It seems like every other day a new gaming mouse hits the market, each new version with supposedly improved features that beat out the competition. This can leave would-be buyers uncertain about the best gaming mouse to buy.
Well, we’re here to help. Our in-depth guide to buying the best gaming mouse cuts through the noise to find the select gaming mice that we think are worthy of your setup. Below, you’ll find our gaming mouse picks, along with educational information to simplify your buying experience so you can know you’re buying the right gaming mouse the first time.
Table of Contents
The best gaming mouse
- Top overall: Logitech G Pro X Superlight
- Alternate top pick: Razer Viper V2 Pro
- Ergonomic performance pick: Razer Deathadder V3 Pro
- Wireless ergonomic pick: Logitech G502 Lightspeed
- Wired ergonomic pick: Razer Basilisk V3
- Ultralight pick: Pulsar Xlite V2
- Wireless budget pick: Logitech G305
- Wired budget pick: Logitech G203
- MMO/MOBA pick: Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite
Pro tip
Our gaming mouse picks are selected through a combination of in-house testing and analyzing player data for the specific gear used by pros and streamers we track on Setup.gg. This way, you get the picks we think are best and the select picks that the best players covet.
- Great click latency
- Among the lightest gaming mice
- High DPI sensor
- Versatile shape
- Full Windows and macOS compatibility
- No RGB
- Charging cable isn't exceptional
At a glance
- Weight: 63g
- Sensor: Hero 25K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 70 hours
- Connectivity: Wireless (micro USB charging cable)
- Compatibility: PC, macOS
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight is the gaming mouse that every other manufacturer aspires to create. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight weighs in at just 63 grams but retains a great build quality that can’t be said for every other gaming mouse in this weight range.
What’s more, the Hero 25K DPI sensor is highly accurate. This all explains why the Logitech G Pro X Superlight is one of the best FPS gaming mice. Logitech has also nailed the overall design with a shape that is fit for most hand types.
The main downside is that this quality comes at a cost, albeit at a justifiably high price compared to the competition.
- Exceptionally light
- Great click latency
- Good battery life
- Fast Razer gen-3 optical switches
- High DPI sensor
- All-around build quality
- No onboard receiver storage
- No RGB
At a glance
- Weight: 59g
- Sensor: Focus 30K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 80 hours
- Connectivity: Wireless (USB-C charging cable)
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
The Razer Viper V2 Pro should be on your shortlist if you have your eyes on the Logitech G Pro X Superlight. Both gaming mice include high-performing internals. Importantly, the Razer Viper V2 Pro includes Razer’s Focus 30K DPI optical sensor, which is highly accurate. You’ll also get Razer 3rd-gen optical switches that are rated for an astounding 90 million clicks.
It’s worth talking about the Viper V2 Pro’s ambidextrous shape and build quality as well. This gaming mouse is a fit for most grip styles and medium to larger hands. It also has a somewhat low profile under your palm compared to other gaming mice. Razer clearly didn’t sacrifice build quality too, as the Razer Viper V2 Pro feels solid in your hand and should be durable enough to last for years.
Of course, as with any high-performing mouse, the Razer Viper V2 Pro isn’t cheap. The cost is justified for many gamers, but it’s a high price, nonetheless.
- High DPI sensor
- Feather light
- Great click latency
- Long battery life
- High price
At a glance
- Weight: 63g
- Sensor: Focus 30K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 90 hours
- Connectivity: Wireless (USB-C charging cable)
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
The Razer Deathadder series has been a mainstay in gaming for years now, being an excellent mouse for any up-and-coming gamer and enthusiasts alike. Almost everyone who has ever bought more than one Razer device has owned a Deathadder iteration at some point.
Naturally, Razer continues to knock it out of the park with the Deathadder V3 Pro. It may be a little pricey, but the quality and battery life is excellent, and the experience is worth every penny. Aside from the lightweight ergonomic design, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro offers the same leading internals found in the flagship Razer Viper V2 Pro. So, you know the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is going to be lightning-fast and accurate.
The most significant drawbacks are the price: The Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is one of the most expensive on this list.
- Customizable weights
- Fast sensor
- Compatible with Powerplay mousepads
- Battery life
- Competitively expensive
At a glance
- Weight: 121g-139g
- Sensor: Hero 25K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 12
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed is a stellar gaming mouse, without question. The standout features are that you can customize it with different weights. You can even buy an add-on to make it work with Logitech’s PowerPlay mousepads for a seamless wireless experience without needing ever to recharge.
