Choosing the best gaming mouse can be a daunting task due to the wide variety of options available. While selecting the right gaming headset involves less complexity, a gaming mouse's effectiveness is deeply tied to personal preferences. Factors such as weight, size, ergonomics, the number of extra buttons, and the type of games you play all play significant roles in determining the ideal mouse for your needs. To help you navigate this selection, I've categorized the best gaming mice based on various criteria to ensure you find the perfect match.
For instance, the Logitech G502 X is renowned for its ergonomic design, making it a top choice for comfort. If you're looking for an edge in competitive games like Valorant, the Viper V3 Pro is highly recommended. For versatility, especially in a work setting, the Turtle Beach Pure Air offers excellent Bluetooth and battery life. Gamers interested in MMOs and MOBAs might appreciate the additional buttons on the Corsair Scimitar Elite. However, if I were to recommend one mouse for all-around use, the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed would be my top pick. This guide will delve into my hands-on experiences with these mice, providing detailed insights into why each is the best in its category.
Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
11See it at Amazon### SteelSeries Rival 3
4See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Best Buy### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
8See it at Amazon### LogitechG403 Hero
6See it at Amazon### Logitech G703 Hero
2See it at Amazon### Razer Viper V3 Pro
4See it at AmazonSee it at Razer### Corsair Scimitar Elite
1See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Pure Air
2See it at Amazon### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
2See it at Amazon### Asus ROG Keris II Ace
2See it at Amazon### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
5See it at AmazonWhile this list covers a wide range of excellent gaming mice, the gaming industry continues to evolve. Modern mice are now equipped with advanced features such as improved sensor accuracy, responsiveness, and durability. As new technologies emerge, it's crucial to consider what you're looking for in a mouse. At the end of this guide, I've included essential questions to ask when searching for a gaming mouse. We'll also keep this guide updated with new recommendations as we continue to review the latest models.
See our list of the best gaming mouse pads, too!
This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham.
Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
11Razer has refined its flagship mouse, making the V3 one of the best mice available and further solidifying the DeathAdder's reputation in PC gaming. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed continues Razer's legacy of producing top-tier gaming mice. Over nearly two decades, the DeathAdder series has consistently balanced style, ergonomics, and performance. The V3 HyperSpeed stands out as the best iteration yet, featuring a sleek, minimalist design without RGB lighting, highlighted only by a subtle Razer logo on the palm area.
In my review of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, it earned a 9 for its excellent performance. The springy, responsive clicks of the left and right buttons are perfect for gaming, while the well-positioned side buttons are easy to use during intense gameplay. The 26k optical sensor ensures precision aiming, and the mouse's lightweight design and grippy texture make it a joy to use, even in the most frantic firefights. At a competitive price point, and despite the need for a separate purchase of the HyperPolling dongle for higher polling rates, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed remains an unbeatable all-around mouse.
### SteelSeries Rival 3
4Save with this impressively capable wired mouse offering six programmable buttons and a TrueMove Core Optical sensor for outstanding tracking. See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Best BuyProduct Specifications
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The SteelSeries Rival 3 is an excellent choice if you're on a tight budget but need a reliable gaming mouse. This symmetrical, compact USB wired mouse weighs 77g and suits fingertip and claw grips. With its programmable RGB strip and SteelSeries logo, it adds a bit of flair without compromising comfort or accuracy. Though it lacks the advanced tech found in higher-end models, its TrueMove optical sensor ensures precise tracking, making it suitable even for competitive games like Counter-Strike 2.
### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
8The Aerox 3 is one of SteelSeries’ best gaming mice; it's super lightweight, has a long-lasting battery, and sports a great optical sensor that allows for lightning-fast, yet accurate swipes. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The SteelSeries Aerox 3 stands out with its bold, triangular cutouts and bright RGB lighting, which you can customize through SteelSeries’ software. Despite its eye-catching design, it's well-protected internally. This mouse is a top pick for those seeking a high-performance wireless option at a budget-friendly price of around $50 to $60. With its TrueMove Air optical sensor and long-lasting battery, the Aerox 3 is an excellent value for competitive gaming.
### LogitechG403 Hero
6With its ergonomic shape, rubberized texture for grip, and fast and accurate sensor, the G403 is one of the best all-around gaming mice available. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The Logitech G403 has been a personal favorite for years, reminiscent of the classic MX 518. Its ergonomic grooves and rubberized grip make it easy to use despite its slightly heavier weight. The large size is ideal for those with bigger hands, and the chunky side buttons are a standout feature, making them easy to distinguish and use. Equipped with the highly accurate Hero sensor, the G403 offers excellent value for a wired mouse.
