Best Gaming Mouse in 2024: Wired and Wireless Mice

The DeathAdder has been Razer’s flagship mouse for nearly two decades, and for good reason. From iteration to iteration, DeathAdders historically struck a balance between style, ergonomics, and performance, and the V3 HyperSpeed is the best version yet. Surprisingly, Razer went with a more non-descript look for this model – it has no RGB lighting and only sports a low-key Razer logo at the palm area. But I dig the sleek look, and it lets the rest of the mouse speak for itself.

In my DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review, it earned a 9 for several different reasons. The springy, responsive clicks of both the left and right mouse buttons are great for gaming, its side buttons are properly shaped and positioned to make them easy to use in intense situations, and the 26k optical sensor is plenty accurate for precision aiming in the competitive scene. It also gets a number of small things right, such as the grippy smooth-touch texture and slight contours that make it easy to whip around in frantic firefights. And the fact that it weighs in at a superlight 55g means it’s effortless to use day in and day out.

The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is reasonably priced for a mouse of this caliber (although you do need to buy the HyperPolling dongle separately to access up to 8000 Hz polling rate). While I do think the Viper V3 Pro has the slight edge in terms of pure performance, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a better all-around mouse that’ll be tough to beat for years to come.

If you’re really tight on money but need to either upgrade from a standard office mouse or replace an aging gaming mouse without breaking the bank, the SteelSeries Rival 3 still holds down the fort admirably. It’s a symmetrical, somewhat-compact USB wired mouse coming in at 77g, and it's a good fit for fingertip- and claw-style grips. It’s designed with a little flash and flair with a programmable RGB strip around the base and on the SteelSeries logo at the palm. Most importantly, it’s comfortable and accurate to the point where I don’t mind using it for ranked Counter-Strike 2 matches.

It may not have the most sophisticated tech as its sensor taps out at 8,500 max DPI, but even then, the TrueMove optical sensor is still very accurate. Its left and right clicks aren’t quite as crunchy as my current favorites (and the side buttons are very thin), but that doesn’t hold it back from performing under pressure. It goes for a sort of one-size-fits-all design, so while I had no problems whipping it around for shooters, it likely won’t fit like a glove as some of the more higher-end mice tend to. But the fact that you can get a mouse that performs at this level for just $20 to $30 is an incredible value, making the Rival 3 one of the best budget gaming mouse.

Sticking with SteelSeries, the Aerox 3 is a flashy mouse that looks loud. The triangular cutouts at the palm and the bright RGB may seem over the top, but in actual use, its effects are quite nice (which you can customize through SteelSeries’ software). And if you’re worried about damaging the internals, they’re guarded so it's not actually exposed. None of that would matter if the Aerox 3 wasn’t fit for gaming, and thankfully it’s one of my favorite wireless mice you can get on sale for around $50 to $60. That makes it a great value for an all-rounder

In our Aerox 3 gaming mouse review, it earned a 9 for holding its own in competitive shooters with SteelSeries’ TrueMove Air optical sensor (topping out at 18,000 DPI) while not having to eat up too much battery – although battery life has evolved in brand new wireless mice, the Aerox 3 still isn’t a slouch and charges fast, if anything. It’s a bit tough to find a flashy, high-performance wireless mouse at this price range, making the Aerox 3 my current recommendation for a budget wireless mouse.

The Logitech G403 has been a personal favorite for many years as I see it as the spiritual successor to my all-time favorite, the MX 518 from decades ago. Its grooves and super grippy rubberized texture on the sides make it easy to pick up and swipe around despite it being a bit on the heavier side of mice (although I will admit that the material picks up grime more so than others). I really like how large the G403 is since I have big hands, and that makes a palm grip very comfortable. However, its size is something to note if you prefer something smaller.

One thing I’ve always loved about it more than even brand-new top-line mice is the chunky and clicky side buttons – this makes them easy to use and distinguish from one another, which is helpful since I use them often. It’s outfitted with the same super-accurate Hero sensor as all of Logitech’s high-performance mice, making it a great value to get the same quality sensor in a reasonably-priced wired mouse. I also just like the simple aesthetic of the Logitech G product line, especially with this one being rounded and elegant with just the Logitech “G” and scroll wheel strip giving a bit of RGB lighting to boot.

