A good gaming mouse is an essential weapon in any gamers arsenal. In this buying guide, we will take a look at the very best mice currently on the market.
While keyboards and headsets can improve your performance, the mouse is every gamer’s primary weapon, and having the best gaming mouse for you makes all the difference in the world.
Gaming companies know this, which is why it is also the product they produce the most of so it can be quite a jungle actually to find the best one for you.
Luckily, we got our hands dirty and tested an array of all the greatest mice the market has to offer right now. This is a list of our absolute favorites for this year, with a focus on competitive gaming.
Our Top 3 Picks
1. Razer Viper
20K DPI Razer 5G Optical Sensor / 50G Acceleration / 450 IPS / 1ms report rate/ 69g weight
- Extraordinarily lightweight(69g)
- Designed for professional competitive play
- Exceptional performance with the 5G optical sensor
- Razer Optical mouse switches are incredibly fast & feels great
For the past years, the Razer DeathAdder has been the only Razer mouse that was widely used by gaming professionals during competitive play. However, that has drastically changed with the new ultra-lightweight Razer Viper that has quickly become one of the most popular gaming mice in the esports scene. The combination of the powerful Razer 5G sensor and its 69g lightweight design makes it ideal for fast-paced competitive play.
2. Logitech G Pro Wireless
16K Hero Sensor / 16.000 DPI / 40G3 Acceleration / 400 IPS / 1ms report rate / Lightspeed Tech / 80g weight
- Exceptional performance
- Best wireless mouse on the market
- Ultra lightweight & smooth to use
- Extraordinary connectivity & wired mode for charing while playing
- Pricey
In general, I don’t recommend wireless gaming equipment over their wired counterpart but the new line of Logitech LIGHTSPEED gear is the exception to that rule and in particular, the G PRO Wireless.
The downsides of wireless gaming have been pushed aside with excellent battery time, zero-stutter connectivity, and a convenient wired mode to play while you charge. On top of that, the G PRO Wireless has arguably the best overall performance of any mouse on the market for high-end gaming.
This might sound like I am just overselling it, but there is a reason it is used by hundreds of professional gamers across all genres. The only real downside to this mouse is the relatively expensive price tag.
3. BenQ EC2-A & EC1-A
PMW 3360 Optical Sensor / 3200 DPI / 1ms report time / 93g weight
- High value for money
- Good sensor & overall performance
- Nice, textured design
- Scroll wheel feels cheap
If you have any interest at all in high-end competitive gaming, you will definitely have heard about BenQ’s Zowie mice series. All 3 Zowie mice are incredibly popular on the Esports scene but the EC line stands as the favorite among professional gamers.
Every Zowie mouse is tuned perfectly for competitive gaming, and which is the best does come down to personal preference in the end. However, the ergonomic design and brilliant feel of the EC1-A & EC2-A is precisely why people love it.
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A lot of gaming mice are equipped with absurd specifications like 16.000 maximum DPI, Snipe buttons, etc. but in almost every case, these are just show-off specs that look good on the box. No sane person will play with 16.000 DPI.
So when you look at the more humble specifications of Zowie mice, it can often come off as low or ”bad” if you don’t understand how mouse specifications work. Zowie EC2-A has four on-the-fly DPI adjustment settings that go from 400 and up to 3200, and that is honestly all you will ever need. It has an excellent report rate that can go as low as 1ms, and the lift-off distance is superb as well. The BenQ Zowie mice have an outstanding overall performance with top-tier tracking, precision, and a no-nonsense plug-and-play setup.
If you are a fan of RGB lighting, snipe buttons, and crazy features, then this mouse is not for you. If you, on the other hand, enjoy perfectly tuned performance, simplistic design, and excellent ergonomics, then it is the perfect fit.
If you prefer the ambidextrous design, then I would recommend the FK or ZA Zowie mice. In terms of performance, they are virtually the same; it just comes down to which design you prefer.
4. Razer Deathadder Elite
16.000 DPI Optical Sensor / 50G Acceleration / 450 IPS / 1ms report rate / 105g weight
- Extremely powerful specifications
- Comfortable design & ergonomics
- Mechanical buttons are really great & durable
The Razer Deathadder has been a hit for years now and remains a fan favorite among both professionals and casuals alike. Both in terms of performance and design, it is one of the best on the market.
