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8 Best Gaming Mice of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]
A gaming mouse is an indispensable tool for FPS and MMORPG players. It's particularly helpful for staying ahead of the game in titles like Valorant and Apex Legends. But with so many products on the market from makers like Razer and Logitech, it can be hard to sort out all the different specs and terms to find the one that works for you.
We've compared 8 bestselling gaming mice available online and tested them to recommend the best gaming mouse for you.
We tested each product for the following:
- Lag
- Ease of Use
- Functionality
Which product ended up being the best of the best? In our buying guide, we'll also tell you how to pick the best gaming mouse, so read on for more shopping tips.
Yasuhiro Yamaguchi has appeared on several Japanese TV shows and on YouTube as an entertainer specializing in gaming under the name Yamaguchi Quest. He's also written many online articles introducing a variety of games. Currently, Yasuhiro is in charge of articles related to gaming devices at mybest, writing articles with the intent of helping out new and beginner gamers.
How We Tested the Products
Scroll to testing method- Lag1
We first tested the lag on each mouse, which is probably what gamers will want to know most. We used the audio software Reaper to record the sound of clicking the mouse and then measured how long it took for the input to register on the screen. Using X-Mouse Button software, we set the M icon in Reaper to the left mouse button. Then, when we pressed the left button, it created a marker on the timeline, allowing us to see the time between when the button was clicked to when the input was registered. We did this five times and used the average time as the final score.Since cables and connection speed affect data transfer, there's no such thing as a lag-free mouse, so we set a lag time of one millisecond or less as the top score and deducted points for each additional millisecond. As a reminder, these tests don't account for differences in individual PCs and monitors, so the resulting numbers aren't absolute. Using them as a reference based on testing under the same conditions would be best.
- Ease of Use2
Next, we looked at ease of use, another essential characteristic of a gaming mouse. We asked five seasoned PC gamers to play Valorant using each mouse and graded them on the comfort of grip and weight. Our testers tried each mouse using a palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip and then graded them with the grip type that felt the most comfortable. Mice that didn't make the user's arm sore, and could be moved quickly and accurately, were given the best score.
- Functionality3
Finally, we graded each mouse based on functionality. Those with various customization options to match user preferences were scored highly.We graded the following areas.Number of buttonsDPI increment sizeNumber of DPI setting save slotsMaximum polling rateDoes it come with tuning weights?Does it have custom software?Does it have a tilt wheel?Maximum DPIDoes it work with macros?
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Gaming Mouse Different From a Regular Mouse?
- Gaming Mice Are Lightweight, With Ultra-Light Honeycomb Mice on the Rise
- How to Choose a Gaming Mouse - Buying Guide
- Input Speed Matters Most, so Choose One With the Least Lag1
- Mice Under 3 Ounces Are Comfortable, and Those 3.5 Ounces or More Feel Heavy2
- Choose a Mouse With the Number of Buttons That Fits Your Play Style3
- Check DPI Increments, Not Just Maximum DPI4
- Choose a Mouse With the Simplest Software5
- How We Tested the Gaming Mice
What Makes a Gaming Mouse Different From a Regular Mouse?
Of course, using a standard mouse to play games on your PC is possible, but a gaming mouse is specifically developed to provide a better PC gaming experience. So what specifically are the merits of a gaming mouse?
You Can Fine Tune Sensitivity for Your Optimal Gaming Speed
Each gamer has their own preferred sensitivity for their mouse. You can't focus on the game if your cursor doesn't stop at the exact position you want. Most standard mice have predetermined sensitivity that can't be changed. A gaming mouse, on the other hand, not only allows you to adjust the sensitivity, but you can do it in finer detail than with your PC's general mouse settings. And some gaming mice will even save your settings and switch automatically between games.
Adjusting the sensitivity might sound difficult for beginners, but it's easy. All it takes is opening up a settings menu in the mouse's software and playing around with the value until the cursor moves comfortably for you. You can adjust the sensitivity whenever you feel like your mouse is moving too fast or too slow, even outside the game.
