The perfect gaming mouse in 2025

No gaming mouse will magically cease you from getting destroyed in Counter-Strike or Name of Responsibility, however the correct choose can provide you a larger sense of management whereas making your downtime extra snug. In reality, which one is “finest” for you comes all the way down to desire: Form is king, because the mouse nerd adage goes, and everybody’s fingers are totally different. However to make issues just a little simpler, we’ve examined dozens of well-regarded gaming mice over the previous couple of years and picked out just a few choices which have glided above the remaining. After taking part in numerous hours of CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Ultimate Fantasy XIV and more PC games, listed below are our picks for the perfect gaming mice you should purchase, damaged down by form and use case. We’ve additionally included some basic recommendation to bear in mind throughout your search.

The perfect gaming mice

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If cash is not any object, the perfect 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 in the event you play a ton of aggressive PC video games and might abdomen the worth.

With its frivolously grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and mild flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form needs to be snug for a variety of hand sizes and grip types. It’s a bit on the broader aspect, and it in all probability works finest with a claw or palm grip, however it’s not so massive or tall that it could’t accommodate fingertip grippers. The principle mouse buttons are contoured in a manner that offers your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both aspect to subtly nudge them to the correct spot while you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other manner, this is likely 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 coated 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 smooth to the contact. The principle 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 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 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 really seen any profit from leaping that prime. Largely, it’ll simply zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Professional can rise up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is ok for this market and roughly per our expertise, however that drops to only 17 hours at 8,000Hz.

If the worth didn’t make it apparent, the Viper V3 Professional is for gaming lovers. 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 situated on the underside of the gadget to make it more durable to hit by chance. For the reason that 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 may 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 house within the fingers of dedicated FPS gamers.

Professionals

Distinctive efficiency
Excellent construct high quality
Snug for many grip sorts 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 incredible 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 just a little straighter towards the highest. The principle distinction is that it’s thinner and far shorter, with a noticeably decrease button top, so it’s finest suited to these with smaller fingers and/or fingertip or claw grippers. When you have greater fingers and use a palm grip, it gained’t be as accommodating as our prime choose.

That stated, 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 massive cutouts on its backside. This exposes a number of the mouse’s electronics to potential mud and particles in your desk. That stated, we’ll take this kind of design over mice with holes within the prime shell, because you’ll nearly at all times maintain your mouse face-down anyway.

The remainder of the Hyperlight’s design is completely sturdy, with no looseness or rattling while 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 most important clicks. Total efficiency is phenomenal — as is the case with most fashionable gaming mice — and the PTFE ft transfer easily, although it’s a must to set up them your self. The scroll wheel has clearly outlined notches as properly, although it could get just a little 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 nice) at 75 hours or so. The included cable might additionally stand to be extra versatile, although it’s definitely usable.

Hitscan is a reasonably new US-based firm and the Hyperlight is its first product, so that you’re taking just a little 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, however it’s properly under different premium choices just like the Viper V3 Professional (You may buy a dongle that permits 8,000Hz polling price assist for $25 extra, however you don’t want it.) In order for you a smaller efficiency mouse and might stay with the hole-y underside, it’s very good. Notice that Hitscan sells it in batches, although, so you could run into inventory points sooner or later.

Professionals

Snug for fingertip and claw grips and smaller fingers
Glorious optical switches
Light-weight
First rate 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 non-obligatory dongle) | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): As much as 90 hours at 1,000Hz

In order for you a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs many 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 massive fingers ought to discover it to be a pure match with a palm or claw grip, although it’ll in all probability be a contact too fats for smaller-handed people and fingertip grippers. This sort of form isn’t as simple 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 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, however it’s nonetheless good, and it’s a lot much less of a fingerprint magnet. The DeathAdder’s aspect buttons are greater, nearer collectively and a smidge much less tight, however they’re nonetheless troublesome to hit by chance. 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 identical function set. The optical most important buttons are satisfying and constant however not overly delicate. The frivolously notched scroll wheel is smooth, quiet and resistant sufficient, if not agency. Battery life is rated at an honest 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 obtainable for much less at third-party retailers, it’s in all probability a greater worth. Generally, the most important knock towards the DeathAdder V3 Professional is that it’s costly, with the 8,000Hz mannequin priced at $160.