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Usually, I’m not much for Razer gaming gear, not to say that Razer is a bad brand, but it’s just always a bit too flashy for me. That being said, the Razer DeathAdder Chroma is not like most Razer mice. It has a fantastically simple but beautiful design, and unlike most Razer gaming mice, it’s not just about looking ”cool” it has a great feeling to it. Sometimes Razer does manage to hit the nail on the head, and this is one of those times.
There is a reason that this is the most popular gaming mouse on the market. Partly it’s due to Razer being an absolute giant when it comes to gaming gear, but there is undoubtedly more to this mouse than branding. Unlike most Razer products, it seems that performance and comfort were the highest priority when they made this mouse. But on top of high performance and a very comfortable palm grip, it also has that signature Razer features. I’m talking about endless LED customization, slick design, and over the top specifications regarding DPI and acceleration, making it an excellent choice both for competitive and casual gaming.
My favorite thing about the Razer DeathAdder is the fact that it’s universally useful. It’s great for any genre of games, and if you enjoy switching between MOBA, FPS, RTS, etc. Then this is a perfect fit for you. I have felt for a long time now that Razer was no more the top gaming gear brand that it used to be. But the product’s like this goes to show that Razer still has some genius left in them.
Best Left Hand Edition Available
It is worth mentioning that it is available in a left-hand edition. And with most companies choosing not to produce mice for left-handed users, this is easily the best gaming mouse for lefties on the market.
I have very few bad things to say about this mouse, to be honest. Personally, I would choose the Logitech G502 if I was looking for an all-around gaming mouse, but that comes down to personal preference. And in my book, this is still one of the best gaming mice ever made, and I can certainly understand why it’s the most popular. I didn’t think I would be giving a Razer product this great a review anytime soon, but this is genuinely a fantastic all-purpose gaming mouse.
5. SteelSeries Rival 600
TrueMove3 Optical Sensor / 12.000 CPI / 350 IPS / 1-to-1 tracking / 96g weight
- 1-to-1 tracking is great for shooters
- Fantastic design, quality & comfort
- Really well optimized for competitive gaming
- 1-to-1 tracking is not for most people
The Rival 600 is one of the most popular SteelSeries mice among professional gamers and not without reason. It uses cutting-edge TrueMove3 technology that allows it to track 1-to-1, which is great for first-person shooters and accuracy in general. Furthermore, it is also sporting exceptional lift-off distance as well as high-end speed capabilities and highly ergonomic design.
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The amount of detail that went into the design of the Rival 600 is quite impressive. It’s LED lighting zones look spectacular, and the overall look of the mouse is equally gorgeous. The surface of the mouse feels very qualitative, and the sides are equipped with silicone grips, which makes the mouse very comfortable to use.
In terms of quality, it is also pretty top-end. The overall feel of the mouse is quite luxurious, and the implementation of mechanical switches for the buttons only increases that.
Apart from doing well in terms of quality and design, the performance is where the Rival 600 starts to take off. The TrueMove3 sensor is incredibly precise and widely considered one of the best Esports sensors on the market, and the ability to do 1-to-1 tracking is a god sent for some first-person shooter fans. All and all, the specifications are top-end and can compete with almost every mouse on the market.
Lastly, I want to talk about customization. The mouse is incredibly adjustable and allows you to customize everything from weight, to RGB lighting, to the nitty-gritty performance stuff. Honestly, this might be a problem if you are looking for a simple plug-and-play mouse, but if you enjoy creating custom game profiles and personalizing your gaming experience, the Rival 600 is top tier.
6. Zowie FK1
3310 Optical Sensor / 3200 DPI / 1ms report rate / 90g weight
- Purely optimized for competitive play
- One of the best designed ambidextrous mice
- Ideal plug-and-play mouse
- Not for you if you enjoy a ton of flashy features
Any fan of Esports and competitive gaming are bound to be familiar with BenQ’ Zowie series. Time and time again, BenQ manages to create competitive gaming gear of the highest quality, and the Fk1 is one of the prime examples.
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While our favorite FK Zowie mouse is the FK1, keep in mind that the difference between the different types is purely design related, and the performance is great on them all.
The Zowie series are not known for their extensive list of additional features. This might turn some people off, but we feel it is what makes this series great. Everything with this mouse is optimized to the fullest. It is simple but in the most efficient way.
When talking about ambidextrous mice, we cannot help but mention the Razer Diamondback and SteelSeries Sensei. So why not them? Both of those are pretty great, but. In contrast, the Zowie is practically flawless, due to its minimalistic design, the Razer and SteelSeries mice have features forced down on them, which don’t work optimally, which, in conclusion, give a relatively flawed experience in comparison to the Fk1+.
