If you want to be competitive in PC games these days, you can forget about using a run-of-the-mill office mouse. Instead, you’ll need a powerful device that’s optimized just for gaming. Manufacturers go to great pains to design specialist devices that give players an edge, with enhancements like unique body sizes and shapes, customizable weight, and extra grips to increase speed and accuracy. On top of that, the best gaming mice have unique hardware enhancements like highly sensitive sensors and complex button configurations to keep up with fast-paced games.
Deciding on the right mouse is a highly personal decision that needs careful consideration. Factors like the size and shape of your hand, your preferred grip style, the types of games you play, and the number of buttons you need, are all factors in your quest for the best gaming mouse.
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Every mouse we review is put through a rigorous testing process by our expert reviewers. We appraise everything from the device’s comfort and reliability, to its performance in games. We also compare each product to competitors to sum up whether or not they represent value for money.
Updated June 25, 2024 to include the Razer Basilisk Ultimate as an alternative to our Best MMO pick, the Razer Naga V2 Pro. The Basilisk Ultimate’s smooth glide, solid feel, and 11 programmable buttons make it a great option for MMO players that don’t need a side button grid.
Razer DeathAdder V3 – Best wired gaming mouse / Best overall
Pros
• Very light (59 grams)
• Ergonomic design for right-handers
• High-precision sensor
• USB polling rate of 8000Hz
• Durable Razer Optical Switches (up to 90 million clicks)
• High-quality PTFE grade feet
Cons
• Non onboard storage of the key assignment
• No RGB lighting
Price When Reviewed: $69.99
Why I like the Razer DeathAdder V3
Lightweight, wired FPS mice don’t come any quicker than the Razer DeathAdder V3, which is maxed out with an extraordinarily sensitive 30,000 DPI Razer Optical Sensor and a whopping 8,000Hz hyper-polling rate that’s eight times as fast as the standard 1,000Hz polling rate you get in other FPS gaming mice. If that isn’t already enough speed for you, the V3’s lightweight 2.08-ounce (59 grams) chassis and 100 percent PTFE feet combine for an exceptionally quick and smooth glide over your mouse mat, making it even more deadly in FPS gaming.
Who should buy the Razer DeathAdder V3
Based on the DeathAdder V3’s weight anyone looking for more speed in their FPS games would be well advised to get one. It’s also ideal for palm grippers with large- to medium-sized hands who will undoubtedly find plenty of support in its generous proportions for all sorts of tricky maneuvers. If you prefer a comfy thumb rest when you’re gaming, then you might want to consider the Logitech G502X instead. Apart the extra comfort you get in the thumb rest, the G502X has a unique side trigger button that sets it apart from most mice of its ilk.
Corsair M75 Air Wireless – Best ambidextrous grip
Pros
• Its narrow high-backed design enables superior control
• The 26K Optical Sensor is quick and precise
• Up to a quick 2000Hz / 0.5ms default polling rate
Cons
• One button for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be confusing
• There’s just one on-board memory profile
• No DPI switcher button
Price When Reviewed: $99.99
Why I like the Corsair M75 Air Wireless
The Corsair M75 Air’s 26K Optical Sensor reports at a quick 2,000Hz maximum polling rate (that’s 1,000Hz higher than some more expensive FPS gaming mice), which means I get ridiculously smooth and precise motion in games like Fortnite and Counter-Strike 2 in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi mode. Yet, this mouse’s hardware alone isn’t the only trick up its sleeve — its symmetrical design is just as noteworthy. The mouse’s excellent symmetry and low-key side buttons allow it to be used just as easily as a left- or right-handed mouse. There are five buttons all up, which all fire off quickly enough to win surprise attacks. There’s no top DPI button to speak of, but what you gain is an exceptionally lightweight design.
Who should buy the Corsair M75 Air Wireless
If you like a feeling of control in your play, the M75 Air’s high back is perfect for that; it pushes against your palm comfortably, syncing with your movements. The M75 Air’s long narrow front also provides plenty of space to stretch out your trigger fingers.
Razer Cobra Pro – Best general purpose wireless gaming mouse
Pros
• Its Razer Focus Pro 30K sensor is superb
• Dedicated DPI up/down buttons makes switching DPI on the fly easy
• Having 11 zones of RGB is brilliant
Cons
• The dimensions won’t suit large hands
• Buying the Cobra Pro with a Hyper polling dongle costs extra
• It’s a little heavier than its stablemate the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
Price When Reviewed: $129.99
Why I like the Razer Cobra Pro
The Razer Cobra Pro is an excellent all-round gaming mouse with a very sensitive 30K sensor that will give the best esports mice a run for their money. While its 2.78-ounce (79 grams) weight makes it a little heavier than many competitive FPS mice, it boasts features that most mice don’t have. Indeed, features like its up / down DPI buttons that allow you to switch DPI on the fly, its gorgeous 11 zones of RGB lighting, and Tri-Mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) make it a highly versatile and sought-after gaming mouse. Its one drawback, however, is its compact size, which comfortably fits small to medium sized hands but is a little too small for some large hands. Of course, this won’t affect players who prefer to use a claw grip, so this mouse is especially suited to them.