Logitech has consistently released excellent mice over the last few years, and they hit it out of the park with this one. However, Logitech still hasn’t fixed one major issue.
Mouse clicks that register as a double click are a common flaw among cheap switches, and the Logitech G502 Lightspeed has had some reliability issues here.
- Lots of programmable buttons
- Versatile ergonomic shape
- Includes a high DPI sensor and a high polling rate
- Includes a L/R tilt wheel
- Ergonomic shape isn’t a fit for all gamers
- It’s a wired gaming mouse
At a glance
- Weight: 101g
- Sensor: Razer Focus+ 26K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 11
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
Razer gaming mice have been a mainstay among gamers for years and have increased in quality consistently. The newest iteration of Razer’s Basilisk mouse was released late in 2021, and it stays true to its predecessor.
The Razer Basilisk V3 comes with everything you’d want, including 11 programmable buttons and incredibly high DPI settings. It also features an adjustable scroll wheel that can free spin or scroll in increments.
There isn’t a lot Razer missed on this gaming mouse, which explains its popularity. The biggest downside is the durability and quality of the hardware itself, with some reports of mice being defective on arrival.
- Great click latency
- Exceptionally light
- High DPI sensor
- Available in a mini size as well
- No onboard receiver storage
- No button layers for customizable actions
At a glance
- Weight: 59g
- Sensor: PixArt PAW3370 20K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 80 hours
- Connectivity: Wireless (USB-C charging cable)
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
If you want a featherlight gaming mouse to easily flick around your desk and land headshots, then consider the Pulsar Xlite V2. This 59 gram gaming mouse packs in all of the essentials you’d want in this category, including a 20K DPI sensor and 1000 Hz polling rate, both of which lead to good latency performance.
While the 70-hour stated battery life with its USB receiver connection can be beaten, it still surpasses the battery life offered by some more expensive models. Soe=me gamers may also not be a fan of the casing, which has holes on top and an open bottom to cut weight.
- Great quality for the price
- Available in several colorways
- Onboard USB receiver storage
- Full PC and Mac compatibility
- Doesn’t use rechargeable batteries
- No Bluetooth
At a glance
- Weight: 82g
- Sensor: Hero 12K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 250 hours (AA battery)
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Compatibility: PC, macOS
The Logitech G305 is an easy pick for the best wireless budget gaming mouse for several reasons. Importantly, you’ll get Logitech’s Hero 12K DPI sensor and a 1000 Hz polling rate. These are great specs in this price range and the latency and accuracy doesn’t suffer. You’ll also get a fairly lightweight gaming mouse that weighs only 82 grams. All these features combine to make for a great performing mouse.
We’re torn on whether to list its battery as a pro or a con, but we’ll explain why so you can decide for yourself. Higher-priced models will include a rechargeable battery, which helps to cut weight. Instead, the Logitech G305 runs off a single AA battery. So, you’ll get incredible battery life at an advertised 250 hours, but the AA battery does add weight. If the battery type isn’t important to you and you just want a cheap gaming mouse that performs exceptionally, then The Logitech G305 is worth adding to your shortlist.
- Affordable
- Simple, but it gets the job done
- Wired only
- Low DPI compared to other gaming mice
At a glance
- Weight: 85g
- Sensor: 8K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 6
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS
The Logitech G203 Lightsync is everything you need to start gaming without fancy bells and whistles. If you need the best bang for your buck, this is your gaming mouse. It kills any competition on price alone, as long as there aren’t any particular features you may need, like a higher DPI.
Yet, since the Logitech G203 Lightsync is so cheap, you’d think the company cut corners across the board. You’d be wrong, though. This gaming mouse packs in the essentials, with the only drawback being some buttons may begin to double-click inadvertently after extended use.
- An extreme amount of buttons
- Customizable position for the side button cluster
- Weight
- Wired only
At a glance
- Weight: 122g
- Sensor: PixArt PMW3910 18K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 17
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
If you’re looking for a gaming mouse with endless possibilities, then this is the place to start. The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite boasts an impressive 12-button thumb cluster perfect for any hotkeys you might need for productivity and/or MMO gaming. One of the more unique features is that you can adjust where the side button cluster sits, making it an ideal fit for different hand types.