### Logitech G703 Hero
2The G703 brings everything great about its wired counterpart and packages it as an ultra-fast wireless gaming mouse that delivers top-tier comfort and performance. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The Logitech G703 is essentially the wireless version of the G403, sharing the same ergonomic design but with added weight due to the battery. Its balanced weight distribution and rubberized grips make it comfortable to use, and the Hero 25K optical sensor ensures top-notch tracking accuracy. While it's a bit heavier than some other wireless options, it's an excellent choice for those who prefer a larger mouse, especially for palm grips.
### Razer Viper V3 Pro
4The Viper V3 Pro is super lightweight and sports Razer's best mouse tech, packing an 8000Hz polling rate and the Focus Pro sensor. Its symmetrical shape and larger size make it comfortable to hold as well. See it at AmazonSee it at RazerProduct Specifications
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The Razer Viper V3 Pro is designed for those serious about competitive shooters. It features an 8000 Hz polling rate, which, while hard to notice without specific conditions, can provide smoother tracking at high resolutions and refresh rates. The wider mouse feet allow for effortless gliding, and the responsive clicks are perfect for rapid-fire scenarios. Although it requires the HyperPolling receiver for wireless use, it's an excellent choice for those focused on FPS gaming.
### Corsair Scimitar Elite
1The Scimitar Elite is one of the best multi-button gaming mice for its ergonomic design and adjustable textured side buttons. It's easy to grip despite its extra features, making it perfect for MMOs/MOBAs and productivity. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The Corsair Scimitar Elite excels in MMORPGs and MOBAs with its ergonomic design and up to 12 programmable side buttons. These buttons are firm and tactile, making them easy to distinguish and use effectively. Though heavier due to its features, it's well-suited for games that don't require rapid mouse movement. The Scimitar Elite is also useful for productivity tasks, making it a versatile choice for gamers and professionals alike.
### Turtle Beach Pure Air
2With great ergonomics, a feather-weight feel, and long-lasting battery life, the Pure Air strikes a fantastic balance between everyday use and intense gaming. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The Turtle Beach Pure Air is a versatile option that balances gaming performance with work usability. Its ergonomic design and light weight make it comfortable for extended use, while its Bluetooth connectivity adds flexibility for on-the-go use. Though the side buttons are somewhat thin, it performs well in games like Final Fantasy XIV, making it a great choice for gamers who also need a reliable work mouse.
### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
2Beyond just being the shrunken counterpart, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is a solid all-rounder and fully featured gaming mouse. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is perfect for those with smaller hands, offering a compact version of the popular Pulsefire Haste 2. Despite its size, it includes high-performance features like the Precision 26K sensor and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile option for both gaming and work.
### Asus ROG Keris II Ace
2The Asus ROG Keris II Ace is a lightweight, larger option with accurate tracking and a high polling rate that keeps things simpler than your typical gaming mouse. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The Asus ROG Keris II Ace is highly recommended for those prioritizing lightweight design. Its weight distribution and right-handed contour make it exceptionally comfortable for both palm and claw grips. The AimPoint Pro sensor and 8000 Hz polling rate ensure top-tier performance, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming. Though the texture could be more grippy, it excels in other areas.
### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
5Logitech brings its high-performance Hero sensor to the ergonomic workhorse in the G502. Its deep grooves, solid grip, and wide base make it super comfortable and the extra buttons elevate it as a productivity workhorse. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications
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The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is the ultimate choice for ergonomic comfort. Its deep-set thumb grip and wide base offer stability and comfort, making it feel like an extension of your hand. With five extra side buttons, it's ideal for both gaming and productivity tasks. While it's not suited for highly competitive scenarios due to its weight and size, it provides accurate tracking and comfort for extended use.
A good gaming mouse is determined by a combination of personal preferences and specific gaming needs. Key factors include grip style (palm, claw, or fingertip), ergonomic design, weight, button feel, and sensor accuracy. Reviews play a crucial role in understanding how different mice fit various hand sizes and grip styles. For example, the Viper V3 Pro is ideal for competitive FPS gamers, while the Turtle Beach Pure Air offers versatility for both gaming and work.
High polling rates, typically up to 8000 Hz, are becoming more common in gaming mice. A standard 1000 Hz polling rate means the mouse updates your PC every millisecond. Higher rates can provide smoother tracking, especially at high resolutions and refresh rates. However, the benefits are only noticeable under specific conditions, such as high frame rates and refresh rates. Higher polling rates also consume more battery life.
Wireless technology has advanced to the point where the difference in input latency between wired and wireless mice is negligible. The 2.4 GHz wireless standard ensures consistent performance across brands. Wireless mice often come with features like Bluetooth connectivity for work settings, but for intense gaming, 2.4 GHz is preferred. Battery life has improved significantly, and most modern mice can be used while charging via USB-C. Wired options are generally less expensive and suitable for those not needing wireless capabilities.