The dpi settings on the Fk1+ lies between 800-3200, which don’t sound like much when compared to other mice on this list. However, the precision and speed of this mouse are so finely tuned that you won’t ever need more than what it has to offer. Who needs 16000 dpi anyway? That’s right, no one.
The side buttons are placed very intuitively, and they become second nature to your gameplay after a few hours with this mouse.
An essential thing when it comes to Ambidextrous gaming mice is the capability to switch between left and right-handed functionality. This is quickly done with the click of a button, and no annoying software involved.
Like any other Ambidextrous mouse, it is an ideal choice for claw grippers. Not to say that it doesn’t work just fine for anyone else.
The simplicity and effectiveness make this mouse the ideal plug-n-play mouse and is one of our favorite ambidextrous mice on the market today.
The mouse appeal to every gamer, from the casual to the hardcore competitive gamer.
If you enjoy flashy LED lighting and a ton of extra features, then it goes without saying that this mouse is not for you. However, if you want precision, speed, and quality, without having to monitor and configure the mouse through annoying software. Then this is perhaps the ideal gaming mouse for you.
7. HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro
16.000 DPI Pixart 3389 sensor / 50G Acceleration / 450 IPS / 1ms report rate/ 95g weight
- Excellent design & ergonomics
- Exceptional comfort
- Great value for money
- Poor customization options
HyperX was for a long time just known for its outstanding headsets, but that is over now. Over the past years, they have produced some amazing mice and keyboards for competitive gaming, and the HyperX Pulsefire is one of their best products to date.
With incredible top-end performance, delightful ergonomic design, and classic HyperX quality, you cannot go wrong with this one. It is crafted for competitive play but works well for casual gaming as well.
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The HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro is the perfect option if you enjoy competitive games but don’t want to throw too much money at new equipment. You get an extraordinary amount of performance for your buck without it being poor quality. HyperX is well-known for its quality, and this mouse is in no way an exception.
It is designed with a slight curve on the right side of the mouse to provide a more ergonomic feel. If you enjoy ambidextrous mice, then this is not for you. Still, it manages to be slightly curvy without being overly shaped, thus creating a nice middle ground between ergonomic palm shape and ambidextrous.
The only real downside to the HyperX Pulsefire is in terms of customization. It has very little on offer on that front. This makes it an ideal plug-and-play mouse, but if you enjoy playing around with personalized settings, then it isn’t for you.
I would recommend the HyperX Pulsefire to anyone that wants a simple, powerful, plug-and-play mouse for competitive gaming.
8. Logitech G MX518 Legendary
16K Hero Optical sensor / 16.000 DPI / 400 IPS / 1ms report rate / 101g weight
- One of the most comfortable & ergonomic mice on the market
- Upgraded with cutting-edge specifications
- Well suited for both casual & competitive gaming
- No wireless version available
The G MX518 is Logitech’s recent revival of arguably there most beloved gaming mouse to date, the MX518. With the new version, you get the best of old and new in perfect symphony, with the classic design and new cutting-edge specifications.
The hype around this mouse isn’t just nostalgia. Its design has stood the test of time, and with the improved performance, it is capable of competing with even the most high-end of gaming mice. The G MX518 Legendary is the perfect plug-and-play mouse and is well suited for both casual and competitive play.
9. Logitech G502 Hero
16K Hero Optical Sensor / 40G Acceleration / 400 IPS / 1ms report rate/ 121g weight
- Top-tier performance
- Exceptional comfort
- Good as a plug-and-play mouse but also have ton of customization options
- A bit on the heavy side
The Logitech G502 has very few weaknesses and a whole lot of strengths. It’s ergonomic grip, high-tier quality, and excellent performance is what makes it one of the best all-around mice on the market today. It is a bit on the heavy side for competitive play, but for casual gamers, it is second-to-none.
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This Logitech mouse may not be as flashy as a Razer mouse, or as high-end as a Roccat mouse. But if you prefer performance and comfort over flashy colors and hundreds of key bindings, this is one of the best mice on the market right now.
If you search around the internet for reviews, you will quickly find more people of similar beliefs. In the early 2000s, Logitech produced its first mouse from the MX series, and that was widely considered the best among all mice at the time. And a lot of the Logitech G502’s success can be linked to that of MX518.
