Choosing the best gaming mouse is a personal journey influenced by individual preferences and the specific demands of different games. While selecting a gaming headset is important, finding the perfect mouse involves considering factors such as weight, size, ergonomics, the presence of extra buttons, and the types of games you play. To help you navigate this decision, I've categorized the best gaming mice to suit various needs and preferences.
For instance, the Logitech G502 X excels in comfort and ergonomics, making it an ideal choice for long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Razer Viper V3 Pro is tailored for those seeking a competitive edge in fast-paced games like Valorant. If versatility is your goal, the Turtle Beach Pure Air stands out with its ergonomic design, lightweight feel, and robust battery life, making it suitable for both gaming and professional environments. For MMO and MOBA players, the Corsair Scimitar Elite's programmable side buttons offer a significant advantage. However, if you're looking for an all-around recommendation, the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is my top pick for its balanced performance and comfort.
Throughout this guide, I'll share my hands-on experiences with each recommended gaming mouse, explaining why they fit well into their respective categories.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Mice
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 these are my top picks, the gaming mouse market is constantly evolving, with improvements in sensor accuracy, responsiveness, and durability. When choosing a mouse, consider new technologies and features that could enhance your gaming experience. At the end of this guide, I've included a set of important questions to consider when selecting a gaming mouse. We'll keep this guide updated with new recommendations as we continue to review more gaming mice, so make sure to check back for the latest insights.
See our list of the best gaming mouse pads, too!
This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham.
Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed - Photos
8 Images
1. Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
Best Overall Gaming Mouse
Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed
11Razer has refined its flagship mouse, making the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed one of the best gaming mice available, and further solidifying the DeathAdder's reputation as a staple in PC gaming. Its sleek design, devoid of RGB lighting, focuses on performance and comfort, featuring a low-profile Razer logo at the palm area.
In my review of the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, it earned a score of 9 due to its springy, responsive clicks, well-positioned side buttons, and highly accurate 26k optical sensor. The mouse's smooth-touch texture and ergonomic contours make it easy to maneuver, and its lightweight 55g design ensures effortless use during extended gaming sessions.
Priced competitively for its performance, the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed requires a separate purchase of the HyperPolling dongle for an 8000 Hz polling rate. While the Viper V3 Pro may offer a slight edge in pure performance, the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed is a versatile and reliable choice that will serve you well for years to come.
- SteelSeries Rival 3
Best Budget Gaming Mouse
### SteelSeries Rival 3
4The SteelSeries Rival 3 is an excellent option for gamers on a budget, offering six programmable buttons and a TrueMove Core Optical sensor for precise tracking. It's a symmetrical, compact USB wired mouse weighing 77g, ideal for fingertip and claw grips.
Despite its 8,500 DPI limit, the TrueMove sensor provides reliable accuracy. While the clicks aren't as crunchy as some higher-end models, the Rival 3 performs well under pressure, making it suitable for competitive games like Counter-Strike 2. Its one-size-fits-all design may not be as tailored as premium mice, but at a price point of $20 to $30, it's an incredible value.
SteelSeries Aerox 3
3 Images
3. SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse
### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless
8The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is a standout option for those seeking a budget-friendly wireless gaming mouse. Its lightweight design, long-lasting battery, and high-performance TrueMove Air optical sensor make it ideal for competitive gaming.
The Aerox 3's aesthetic, featuring triangular cutouts and customizable RGB lighting, adds a unique flair without compromising performance. In our review, it scored a 9 for its competitive capabilities and fast charging, making it a great value at $50 to $60.
- Logitech G403 Hero
Best Wired Gaming Mouse
### LogitechG403 Hero
6The Logitech G403 Hero combines ergonomic design with a grippy rubberized texture, making it an excellent all-around gaming mouse. Its Hero 25K optical sensor ensures fast and accurate tracking, while the chunky side buttons and tactile clicks enhance usability.
Though slightly heavier at 87g, the G403's larger size and comfortable palm grip make it a great choice for gamers with bigger hands. The simple aesthetic and subtle RGB lighting add to its appeal, making it a solid wired option.
- Logitech G703 Hero
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse
### Logitech G703 Hero
2The Logitech G703 Hero offers the same high-performance features as its wired counterpart, the G403, in a wireless package. With a weight of 95g and up to 60 hours of battery life, it provides top-tier comfort and performance.
The G703's ergonomic design, rubberized grips, and Hero 25K optical sensor make it a joy to use. Its larger size is well-suited for palm grips, ensuring a comfortable and balanced gaming experience.