People looking for this type of gaming mouse know that MMO gaming mice are heavy and connectivity is typically limited to wired only. While expected, these are downsides to consider before buying a gaming mouse that’s so customizable.
Comparing the best gaming mice
We’ve compiled all of our picks for the best gaming mouse into a simple table so you can compare the essential features of each gaming mouse side by side.
| Mouse | Connectivity | DPI | Weight (grams) | No. of Buttons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G Pro X Superlight | Wireless | 25K | 63 | 5 |
| Razer Viper V2 Pro | Wireless | 30K | 59 | 5 |
| Razer Deathadder V3 Pro | Wireless | 30K | 63 | 6 |
| Logitech G502 Lightspeed | Wireless | 25K | 114 to 130 grams | 11 |
| Razer Basilisk V3 | Wired | 26K | 101 | 11 |
| Pulsar Xlite V2 | Wireless | 20K | 59 | 5 |
| Logitech G305 | Wireless | 12K | 82 | 5 |
| Logitech G203 | Wired | 8K | 85 | 6 |
| Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite | Wired | 18K | 122 | 17 |
Viewing all the best gaming mouse picks side by side can simplify the buying experience by narrowing down our picks to a select few worth buying.
Which gaming mouse is right for you?
A lot of that buying decision will also come down to the type of gaming mouse sought.
Gamers wanting the extra competitive edge with a high dpi sensor and/or light weight may see the Logitech G Pro X Superlight, the Razer Viper V2 Pro, and the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro as the gaming mice to beat.
Casual gamers should consider the Razer Basilisk V3, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed, or the Logitech G305 to balance out performance and productivity, should you be gaming and working with a single mouse.
Gamers on a budget should consider the Logitech G305 if you want to go wireless or the Logitech G203 if you’re fine sticking with a wired connection to lower the price even more.
If you have larger hands then consider the Logitech G Pro X Superlight or the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro. Both gaming mice have sizeable humps under your palm. The Razer Viper V2 Pro is also suitable for larger hands and longer fingers, though it is a lower profile than the two suggest options.
MMO gamers will want something with more buttons, making the Razer Naga Pro and the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite excellent options.
Gaming mouse buying tips
Buttons
Long gone are the days of a simple gaming mouse with three buttons. Most modern gaming mice come with five to eight buttons, with some going more than twice that.
Depending on the games played, you may want to look at a gaming mouse with more buttons than a typical mouse. Here are a few standard button configurations:
5 to 6 buttons: A typical gaming mouse will include two thumb buttons, a scroll wheel click, and sometimes a button under the scroll wheel for DPI settings. These are great for any gamer, regardless of what you play.
8 buttons: These are a misnomer, as one of the buttons is typically on the mouse’s underside. The seventh button is usually another DPI or profile toggle. These mice are otherwise similar to 5 to 6-button mice.
10+ buttons: For those who like to have access to tons of options at their fingertips, these mice stack on even more buttons. Typically they turn the two thumb keys into a cluster of buttons, making these great for RTS and MMO gamers.
Weight
Most gaming mice are reasonably light, usually ranging from 70 to 100 grams. Some manufacturers make ultra-light mice too, which can range in weight from just under 50 grams to just under 60 grams.
The weight of your gaming mouse isn’t something most people think about, but it can matter. Gamers who want a competitive edge will want a lighter mouse. With a lightweight gaming mouse, you don’t need to spend much effort in a critical moment or to line up a shot.
Wired or wireless
Just like how mice evolved more buttons, they’ve also outgrown the need for a USB cable to weigh them down. Most common gaming mouse manufacturers offer wired or wireless options for their popular offerings, and it can make a difference.
The most significant impact you would think of is that wireless has latency. However, in 2019 Linus Tech Tips disproved that claim, showing that the response time between different wired or wireless mice is unnoticeable.
Your current setup
There’s not much sense in buying a bleeding-edge gaming mouse if your setup isn’t similarly spec’d out as well. That’s why we suggest pairing your new gaming mouse with the capabilities of your current setup or what you’re upgrading to, particularly when it comes to finding a fast gaming monitor and a fast gaming keyboard. Check out our companion guides to the best gaming monitor and the best gaming keyboard if you’re looking to upgrade your other peripherals as well.
