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 proper choose can provide you a larger sense of management whereas making your downtime extra comfy. 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 palms are completely 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 remainder. After enjoying numerous hours of CS2, Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, Ultimate Fantasy XIV and more PC games, listed here are our picks for the perfect gaming mice you should purchase, damaged down by form and use case. We’ve additionally included some normal recommendation to bear in mind throughout your search.

The perfect gaming mice

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If cash isn’t 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 case you play a ton of aggressive PC video games and may abdomen the value.

With its flippantly grooved sides, noticeable however not aggressive hump and delicate flare-outs towards the again, the Viper V3 Professional’s form must be comfy 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, however it’s not so massive or tall that it could actually’t accommodate fingertip grippers. The primary mouse buttons are contoured in a method that offers your fingers a pure resting place, and there are little ledges on both facet to subtly nudge them to the proper spot while you’re scrambling in-game. Put one other method, this is among the safer shapes we’ve examined.

The Viper’s construct high quality is great. It’s impressively mild at 54 grams, which makes it a breeze to flick round in fast-paced video games, but its matte plastic body isn’t lined in dust-inviting holes like many different choices across the 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 comfortable 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 mild. The 2 programmable facet buttons are well-sized and straightforward to achieve. The scroll wheel, in the meantime, is tight and quiet, with clearly outlined steps and a textured end.

Efficiency, as is the case with many high-end gaming mice as of late, is successfully flawless. Razer’s Focus Professional 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 — say that 5 occasions quick — is principally 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 beneath, few individuals will truly 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 according to 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 fans. As such, it provides up a few 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 more durable to hit by chance. For the reason that gadget makes use of a particular dongle as a substitute of a standard 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 palms of dedicated FPS gamers.

Professionals

Distinctive efficiency
Very good construct high quality
Comfy for many grip varieties and hand sizes

Cons

Costly
Little bit of a fingerprint magnet
Thick charging cable

$156 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The Hitscan Hyperlight is a incredible various 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 just a little 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 palms and/or fingertip or claw grippers. You probably have larger palms and use a palm grip, it received’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 rapidly 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 few of the mouse’s electronics to potential mud and particles in your desk. That stated, we’ll take this type of design over mice with holes within the prime shell, because you’ll virtually 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 important clicks. Total efficiency is phenomenal — as is the case with most trendy gaming mice — and the PTFE ft transfer easily, although you must set up them your self. The scroll wheel has clearly outlined notches as properly, although it could actually get just a little 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 effective) at 75 hours or so. The included cable may 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 net has been overwhelmingly optimistic. The worth helps: At $90, it’s not low cost, however it’s properly beneath different premium choices just like the Viper V3 Professional (You may buy a dongle that allows 8,000Hz polling price assist for $25 extra, however you don’t want it.) In order for you a smaller efficiency mouse and may reside with the hole-y underside, it’s excellent. Notice that Hitscan sells it in batches, although, so it’s possible you’ll run into inventory points in some unspecified time in the future.

Professionals

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

Cons

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

$90 at Hitscan

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

In order for you a premium gaming mouse with a extra ergonomic form, get the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro. It packs many of the similar strengths because the Viper V3 Professional in a taller, barely wider and extra dramatically flared design that’s tailor-made to right-handed customers. Most individuals with medium to massive palms ought to discover it a pure match with a palm or claw grip, although it’s most likely a contact too fats for smaller-handed of us and fingertip grippers. This type of form isn’t as straightforward to whip round because the Viper, however its excessive, sideways-sloping hump ought to present a extra enjoyable place to relaxation your hand over the course of the day.

Most of the issues we like in regards to the Viper V3 Professional are included right here as properly. It’s light-weight at 56 grams, and it has the same soft-touch end that’s pleasantly {smooth} with out being too slick. The PTFE ft are a bit smaller however nonetheless glide reliably. There’s a brand new sensor — the Focus Professional 45K Gen 2 — however efficiency remains to be nearly flawless all the identical. The notched scroll wheel is raised a bit larger, although it’s nonetheless quiet and suitably tight. Battery life is best, although: Razer says the DeathAdder can last as long as 150 hours at 1,000Hz (or 22 hours at 8K). That appears about proper based mostly on our weeks of testing.