What made the MX518, so insanely popular was the fantastic palm grip and overall top-end quality. This is where the G502 picks up. It’s built with the same palm grip design, but with a modern twist. It can easily compete with any high-end mouse on the market, in both performance and quality. But on top of that, it has unparalleled comfort and grip, only matched by its ancestors from the MX series. It’s almost as if it is custom-made for each customer to fit their hand perfectly. So if you are a massive fan of the MX518, but are looking for something fresh, then this is the perfect pick for you.
Logitech MX518 – Logitech G502
We tested it in ‘Starcraft 2’, ‘CS-GO,’ ‘League of Legends’, and ‘World of Warcraft. And whether you are playing a first-person shooter, MOBA, RTS, or an MMORPG, it does not disappoint. Although it is definitely on the heavy side if you enjoy high-paced competitive games. The grip and comfort of this mouse are what makes this mouse stand out. But that does not mean that it is the only thing there is to be said about the design. It is made so that all the 11 fully programmable buttons are all intuitive and easy to reach. Its performance regarding speed, precision, and competitive capability is nothing shy of amazing.
The customization options are also great, both concerning the above-average gaming software that comes along with it and the mice itself. That comes with a weight tuning set so that you can adjust its weight to your personal preference.
There is a reason this mouse is the most popular in the world right now, it is hard to say anything really bad about it, but I am going to try.
Even at minimum weight, the mouse is a bit heavy compared to competitive options like the G PRO Wireless, and it can hinder your performance if you play at the highest level.
10. Asus ROG Gladius 2
Optical Sensor / 12.000 DPI / 50G Acceleration / 250 IPS / 125g weight
- Well optimized for competitive play
- Available as wireless as well
- Beautiful design
- A bit heavy
Asus ROG is most commonly known for its excellent gaming laptops and monitors. However, Gladius 2 proves that their expertise extends to mice, as well.
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The Asus ROG Gladius II might not be a designated MMO, MOBA, or FPS mouse, but it performs very well in every genre of gaming regardless. The Swappable switches are one of its most attractive qualities with the OMRON switches provided, offering a different feel (or click resistances) in addition to being incredibly durable too. FPS players will quite like this option, I feel. Performance-wise it is quite good. The sensitivity is high-end and probably just shy of the G403.
The Gladius II has an excellent optical sensor, and a designated DPI target button, which aids the sniping processor speeds it up when you scroll. This is quite a nice feature. The DPI target button allows you to instantly move between high and low speeds, which are the mouse’s main selling point, and ASUS does an excellent job of executing this feature well. You get 2 USB cables of different lengths, which can be used interchangeably based on your setup. This is a neat feature for some, but for me, it didn’t make much of a difference as I never usually have trouble tucking my mouse away when I am done gaming.
The rubber grip has a nice texture to it that is easy on the hands. This is a fantastic mouse to start your gaming adventure with primarily if you haven’t sorted out which grip you are most comfortable with as this mouse caters to palm, claw, and fingertip gripping surprisingly well. (For those with average-sized hands at least) The ROG armory software can be used to change the lighting & other customization options on the mouse, which can be easy to use, especially if you have other ROG products. The illumination can also be set across all the devices that use the Aura sync tech.
The price is the major sticking point with this mouse for me personally. Since its price class is above all the others on this list, which makes it a tough sell, especially when you factor in that it has no programmable keys. The swappable switches ensure excellent durability, so this would be a great choice if you are a beginner starting your esports adventure or need a backup that won’t fail you for a long time.
11. Logitech G403 Prodigy
PMW3366 Optical Sensor / 12.000 DPI / 40G Acceleration / 400 IPS / 87g weight
- Lightweight & comfortable
- Great for all types of gamers
- Brilliant design
- Doesn’t use the new 16K Hero sensor that most new Logitech gear uses
Logitech is the most consistent when it comes to making quality gaming mice, in my opinion, and the G403 Prodigy is just another prime example of that. It is a great alternative if you want a more lightweight option with the classic G mouse palm grip.
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Like we mentioned at the start, the feel of the mouse is crucial, which is why the Logitech G403 is a must-have on our list. Its advanced optical sensors deliver extreme precision. This accuracy makes it a great choice for FPS gamers. Another thing I like is that it has a very firm yet comfortable grip coupled with an instantaneous response rate, which makes it one of the best FPS mice.
