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If you are trying to up your gameplay, have a look at this hands-on review of the 13 best gaming mice available today. We know that there are a lot of mice on the market and that the manufacturers' claims are hard to verify. That's where we can help. We delved deep into the weeds analyzing everything from sensor performance to customization options as well as software, weight, switches, cords, and lights. The results of our testing are provided to you in the following report and they are organized in such a way as to make apples-to-apples comparisons straightforward.
Optical switches, thumb rest, adjustable scroll wheel
Many buttons, highly customizable, good optical switches, nice RGB lighting
17 programmable buttons, adjustable side button pad, customizable lighting
Onboard memory, symmetrical, optical switches
Ultralight weight, rounded skates, flexible cord
Cons
A bit heavy, frequent software updates
Right-handed only, stiff scroll wheel
Heavy, relatively difficult to use, stiff cord
Expensive, slow "wake-up"
Too large for small hands, untidy looking cable sleeve
Bottom Line
This top-shelf mouse set the bar amongst fierce competition while providing easy-to-use customization software
A visually striking and super customizable gaming mouse that should meet the needs of a wide range of users
This built to purpose MMO mouse boasts 17 programmable buttons, tons of lighting, and all the customization options one could wish for, but it takes some time to master
This feature-packed, highly customizable wireless mouse pulls no punches and cuts no corners
An ultralight and precise speedster geared for those with high demands
The Razer Basilisk V3 offers performance and adjustability in a slick, lethal-looking shell design. This mouse has an adjustable polling rate (125, 500, and 1,000 Hz) and DPI/CPI (100 - 26,000), allowing you to find the perfect balance for your gaming needs. Razer's software allows the user to adjust these elements quickly and easily, as well as program the 11 buttons spread over the unit. In this iteration of the Basilisk, Razer ditched the adjustable scroll wheel resistance, opting for a mechanical switch that toggles between fixed resistance and infinite scroll, and we found real benefits to the change. Finally, the lighting in the logo, scroll wheel, and underglow bar is almost without limits in its customization options and cool factor.
The Basilisk V3 is a well-designed mouse but it isn't without its shortcomings. One of the most notable is the asymmetrical shape which will not accommodate left-handed gamers. Also, the unit lacks weight adjustments that some may want for a fine-tuned feel. Finally, the sheer amount of customization possible with this unit's buttons, lights, and settings could be akin to drinking from a firehose for new users. Yet, the V3 remains a well-rounded, high-quality gaming mouse that excels in all gaming genres. If you are left-handed, or if you just prefer a wireless gaming setup, we would also point you to Razer's Viper Ultimate without hesitation.
Thanks to its inspired take on RGB lighting, the Roccat Kone XP is a beautiful mouse to behold, and thanks to its top-notch hardware and reasonable price tag, its charms roll on almost without end. Users who appreciate the ambiance of RGB-infused desktop peripherals are in for a treat with the Roccat Kone XP. Its standout feature is the unique 3D RGB Lighting concept that leverages 22 LEDs and eight light guides to cast a "deep and immersive lighting experience" through the mouse's translucent top shell. Individually customizable light zones and several mesmerizing effects are available as presets. Likewise, Kone XP offers generous button programmability, with 15 physical buttons and 29 possible assignments, when holding down a programmable modifier key. The Kone XP's flawless Owl Eye 19k DPI optical sensor is adjustable in steps of 50, up to 19,000 DPI, with a tracking speed of 400 inches per second and a selectable polling rate (125, 500, 1,000 Hz). These and other advanced features make for a highly tunable and precise sensor.
Unfortunately, it's not all rainbows and light shows. The Kone XP's scroll wheel is a mixed bag. While extremely tactile and responsive, it has high resistance, rolling both forwards and backward. This may not be a big deal to some users, but we must point it out as a fatigue-over-time concern in scroll-centric games and apps. Aside from that, we highly recommend the Roccat Kone XP for most people, especially those who appreciate some glow with their workflow. If a stiff scroll wheel runs the chance of slowing you down, you will find the Basilisk V3 by Razer is another excellent corded optical mouse that delivers best-in-class performance even if it comes without the bedazzling luminescence.
The wireless Razer Viper Ultimate offers extended striking distance and a whole lot of customization across its eight programmable buttons. Adjustments to the DPI/CPI (100 - 20,000 in steps of 50) are made through the user-friendly proprietary software while tracking speed (650 IPS) and polling rate (1,000 Hz) are fixed at hyper-competitive levels. The unit's lighting is customizable though it is limited to the logo on the palm rest. Conveniently, the shell is symmetrical, which makes it equally functional for both lefties and righties. Additionally, we found this unit to have prolonged battery life but, just in case, the charging cradle included with the purchase ensures that it'll always be ready for a gaming bender.