Lower Input Lag Compared to a Standard Mouse, Even on Wireless Ones
One of the most significant advantages of gaming mice is their low latency. Our tests with the mybest team found that input lag from gaming mice was less than half of that from standard wireless mice.
The less latency your mouse has, the less time it takes for your actions to appear on the screen, which results in a more intuitive experience. In particular, for competitive gaming, the latency of your mouse directly impacts whether or not you're victorious, so we highly recommend a gaming mouse if you're playing to win.
Gaming Mice Are Lightweight, With Ultra-Light Honeycomb Mice on the Rise
Electronics maker Razer released the world's first gaming mouse in 1999. Over 20 years later, gaming mice have evolved with the latest technology, with various models on the market. Recently, gaming mice have been aiming to become lighter than ever. To develop mice that weigh as little as possible, some makers have released super-light models with honeycomb shells. So what advantages does a more lightweight mouse have?
If Pointer Sensitivity Isn't Your First Priority, Lighter Is Better
The most obvious benefit of using a light mouse is that it won't cause fatigue. The less your mouse weighs, the longer you can focus on the game without your wrist or elbow getting sore. For gamers who use the so-called fingertip grip and hardcore FPS/TPS gamers, we recommend choosing as light a mouse as possible.
Some people may worry that the cursor will move too quickly if their mouse is too light. But in reality, the friction of the mouse skates and the sensor's functionality have more effect than the body's weight. If the cursor consistently moves beyond your intended spot, you can adjust the sensitivity.
While Logitech's G502 HERO weighed 4.25 ounces in 2018, their G502 X model, just four years later in 2022, was brought down to three ounces. For another example, Xtrfy's 2020 model M42 weighed a mere two ounces. This is made possible by the honeycomb design of the shell. You can be sure that mouse makers will continue to compete for who can come up with the lightest mouse.
How to Choose a Gaming Mouse - Buying Guide
Input Speed Matters Most, so Choose One With the Least Lag
Lower latency is one of the biggest reasons to use a gaming mouse. Here at mybest, we carefully measured the latency of each mouse so you can choose the fastest one.
For FPS/TPS and Competitive Games, a Fraction of a Second Can Make All the Difference
A mouse with the shortest time from when you click it to when the signal gets to your PC gives you an advantage over the competition. For example, if you're in a match and you and your rival both click your mouse simultaneously, the player whose mouse has less latency will have their input registered first. Even if your gaming skill is higher, you can lose if your mouse's input speed isn't up to par.
Other factors can affect latency, such as your monitor, PC specs, or connection speed, but if you're going to the trouble of buying a gaming mouse, you should aim for one with the least latency.
Wireless Mice Aren't Always Prone to Lag, and Some Are Faster Than Wired Ones
Wireless mice give you the convenience of control without troublesome cables, but gamers have traditionally been skeptical of them, citing their inferiority to wired mice regarding latency. The truth is that many modern wireless gaming mice claim fast, low-lag connections.
In fact, during our tests, we discovered some wireless models had even less input lag than wired models. Remember that most models advertising themselves as low-latency used 2.4GHz connections with a USB dongle. Models that use a Bluetooth connection rarely achieve this level of input speed, so make sure you know what you're getting before you buy.
Out of Our Top 3 Low-Lag Mice, Razer Makes 2 of Them
Razer's products proved themselves with the least input lag during our trials. Their wired model DeathAdderV2 was the only mouse that averaged less than one millisecond of lag. Considering that a millisecond is just one-thousandth of a second, it's about as close to zero as possible.
Razer's wireless Basilisk X also displayed very little latency, the third lowest of the eight products we tested. Considering it was even faster than some of the wired models we examined, it should be at the top of the list for FPS/TPS gamers looking for a wireless gaming mouse.
Mice Under 3 Ounces Are Comfortable, and Those 3.5 Ounces or More Feel Heavy
While the overall trend in gaming mice is to move towards lighter models, there are still mice over 3.5 ounces in every maker's lineup. When we asked five FPS/TPS gamers to compare these products' usability based on weight, they responded that models weighing three ounces or less were optimal, while those over 3.5 ounces felt needlessly heavy.
