The perfect gaming mouse in 2025

No gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting destroyed in Counter-Strike or Name of Obligation, however the proper choose may give you a larger sense of management whereas making your downtime extra snug. In fact, which one is “finest” for you comes right down to choice: Form is king, because the mouse nerd adage goes, and everybody’s arms are completely different. However to make issues a little bit simpler, we’ve examined dozens of well-regarded gaming mice over the previous couple of years and picked out a couple of choices which have glided above the remainder. After taking part in numerous hours of CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Remaining Fantasy XIV and more PC games, listed below are our picks for the very best gaming mice you should purchase, damaged down by form and use case. We’ve additionally included some normal recommendation to remember throughout your search.

The perfect gaming mice

Photograph 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, nevertheless it’ll offer you little to complain about for those who play a ton of aggressive PC video games and may abdomen the value.

With its frivolously grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and delicate flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form must be snug for a variety of hand sizes and grip types. It’s a bit on the broader facet, and it most likely works finest with a claw or palm grip, nevertheless it’s not so giant or tall that it might probably’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 facet to subtly nudge them to the proper spot if you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other means, this is among the safer shapes we’ve examined.

The Viper’s construct high quality is superb. It’s impressively gentle at 54 grams, which makes it a breeze to flick round in fast-paced video games, but its matte plastic body isn’t lined in dust-inviting holes like many different choices across the similar weight. We’ve seen zero hints of creaking, flexing or rattling after months of testing. The end picks up some finger smudges however is grippy and delightfully tender to the contact. The primary click on buttons use sturdy optical switches however aren’t particularly loud. Although they aren’t fairly as full or crisp as the very best mechanical switches, they’re nonetheless snappy to press, neither too agency nor too gentle. The 2 programmable facet buttons are well-sized and simple to succeed in. The scroll wheel, in the meantime, is tight and quiet, with clearly outlined steps and a textured end.

Efficiency, as is the case with many high-end gaming mice nowadays, is successfully flawless. Razer’s Focus Professional 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 — say that 5 instances quick — is mainly overkill from a technological perspective however makes the mouse exceptionally correct and constant all the identical. It’s aided by amply-sized, smooth-gliding PTFE toes and a rock-solid connection to an included “HyperPolling” dongle. The latter lets the mouse attain a most polling charge of 8,000Hz, however as famous beneath, few folks will truly seen any profit from leaping that top. Largely, it’ll simply zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Professional can stand up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is ok for this market and roughly in keeping with 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 lovers. As such, it provides up a number of the perks you’d discover on extra mainstream mice: There’s no RGB lighting or Bluetooth, whereas the ability button/DPI switcher is situated on the underside of the gadget to make it tougher to hit by chance. Because the gadget 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, nevertheless 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 arms of dedicated FPS gamers.

Professionals

Distinctive efficiency
Excellent construct high quality
Snug for many grip varieties and hand sizes

Cons

Costly
Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
Thick charging cable

$131 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The Hitscan Hyperlight is a incredible different to the Viper V3 Professional for individuals who need one thing smaller and cheaper. It has a equally protected form with a modest centered hump, solely its sides are a little bit straighter towards the highest. The primary distinction is that it’s thinner and far shorter, with a noticeably decrease button top, so it’s finest suited to these with smaller arms and/or fingertip or claw grippers. When you have greater arms and use a palm grip, it received’t be as accommodating as our high choose.

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 virtually 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 stunning bounce to them and create a deeper, extra even tone than the Viper V3 Professional’s predominant clicks. Total efficiency is outstanding — as is the case with most trendy gaming mice — and the PTFE toes transfer easily, although it’s a must to set up them your self. The scroll wheel has clearly outlined notches as properly, although it might probably get a little bit loud with heavier spins. The facet 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 might 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 little bit leap of religion right here. However other reviewers we belief have additionally been impressed, and the consumer suggestions we’ve seen across the internet has been overwhelmingly constructive. The worth helps: At $90, it’s not low cost, nevertheless it’s properly beneath different premium choices just like the Viper V3 Professional (You possibly can buy a dongle that permits 8,000Hz polling charge help for $25 extra, however you don’t want it.) If you’d like a smaller efficiency mouse and may stay with the hole-y underside, it’s very good. Word that Hitscan sells it in batches, although, so chances are you’ll run into inventory points in some unspecified time in the future.