The buttons feel good, and at least I never came across any jamming issues. The accuracy and response are just shy of the G502 one can say. Some users have reported the right-click button to be a bit on the sticky side over time & its feel is a bit different from the one on the left. The G403 comes with an additional 10g weight, which you can add on when you get a good feel for the mouse. This Logitech also comes with all the usual bells & whistles like backlighting with a range of colors and the ability to customize different profiles for games. It has an onboard memory that allows you to store various settings & use on multiple PCs without having to download software or reconfigure the entire thing.
The ergonomics is where I felt the mouse has some small issues. Despite being advertised as being suitable for multiple grips, if you happen to employ the palm grip and have large hands, you will find that your index is practically on the scroll wheel in many situations, which can make it quite uncomfortable. While the G502 we touched on earlier has a narrower shape, this is a tad wider. The exact feel you will have is subjective, as usual. Although it’s important to note that most people agreed that the mouse is extremely comfortable, the scroll wheel is also quite loose, and I wish Logitech would make it a bit less rough. There have been some users mentioning that the right-click button tends to wear out quicker. This might be one to watch for as you rack up the hours.
Overall, this is an excellent mouse that I would say is a feature or build quality step shy of being one of the all-time great mice available these days. The key to a good FPS mouse is its lightweight, and this mouse certainly ticks a lot of boxes for FPS gamers at least. The price is quite comparable to that of the Steel series rival and the Corsair we touched on earlier, which makes it a good value for money option as well. There is a wireless variant too, which weighs slightly heavier at 107g, which is still a decent weight for FPS mice.
12. SteelSeries Sensei 310
TrueMove3 Optical Sensor / 12.000 DPI / 350 IPS / 1-to-1 tracking / 92g weight
- Slick, light & ambidextrous
- 1-to-1 tracking can be a huge upgrade for precision focused games
- TrueMove3 Sensor provide excellent tracking overall
- A bit wide on the back end
The Sensei 310 is an excellent gaming mouse thanks to the TrueMove 3 sensor, which makes it an excellent choice for FPS gamers looking for reduced latency & high accuracy.
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The Rival 310 and the Sensei 310 have the TrueMove sensor, and while the former is more of a right-hander, the latter adopts a design that makes it comfortable & ambidextrous. When you are in the esports profession response time delays & tracking errors can be killer, the Sensei 310 is undoubtedly devoid of all of that. Another thing the two have in common is the 90g weight, which is much lighter than most other mice on our list.
If you are wondering what’s all the fuss about with the sensor since the 3360 found on most competitive mice is already extremely good. Well, for starters, this new TrueMove employs 1-to-1 tracking, which essentially means if you move a particular distance on the pad, it will result in the same length moved on the screen. This applies below 3500 CPI & above that the performance is also exceptional as jitter reduction improves latency massively over other sensors.
You can load your presets, customize buttons, and light just like many others on the market today. The textured grip on the side means you can get a good hold on the mouse. SteelSeries does mention the durability involved with the split trigger buttons we additionally noted that the clicks were smooth & consistent as well.
Other than the size, we could say that this mouse is right up there amongst the best, including the G502. Its performance in FPS games rivals the G502. The size is its only minor downside because it is better suited for those with medium to larger hands. You can use it if you have smaller hands, but comfort can be an issue.
The ambidextrous design is not always a good thing as we found the positioning of the buttons to be not so comfortable, and if you use just your right hand, for instance, you are limited in the number of buttons you can find very quickly. This, in turn, can be an issue if speed is vital.
Smooth clicks, all the usual customization options, ultra-fast response thanks to an excellent sensor, doesn’t empty your wallet; it’s hard to argue against the Sensei 310 although those who are used to the Rival or the Death adder may not easily be swayed.
13. Rosewill Neon M60
PMW 3360 Optical Sensor / 12.000 DPI / 200 IPS / 50G Acceleration
- High value for money
- Good sensor & overall performance
- Nice, textured design
- Scroll wheel feels cheap
The Rosewill N60 is another cool, affordable gaming mouse on the market today. Despite not being one of the more popular brands in the gaming space, its performance took us a bit by surprise, especially when you factor in its price.
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This is quite an interesting alternative for those who employ a palm grip. The exterior can divide opinion at times with some folks thinking it’s too slippery, but we felt it was extremely comfortable to hold. The weight was borderline on the heavier side but still very comfortable to use.
DPI is adjustable, of course, and 1000HZ polling & 50G acceleration make this a solid mid-range contender. The design or feel one could say is similar to the G403 by Logitech, which we’ve covered on our list as well. So if you are looking to game in long stretches, the M60 will aid in delaying fatigue.