Wireless Models Are User-Friendly, but Tend to Be Heavier
Having your mouse attached to your PC with a cable can sometimes be a headache in the middle of gaming. But a wireless mouse doesn't limit your range of movement, making for stress-free gaming. The tradeoff is that a wireless mouse needs to hold a battery, which usually causes it to weigh more than a wired mouse.
Razer's Basilisk X requires a AA battery to work, which must be considered when comparing the overall weight. While you don't need to deal with cables, the extra weight slows down how quickly you can move the mouse, which is a disadvantage when you need to react instantly. If control is paramount, check the weight when choosing a wireless mouse.
Even Gamers Who Prefer a Weighty Mouse Shouldn't Go Over 3.5 Ounces
Some people prefer slightly heavier mice to lightweight ones. In particular, for those who set their pointer speed high and don't need to move the mouse in wide arcs, having a too-light mouse can cause them to move the pointer too far.
But during our trials, we found that even gamers who set their pointer speed to a high setting of 1,200 DPI still felt that a mouse over 3.5 ounces was uncomfortably heavy. Heavier mice have a negative effect on the user experience and generally don't demonstrate any merits.
With a gaming mouse, you can fine-tune the pointer speed in small increments but can't change the weight. Some mice allow you to add or remove weights to adjust it, but there's no guarantee it will be just right. We highly recommend initially buying a lightweight mouse and adjusting the sensitivity to your liking instead.
In Addition to Staying Under 3 Ounces, Look for a Comfy Grip to Improve Control
We asked five FPS/TPS gamers to play Valorant with each of the mice on our list and grade them according to usability. When the ranking was complete, we discovered that the top three products each weighed less than three ounces. But lightness isn't the only factor in ease of use.
Our second-ranked mouse, Xtrfy's M42, weighs two ounces, and the top-ranked DeathAdder V2 weighs 2.9 ounces. These two mice mainly differ in their shape and materials. The shape of the DeathAdder is geared towards right-handed users, and is suitable for those who like to grip their mouse firmly in their hand, called the palm grip, or with their fingers curled, called the claw grip. Its smooth surface and naturally curved shape make it easy to aim at your target.
During our tests, we tried out each mouse using all three grip types: palm, claw, and fingertip. Be sure to check our ratings to find which one matches your style before making a purchase.
Choose a Mouse With the Number of Buttons That Fits Your Play Style
One of gaming mice's biggest appeals is their high functionality level. Having a large number of programmable buttons can be a benefit to gamers who play a lot of RPG or MOBA games.
Use Programmable Buttons to Simplify Commands and Shortcuts
Many right-handed players who game with their keyboards use the WASD keys for movement and press other keys near the space bar with their left thumb. But moving your thumb to different keys is tricky while keeping your fingers on the WASD keys. That's why it's helpful to apply keys you often use to mouse buttons; you can easily access them with your right hand without having to move your thumb unnaturally.
You can apply more complex commands to mouse buttons, not just single keys. Since you can shorten time-consuming or tricky commands to a single button, gamers who play games that require complex key inputs should choose a mouse with many buttons.
More Buttons Means a Bigger Mouse, so You'll Add Convenience but Sacrifice Fluid Operation
While it's nice to have more buttons, of course the mouse itself needs to be bigger to accommodate them. Bigger mice tend to be harder to hold and weigh more, so button count alone shouldn't be the deciding factor when you make a purchase.
For example, Corsair's Scimitar has a whopping 17 programmable buttons, which is incredibly convenient, but it also weighs 4.3 ounces! The body is four and a half inches wide, which doesn't lend itself to a user-friendly experience for players who use the palm grip.
Having many buttons usually comes at the cost of a drop in ease of use, so players should think carefully about which they want to prioritize when choosing a mouse.