This pick is kind of an easy one considering the praise I gave the Logitech G403 – that’s because the Logitech G703 is essentially the same mouse, but wireless. It shares the same dimensions as its wired counterpart, save that it weighs a bit more (95g) because of the battery. But you get all the same high-performance tech and ergonomic upside, just without the wire.

Despite it being ever so slightly on the heavier side of other wireless mice I’ve recommended in recent years, the G703 still feels easy to wield because its weight distribution makes it nicely balanced. The rubberized grips also help keep it secure in your hand, so it takes some of the load off of you as you’re lifting and swiping the mouse in gaming scenarios. And as I said earlier, the Hero 25K optical sensor makes Logitech mice some of the best in business in terms of tracking accuracy. It’s a bigger mouse, so again, take note of whether or not you prefer something larger (effectively making it wonderful for palm grips).

To get the most out of the Razer Viper V3 Pro, you have to be pretty serious about competitive shooters – which I can be, at times, without getting toxic. It shares a lot of similarities with the DeathAdder V3 that I recommended above, but there are a few key differences that set it apart for those who want the absolute best performance, whether or not it be the determining factor in wins or losses.

The Viper V3 Pro is capable of a polling rate up to 8000 Hz, meaning it sends inputs to your PC at a much faster rate than typical 1000 Hz mice. However, that difference is very hard to notice without the right scenario. It’s much more noticeable at high resolutions and higher refresh rates / frame rates since the increased input rate will actually translate on screen to smoother and snappier tracking. I could feel that difference when I gave the Viper V3 Pro a 9 in my review, and while I can’t say it made me a better player, it was noticeable.

Even if you are using this mouse at the standard 1000 Hz (which is plenty fast for competitive play), it does everything else right on top. The wider surface area of the mouse feet help it glide effortlessly on my mouse pad, and the springy clicks are very responsive for rapid fire. It’s a symmetrical mouse, so it may not gel with right-handed players quite as well as the DeathAdder V3, but the Viper V3’s size, weight, and texture make it a fantastic fit for fast-paced shooters. The only annoying part about it is that you have to use the HyperPolling receiver to use the mouse wirelessly, and the receiver requires a USB cable for connectivity. This mouse was designed with competitive FPS games in mind, so if that’s your priority, you won’t mind this slight compromise at all.Weights for customizing the Corsair NightSword RGB

I tend to stick with normal-style mice regardless of the game I’m playing, but whenever I do try out a new multi-button mouse designed for MMORPGs or MOBAs, I always compare it to the Corsair Scimitar. And with the latest iteration in the Scimitar Elite, I’ve yet to find one that can top what Corsair seems to have perfected. It’s a tricky thing to juggle – having upwards of 12 side buttons across your thumb while still being ergonomically sensible to use like a normal mouse is no easy feat. Still, I wasn’t afraid of accidentally activating one of the side buttons because they have a necessary firmness to them, which is what makes the Scimitar Elite so good. Those side buttons also have a nice tactile surface to them – by alternating the texture type of each column of buttons, it’s easy to distinguish which set of buttons you’re touching, and in turn, pressing down. It’s a simple and smart design, and I’d be hard-pressed to think of a way a new model or different brand can improve on what the Scimitar Elite already does.

Granted, this is a heavy mouse given all the buttons and additional internals required to make it all work, but this isn’t a mouse you’ll be swiping frantically for lining up flick shots in a Counter-Strike match. Although we’re here to focus on gaming, the 12 side buttons also come in handy in video production, photo editing, or data management since you can map shortcuts to them. It's a pretty hyper-specific niche to fill, but if you prefer this style of mouse and can benefit from its features in MMOs or MOBAs, the Corsair Scimitar Elite is an easy recommendation.

I’ve found Turtle Beach mice to be a little hit-or-miss, but the Pure Air is a definite hit for me. It strikes a nice balance of being good for gaming while being a great work-style mouse thanks to its long battery life, light weight, ergonomic shape, and Bluetooth connectivity. The deep thumb groove lets the mouse fit like a glove, and because it’s more compact than most gaming mice, it’s easier to wield with limited space.

