When it comes to the best game play experience, it’s nearly impossible to beat computer gaming. The graphics are crisp, the in-game experience is incredibly lifelike, and most gamers will agree, console gaming just can’t hold a candle to computer gaming.
Of course, in order to make the most out of your gaming experience, you need the proper equipment. Once you’ve secured a powerful tower and a high res monitor, it’s time to set your sights on your gaming peripherals, which are arguably the most important tools in a serious gamers arsenal.
Today’ we’re going to take a closer look at what goes into selecting the best gaming mouse for your needs. Regardless of the type of games you play, the way you hold your mouse, or the feel you prefer, our comprehensive guide for 2018 has something for everyone.
Read on and we’ll help you select the best tool for the job, so you can focus less on research, and more on dominating the competition in your favorite game.
1. Logitech G903
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Why we like it: All of the performance and design features of the famed G900, with the addition of some extra buttons.
The G903 follows right where the Logitech G900 lets off, adding even more impressive features to the already loaded G series of mice. If you’re interested in a top of the line gaming mouse, you need to test drive the G903 before arriving at your decision.
Design
The bold and aggressive styling of the G903 let you know right away that you’re in the company of greatness. From an aesthetic perspective, this mouse is hard to top.
This mouse is one of the most customizable and comfortable ambidextrous mice on the market. Many of the auxiliary buttons are removable to suit different styles of play. Whether you’re into first-person shooters, or you need a myriad of different buttons for your MOBA or MMO games, the G903 has you covered in style.
The G903 has a great feel in hand, and at 110 grams there’s good weight to this mouse. If you’d prefer it a bit heavier, you can add the included 10-gram weight to the bottom of the mouse for an even heftier feel.
As you’d expect, this mouse also features fully controllable full spectrum lighting, which is bright and vibrant. You can control lighting as well as many different performance characteristics with the Logitech software.
Performance
As for what’s under the hood, the G903 can hang with any mouse on the market. A state of the art PMW3366 sensor delivers an exceptionally accurate experience across the entire DPI range, which tops out at 12,000. What’s more, on the fly DPI shifting allows you to toggle between five different modes.
There’s no smoothing, correction, or acceleration either, so you can rest assured you’re getting the truest representation when you move the mouse. For first-person shooters, the accuracy of this mouse is nearly impossible to top.
This model features Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless technology, which renders latency and completely undetectable. If you didn’t know better, you would think the G903 is a wired mouse.
That said, you still have the option to plug the mouse into a USB if you prefer.
Without the wire, the mouse delivers an impressive 32 hours of continuous gameplay per charge in power save mode. If you’d prefer to have the lights on, that will drag you down to about 24 hours per charge, which is still impressive.
Logitech’s clock-tuning technology also works to minimize battery drain and degradation while still delivering extremely high performance, game after game. Add to the equation the 50 million click switches, and you can expect the G903 to stand the test of time. Even the feet are made to last and are rated for 250 kilometers of use.
The mouse also features onboard storage, so you’ll be able to store several gaming profiles for use on the go without missing a beat.
Overall
Looking at the total package, contending with the G903 is a tall order. Not only is it a contender for the best wireless gaming mouse, it could very well be the best gaming mouse in general. It delivers all the performance features you’d expect from a top of the line mouse, as well as all of the intuitive design aspects you could possibly want. As you’d expect, this mouse also comes in as one of the most expensive of any mouse on the market, but some gamers will undoubtedly find the extra expense to be well worth it.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Top of the line design and performance
- Industry-leading wireless battery life
- Built to last
- Ideal for all types of games and playing styles
Cons
- Very expensive
2. Razer Deathadder Chroma
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Why we like it: A favorite of serious gamers and e-sports professionals alike, the Deathadder delivers performance and value and now has RGB lighting.
The Deathadder has been one of the most popular gaming mice on the market, and the Chroma model brings it to life with the flair it deserves. This mouse falls into the middle of the pack budget wise, but it has the features to satisfy serious gamers, too.
Design
As long as you’re right-handed, the sleek design of the DeathAdder is one of the most ergonomically designed options available. Most gamers agree this mouse feels great in the palm of your hand.
MOBA and MMO gamers are probably going to find the Deathadder to be lacking in the button department, as there are only 5 programmable buttons on this mouse. That said, the simple configuration makes this mouse a great choice for first-person shooters.
Razer has set a very high standard in the lighting department, and the Chroma boasts some of the most vivid and intuitive lighting of any mouse on the market, regardless of expense. The Razer Synapse software allows you to dial in whatever lighting effects you desire.