2 to 3 Buttons for FPS/TPS, 5 for RPG and MOBA
For FPS/TPS players, how effectively you can manipulate the mouse is more important than the number of buttons. Besides aiming and movement, you'll generally only need a couple of commands like jumping and using items, so two to three side buttons are plenty.
But for MMORPG and MOBA players, there are extra commands you can benefit from having on the mouse. Remember that the more buttons you have to choose from, the harder it can be to keep track of which does what, so a mouse with around five side buttons and eight in total should give you the best gaming experience.
Check DPI Increments, Not Just Maximum DPI
The sensitivity of a mouse pointer is dependent on the DPI value. While some gaming mice have a max DPI of over 10,000, it's more important to look at how wide the increments are. In this section, we'll explain the importance of DPI for gaming mice.
DPI Determines Sensitivity, and a Gaming Mouse Allows for Fine Adjustments
DPI stands for dots per inch, meaning how many pixels the cursor covers when moved one inch. While standard mice often allow for some level of adjustment, gaming mice have the advantage of being able to adjust this value in small increments.
In addition to changing the value, some mice allow you to save multiple DPI settings. By creating settings for different game genres or tasks, you can always get the most appropriate level of sensitivity from a single mouse.
2,000 DPI Is the Most You'll Ever Need
The latest models of gaming mice advertise a maximum DPI of over 10,000. Some even go up to 20,000, but the truth is that 2,000 is the most you would ever need. When we surveyed 100 US gamers about their preferred mouse sensitivity, 80 answered they keep the DPI setting between 400 and 1,200.
1,200 DPI is considered in the high range for PC gamers, and you'll hardly ever find players who use more than 2,000. In the modern era, major shopping sites don't tend to carry gaming mice with a maximum DPI of less than 2,000, so it's not a particularly important value to check.
Setting your mouse DPI to over 10,000 will cause the cursor to zoom uncontrollably and isn't ideal. It's more likely that makers will try to increase the maximum DPI of their products to prove who has the most advanced technology.
Look for Mice With DPI Increments of 50 or Less, Particularly From Razer and Corsair
It's more important to check how finely you can adjust the DPI on a gaming mouse. Since a maximum DPI of 2,000 is plenty, how precisely you can adjust the cursor sensitivity is more likely to affect which mouse works best for you.
Most mice come with the maker's custom software, which allows you to adjust the DPI. Having smaller increments to move between lets you better adjust the sensitivity to your preferred value, and Razer's notably allow for adjustments of less than 50 DPI. Corsair's software even allows you to adjust one DPI at a time, so you'll have no problem finding the value that works best for you.
Choose a Mouse With the Simplest Software
As you can see, a gaming mouse's effectiveness depends on how well you can utilize its features. Most mice come with custom software to help with setup, but some makers' software is easier to use than others.
Being Able to Fine-Tune Your Gaming Mouse Is Important
If you primarily use your mouse for gaming, having a wide range of customization options is essential. Mice that allow you to save multiple setting combinations allow for even more flexibility. This is a good choice as it will enable you to save settings for everyday tasks and different game genres, which is helpful for people who also work from their PC.
It's even more convenient if you can switch between mouse settings with a single button instead of opening up the software every time you want to change. Gaming mice by makers like Logitech, Razer, and Corsair allow you to save various settings. If you're unsure what options you want, we recommend going with a mouse by one of these well-known brands.
Most Major Brands Allow for a High Level of Customization, Particularly Razer
We suggest first-time buyers go with a mouse by Razer. Their software installation starts automatically once you've connected the mouse to your computer, which saves you the hassle of going to their website to download it. Razer's software is easy to understand, allows you to change settings on other Razer peripherals, not just the mouse, and gets frequent updates to prevent bugs.
If you've never used PC software to change the settings on a mouse, you'll want one that makes sense at a glance. Go with a mouse by Razer if you have any doubts.