In comparison with the last-gen DeathAdder V3 Professional — our earlier choose on this spot — there’s more room between the facet buttons, which makes it simpler to keep away from misclicks. To enhance long-term reliability, Razer additionally says it’s strengthened the mouse’s inside construction whereas adopting an optical encoder for the scroll wheel as a substitute of a mechanical one, that are historically extra failure-prone. We’ll want time to see how efficient these adjustments actually are, however thus far we’ve felt no indicators of creaking or flexing. The scroll wheel additionally makes use of a full-size swap as a substitute of a typical side-button-style swap, which helps center clicks really feel tighter than they do on most different gaming mice. Possibly most conveniently, there’s a brand new dongle with a extra evenly weighted base, which retains it from twisting over in your desk. It additionally has LED lights to tell you in regards to the mouse’s battery stage, polling price and connection high quality.

The primary click on buttons are nonetheless well-sized and snappy to press, although the optical switches beneath are louder and sharper-sounding than what you get with the Viper V3 Professional. The fitting-click button specifically is higher-pitched than the left. It’s not loopy loud, and a few will benefit from the clearer sense of suggestions. However in case you reside with different individuals which can be delicate to those sorts of sounds, they might get just a little irritated. Aside from that, our solely different actual level of competition is the value: The DeathAdder prices much more than the Viper at $170. However in case you’ve bought the money and like an ergo form, it’s a bleeding-edge gadget for aggressive play.

Professionals

High-shelf efficiency
Comfy for these with medium to massive palms
Light-weight but sturdy design
Higher battery life than Viper V3 Professional

Cons

Costly
Not supreme for smaller palms
Switches might sound too resonant for some

$170 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The , which prices $100, is a wonderful various to the V4 Professional if you need one thing cheaper and extra compact. It doesn’t surrender the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell and comfortable coating of the pricier Professional mannequin, and whereas its sensor and optical switches are technically older, it nonetheless performs splendidly. Its battery life score is definitely 5 hours larger than the Viper at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. It’s light-weight at 55 grams, and if something some might desire the sound of its important click on buttons in comparison with the DeathAdder V4 Professional, as they’re a bit much less resonant. The most important distinction is that it’s smaller, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a touch shorter hump. The V4 Professional’s up to date internals might make it extra sturdy over time, but when your palms are on the smaller facet and also you need an ergonomic form, we wouldn’t object in case you grabbed the cheaper mannequin as a substitute.

Professionals

Lighter and extra inexpensive than DeathAdder V4 Professional
Clean, grippy end
Respectable worth

Cons

Smaller dimension is not as pleasant to bigger palms as DeathAdder V4 Professional
Brief and pretty stiff charging cable
Naggy software program

$75 at Amazon

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

If you happen to don’t thoughts connecting over a cable, our favourite wired gaming mouse with a symmetrical design is the Endgame Gear OP1 8K V2. 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 also can work in smaller palms. 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 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 V2 makes use of mechanical switches, however the mouse is designed in a method that makes them (comparatively) straightforward to swap out in a worst-case situation. Typically, the gadget’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily uncovered screws on the underside and a screwdriver, optionally available facet grips and bigger PTFE ft within the field.

By default, the primary clicks are on the stiffer facet however quick to actuate and noticeably crisp. You may truly set these switches to make use of a “speed mode” that reduces click on latency even additional, however both method the buttons are straightforward to spam. The fitting mouse button on our unit does sound just a little sharper than the left, however the distinction isn’t extreme and you may pop in quieter switches on a budget if you need 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. In comparison with its predecessor, this V2 replace additionally features a dustproof encoder for the scroll wheel, which ought to make it just a little extra sturdy over time.

Sensor efficiency is predictably glorious; we noticed no accuracy or movement delay points throughout a variety of video games. With its mild weight, quick clicks and {smooth} inventory skates, all the pieces 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 a minimum of 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 easy to grok and takes up subsequent to no sources.

At $90, this undoubtedly isn’t the most affordable wired mouse, however it nonetheless prices lower than most wi-fi high-performance choices. The extra urgent subject could also be that it may 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 palms
Facet buttons really feel considerably hole
Occasional inventory points

$90 at Amazon

Photograph 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 V4 Professional, with a big rubberized thumb relaxation, lengthy important buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump working down its center. It’s fantastically comfortable for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized palms, however it’ll additionally play properly with claw grips. Those that desire a fingertip grip or simply have smaller palms will probably discover it too chunky, nonetheless.