The finish feels premium, and the textured rubber side grips are perfectly placed for a comfortable feel. At 105 grams, the Deathadder offers a fairly substantial feel.
Sometimes less is more where design is concerned, and the Deathadder is proof of that. There’s a reason why this mouse has been so popular with serious gamers and professional athletes alike; it’s very well designed.
Performance
The Deathadder continues to deliver in all the most critical measures of performance. At its core, the Chroma uses a 10,000 DPI PixArt sensor that accurately registers movements at up to 200 feet per second.
Razer’s industry-leading Synapse software provides you with a bounty of information about how you use your mouse, which allows you to dial in performance to the most exacting specifications you can dish out.
In addition to on the fly sensitivity adjustment, the Chroma also features 1,000Hz ultrapolling and 50g acceleration. The braided 7-foot USB cable is gold plated, strong and durable.
Overall
The Deathadder Chroma makes a compelling case for the best gaming mouse that is relatively affordable. It has nearly everything you could need from a performance gaming mouse, and as long as it feels comfortable to you, there may not be much to persuade you to choose a more expensive mouse.
Pros
- Rich and vibrant RGB lighting>
- Synapse software is intuitive and comprehensive
- Quality build and components
- Great feel in your hand
Cons
- Lacks enough buttons for MOBA or MMO players
- Not available for left-handed players
3. Logitech G900
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Why we like it: The mouse all other gaming mouse emulate, the Logitech G900 offers top of the line performance and is easily customizable to suit any gamer’s taste.
No review of gaming mice would be complete without discussing the Logitech G900, widely regarded as the industry standard for a performance gaming mouse. With all of its features and room for customization, it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular choice.
Design
The G900 features a tiny frame and a bold aesthetic that makes a great addition to any gaming setup. Holding the mouse in your hand, it’s easy to see why so many regard it as the best gaming mouse. Small hands are sure to love the diminutive size of the G900, at the same time, it’s still very comfortable for gamers with larger hands, as well.
The mouse features anywhere between 5 and 9 buttons, depending on how you have it configured. The truly ambidextrous design allows you to remove certain buttons in the name of comfort entirely, and this is an ingenious feature that’s absent from other ambidextrous gaming mice. This way, you’ll never have to worry about inadvertently clicking additional buttons, even if you’ve disabled them with your mouse software.
Performance
Performance wise, the G900 can stand toe to toe with any mouse on the market. It offers smooth, precise operation, and each button just seems to be in the perfect place.
If you’re a gamer who’s particularly wary of wireless peripherals, the G900 might be the hardware that changes your mind. Whether you’re using the mouse wired or wirelessly, there’s virtually no discernable difference in its performance.
The battery inside the G900 offers particularly long-lasting operation and will give you 24 hours or more of continuous gameplay before needing to be recharged. Unlike most other wireless mice, there’s no charging dock for this mouse, which is a slight bummer.
You’re able to tailor further the performance of the mouse with Logitech’s peripheral software, which is still second to none. It offers several intuitive features, and the ability to tinker with virtually every aspect of the mouse; allowing you to tailor every aspect of gameplay to your individual taste.
Overall
As far as high-performance peripherals go, Logitech has always been one of the leading names in the industry. The G900 is their flagship mouse, and it offers industry-leading performance that almost every gamer is sure to love. While the G900 is certainly on the expensive side, Logitech seems to have thought of everything with regards to the design and performance features of the G900.
Pros
- Comfortable ambidextrous design
- Customizable buttons
- Long battery life
- Incredible wireless performance
Cons
- No charging dock
- Expensive
4. SteelSeries Rival 600
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Why we like it: SteelSeries offers intuitive design features, customizable weighting and performance, all wrapped up in a nice and affordable package.
SteelSeries fell off the radar a bit with regards to their gaming mouse offerings, but 2018 is shaping up to be a banner year for the company. Their entire Rival series of gaming mice offer plenty of intuitive features that gamers are sure to love, and the Rival 600, in particular, is one of our favorites.
Design
Despite its feature-rich design, SteelSeries managed to shed much of the clunkiness that was present with their older Rival series mice with the Rival 600. The mouse isn’t much more significant than their entry-level offerings, and it feels nice in hand. The sides of the mouse are made from an extra soft rubber that gives you a perfect gripping surface, whether you employ a palm or claw grip when gaming.