Given all the benefits offered by the Viper Ultimate, it's not surprising that the unit costs a pretty penny. However, you can save yourself some money by forgoing the charging dock as the mouse is sold with and without it. Aside from that, our main concern focuses on customization. The stiffness — and lack of adjustability — of the scroll wheel was not to our liking. Despite this issue, we found this mouse to be a pleasure to game with because, in addition to the features already mentioned, its shape matches a variety of hand sizes and grip preferences. If you don't have the funds to invest in top-tier accessories, but still prefer a wireless setup, have a look at the G305 by Logitech for a reasonably priced alternative. Or, if you are a left-hander on a budget, the Glorious Model O- is a nice alternative that won't break the bank.
The Logitech G305 shines for its value proposition as a wireless contender in a class dominated by cutting-edge wired mice and its more expensive wireless brethren. What it lacks in performance, the Logitech G305 makes up for with its solid feature set and friendly price. It comes with Logitech's excellent HERO Optical sensor, with adjustable sensitivity in steps of 50, from 200 - 12000 DPI. The polling rate ranges from 125 Hz up to a stable 1000 Hz, and the tracking speed is 400 IPS. Advanced sensor adjustments and available onboard memory profiles are the cherries on top. Its mechanical switches feel crisp and reliable but aren't as instantaneous as optical switches found on some of the more expensive wireless mice.
Like most budget-conscious gear, the G305 has to compromise somewhere, and it does so by omitting advanced customization. It features no lighting adjustability, a non-adjustable scroll wheel, and it's for right hands only. The most notable omission is its lack of a built-in rechargeable battery. The Logitech G305 requires an external AA battery, which may come as a pro or con, depending on your outlook. Check out our full review of the G305 for a potential silver lining with regard to the AA battery. If you are shopping with a budget to upgrade, you will also want to take a look at the easy-to-charge, highly customizable, left-hand-friendly wireless mouse from Razer, the Viper Ultimate. Although if your gaming tends to require a highly adjustable scroll wheel, there's a good chance you'll still like the Logitech best.
The Logitech G203 Prodigy is a sleek-looking corded gaming mouse that packs a heck of a punch given its price point. Both polling rate and DPI/CPI are adjustable — the latter from 200 - 8,000 in steps of 50 and the prior at presets of 125, 250, 500, and 1,000 Hz. One might think that lighting options would be omitted to save money, but not so with this economic unit. Customization is easy on the fly or, if preferred, with the intuitive software that comes with the mouse. All told, we think you'll be as impressed as we were with this unit.
Unfortunately, the Prodigy isn't without its limitations. Foremost is the issue with the side buttons. While we like that all six of the unit's buttons can be reassigned, we do not like that the side buttons are almost flush with the shell. This design may look good, but it makes it hard to find the buttons you're looking for in the heat of battle. We also felt that the mouse cable was a bit stiff, though this is a minor complaint. Despite these criticisms, the Mercury optical sensor proved to be among the best performers in the class, and the unit's shape fits a wide variety of hand sizes and grip types. For just a few dollars more, Logitech also offers a high-value wireless option, the G305 model. Or, another well-priced wired option that is both super lightweight and highly responsive is the Pulsefire Haste by HyperX. It isn't going to offer you adjustability on the fly, but as long as you handle the mapping in advance, it will deliver superior results for a budget price.
If you want lots of key bind options at the tip of your thumb and index finger, look no further than the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. The unit packs no less than 17 buttons, all of which can be reassigned to the user's specifications. Given the demand this abundance of buttons puts on one's digits, it's a definite bonus that the thumb keypad adjusts fore and aft to better match the user's anatomy. Additionally, the proprietary iCUE software allows for adjustments of DPI/CPI (100 - 18,000), polling rate (125, 250, 500, and 1,000 Hz), and lighting (front, side, scroll wheel, and logo).
Given all the options, it's unfortunate that its asymmetrical shell is geared toward righties who favor palm gripping. Additionally, our testing showed that this model is best suited to MMO and MOBA-type games, as we experienced some trouble aiming in FPS games. This aiming issue is likely due to the relatively heavy weight of the unit, which comes in at a whopping 119 grams, and, to a lesser degree, its stiff cable. Despite these shortcomings, this model is deserving of accolades for the sheer number of customizations it is capable of incorporating into one's gameplay. If you are targeting a new mouse for FPS style play, HyperX's featherlight Pulsefire Haste will save you some money and deliver the goods. Or for a highly customizable all-around superior option on most fronts, give a careful look at Roccat's Kone XP.