8 Best Gaming Mouse Ranking
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Ranking spec | Details | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lag free | Ease of use | Functionality | Width | Depth | Height | Weight | Side buttons | Connectivity | Max. sensitivity | Min. sensitivity | DPI increments | DPI button | Tilt wheel | Detachable cable | Charging dock | Ergonomic | Max. polling rate | Cord length | ||||||
1 | Razer DeathAdder V2 | | Lag Free and Just the Right Size | 5 in. | 3 in. | 1.75 in. | 2.9 oz. | 2 | Wired | 20,000 dpi | 50 dpi | 50 dpi | 1,000 Hz | unknown | ||||||||||
2 | Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeed | | High Input Speed for a Wireless Model, and Extra Weight Doesn't Inhibit Usability | 5 in. | 3 in. | 1.75 in. | 2.9 oz. without batteries, 3.7 oz. with batteries | 2 | Wired | 16,000 dpi | 50 dpi | 50 dpi | 1,000 Hz | unknown | ||||||||||
3 | HyperX Pulsefire Haste | | Palm Grip Players Will Feel at Home With the Fast Response Time and Light Weight | 1.5 in. | unknown | 1.5 in. | 2.1 oz. | 2 | Wired | 16,000 dpi | 400 dpi | 100 dpi | 1,000 Hz | unknown | ||||||||||
4 | Steel Series Rival 3 | | Grips the Mousepad Well, but Your Palm Less So | 4.75 in. | 1 in. | 2 in. | 2.7 oz. | 2 | Wired | 8,500 | 200 | 100 | 1,000 Hz | unknown | ||||||||||
4 | Endgame Gear XM1 | | Lightweight and Easy to Control, but Lacks Fullness | 5 in. | 2.5 in. | 1.5 in. | 2.9 oz. | 2 | Wired | 16,000 dpi | 50 dpi | 50 dpi | unknown | 1,000 Hz | 73 in. | |||||||||
6 | Corsair Scimitar | | Excels in Customization, but Not Agility | unknown | unknown | unknown | 4.3 oz. | 12 | Wired | 18000 dpi | 1 dpi | 1 dpi | 1,000 Hz | unknown | ||||||||||
7 | Xtrfy M42 | | Low Latency Overshadowed by a Lack of Features and Customization Options | 4.75 in. | 2.5 in. | 1.5 in. | 2 oz. | 2 | Wired | 16,000 dpi | 400 dpi | unknown | 1,000 Hz | unknown | ||||||||||
8 | Logitech G502 HERO | | A Solid Feature Set, but Somewhat Heavy and Laggy | 3 in. | 1.5 in. | 5.25 in. | 4.3 oz. | 5 | Wired | 100 dpi | 25,600 dpi | unknown | 1,000 Hz | 7 ft. | ||||||||||
RazerDeathAdder V2
| Weight | 2.9 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 2 |
| DPI increments | 50 dpi |
- Max. sensitivity
- 20,000 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 50 dpi
Lag Free and Just the Right Size
The DeathAdder V2 is a gaming mouse by Razer, known worldwide for their gaming peripherals. It's 0.8 ounces lighter than the previous generation model DeathAdder Elite, and adds other improvements like a better track wheel and tactile surface.
We recorded an average lag time of 1.34 milliseconds, which was the shortest amount of lag out of all the products we tested. It seems that Razer's optical switch technology for lightning fast input really is as good as they say. With such low latency, FPS/TPS gamers won't be hindered by their mouse in a battle of reflexes. This mouse is intended for right-handed players who use the palm grip, but thanks to the light weight and forward-slanted body we felt like it would be comfortable for players who use the claw grip or fingertip grip as well.
It's relatively light for its size and slides along the mousepad smoothly. All five gamers who tested the mouse said they felt it fit comfortably in their hands, no doubt thanks to the unique shape, and most people will agree it's user-friendly overall. The V2 has a maximum 20,000 DPI with increments of 50 DPI and can save up to five settings.
