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Best gaming mouse in 2024: I’ve tested the very best mice and these are my top picks

The best gaming mouse for every game, budget, grip, and size.

You can get the most pleasurable sweeps, clicks, and hand-feelTM from the greatest gaming mouse. You don’t want an unreliable rodent to ruin a game, whether you’re in League of Legends or Counter-Strike 2 and need to line up the ideal headshot or unit deployment. Additionally, a wireless gaming mouse ought to have a lengthy battery life in addition to all of those features.

For wireless gaming mice, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is the finest option. With its accurate sensor, pin-sharp wireless performance, and excellent ergonomics, it’s a wonderful option for a wireless mouse without the cons. The Razer DeathAdder V2 is the best wired gaming mouse because it combines excellent ergonomics and fast performance into a single, sleek wired design.

To get a fantastic gaming mouse, you don’t have to spend a bunch. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is the greatest inexpensive wireless mouse, and the Logitech G203 Lightsync is the best wired gaming mouse. Both are incredibly reasonably priced, offering excellent features and performance.

THE QUICK LIST

  • BEST WIRELESS: Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
  • BEST WIRED: Razer DeathAdder V2
  • BUDGET WIRELESS: Logitech G305 Lightspeed
  • BUDGET WIRED: Logitech G203 Lightsync
  • BEST ERGONOMIC: Logitech G502 X
  • BEST COMPETITIVE: Logitech G Pro

(Image credit: Tomshardware)

1. Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

The best wireless gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 30,000

Sensor: Focus Pro 30K Optical

Interface: USB wireless dongle, USB Type-C removeable dable

Buttons: 5

Ergonomics: Right-handed

Weight: 63 g (2.22 oz)

Battery: 90 hours rechargeable

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Given that Razer is known for sticking to tried-and-true formulas, it should come as no surprise that we believe the most recent DeathAdder V3 Pro to be the greatest wireless gaming mouse available.

This iteration has undergone minor design modifications and has been simplified in comparison to its predecessor. The sleek, smooth shell and enormously flared-out mouse buttons have been replaced with a leaner, less aggressive design that is more akin to some of Razer’s most recent mice than those from earlier generations.

Though it’s not quite as right-hand focused as some, the slanted curvature of the mouse’s hump, which leans ever so comfortably into your palm, makes it still very much a right-hander’s mouse. Additionally, a new micro-texture coating on the shell helps prevent the now-63 g mouse—a 25% decrease in weight—from flying out of your hand during intense combat.

Razer’s Focus Pro 30K Optical sensor, which has a maximum speed of 750 inches per second and 99.8% accuracy, is featured in the DeathAdder V3 Pro. It accelerates at 70G. Nobody plays at such an absurd DPI, but when you utilize a few tips like Motion sync, Asymmetric cut-off, and Smart tracking, you won’t ever be able to blame the mouse for your defeat in a battle.

The V3 Pro’s primary switches are third-generation Razer optical mouse switches, which have a claimed 90 million click life and a lightning-fast 0.2 ms response time. This helps with longevity problems and makes it extremely quick to react.

The DeathAdder V3 Pro can be used wired or wirelessly, most users won’t notice a significant difference. However, if you choose the former, you can select an 8,000 Hz polling rate for maximum lag-busting. If you do, however, the battery life will be reduced from the typical 90 hours to a meager 17 hours.

One thing you won’t get with this mouse is a ton of buttons—just six, as opposed to the Logitech G502 X’s abundance of possibilities. Nevertheless, in the right hands, it’s incredibly accurate, comfortable, and quick. The DeathAdder V3 Pro is by far the greatest wireless gaming mouse if you consider yourself an esports pro in need of a hyper-focused, no-nonsense killing machine.

Pros

  • Excellent ergonomics
  • Impeccable wireless performance
  • Great sensor and tracking
  • Very good battery

Cons

  • Seriously pricey
  • Not great outside of gaming
  • Kinda generic looking

(Image credit: Tomshardware)

2. Razer DeathAdder V2

The best wired gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 20,000

Sensor: Optical

Interface: USB Type-A fixed cable

Buttons: 6

Ergonomics: Right-handed

Weight: 82 g (2.9 oz)

Battery life: N/A

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Razer DeathAdder V2 is an obvious choice for the best wired gaming mouse since it builds upon all the wonderful features of the DeathAdder Elite, which is a fantastic mouse in and of itself.