Razer Viper V3 Pro - Photos
9 Images
6. Razer Viper V3 Pro
Best FPS Gaming Mouse
### Razer Viper V3 Pro
4The Razer Viper V3 Pro is designed for competitive FPS gamers, offering a lightweight build and top-tier performance with an 8000 Hz polling rate and Focus Pro 35K optical sensor. Its symmetrical shape and larger size provide comfort and control.
In my review, the Viper V3 Pro earned a 9 for its smooth mouse feet, responsive clicks, and overall performance. While the HyperPolling dongle requires a USB cable, this is a minor trade-off for the competitive advantage it provides in fast-paced shooters.
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless MMO – Photos
7 Images
7. Corsair Scimitar Elite
Best MMO/MOBA Gaming Mouse
### Corsair Scimitar Elite
1The Corsair Scimitar Elite is tailored for MMO and MOBA gamers with its ergonomic design and adjustable, textured side buttons. Despite its 113g weight, it remains easy to grip and use, making it perfect for both gaming and productivity tasks.
The Scimitar Elite's side buttons feature a firm, tactile feel, allowing for easy differentiation and use. Its versatility extends to creative and productivity settings, where the additional buttons can be mapped to shortcuts. For gamers who benefit from extra buttons, the Scimitar Elite is an excellent choice.
- Turtle Beach Pure Air
Most Versatile Gaming Mouse
### Turtle Beach Pure Air
2The Turtle Beach Pure Air offers a balance of gaming performance and everyday usability, with its ergonomic design, lightweight feel, and long-lasting battery life. Its Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility, making it an ideal choice for both work and play.
During testing, the Pure Air performed well in games like Final Fantasy XIV, with its compact design and deep thumb groove providing comfort during long sessions. The only minor drawback is the thin side buttons, which can be challenging to distinguish.
- HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
Best Small Gaming Mouse
### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
2The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is a compact yet fully-featured gaming mouse, ideal for gamers with smaller hands. Its lightweight design, fast and accurate Precision 26K sensor, and long battery life make it a competitive choice.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini's smaller size is perfect for fingertip grips, and its Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility for work settings. Despite its reduced size, it maintains the performance and features of its larger counterpart.
Asus ROG Keris II Ace - Photos
9 Images
10. Asus ROG Keris II Ace
Best Lightweight Gaming Mouse
### Asus ROG Keris II Ace
2The Asus ROG Keris II Ace is a lightweight gaming mouse with a comfortable right-handed contour and excellent weight distribution. Its AimPoint Pro sensor and 8000 Hz polling rate ensure top-tier performance.
In my review, the Keris II Ace earned an 8 due to its smooth tracking and comfortable design, though its texture could be more grippy. Its lightweight design and high performance make it a standout choice for gamers prioritizing ease of use.
- Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
5The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed offers an ergonomic design with deep grooves and a wide base for comfort. Its Hero 25K optical sensor ensures accurate tracking, while the five extra side buttons enhance productivity and gaming.
Though not ideal for fast-paced competitive games, the G502 X Lightspeed is perfect for gamers seeking comfort and additional functionality. Its ergonomic design and solid performance make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing hand comfort.
Gaming Mouse FAQ
How do you determine what makes a good gaming mouse?
Choosing a good gaming mouse depends on personal preferences and specific gaming needs. Factors like grip style (palm, claw, or fingertip), ergonomics, weight, and extra buttons play a significant role. Reviews provide insights into how different mice contour to your hand and perform in various scenarios. For example, while the Viper V3 Pro is ideal for competitive FPS gaming, it may not be suitable for a compact, versatile setup.
What’s the deal with high polling rate on gaming mice?
Modern gaming mice typically feature a 1000 Hz polling rate, updating your PC every millisecond. Higher polling rates, such as 8000 Hz, are becoming more common in pro-grade mice like the Razer Viper V3 Pro and Asus Keris II Ace. These higher rates can enhance smoothness under specific conditions, such as high resolutions and refresh rates, but they require a powerful PC to fully benefit.
**Polling Rate** | **Response Time** | **Battery Life\*** |
1000 Hz | 1 ms | 100 hours |
2000 Hz | 0.5 ms | 70 hours |
4000 Hz | 0.25 ms | 40 hours |
8000 Hz | 0.125 ms | 20 hours |
* General range using the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed as an example.
Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming mouse?
Wireless technology has advanced to the point where the difference in latency between wired and wireless mice is negligible. The 2.4 GHz wireless receiver ensures consistent performance across various brands. Battery life has also improved, allowing for days of use before needing a charge. While wired mice are generally less expensive, wireless options offer the convenience of mobility and are necessary for higher polling rates.
AnswerSee Results