The sides of the mouse are also removable, which gives you access to the weighting system of the Rival 600. Out of the box, this mouse weighs in at 96 grams, and it includes several extra weights you can use to custom tailor the weight of the mouse to your playing style. With all the additional weights added, the mouse beefs up to a hefty 128 grams, which some gamers will really appreciate.
Altogether, there are 256 different weight configurations you can tinker with, so you’ll be able to really dial in the weight and feel of this mouse to your exact specifications.
Since the sides are easily removable, we wouldn’t be surprised if Rival offered some add-ons in the future which allowed you to alter the ergonomics of the mouse with additional grips. It certainly seems easy enough to do, although for now, all the removable sides do is give you access to the internal weighting system.
Rounding out the aesthetics of the mouse is the inclusion of true RGB lighting, which is indeed a nice touch, and one that makes this mouse look and feels much more expensive than it is. You have the option to cycle through different lighting modes, display a rainbow of different colors, or anything in between. The lighting module on the Rival 600 is of high enough quality to give even Razer’s high-end mice a run for their money.
Performance
While all of the fancy design improvements are certainly appreciated, it’s all for naught if the performance isn’t every bit as good as the look of the mouse. Fortunately, the Rival 600 is more than up to par when it comes to performance.
The Rival 600 employs the TrueMove3 sensor which was developed with PixArt, the leader in sensor technology. It offers a maximum of 12,000 CPI, and impressive 1 to 1 tracking at 3,500 CPI as well. This mouse also includes a second sensor which helps to keep the cursor from drifting when you lift the mouse off its pad, which is a considerable benefit that FPS gamers are going to absolutely love.
A powerful 32-bit ARM processor offers exceptionally low-latency performance and allows you to save all of your favorite settings for software free use at events and tournaments.
Overall
With its customizable and ergonomic design and the hardware under the hood to match its beauty, the Rival 600 is a strong choice if you’re looking for the best gaming mouse for claw grip. It’s ergonomic design is comfortable for nearly everyone, and it also may be the best gaming mouse for small hands. Plus, with it’s streamlined button design, this may also be the best gaming mouse for PUBG and other battle royale style games. This thoroughly modern design is certainly one worth checking out.
Pros
- Customizable weighting system
- True Spectrum RGB Lighting
- Good feel in the hand for palm and claw grip
- Ideal for FPS
Cons
- Not useful for fingertip grip players
- Sides are removable, but there are no additional grip accessories
- Lacks additional buttons
5. Corsair Glaive RGB
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Why we like it: Quality components and impressive performance while being budget-friendly.
The Corsair Glaive RGB is sure to raise some eyebrows when you match up the features you’re getting with the amount of money you’re dishing out. The Glaive features many of the same specs of industry-leading flagship models from the top brands for less than half the expense. Many think that this Corsair mouse is the best budget gaming mouse available, but does it measure up?
Design
The Glaive features a sleek and streamlined appearance, even by gaming mouse standards. Many gamers will like the feel of the mouse as it comes right out of the box, but there’s also 3 interchangeable thumb rests included as well. Regardless of your playing style, you’ll find a comfortable configuration for this mouse.
Construction wise, the Glaive is almost entirely plastic, but at 122 grams, it still feels sturdy under your hand. There are eight programmable buttons you can configure using the Corsair software. Dynamic RGB lighting is also included and can be tuned to your liking through the same program.
Performance
The most impressive aspects of the Glaive are all under the hood and are further amplified by the relatively affordable of this mouse. A 16,000 DPI PixArt optical sensor allows for exceptional precision. The surface calibration tuning utility will enable you to further optimize the sensor’s performance according to your playing surface.50 million click Omron switches round out the performance specs of the Glaive.
Overall
The Glaive is undoubtedly one of the most attractive options based on budget alone. This mouse is also a monster performance wise, to boot. While it doesn’t offer quite the same feel or high-end look of the top end options on the market, it may be the best cheap gaming mouse you can get your hands on. Overall, the Glaive RGB may be the best gaming mouse in this budget.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- High-quality components
- Surface calibration
Cons
- Almost entirely plastic
6. SteelSeries Sensei 310
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Why we like it: Top quality sensor and a good feel regardless of which hand you’re using.
The Sensei line from SteelSeries has made a triumphant return to the gaming market, and the 310 model offers high-end performance and a comfortable feel at a budget that won’t break the bank. There are also some slick design aspects that make the Sensei 310 a winner for most gamers.
Design
The stripped-down design of the 310 is a welcomed sight for gamers who could do without all the bells and whistles characteristic of most gaming mice. The sleek design and comfortable grips on either side make this an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best ambidextrous gaming mouse.