And even if I want to squeeze in some game time in Final Fantasy XIV or make progress in a single player game, it can still perform at a high level. I used it extensively while raiding in FFXIV while testing it out for review, and realized I hadn’t skipped a beat in terms of keeping up with how hectic that game can get. Granted, all of my critical actions are mapped to my keyboard, but at least the Pure Air was comfortable for long sessions. The only noticeable drawback during that time was the side buttons, which are fairly thin and tough to distinguish since they don’t have a gap to feel between them. Otherwise, it’s my favorite mouse to take on the go when I’m traveling and have work to do, since its Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility. And when I’m not on the go, I know that the 2.4 GHz dongle means I can game without much compromise.

It’s a bit tough to find compact versions of popular gaming mice, which helps the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini stand out and shine bright. The original Pulsefire Haste 2 is a great mouse to begin with (and oddly enough, its larger size was one of my favorite aspects about it), but shrinking that down to something noticeably smaller is more than just a novelty. It still sports a sleek look with a bit of RGB flair and still has a grippy material necessary for a fingertip-style grip, which is how I use a mouse this small. However, the reduction in overall height and depth (or rather, vertical length) make it easier to wield.

Those with smaller hands might not have fun with the likes of the larger Logitech G703 or Razer Viper V3 Pro, but with something like the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini, they don’t have to make many (if any) compromises when it comes to gaming performance. You can find mice even smaller or lighter, but HyperX is able to include the high-performance Precision 26K sensor and long battery life, which are key features for a proper gaming mouse. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity which adds some versatility as a mouse to take on the go for work. So, beyond just being the shrunken counterpart, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is a solid all-rounder as well.

On paper, the Asus ROG Keris II Ace roughly shares the same weight as other “lightweight” branded counterparts, but the reason why I’d recommend it if you’re prioritizing lightness specifically is because of its weight distribution. Even as I’m typing this, I’m switching between the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed and the Keris II Ace to make sure that I’m not misremembering the time I reviewed these mice – and yes, Asus’ mouse has the slight edge in this regard. It contours specifically for right-handed use, which makes it fit gracefully into my hand, making both palm and claw grips comfortable.

It wouldn’t be a proper gaming mouse if it also didn’t perform, and not only does it come with the AimPoint Pro sensor with a whopping 42,000 DPI, it's also capable of a 8000 Hz polling rate. As I mentioned when talking about the Viper V3 Pro, higher than 1000 Hz polling rate is only going to be beneficial, let alone noticeable, under specific circumstances (high refresh rate and framerate at high resolutions). And with all those factors accounted for, I was noticing smoother mouse tracking, so not only are you getting the best in the lightweight category, it’s also a pro-level mouse in terms of performance. In my ROG Keris II Ace review, I gave it an 8 due to a few shortcomings like the texture being a tad bit slick and clicks having a slight squish, but it excels in every other aspect.

If you want to go all-in on an ergonomic mouse, well, you won’t really find it in the realm of gaming – to that end, I’d point you to upright-style mice or even a trackball mouse. However, you can still find something that’s able to find a balance between performance and being easy on your hands. The Logitech G502’s deep-set thumb grip and wide base help with stability (while also working nicely as a spot to comfortably rest your thumb), making the mouse feel like a natural extension of your hand. It also comes with five extra side buttons (as opposed to the typical two buttons on other mice): three that are reachable with your thumb and two that sit flush alongside the left click). This lets you map important additional actions to easy-to-reach buttons, whether it be for gaming or productivity.

Don’t expect to be whipping this thing around like you would a Razer Viper V3 Pro or HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini in competitive matches of Apex Legends or Valorant – it’s just not designed to be the most nimble mouse, given its weight and wide base. However, it’s outfitted with Logitech’s Hero 25K sensor, so you’re still getting accurate and responsive tracking in gaming. So long as you’re not trying to line up flick shots or reliving the heyday of arena shooters, the G502 will perform admirably while also being one of the most comfortable mice available.