The Focus+ Optical Sensor, which is also found in the superb Razer Viper Ultimate Wireless, is undoubtedly the most noticeable upgrade of the V2 over the original DeathAdder. It tracks at up to 650 inches per second, has a resolution accuracy of 99.6%, and goes up to 20,000 DPI/CPI. Your interpretation of those data may or may not change, and they won’t have much of an impact on your daily output. How frequently must you exceed 16,000 DPI/CPI? Not too often.

To be quite honest, we were more impressed with Razer’s less noticeable V2 modifications. First, the scroll wheel (called “Instinctive Scroll Wheel Tactility”) is perfectly tight, spinning smoothly while allowing you to feel each notch of the turn, preventing you from inadvertently scrolling through it too often.

Additionally, the left and right mouse buttons are stronger than those of the Elite. They should produce fewer misclicks, have less delay, and last longer because they are optical rather than mechanical (they register clicks using an infrared light beam). Compared to the last DeathAdder Elite’s 50 million clicks, Razer estimates that these will survive 70 million clicks.

The buttons seem a little fragile under your hands, though. When you click them straight on, they feel great, but even the smallest bit of sideways pressure causes them to slide slightly out of center. It gives us the impression that they wouldn’t be able to withstand much abuse, similar to tossing a mouse into your backpack before you go driving.

However, if you’re seeking for a wired mouse at a lower cost that still exhibits great build quality and fundamentals, the Logitech G203 Lightsync is also a worthy option. All things considered, the build quality is magnificent.

However, in terms of high-end wired mice, the Razer DeathAdder V2 is by far the greatest that we have tested thus far, making it a deserving winner of the best wired gaming mouse title.

Pros

  • One of the best sensors available
  • A bargain price since V3 launched
  • Ideal shape for palm or claw grips 
  • Supports a variety of hand sizes 

Cons

  • Buttons on the flimsy side

(Image credit: Tomshardware)

3. Logitech G305 Lightspeed

The best budget wireless gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 12,000

Sensor: Optical Hero

Interface: USB Type-A wireless dongle

Buttons: 6

Ergonomics: Ambidextrous (left-side thumb buttons)

Weight: 99 g (3.05 oz)

Battery: 250 hours, AA cell

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is our top pick for a low-cost wireless gaming mouse because it is a high-performance mouse without breaking the bank. Performance and design are not compromised in any way, even for such a low price.

Don’t allow the fact that the G305 Lightspeed isn’t the newest model available annoy you. A mouse is a mouse is a mouse. While its small weight makes it well suited to fast-paced shooters where response time is crucial, it’s still an excellent value option for everyday use.

Utilizing Logitech’s Hero sensor, the G305 is an adaptation of the excellent sensor used in Logitech’s finest mouse, ranging from the G502 original to the G Pro X Superlight. This sensor may be changed using a button located behind the scroll wheel, and its sensitivity range reaches up to 12,000 CPI (counts per inch).

There are five customizable buttons in addition to the CPI button. The standard click buttons are on the left and right, connected by a scroll wheel and two side buttons. For those who are right-handed, these are in a good spot; unfortunately, lefties are out of luck.

Reliability and satisfaction are ensured by the distinct placement of the left and right click buttons in relation to the detachable palm rest. The G305 will work well for you if you play games that need you to press buttons repeatedly because they are also rated for 10 million clicks. It’s not bad for a low-cost alternative, and it should last you many years of intensive clicking.

Logitech has garnered recognition for its cross-device compatibility and 2.4 GHz wireless technology. Lag shouldn’t be a problem, but the G305 includes a USB extension wire that lets you position the receiver close to the mouse. The mouse’s body holds a single AA battery that powers the device for up to 200 hours, which can be used to store the little wifi dongle.

The G305’s form is inspired by a compact, symmetrical design that Logitech has been utilizing for a long time. Even while the G502’s scroll wheel and buttons feel more high-end than theirs, these parts are still considerably superior to those of any inexpensive gaming mouse. For the price, the G305’s performance and craftsmanship are unbeatable.

Pros

  • Amazingly light, with solid build quality
  • Logitech’s best sensor in an affordable body

Cons

  • Lacks premium Logitech feel

(Image credit: Gamesradar)

4. Logitech G203 Lightsync

The best budget wired gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 8,000

Sensor: Optical

Interface: USB Type-A fixed cable

Buttons: 5

Ergonomics: Right-handed

Weight: 85 g (3.0 oz)

Battery life: N/A

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Our top pick for the greatest inexpensive wired gaming mouse is the Logitech G203 Lightsync since it has all the features you need in a basic setup at a lower cost, along with a few nice extras that set it apart from the majority of other products at this price range.