When it comes to RGB backlight mode, it’s much simpler than other models with just 11 patterns instead of some 16+ million color variants at your disposal.
Surprisingly good performance but its limited customization options may not temp too many gamers away from the more established brands. This is a strong contender for those who lean more towards the plug & play side of things but with a few extra options.
14. Logitech G Pro
Hero Optical Sensor / 16.000 DPI / 40G Acceleration / 400 IPS / 1ms report rate / 83g weight
- Small, lightweight & ambidextrous design
- Really powerful performance
- Created for competitive play
- Might be a bit small for people with large hands
Don’t let the simple exterior fool you, the G Pro from Logitech is one of the most powerful gaming mice on the market today. It is a great alternative for people who cannot afford the G Pro Wireless as they have almost the same performance overall.
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It was developed with the assistance of actual pro gamers, and it shows. The sensor has exception tracking accuracy, and the wide DPI range allows for ideal customization for any player. These two factors together make it one of the fastest and most precise gaming mice on the market. The DPi Range goes all the way from 200 up to 12000. So whether you are a competitive Counter-Strike player and prefer a DPI of 400 for increased accuracy or a MOBA gamer that like his DPI on the high end for higher efficiency, there is a dpi setting suitable for you.
The G Pro is also sporting a spring button tensioning system, which is meant to reduce the force needed to press the left/right mouse buttons. As well as increase the reliability of your clicks. I’m not entirely sure how much more reliable I feel the clicks are, but it manages to reduce the pressure needed to click without making misclicks more regular.
Even though the G Pro has a very simple look, I love the exterior of this mouse. The design is just incredibly clean-cut and has some beautiful LED editions to it, as well. Which has full RGB customization, meaning you can choose whichever color you prefer. This is especially nice if you are already sporting a Logitech keyboard, as they can be synchronized to have the same color and pulsation.
In terms of quality, there is nothing bad to say about it. Despite being lightweight, it feels and is incredibly durable. It can last for as long as 20 million clicks, which means you can practice 10 hours a day for two years before it starts to wear down.
The design is excellent for both palm and claw grip. While the classic Logitech design of the G502 may be a bit more comfortable, this is a fantastic ambidextrous mouse and will fit any player just fine.
It is easy to understand why this mouse is such a hit on the competitive gaming scene. You can genuinely feel that it has been developed with the help of real pro gamers. Everything from the lightweight design, the insanely accurate optical sensor to the advanced button tensioning. This mouse has everything a competitive player could ever ask for, and then some.
How to Pick the Best Mouse
Did you ever choose a gaming mouse because the DPI was very high, but without actually understanding what it means? Or maybe just because the specifications sounded awesome.
If yes, you should listen in carefully. It explains what to look out for and what to consider when looking at gaming mice.
After reading this, I am confident that you will be able to make a fantastic purchase.
Gaming Mouse
The mouse is the gaming device that holds the most delicate role during our gaming sessions. With keyboards, the difference between high-end and or average may not be particularly significant. But the gaming mouse performance effect in substantial ways the gaming experience and the results you can get. It is, therefore, essential for any gamer who wants to make the most of their abilities, to not settle and invest a little more in the purchase of their gaming mouse.
How do you know which is the mouse for you? Many of the features offered by the various products are not always adapted to the habits of all the players. Here you will see how to choose the best gaming mouse with the right specifications, grip, etc. for you.
You should choose a mouse, which is comfortable and adjust to your playing style. There are, in fact, different types of grip provided to use an ergonomically suitable device.
Palm Grip
The most common grip is the palm grip: the whole hand is on the mouse. Index and middle fingers are fixed respectively on the left and right mouse button; the thumb is on the side, while the ring and little fingers are on the right side. The palm grip is most suitable for long gaming sessions because the whole hand rests on the mouse, and it is much less tiring than the other grips. This is also the grip type I would personally recommend to most gamers.
Claw Grip
Claw grip is characterized precisely by putting your hand in a claw shape, folding the fingers. There are six mouse touchpoints: the tip of the five fingers and the palm. The Claw Grip is preferred for the players who require fast and precise movements, and those who want to have more control over the speed and click.
Fingertip Grip
The mouse is gripped and entirely moved with the fingertips; the palm does not touch anything to the surface of the mouse. This grip trades comfort for higher accuracy and agility in
Your Grip?
