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The best gaming mouse will offer a comfortable form factor while also opening you up to a range of customizable macro commands and holding its own speed on the battlefield to boot. Thankfully, now that gaming mouse technology has advanced, we’re seeing all these features and more across the full price range. That means you’ll be able to pick up a high quality pointer for a fraction of the cost you’d be looking at just a few years ago. We’ve had our hands on a massive number of rodents over the years, and boiled all our findings down to our top picks for the best gaming mouse across the full price span right here.
Finding the best gaming mouse for you will ultimately come down to the types of games you play, the shape you feel most comfortable with, and the connection type on offer. However, no matter what you play, a solid gaming mouse will give you an edge over the competition with lightning fast response times and a more ergonomic design. We’ve compiled this list of the best gaming mouse models after living, working, and playing with each brand’s top pointers for a considerable amount of time.
These mice have all been put through their paces in all realms of PC gaming, from twitchy first person shooters to slower strategy and simulation titles. Not only that, but we’ve stretched each device (including the battery and connectivity available on the best wireless gaming mice) through long play sessions to make sure that comfort and performance lasts as well.
Best gaming mouse – top 10
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1. Razer Basilisk V3
The best gaming mouse overall
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 10 +1DPI: 26,000IPS: Up to 650Switches: Razer 2nd Gen Optical MechanicalWeight: 3.67oz (104g)
Reasons to buy
+Thoughtful additional features+Super fast 26K DPI sensor+Comfortable ergonomic design+Cheaper than the V2
Reasons to avoid
-Not light enough for competitive players
Unless you’re playing competitively, it’s difficult to beat the Razer Basilisk V3 in terms of sheer power and value. That 26K DPI sensor is definitely a nice to have (though in our testing we rarely needed to dial up to that kind of level), but the main draws here are the wide range of programmable buttons, unique RGB underglow, and tactile ergonomic design. It also helps that the V3 comes in $10 cheaper than the previous iteration.
At its core, though, the latest Razer Basilisk is the same versatile pointer that we’ve always come to love from one of the best Razer mouse lines. With upgraded second generation switches in each main button, an additional trigger button on the left hand side, and a brand new smart scroll wheel, though, there are plenty of new features to celebrate here. We found those new switches to be a little lighter to the touch than previous iterations, but were impressed that they still managed to keep a satisfying response and snapped back quickly.
The Basilisk V3 feels incredible in the hand, with a solid weight, grippy texture, ergonomic shell, and thoughtfully placed buttons.
Razer Basilisk V3 review
While a little heavier than the slimline FPS mice that feature elsewhere on this list (and much heavier than the Razer Viper a little further down), the V3 still feels incredible in the hand and glides through larger sweeps thanks to the improved PFTE feet underneath. However, the beauty of the Basilisk V3 comes from its versatility.
This hardware lends itself well to presets for a massive range of genres. In our testing, we were switching between profiles set for Borderlands 2, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Planet Coaster and each one felt as natural as the last.
This is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to stretch their pointer across multiple genres and, in our opinion, the best gaming mouse for most people right now.
Read more: Razer Basilisk V3 review
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2. Logitech G203 Lightsync
The best gaming mouse under $30 / £30
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 6DPI: 8,000IPS: Up to 200Switches: MechanicalWeight: 3oz (85g)
Reasons to buy
+Solid feature set for the price+Comfortable shape and design+Excellent price to performance balance
Reasons to avoid
-Smaller shape might not fit larger hands
Want to avoid breaking the bank? We’d recommend the Logitech G203 Lightsync. As well as being aggressively affordable, it’s the best gaming mouse for those on a budget – balancing a decent feature-set with that low cost. In fact, its competition generally only comes from the Razer Viper Mini and the Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini. The Logitech G203 Lightsync, however, is cheaper than the DeathAdder V2 Mini and offers a larger body than the Viper Mini, which will satisfy a wider range of grip types.
There are very few gaming mice that can compete with the G203 Lightsync from a pure value standpoint.
Logitech G203 Lightsync review
We did still find that chassis to be a little too small for larger hands in our own testing, though thanks to the 85g weight we were able to get along with both a claw and fingertip grip through multiple rounds of Apex Legends.
Beneath the shell, you’re treated to a satisfying but quick click thanks to responsive switches to go with six programmable buttons. These are supported by an optical sensor that provides a DPI ranging from 200 to 8,000. Although this isn’t as high-performance as other entries on the list, it’s more than enough for most people. Plus, it’ll still be a huge step up compared to ‘normal’ non-gaming mice.