Professionals

Snug for fingertip and claw grips and smaller arms
Wonderful optical switches
Light-weight
First rate worth

Cons

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

$90 at Hitscan

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Connectivity: Wi-fi, wired (USB-C) | Form: Proper-handed | Weight: 63 grams | Dimensions: 5 x 2.67 x 1.73 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Professional 30K Optical Sensor | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 | Most polling charge: 8,000Hz (“traditional base” mannequin requires non-compulsory dongle) | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): As much as 90 hours at 1,000Hz

If you’d like a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs a lot of the similar strengths because the Viper V3 Professional however has a taller, barely wider and extra dramatically flared design that’s tailor-made to right-handed customers. Most individuals with medium to giant arms 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 stress-free place to relaxation your hand over the course of the day.

Razer sells two variants of the DeathAdder V3 Professional: one with an identical 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet. The DeathAdder’s facet buttons are greater, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless tough to hit by chance. The PTFE toes are smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, nevertheless it’s nonetheless light-weight. And whereas the sensor is technically a era older, efficiency is successfully flawless.

In any other case, you’re taking a look at an identical function set. The optical predominant buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The frivolously notched scroll wheel is tender, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at 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 help 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 increased 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. Normally, the largest knock in opposition to the DeathAdder V3 Professional is that it’s costly, with the 8,000Hz mannequin priced at $160.

Professionals

High-shelf efficiency
Light-weight
Snug for these with medium to giant arms

Cons

Costly
Naggy software program
Not best for smaller arms

$95 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The newer Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which prices $99, is a “1B” choose right here. Though it’s positioned beneath the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Professional Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t 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 increased at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The most important distinction is that it’s lighter (55g) and extra compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a touch shorter hump. In case your arms are on the smaller facet and also you need an ergonomic form, it’s value grabbing as an alternative.

Professionals

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

Cons

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

$99 at Amazon

Photograph 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 arms. The entire thing is extremely sturdy, with no flex or rattle, whereas the sleek matte plastic coating provides a good bit of grip. The built-in cable is gentle, versatile and cleverly titled upwards on the base of the mouse, all of which helps scale back any dragging sensation as you throw your hand round.

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

By default, the principle clicks are on the stiffer facet however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You 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 fitting mouse button on our unit does sound a little bit sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you’ll pop in quieter switches on a budget if you’d like a distinct noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two facet buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re arduous to hit by chance.

Sensor efficiency is predictably glorious; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a variety of video games. With its gentle weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, the whole lot 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, nevertheless it’s no 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 easy to grok and takes up subsequent to no sources.

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

Professionals

Quick to click on and flick
Sturdy, ultralight design
Gentle and versatile cable
{Hardware} is customizable

Cons

A bit small for giant arms
Facet buttons really feel considerably hole
Occasional inventory points

$85 at Amazon

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

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

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

The Basilisk V3 makes use of older optical switches than our different Razer high picks, however we haven’t had any sturdiness points after a pair years of testing. Whereas predominant clicks aren’t practically as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable steadiness between firmness and velocity. They aren’t all that loud, both. Much like the Viper V3 Professional, the buttons are grooved in a means that naturally invitations your index and center fingers.

The scroll wheel could be the weakest aspect: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, nevertheless it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That mentioned, it might probably tilt side-to-side — which helps clarify the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that permits you to swap between a standard ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That may be useful outdoors of video games — say, when it’s essential to scroll by means of a large doc or Excel sheet.

Razer’s Synapse software program remains to be naggy with updates and Home windows-only, nevertheless 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 huge body imply it’s not expressly designed for video games like these. It can also’t go above a 1,000Hz polling charge. In some ways, that is the precise reverse of the OP1 8K, a tool that feels designed from the bottom up for aggressive fare. As a substitute, the Basilisk V3 is sensible for righties who desire a comfortable and dependable mouse they will flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s usually available for lower than $50 at third-party retailers nowadays, you’ll be able to take into account it our choose for the very best finances gaming mouse as properly.

