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Round out your awesome setup with the best gaming mouse. Wireless or otherwise, only an excellent gaming mouse that’s specifically crafted for gaming will give you that gaming edge to win. It can make a massive difference in your gaming immersion and experience. It also helps you get the most out of that brand new, souped up PC on your desk.
More than that, the best gaming mouse is built to last, offers excellent ergonomics to save you from unnecessary chronic pain and typically boasts an impressive feature set. It simply beats all the other mice out there, even if you’re not gaming competitively. And, there are many top-notch mice at every price point, so you can find something that delivers durability, performance and speed without blowing your budget.
Regardless of whether you’re a casual gamer or trying to go toe-to-toe in the latest esports, having one of the best gaming PCs isn’t enough. Get the best gaming mouse for you on this list – and pick up one of the best gaming mouse pads as well – for a truly incredible gaming experience.
[ul]
[li]Find the best gaming keyboard to complement your gaming mouse pick.[/li][/ul]
[IMG alt=“SteelSeries Rival 710”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Qt...ndMTDE5YEi.jpg
The features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710. (Image credit: SteelSeries)
1. SteelSeries Rival 710
The best gaming mouse we’ve reviewed
DPI: 12,000 | Features: OLED display, customizable weight, 60-million click mechanical switches, Haptic engine, RGB lighting
Heavy and balanced
Neat features
Expensive
When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players) and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 710
[IMG alt=“Razer Viper”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NV...gRWmj4K7rq.jpg
The Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. (Image credit: Razer)
2. Razer Viper
Small, fast and ready for action
DPI: 16,000 | Features: Optical Mouse Switch, highly flexible Razer Speedflex Cable, 5G Optical Sensor, 5 custom DPI stages via Razer Synapse 3
Lightweight
Excellent performance
Truly ambidextrous
Kind of expensive
There are a couple reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here.
Read the full review: Razer Viper
[IMG alt=“Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/av...TECMYhVje8.jpg
The Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. (Image credit: Corsair)
3. Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
Wireless, for a bargain
DPI: Up to 10,000 | Features: Wireless, RGB lighting, Omron switches
Affordable
High performance
Right handers only
The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life and doesn’t at all suck, for less than $50. The ergonomics unfortunately favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about.
Read the full review: Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
[IMG alt=“Corsair Dark Core RGB”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7y...mT7wyVJGih.jpg
(Image credit: Corsair)
4. Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro Wireless
Wireless at its finest
DPI: 18,000 | Features: Sub-1ms wireless speed, interchangeable side grips, hyper-polling up to 2,000Hz
Low latency
Very robust software
Comfortable to use
Not cheap
Not for claw grip gamers
Impressive wireless gaming mice are hardly a dime a dozen. Due to their latency, wireless mice are generally not ideal for gaming where every fraction of a second counts. This is why the Corsair Dark Core RGB has impressed us even more. With its sub-1ms speed, incredibly low latency, and reliability, this is truly a mouse we can game with, wireless or otherwise. And, that’s without mentioning its highly customizable RGB lighting and very robust software. There’s one catch: it’s not ideal for claw grip gamers as its palm rest is a bit flat. However, if you’re a palm gripper, you’ll love how it fits in your hand.
Read the full review: Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro Wireless
[IMG alt="SteelSeries Sensei Ten "]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KR...A9ptubnA7U.jpg
The SteelSeries Sensei Ten delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options. (Image credit: SteelSeries)
5. SteelSeries Sensei Ten
SteelSeries returns to its Sensei roots
DPI: 50–18,000 in 50 in increments | Features: TrueMove Pro sensor, 50G acceleration, Tilt Tracking, 60 Million Click Mechanical Switches, Ambidextrous Design
Ambidextrous design
Onboard profile customization
No braided cable
A bit lightweight
Its onboard profile customization and nice matte finish are just two of the things you’ll love about the SteelSeries Sensei Ten. Most importantly, this ambidextrous mouse boasts a top-of-the-line sensor, making it one of the best gaming mice we’ve tested. It delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options, as well as butter-smooth performance. SteelSeries tops it all off with Tilt Tracking, which essentially keeps tracking consistent and precise even when you’re lifting your mouse and putting it back down at tilted angles.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Sensei Ten
[IMG alt=“Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YE...78DZkB55a7.jpg
Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. (Image credit: Razer)
6. Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed
All the performance and double the wireless
DPI: up to 16,000 | Features: 450 IPS tracking speed, up to 40G acceleration, HyperSpeed Wireless, 6 programmable buttons
Two connection options
Long-lasting battery
No wired backup
No DPI indicator
With up to 450 hours in Bluetooth mode, the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed is one of the longest lasting wireless mouse on the market. But, it’s got more going for it than just longevity. It also boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. It’s key feature, however, is the HyperSpeed Wireless, which reduces the time it takes to send data between your mouse and PC so it’s 25% faster than any other wireless gaming technology.