It looks a lot better, too; its design gives off a sense of quality you don’t always get with mice at this price range. Appearances aren’t everything, but the G203 Lightsync aces that department nonetheless, thanks to gorgeous three-zone RGB lighting.
Read more: Logitech G203 Lightsync review
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3. Razer DeathAdder V2
The best mid-range gaming mouse
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 8DPI: 20,000IPS: Up to 650Switches: OpticalWeight: 2.9oz (82g)
Reasons to buy
+Accurate, reliable sensor+Perfectly shaped for various grips+Comfortable
Reasons to avoid
-Build materials could be more luxurious
It seemed like an impossible task, but the Razer DeathAdder V2 improves on – and even surpasses – the classic DeathAdder in practically every way. To begin with, it’s among the most comfortable mice we’ve had our hands on (it’s perfect for any grip-style, from claw to palm), but it’s also phenomenally precise.
The latest releases keeps the same form factor as the original Razer DeathAdder, but brings that design into the modern age with a few crucial tweaks. We particularly enjoyed the design change in the textured grips. While the original model offers a larger hexagonal set set of ridges, the smaller bumps and tighter feel of the new grip is far more satisfying and tactile. There’s also additional programmable buttons on here, with two new DPI shifters located underneath the scroll wheel.
This is one of the most comfortable gaming mice we’ve ever used, and it’s superbly grippy.
Razer DeathAdder V2 review
The V2 packs a 20,000 DPI sensor that’s leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. It’s accompanied by a 650 inches per second rating as well, so it’ll still perform brilliantly even if you’re flinging it across your mouse mat.
Although it’s lacking additional controls like some of its competition on this list (namely the Roccat Kone XP and Razer Naga Pro), the two extra thumb buttons on the side are well placed enough that you won’t need to worry about hitting them accidentally in the middle of a battle.
All in all, the DeathAdder V2 is more interested in peak performance than gimmicky features, and the result makes it the best gaming mouse for anyone looking to streamline their playstyle.
Read more: DeathAdder V2 review
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4. Razer Naga Pro
The best wireless gaming mouse
Specifications
Connection: Wireless / wiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 10 / 14 / 20DPI: 20,000IPS: Up to 650Switches: OpticalWeight: 4.11oz (117g)
Reasons to buy
+Buttons for days+Wireless or wired+Incredibly fast
Reasons to avoid
-More expensive than Corsair Scimitar for MOBA-only use
We at GamesRadar+ play a massive range of genres, which means we often have to compromise somewhere when finding hardware that fits them all. It’s hard to find a mouse that serves each game’s needs without it becoming an overstuffed monstrosity. That’s where the Razer Naga Pro comes in.
The Naga Pro features three unique, detachable panels, which allow you to up the ante in everything from battle royales to MOBAs. They’re a revelation – each panel includes a different button setup, so you can use your gaming mouse across a wide range of genres and experience the benefits of a tailor-made pointer for each one. Not only that, but you’re getting all this power with the reliability of a Razer HyperSpeed wireless connection to boot.
Sure, its wireless functionality may make some gamers hesitate. But from our extensive tests, Razer’s HyperSpeed tech offers no latency that we could see. Plus, because you can always plug it in via a Speedflex USB cable anyway, you’re getting the best of both worlds, especially considering the wireless battery is so good.
Deftly balancing functionality with price, the Razer Naga Pro is a winning combo that builds upon its predecessor while sanding off any rough edges.
Razer Naga Pro review
The Razer Naga Pro takes over from the previous model, the Razer Naga Trinity and at first glance there isn’t much different in its design. We quickly found the changes, though, when we switched to a MOBA. The Naga Pro swaps the circular button placement of the older device for rows of buttons – similar to the design of the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. We also noticed that the plastic shell was a little grainier under the hand as well, which will suit better if you’re looking for a tactile grip.
While it took us a little while to get used to the grip feel, once we’d spent enough time with the Razer Naga Pro to relax into muscle memory this thing flew. The larger right section added a surprising level of extra comfort and helped us nail some tricky precision shots thanks to the extra control afforded.
When combined with the whip-crack responsiveness offered by its 20,000 DPI sensor, the Naga Pro will set you up perfectly for the next generation of gaming. You can even get a Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition, so nobody has to miss out (better still, it’s the best left-handed gaming mouse currently available).
Read more: Razer Naga Pro review
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5. Roccat Kone XP
The best gaming mouse for RGB fans
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 15DPI: 19,000Switches: Roccat Titan Switch OpticalWeight: 3.6oz (104g)
Reasons to buy
+Incredibly comfortable design+Plentiful, well-placed macro buttons+Speedy sensor
Reasons to avoid
-Less texture on rubber grips-No color controls on Swarm software
The RGB available on the Roccat Kone XP certainly won’t be for everyone, but if you’re looking to maximise your LED to price ratio, you’ll need to check out this 90s-inspired pointer. We were initially sceptical of this blinding design, but once our eyes adjusted we found that the unique aesthetic (combined with the smoky effect of the translucent plastic) was surprisingly pleasing.
