Finding the perfect gaming mouse is one of the most immediate ways to drastically improve your performance while playing on the best gaming PCs. Gaming mice offer serious advantages to the average PC player in many regards. For example, the best FPS gaming mice may offer faster reflexes and more precise aiming by combining high DPI and high-quality sensors. Likewise, the best mice for MMOs like Guild Wars 2 or WoW may instead include a comprehensive set of customizable buttons to make gaming a breeze.
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Truth be told, there are countless options of great gaming mice to choose from. Whether you’re after a heavy gaming mouse that feels good in the palm, a wireless gaming mouse that can be used anywhere with no cable clutter, or the best budget gaming mouse on the market. Game Rant is here to help make the right decision for your gaming setup by offering a comprehensive list of the best gaming mice that balance comfort, ergonomics, function, value, and stunning visuals.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Gaming Mice in 2024
Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Overall Gaming Mouse
With a high-speed transmission, extremely low latency, and seamless frequency switching in the noisiest environments, players won’t even realize that they’re gaming with a wireless mouse. Gamers can have a greater arsenal of commands at their fingertips by mapping their favorite macros and secondary functions via Razer Synapse 3. Like its wired variant, the Razer Basilisk Ultimate includes the signature multi-function paddle and RGB charging dock.
- Weight
- 107 g
- Sensor and DPI
- Focus+ 20K Optical Sensor
- RGB Lighting
- 14 Zones
- Programmable Buttons
- 11
- Connectivity
- Razer HyperSpeed Wireless
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- Up To 100 Hours
- Compatibility
- Dock Charging
- DPI
- 2600
- IPS
- 650
- Polling Rate
- 4000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 40 g
- Comprehensive RGB software
- High precision DPI
- Ergonomic design comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Wireless connection less optimal for high speed gaming
- A bit on the heavier side
The Razer Basilisk Ultimate wireless is our pick for the overall best gaming mouse and the best wireless gaming mouse. This high-performance gaming mouse uses Razer’s Focus+ sensor to offer a max DPI of 20k and a max acceleration of 50g. Designed with a medium build, this mouse fits under most hand sizes and weighs 107g, which is basically right in the middle of the weight range for gaming mice.
There are 11 programmable buttons and 5 onboard memory profile slots, making it an easy to customize gaming mouse perfect for different activities. One significant improvement in button layouts is the use of a paddle switch as a sniper DPI toggle. Conveniently hovering slightly over the side, players can lower the mouse’s DPI instantly while never worrying about mis-clicks. Another greatly improved function is the scroll wheel. Players can adjust the wheel’s resistance using a dial on the base of the mouse to give more or less tactile feedback for each scroll movement. The wheel can also be used side to side, creating another opportunity for increased precision on the fly.
For even more information regarding this mouse, read our full review of the Razer Basilisk Ultimate.
Razer Viper 8KHz
Best Wired Gaming Mouse
The Razer Viper 8KHz is a powerful wired gaming mouse packed with specs built for competitive play. The simple, ambidextrous design and budget-friendly price tag make this Razer gaming mouse make it easy to see how it’s one of the best wired mice on the market.
It features 20K DPI optical sensor, switches that are rated for 70 million clicks, onboard profiles, and more in a lightweight shell that weighs only 71 grams.
- Weight
- 71g
- Sensor and DPI
- Focus+ 20K DPI Optical Sensor
- RGB Lighting
- 1 Zone
- Programmable Buttons
- 8
- Connectivity
- Wired – Razer™ Speedflex Cable (USB-A)
- Wireless
- No
- Switches
- Optical
- Sensor
- Focus+ 20K DPI Optical Sensor
- 8KHz polling rate for outstanding accuracy
- 8 programmable buttons
- True Ambidextrous design
- Wired connection is difficult to manage
- Somewhat stiff cable
The Razer Viper 8KHz is a true ambidextrous wired gaming mouse that provides a symmetrical design, making it ideal for both right and left-handed gamers. Each side has an equal number of additional buttons that are programmable, with eight buttons in total that can be customized. It’s a lightweight mouse, has a solid build quality, and offers a comfortable grip for long sessions of competitive gaming.
Its most notable features include the 8KHz polling rate, which allows for highly accurate and smooth movements that feel way better than the 1000Hz polling rate present on standard gaming mice. The Razer software further enhances the experience, allowing users to customize its functions according to their needs. It’s unfortunate that the software can’t work on every macOS, and this is something users have to keep in mind if they are going with this mouse. Game Rant has a handful of recommendations for users who want a fully compatible gaming mouse for macOS as well.