It’s value noting that Razer has launched a barely refreshed mannequin referred to as the Basilisk V3 35K. That one comes with a technically improved sensor and newer optical switches, although the load and total form are just about equivalent. Provided 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 worth, although, be happy to get that as an alternative.

Professionals

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

Cons

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

$40 at Amazon

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If you’d like a mouse particularly designed for MMO and MOBA video games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does a very powerful factor any MMO mouse can do, which is allow you to entry a number of in-game actions with minimal effort. That’s because of its 12 programmable facet buttons, all of which ship a snug, firm-but-not-stiff sensation when pressed. Two of the panel’s 4 button rows are textured, which makes them simpler to differentiate with out having to look down. Uniquely, you’ll be able to bodily reposition this facet panel with an Allen key included within the field, so for those who discover the buttons tough to succeed in by default, you’ll be able to deal with that. Both means, having a bunch of buttons proper underneath your thumb makes it a lot simpler to play MMOs like Remaining Fantasy XIV and even single-player RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, which ask you to navigate a number of “hotbars” of instructions at any given time.

Like most MMO mice, the Scimitar RGB Elite is on the bigger and heavier (108g) facet, nevertheless it’s not the bulkiest mannequin we’ve seen. Its form must be accommodating to palm and claw grips, and most hand sizes. The center has a rounded, not-overly-aggressive hump, whereas the underside is extra gently sloped than rivals like Razer’s Naga lineup. The general development feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and first rate PTFE toes. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW3391) isn’t precisely superior nowadays, nevertheless 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 couple of downsides. The braided cable feels sturdy however considerably stiff. The scroll wheel is grippy and correct sufficient, nevertheless it’s a contact too recessed between the principle buttons, and it might be firmer. These predominant buttons by no means really feel mushy, however they use mechanical switches, so that they carry extra of a long-term sturdiness danger than optical options. (Corsair charges them at 50 million clicks.) And Corsair’s iCue software program is, frankly, the worst: You can use it to customise key bindings, assign macros, modify the (delicate) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.

Nonetheless, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer possibility nowadays. At a worth that always hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite provides higher worth than most. For those who hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the gadget too.

Professionals

Cleverly textured facet buttons make MMOs simpler to navigate
Typically snug and well-built
First rate worth relative to MMO mouse market

Cons

Stiff cable
Scroll wheel is simply too recessed
Annoying software program

$60 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The $130 Pulsar X2 CrazyLight is value 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 taking part in twitchy shooter video games. We’re beginning to marvel simply what number of prefixes for the phrase “gentle” these mouse corporations can slap onto their merchandise, however the CrazyLight’s title is acceptable, because it weighs a mere 37 grams with its customary PTFE skates. It’s one other quick symmetrical mannequin, akin to the Hitscan Hyperlight in total footprint, nevertheless it has a flatter hump down the middle. Meaning it received’t actually fill out medium-to-large arms with a palm grip. Nevertheless it’s snug for the whole lot else, and its slight body feels pure in video games that demand snap reactions. You understand how baseball gamers will typically swing a heavier bat once they’re on deck to make their precise bat really feel sooner? That is form of just like the mouse equal of swinging that lighter bat.

A dependable sensor and easy-gliding toes 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 lovely matte plastic. It additionally is available in a couple of enjoyable colours. The 2 facet buttons are considerably skinny, and Pulsar’s software program is a little bit clunky. That is additionally one other one with an open backside facet, so it’s extra prone to mud than the Viper V3 Professional. Nonetheless, whereas the CrazyLight isn’t fairly as welcoming to all arms 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
Wonderful efficiency
Nicely-built

Cons

Holes in baseplate depart inside open to mud and particles
Not constructed for palm grips with bigger arms
Facet 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 if you’d like a right-handed design. It has an identical contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, nevertheless it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and large variants, so you’ll be able to select a measurement that matches your arms finest. Every have inflexible outer shells and snappy optical buttons, although the sleek plastic coating isn’t as grippy as both of the DeathAdder’s finishes and the facet buttons aren’t as crisp.

