Any competitive PC gamer knows that a good gaming mouse can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Standard productivity mice aren’t built for the fast-paced activity of games like League of Legends and Apex Legends. Gaming controllers, while comfortable, are hugely disadvantageous in precision shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Gaming mice, paired with a proper gaming keyboard, can provide the fastest, most responsive connection to your game. When paired with a quick gaming keyboard, the two tools can provide the fastest, most responsive connection to the game. If you want to map more actions to your mouse hand, improve your aim and generally act faster, our top gaming mouse picks can help you get to the next level and leave your rivals in the dust.
Best Gaming Mouse
Wired vs. Wireless
Finding the right gaming mouse depends on the type of games you play, how many buttons you want, and whether you want a wired or wireless setup. Unlike their wired counterparts, wireless gaming mice connect through high-speed USB dongles and the latest Bluetooth standards for virtually no lag. Without wires to worry about, you have more space available on your battle station, a cleaner aesthetic, and more freedom to whip your mouse around without the fear of yanking out a USB port. It’s worth noting some of the best mice today are hybrid options that charge via USB and can be used with or without the cord.
More Features to Consider
Clicks Per Inch (CPI)
Also known as dots per inch, CPI indicates the speed your cursor moves across the screen. The higher the number, the faster and more controlled movement you will be able to make. Some models boast as high as 20,000 CPI and we recommend a minimum of 10,000. Any lower and you might experience slow, lagging movements that make it difficult to track your cursor.
Sensor
There are two types of sensors: optical and laser. Optical sensors are most common in cheaper models, but that isn’t to say that they aren’t up to snuff. They tend to have a good tracking ability and are able to map well on different surfaces. Lasers are generally more expensive and also tend to map well, except on rough surfaces. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, because either will work well for the average gamer.
Customization
Most gaming mice come with customization options both inside and out. A majority have software that allows you to program custom profiles for individual games, including changing the functions of buttons and onboard lighting. Some even include extra pieces, like thumb and pinky supports, that you can attach for a better in-hand fit.
How We Evaluated
As a major player in the tech space, we have the pulse on the latest gaming peripherals, going hands-on with keyboards, mice, and controllers from top brands like Logitech and Razer. Our staff has as lifetime of passion for the gaming industry, too. In fact, Hunter Fenollol, our consumer tech editor, uses the Dark Core RGB Pro SE himself—our best overall pick.
We considered the response rate, shape, and number of buttons on each mouse to select the best options for different genres and player preferences. We also researched 10 expert sources, including PCgamer, Tech Radar, and RTings, as well as 10,300 consumer reviews to support our decisions. Rest assured, these are the best gaming mice of the year.
BEST OVERALL
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE Wireless
Pros
- Pinky and thumb grips
- Eight programmable buttons
- Stellar wired and wireless performance
Cons
- Limited brightness settings
Key Specs
| Connection | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| CPI | 18,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
As capable wireless as it is tethered to your PC, the Dark Core RGB Pro SE gaming mouse is a high-performance peripheral that looks as good as it reacts to your input. A smooth rubber and plastic construction ensures the Dark Core remains cool and comfortable throughout long game sessions. Interchangeable textured grips provide additional comfort while ensuring your thumb and pinky naturally rest against the mouse for swift movements.
As for eye candy, RGB lighting strips surround the wheel and eight programmable buttons. Omron mechanical switches underneath these buttons create a satisfying click whether you’re mowing down enemies in first-person shooter games or casting spells in Final Fantasy Online. Corsair’s iCUE customization software lets you assign macros, adjust polling rate, and customize the lighting. Plus, the large rechargeable lithium-ion battery ensures you’ll have enough juice for marathon gameplay with up to 50 hours of battery life. You can also buy this Qi charging mat to keep the mouse battery topped off as you play.
BEST FOR FIRST-PERSON SHOOTERS
Razer DeathAdder V2
Pros
- Large rubberized body
- Lightning-fast input
Cons
- Finicky customization software
Key Specs
| Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| CPI | 20,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a big gaming mouse that’s deceptively lightweight. The large rubberized body allows for precise control regardless of your grip. However, if you have smaller hands, the size might be unwieldy; we suggest looking at our other top picks. Mechanical button switches on other mice can’t match the speed of the DeathAdder’s optical switches. Here, each click registers seamlessly for instantaneous task execution. This is especially helpful if you often aim down sights, as you can quickly hone in on chests and heads in a fraction of the time. You can customize each button, the light, and even the CPI using Razer’s Synapse software. And because the DeathAdder V2 is tethered and doesn’t require wireless components, it’s also a great deal. You wouldn’t know from its premium body and reinforced SpeedFlex cabling that glides across surfaces like butter with minimal drag that this is a sub $50-gaming mouse.
ULTRALIGHT
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
Pros
- Ultralight honeycomb shell
- Includes grip tape
Cons
- Mediocre side buttons
Key Specs
| Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| CPI | 16,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
HyperX cuts the fat of traditional gaming mice by using a lightweight honeycomb shell. This results in a durable and breathable body that doesn’t get clammy even after clutching a tight win. Admittedly, the design is pretty barebones, but the included grip tape allows you to tailor the body and button feels to your preference. Like the DeathAdder above, the Pulsefire Haste utilizes a paracord material for its cabling for minimal friction. This pairs nicely with the mouse’s airy movements so you can snap from target to target with minimal resistance. HyperX’s NGENUITY software lets you customize button assignments, RGB lighting, and CPI settings.