Read the full review: Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed
[IMG alt=“MSI GM30 Clutch”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dg...AqCbd7a6Ub.jpg
(Image credit: MSI)
7. MSI GM30 Clutch
Affordable gaming mouse that blends form and function
DPI: up to 6,200 | Features: Palm and claw grip ergonomics, Huano Blue Switches with 10M+ Clicks
Lightweight
Customizable buttons and RGB lighting
Comfortable for palm and claw grips
Button remapping is confusing
Not ambidextrous
No on-board profile selector button
A balanced mid-range gaming mouse that can handle a variety of situations, the MSI GM30 Clutch is an excellent mid-tier gaming mouse that boasts a lightweight build and extra, albeit modest, features. Among those features is the ability to configure up to three separate profiles in MSI’s DragonCenter app. This may not be good for input-heavy and fast-paced games. However, if you need an affordable and reliable mouse that can handle serious gaming as well as day-to-day computer usage, this one’s a shoo-in.
Read the full review: MSI GM30 Clutch
[IMG alt=“Razer Basilisk V2”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jj...RPgzwPcy6Z.jpg
The Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you’re looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. (Image credit: Razer)
8. Razer Basilisk V2
King of mid-tier gaming mice
DPI: up to 20,000 | Features: 11 programmable buttons, customizable scroll wheel resistance, Razer Optical Mouse Switches, Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, Razer Speedflex Cable
Easy to customize with Razer Synapse
Comfortable design
Somewhat expensive
Limited on-board memory
A solid gaming mouse at a decent price point, the Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you’re looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. It allows you to effortlessly hop from game to game with minimal fuss, and has 11 programmable buttons, a tactile scroll wheel with a tension dial and up to five different sensitivity levels. On top of that, it has the Razer Speedflex Cable, which boasts incredible flexibility and produces minimal drag. And, for comfort, it’s well-suited for a palm grip, as well as claw and fingertip styles.
Read the full review: Razer Basilisk V2
[IMG alt=“Roccat Kain 202 AIMO”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/on...GxFnops77e.jpg
Keep things simple with the Roccat Kain 202 AIMO. (Image credit: Roccat)
9. Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
A high-quality wireless gaming mouse
DPI: 16,000 | Features: Acceleration 50G, Adjustable lift-off distance
Great performance
Solid battery life
Feature-light
No storage for USB dongle
The Kain 202 AIMO from Roccat is the perfect mouse for the gamer who likes to keep it simple. No wires, no weight adjustment, no-nonsense. The 202 is easy to set up, works like a charm and comes with a solid battery life, ensuring that you won’t need to be plugging it in too often. Overall sensitivity and physical feedback is good, with particular mention going to the rugged scroll wheel, which feels great to roll and click. It’s not the most portable of mice, but its anti-wear coating ensures that this mouse should remain looking fine for the duration of its life.
Read the full review: RoccatKain 202 AIMO
[IMG alt=“Razer Deathadder V2”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/26...zYZxzG2Kq6.jpg
Don’t knock the Razer Deathadder V2’s simple design. (Image credit: Razer)
10. Razer Deathadder V2
Great mouse for work and play
DPI: up to 20,000 | Features: Razer Optical Mouse Switches, Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, Razer Speedflex Cable
Customizable buttons
Comfortable design
Feels large in small hands
No scroll wheel tension adjuster
The Razer Deathadder V2 may be a simple mouse with a simple design, but don’t let that fool you. This is one of the best gaming mice out there, touting a response time of 0.2ms, 650IPS tracking speed, 8 programmable buttons and Razer Speedflex Cable. It’s pretty lightweight as well, making it possible to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. And don’t knock that simple design, either, as it only makes this mouse look right at home in the office as much as it does in your gaming setup. Best yet, it boasts a 70M click durability, which means it’ll last you for a long, long time.
Read the full review: Razer Deathadder V2
[IMG alt="eaV3kfiKqe8HZw8guGnRxS" width="420px" height="1px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eaV3kfiKqe8HZw8guGnRxS.jpg[/IMG]
How to choose the best gaming mouse
While you’ll definitely find the best gaming mouse of your gaming dreams, doing so might take some time and effort. That’s expected; there’s a ton of complicated technical jargon that goes into the best gaming mice – terms like polling rates and DPI ratings that a regular buyer may not be familiar with. For the record, you’ll want a higher number of both, even though these two terms mean very different things.
For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, when you come across the term DPI, that is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available, but you still want accuracy and precision, then opt for the best gaming mouse with a higher DPI rating that can toggle to a lower DPI, in case you get a bigger desk.