Just like the CrazyLight, the Xlite V3 additionally has cutouts throughout the underside, making it extra prone to gunk. Nonetheless, it is a gentle, snug and extremely responsive ergo mouse. At its current avenue worth of $70 (pre-tariffs), it’s a robust purchase.

We’ll word that Pulsar has a revised model of this mouse referred to as the Xlite V4. We haven’t examined it for ourselves nevertheless it’s not a significant refresh, primarily including a more moderen sensor and 8K polling help (with an non-compulsory dongle) within the . If the Xlite V3 goes out of inventory, or for those who see the 2 mice out there for a similar worth, 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 depart 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)

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

Lamzu Maya X

The Lamzu Maya X is a superb 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 toes, correct efficiency, a decent scroll wheel and a light-weight design (46g). It’s shut in measurement to the Viper V3 Professional, nevertheless 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 also be solely accessible over the net (for Chromium-based browsers no less than), so that you don’t need to obtain something additional to your PC.

Nevertheless, we predict the Viper’s longer body and ever-so-slightly extra concave sides preserve it just a bit comfier for bigger arms and palm grips. Its facet buttons are nonetheless extra satisfying to press and its end gives extra grip. The Maya additionally follows the “depart your entire backside of your mouse uncovered” pattern to succeed in its decrease weight. And although the software program being web-based is nice, it is vitally a lot a Chinese language Gaming App with grammatical errors and peculiar formatting quirks. The fact 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 arms.

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 desire a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has an identical “potato”-style form, its monitoring is equally great and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. Not like the primary Superlight, it additionally fees over USB-C. However the Viper’s predominant clicks are crisper and extra pleasant-sounding, its facet buttons aren’t as mushy and its scroll wheel is each firmer and grippier. It’s additionally barely lighter.

The new Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 wireless gaming mouse. — The Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2. (Photograph 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 facet to flare out a little bit an excessive amount of, although, usually leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with medium-sized arms could discover its heart hump to be too aggressive for constant aiming as properly. The DeathAdder V3 Professional’s predominant 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 certainly not is that this a poor selection. However at $180 after a tariff-related worth hike, there are higher values on the market.

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed

Very similar to 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 equivalent 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’ll be able to really feel the distinction in twitchier video games. It makes use of older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE toes, too, plus it lacks a port for connecting a cable. So it’s not as near its large sibling because the mid-tier DeathAdder. Some could want that its DPI button is situated on the highest of the mouse, although, and its less complicated on-off change is 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 snug form and structure, 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 if you’d like a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It’s out there in mini and customary sizes: The previous is a technically weightier (51 grams) model of the X2 CrazyLight, whereas the latter is that however greater. Each have sturdy plastic frames, although they’re nonetheless meant for claw or fingertip grips first. Additionally they have cutouts throughout their undersides. As with the Xlite V3, Pulsar now sells a more moderen mannequin referred to as the X2 V3, although that’s a minor refresh with an up to date sensor and 8K polling charge help. The newest mannequin is value 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 worth vary.

Pwnage Stormbreaker

The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wi-fi mouse that’s largely comprised of magnesium alloy as an alternative of plastic. It performs about on par with our high picks, which is superb, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to swimsuit palm and claw grippers properly. (If BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is mainly that.) Nevertheless, the intensive cutouts all around the sides and high shell are noticeable within the hand and make the gadget extra prone to clutter buildup than the DeathAdder V3 Professional. Whereas the buttons and scroll wheel are impressively tight, the principle clicks are a bit too stiff and high-pitched for our liking. We additionally seen extra connection stutters than common on our take a look at PC, and it’s costly at $169.