It's only got two side buttons, but if you plan on using it for FPS/TPS gaming, this will be plenty. The included software is easy to understand, and it accepts macros so that you can assign various functions with the scroll wheel. With its ease of use and low lag time, you should be able to enjoy pretty much any game that doesn't require a large number of buttons.
| Width | 5 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 in. |
| Height | 1.75 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | unknown |
RazerBasilisk X HyperSpeed
| Weight | 2.9 oz. without batteries, 3.7 oz. with batteries |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 2 |
| DPI increments | 50 dpi |
- Max. sensitivity
- 16,000 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 50 dpi
High Input Speed for a Wireless Model, and Extra Weight Doesn't Inhibit Usability
The Basilisk X HyperSpeed is another gaming mouse by California-based maker Razer. It claims to allow for 25 percent faster input than other wireless models on the market, and can run for 450 hours on one AA battery. In our tests for latency, we found it was indeed very fast for a wireless model, registering only 2.38 milliseconds of lag on average. The maker's promises about fast input turned out to be true, so FPS/TPS gamers will find it more than satisfactory. If low latency is important to you, this is one of the best wireless mice out there.
When grading ease of use, we found that the deep thumb groove made it easy to keep a steady hold of while moving around. However, the body weighs over 3.5 ounces with the battery inserted, so it's not well suited for games that require quick movements. The size and shape of the body don't lend themselves to grip types other than the palm grip, but the lack of a cable means you can move it around large spaces without distraction.
It has a maximum DPI of 16,000 and can be adjusted in increments of 50 DPI, with five save slots for settings. This mouse doesn't have a rechargeable battery but does show you how much battery is left in the included software, so you won't be caught off guard when the battery runs out. With only two side buttons, it might not suffice for MOBA or MMORPGs, but for gamers who want a wireless mouse that's fast enough for reflex-based gaming, it fits the bill.
| Width | 5 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 in. |
| Height | 1.75 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | unknown |
HyperXPulsefire Haste
| Weight | 2.1 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 2 |
| DPI increments | 100 dpi |
- Max. sensitivity
- 16,000 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 400 dpi
Palm Grip Players Will Feel at Home With the Fast Response Time and Light Weight
Hyper X, known for their gaming peripherals like headsets and keyboards, makes the Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse. It uses a honeycomb design to keep weight to a minimum and has a dust-resistant coating inside the shell. The latency came out to 2.66 milliseconds on average, which puts it toward the top of the products we tested, and we never noticed lag while gaming. The light body allows for fast movements, so FPS/TPS players who need to aim while changing directions should have no trouble.
When looking at usability, we were pleased with the large size of the left and right mouse buttons, which allowed for accurate control no matter where we put our fingers. The light weight should appeal to all grip types, but we felt it was most comfortable with the palm grip. A couple of our testers said the honeycomb pattern felt odd on their palms, but considering it lets you stop on a dime in games like Valorant, we can confidently say this is an excellent mouse in terms of usability.
The Pulsefire Haste has a maximum 16,000 DPI, can be adjusted in 100 DPI increments, and allows you to save up to four settings. The number of buttons is on the low side at six, even including the left and right buttons, but at least the included software is compatible with macros. While it doesn't excel in its feature set, it still boasts enough customization for smooth FPS/TPS gaming.
| Width | 1.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | unknown |
| Height | 1.5 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | unknown |
Steel SeriesRival 3
| Weight | 2.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 2 |
| DPI increments | 100 |
- Max. sensitivity
- 8,500
- Min. sensitivity
- 200
Grips the Mousepad Well, but Your Palm Less So
Denmark-based electronics maker Steel Series, known for their mousepads and controllers, makes the Rival 3 gaming mouse. It advertises itself as being tough enough for long term use, with a built-in switch that supposedly ensures functionality for 60 million clicks. It logged an average of 3.32 milliseconds of input lag, which is not necessarily as fast as some of the other products we looked at, but it's functional in practice. It's unlikely you'll notice significant lag when playing fast-paced FPS/TPS games.
Opinions were split on the shape of this mouse with its small, uniquely round body. It worked well for players who use the fingertip grip, but there isn't enough incline on the body to fit comfortably along the hands of palm grip gamers. Thankfully, it has textured mouse skates, so it won't easily slide out of control when you need to make quick movements.