Meanwhile, a high polling rate means you’re getting faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, and it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second.
Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to keep in mind are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting.
Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
Continue reading…
More than that, the best gaming mouse is built to last, offers excellent ergonomics to save you from unnecessary chronic pain and typically boasts an impressive feature set. It simply beats all the other mice out there, even if you’re not gaming competitively. And, there are many top-notch mice at every price point, so you can find something that delivers durability, performance and speed without blowing your budget.
Regardless of whether you’re a casual gamer or trying to go toe-to-toe in the latest esports, having one of the best gaming PCs isn’t enough. Get the best gaming mouse for you on this list – and pick up one of the best gaming mouse pads as well – for a truly incredible gaming experience.
[ul]
[li]Find the best gaming keyboard to complement your gaming mouse pick.[/li][/ul]
[IMG alt=“SteelSeries Rival 710”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Qt...ndMTDE5YEi.jpg
The features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710. (Image credit: SteelSeries)
1. SteelSeries Rival 710
The best gaming mouse we’ve reviewed
DPI: 12,000 | Features: OLED display, customizable weight, 60-million click mechanical switches, Haptic engine, RGB lighting
Heavy and balanced
Neat features
Expensive
When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players) and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 710
[IMG alt=“Razer Viper”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NV...gRWmj4K7rq.jpg
The Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. (Image credit: Razer)
2. Razer Viper
Small, fast and ready for action
DPI: 16,000 | Features: Optical Mouse Switch, highly flexible Razer Speedflex Cable, 5G Optical Sensor, 5 custom DPI stages via Razer Synapse 3
Lightweight
Excellent performance
Truly ambidextrous
Kind of expensive
There are a couple reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here.
Read the full review: Razer Viper
[IMG alt=“Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/av...TECMYhVje8.jpg
The Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. (Image credit: Corsair)
3. Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
Wireless, for a bargain
DPI: Up to 10,000 | Features: Wireless, RGB lighting, Omron switches
Affordable
High performance
Right handers only
The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life and doesn’t at all suck, for less than $50. The ergonomics unfortunately favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about.
Read the full review: Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
[IMG alt=“Corsair Dark Core RGB”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7y...mT7wyVJGih.jpg
(Image credit: Corsair)
4. Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro Wireless
Wireless at its finest
DPI: 18,000 | Features: Sub-1ms wireless speed, interchangeable side grips, hyper-polling up to 2,000Hz
Low latency
Very robust software
Comfortable to use
Not cheap
Not for claw grip gamers
Impressive wireless gaming mice are hardly a dime a dozen. Due to their latency, wireless mice are generally not ideal for gaming where every fraction of a second counts. This is why the Corsair Dark Core RGB has impressed us even more. With its sub-1ms speed, incredibly low latency, and reliability, this is truly a mouse we can game with, wireless or otherwise. And, that’s without mentioning its highly customizable RGB lighting and very robust software. There’s one catch: it’s not ideal for claw grip gamers as its palm rest is a bit flat. However, if you’re a palm gripper, you’ll love how it fits in your hand.
Read the full review: Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro Wireless
[IMG alt="SteelSeries Sensei Ten "]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KR...A9ptubnA7U.jpg
The SteelSeries Sensei Ten delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options. (Image credit: SteelSeries)
5. SteelSeries Sensei Ten
SteelSeries returns to its Sensei roots
DPI: 50–18,000 in 50 in increments | Features: TrueMove Pro sensor, 50G acceleration, Tilt Tracking, 60 Million Click Mechanical Switches, Ambidextrous Design
Ambidextrous design
Onboard profile customization
No braided cable
A bit lightweight
Its onboard profile customization and nice matte finish are just two of the things you’ll love about the SteelSeries Sensei Ten. Most importantly, this ambidextrous mouse boasts a top-of-the-line sensor, making it one of the best gaming mice we’ve tested. It delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options, as well as butter-smooth performance. SteelSeries tops it all off with Tilt Tracking, which essentially keeps tracking consistent and precise even when you’re lifting your mouse and putting it back down at tilted angles.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Sensei Ten
[IMG alt=“Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YE...78DZkB55a7.jpg
Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. (Image credit: Razer)
6. Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed
All the performance and double the wireless
DPI: up to 16,000 | Features: 450 IPS tracking speed, up to 40G acceleration, HyperSpeed Wireless, 6 programmable buttons
Two connection options
Long-lasting battery
No wired backup
No DPI indicator
With up to 450 hours in Bluetooth mode, the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed is one of the longest lasting wireless mouse on the market. But, it’s got more going for it than just longevity. It also boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. It’s key feature, however, is the HyperSpeed Wireless, which reduces the time it takes to send data between your mouse and PC so it’s 25% faster than any other wireless gaming technology.