The layout is simple, and there are 8 total buttons, each of which is programmable. True spectrum RGB lighting tastefully illuminates the SteelSeries logo as well as the center wheel. The lighting is also reactive for a variety of different scenarios in game.
The construction is mostly plastic, although the finish of the mouse helps to lend it a more substantial feel in your hand. It’s also somewhat light and weighs in at only 92 grams. For gamers who prefer a weightier mouse, the Sensei may not deliver top marks, but it does offer a good feel for most gamers.
Performance
The Sensei offers performance that can undoubtedly rival more expensive options, thanks in part to the state of the art PixArt TrueMove sensor. The sensor provides 12,000 DPI and 1 to 1 tracking at 3,500 DPI, which translates to a level of precision you’ll appreciate if you’re into first-person shooters.
Speaking of FPS, the jitter reduction feature on this mouse is sure to delight anyone who has a less than steady hand behind the mouse. Jitter reduction smooths out the nano-movements your hand may be making, which results in a truer representation of where you want your cursor to be.
50 million click switches ensure that the Sensei 310 will be able to handle everything you throw at it.
Overall
While it may not have the potential for customization that other mice can boast, the Sensei 310 can hang with any mouse on the market performance wise. If you’re looking for top of the line performance for less money, and you’re willing to sacrifice some design features to get it, the Sensei 310 may be a smart choice for you.
Pros
- Performance to rival any mouse on the market
- Comfortable feel and button placements
- Good value for the money
Cons
- No sensor calibration
- Stripped down aesthetic may look cheap to some
7. ASUS ROG Spatha
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Why we like it: High-performance operation and plenty of extra included goodies make the ROG Spatha a dream for gamers who like to tinker.
The ROG Spatha is ASUS’ flagship gaming mouse, and it’s packed to the brim with performance and comfort features designed for you to get the most out of every game. Considering ASUS is much more well known for their computing components than their peripherals, they certainly have a lot to prove with the Spatha. Read on to see how it stacks up against the competitors.
Design
The first thing you’re likely to notice about the Spatha is it’s absolutely massive. It’s large size, and heavy frame make it a compelling choice for the best gaming mouse for large hands. By the same token, the mouse is so large that even gamers with large hands will probably only be able to utilize a palm grip with this mouse. The mouse features a total of 12 buttons, including six located on the thumb side of the mouse.
While these buttons certainly come in handy for MMO and MOBA games, they’re actually a bit sticky and difficult to press, which could pose some problems during gameplay.
While the mouse is certainly well designed and looks great on a desk, it’s large, cumbersome size makes this mouse less appealing for a mass audience. But, if you have large hands and utilize a palm grip, you’ll certainly want to take this mouse out for a spin.
Performance
The performance features of the Spatha are adequate, although they do leave a bit to be desired.
As far as what’s under the hood, the Spatha features a fairly standard sensor that packs 8,200 DPI. It can be used wired or wireless, and while the wired performance is spot on, there’s a slightly noticeable drop off when you switch to wireless gaming. At the very least, you’re sure to notice a jittery cursor if you choose to unplug and go wireless.
At the same time, the Spatha includes both 1m and 2m cables, so you have plenty of freedom to move around your workspace, even when you’re connected to USB.
As for lighting, the Spatha features three independent lighting zones, which really shine thanks to ASUS RGB lighting system. This mouse is certainly a showstopper when it’s lit up. What’s more, there are six different lighting modes to customize how the lights perform under various stimuli.
The buttons feature durable Omron 20 million click switches, and while impressive, they pale in comparison to the 60 million click switches that are present on the Ouroboros from Razer. You’re also able to swap out the stock switches with heavier actuation switches (which are included). These heavier switches are only rated for 1 million clicks, however. Most gamers will be just fine with the Omron 20 million click switches that come pre-installed on the mouse.
There’s also a few more accessories included with the Spatha, and a nice carrying case as well which gamers on the go are sure to appreciate.
Overall
While the Spatha is sure to appeal to a relatively niche market of large-handed, palm grip gamers, the Spatha falls short in a few areas where other mice in the same budget excel, and for that reason, it isn’t one of our favorites. But, there’s going to be plenty of gamers who love the number of auxiliary buttons, and their position on the mouse. For some, this may be the best gaming mouse for league of legends and other MMO games.