Who should buy the Razer Cobra Pro
Esports players or keen competitive players wanting one of the quickest mice you can buy, but also want the convenience of extra features that most esports mice don’t have.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – Best budget wireless gaming mouse
Pros
• The solid top back is comfortable and stylish
• The 26,000 sensor can target at lightning speeds
• Bluetooth functionality makes it one of the most versatile esports mice you can get
Cons
• The compact buttons can feel a bit cramped at times
• There’s just one RGB zone to play with
• It’s more expensive than its predecessor
Price When Reviewed: $89.99
Why I like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless features a lightning-fast 26,000 DPI sensor, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, as well as a dedicated DPI switcher, and still manages to be lighter and more affordable than some rivals. It weighs just a little over 2 ounces (61 grams), which is ideal for fast competitive gaming and esports. Its generous proportions and easy six-button configuration are just ideal to fit medium- and large-sized hands.
Who should buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless
Claw and fingertip gamers — the mouse’s solid plastic casing is a lot more comfortable for these grip types than its predecessor the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless, which has a perforated casing. It’s also a great option for gamers on a budget since it undercuts competitors with similar features by around $50. If you want to drop even less coin on your gaming mouse, then the $40 Logitech G203 Lightsync may fit the bill. It’s best suited to smaller hands though, so if you have a medium to large paw, the HyperX Plusefire Haste 2 Wireless is still the better option.
Swiftpoint Z2 – Best gaming mouse for tinkerers
Pros
• Converts to a joystick
• The button layout and button customization is excellent
• Pressure sensors and haptic feedback give you a deeper level of functionality
• Has a powerful accurate sensor
Cons
• Only one small RGB zone
• The joystick conversion provides only a small lift from a tabletop
• Wired connectivity only
Price When Reviewed: $199.00
Why I like the Swiftpoint Z2
It’s without a doubt the most customizable mouse that’s ever come across my review bench. Not only does this mouse allow you to customize its 13 programmable buttons with your choice of commands, but you can also customize the depth of actuation on those buttons, and the mouse tells you how deep you’ve clicked via haptic feedback. If that wasn’t enough already, the Swiftpont Z2 has a mini-OLED display. It also has an inbuilt gyroscope and converts into a joystick, which is a blast in flight simulators.
Who should buy the Swiftpoint Z2
This mouse is great for gamers who like to tinker with their controls for a deep level of customization or gamers who liked the Mad Catz R.A.T 8+ and are looking for something with upgraded functionality. The only problem once you’ve decided this is the mouse for you, is picking one up; right now it’s sold out and Swiftpoint is taking back orders for future shipments.
Razer Naga V2 Pro – Best gaming mouse for MOBA and MMO games
Pros
• The swappable button plates let you tailor your button setup to your game’s command load
• The sensor is very accurate and without a hint of lag
• There’s tons of comfort and the build quality is excellent
Cons
• The Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches are a little stiff at first and need wearing in
• It weighs 134 grams which is quite heavy even for an MMO mouse
• It’s currently very expensive
Price When Reviewed: $179.99
Why I like the Razer Naga V2 Pro
The Razer Naga V2 Pro does one better than just let me program my buttons how I like them — it features three swappable side-button plates that I can change out to tailor my mouse’s physical button setup to my game’s command load. Consequently, it makes a great all-around gaming mouse. In my playtesting I found it was especially perfect for MOBA and MMO games since you get a total of 22 commands with the 12-button plate attached, so there’s lots of options. As well as a very comfortable design, the V2 Pro also sports an accurate and precise 30,000 DPI sensor and Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches in the buttons that actuate in just 0.2 milliseconds.
Who should buy the Razer Naga V2 Pro
In my playtesting I found it was especially perfect for MOBA and MMO gamers since they get a total of 22 commands with the 12-button plate attached, so there’s lots of options. In MMO games the mouse’s weightiness (it weighs 4.7 ounces, or 134 grams) made weapons play feel extremely authentic and highly satisfying.
If you don’t need swappable button plates another great option for MMO games is the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless, which has a full grid of 10 buttons on its left side. My pick of the bunch for MMO gamers that don’t need a side grid of buttons is the Razer Basilisk Ultimate. This mouse has an exceptionally smooth glide, solid feel, and precise sensor.
Razer Basilisk V3 – Best dual-purpose gaming and productivity mouse
Pros
• An excellent sensor that syncs movements precisely
• 4K polling rate
• Strong and lightweight metal chassis
Cons
• Perforated back won’t suit claw grippers
• Smaller size isn’t great for large hands
• Battery life isn’t great in 4K polling mode
Price When Reviewed: $69.99
Why I like the Razer Basilisk V3
The Basilisk V3 resembles the Razer Basilisk V2 in size and shape, sporting similar right-handed curves and a slightly arched thumb rest. Among its best features are an 11-button layout, 26,000 DPI Razer Focus+ sensor, and second-generation Razer optical switches that I found very fast for all kinds of gaming — whether that’s casual or serious. But the real magic lies in the Basilisk V3’s HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, which is a fancy name for its mouse wheel. This tilts in four directions and triggers downwards to put five commands at your fingertips, ideal for tactical FPS games like Rainbow Six. Impressively, the HyperScroll Tilt Wheel also has extra AI scrolling modes that made my scrolling and browsing a lot easier. In my testing I enjoyed toggling between “Tactile” and “Free-Spin” modes, which allowed me to switch between a slow, precise scrolling action and a faster, smoother scrolling action that was useful for getting to the end of long websites more easily.