The translucent Game Boy Advance kids have grown up, and now they want a gaming mouse to play with.
Roccat Kone XP review
Of course, those LEDs don’t distract from the excellent performance under the hood. We were particularly impressed by the placement and usability of the additional side buttons here. Each of the four main macro buttons (and the additional thumb button) running along the left hand side were easy to hit and, crucially, easy to hit accurately. Unlike the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite below and the Razer Naga Pro above, you’re not getting a full keypad of additional functions. However, with an extra layer of functionality accessible via Roccat’s EasyShift button, there’s a whole world of customization open to you.
We’re recommending the Kone XP as the best gaming mouse for RGB lovers, but it’s important to note that this is from a brute force angle, rather than in terms of customization. It still feels like the Swarm software is catching up, which means we were a little disappointed to realise that you can’t actually change the colors of these RGB strips. However, there are plenty of cycles to choose from, and the overall effect may be too good to turn down.
Read more: Roccat Kone XP review
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8. Razer Viper V2 Pro
The best gaming mouse for FPS
Specifications
Connection: WirelessShape: Right-handedButtons: 6DPI: 30,000IPS: Up to 750Switches: Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3Weight: 2.04oz (58g)
Reasons to buy
+Incredibly lightweight+Long battery life+Comfortable shape+Super-responsive sensor
Reasons to avoid
-DPI shifter still placed under the body-Too expensive for wider genre players
Taking over from the Razer Viper Ultimate, the V2 Pro throws everything out the window. Literally – there’s no RGB, only two additional macro buttons, and no wireless charging cradle here, just a laser-focused dedication to speed and precision. That, of course, makes it a prime candidate for anyone after a super lightweight wireless pointer designed purely for FPS play.
While the overall design language of the Ultimate remains here, there are a few smaller details that have changed to dramatically reduce the weight from 74g to just 58g. We noted lack of side grips in our testing (though stickers are provided, just in the wrong color if you happen to grab the white model), as well as the slightly shorter dome along the top. Still, this pointer slotted straight back into our hands, and we were flying across the Apex Legends battlefield in no time.
Everything about the Razer Viper V2 Pro has been streamlined for performance
Razer Viper V2 Pro review
Super smooth PFTE feet combined with that featherweight form factor make this a particularly easy glide. Flicks and twitch reflexes were expertly picked up by the 30K Focus+ sensor, and the attention to tracking across various lift-off heights was also particularly welcomed during more frantic moments. With so much dedicated to keeping you nimble on the battlefield, though, the Razer Viper V2 Pro may struggle to prove its lofty price tag across other genres. All that tech felt a little redundant when we tested on slow games like Planet Coaster, and even in single player action titles like Rise of the Tomb Raider.
That means we’d heartily recommend anyone looking for an FPS-first pointer start their search here, but our fellow multi-genre enthusiasts might find better value in something cheaper like the 68g Roccat Burst Pro below.
Read more: Razer Viper V2 Pro review
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7. Corsair Ironclaw RGB
The best gaming mouse for larger hands
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 7DPI: 18,000IPS: Up to 400Switches: OmronWeight: 3.7oz (105g)
Reasons to buy
+Comfortable, wider mouse+High-performance sensor+Thoughtful software features
Reasons to avoid
-Heavy for a wired mouse
All kinds of people game, but not all gaming mice will suit them. If you have larger hands and find some mice to be on the small side, the Corsair Ironclaw RGB should be your first port of call. This is one of the wider mice in Corsair’s lineup, and an excellent bit of hardware that’ll serve you well for both work and play.
As you’d expect from Corsair, the Ironclaw is of the highest quality in terms of its build. Put together from a variety of sturdy materials ranging from grippy rubber to smooth matte plastic, it’s a winner in terms of ergonomics. A sturdy, braided cable also helps reinforce that feeling of quality.
An incredibly comfortable, high performance gaming mouse
Corsair Ironclaw RGB review
It’s no slouch when it comes to features, either. It offers an enviable 18,000 DPI sensor with a tolerance of 400 IPS, meaning it’ll still be able to track your movements when the mouse is hurtling across your mat. Additionally, the click action of each button is tactile and satisfying. That makes the Ironclaw RGB a real contender for the prize of best gaming mouse.