What is your natural grip? If you know, it will be easy to find a gaming mouse that suits your needs regarding specifications, etc. It will not be difficult to see information about which grip is more appropriate for each type of mouse, though.
Wrist movement
As with the grip, the moves that are performed with the mouse are about personal preference. And you should find a mouse that naturally enhances your abilities, without forcing you to change your play style.
- A High Sensor: This is the player who usually prefers wrist movement and only moving the mouse very little. So, in short, your cursor moves a lot even with minor movements with the mouse.
- A Low Sensor: Instead is for the player who prefers large movements and using their entire, if not most of their mouse pad. The cursor moves with the mouse. Large movements require more massive actions with the mouse.
A crucial addition to this function is the DPI customize button, which I will go in-depth with below.
Sensibility
Almost all mice dedicated to gaming allow you to customize the DPI. Let’s find out what this function does.
The DPI (Dots Per Inch) is the sampling scale at which the mouse detects the movement. The higher the dpi, the more the cursor will move with physical movement. Some manufacturers changed the characteristics of the product to CPI (Counts per Inch). It is basically the same thing, and it just changes the sampling scale. It is not true that more DPI is equal to higher precision, although, for some, it is, in some cases, it’s the exact opposite. The players that prefer high Sensor gaming mice, usually prefer to play with a High DPI. While the low sensor users prefer to have a Low DPI value. Any gaming mouse worth its soul, have a DPI customization option, which is the +/- button. If you have a good understanding of the concept and proper software, you can also customize each interval with values that fit you.
This feature is especially useful for FPS(first-person shooters) players. But it also caters to those that enjoy many different game types, and want to adopt the performance of the mouse to each game.
Functions
Some mice have keys dedicated to specific tasks, but not all features are essential for all types of gamers. So it is vital to focus on what can help you and which, instead, would be unused.
One of the most common functions I’m being asked about is the Aim function, which provides a specific button that decreases the sensitivity of the mouse DPI. It is different from the customization of the sensitivity since once the pressure is released from the switch, the cursor speed goes back to normal. This particular function is usually found on higher-end gaming mice, and I often only recommend it to those who enjoy high paced FPS gaming, such as Call of Duty or Battlefield.
Laser or Optical
This is one of the big questions gamers have fought over for years, which is best, optical or laser? Well, on paper, the laser is by far the superior and newer technology. It is both faster, more accurate, expensive, and works on pretty much any surface you can think of. But a lot of gamers, including myself, do not find these claims to be all that true. Because the technical advantages are usually so small that an average human would not detect them. The Logitech G502, that I and many other gamers find to be perhaps the best gaming mouse of all time is an optical mouse. So what can we learn from this? Laser or optical should not be the defining factor when looking at gaming mice. It should instead be considered like most of the other features, and be one of the things you think of before making a purchase.
Optical Vs. Sensor
If you want a more elaborate explanation of what the difference between laser and optical are, the video below does a fantastic job of explaining this. And huge thanks to TechQuickie for the excellent video. I highly recommend following this channel on youtube if you find this stuff fascinating.
Wired or Wireless
For a lot of people, wireless mice may sound very tempting, but be careful. The wireless technology is rarely on par with their wired counterparts. There are a few exceptions like the G Pro Wireless, but generally, wired mice have a much higher value per buck.
We tested them all in various games and genres of games to make sure we know every mouse’s weaknesses and strengths. We will be focusing mostly on four main factors:
- How does it feel to play with? – Regardless of dpi and other technical factors, we believe the most critical factor is the actual feel of the gaming mouse.
- Specifications – The technical factor of how ”good” the mouse is on paper and whether or not that translates well into the mouse itself.
- Price – Value for money.
- Quality – How does the quality compare to other products of the same price class.
These are the four main factors and, indeed, the most important things to consider. But when we are doing these reviews, we have to look at everything, design, brand, quality, accessories, software and extra features, etc.
The list is not chronological from best to worst. It’s merely a list of the best gaming mice. Since all mice have stronger and weaker points, some are better at FPS, and some are better at MMOs. We have chosen to instead focus on each mouse’s strengths.
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Gaming Mice(FAQ)
1. What is DPI, and what does it do?
DPI, or ‘dots per inch,’ is a term used to define how many pixels the cursor moves per inch moved. So in other words, it is a way to determine how sensitive a mouse is, and how much you need to move the mouse for the cursor to move X amount.