BenQ Zowie U2

Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a wonderfully 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, certainly 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, nevertheless it also needs to work for fingertip grippers with bigger arms 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 might make adjusting settings a little bit cumbersome, although some could want not having to put in any additional bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a 1,000Hz polling charge — that’s not a giant deal in observe, nevertheless it’s technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot mistaken with the Logitech G309 Lightspeed in a vacuum. It’s constructed like a tank, its sensor is correct and its egg-like form ought to really feel OK, if not superlative, in most hand sizes and grip varieties. It makes use of the identical hybrid switches because the G Professional X Superlight 2, so the clicks don’t sound nice however are quick. It additionally has a supercapacitor inside, which supplies it successfully infinite battery life 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 load 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 gadget, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At $90 after a current worth hike, the G309 remains to be OK for informal varieties who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However until you employ PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the similar worth.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a good wired mannequin for individuals who desire a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s a lot gentle (53g) because of a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which might be lined by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and extra snug, so we predict it’s value the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other strong (albeit heavier) possibility with an identical 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. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wi-fi

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless is a budget-friendly wi-fi variant of the Haste 2. It could be OK 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 little bit 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 predominant buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed a couple of sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, notably 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 are able to’t suggest it.

Logitech G502 X

The Logitech G502 X has a typically comparable form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra facet buttons. Nevertheless, its predominant buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many arms and its rubber cable isn’t as versatile. It is also far more costly after Logitech’s current spherical of worth 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 choose. It’s usually out there within the $20 to $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless high quality if you’d like a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as doable. You possibly can really feel the price chopping in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nonetheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger arms. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a wi-fi mannequin with roughly the identical form, nevertheless 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 in case you have smaller arms, use a fingertip grip and desire 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 must be snug for palm or claw grippers with giant or medium-sized arms. Its matte end is a contact too slippery, nonetheless, and its predominant 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 simply too tender, clicking them towards the again is simply too stiff. The again facet 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 facet buttons, the power to attach over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a {smooth} scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for $100. Nevertheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each increase 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 predominant 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 now not the case. Over the previous couple of 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.

Word, nonetheless, that we’re strictly speaking about mice that use a 2.4GHz connection (over a USB dongle), not Bluetooth. Lots of the finest wi-fi gaming mouse fashions help 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 increased 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 anticipate quite a lot of days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you employ repeatedly. Some gaming mice supply wi-fi charging too, which makes issues simpler. Good wi-fi gaming mice often come at a a lot increased price than their wired counterparts as properly.

That’s to not say the premium is rarely value it: Who needs 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 situated in a clumsy spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you’ll be able to hook up in a pinch as properly. But when worth is your main concern, wired mouse could also be a greater worth.

Consolation and grip varieties

Everybody’s arms are completely different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “extra snug” than one other is usually subjective. Guaranteeing your consolation is essentially the most important step when shopping for any mouse, although, so we’ve completed our greatest to think about how every gadget we examined works with smaller, average-sized and bigger arms alike.

We additionally thought of how every peripheral accommodates the three grip types most individuals use whereas holding a mouse: palm, fingertip and claw. As a refresher, a palm grip is when your entire hand rests on the mouse, along with your fingers resting flat on the principle buttons. A fingertip grip is if you steer the mouse solely with the ideas of your fingers, along with your palm not in touch with the gadget in any respect. A claw grip is when your palm solely touches the again fringe of the mouse, along with your fingers arched in a claw-like form towards the buttons.

Normally, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the dimensions of your hand, chances are you’ll want your mouse to be a particular size to make use of it comfortably. A fingertip grip can enable for extra speedy actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a steadiness 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 specific grip fashion. For what it’s value, 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 seemed for finishes that have been {smooth}, not too slick and able to withstanding the sweaty palms that always include aggressive gaming classes.

The gaming mouse market is usually break up between two design types: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are virtually all the time made with right-handed customers in thoughts and sometimes function devoted thumb rests. Ambidextrous mice are extra symmetrical and designed for use with both hand (although they might not have additional buttons on either side). Whether or not an ergonomic or ambidextrous gaming mouse works finest for you is essentially a matter of private choice.

A gaming mouse’s toes, in the meantime, ought to present a constant glide and scale back the friction between your mouse and mouse pad beneath it as a lot as doable. For the very best efficiency, search for toes comprised of PTFE (aka Teflon). All toes will finally put on down, however many mice include spares, and most producers promote replacements if wanted.

As for flashy RGB lighting, it’s a pleasant bonus, however little greater than that. Nonetheless, 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 might stand to do issues for pleasure’s sake). Extra virtually, some mice allow you to assign customized lighting settings to separate profiles, which might make it simpler to see which one you’re at present utilizing.