Pros
- Wired or wireless operation
- Lots of included accessories
- Beautiful lighting options
- Good option for MMO and MOBA
Cons
- Extremely large and heavy
- Expensive
- Not suitable for FPS
8. Razer Lancehead
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Why we like it: It’s wireless and ambidextrous design makes it extremely versatile. Definitely what you want to see in a gaming mouse.
Razer is cemented in the gaming industry and their products need no introduction. While many love the wired design for gaming mice, the wireless capabilities of the Lancehead are just as good. It’s unique design and customization options make it a great companion for online gaming.
Design
The Razer Lancehead gives you a whole new take on the classic mouse design. You won’t be seeing any sharp edges here, as with some other brands. Instead, you have a standard mouse with a vented design under the front keys and a gap between the left and right buttons.
To reinforce the design, the Lancehead features RGB lighting throughout the mouse. The logo is backlit and two accent lights run down both sides, topped off with lighting on the scroller. The lights are also completely and individually programmable.
It’s certainly a design that you won’t soon forget.
But style isn’t everything. A mouse should be as functional as it is attractive, and Razer has got that covered as well.
Both the right and left clicks use Razer’s Omron switches, which provide a solid and dependable click. The clicks are also considerably more firm and more tactical, which will work very well for gamers of any kind. However, you may find it a bit too rigid for regular browsing.
The six buttons throughout the mouse are very solid, though only the left buttons are easily accessible. While the Lancehead does feature an ambidextrous design, you may find an issue with the buttons on the right if you’re a left-handed player.
Performance
Even though this is a wireless mouse, it’s 16,000 DPI sensor unit can more than keep up with those wired big boys. The laser sensor is good for 210 inches per second for near-perfect performance.
If you are worried about the DPI being too high, there are two buttons below the scroll wheel to help you. These buttons allow you to adjust the DPI level between five presets whenever you want. The Razer Synapse supports as low as 100 DPI, as well as any level above that with 50 or 100 increments.
The Lancehead connects to your computer via a small 2.4 GHz USB dongle. Using what Razer calls Adaptive Frequency Technology, the mouse is able to switch frequency channels if any interference is detected. Because of this, the wireless technology works just as well as any wired mouse would with no lag or latency of any kind.
Overall
The style, ambidextrous design and performance of this mouse is inline with Razer quality throughout. While there may be some issues for left-handed players due to slightly awkward button placement, it shouldn’t affect your performance too much. The Razer Lancehead is a solid nad dependable gaming mouse.
Depending on your preferred hand placement, you may experience some discomfort. This is due to a significant curve on the right side of the mouse. However, it’s not enough to cast this mouse aside in favor of another.
Pros
- Perfect wireless connectivity
- Good build quality
- Unique RGB lighting
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Battery life isn’t great
- Palm grip users may find some discomfort
9. Hori Edge 101
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Why we like it: A Surprisingly impressive array of features in an entry-level mouse at a budget everybody can afford.
The Edge 101 from Hori is a compelling option if you’re looking for a no-frills gaming mouse that can deliver capable performance for gamers who aren’t keen about dropping a hundred dollars or more on a new mouse.
Design
At first glance, the streamlined aesthetic of the Edge 101 certainly has curb appeal. The lighting is in the right places, and it has a nice, inviting shape.
While you wouldn’t think so at first, the Edge 101 actually has 11 programmable buttons, making it a good option for MOBA and MMO gamers. But, the buttons aren’t cumbersome or intrusive, so FPS gamers are going to like the feel of this mouse as well.
RGB lighting allows you to access every possible color fully. Unfortunately, the lighting is a bit dull compared to many other models.
There’s a heavy stainless-steel base on the mouse, so this mouse is particularly well suited to hard surfaces. The mouse feels substantial, weighing in at 130 grams. The base is also removable, which shaves 25 grams off the total weight.
Performance
You may think that the Edge 101 must be lacking significantly in performance features, but that isn’t the case.
This mouse features a quality PixArt sensor. While it only offers around half the DPI of some other models, at 6,400 DPI, this mouse is more than sensitive enough for most players. If you’re gaming on a 4k screen, you’ll probably notice the difference. Otherwise, you’re likely to find this mouse offers sufficient precision.
The switches are a proprietary design from Hori, and they claim that these switches actuate 40% quicker than other switches on the market. While that remains to be seen, the switches do appear to be high quality.
The Edge software is relatively easy to navigate. It doesn’t offer quite the same level of customization as some other companies do with their software, but it certainly gets the job done for assigning buttons, profiles, colors and basically anything else you’ll need to tweak.