Read the full review: Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed
[IMG alt=“MSI GM30 Clutch”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dg...AqCbd7a6Ub.jpg
(Image credit: MSI)
7. MSI GM30 Clutch
Affordable gaming mouse that blends form and function
DPI: up to 6,200 | Features: Palm and claw grip ergonomics, Huano Blue Switches with 10M+ Clicks
Lightweight
Customizable buttons and RGB lighting
Comfortable for palm and claw grips
Button remapping is confusing
Not ambidextrous
No on-board profile selector button
A balanced mid-range gaming mouse that can handle a variety of situations, the MSI GM30 Clutch is an excellent mid-tier gaming mouse that boasts a lightweight build and extra, albeit modest, features. Among those features is the ability to configure up to three separate profiles in MSI’s DragonCenter app. This may not be good for input-heavy and fast-paced games. However, if you need an affordable and reliable mouse that can handle serious gaming as well as day-to-day computer usage, this one’s a shoo-in.
Read the full review: MSI GM30 Clutch
[IMG alt=“Razer Basilisk V2”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jj...RPgzwPcy6Z.jpg
The Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you’re looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. (Image credit: Razer)
8. Razer Basilisk V2
King of mid-tier gaming mice
DPI: up to 20,000 | Features: 11 programmable buttons, customizable scroll wheel resistance, Razer Optical Mouse Switches, Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, Razer Speedflex Cable
Easy to customize with Razer Synapse
Comfortable design
Somewhat expensive
Limited on-board memory
A solid gaming mouse at a decent price point, the Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you’re looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. It allows you to effortlessly hop from game to game with minimal fuss, and has 11 programmable buttons, a tactile scroll wheel with a tension dial and up to five different sensitivity levels. On top of that, it has the Razer Speedflex Cable, which boasts incredible flexibility and produces minimal drag. And, for comfort, it’s well-suited for a palm grip, as well as claw and fingertip styles.
Read the full review: Razer Basilisk V2
[IMG alt=“Roccat Kain 202 AIMO”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/on...GxFnops77e.jpg
Keep things simple with the Roccat Kain 202 AIMO. (Image credit: Roccat)
9. Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
A high-quality wireless gaming mouse
DPI: 16,000 | Features: Acceleration 50G, Adjustable lift-off distance
Great performance
Solid battery life
Feature-light
No storage for USB dongle
The Kain 202 AIMO from Roccat is the perfect mouse for the gamer who likes to keep it simple. No wires, no weight adjustment, no-nonsense. The 202 is easy to set up, works like a charm and comes with a solid battery life, ensuring that you won’t need to be plugging it in too often. Overall sensitivity and physical feedback is good, with particular mention going to the rugged scroll wheel, which feels great to roll and click. It’s not the most portable of mice, but its anti-wear coating ensures that this mouse should remain looking fine for the duration of its life.
Read the full review: RoccatKain 202 AIMO
[IMG alt=“Razer Deathadder V2”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/26...zYZxzG2Kq6.jpg
Don’t knock the Razer Deathadder V2’s simple design. (Image credit: Razer)
10. Razer Deathadder V2
Great mouse for work and play
DPI: up to 20,000 | Features: Razer Optical Mouse Switches, Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, Razer Speedflex Cable
Customizable buttons
Comfortable design
Feels large in small hands
No scroll wheel tension adjuster
The Razer Deathadder V2 may be a simple mouse with a simple design, but don’t let that fool you. This is one of the best gaming mice out there, touting a response time of 0.2ms, 650IPS tracking speed, 8 programmable buttons and Razer Speedflex Cable. It’s pretty lightweight as well, making it possible to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. And don’t knock that simple design, either, as it only makes this mouse look right at home in the office as much as it does in your gaming setup. Best yet, it boasts a 70M click durability, which means it’ll last you for a long, long time.
Read the full review: Razer Deathadder V2
[IMG alt="eaV3kfiKqe8HZw8guGnRxS" width="420px" height="1px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eaV3kfiKqe8HZw8guGnRxS.jpg[/IMG]
How to choose the best gaming mouse
While you’ll definitely find the best gaming mouse of your gaming dreams, doing so might take some time and effort. That’s expected; there’s a ton of complicated technical jargon that goes into the best gaming mice – terms like polling rates and DPI ratings that a regular buyer may not be familiar with. For the record, you’ll want a higher number of both, even though these two terms mean very different things.
For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, when you come across the term DPI, that is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available, but you still want accuracy and precision, then opt for the best gaming mouse with a higher DPI rating that can toggle to a lower DPI, in case you get a bigger desk.
Meanwhile, a high polling rate means you’re getting faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, and it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second.
Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to keep in mind are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting.
Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
Continue reading…