MOST VERSATILE
Razer Naga Pro Wireless
Pros
- Swappable side button plates for versatility in every game type
- Wireless
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Connection | Wireless |
|---|---|
| CPI | 20,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
Instead of tailoring its design towards a specific gameplay genre, the Naga Pro offers an innovative swappable side plate that lets you snap on the right buttons for the game you’re playing. Want to jump into a basic FPS match? Snap on the two-button panel so you can focus on shooting and reloading. Heading into a more tactical game like a MOBA? Swap to the six-button configuration that offers more mappable abilities.
If you play MMOs or skill-centric games, the 12-button layout allows you to quickly access all the skills, items, and emotes you could possibly need. The Naga Pro is heavier because of this mechanism, but its all-in-one functionality means you have the right mouse for any occasion. Plus, the battery lasts up to 150 hours on Bluetooth and 100 hours over 2.4-GHz wireless.
BEST BUDGET GAMING MOUSE
Logitech G502 Hero
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Simple design
Key Specs
| Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| CPI | 25,600 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
Logitech’s G502 Hero is one of the most popular gaming mice of all time for good reason—it offers excellent value. The high-performance sensor supports 25,600 CPI for the most advanced one-to-one tracking without any obstructions.
The mouse arrives weighing 121 grams, but for a more substantial feel, you can add up to 18 grams in 3.6-gram increments. The onboard memory is large enough to store up to five profiles, so you can customize the 11 buttons to suit the genres you play. Plus, Logitech’s GHUB customization software is one of the best in the industry; it’s easy to use and supports helpful third-party app integrations, such as shortcuts for OBS streaming. Although the G502 Hero is worth its $80 retail price, you can often find this mouse on sale below the $50 mark.
FAST AND WIRELESS
Razer Basilisk Ultimate with Charging Dock
Pros
- Long battery life
- Fast CPI and click response
Cons
- Expensive
- Can’t play while charging
Key Specs
| Connection | Wireless |
|---|---|
| CPI | 20,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
The Bluetooth-enabled wireless Basilisk Ultimate helps you stay competitive in the most fast-paced esports. In addition to the breakneck CPI, the Basilisk uses optical switches that provide minimal click latency for twitch reflex-like reactions. With 11 programmable buttons, the Basilisk is suitable for a wide range of genres. The included charging dock creates a pretty cool aesthetic and even more importantly, provides enough juice for up to 100 hours of battery life. You can’t use the mouse while it’s charging like with other wireless options, but the extensive battery capacity means you’ll be charging far less frequently.
MOST CUSTOMIZABLE
Mad Catz R.A.T. 8 Plus
Pros
- Mechanically customizable
- Highly programmable
Cons
- Looks like a transformer
Key Specs
| Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| CPI | 16,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
Beyond providing customization software for the internals, Mad Catz designed the R.A.T. 8 Plus so you can break it down and rebuild it to suit any hand size and shape. The pinky and palm rests are interchangeable among the three included versions for each. The thumb rest is also adjustable. Despite the forward-thinking customization, it’s a bit expensive, particularly for a wired gaming mouse. And the distinctive, somewhat retro design won’t appeal to everyone.
However, no other gaming mouse lets you tinker with nearly every component of the mouse to create a truly unique fit. If you’re into swapping out your keyboards switches, building your PC, and modifying your tech, the R.A.T. 8 Plus allows for you to explore your technical side by giving your mouse a full function and aesthetic makeover on the fly.
BEST FOR LARGE HANDS
Corsair Ironclaw RGB FPS/MOBA
Pros
- For large hands
- Comfortable
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| CPI | 18,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Right-handed gamers |
Players with larger hands can sometimes feel like Goldilocks when looking for a mouse to fit their bear-sized mitts. Smaller gaming mice cause cramping and hand issues, whereas bigger mice lack precise control and satisfying buttons. This mouse was designed with that player in mind and blends bigger with better. The Ironclaw’s has a grippy rubber body and a waxy scroll wheel that give it a satisfying and comfortable texture. Its refined dome conforms to the palm of bigger hands, and the contoured shape allows for easy button access. Those same buttons have ultra-durable Omron switches that can withstand up to 50 million clicks. Although it is on the heavy side, it feels substantial rather than cumbersome.
BEST LEFT-HANDED GAMING MOUSE
SteelSeries Sensei Ten
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Not much in the way of ergonomics
Key Specs
| Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| CPI | 18,000 |
| Sensor | Optical |
| Best for | Left-handed gamers |
The SteelSeries Sensei Ten mouse features a sleek symmetrical design, perfect for both left- and right-handed gamers. Amazon reviewers with different hand sizes, grip types, and dominant hands praised the mouse for its comfortable ambidextrous design. With a CPI of 18,000, this mouse is in tune with your most minute movements, giving you some serious control. And at just 92 grams, the Sensei Ten is lightweight yet solid for a nice, speedy underhand feel. Its unassuming design and two independently controlled RGB lighting zones means it can blend just as easily into your office as your gaming setup.
Harry Rabinowitz is a writer, editor, and columnist covering the latest and greatest products in the gaming industry. He also works to tell educational and entertaining stories about tech, entertainment, home goods, and more. When he’s not learning or writing something new, he’s probably heading to the library for a new graphic novel to read.