Professionals

Prime-shelf efficiency
Light-weight
Snug for these with medium to massive fingers

Cons

Costly
Naggy software program
Not excellent for smaller fingers

$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 under the Professional in Razer’s lineup, it’s extra of a “DeathAdder V3 Professional Mini” than a transparent downgrade. It doesn’t hand over the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and smooth (if smudge-heavy) coating of pricier DeathAdder V3 Professional, and whereas its sensor is technically worse, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 10 hours larger 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 slightly shorter hump. In case your fingers are on the smaller aspect 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 dimension 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

In the event you 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 manner that makes them (comparatively) simple to swap out in a worst-case situation. Generally, the gadget’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, non-obligatory 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 may really set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both manner the buttons are simple to spam. The best mouse button on our unit does sound just a little 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 special noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two aspect buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter really feel considerably hole, however they’re arduous to hit by chance.

Sensor efficiency is predictably wonderful; 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 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 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 definitely 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 situation could also be that it could fall out of inventory every now and then, 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 big fingers
Facet buttons really feel considerably hole
Occasional inventory points

$85 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

It’s just a few 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 most important 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 favor a fingertip grip or simply have smaller fingers will seemingly discover it too chunky, nonetheless.

The design as an entire feels strong; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right aspect while you press down arduous, however you’d should exit of your approach to discover it. The matte plastic end is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is loads 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 you could must purpose extra exactly. The latter shall be notably powerful for the smaller-handed to succeed in comfortably, although.

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

The scroll wheel may be the weakest aspect: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, however it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That stated, 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 you should scroll via an enormous 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 totally different profiles to the mouse itself, although your lighting customizations gained’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. When 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 a substitute, the Basilisk V3 is smart for righties who desire 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 nowadays, you possibly can think about it our choose for the perfect 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 general form are just about similar. On condition that we didn’t have many points with the tech within unique V3, we’d nonetheless advocate getting the older model whereas it’s nonetheless in inventory and obtainable for much less. In the event you see the 35K mannequin on sale for the same worth, although, be at liberty to get that as an alternative.

Professionals

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

Cons

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

$40 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

In order for you a mouse particularly designed for MMO and MOBA video games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does crucial 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 aspect 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 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 in the event you discover the buttons troublesome to succeed in by default, you possibly can handle that. Both manner, having a number of buttons proper underneath 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 needs 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 development 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 nowadays, 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.

Nonetheless, there are just a few 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 most important 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 alternate 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 (gentle) 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 choice nowadays. At a worth that usually hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite provides higher worth than most. In the event you hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the gadget too.

Professionals

Cleverly textured aspect 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 in the event you’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 “mild” these mouse firms can slap onto their merchandise, however the CrazyLight’s title is suitable, because it weighs a mere 37 grams with its normal PTFE skates. It’s one other quick symmetrical mannequin, akin to the Hitscan Hyperlight in general footprint, however it has a flatter hump down the middle. Which means it gained’t actually fill out medium-to-large fingers with a palm grip. Nevertheless it’s snug for every part 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 after they’re on deck to make their precise bat really feel sooner? That is kind 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. (Anticipate 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 just a few enjoyable colours. The 2 aspect buttons are considerably skinny, and Pulsar’s software program is just a little clunky. That is additionally one other one with an open backside aspect, so it’s extra vulnerable to mud than the Viper V3 Professional. Nonetheless, 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
Facet buttons aren’t the perfect

$130 at Amazon

Pulsar Gaming Gears

The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a superb 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, however it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and large variants, so you possibly can select a dimension that matches your fingers finest. 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, snug and extremely responsive ergo mouse. At its latest avenue worth of $70 (pre-tariffs), it’s a powerful purchase.