Overall
For the money, the Edge 101 may be the best cheap gaming mouse you can get your hands on. While you do make some sacrifices with regards to design and performance, this mouse provides more than enough firepower for most gamers.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- PixArt sensor
- Comfortable ambidextrous feel
Cons
- Software is a bit clunky compared to the industry leaders
- Lighting is dull
10. Mad Catz RAT6
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Why we like it: Bold design and a substantial feel make the RAT6 ideal for gamers with large hands.
The RAT6 is one of the boldest looking mice on the market. It boasts some impressive performance features to go along with one of the most customizable designs of any mouse on the market. If you’re searching for a mouse you can really tweak to your exact specifications, the RAT6 is worth a closer look.
Design
If you’re looking to turn heads, the RAT6 is certainly a mouse that will do the trick. Beyond its showstopping looks, virtually every aspect of the mouse is adjustable, which makes the RAT6 a leading mouse where versatility is concerned.
The palm rest of the mouse is fully adjustable, so you’ll be able to find a comfortable configuration whether you utilize a palm, fingertip or claw grip during gameplay. Unlike some other adjustable mice, it’s also fairly quick and easy to make adjustments and lock them in place.
Mad Catz Chameleon RGB lighting system gives you access to all 16.8 million colors in vivid detail, which further cements the bold and aggressive looks of the RAT6.
The RAT6 weighs in at 120 grams and includes 3 additional 6-gram weights, so you can dial in the exact weight you prefer. Without any weight, this mouse may feel a bit clunky for some gamers, especially if you have smaller hands. We would have liked to see a lighter overall design, with some heavier weights in case you decide to beef up the mouse.
Performance
This mouse also features some fairly high-end performance specs, making it an option for serious gamers and professionals as well. It employs the PixArt ADNS 9800 sensor, which delivers up to 8,200 DPI. If that’s insufficient for your needs, the RAT6+ boasts a PMW3360 laser sensor, which bumps you up to 12,000 DPI, which is more in line with high-end peripherals.
Onboard profile memory allows you to save all of your settings to your exact specifications, so you can access them on the fly whenever you’d like. Everything about the mouse is programmable via Mad Catz Flux software, which is intuitive and easy to use.
Overall
What it lacks in top end performance, it certainly makes up for with its bold looks and seemingly endless potential for customization. If you’re looking for a mouse you can really make your own, and you are willing to sacrifice a slight degree of precision, the RAT6 may be worth a second look. Given the fact this is a comfortable mouse with plenty of buttons, it may also be the best gaming mouse for DOTA2 and other MMO games.
Pros
- Aggressive styling
- Fully adjustable to suit any style of gameplay
- Especially comfortable for gamers with large hands
Cons
- Lacks some of the performance specs of other high-end gaming mice
- May be too large for gamers with smaller hands
Gaming Mouse Buyers Guide
While the mice above all represent fine choices for the best gaming mouse, you may find that you’d rather set out on your own and choose a different mouse that we haven’t covered here. If that’s the case, you’ll need to arm yourself with a bit of info on how to choose the gaming mouse that best fits your needs.
Below, we’ll take a look at all of the important factors you’ll need to consider before choosing a mouse. That way, you can be sure that you’re finding the perfect mouse for you, regardless if it’s one of the options we’ve covered above.
Aspects of Gaming Mice
Believe it or not, there’s a lot that goes into a gaming mouse beyond how cool it looks. There are several technical considerations you’ll need to learn about to choose the best gaming mouse.
Sensitivity
Mouse sensitivity is measured by either DPI (dots per inch) or CPI (characters per inch). The higher the DPI or CPI is, the faster the mouse is able to move on the screen. These values usually range from a few hundred, all the way up to over ten thousand.
Nearly all manufacturers allow you to adjust the DPI of the mouse, which can be helpful if you play many different types of games.
DPI is a critical concern for most gamers, especially gamers who prefer first-person shooters. By the same token, very few gamers set their mouse for a DPI over 2,000.
Angle Snapping
Also known as mouse prediction, angle snapping is a corrective feature that’s become a staple on many manufacturers gaming mice.
This feature works to “correct” your movements so that when you move in a somewhat horizontal or vertical fashion, the mouse corrects your movement into a perfectly straight line.
Some gamers like this feature, but most prefer to avoid it. It adds another variable to the gaming experience, and it can have a negative impact on your actual movements. Since the goal of a good gaming mouse is to offer precision and accuracy, this feature runs counterintuitive to that.
If the mouse you’re looking at has this feature, you can almost certainly toggle it on and off, which can be helpful if you aren’t immediately sure if it’s something you like or not.