Shape/Size: Asymmetrical/Extra Large | Weight: 57 grams
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable feel
Excellent sensor
Flexible cord
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud clicking
Unadjustable scroll wheel
Those with large hands searching for the lightest possible gaming mouse to get a competitive edge should check out the excellent Razer DeathAdder V3. It's a physics-defying ultralight in an XL form factor jam-packed with cutting-edge hardware. The sensor is a Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical, good for up to 30,000 DPI sensitivity and a tracking speed of 750 IPS. The polling rate goes from 125 Hz up to 8000 Hz. The switches are fantastic, boasting a 90 million click lifecycle and a .2ms response rate. Pair its comfortable XL shell, blazing performance, and feathery weight with its smooth rounded PTFE glides, and you've got a precision speed demon ready for conquest.
Excellent as it is, the Razer DeathAdder V3 does have some shortcomings. It's low on customization features common to its class, featuring no RGB lighting, no weight or balance tuning, a non-adjustable scroll wheel, and it's shaped for right hands only. The other issue was the cable. Though suitably long and light, the cable sleeve on our test unit was loose and twisted-looking, which didn't convey a good fit and finish. While no great detriment to performance, it's a little disappointing to find on an otherwise solid product. Shortcomings aside, this is still an extremely formidable mouse for those with hands large enough to wield it. For hands that run a bit more average, check out the Pulsefire Haste, an impressive lightweight option by HyperX.
The outstanding ultralight Razer DeathAdder V3 impresses with a speedy and effortless glide, but we noticed some fit and finish issues on the cable sleeve.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste stands out in the class due to its lightweight frame (59 grams), its super supple cord, and its low price point. If cat-like responses are needed, this is the go-to mouse because its low mass and zero-resistance cable make noticeable differences in reaction times. However, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste's physical features are accompanied by a host of adjustments such as a customizable polling rate (125, 250, 500, and 1000 Hz), a programmable DPI/CPI button (200 to 16000 in steps of 100), four remappable buttons, as well as programmable scroll wheel lighting. With these kinds of specs, it should be no wonder why we took a liking to his mouse.
There are some downsides though. For one, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste has just six buttons at the user's disposal and, except for the DPI button, you can't make on-the-fly adjustments. As it is, remapping is accomplished with the software and the mouse will only store one button profile at a time. Also, the lightweight nature of the mouse takes some getting used to — we never did get comfortable using it to play MMOs. But that's to be expected. After all, it is a speed mouse that best fits the needs of FPS gamings where quick flicks are the ticket to success. That said, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste will work with a variety of applications and the high-quality hardware won't leave you wanting. When hands run extra large but a lightweight mouse is key to the performance results you seek, we also have no problem recommending the DeathAdder V3, which received very similar scores across the board in testing.
The ultra-lightweight HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a go-to mouse for FPS games.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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High precision, response, and superior glide characteristics are hallmarks of the top gaming mice.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
Our test team researched and selected the most promising gaming mice on the market and then set about testing them in actual gameplay. Our analysis includes an assessment of customization and supporting software, the action of button switches and scroll wheels, cables (both the material used and the flexibility), and of course, the weight. Additionally, we looked at the units' button configuration, size, and shape.
Our testing of gaming mice is divided across four rating metrics:
Performance (35% of total score weighting)
Customization (35% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
Scroll Wheel (15% weighting)
Senior research analyst Austin Palmer spent years refining his research and analytic skills while earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University in Texas. He is also a dedicated — and skilled — gamer. He gets a lot of practice, too, testing the best gaming keyboards, gaming headsets, monitors, and the like at work and gaming with friends at home. Senior Review Editor Nick Miley is equally well versed in highly analytical investigations, with a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Classic Civilizations and a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Nevada, Reno. Not to mention he has been testing and analyzing consumer products ranging from outdoor equipment to computer peripheries for nearly a decade. Nick has worked hand in glove with Austin on several computer game-related reviews over the past several years.
Cordless mouse charging docks (like the Razer Viper Ultimate shown here) are a definate plus to ensure the unit is ready for the next (unexpected) battle royale.
We tested the G Pro's glide on all kinds of surfaces including hard desktops.