The Rival 3 has a maximum 8,500 DPI with increments of 100 DPI and can save up to five settings. Since it's easy to narrow down the DPI value to the ones you're most likely to use, it's a good choice for people who don't like to have a confusing number of options. There are only two side buttons, but it's also compatible with macro commands. While it's not overflowing with features, you'll find it easy to customize to a setup that works best for you.
| Width | 4.75 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1 in. |
| Height | 2 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | unknown |
Endgame GearXM1
| Weight | 2.9 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 2 |
| DPI increments | 50 dpi |
- Max. sensitivity
- 16,000 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 50 dpi
Lightweight and Easy to Control, but Lacks Fullness
The XM1 is a gaming mouse by German gaming peripheral maker Endgame Gear, who appeared on the scene in 2019. Its vertically symmetrical design has been praised by gamers, and it only weighs 2.5 ounces. The input lag is in the middle range, at 3.24 milliseconds on average. The maker's website claims that it has less than one millisecond of lag, but we were never able to achieve that number in our tests. Even so, it's a respectably small amount of lag, so FPS/TPS players shouldn't feel hindered.
When grading it on ease of use, we found that the shape didn't rise up enough, which resulted in our wrists touching the table or mousepad at an awkward angle. But thanks to it being relatively lightweight for its size, players who prefer playing with the palm grip on a low sensitivity setting had good things to say about the ease of control. The textured skates also gave us a positive impression.
This mouse has a maximum 16,000 DPI with 50 DPI increments and can save up to four settings. It does come with custom software but isn't compatible with macros, so you can only turn buttons on or off. MOBA and MMORPG players would find it inconvenient since you can't program any keys to buttons, but FPS/TPS players who are comfortable using the mouse and keyboard in tandem will enjoy its simplicity and accurate control.
| Width | 5 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2.5 in. |
| Height | 1.5 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | unknown |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | 73 in. |
CorsairScimitar
| Weight | 4.3 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 12 |
| DPI increments | 1 dpi |
- Max. sensitivity
- 18000 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 1 dpi
Excels in Customization, but Not Agility
The Scimitar is a gaming mouse by American PC accessory maker Corsair. It has a total of 12 side buttons so that you can play without using the keyboard. The input lag came to a commendable 3.04 milliseconds, which should be unnoticeable during normal gaming. It's a large mouse on the heavier side so it isn't geared towards FPS/TPS gamers, but the latency is low enough for smooth, stress-free gaming. If you're playing games that don't constantly require you to change perspective, for example rhythm games, it should be more than sufficient.
When we tested it for ease of use, we found that side buttons were always close to or under the user's thumb, which resulted in a lot of accidental inputs. There's one free spot for your ring finger to rest next to the right button, but the shape didn't lend itself well to gamers who use the palm grip. The body is wide and chunky, so it didn't feel perfectly natural to move in wide arcs.
The Scimitar has a maximum DPI of 18,000, can be adjusted in increments of 1 DPI, and saves up to five settings. There are a whopping 17 programmable buttons, and combined with macros you could easily use it to play an MMORPG with no other input methods. It's not our first choice for FPS/TPS gaming, but it works well for games that don't require you to move the mouse around a large space constantly.
| Width | unknown |
|---|---|
| Depth | unknown |
| Height | unknown |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | unknown |
XtrfyM42
| Weight | 2 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 2 |
| DPI increments | unknown |
- Max. sensitivity
- 16,000 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 400 dpi
Low Latency Overshadowed by a Lack of Features and Customization Options
Swedish gaming peripheral maker Xtrfy, known for their keyboards and mousepads, makes the M42 gaming mouse. It has a symmetrical honeycomb design and comes with two interchangeable shells. We measured the input lag at 2.14 milliseconds on average, which effectively gives the player the impression of no lag at all.