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

Professionals

Stable worth
Nicely-suited for palm and claw grips
Accessible 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 record of each single mannequin we’ve ever put via its paces.

Lamzu Maya X

The Lamzu Maya X is a good symmetrical mouse and a detailed competitor to the Razer Viper V3 Professional. It’d be subsequent in line for an honorable point out, because it has many of the issues we like concerning 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 dimension 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 also be totally accessible over the net (for Chromium-based browsers no less than), so that you don’t should obtain something additional to your PC.

Nonetheless, we predict the Viper’s longer body and ever-so-slightly extra concave sides maintain it just a bit comfier for bigger fingers and palm grips. Its aspect buttons are nonetheless extra satisfying to press and its end supplies extra grip. The Maya additionally follows the “go away 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 rather a lot a Chinese language Gaming App with grammatical errors and peculiar formatting quirks. The fact is that nice margins separate high-end gaming mice these days — the Maya X is sweet, however we favor the Viper at this dimension, whereas the Hitscan and CrazyLight are higher for smaller fingers.

Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is a detailed 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 super and its optical-mechanical switches have a definite really feel. In contrast to the primary Superlight, it additionally expenses over USB-C. However the Viper’s most important 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 just a little an excessive amount of, although, usually leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with medium-sized fingers could discover its heart hump to be too aggressive for constant aiming as properly. The DeathAdder V3 Professional’s most important 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 on no account 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 similar to the extra premium mannequin, and although it technically has a worse sensor, the drop-off is hardly noticeable. The principle 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 could favor that its DPI button is situated on the highest of the mouse, although, and its easier on-off change is good.

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 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 stated, it’s an honest worth at $70.

Pulsar X2 V2

The $100 Pulsar X2 V2 is one other first rate choice if you’d like a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It’s obtainable in mini and normal 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. In addition 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 price assist. The most recent mannequin is value getting as an alternative when the X2 V2 isn’t discounted, however we favor 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 made out of magnesium alloy as an alternative of plastic. It performs about on par with our prime 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.) Nonetheless, the intensive cutouts everywhere in the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the gadget 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 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 nice. 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, however it must also 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 might make adjusting settings just a little cumbersome, although some could favor not having to put in any additional bloat on their PC. This mouse additionally maxes out at a 1,000Hz polling price — that’s not an enormous deal in follow, however it’s technically behind many different mice on this worth vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot unsuitable 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 sorts. 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 in the event you 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 latest worth hike, the G309 remains to be OK for informal sorts 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 worth.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is an honest wired mannequin for individuals who desire a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s loads mild (53g) because of a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which might be coated 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) choice 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 couple 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 might be OK in the event you 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 just a little weightier than the wired Haste 2 (about 70g) because it runs on a AAA battery, however that’s nowhere close to heavy. That stated, its most important buttons really feel considerably mushy, and we noticed just a few 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 will’t advocate it.

Logitech G502 X

The Logitech G502 X has a usually comparable form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra aspect buttons. Nonetheless, its most important 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 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 obtainable within the $20 to $30 vary nowadays, and at that worth it’s nonetheless nice if you’d like a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as potential. You may really feel the price reducing in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nonetheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger fingers. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a wi-fi mannequin with kind of 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 you probably have smaller fingers, 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 slightly 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 needs to be snug for palm or claw grippers with massive or medium-sized fingers. Its matte end is a contact too slippery, nonetheless, and its most important buttons aren’t as constant or satisfying to press as our prime picks (regardless of utilizing Omron optical switches). Clicking them towards the highest is simply too smooth, clicking them towards the again is simply 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 concerning the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless: an ergonomic form that’s harking back to the Basilisk V3/G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable aspect buttons, the flexibility to attach over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a {smooth} scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for $100. Nonetheless, 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 most important 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 degree 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 a very good wi-fi mannequin and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible.