For more options, check out our guide of the best wired gaming mice for 2024.
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Logitech G502 HERO
Best Budget Gaming Mouse
$35 $50 Save $15
The G502 Hero is not only one of the greatest gaming mice in general, but it’s also incredibly affordable. Along with housing the Hero 25k sensor and 11 low-latency mechanical buttons, including side-scrolling switches, what makes the G502 special is its wide-ranging customization. Even with a weight of 121g, Logitech has managed to create a balance that feels more like a much lighter mouse. It is so light that many players may prefer to add one of the 5 optional weights, which snap easily into a base compartment. With 11 programmable buttons, vibrant RGB lighting, and 5 profile slots in the onboard memory, gamers who need to switch gears quickly will find exactly what they need with the G502 Hero.
- Weight
- 121 g + 18g (optional)
- Sensor and DPI
- Hero 25K
- Switches
- 11
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- 11
- Wireless
- No
- Battery Life
- N/A
- DPI
- 25600
- Polling Rate
- 1000Hz
- Acceleration
- 40G
- Outstanding Latency
- Feels Well Built
- Under $50
- Better suited for big hands
- Stiff Cable
- No RGB
Gamers needing a cheap gaming mouse that performs excellently and looks good on a desk should consider the Logitech G502 HERO. The HERO comes with a Hero 25k sensor provided by Logitech that allows for a maximum DPI of 25600. The RGB mouse elements on can cycle through many different colors, making it able to sync with other devices. The Lightsync technology allows you to program your mouse with other elements of your gaming rig, such as a keyboard, PC fans, or external lights. Gamers on a budget will be hard pressed finding a good gaming mouse in this price range with so many features!
With 11 customizable buttons and an impressive onboard memory system, gamers can assign custom commands to the Logitech G502 HERO with a simple flick of the switch. Adjust the weight of the Logitech G502 HERO to find the perfect balance, both in and out of gaming. However, it should be noted that the G502 HERO is a relatively heavy mouse at 121 grams and the additional weights will only make it heavier, so those looking for something solid and substantial feeling in their hands will appreciate the G502 HERO more.
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE
Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
$80 $100 Save $20
The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is a high-performance gaming mouse that offers both flexibility and performance all in one aesthetically pleasing package. Get the most out of a wireless mouse with the SE’s pinpoint accurate technology and precision with the PixArt PAW3392 DPI optical sensor. The SE charges with a versatile USB-C charger in less than two hours, offering a battery life of over 50 hours per charge.
- Weight
- 133g
- Sensor and DPI
- PixArt Paw3392, 18,000 DPI
- Switches
- Omron
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- 6
- Connectivity
- Wireless/USB
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- 50 hours
- DPI
- 1800
- IPS
- 450
- Polling Rate
- 2000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 50G
- 2000Hz max polling rate
- Very Comfortable for Palm Grip Users
- Heavy mouse
- Scroll Wheel Doesn’t Have Extra Features
The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is our choice for the best ergonomic gaming mouse and can be charged with the provided USB-C cable. The mouse provides a comfortable shape that can fit easily into the palm of most hands and is designed to be comfortable even after gaming for hours, making it perfect for anyone who loves multi-hour gaming sessions. With the nine-zone dynamic RGB lighting, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is a stylish and fully customizable gaming mouse that can fit on any desktop.
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Also important to note, the gaming mouse features three ways to connect: Bluetooth connection, USB direct connection, and Slipstream Wireless technology. And thanks to the custom DPI adjustment settings, users can change their DPI settings even mid-game.
Check out the full review here! And check out our guide for the best ergonomic gaming mice here!
ROCCAT Burst Pro Air Gaming Mouse
Best RGB Gaming Mouse
$33 $45 Save $12
Roccat Burst Pro Air is a lightweight wireless gaming mouse that features a 19,000 DPI optical Roccat Owl-Eye sensor, fast and precise optical switches, and an ambidextrous design thanks to its symmetrical shape. The mouse supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections.
Gamers can get up to 100 hours of battery life with the Roccat Burst Pro Air and rapid charge via USB-C gives 5 hours of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging.
- Weight
- 80.8 g
- Sensor and DPI
- Roccat Owl-Eye sensor
- Switches
- ROCCAT Titan Switch Optical
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- 6
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- 100 hours
- DPI
- 19,000 DPI
- IPS
- 400 IPS
- Polling Rate
- 1,000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 50 G
- Well Built
- Comfortable To Use
- Lightweight
- Click latency is fairly high
- Scroll Wheel Doesn’t Have Extra Features
For gamers who want a PC setup with RGB gaming mouse all over the place, the Roccat Burst Air Pro is perfect gaming addition. Thanks to the honeycomb mosue design and the 4 independent RGB zones, the Burst Air Pro can make any desk glow. Besides the excellent lighting effects, this gaming mouse offers exceptional performance and comfort. Weighing in at just 80.8 grams, this is one of the lightest gaming mice on this list, making it an excellent option as a FPS gaming mouse for gamers who don’t like heavier mice.
