Comfort aside, the other big-ticket items are performance and accuracy. For serious and even casual gamers, you’ll likely want to decide if it’s more practical for you to have a wired or wireless model. If you go with a wireless mouse for gaming, battery capacity and connectivity are key considerations. Other important performance stats you’ll want to look for include your preferred CPI/DPI sensitivity rates for precise movements, IPS and acceleration values for lightning-quick reactions, and higher polling rates for quick responses and lag-free play. Of course, another trait gaming enthusiasts appreciate is the power to customize everything about their gaming accessories. If you like a bevy of choices around RGB personalization, programming macros and keybindings, and switching between profiles, make sure your choice gives you the control you like. Our top pick, the Razer V2 Pro at Razer, excels when it comes to both customization and performance with an ergonomic, wireless build that delivers expert precision and max DPI of 20,000Hz. The other options on our list are also top performers and excel in other areas such as ergonomics and connectivity. With enough onboard memory for five different profiles, seven customizable buttons, and Razer Chroma RGB customization all in the Razer Synapse software, it’s easy to tailor this mouse specifically to your style of play. There’s also an intuitively placed button on the top of the device that allows for quick profile switching and you have the option of wired use while charging or switching between Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless mode. When connected via Bluetooth, you can expect up to 120 hours of battery life or 70 hours via Wi-Fi. Number of Buttons: 5 | CPI: 20,000 | Weight: 88g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle The ambidextrous build means that both the side buttons are removable according to which hand you’ll be using. For some, the overall shape could be awkward, especially for claw grippers, but the array of up to 11 programmable buttons, speedy, professional-grade 1-millisecond response time, and max 25,600 DPI are all positives that will please most. If you like a lightshow, there’s a certain degree of RGB customization via the Logitech Hub software. In RGB mode, you can expect about 120 hours of battery life, while non-lighting mode will extend that to 180 hours. Number of Buttons: 9 | CPI: 12,000 | Weight: 110g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle While this mouse already has a heavier and more solid build than many other lighter-weight mice that are desired for certain games like FPS, it does come with a set of 10-gram weights to add even more heft. Depending on your preferences, you might not find it conducive to all kinds of grips. Some users also report occasional issues with erroneous inputs or awkward strain to reach the thumb/sniper button. But if you enjoy the substantial feel and have the right hand shape and grip, this could be just the affordable and overachieving mouse you’ve been looking for. Number of Buttons: 11 | CPI: 25,000 | Weight: 121g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle Other game-ready specs include a maximum 18,000 DPI with 1-DPI increments for maximum control, customizable polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, three RGB zones, and 10 programmable buttons for programming your most-used keybinds or the most advantageous macros. While Corsair recommends this mouse specifically for larger hands and palm grips as well as FPS and MOBA play, if this fits your gaming preferences, the sculpted shape and speedy wireless performance could enhance the way you play. Number of Buttons: 6 | CPI: 18,000 | Weight: 59g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle Regardless of which hand you use, this ambidextrous mouse is designed to offer maximum comfort for those marathon gaming sessions. There are two side buttons (all six buttons are programmable) for setting your preferred keybinds and the woven cord is durable and flexible so that you’ll never have to feel like you’re wrestling with it. The shell is also dust and water-resistant so it won’t be the end of the world if you encounter a spill, but overall the design is a little delicate, won’t fit all hand sizes, and could require frequent cleaning. Number of Buttons: 6 | CPI: 16,000 | Weight: 59g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle
What to Look for in Gaming Mice
Comfort
The right gaming mouse for your hand should be a comfortable size and suited to your preferred grips. Button placement and programmable buttons can also extend comfort, as could ultra-light form factors, sticky feet, and ergonomic shapes.
Wired vs. wireless
Some die-hard gamers prefer wired peripherals over wireless, but the latest wireless mice can deliver solid connectivity and performance—as well as a lot of control over managing DPI settings, keybinds, and RGB settings. Wireless mice also have an edge when it comes to portability, but battery life varies. The good news is that most wireless mice are also usable in wired mode.
Performance
Finding the right balance of sensitivity and speed is a personal preference that depends on your style of play, but looking for high and customizable DPI and speedy polling rates and acceleration are all helpful indicators of how a mouse could enhance your gaming performance. Gaming mice usually also feature some form of RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your peripherals to compliment the rest of your gaming setup.
