You’ll certainly experience a difference when you switch to the best gaming mouse for your battle station. Not only will you end up with colorful RGB lighting, but you’ll also get improved speed and accuracy as well as extra features to help you with your gaming. And it’s worth the investment to get the full potential from that best graphics card you upgraded to, or the best gaming PC you just bought.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual gamer or a competitive one. The best gaming mouse will provide that extra gaming edge you need, including more accuracy and responsiveness than more run-of-the-mill mice, as well as top-notch sensors that offer higher DPI. They also come with crucial gaming-centric features, including fast response times, programmable buttons, weight adjustments, and more ergonomic designs to help alleviate any potential physical pain to your wrist and shoulders.
You might be looking for a traditional wired mouse or maybe the best wireless mouse. No matter what you’re in the market for, we can help you find the best gaming mouse for you. You can also round out your peripheral upgrades by taking a look at our roundups of the best gaming keyboard and the best gaming mouse pads.
(Image credit: SteelSeries)
The best gaming mouse we’ve reviewed
DPI:: 12,000 | Features:: OLED display, customizable weight, 60-million click mechanical switches, Haptic engine, RGB lighting
Fantastic TrueMove 3 sensor
Modular
Feels great in hand
Expensive
Gimmicky OLED display and haptic feedback
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
(Image credit: Razer)
What a difference 8K makes
DPI:: 20,000 | Features: : Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, HyperPolling Technology, p>
8,000Hz polling rate
Ambidextrous design
Somewhat expensive
Competitive fast-paced games require a gaming mouse that can keep up, and for that, you’d want to take a look at the Razer Viper 8K. This is among the fastest and most responsive gaming mice out there, thanks to its 8,000Hz polling rate and <0.125ms click latency. It’s also inherited the Razer Viper line’s impressive build as well as the ambidextrous design that some of its models come with. You'll need a speedy monitor to get the full benefit from the Viper 8K though, but if you need the most responsive mouse possible, this is the best one for you.
Read the full review: Razer Viper 8K
(Image credit: Corsair)
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
Not for claw grip gamers
More difficult to use when wired
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
(Image credit: Techradar.uk)
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
A bit lightweight
Easy to accidentally click side buttons
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
(Image credit: Razer)
All the performance, 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
(Image credit: MSI)
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
Customizable buttons and RGB lighting
Comfortable for palm and claw grips
Button remapping is confusing
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
(Image credit: HP)
Great performance meets long battery life
DPI: 16,000 | Features: up to 180 hours of battery, fast charging, customizable buttons, 50 million clicks
Incredibly fast response time
Great battery life
Fast charging
Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
Can only cycle DPI in one direction
The Omen Vector doesn’t only deliver that impeccable no-latency performance and 1ms polling rage. It also comes with an extremely long battery life of up to 180 hours as well as a fast USB-C charging capability that gives you a full charge after only 90 minutes. There’s not a lot of extra features here, and you might miss being able to connect via Bluetooth, but this mouse about minimalism and sticking to the basics. If that’s something you’re looking for, this is the best gaming mouse for you.
Read the full review: HP Omen Vector Wireless
(Image credit: Razer)
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
Plenty of buttons
Easy to customize with Razer Synapse
Separate Chroma Studio module for lighting
Somewhat expensive
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
(Image credit: Roccat)
A high-quality wireless gaming mouse
DPI:: 16,000 | Features:: Acceleration 50G, Adjustable lift-off distance
Good battery life
Button response is great
Few buttons for a gaming mouse
No storage for wireless 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: Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
(Image credit: Razer)
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
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...
It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual gamer or a competitive one. The best gaming mouse will provide that extra gaming edge you need, including more accuracy and responsiveness than more run-of-the-mill mice, as well as top-notch sensors that offer higher DPI. They also come with crucial gaming-centric features, including fast response times, programmable buttons, weight adjustments, and more ergonomic designs to help alleviate any potential physical pain to your wrist and shoulders.
You might be looking for a traditional wired mouse or maybe the best wireless mouse. No matter what you’re in the market for, we can help you find the best gaming mouse for you. You can also round out your peripheral upgrades by taking a look at our roundups of the best gaming keyboard and the best gaming mouse pads.
- Find the best gaming keyboard to complement your gaming mouse pick.
- Get the best gaming monitor to round out your rig.
(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
Fantastic TrueMove 3 sensor
Modular
Feels great in hand
Expensive
Gimmicky OLED display and haptic feedback
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
(Image credit: Razer)
2. Razer Viper 8K
What a difference 8K makes
DPI:: 20,000 | Features: : Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, HyperPolling Technology, p>
8,000Hz polling rate
Ambidextrous design
Somewhat expensive
Competitive fast-paced games require a gaming mouse that can keep up, and for that, you’d want to take a look at the Razer Viper 8K. This is among the fastest and most responsive gaming mice out there, thanks to its 8,000Hz polling rate and <0.125ms click latency. It’s also inherited the Razer Viper line’s impressive build as well as the ambidextrous design that some of its models come with. You'll need a speedy monitor to get the full benefit from the Viper 8K though, but if you need the most responsive mouse possible, this is the best one for you.
Read the full review: Razer Viper 8K
(Image credit: Corsair)
3. 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
Not for claw grip gamers
More difficult to use when wired
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
(Image credit: Techradar.uk)
4. 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
A bit lightweight
Easy to accidentally click side buttons
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
(Image credit: Razer)
5. Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed
All the performance, 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
(Image credit: MSI)
6. 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
Customizable buttons and RGB lighting
Comfortable for palm and claw grips
Button remapping is confusing
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
(Image credit: HP)
7. HP Omen Vector Wireless
Great performance meets long battery life
DPI: 16,000 | Features: up to 180 hours of battery, fast charging, customizable buttons, 50 million clicks
Incredibly fast response time
Great battery life
Fast charging
Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
Can only cycle DPI in one direction
The Omen Vector doesn’t only deliver that impeccable no-latency performance and 1ms polling rage. It also comes with an extremely long battery life of up to 180 hours as well as a fast USB-C charging capability that gives you a full charge after only 90 minutes. There’s not a lot of extra features here, and you might miss being able to connect via Bluetooth, but this mouse about minimalism and sticking to the basics. If that’s something you’re looking for, this is the best gaming mouse for you.
Read the full review: HP Omen Vector Wireless
(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
Plenty of buttons
Easy to customize with Razer Synapse
Separate Chroma Studio module for lighting
Somewhat expensive
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
(Image credit: Roccat)
9. Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
A high-quality wireless gaming mouse
DPI:: 16,000 | Features:: Acceleration 50G, Adjustable lift-off distance
Good battery life
Button response is great
Few buttons for a gaming mouse
No storage for wireless 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: Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
(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
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.
- Browse all the latest cheap gaming mouse deals
Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
Continue reading...