Its straightforward design strips everything down to the essentials, but it still feels and looks like a high-end product—just one that comes with a $40 price tag that raises eyebrows without taking away from the quality you experience on a daily basis.

If you’re looking for a wireless mouse, you should go for the Lightspeed G203 Lightsync. The name Lightsync refers to the mouse’s compatibility with the Logitech G software and RGB lighting system, which allows you to unify RGB lighting effects across all of your compatible Logitech devices.

The logo reflects the same color as the middle RGB lighting zone, and the three lighting zones are all contained within the narrow strip that crosses the back palm rest. Beautiful tri-color gradient effects that sweep from one side of the mouse to the other are made possible by this option, even if it could have been wonderful to have independent control over the logo itself.

It is nearly symmetrical, just like the Lightspeed line from Logitech, and it features two buttons beneath the area where your right thumb’s pad should be. However, because these cannot be switched or removed, left-handed gamers may find the G203 Lightsync to be less suitable.

Even while the G203 Lightsync is an extremely comfortable day-to-day handler, it’s important to remember that the Logitech G502 X, which costs a little bit more, offers even more comfort and button alternatives.

Nevertheless, this inexpensive choice is still rather respectable. With a DPI range of 200–8,000, the G203’s unidentified “gaming-grade” sensor should be more than sufficient for all but the largest 4K monitors.

Despite its simplicity, the Logitech G203 is a great gaming mouse that has all the features you need and none of the extras. Although there are more expensive and faster mice, the G203 is the finest option for a low-cost gaming mouse that feels and looks anything but if that’s all you’re looking for.

Pros

  • An affordable bargain
  • Great shape for those who like smaller mice
  • Three-zone RGB lighting

Cons

  • Feature-light
  • Less DPI granularity

(Image credit: Rtings)

5. Logitech G502 X

The best ergonomic gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 25,600

Sensor: Opto-mechanical

Interface: USB Type-A fixed cable

Buttons: 11

Ergonomics: Right handed

Weight: 89 g (3.1 oz)

Battery life: N/A

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Although the G502 X gaming mouse from Logitech may not initially seem all that different from its predecessors, which is fortunate because those models were excellent performers. But comfort is what it excels at the most, which makes it the most ergonomic gaming mouse we’ve ever used.

In an effort to make the Logitech G502 X lighter than its predecessors, Logitech has increased its efforts. It feels even lighter under your hands because it weighs only 89g, which is astonishingly light considering the functions it offers.

The Logitech G sign is not supported by any RGB or LED system. It makes sense to cater more to the first-person shooter crowd, even though it’s a little sad that you can’t program damage flashes on your mouse, for instance. The scroll wheel still has an unlimited scroll, which is one of our favorite features and a pleasure to use for productivity activities, even though it is now made of plastic rather than metal to improve weight.

Even though the G502 X’s switches aren’t as new as the model that came before it, they are now Lightforce hybrid switches. Because of its opto-mechanical design, they combine mechanical actuation and optical speed. They have a rather clunky sound, but that’s probably because the mouse doesn’t have any internal parts hidden inside.

Pricing-wise, it ships for around the same amount as the previous models: $140 for the wireless version, $160 for the G502 X Plus, and $80 for the wired version. The weight of the latter is 106g more than the wired version because it is the only one with RGB.

Though you will be without some features, those of you searching for something a little bit less expensive with some comparable RGB goodies might want to have a look at the Logitech G203 Lightsync above.

You might think that the previous model didn’t need to shed weight because it was an almost perfect gaming mouse, but the ergonomic adjustments are probably better for your hand. However, if you have larger hands or find slanted mouse bothersome, you might not enjoy it.

That being said, for those of us who are practical and ergonomically inclined, the G502 X is the obvious option. This is our #1 ergonomic mouse choice since it’s lightweight, cozy, incredibly well-built, and ideal for prolonged use.

(Image credit: Rtings)

6. Logitech G Pro

The best competitive gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 25,600

Sensor: Hero 25K

Interface: USB Type-A fixed cable

Buttons: 11

Ergonomics: Right handed

Weight: 89 g (3.1 oz)

Battery life: N/A

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

In the realm of esports and competitive gaming, a quick, lightweight, fuss-free, and incredibly responsive mouse is what you’ll need. The finest choice for a competitive gaming mouse is undoubtedly the Logitech G Pro, which embodies all of these qualities and more.