2. Is a higher DPI always better?
NO, this is one of the most common misconceptions about gaming mice. Higher dpi don’t make for a better mouse, but the options of switching the dpi to very high are always lovely. It all comes down to personal preference. Some professional FPS gamers even prefer incredibly low DPI to gain better accuracy. The Razer DeathAdder and Naga, which can go as high as 16000 dpi, is just pure overkill, not even Korean RTS pro gamers need 16000 dpi. So sometimes it is only a fancy specification to lure people into buying the product. However, having the option to change the dpi on the fly quickly is almost a must-have featured in our opinion.
3. What is the polling rate?
The polling rate is the number of times the mouse informs the computer of its movement and is measured in Hz. If your mouse has a 100hz polling rate, it means that your computer will register the mouse’s position 100 times per second. So a mouse with 1000hz, report its location every single millisecond. Unlike DPI, the polling rate is generally better if it’s in the higher end. Especially in fast-paced, competitive gaming such as MOBAs and FPS, since it decreases the time between your movement and for computer register it.
4. What is a ”snipe” button, and what does it do?
Snipe buttons are trendy among fps specific mice such as the Logitech G402 and Corsair M65. What it does is that it slow the dpi down a LOT. Momentarily, this allows fps gamers to gain incredible precision on the fly. A ‘snipe button’ is handy when, you guessed it, sniping or whenever you need to aim with high accuracy. But ultimately doesn’t work well in fast-paced FPS games such as CS:GO and Overwatch.
5. Which mice do pro gamers use in eSport?
There is no easy answer to this. It comes down to the genre of eSport(MOBA, fps, etc.), personal preferences for the players, and, last but not least, sponsor deals. Some mice are more prevalent in professional gaming than others, but no one mouse is dominating the market. Here are a few examples of the favorites among pro gamers:
- Logitech G Pro Wireless
- G403
- Razer DeathAdder Elite
- Zowie EC1-A/EC2-A
- Zowie FK1, FK1+, and FK2
- SteelSeries Rival 600
This are just a few examples. There is a lot more.
6. what is meant with plug-n-play?
It means that the mouse in question does not need a driver, software, or anything else to run correctly. With a plug-and-play mouse, you merely plug in the USB, and the mouse is good to go. The mouse can still have software attached, as long as the mouse can do fine without it.
7. Which mice is the most popular one for gaming?
Currently, the Logitech G502 Hero is the most popular gaming mouse on the market.
8. Is there a big difference between wired and wireless mice?
Yes, without the shadow of a doubt. The performance of wired gaming mice is generally and almost always a lot better and also more durable. You will have to pay quite an excessive amount of money to get a wireless mouse that can compete with that of its wired counterparts. Such as the G900 Proteus Spectrum, but you can get the same performance for less than half the price. So unless wireless is a feature you need, we always recommend you buy wired mice instead.
9. Does all mouse work with Mac IOS?
No, most gaming gear companies target their products at PC’s, since it is generally superior for gaming. This, combined with the exclusive and isolated software that is IOS, makes it so that a lot of mice only work correctly on Windows computers. So if you are a Mac user, do make sure to always watch for the ”compatibility” factor when shopping for new gaming gear.
10. What is RGB?
RGB stands for red, green and blue, and means that you can fully customize the LED lighting to whatever color you might wish. We do think this feature is something that is overpriced when it comes to most mice since very few mice have a lot of visible LED during gameplay. But if you enjoy customizing or syncing your mice with the rest of your set-up, RGB can be worth investing in. It has absolutely no positive effect on performance or quality, however, which is essential to note.
Sources
In an attempt to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate information, we have used the following sites for our research in making this buying guide.
Techquickie Youtube channel – Informational gaming youtube channel.
How-to Geek, Mouse DPI, and Polling Rates Explained – Gear gear information site.
Gaming mouse review on Reddit, Active forum with discussions on gaming mice.
On-winning.com, CS-GO Pro setups – mice that professional gamers use, a gaming news site dedicated to eSports.
Epicgear.com, the 3 types of mouse grip – technical information site on gaming.
Lifewire.com, wired vs. wireless mouse, a handy website for tech geeks.
Steelseries.com, gear used by our professional gamers at TI6, official SteelSeries website.
Mmo-champion.com, a computer gaming gear forum, the most significant forum for MMO gaming in the world.
Redbull.com, what makes the perfect gaming mouse? An in-depth blog post about esports and gear needs.
