Choosing the perfect gaming mouse can be a daunting task given the vast array of options available. Unlike selecting the best gaming headset, which is somewhat universal, finding the right mouse involves a lot of personal preferences. Key factors to consider include weight, size, ergonomics, the presence of extra buttons, and the types of games you enjoy playing. To help you make an informed decision, I've categorized my recommendations to suit various needs and preferences.
For instance, the Logitech G502 X excels in comfort and ergonomics, making it a top choice for those who prioritize these aspects. If competitive gaming, particularly in games like Valorant, is your focus, the Viper V3 Pro from Razer offers a significant advantage. For those seeking a versatile mouse that's suitable for both gaming and work, the Turtle Beach Pure Air stands out with its excellent Bluetooth and battery life. Gamers who enjoy MMOs or MOBAs might appreciate the Corsair Scimitar Elite, which comes with extra buttons for easy command access. However, if I had to recommend one mouse that caters to a broad range of users, it would be the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed. In this guide, I'll delve into my hands-on experience with these mice, highlighting why they are best suited for their respective categories.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Mice
--------------------------------------
Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
11See it at Amazon
### SteelSeries Rival 3
4See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Best Buy
### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
8See it at Amazon
### LogitechG403 Hero
6See it at Amazon
### Logitech G703 Hero
2See it at Amazon
### Razer Viper V3 Pro
4See it at AmazonSee it at Razer
### Corsair Scimitar Elite
1See it at Amazon
### Turtle Beach Pure Air
2See it at Amazon
### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
2See it at Amazon
### Asus ROG Keris II Ace
2See it at Amazon
### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
5See it at Amazon
The gaming mouse market has evolved significantly, with features such as sensor accuracy, responsiveness, and durability reaching new heights. While these are standard in reputable models, modern mice are packed with innovative technologies and features. At the end of this guide, I've included essential questions to consider when choosing a gaming mouse. We will continuously update this guide with new recommendations based on hands-on reviews, so be sure to revisit for the latest advice.
*See our list of the best gaming mouse pads, too!*
*This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham.*
Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed - Photos
8 Images
1. Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
Best Overall Gaming Mouse
Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
11Razer has refined its flagship mouse with the V3, enhancing its reputation as a leading choice for PC gaming. The V3 HyperSpeed boasts impressive performance while maintaining the iconic DeathAdder balance of style, ergonomics, and functionality. This model adopts a more understated design, devoid of RGB lighting and featuring only a subtle Razer logo at the palm area, which I find appealing for its sleek look.
In my DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review, it earned a 9 due to its springy, responsive clicks, well-positioned side buttons, and the precise 26k optical sensor, ideal for competitive gaming. Its smooth-touch texture and ergonomic contours ensure comfort during extended gaming sessions, and its lightweight 55g design makes it effortless to maneuver.
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is competitively priced for its quality, though the HyperPolling dongle for 8000 Hz polling rate is sold separately. While the Viper V3 Pro may edge out in pure performance, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed offers a versatile, all-around solution that will remain a top pick for years to come.
2. SteelSeries Rival 3
----------------------Best Budget Gaming Mouse
### SteelSeries Rival 3
4For those on a budget, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is an exceptional choice. This wired mouse offers six programmable buttons and the TrueMove Core Optical sensor, ensuring reliable tracking. At just 77g, it's well-suited for fingertip and claw grips and features a tasteful RGB lighting strip.
Though it lacks the advanced technology found in higher-end models, its 8,500 max DPI sensor remains accurate and performs well under pressure. The Rival 3's universal design makes it a versatile option, though it may not fit as snugly as more specialized mice. Priced between $20 and $30, it delivers incredible value for budget-conscious gamers.
3. SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
-------------------------------Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse
### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
8The Aerox 3 stands out with its lightweight design, long-lasting battery, and high-performance TrueMove Air optical sensor, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a wireless option. Its flashy aesthetic, with triangular cutouts and customizable RGB lighting, adds a unique touch without compromising durability.
Our Aerox 3 gaming mouse review gave it a 9 for its competitive performance and value. It's a versatile all-rounder available for $50 to $60, offering a compelling option for those looking to step up their gaming experience without breaking the bank.
4. Logitech G403 Hero
---------------------Best Wired Gaming Mouse
### LogitechG403 Hero
6The Logitech G403 Hero is an ergonomic gem, featuring a grippy rubberized texture and the highly accurate Hero 25K optical sensor. Its rounded design is particularly comfortable for those with larger hands, though it is on the heavier side at 87g.
I appreciate its chunky side buttons and tactile clicks, which make it easy to use. The G403's simple yet elegant aesthetic, with minimal RGB lighting, adds to its appeal. It's a great value for a wired mouse with top-tier sensor technology.
5. Logitech G703 Hero
---------------------Best Wireless Gaming Mouse
### Logitech G703 Hero
2The G703 Hero offers the same ergonomic comfort as its wired counterpart, the G403, but in a wireless package. It's slightly heavier at 95g due to the battery, but its balanced weight distribution and rubberized grips make it easy to handle. The Hero 25K optical sensor ensures top-tier tracking, and its battery life is solid with fast charging capabilities.
Like the G403, it's ideal for palm grips, and its larger size may not suit everyone, but it's a high-performance option for those who prefer a bigger mouse.