Matching the size of the mouse to one's hand is a critical part of picking a high-performing unit. We sized all modles in the review as well as taking stock of their symmetry or lack there of.
Analysis and Test Results
The following discussion is the product of a hands-on, practical evaluation of gaming mice. This work is divided into metrics that capture specific aspects of gaming mouse use and that collectively cover all aspects of the devices in question. Namely, these are performance, customization, ease of use, and buttons. Read on for the specifics of each metric, as well as the details of which models achieved high marks and why so you can find the best mouse for your needs.
Value
Value is often in the eye of the beholder; however, we have a more rigid appraisal of a product's value. If a product is comparable in quality and performance to other models in its class but costs less, it's more valuable. Similarly, if a product is comparably priced to products in the class but outperforms its peers, it too has greater value. The Logitech G203 Prodigy stands out in the class for its low price point and high-end performance. If you want good value in a wireless gaming mouse, check out the excellent Logitech G305, with a user-swappable battery.
Logitech G203 Prodigy offers great value due to its high-quality hardware and corresponding high performance contrasted by its low price.
Credit: Jason Peters
Performance
With the exception of mouse weight, the performance evaluation is essentially a collation of the mouse components. As such, we note the sensor and switch type but also include the specifications of these components. Specifically, we are interested in the sensors' dots/counts per inch (DPI/CPI) rating, tracking speed, and polling rate. Additionally, we want to know if the sensor is optical or laser and whether it is flawless — meaning that it does not have "corrective" firmware. Finally, we look at the button switch type (optical or mechanical) and weight sans cord if the unit has one. When the tally was complete, this group of gaming mice came across the finish line neck and neck, with the biggest differences showing in switch type, weight, and tracking speed.
Nearly all of the models reviewed here have flawless optical sensors with almost nonexistent latency — certainly below the threshold of the eye's perception. All models offer adjustable DPI/CPI and polling rates maxing out at as high as a staggering 8,000 Hz for the Razer DeathAdder V3. As stated above, one of the main differences in these products is the button switch type, with the Roccat Kone XP, Razer Viper Ultimate, the Razer DeathAdder V3, and the Razer Basilisk V3 sporting the cutting edge optical switches that eliminate bouncing issues and make latency concerns irrelevant.
When it comes to overall performance, one can't do better than the Razer Viper Ultimate, a fully-featured, no holds barred gaming device.
Credit: Laura Casner
Weight, too, varied a good deal across our lineup. We favored mice with lower measured weight to facilitate quicker reactions and movements. The featherweight Razer DeathAdder V3 led the pack at a strikingly light 57 grams HyperX Pulsefire Haste and Glorious Model O were close behind at just 59 grams (2.1 ounces) each. The Corsair Sabre RGB Pro comes in next at a bit of a distance, tipping the scale at 74 grams.
Finally, there are big differences in the tracking speed specifications of each mouse, ranging from 200 inches per second (IPS) up to 750 IPS. However, these disparities are largely irrelevant as the minimum tracking speed in the group is faster than anyone will move their mouse in actual gameplay.
Weighing in at 2.1 ounces (59 grams), the Model O- is a true featherweight mouse and a go-to for FPS fans.
Credit: Jason Peters
Customization
The ability to adjust the aesthetics and performance behavior of a gaming mouse allows the user to meet their personal preferences and the demands of the games being played. The two main categories of customization our assessment focuses on are buttons and lights. However, we also account for less common features like the ability to use the mouse with either hand, as well as weight and scroll wheel adjustments. Lighting adjustments are aesthetic and, thus, less important, but button customization is paramount. Assigning macros or keybinds to buttons is critical to high-level gameplay. Moreover, the ability to set and save profiles as you experiment with different strategies and tactics is a huge advantage.
The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is the most highly customizable unit, with a whopping 20 and 17 programmable buttons, respectively. The Corsair has a unique 12-button side panel that slides forward and backward to match the position of the user's thumb.
With no less than 17 programmable buttons and a physically adjustable button panel, the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite cuts out a unique place for itself in the customization analysis.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Razer Basilisk V3 and Razer Viper Ultimate have 11 and eight programmable buttons, respectively. These units also have Razer's proprietary Hypershift function that allows one to switch between five unique profiles with the push of a button. Additionally, the Basilisk V3 has a toggled resistance/infinite scroll wheel setting, while the Viper Ultimate is one of the few ambidextrous mice in the class. Both of these models have customizable RGB lighting illuminating their logos and, in the case of the Basilisk V3, the scroll wheel and underglow bar as well.