The Roccat Burst Pro Air glides easily across most desk materials, making it a perfect mouse for travelling with and use wherever you want. Plus, for gamers with a laptop with only USB-C inputs, this gaming mouse easily connects wirelessly over bluetooth, no dongle needed. Although it is not recommended to game with Bluetooth, latency spikes make it less reliable than 2.4GHz and wired gaming mouse connections. When the mouse needs to be charged after its impressive battery life of 100 hours is up, it charges over USB-C and is plugged into the front, so it can keep gaming even while charging. More RGB gaming mice options can be found here!
ROG Chakram X Origin Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Premium Gaming Mouse
$90 $140 Save $50
The Asus ROG Chakram X Origin Wireless is a piece of gaming gear that defies what is possible with a mouse. In addition to an industry-leading 36,000 DPI AimPoint optical sensor and up to an 8,000 Hz polling rate when used wired, this wireless mouse includes a detachable joystick on its side. Gamers can use this joystick for accurate movements in games without needing a keyboard or controller. Highly customizable, users can replace the switches on the mouse with any 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical or optical mechanical switches.
- Weight
- 123 g (without cable)
- Sensor and DPI
- ROG AimPoint / 100 – 36,000 DPI
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- Yes
- Connectivity
- USB – C / RF 2.4 Ghz / Bluetooth
- Battery Life
- Up To 150 Hours
- IPS
- 650 IPS
- Polling Rate
- Up To 8000 Mhz (While Wired)
- Acceleration
- 50 G
- Joystick Control Offers Presice D-Pad Like Movement
- Feels Very Well Built
- Solid battery life
- Customization Software Does Not Work With Mac OS
- On the heavier side
The ROG Chakram X Origin is a wireless gaming mouse, and our pick for the best premium gaming mouse. With a 36,000 DPI sensor and 8000 Hz polling rate, the premium mouse provides an accurate gaming experience, perfect for if you love action games. It has 11 programmable mouse buttons, including a removable thumb stick that gamers can use to add even more control to their mouse. While there are no adjustable weights, the gaming mouse feels easy to move around despite its 123-gram weight thanks to the 100% PTFE feet.
The Asus ROG Chakram X Origin has a DPI adjustment button that allows gamers to cycle through 4 levels of sensitivity. With the DPI On-The-Scroll feature on the premium gaming mouse, gamers can adjust their mouse sensitivity, even in the middle of a game. There’s no driver required to get the Asus ROG Chakram X Origin to work just as described; get it out of the box, plug it in, and enjoy the fun. Speaking of plugging it in, this premium gaming mouse can be used with the included USB 2.0 (TypeC to TypeA) cable, the RF 2.4GHz dongle, as well as Bluetooth 5.2.
For a more in-depth analysis, check out Game Rant’s full review here!
SteelSeries Rival 600 Gaming Mouse
Best SteelSeries Gaming Mouse
SteelSeries Rival 600 is a high-performance wired gaming mouse that has precise 350 IPS optical sensors that deliver professional-grade 1-to-1 tracking. Instead of one, the mouse has two sensors that work together to provide the precision required in high-tier gameplay. The mouse has configurable weight tuning and the world’s lowest and most accurate lift distance, which allows players to be precise even when they have to lift and move their mouse.
- Weight
- 96g to 128g
- Sensor and DPI
- TrueMove 3 Optical Gaming Sensor
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- Yes
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Wireless
- No
- DPI
- 12000
- IPS
- 350
- Polling Rate
- 1000 Hz max
- Acceleration
- 50 G
- Segmented plastic plates allow for precise clicks
- RGB lighting control for heightened customization
- Light on the main body cannot change color
The SteelSeries Rival 600 Gaming Mouse is a wired gaming mouse perfect for FPS games and other high-demanding games. With a wired mouse connection, FPS game lovers will experience little to no lag between inputs for crisp, seamless motion and accurate shots. Our choice for the best SteelSeries Gaming Mouse also has RGB lighting underneath each panel, making it a glowing addition to any desk or office. RGB lighting on the SteelSeries Rival 600 gaming mouse is also fully customizable.
For more amazing SteelSeries gaming mice, check out our guide here!