The design as a complete feels strong; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right facet while you press down arduous, however you’d should exit of your technique 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 whole, together with two easy-to-reach facet buttons and a devoted “sensitivity clutch” that allows you to momentarily drop to a decrease DPI for moments the place it’s possible you’ll have to intention extra exactly. The latter will likely be notably robust for the smaller-handed to achieve 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 important clicks aren’t almost as quick as these on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K V2, they strike an agreeable stability between firmness and pace. They aren’t all that loud, both. Just like the Viper V3 Professional, the buttons are grooved in a method that naturally invitations your index and center fingers.

The scroll wheel may be the weakest factor: It has clearly outlined steps and an simply identifiable texture, however it’s pretty loud and a bit wobbly. That stated, it could actually tilt side-to-side — which helps clarify the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that allows you to swap between a standard ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That may be useful exterior of video games — say, when you should scroll by means of 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 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. When 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 price. In some ways, that is the precise reverse of the OP1 8K V2, a tool that feels designed from the bottom up for aggressive fare. As an alternative, the Basilisk V3 is sensible for righties who need a comfortable and dependable mouse they’ll flip to for extra informal gaming throughout genres. Razer sells it for $70, however because it’s usually available for lower than $50 at third-party retailers as of late, you may contemplate it our choose for the perfect price range gaming mouse as properly.

It’s value noting that Razer has a barely refreshed mannequin known as the Basilisk V3 35K. That one comes with a technically improved sensor and newer optical switches, although the burden and total form are nearly equivalent. Provided that we didn’t have many points with the tech inside authentic V3, we’d nonetheless suggest getting the older model whereas it’s nonetheless in inventory and accessible for much less. If you happen to see the 35K mannequin on sale for the same value, although, be at liberty to get that as a substitute.

Professionals

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

Cons

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

$30 at Amazon

Photograph 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 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 due to 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 tell apart with out having to look down. Uniquely, you may bodily reposition this facet panel with an Allen key included within the field, so in case you discover the buttons troublesome to achieve by default, you may handle that. Both method, having a bunch of buttons proper below 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) facet, however 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 building feels well-built, with a {smooth} matte end, a grippy pinky relaxation and respectable PTFE ft. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW3391) isn’t precisely superior as of late, however it’s greater than constant sufficient for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t depend on exact, quick-twitch actions. It has no significant issues with latency, both.

Nevertheless, there are 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 important buttons by no means really feel mushy, however they use mechanical switches, so that they carry extra of a long-term sturdiness threat 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 (delicate) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, however determining how is wildly unintuitive.

However, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t actually have one killer choice as of late. At a value that usually hovers within the $60 to $75 vary, the Scimitar RGB Elite presents higher worth than most. If you happen to hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the gadget too.

Professionals

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

Cons

Stiff cable
Scroll wheel is just too recessed
Annoying software program

$58 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The $130 Pulsar X2 CrazyLight is value contemplating over the Viper V3 Professional and Hitscan Hyperlight in case you’re dedicated to a claw or fingertip grip and spend all of your time enjoying twitchy shooter video games. We’re beginning to surprise simply what number of prefixes for the phrase “mild” these mouse firms can slap onto their merchandise, however the CrazyLight’s title is suitable, because it weighs a mere 37 grams with its commonplace PTFE skates. It’s one other quick symmetrical mannequin, akin to the Hitscan Hyperlight in total footprint, however it has a flatter hump down the middle. Which means it received’t actually fill out medium-to-large palms with a palm grip. But it surely’s comfy for all the pieces 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 quicker? That is type 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 delightful matte plastic. It additionally is available in just a few enjoyable colours. The 2 facet buttons are considerably skinny, and Pulsar’s software program is just a little clunky. That is additionally one other one with an open backside facet, so it’s extra inclined to mud than the Viper V3 Professional. However, whereas the CrazyLight isn’t fairly as welcoming to all palms 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 depart inside open to mud and particles
Not constructed for palm grips with bigger palms
Facet buttons aren’t the perfect

$130 at Amazon

Pulsar Gaming Gears

The Pulsar Xlite V3, in the meantime, is a top quality various to the DeathAdder V4 Professional if you need a right-handed design. It has the same contoured form, so it’s nice for palm and claw grips, and it is about as mild. We like its inflexible outer shell and snappy optical buttons, although the sleek plastic coating isn’t as grippy because the DeathAdder’s end and the facet buttons aren’t as crisp.

Just like the CrazyLight, the Xlite V3 additionally has cutouts throughout the underside, making it extra inclined to gunk. Nonetheless, this can be a mild, comfy and extremely responsive ergo mouse. Whereas it has an inventory value of $100, Pulsar has typically offered it for $70 (pre-tariffs) in latest months; with that low cost, it is a robust purchase.