With a maximum DPI of 25,600, Logitech’s Hero 25K optical sensor is fast and accurate enough for a wide range of mice. When combined with its straightforward design, this sensor allows you to focus on being incredibly accurate in your games without being distracted by extra buttons or design elements.

The side buttons are positioned precisely beneath your thumb for effortless usage; you won’t have to extend or strain to access them. The left and right buttons are clicky and enjoyable to use without being unduly noisy.

The G Pro has a classy, professional-looking design that will probably fit most settings, even if no one would describe it as flashy. Its faint RGB hint at its gaming credentials rather than blatantly display them.

You won’t be impressed by the Logitech G Pro’s aesthetics, but you will be by its performance. If you’re not expecting a ton of features, this design is tried and proven.

The Logitech G Pro is your best bet if you require high-quality gaming performance for less than $100 and don’t mind extra buttons or thumb rests. For e-sport gamers, MMO enthusiasts, or anybody else searching for a lightning-fast mouse without the hassle, this is the greatest competitive mouse.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Classic look
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Some slippage
  • Feature-lite

Best gaming mouse Q&A

Why should I choose a gaming mouse over the average optical mouse?

To start with, the sensors on gaming mice are made to be more precise and responsive. Your aim will remain true with customizable (or non-adjustable) smoothing and acceleration. Because of their programmable buttons and greater functionality than a standard mouse, gaming mice are more widely available.

Is a wireless mouse good for gaming?

In the past, there was always an answer of no. Input lag in games was “a thing” because wireless connections, while convenient, added extra latency to the connection when compared to wired ones. For context, that is also seen as a ‘very terrible thing’ in competitive online games.

But current wireless interfaces, especially the 2.4 GHz radio connections, have zero observable difference in latency compared to a typical connected connection. Professional gamers have participated in blind tests with wired and wireless mice, and if the most perceptive players in the world are unable to distinguish between the two, we’re sure you won’t be able to either.

It’s recommended to avoid Bluetooth connections, though, as they might still cause unwanted input lag when gaming. However, Bluetooth is only utilized as a low-power backup option in contemporary wireless gaming mouse.

What should I look out for in a gaming mouse?

Finding a mouse that fits your hand comfortably should be your top consideration when choosing one. There are many different weights, forms, and sizes to take into account. Even if your mouse looks great and has the most useful collection of buttons, you won’t be able to get used to it if it’s uncomfortable. If the silly stance is more your thing, there are also plenty of left-handed and ambidextrous gaming mice on the list.

Even a cheap mouse should work well because most gaming mice in the past several years have embraced extremely high DPI sensors—or, more precisely, CPI. It is feasible to play at a much lower sensitivity, usually under 2,000 DPI, but most of these sensors can withstand very high DPI counts at up to 20,000 DPI.

Most people agree that you shouldn’t worry too much about the figure. Instead, focus on selecting a mouse that fits your elegant setup well, both in terms of design and weight.

Expert gamers typically suggest mice that are simpler, lighter, and have fewer distracting buttons. Lighter mice are easier on the wrist and can move quickly around the mouse pad. For competitive mice, anything under 100 grams is frequently perfect. However, it’s important to mention how strong it makes you feel to steer a nice, heavy mouse.

How we test gaming mice

We’ve tried enough gaming mice to get a solid sense of their shape, build quality, and button placement. Though necessarily subjective, our thoughts on those areas of mouse design are also well-researched. Analyzing the other side of the equation—tracking performance, jitter, angle snapping, acceleration, and ideal control speed—and figuring out how each of those problems impacts the mouse-using experience is the challenging aspect of testing gaming mice.

Applications like Mouse Tester are helpful for that. Using this software, we attempted to identify any obvious problems with the mouse we were using. However, we never found any obvious performance problems with any of the gaming mice we examined, and by default, angle snapping and acceleration were turned off in the mouse drivers (although a mouse may still exhibit acceleration due to problems with the sensor itself).

We mostly use Twitchier shooters like Quake Champions and Destiny 2 and Apex Legends as test mice for gaming to compare our performance to that of other mice. We examine the responsiveness and movement of the cursor closely for jitter, latency, and other problems.

We utilize each mouse in the optimal wireless configuration by plugging its wireless receiver into a nearby USB port. Additionally, to increase the possibility of latency and interference, we tested the wireless receivers that were hooked into our test system a few feet distant from each other with my legs in between.

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