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
Best Logitech Gaming Mouse
The world’s most popular esports mouse has only gotten better with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. The latest version of this wireless mouse boasts a more advanced Hero 2 optical sensor with over 500 IPS and a maximum DPI of 32,000. Capable of a polling rate of 2000 Hz, the Superlight 2 detects the smallest movements and adjusts as soon as the mouse is lifted off a surface. In addition, the Superlight 2 comes loaded with a 95-hour battery life, fast USB-C charging, and Powerplay mat compatibility.
- Weight
- 60 grams
- Sensor and DPI
- Optical, 32,000
- Switches
- Optical-mechanical
- RGB Lighting
- No
- Programmable Buttons
- 5
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Battery Life
- 95 hours
- Polling Rate
- 2000 Hz
- Incredibly lightweight mouse
- Uses Hero 2 sensor
- No RGB customization
- Expensive
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is the successor to the immensely popular G Pro X Superlight, and is our choice for the best Logitech gaming mouse. The already lightweight mouse has been reduced further to 60 grams, which makes it an ideal choice for FPS and other games that require quick flicks. It is now using the improved HERO 2 sensor that is capable of up to 32,000 DPI. The mouse switches have been upgraded to Logitech’s LIGHTFORCE hybrid switches, which give the feel of mechanical switches and the speed of optical switches, without affecting battery life.
The ambidextrous shape of the gaming mouse makes it comfortable to use with both palm and claw grips. Being a premium gaming mouse offering from Logitech, it supports the company’s Power Play technology that allows you to continuously charge the mouse using the Power Play puck and mouse pad so that you never run out of battery. Speaking of battery, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is rated for up to 95 hours of battery life with constant motion. More Logitech gamig mice can be found in our guide here!
How To Choose The Best Gaming Mouse?
A high-quality gaming mouse can dramatically boost performance and the overall gaming experience. Most gamers have probably used a cheap office mouse for gaming at one point. By the end of the session, hands were cramped, and half the shots missed were because it wasn’t the best, most comfortable gaming mouse. The number of options can be daunting when looking for a new mouse, or even your first ever gaming mouse. Luckily, there are some simple factors to keep in mind when deciding on the best gaming mouse for you:
- Connection Type: There has been a long-argued debate among gamers about whether or not wired vs wireless mice are better for gaming. Each connection type comes with its own pros and cons that differ in importance for every individual, including price, connection, and convenience. That being said, deciding on which connection type to utilize for your gaming laptop or gaming PC is one of the most vital comparisons to be made when purchasing a gaming mouse.
- Mouse Sensitivity: Mouse sensitivity, also known as DPI, should be a top consideration for competitive players looking to buy a new gaming mouse. A high DPI means that gamers will need to physically move the mouse much less to ‘move’ the mouse at impressively fast speeds while gaming. DPI is often associated with lightning-fast reflexes, which can result in a world of difference during competitive shooter games.
- Grip Style: Different gamers tend to lean towards different styles of gaming mice. There are three main types of gaming mouse grip styles that are commonly seen among competitive and casual gamers: claw, palm, or fingertip. Some mice work better for gamers who prefer using a claw-style grip, while others may work better with a palm-style grip.
- Mouse Size: Some gaming mice are better suited for individuals based on the size of their hands. Those with big hands should lean towards gaming mice that offer a larger mouse that feels comfortable to use, without the feeling of half your palm dragging on the desktop. Likewise, individuals with smaller hands shouldn’t have to physically stretch or move their hands to utilize all the buttons on the mouse.
- RGB Effects & Personalization: One of the leading factors that set gaming mice apart from those that are utilized in professional spaces often comes down to the inclusion of bold and vibrant colors, or RGB effects. Most gaming mice include RGB in some capacity, and those that do should include simple, lightweight software that is easy to use to personalize your gaming mouse.
- Additional Features: Special features make a mouse perfect for each user, whether a joystick on the side of the mouse or a customizable side plate to fit different gaming styles on the fly. Some unique features or creature comforts can take a mouse, like many others out there, to a perfect mouse.
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FAQ
Q: Which is a better mouse for gaming, wired or wireless?
Wired mice tend to have lower latency than wireless mice. Modern examples of both today show little difference, however.
Q: What does DPI mean?
DPI, in simple terms, is the rate at which the mouse detects movement. A higher DPI means a mouse can detect movement more precisely.
Q: What are the advantages of a ball mouse?
A ball mouse is a stationary mouse that doesn’t require the movement of the arm to move the mouse. While not optimal for FPS games, these mice are great for if users want to save desk space, have a stationary mouse, or want to save the space on their desk for other gadgets.