Simply observe that there is a revised model of this mouse known as the Xlite V4. We haven’t examined that one for ourselves, however it’s not a significant refresh, primarily including a more recent sensor and 8K polling assist (with an optionally available dongle) within the same shape. It is also accessible in a mini size option. If the Xlite V3 goes out of inventory, or in case you see the 2 mice accessible for a similar value, simply seize the V4. However the V3 is the higher worth so long as it stays in inventory at a reduction.

Professionals

Strong worth
Nicely-suited for palm and claw grips

Cons

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

$70 at Pulsar

Different gaming mice we have examined

A white gaming mouse rests on a marble table. — The Lamzu Maya X.

(Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

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

Lamzu Maya X

The Lamzu Maya X is a superb 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 in regards to the Hitscan Hyperlight and Pulsar X2 CrazyLight: a {smooth} matte end, a sturdy body, easy-gliding ft, correct efficiency, a decent scroll wheel and a light-weight design (46g). It’s shut in 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 be solely accessible over the online (for Chromium-based browsers a minimum of), so that you don’t should obtain something additional to your PC.

Nevertheless, we expect the Viper’s longer body and ever-so-slightly extra concave sides maintain it just a bit comfier for bigger palms and palm grips. Its facet buttons are nonetheless extra satisfying to press and its end gives extra grip. The Maya additionally follows the “depart the whole backside of your mouse uncovered” pattern to achieve its decrease weight. And although the software program being web-based is nice, it is extremely a lot a Chinese language Gaming App with grammatical errors and peculiar formatting quirks. The truth is that effective margins separate high-end gaming mice these days — the Maya X is sweet, however we desire the Viper at this dimension, whereas the Hitscan and CrazyLight are higher for smaller palms.

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 need a no-frills, high-end wi-fi gaming mouse. It has the same “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 fees over USB-C. However the Viper’s important 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 just a little an excessive amount of, although, typically leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable place. These with average-sized palms might discover its middle hump to be too aggressive for constant aiming as properly. The DeathAdder V4 Professional’s 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 inside tech is nice, so in no way is that this a poor alternative. However at $180 after a tariff-related value 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 stable worth. Its symmetrical form and soft-touch end are nearly 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 may really feel the distinction in twitchier video games. It makes use of older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE ft, too, plus it lacks a port for connecting a cable. So it’s not as near its massive sibling because the mid-tier DeathAdder. Some might desire that its DPI button is situated on the highest of the mouse, although, and its easier on-off swap is sweet.

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed

The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a extra inexpensive wi-fi model of the Basilisk V3 with the identical comfy 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 swap 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 respectable choice if you need a high-performing symmetrical mouse for lower than the Viper V3 Professional. It’s accessible in mini and commonplace sizes: The previous is a technically weightier (51 grams) model of the X2 CrazyLight, whereas the latter is that however larger. Each have sturdy plastic frames, although they’re nonetheless meant for claw or fingertip grips first. Additionally they have cutouts throughout their undersides. As with the Xlite V3, Pulsar now sells a more recent mannequin known as the X2 V3, although that’s a minor refresh with an up to date sensor and 8K polling price assist. The most recent mannequin is value getting as a substitute when the X2 V2 isn’t discounted, however we desire the Hitscan Hyperlight and its extra pleasing clicks to each on this value vary.

Pwnage Stormbreaker

The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wi-fi mouse that’s largely constructed from magnesium alloy as a substitute of plastic. It performs about on par with our prime picks, which is great, whereas its right-handed, medium-sized form ought to go well with palm and claw grippers properly. (If you understand BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the form is principally that.) Nevertheless, the intensive cutouts everywhere in the sides and prime shell are noticeable within the hand and make the gadget extra inclined to clutter buildup than the DeathAdder V4 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 ordinary on our check PC, and its $169 MSRP is dear.