Weight

Gaming mice have gotten lighter and lighter through the years, with some current releases weighing lower than 30 grams. Your mouse doesn’t want to be that feathery — something underneath 80g remains to be moderately gentle, and it’s not like a 100g mouse looks like a complete anchor. Regardless, a light-weight mouse makes it simpler to drag off quick actions repeatedly, with much less inertia. That mentioned, some gamers nonetheless take pleasure in a little bit little bit of bulk of their gaming mouse (comparatively talking), particularly with video games that aren’t as reliant on twitchy reactions.

To achieve these lightest weights, some producers have launched gaming mice with “honeycomb”-style designs, which function an array of cutouts within the outer shell. These mice can nonetheless carry out nice, however having a bunch of holes that expose the inner circuit board to doable 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 prone 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 susceptible to undesirable “double-clicks” over time. Many players nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it is not like it is best to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They only carry a little bit extra long-term danger in a vacuum.

Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, it’s your decision predominant buttons which have a softer really feel when pressed, with sufficient journey to make inadvertent actuations much less frequent. However even that could be a matter of choice: It’s your decision lighter buttons for those who play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally seemed to testing from sites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we suggest has a sufficiently low click on latency, which means your clicks will register with minimal lag.

Past the usual click on panels, gaming mouse also needs to have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for no less than two additional buttons on the thumb-side panel which might be straightforward to succeed in and tough to press by chance. Many mice have extra buttons, which generally is 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 no less than 12 facet buttons is preferable in an effort to entry as many hotbar instructions as doable.

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 must be grippy, and it should not make a distracting quantity of noise when used. The wheel also needs to be clickable, supplying you with one other enter to customise for sure video games (e.g., to regulate the zoom on a sniper rifle).

Sensors and efficiency

Some are more adept than others, however typically talking, the optical sensors constructed into most trendy gaming mice are greater than quick and correct sufficient for most individuals’s wants.

Whereas searching 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 right 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 folks play above 3,000, with 800 a standard candy spot. This idea can also be known as CPI (counts per inch), which is probably the extra correct time period, although DPI is used extra usually.
IPS, or inches per second, refers back to the most velocity a mouse sensor helps. The upper the IPS, the sooner you’ll be able to transfer the mouse earlier than it turns into incapable of monitoring motions appropriately.
Acceleration goes with IPS. On this context, it refers to what number of Gs a mouse can face up to earlier than it begins to trace inaccurately.
Polling charge is a measure of how usually a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Normally, the extra continuously your mouse studies data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time must be. Something at 500Hz or above is ok 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 until personal a robust PC and play on a gaming monitor with an particularly excessive refresh charge. Even then, a super-high polling charge is far from essential. Not all video games are constructed with it in thoughts, plus it results in a lot sooner battery drain.
Carry-off distance is the peak at which a mouse’s sensor stops monitoring the floor beneath it. Many aggressive gamers like this to be as little as doable 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 modify as most of the features above as doable, ideally to a number of distinct profiles. Ideally, it can save you your settings on to the mouse itself, letting you choose your customizations again up on one other gadget with out having to redownload any software program. All that is most vital on Home windows, however Mac compatibility is all the time good to have.

Guarantee and buyer help

Most main gaming mice manufacturers supply 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 word it right here as a result of the gaming mouse market is especially flush with merchandise from less-than-household names, lots of which you might even see overestimated 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 value checking that some stage of buyer help is in place. We’ve made certain our picks for the very best gaming mice aren’t riddled with an irregular quantity of poor consumer critiques.

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 in consequence, together with a pair different mice that now not look like out there. All different particulars must be up-to-date. The gaming mouse market stays a particularly busy one, so it’s tough for us to evaluation the whole lot. That mentioned, we’re at present testing a couple of different current releases from Corsair and ASUS, and we’re conserving an eye fixed 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 intention to check these extra totally, alongside a couple of others, for our subsequent replace.

September 2024: We have utterly refreshed this information for late 2024, including new predominant picks based mostly on form alongside notes on a number of different gaming mice we have examined in current 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 have been placing the ending touches on this replace.

Trending Merchandise

Add to compare

- 40%