We did run into a few problems with the button placement in our testing. There’s a pair of thumb buttons running along the left side of the device, which are placed well enough to encourage accurate pressing, but one was placed just a little too far back for comfort. We found ourselves having to curl our thumb back in order to hit it, which isn’t recommended if you’re going to be mapping macros for FPS or faster action titles.
Read more: Corsair Ironclaw RGB review
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8. Logitech G Pro Wireless
The best ambidextrous gaming mouse
Specifications
Connection: Wireless / WiredShape: AmbidextrousButtons: 8Battery life: Up to 60 hoursDPI: 25,600IPS: Up to 400Sensor: Hero 25KSwitches: Omron mechanicalWeight: 2.82oz (80g)
Reasons to buy
+Excellent tracking+Soft, crisp clicks+Ambidextrous design with swappable buttons+Fantastic battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Not an ergonomic right hand design
While it’s an older device, the Logitech G Pro Wireless still impresses thanks to its impressive tracking and comfortable ambidextrous shape. You’ll find removable buttons on both sides of the pointer here, but the best part is you can also run the G Pro Wireless with a full suite. That means plenty of space for macro customization. Not only that, but we found using the mouse with two buttons on either side to still be comfortable and precise – never once accidentally clicking.
From its low click latency to its super-accurate tracking, everything about the Logitech G Pro’s performance still holds up to this day.
Logitech G Pro Wireless review
While some parts of the Logitech G Pro Wireless do show their age – the plastic cable does drag considerably when plugged in, for example. This is a gaming mouse that has certainly withstood the test of time in general. You’re getting a solid 25K sensor with incredibly precise tracking and some smooth movement across the desk top as well. Not only that, but we found battery life to be particularly strong here as well. While the 45-60 hours recommended by Logitech is a little on the smaller side these days it still held up under our testing and we didn’t experience any stuttering when in the final 5%. That’s not something we can say for the vast majority of pointers we’ve tested.
Add a soft click, comfortable form factor (for both left and right handed use), and a relatively lightweight profile and you’ve got yourself a solid ambidextrous gaming mouse for whichever hand you use.
Read more: Logitech G Pro Wireless review
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9. Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite
The best gaming mouse for MMOs and MOBAs
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 17DPI: 18,000IPS: Up to 400Switches: OmronWeight: 4.3oz (122g)
Reasons to buy
+Tonnes of programmable buttons+Exceptional build quality+Great sensitivity
Reasons to avoid
-Small side buttons
Play a lot of MMOs or MOBA games? You need the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It offers an enviable level of additional controls for those genres; alongside a cutting-edge 18,000 DPI sensor and superb workmanship. The new Scimitar packs 12 programmable side buttons on a sliding thumbpad that allows you to adjust their position at will. This makes it easier and faster than ever to manage a broad suite of commands.
Taking over from the original Scimitar model, the Elite streamlines the design and tops up the tech for a new era. However, we were a little disappointed to find that the chunky form factor remains, with a coarse rubber texture underneath the hand which became irritating over longer play sessions. The Razer Naga Pro, by contrast, provides a much more ergonomic design which may be better suited to those who plan on playing for longer stretches.
The rise of professional eSports has seen MOBAs and MMOs take on a whole new life, and the Scimitar’s twelve-button thumbpad is the perfect tool for gamers in those online arenas.
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite review
However, we can easily look over a slight texture annoyance considering the wealth of features packed on the left hand side. In our testing, we found that the ability to shift the placement of this panel was particularly welcome, allowing us to sit comfortably with each textured button within easy reach. It should be noted, however, that we found these buttons to be a little too small for larger hands to feel fully comfortable with.
Naturally, having your skillset beneath your thumb like this is a real boon – it takes away any need to contort your hand and hit numerous buttons at once. Better still, those buttons have alternating textures to help you navigate the pad without looking. This optimises your response time, letting you react to threats more quickly.
That’s the Scimitar RGB Elite all over. It’s effective, intuitive, and damn well-made. While too heavy for first-person shooters and faster action titles, we highly recommend it for MMOs and MOBAs.
Read more: Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite review
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10. Roccat Burst Pro
The best lightweight gaming mouse
Specifications
Connection: WiredShape: Right-handedButtons: 6DPI: 16,000IPS: Up to 400Switches: Titan opticalWeight: 2.4oz (68g)
Reasons to buy
+Easy to manoeuvre+Titan optical switches+Stunning RGB
Reasons to avoid
-Scroll wheel feels grindy
If you’re after the lightest gaming mouse on the market, the Roccat Burst Pro may seem like it’s failed at the first hurdle. Namely, Roccat’s Kone Pure Ultra weighs slightly less. However, this ignores the fact that the Pro is better in almost every way.