Who should buy the Razer Basilisk V3
Anyone who wants to get fancy with their scrolling. With the right setup, the Basilisk makes scrolling game menus or long documents in Windows quick and easy.
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse – Best gaming mouse for esports / first-person shooters
Pros
• 4KHz wireless polling rate
• The buttons are soft and have quick debounce
• The Alienware styling looks awesome
• One of the most precise mouse wheels I’ve used
• Weighs just over 2 ounces
Cons
• The back could do with more height
• There’s no RGB lighting
• It’s quite large so won’t suit everyone
Price When Reviewed: $149.99
Why I like the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse
You hear a lot about DPI being the main factor that determines performance. But quite frankly polling rate is twice as important for aiming at and hitting fast-moving players in FPS games. Hence why this mouse is so lethal — it comes with a 4KHz polling rate right out of the box, that’s quadruple the reporting rate of some other big-name FPS gaming mice.
Who should buy the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse
Everything else about this mouse is tailored for speed and precision. From its 4K polling rate, to its ultra-light weight of just over 2 ounces, to its soft buttons with their ultra-quick debounce rate. For that reason, I’d recommend this mouse to gamers who want the fastest performance in FPS games. For three other excellent options for FPS gaming check out the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, and Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition.
Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition – Best gaming mouse for productivity
Pros
• Very good sensor
• Ultra-flat front
• Very light
• Eco-friendly design
• Long battery life
Cons
• Unusually placed charging socket
• Design might take some getting used to for some users
Price When Reviewed: $99.00
Why I like the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition
It’s very lightweight, weighing just 2.25 ounces (64 grams). Yet its chassis is made from magnesium, so it’s also very strong. I also had everything I needed to perform at my best — an accurate 26K DPI sensor, a lightning-quick 4K polling rate and soft buttons with a very quick debounce. The Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition is also cheaper than some rival gaming mice with similar specs, judging by its price tag at the time of writing my review; it cost $99 at Keychron, which is $50 cheaper than some very capable competitors.
Who should buy the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition
The Keychron M3 mini 4K is a one-of-a-kind mouse that makes an excellent all-purpose gaming mouse. Its interesting design also suits gamers wanting to make it a centerpiece of a collection. The mouse’s compact size does, however, mean it’s best suited to players with small-to-medium sized hands. If you’re after a mouse with exceptionally quick buttons like this one, you might also like to check out the Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8KHz Edition.
ROCCAT Burst Pro Air – Best RGB gaming mouse
Pros
• Owl-Eye sensor is very precise and quick
• You won’t find a mouse with more stunning RGB lighting
• Dual wireless as well as wired connectivity
Cons
• 81-gram weight can feel heavy if you’re used to a lighter mouse
• Mouse wheel lacks left and right lateral clicks
• Pricey compared to some rivals
Price When Reviewed: $79.99
Why I like the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air
The ROCCAT Burst Pro Air’s four dedicated RGB lighting zones shine colored light through its semi-transparent body, creating a mesmerizing sheen-like glow that looks totally stunning from any angle. If the semi-transparent shell is my canvas, then ROCCAT’s Swarm app provides my painter’s palette, letting me go to town customizing each zone with up to 16.8 million colors and a range of stunning effects. But as any gamer knows, looks aren’t everything. Consequently, I also chose the Pro Air because of its excellent gaming performance, which in my play testing I attributed to its comfortable eight-button design, powerful 19,000 DPI Owl-Eye optical sensor, and low-latency optical switches, which are rated for 100 million clicks. The Pro Air also scores big points for its excellent connectivity options, which includes low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless options, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for wired connectivity. For another great ROCCAT gaming mouse that has previously taken top position for ‘Best RGB gaming mouse’ also check out the ROCCAT Kone XP.
Who should buy the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air
If you appreciate a bit of RGB artistry in your gaming getup or want to create a mesmerizing light show to go with your other dazzling RGB gaming gear, then this looker is ideal.
MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless – Best rechargeable gaming mouse
Pros
• Charging dock included
• Current high-end sensor from Pixart
• Omron switches
• Three connection modes (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired)
• Good price-performance ratio
Cons
• A bit heavy for “Lightweight”
• Software is a little convoluted
Price When Reviewed: $99.00
Why I like the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless
The MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless gaming mouse combines practicality, functionality, and stellar looks better than just about any other gaming mouse. As well as supporting all three connectivity types — 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired — it features visually striking RGB Diamond Lightgrips down each side that hold your fingers to the mouse’s body and provide you with a lot of precision control over movement. Another practical feature is the convenient charging dock that makes recharging a piece of pie and means it’s very difficult to ever run out of battery. The GM51 Lightweight Wireless