BenQ Zowie U2

Talking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a wonderfully respectable various 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 effective. It additionally comes with two receivers, one in all which doubles as a useful charging dock. It has a symmetrical form with sides that curve inwards and a decently-sized hump on the again; BenQ says it’s designed for claw grips, and it’s certainly good for that, however it also needs to work for fingertip grippers with bigger palms or palm grippers with smaller ones. Alas, the scroll wheel is gratingly loud, and the plastic coating picks up smudges and hand oils prefer it’s its job. There’s additionally no configuration software program, which may make adjusting settings just a little cumbersome, although some might desire 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 a giant deal in observe, however it’s technically behind many different mice on this value vary.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed

There isn’t a lot improper with the Logitech G309 Lightspeed in a vacuum. It’s constructed like a tank, its sensor is correct and its egg-like form ought to really feel OK, if not superlative, in most hand sizes and grip varieties. It makes use of the identical hybrid switches because the G Professional X Superlight 2, so the clicks don’t sound nice however are quick. It additionally has a supercapacitor inside, which supplies it successfully infinite battery life in case 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 burden up round 85 grams. As most of that weight is felt towards the again, the mouse can really feel comparatively clunky to fling round in FPS video games. We’re not followers of the ugly recess throughout the center of the gadget, both, because it creates an area for mud to gather. At a $90 MSRP after a latest value hike, the G309 remains to be OK for informal varieties who’ll solely purchase from a reputation model. However until you utilize PowerPlay, it doesn’t do a lot to face out from different choices across the similar value.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is an honest wired mannequin for individuals who need a flatter ambidextrous form. It performs properly for aggressive play, and it’s loads mild (53g) due to a intelligent design with cutouts on the underside which can be lined by the mouse’s label. However the Endgame Gear OP1 8K V2 is better-built and extra comfy, so we expect it’s value the additional money. The Razer Viper 8KHz was one other stable (albeit heavier) choice with the same 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 Wonderful 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 might be OK in case 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 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 suggest it.

Logitech G502 X

The Logitech G502 X has a usually related form because the Razer Basilisk V3, with a decrease weight (84g) and extra facet buttons. Nevertheless, its important buttons are noisier, it’s a barely extra awkward match for many palms and its rubber cable isn’t as versatile. It is also costlier after Logitech’s spherical of value will increase earlier this yr, 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 price range choose. It’s typically accessible within the $20 to $30 vary as of late, and at that value it’s nonetheless effective if you need a reliable gaming mouse for as little cash as attainable. You may really feel the associated fee reducing in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, nonetheless, and its form is a bit too small and flat for bigger palms. 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 a substitute of mechanical ones. It is often priced between $35 and $40, although, so the G203 usually prices much less. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K V2 nonetheless feels higher-quality throughout the board, however if in case you have smaller palms, use a fingertip grip and need a cheaper symmetrical mouse, 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 comfy for palm or claw grippers with massive or medium-sized palms. Its matte end is a contact too slippery, nonetheless, and its 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 just too comfortable, clicking them towards the again is just 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.

Wonderful 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 harking back to the Basilisk V3/G502 X however lighter at 75g, 4 customizable facet buttons, the flexibility to attach over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a {smooth} scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for an inventory value of $100. Nevertheless, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches each elevate considerations about its long-term sturdiness.

Wonderful 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.

Wonderful 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 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 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 a superb 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 mostly too excessive to be dependable for gaming.

Going wi-fi nonetheless has different trade-offs, too. Battery life is bettering on a regular basis, however with their larger efficiency calls for and RGB lighting, most wi-fi gaming mice often do not final so long as “regular” wi-fi fashions. You shouldn’t count on various days of energy from a chargeable gaming mouse you utilize usually. Some gaming mice provide wi-fi charging too, which makes issues simpler. Good wi-fi gaming mice often come at a a lot larger value than their wired counterparts as properly.

That’s to not say the premium is rarely value it: Who desires but one other cable on their desk? It’s possible you’ll want a wi-fi mannequin in case 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 may hook up in a pinch as properly. But when value is your main concern, a superb wired mouse could also be a greater worth.

Consolation and grip varieties

Everybody’s palms are completely different, so on the finish of the day, calling one mouse “extra comfy” 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 palms alike.

We additionally thought of 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 entire hand rests on the mouse, together 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, together with your palm not involved with the gadget in any respect. A claw grip is when your palm solely touches the again fringe of the mouse, together with your fingers arched in a claw-like form towards the buttons.

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

Construct high quality and design

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

The gaming mouse market is usually break up between two design kinds: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are virtually at all times made with right-handed customers in thoughts and infrequently characteristic 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 attainable. For the perfect efficiency, search for ft constructed from PTFE (aka Teflon). All ft will finally put on down, however many mice include spares, and most producers promote replacements if wanted.