Sensor Type
Perhaps the most highly contested characteristic of gaming mice is the type of sensor they use to process your movements. There are two sensor types a mouse may have.
Optical Sensor
Unlike laser sensors, optical sensors use an LED light to track the movement of the mouse. These sensors tend to track much better on cloth mouse pads than their laser counterparts. In the past, optical sensors were much less sensitive than laser sensors, but newer technology has helped to close the gap. These days, many optical mice are able to respond just as quickly as laser options.
Laser Sensors
For quite some time, laser sensors were considered the industry standard for a gaming mouse. These types of sensors use a laser to track movements as opposed to an LED. Laser sensors work best on hard surfaces, and after many years of use the feet of the mouse tend to wear off and must be replaced.
Mice with laser sensors often have built-in acceleration, which can be a deal breaker for some gamers. Laser sensors are also prone to dust accumulation and must be cleaned regularly to ensure they perform at their best. Finally, they tend to be less accurate at reading extremely fast movements than optical sensors.
Acceleration
Mouse acceleration is defined by the ratio of the mouse pointer speed to the speed at which your hand moves the mouse. Acceleration is measured in G-force, and one G works out to 9.8 meters per second.
In effect, mouse acceleration attempts to predict where you’d like your cursor to end up when you make a rapid movement with the mouse. As a result, when you make a rapid movement with the mouse and then come to an abrupt stop, you’ll end up overshooting your target.
This feature can be turned off in almost all optical mice, and some laser mice as well. Many gamers, especially those who play a lot of first-person shooters lament this feature. So, you may want to opt for a mouse where you’re able to toggle the acceleration on or off.
Polling Rate
The polling rate of a mouse refers to how quickly the mouse and computer are able to communicate with each other. Polling rate is measured in hertz and most range between 250-1000Hz. As a general rule, the higher the polling rate, the more responsive the mouse will be.
Programmable Buttons
Programmable buttons are a desirable feature for almost any kind of game. When it comes to MMOs and MOBAs, programmable buttons allow you to access different moves, attacks, and spells on the fly. They’re also desirable for FPS games as they can be programmed as sniper buttons.
Some gaming mice even allow you to save different profiles, so you’re able to program the buttons for different games or characters, and toggle between your profiles, so you don’t have to reprogram the buttons for each game or character.
Lift Off Distance
Lift off distance refers to how high you can move the mouse off the surface before the mouse becomes unresponsive.
This is an important consideration if you use a smaller mouse surface as you may find yourself reaching the end of the surface often. Mice with laser sensors tend to have a higher lift-off distance than an optical mouse. Many high-end mice even allow you to adjust the lift-off distance in the settings for the mouse.
Weight
The weight of your mouse is also worth considering. While there is no right or wrong weight for a mouse, it can certainly affect gameplay and the overall feel of the mouse.
Many mice on the market today allow you to adjust the weight of the mouse to your personal preference, which can be very helpful.
Software
Almost every gaming mouse on the market these days comes with a software program that allows you to optimize many of the performance aspects of the mouse, save gaming profiles, and control the RGB lighting system.
For some companies, these programs are a bit of an afterthought, and lack the intuitive design or advanced features necessary to truly dial in every aspect of your peripheral’s performance. Conversely, some companies take great pride in their software, and users are rewarded with an easy to use interface that allows them to control virtually everything the mouse can do.
Brands like Logitech, Razer and SteelSeries are well known for producing incredible software which adds to the performance and enjoyment you’ll get from your peripheral.
What Do You Play?
When it comes to a gaming mouse, the type of games you play will play a huge role in determining which mouse is best for you. While some mice are well suited to multiple genres of games, some are better than others.
MMO/MOBA
If you’re looking for the best MMO gaming mouse or the best MOBA gaming mouse, it’s all about the buttons. A ton of programmable buttons will make it easy for you to access your full catalog of attacks and spells in real time. This is particularly important with MMOs, especially MMORPGs. If that’s your bread and butter, you’ll want to look towards a mouse with at least 10 different programmable buttons.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best MOBA gaming mouse, 6-8 buttons should be sufficient.
Beyond the programmable buttons, there isn’t too much to concern yourself with. Almost every gaming mouse on the market will offer sufficient DPI and sensor accuracy for MMO/MOBAs. Outside of the number of buttons, everything else is largely just a matter of personal preference.