The symmetrical design means that right- and left-handed gamers can both hold it comfortably, and the size allows for solid maneuvering, particularly with the palm grip. It's also light enough for quick movements and should fulfill the needs of most FPS/TPS gamers. The DPI settings, however, don't allow for fine adjustments as they are limited to eight presets: 400, 800, 1,200, 1,600, 3,200, 4,000, 7,200 and 16,000.
With no custom software or macro compatibility, this mouse has very few customization options. The features don't differ greatly from a standard mouse, so we don't recommend using it for MOBA or MMORPG gaming.
| Width | 4.75 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2.5 in. |
| Height | 1.5 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | unknown |
LogitechG502 HERO
| Weight | 4.3 oz. |
|---|---|
| Side buttons | 5 |
| DPI increments | unknown |
- Max. sensitivity
- 100 dpi
- Min. sensitivity
- 25,600 dpi
A Solid Feature Set, but Somewhat Heavy and Laggy
The G502 HERO is a gaming mouse by Swiss maker Logitech, known worldwide for their PC accessories. It boasts a slim design and five side buttons, making it applicable for a wide range of game genres. Although we didn't really notice it while gaming, this mouse registered an average 4.3 milliseconds of lag, which is noticeably slower than the other products we tested.
The body is on the large side, which works well for the palm grip, but the skates were a bit slippery, and combined with the weight, it didn't control as accurately as we would have liked. Despite fitting well into the user's hand, we weren't able to award it a high score in usability. On the bright side, it has a maximum 25,600 DPI and can be adjusted in 50 DPI increments, with four save slots. There are 11 programmable buttons and a tilt wheel as well, which is a respectable feature set. With so many customization options, it should keep MOBA and MMORPG players satisfied.
| Width | 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1.5 in. |
| Height | 5.25 in. |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| DPI button | |
| Tilt wheel | |
| Detachable cable | |
| Charging dock | |
| Ergonomic | |
| Max. polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Cord length | 7 ft. |
How We Tested the Gaming Mice
We tested eight best-selling gaming mice from various shopping sites to determine which ones got our recommendation. At mybest, we defined a quality gaming mouse as being low-latency and easy to control.
We graded each mouse in the following categories.
- How bad is the latency?
- Is it easy to use?
- What features does it have?
Products we tested
- Corsair｜Scimitar
- Endgame Gear｜XM1
- HyperX｜Pulsefire Haste
- Logitech｜G502 HERO
- Razer｜DeathAdder V2
- Razer｜Basilisk X HyperSpeed
- Steel Series｜Rival 3
- Xtrfy｜M42
Lag
We first tested the lag on each mouse, which is probably what gamers will want to know most. We used the audio software Reaper to record the sound of clicking the mouse and then measured how long it took for the input to register on the screen. Using X-Mouse Button software, we set the M icon in Reaper to the left mouse button. Then, when we pressed the left button, it created a marker on the timeline, allowing us to see the time between when the button was clicked to when the input was registered. We did this five times and used the average time as the final score.
Since cables and connection speed affect data transfer, there's no such thing as a lag-free mouse, so we set a lag time of one millisecond or less as the top score and deducted points for each additional millisecond. As a reminder, these tests don't account for differences in individual PCs and monitors, so the resulting numbers aren't absolute. Using them as a reference based on testing under the same conditions would be best.
Ease of Use
Next, we looked at ease of use, another essential characteristic of a gaming mouse. We asked five seasoned PC gamers to play Valorant using each mouse and graded them on the comfort of grip and weight. Our testers tried each mouse using a palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip and then graded them with the grip type that felt the most comfortable. Mice that didn't make the user's arm sore, and could be moved quickly and accurately, were given the best score.
Functionality
Finally, we graded each mouse based on functionality. Those with various customization options to match user preferences were scored highly.
We graded the following areas.
- Number of buttons
- DPI increment size
- Number of DPI setting save slots
- Maximum polling rate
- Does it come with tuning weights?
- Does it have custom software?
- Does it have a tilt wheel?
- Maximum DPI
- Does it work with macros?
Top 5 Gaming Mice
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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