As for flashy RGB lighting, it’s a pleasant bonus, however little greater than that. Nonetheless, in case you’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting results can add to the gaming expertise (and extra shopper tech may stand to do issues for pleasure’s sake). Extra virtually, some mice allow you to assign customized lighting settings to separate profiles, which may make it simpler to see which one you’re at present utilizing.

Weight

Gaming mice have gotten lighter and lighter over time, with some latest releases weighing lower than 30 grams. Your mouse doesn’t want to be that feathery — something below 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 take pleasure in 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 characteristic an array of cutouts within the outer shell. These mice can nonetheless carry out nice, however having a bunch of holes that expose the interior circuit board to attainable sweat, mud and detritus isn’t the perfect 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.

Switches, buttons and scroll wheel

A rising variety of gaming mice use optical switches as a substitute of mechanical ones. Since these contain fewer bits making bodily contact, they need to usually be extra sturdy and fewer vulnerable to undesirable “double-clicks” over time. Many avid gamers nonetheless discover good mechanical switches extra satisfying to press, so it is not like you must keep away from mechanical mice altogether. They simply carry just a little extra long-term threat in a vacuum.

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

Past the usual click on panels, a superb gaming mouse also needs to have programmable buttons for fast macros or shortcuts. For many video games, shoot for a minimum of two additional buttons on the thumb-side panel which can be straightforward to achieve and troublesome to press by chance. Many mice have extra buttons, which generally is a plus, however not in the event that they drive you to contort your fingers to keep away from hitting them. For MMO mice, having a minimum of 12 facet buttons is preferable with a view to entry as many hotbar instructions as attainable.

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

Sensors and efficiency

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

Whereas looking for gaming mice, you’ll see plenty of phrases associated to sensor efficiency. To be clear, a gaming mouse’s responsiveness doesn’t come all the way down to only one spec. However for readability’s sake, right here’s a rundown of the extra noteworthy jargon:

DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of a mouse’s sensitivity. The upper the DPI setting, the extra your cursor will transfer with each inch you progress the mouse itself. Many gaming mice promote extraordinarily excessive DPIs that 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 be known as CPI (counts per inch), which is probably the extra correct time period, although DPI is used extra typically.
IPS, or inches per second, refers back to the most velocity a mouse sensor helps. The upper the IPS, the quicker you may transfer the mouse earlier than it turns into incapable of monitoring motions accurately.
Acceleration goes with IPS. On this context, it refers to what number of Gs a mouse can stand up to earlier than it begins to trace inaccurately.
Polling price is a measure of how typically a mouse tells a pc the place it’s. Typically, the extra incessantly your mouse stories data to your PC, the extra predictable its response time must be. Something at 500Hz or above is ok for informal gaming. A 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 until personal a robust PC and play on a gaming monitor with an particularly excessive refresh price. Even then, a super-high polling price is far from essential. Not all video games are constructed with it in thoughts, plus it results in a lot quicker battery drain.
Elevate-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 attainable with a view 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 perfect app is one which doesn’t drive you to make use of it on a regular basis. It ought to allow you to modify as lots of the features above as attainable, ideally to a number of distinct profiles. Ideally, it can save you your settings on to the mouse itself, letting you 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 shopper tech, however we observe it right here as a result of the gaming mouse market is especially flush with merchandise from less-than-household names, lots of which you might even see overvalued on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere across the net. A bunch of those extra obscure mice are genuinely nice, however in case you ever purchase from a extra area of interest model, it’s value checking that some stage 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 opinions.

Current updates

October 2025: The Razer DeathAdder V4 Professional replaces the last-gen DeathAdder V3 Professional as our prime ergonomic choose, whereas the flippantly up to date Endgame Gear OP1 8K V2 supplants its predecessor as one in all our favourite wired mice. We’ve edited just a few different blurbs to replicate these adjustments as properly.

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 because of this, together with a pair different mice that now not seem like accessible. All different particulars must be up-to-date. The gaming mouse market stays a particularly busy one, so it’s troublesome for us to overview all the pieces. That stated, we’re at present testing just a few different latest releases, and we’re protecting a watch out for potential updates to a few our picks from Razer and Endgame Gear.

November 2024: We’ve up to date this information with testing notes on the Logitech G Professional X Superlight 2 DEX. We’ve additionally added mentions of the Razer Basilisk V3 35K and Pulsar Xlite V4, two just lately launched updates to a few our present picks. We intention to check these extra absolutely, alongside just a few others, for our subsequent replace.

September 2024: We have utterly refreshed this information for late 2024, including new 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 strategy 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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