FPS
If you’re looking for the best FPS gaming mouse, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. With first-person shooters, speed and accuracy are critically important. When it comes to speed and accuracy with regards to gaming mice, you’ll want to look at the DPI, polling rate and sensor. These values will help you choose the best gaming mouse for FPS.
High DPI is not really that important for but a good and accurate sensor is essential for fast and accurate movements during gameplay. Most professional players set their mouse for a DPI of 400-2000, and anything above that is usually considered to be overkill. That said, you’ll want to look for a mice that offers options, and can be set to at least 2,000 DPI.
The polling rate of a mouse also plays a crucial role in how accurate the mouse is. A mouse with a high polling rate sends information back to your computer at a faster rate, which translates to more precise movements, especially at high speeds.
Finally, the type of sensor the mouse has is also an important consideration. Most FPS gamers prefer a mouse with an optical sensor over a laser sensor as laser sensors have a tendency to lose information during extremely fast movements, which can have a profoundly negative effect on your game.
RTS
When it comes to real-time strategy games, the specs to consider most closely are similar to that of a mouse for MMO/MOBA games. You’ll want a mouse that offers plenty of customizable buttons. Characteristics like DPI and sensor accuracy are slightly less important, and there’s a strong chance that any gaming mouse you’re considering will meet your needs for accuracy and speed for these types of games.
Versatility
If you’re mostly into one style of game, you should focus on finding the mouse that offers the best feel and in-game experience for that particular genre. But, many gamers like to play whatever game they can get their hands on.
The mouse you’d use for a first-person shooter is often very different from a mouse you’d use for an MMO or MOBA. But, if you like to play every style of game, it can be difficult to find a mouse that provides you with the tools you need at your fingertips.
If that’s the case, you may want to look into a mouse that offers increased versatility. Many mice allow you to add or remove auxiliary buttons, some allow you to add or remove different ergonomic finger rests, or even change the entire shape of the mouse.
Wired or Wireless?
Ever since the advent of wireless devices, a debate has raged over whether wired or wireless peripherals are superior. There’s certainly a valid argument to be had on either side. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of wired and wireless devices.
The Look
One of the main benefits of wireless peripherals is that they provide a sleek and clean look for your workspace.
Most gamers take a great deal of pride in the look of their set up, and it’s tough to argue against wireless accessories when it comes to creating the cleanest and sleek aesthetic. With wired peripherals, you’ll always have wires running across your desk. For some gamers, this is a small concession to make, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t look quite as clean, in case you’re looking to create the most aesthetically pleasing set up possible.
Range of Motion
With wired peripherals, you’re only able to move as far as your cords will allow. On the other hand, wireless accessories will enable you to move much further away from your computer, which is a benefit to consider if you’d like to be able to game from another location in the room besides your desk. Most wireless devices have a range of 30 feet or more, so you have quite a bit of freedom with wireless devices compared to their wired counterparts.
Performance
Since wireless peripherals have to send information to a receiver before it’s processed by the computer, there’s no way for these devices to bring the exact same level of performance as wired options.
Depending on the types of games you like to play, this can be a major deal breaker. For example, if you like to play first-person shooters, you may want to avoid a wireless mouse or keyboard. Although the wireless mice reviewed in this guide perform at basically the same level as wired mice.
For gamers who prefer other types of games, the slight dip in performance when dealing with a wireless mouse isn’t a major concern.
That said, some gaming mouse companies are leading the charge in an effort to completely eliminate latency from their wireless devices. For example, Logitech’s G series offers wireless performance that’s so impressive, it’s nearly impossible to detect a difference compared to a wired peripheral.
Of course, you’ll have to shell out some extra coin for one of these mice, as they’re quite expensive. But, for gamers who are concerned with latency but want to go wireless, it may be worth the investment.
Connectivity Issues
Almost all wireless mice and keyboard operate on a 2.4Hz wireless channel, which happens to be a popular option for other wireless devices, too. These other devices can cause interference, which is a significant concern.
In some cases, the level of interference is so great that your wireless mouse is practically useless. So, if you have other wireless devices in your proximity, you’ll want to see if you can adjust the band they operate on. If you can’t alter your other 2.4Hz devices, it may be best to opt for a wired mouse.
Battery Life
One of the benefits of wired peripherals is that you’ll never have to worry about your devices running out of battery since they’re receiving constant power from the USB ports they’re plugged into.
Wireless devices need to be charged every so often, and you’ll need to be vigilant in making sure you charge them entirely whenever it’s convenient for you. Few things are more frustrating than realizing that your mouse is about to die, or worse yet, is already dead when you’re in the middle of an epic game.