One awesome but largely unsung feature of the Razer mice is the Hypershift function that allows one to quickly switch between button profiles.
Credit: Laura Casner
It should be noted that there are several specs discussed in the performance portion of this article that are adjustable. Specifically, these are DPI/CPI, tracking speed, and poll rate. All the mice here reviewed either accommodate the adjustability of these features or are fixed at a level that makes the lack of adjustment irrelevant.
Ease of Use
No one wants to open the box of their new combat periphery and then spend the next couple of hours setting it up. The ease of use evaluation looks to address this issue by evaluating the effort required to set up and operate the mouse. In this series of assessments, we compare the software that facilitates the customization and adjustments of the parameters discussed in the performances and customization sections, as well as on-the-fly adjustments. Additionally, we assessed how the cable on wired mice affects the unit's movement. Despite wireless mice having a clear advantage in this metric, the class-leading Logitech G Pro and the Razer Viper Ultimate earn the top spot for their intuitive software and straightforward programming.
Wireless mice aside, many gamers prefer the wired variety due to their presumed lack of latency, relatively low cost, and lack of a charging requirement. Given the sustaining popularity of the wired mice, we looked at the cables tethering these units and how they affect gameplay. Specifically, we looked at cord construction and stiffness as well as the position of the attachment point.
Surprisingly, there are not huge differences in performance between the supple braided cables like that found on the Razer Basilisk V3 and the stiff rubber variety used on models like the Logitech G203 Prodigy. However, we did find that the raised attachment point on the BenQ Zowie S2 reduced cable contact with the mouse pad and thus the drag with a positive effect. Also, the ultra-flexible cable of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste made it seem like there was no cable at all. If you think we're grasping at straws with this analysis, consider that many of the top players using wired mice employ a bungee system to suspend the cable and avoid drag altogether.
The BenQ Zowie S2's turned-up cord connection is a subtle feature that makes a noticeable difference in cord drag and it works well with a bungee rig, too.
Credit: Jason Peters
Scroll Wheel
This evaluation looks at the action of the scroll wheel and buttons as well as the sound produced by these components when they are actuated. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste, the Logitech G Pro, the Razer DeathAdder V3, and the Razer Basilisk V3 lead the group in this assessment because their scroll wheels stood out for their smooth and even movement, and the near-silent action of their buttons.
The mice we tested clustered fairly high in this assessment, which wasn't that surprising given their performances up to this point. However, we were not expecting that the action of the left and right buttons would be essentially uniform across the group. Many of the mice use mechanical switches made by either Omron, Huano, or Logitech. The Razer models use Razer optical switches. Despite these differences in manufacturing and technology, the tactile experience was virtually identical.
High-end mice often feature togglable infinite scroll modes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sizing and Measurements
We did not rate these mice on their dimensions as sizing and grip type are preferential and, in the latter's case, prone to change. However, we encourage readers to measure their hands and look for models matching their grip style and hand size. For more information on this process, see our Buying Advice article. In an effort to help you select the best mouse for your hand and grip, we have taken detailed measurements of the mice and made them available in the comparison chart at the head of the article. The following details each measurement as well as the general sizing to match.
Hand width and hand length measurements are critical to sizing a mouse. Across the knuckles to the thumb is the width and from the tip of the index finger to the bend of the wrist is the length.
Credit: Jason Peters
There are two necessary measurements to make a general sizing assessment before purchasing a gaming mouse. These are hand length and hand width. Of course, preference and grip type play a role as well. Yet, in general, a hand length of less than 6-3/4 inches and a width of less than 3-1/4 inches is small. A hand length of 6-3/4 inches to 8 inches and a width of 3-1/4 to 4 inches is medium. And, a hand length greater than 8 inches and a width greater than 4 inches is large. General mouse sizing can be found in the comparison chart at the top of the article.
The mice themselves have several dimensions one can size to dial in the perfect fit. These measurements are finger width, waist, palm width, length, shell length, height, and hump inset. While this may seem like a lot of info, as one becomes more familiar with their grip and gaming preference, details like shell length will be more important. As with mouse sizing, these measurements can be found in the comparison chart above.
Surface testing with a few of our testing mice.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Conclusion
This review of gaming mice takes a comprehensive look at all the aspects that contribute to a competitive gaming mouse for every genre ranging from FPSs to MMOs. Specifically, we plunged into the deep end of the pool, evaluating everything from sensor and button switch performance to customization options, from ease of use to unit weight and connection type. With the information derived from our side-by-side product analysis, you'll be set up to select the right tool for your gaming the first time around.