6. Razer Viper V3 Pro
---------------------Best FPS Gaming Mouse
### Razer Viper V3 Pro
4Designed for serious competitive gamers, the Viper V3 Pro is lightweight and equipped with Razer's best mouse technology, including an 8000Hz polling rate and the Focus Pro 35K optical sensor. Its symmetrical shape and large size make it comfortable for extended use.
In my Viper V3 Pro review, I noted the significant improvement in smoothness and responsiveness at high resolutions and refresh rates, which can be crucial in competitive FPS games. While it requires the HyperPolling receiver to be used wirelessly, this minor inconvenience is well worth it for the performance benefits it offers.
7. Corsair Scimitar Elite
-------------------------Best MMO/MOBA Gaming Mouse
### Corsair Scimitar Elite
1The Scimitar Elite is ideal for MMO and MOBA players with its ergonomic design and adjustable side buttons. Despite its 12 side buttons, it remains easy to grip and use, making it perfect for those who need quick access to numerous commands. The textured buttons are easy to distinguish, enhancing usability.
While it's heavier than most gaming mice at 113g, it's not designed for fast-paced FPS games but rather for genres that benefit from its unique features. Its versatility extends to productivity and creative tasks, making it a valuable tool beyond gaming.
8. Turtle Beach Pure Air
------------------------Most Versatile Gaming Mouse
### Turtle Beach Pure Air
2The Pure Air is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile mouse that excels in both gaming and work scenarios. Its lightweight 54g design, ergonomic shape, and long battery life make it comfortable for extended use. Bluetooth connectivity adds to its versatility, making it a great travel companion.
Despite its compact size, it performs admirably in games like Final Fantasy XIV, though the side buttons can be difficult to differentiate. The Pure Air strikes a balance between performance and everyday usability, making it a top pick for those needing a multi-purpose mouse.
9. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
--------------------------------Best Small Gaming Mouse
### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
2The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is a compact yet fully-featured gaming mouse, perfect for those with smaller hands. Its high-performance Precision 26K optical sensor and long battery life ensure it remains competitive. Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility, making it suitable for both gaming and work.
While its texture may be too slick for some, its smaller size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for those seeking a compact gaming mouse without sacrificing performance.
10. Asus ROG Keris II Ace
-------------------------Best Lightweight Gaming Mouse
### Asus ROG Keris II Ace
2The ROG Keris II Ace excels in the lightweight category, weighing just 54g with excellent weight distribution. Its right-handed contour and comfortable grip make it a joy to use. With the AimPoint Pro sensor and an 8000 Hz polling rate, it offers top-tier performance.
In my ROG Keris II Ace review, I highlighted its smooth tracking and high performance ceiling, though noted its slightly slick texture. It's a pro-level mouse that stands out for those prioritizing lightness and precision.
11. Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
------------------------------Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
5The G502 X Lightspeed is the ultimate ergonomic gaming mouse, featuring deep grooves and a wide base for enhanced comfort. With five extra side buttons, it's ideal for both gaming and productivity. Its Hero 25K optical sensor ensures accurate tracking, though it's less suited for intense competitive scenarios due to its weight and size.
Its ergonomic design makes it feel like a natural extension of your hand, and its versatility extends beyond gaming, making it a top choice for those prioritizing comfort and functionality.
Gaming Mouse FAQ
----------------How do you determine what makes a good gaming mouse?
Determining what makes a good gaming mouse largely depends on personal preferences and specific needs. For example, the Viper V3 Pro is ideal for competitive FPS gamers, while the Turtle Beach Pure Air suits those needing versatility. Key considerations include grip style (palm, claw, or fingertip), ergonomics, weight, and button feel. My extensive experience with various mice has helped me understand what sets one apart from another, from the comfort of ergonomic designs to the precision of sensors and the responsiveness of clicks.
Programmable side buttons are standard, with their comfort and positioning being crucial for usability. While higher DPI sensors are common, their impact is often minimal, with other factors like mouse shape and weight playing a more significant role in overall performance and comfort.
What’s the deal with high polling rate on gaming mice?
Gaming mice typically come with a 1000Hz polling rate, updating your PC every millisecond. However, some pro-grade mice like the Razer Viper V3 Pro and Asus Keris II Ace can reach up to 8000 Hz, which sends data more frequently. This can enhance smoothness and responsiveness under specific conditions, such as high resolutions and refresh rates, though it requires a powerful PC to fully benefit from it.
| **Polling Rate** | **Response Time** | **Battery Life*** |
| 1000 Hz | 1 ms | 100 hours |
| 2000 Hz | 0.5 ms | 70 hours |
| 4000 Hz | 0.25 ms | 40 hours |
| 8000 Hz | 0.125 ms | 20 hours |
* General range using the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed as an example.
Higher polling rates can improve performance, but they also consume more power, affecting battery life. While it's an impressive feature, it's most beneficial in competitive settings where every millisecond counts.
Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming mouse?
Modern wireless technology, like Razer's HyperSpeed or Logitech's Lightspeed, offers performance comparable to wired mice with negligible input latency. The 2.4 GHz wireless standard ensures consistent performance across various brands. Bluetooth connectivity is great for versatility but not suitable for intense gaming.
Battery life on wireless mice has improved significantly, offering days of use before needing a charge. Most models support USB-C charging and can be used wired when plugged in. Wired versions are typically cheaper, but if you're interested in higher polling rates, you'll need to opt for wireless models, which may increase the cost.
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