspect 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.

Superb 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. Other reviews say it has latency points as properly.

Superb Mannequin D 2 Professional + Mannequin O 2 Professional

The ergonomic Model D 2 Pro and symmetrical Model O 2 Pro aren’t loaded with cutouts, in the meantime, however their fundamental buttons are comparatively loud and sticky-feeling.

A black gaming mouse rests on a white marble table. — The Alienware Professional Wi-fi Gaming Mouse. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

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 few years, wi-fi connectivity has improved to the purpose the place the distinction in latency between wi-fi mannequin and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible.

Notice, 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 usually too excessive to be dependable for gaming.

Going wi-fi nonetheless has different trade-offs, too. Battery life is bettering on a regular basis, however with their larger 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 utilize often. Some gaming mice provide wi-fi charging too, which makes issues simpler. Good wi-fi gaming mice often come at a a lot larger value than their wired counterparts as properly.

That’s to not say the premium is rarely price it: Who desires but one other cable on their desk? It’s possible you’ll want a wi-fi mannequin for those who hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is positioned in a clumsy spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you possibly can hook up in a pinch as properly. But when value is your main concern, wired mouse could also be a greater worth.

Consolation and grip varieties

Everybody’s fingers are completely different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “extra comfy” than one other is generally subjective. Guaranteeing your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve finished our greatest to contemplate 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 primary buttons. A fingertip grip is if 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.

Usually, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the scale of your hand, it’s possible you’ll want your mouse to be a particular size to make use of it comfortably. A fingertip grip can permit for extra fast actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a stability between the 2. Switch and Click has breakdown for those who’d like extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a selected grip model. For what it’s price, yours actually is a claw gripper more often than not.

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Construct high quality and design

A very good gaming mouse feels sturdy and received’t flex or creak when used strenuously. We valued mice with none overly sharp angles or grooves that might be awkward for most individuals to carry. And whereas most gaming mice have plastic exteriors, not all plastic is created equal, so we regarded for finishes that had been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that usually include aggressive gaming periods.

The gaming mouse market is generally break up between two design types: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are nearly all the time made with right-handed customers in thoughts and infrequently 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 non-public choice.

A gaming mouse’s ft, 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 very best efficiency, search for ft produced from PTFE (aka Teflon). All ft 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, for those who’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra shopper tech 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 present utilizing.

Weight

Gaming mice have gotten lighter and lighter over time, with some latest releases weighing lower than 30 grams. Your mouse doesn’t want to be that feathery — something beneath 80g remains to be moderately mild, and it’s not like a 100g mouse looks like a complete anchor. Regardless, a light-weight mouse makes it simpler to tug off quick actions repeatedly, with much less inertia. That mentioned, some gamers nonetheless take pleasure in a bit of 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 inner circuit board to attainable sweat, mud and detritus isn’t the very best for long-term sturdiness. If a mouse should have cutouts, it is higher in the event that they’re relegated to the underside of the design, the place particles is much less more likely to enter the body.

Two gaming mice rest in a brown and blue platter on a marble table, showing the cutouts on the bottom of their shells. — Jeff Dunn for Engadget

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 typically 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’s best to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They simply carry a bit of extra long-term threat in a vacuum.

Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, you might have considered trying 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 choice: You might have considered trying lighter buttons for those who play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally regarded to testing from sites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we suggest has a sufficiently low click on latency, that means your clicks will register with minimal lag.

Past the usual click on panels, gaming mouse also needs to have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for not less than two further buttons on the thumb-side panel which can be straightforward to succeed in and troublesome 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 not less than 12 aspect buttons is preferable in an effort to entry as many hotbar instructions as attainable.

As for the scroll wheel, it ought to have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant however make it clear if 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, providing you with one other enter to customise for sure video games (e.g., to manage the zoom on a sniper rifle).

Sensors and efficiency

Some are more adept than others, however typically 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 a lot 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. Many gaming mice promote extraordinarily excessive DPIs that high out above 30,000, however that’s largely advertising fluff: Few individuals play above 3,000, with 800 a standard 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 quicker you possibly can 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 price is a measure of how usually a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Usually, the extra regularly your mouse experiences data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time ought to be. Something at 500Hz or above is okay for informal 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 except personal a robust PC and play on a gaming monitor with an particularly excessive refresh price. Even then, a super-high polling price is far from essential. Not all video games are constructed with it in thoughts, plus it results in a lot quicker battery drain.
Carry-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor under it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as attainable in an effort to keep away from unintended cursor actions whereas repositioning their mouse.

A screenshot of Razer's Synapse configuration software, displaying a few different customizable functions you can set for certain mouse buttons. — A screenshot of Razer’s Synapse 4 software program. (Razer)

Software program and onboard reminiscence

It doesn’t take lengthy to seek out horror tales about bugs and different niggling points attributable to gaming mouse software program, so the perfect app is one which doesn’t power you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to regulate as most of the features above as attainable, ideally to a number of distinct profiles. Ideally, it can save you your settings on to the mouse itself, letting you decide your customizations again up on one other system with out having to redownload any software program. All that is most necessary 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 intensive a producer’s program is, the higher. That is the case with most shopper tech, however we observe it right here as a result of the gaming mouse market is especially flush with merchandise from less-than-household names, a lot of which you might even see overvalued on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the internet. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however for those who ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s price checking that some stage of buyer assist is in place. We’ve made positive our picks for the very best gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor person evaluations.

Current updates

June 2025: We’ve added a pair new alternate picks within the Hitscan Hyperlight and Pulsar X2 CrazyLight. We’ve eliminated the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K as an honorable point out consequently, together with a pair different mice that not seem like out there. All different particulars ought to be up-to-date. The gaming mouse market stays an especially busy one, so it’s troublesome for us to overview every part. That mentioned, we’re at present testing a number of different latest releases from Corsair and ASUS, and we’re preserving a watch out for potential updates to a few our picks from Razer and Endgame Gear.

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 absolutely, alongside a number of others, for our subsequent replace.

September 2024: We have utterly 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 latest months. We’re now within the technique 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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