We were originally taken aback by the design of the Burst Pro. This pointer avoids that honeycomb finish seen in other featherweight mice, with all those holes hidden beneath an ergonomic shell, only visible because of the mouse’s beautiful RGB lighting.
This thing is seriously nippy
Roccat Burst Pro review
You’re also upgrading the clickers with optical switches. We found the Titan Optical switches to be incredibly responsive, adding to the speedy feel of the mouse as a whole. With a 16,000 DPI sensor and that superlight form factor, we were flying across the battlefield with the Burst Pro under hand.
Throw in a braided Phantom flex cable for less drag and PTFE feet to get an effortless glide and you’re left with a fantastic piece of kit. As a result, this is the best gaming mouse for players who want a featherweight rodent.
Read more: Roccat Burst Pro review
How to find the best gaming mouse for you
It’s easy to forget that the best gaming mouse for you might not be the latest or greatest release. In fact, it’s worth getting to know what you need from a gaming mouse to make the right choice when it comes to checkout.
There are a few specs and features that you should always be looking for when browsing the shelves – just to make sure you’re keeping up with the times. However, knowing your preferred grip, the types of games you’ll play, and the level of software control you’re after will also help you narrow down your options significantly.
Grip type
For all the jargon involved in buying a gaming mouse, it’s easy to forget the biggest factor of all – comfort. You will naturally hold your mouse in a certain grip, usually either a palm, claw, or tip grip. The size and shape of your mouse will determine whether it is comfortable to hold in this way, so it’s worth noting how you naturally place your hand on the pointer and double checking your chosen mouse will fit you.
Palm: you hold the mouse with most of your hand and fingers resting on the mouse itself – aim for a wider mouse with a taller back arch.
Claw: only the bottom of your palm and the tips of your fingers are in contact with the mouse – aim for a shorter mouse with a small but still pronounced back arch.
Tip: there is very little contact between your hand and the mouse, with only your fingertips touching the buttons and sides – aim for a smaller body with as flat a back as you can find.
Wired vs wireless
Wireless gaming mice are gathering steam these days, as models hit the market that can overcome the traditional latency that used to come with untethering. However, it’s still worth noting that you’ll be paying a lot more for a wireless mouse that functions like a wired one.
These superfast connections still come at a premium, especially when placed on devices with high CPI rates and other fancier features.
A 2.4GHz connection is a must if you’re looking to spend a little more on a wireless device, though, as this is the only way you’ll pick up competitive response times without a cable.
Weight
Getting the right weight for your mouse will largely come down to the kinds of games you play. Lighter, more agile, mice are required for tournament level FPS play, but should also be considered for everyday action style titles as well. A heavier mouse is more likely to offer more configurable buttons, however, which means MOBA and MMO players may choose to forego that sub-100g profile for easy access to all their gear in-game.
CPI / DPI
In everyday play, some tend to place too much emphasis on the CPI / DPI of the best gaming mice on the market. CPI (or sometimes referred to as DPI) tracks how often the mouse’s sensor tracks the surface it’s on. The higher this rate, the less you’ll need to move your mouse to register movement on the screen.
CPI has been exploding recently, with mice now starting to push past the 20K sensors that were so impressive just last year. It’s worth noting, though, that these incredibly sensitive settings won’t be used from day to day, so an 8K or 10K sensor on the right mouse can still give you the edge.
How we test gaming mice
Gaming mice and subjective creatures, which is why we run a series of tests across a massive range of genres and use-cases to ensure we’re recommending the best products on the market. We bring these mice into our setups and use them daily for both work and play, extending our coverage far beyond our initial review to check for any wear and tear or durability concerns.
During that initial testing period we make sure the performance is up to the task of the latest and greatest titles by checking everything from sensor accuracy to click debounce, grip materials to scroll wheel resistance. Within this testing, however, we’re always keeping our assessments inline with value. That means we’re making sure that a $150 gaming mouse offers just as much value for money as a $30 model, and measuring our results in accordance.
You can read more about our commitment to providing honest recommendations through extensive testing in our Hardware Policy, and we’re also showing you exactly how we test gaming mice in more detail as well.
If you’re hunting for the ultimate PC gaming setup, we’ve got more than a few suggestions. We’re also rounding up all the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming chair brands for more peripherals. Or, take a look at the best gaming PC options and best gaming laptop models if you’re overhauling your whole setup.
Don’t skimp on the extras, though, the best gaming monitors (opens in new tab) can ensure your whole rig looks its best, and you’ll want to check out the best computer speakers (opens in new tab) if gaming headsets aren’t your bag.
Find out how we test gaming mice and more in our GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