Notice, nonetheless, that we’re strictly speaking about mice that use a 2.4GHz connection (over a USB dongle), not Bluetooth. Most of the finest 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 enhancing 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 frequently. 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 isn’t value it: Who desires but one other cable on their desk? Chances are you’ll want a wi-fi mannequin in the event you hate the texture of “cable drag” or in case your gaming PC is situated in an ungainly spot. Many wi-fi gaming mice include a cable you possibly can hook up in a pinch as properly. But when worth is your major concern, a very good wired mouse could also be a greater worth.

Consolation and grip sorts

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

We additionally thought-about how every peripheral accommodates the three grip kinds most individuals use whereas holding a mouse: palm, fingertip and claw. As a refresher, a palm grip is when your complete hand rests on the mouse, along with your fingers resting flat on the primary buttons. A fingertip grip is while you steer the mouse solely with the information 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.

Generally, most individuals use a palm grip, which tends to supply the best sense of management — although, relying on the dimensions of your hand, you could want your mouse to be a selected size to make use of it comfortably. A fingertip grip can permit for extra speedy actions, whereas a claw grip is one thing of a steadiness between the 2. Switch and Click has a very good breakdown in the event you’d like extra element, however we’ve famous above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a specific grip model. For what it’s value, yours really is a claw gripper more often than not.

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Construct high quality and design

gaming mouse feels sturdy and gained’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 appeared 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 usually cut up between two design kinds: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are nearly at all times 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 basically a matter of private desire.

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 potential. For the perfect efficiency, search for ft made out of 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, in the event you’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra client 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 presently 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 underneath 80g remains to be fairly mild, and it’s not like a 100g mouse appears like a complete anchor. Regardless, a light-weight mouse makes it simpler to tug off quick actions repeatedly, with much less inertia. That stated, some gamers nonetheless get pleasure from just a little little bit of bulk of their gaming mouse (comparatively talking), particularly with video games that aren’t as reliant on twitchy reactions.

To succeed in 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 potential sweat, mud and detritus isn’t the perfect for long-term sturdiness. If a mouse will need to 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 usually be extra sturdy and fewer liable to undesirable “double-clicks” over time. Many players nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it is not like you need to keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They only carry just a little extra long-term danger in a vacuum.

Since most individuals will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, you might have considered trying most important 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 desire: It’s your decision lighter buttons in the event you play video games that decision for fixed clicking. We additionally appeared to testing from sites like Rtings to make sure every mouse we advocate has a sufficiently low click on latency, which means your clicks will register with minimal lag.

Past the usual click on panels, a very good gaming mouse must also 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 simple to succeed in and troublesome to press by chance. Many mice have extra buttons, which could be a plus, however not in the event that they pressure you to contort your fingers to keep away from hitting them. For MMO mice, having no less than 12 aspect buttons is preferable to be able to entry as many hotbar instructions as potential.

As for the scroll wheel, it ought to have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant however make it clear while you’ve really scrolled. Its texture needs to be grippy, and it should not make a distracting quantity of noise when used. The wheel must also be clickable, supplying 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 usually 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 numerous 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 prime out above 30,000, however that’s largely advertising fluff: Few individuals play above 3,000, with 800 a typical 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 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. Generally, the extra steadily your mouse studies data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time needs to be. Something at 500Hz or above is ok for informal gaming. The candy spot for many is 1,000Hz. Many more moderen 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 strong 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 sooner battery drain.
Elevate-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 potential to be able 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 search out horror tales about bugs and different niggling points attributable to gaming mouse software program, so the best app is one which doesn’t pressure you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to modify as lots of the elements above as potential, 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 at all times 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 client 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, lots of which you may even see puffed up on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the internet. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however in the event you ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some degree of buyer assist is in place. We’ve made certain our picks for the perfect 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 consequently, together with a pair different mice that now not look like obtainable. All different particulars needs 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 stated, we’re presently testing just a few different latest releases from Corsair and ASUS, and we’re retaining 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 just lately launched updates to a few our present picks. We purpose to check these extra absolutely, alongside just a few others, for our subsequent replace.

September 2024: We have fully refreshed this information for late 2024, including new most important picks based mostly 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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