Gaming Mouse FAQ

How do you determine what makes a good gaming mouse?

Much of what makes a good gaming mouse comes down to your personal preferences or what exactly you want to get out of a mouse. For example, I wouldn’t recommend the Viper V3 Pro to someone who wants a compact versatile mouse that’s still good for gaming – but I would for an aspiring Valorant pro! While I certainly have my own preferences, testing and reviewing a wide variety of mice over the years has opened me up to the intricacies between different models, giving me the opportunity to experience first-hand what makes one better than another.

The first thing you’ll want to consider is your preferred grip style: palm, claw, or fingertip. Generally, a bigger mouse is a better choice for palm grips while lighter and smaller mice are better suited for fingertip grips. Do you like having a more ergonomic feel with deep-set grooves for your thumb and pinky to help hold onto the mouse? Does using something super lightweight matter more for when you’re whipping the mouse around during clutch moments in Counter-Strike 2? For me, I gravitate towards the latter since I’m most comfortable with a claw grip. Again, it comes down to preference, but reviews will illustrate the way different mice contour to the user’s hands and how weight factors into whether or not it is easy to wield. Some mice are ambidextrous/symmetrical, which should work just fine for right-handed users while giving lefties out there a viable option. However, mice built specifically for right-hand use may fit more like a glove for, well, right-handed players.

Button feel is a tough thing to suss out when researching mice, but I make it a point in my mouse reviews to determine the squishiness or springiness of mouse clicks since that’s an important factor for both comfort and performance. Manufacturers tend to differ on the kinds of mechanical switches used from mouse to mouse, but the more firm and tactile the clicking feels, the better, since it helps with rapid firing in shooters or repeated clicks in MMOs/MOBAs.

Another feature that’s become standard is programmable side buttons. Most mice offer two around the thumb area, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Comfortable positioning and being easy to actuate in a moment's notice are things we account for when determining whether or not a mouse’s side buttons are good. You may also be interested in mice that go the extra mile with additional buttons, such as the ergonomic-minded Logitech G502 or the MMO/MOBA powerhouse that is the Corsair Scimitar Elite – they’re nowhere near as nimble as other mice, but that’s the compromise they make to offer those unique benefits.

Another variable to account for is the sensor, which tracks movement. Almost every brand name gaming-grade mouse today is equipped with an accurate and fast optical sensor that’s more than enough to line up shots in a competitive shooter. A higher maximum DPI (dots-per-inch, which is one variable that affects sensitivity) used to be shorthand for a mouse’s performance ceiling, but it has gotten to the point of diminishing returns.

What’s the deal with high polling rate on gaming mice?

Gaming mice come standard with a 1000Hz polling rate nowadays, which means your mouse updates your PC with movements and inputs every millisecond (1 ms). That’s plenty fast for most gamers, but a recent trend born out of the esports world is equipping mice with higher polling rates – up to 8000 Hz. Pro-grade mice such as the Razer Viper V3 Pro and Asus Keris II Ace are capable of this, offering polling rates of 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz. It’s technically impressive, but does it really affect performance? It can, under specific circumstances.

* General range using the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed as an example.

Polling rate doesn’t necessarily reduce latency, rather it increases the frequency at which your mouse movements are read. This can lead to an increase in smoothness since your PC is picking up and tracking the more incremental movements. Basically, polling rate is the measurement of how often the mouse sends data to your device (see chart above). However, you won’t be able to actually reap the benefits if the rest of the input pipeline isn’t up to snuff. Two things to keep in mind are the resolution you’re playing at and the refresh rate of your screen. With higher pixel density (and screen space), the more those incremental movements matter. But also, higher refresh rates (such as 144 Hz and above) are important too. And to benefit from those high refresh rates, your PC needs to be powerful enough to produce the high frame rates to match. In other words, there’s a lot that goes into PC gaming before you can start to notice the advantage of a mouse’s higher polling rate.

Polling rate visualized via Razer.

Part of me thinks of it as tech simply striving for higher numbers, but I must admit I feel a difference when using a higher polling rate (when the aforementioned conditions are met). And in the esports scene, those seemingly negligible differences can certainly help. Which is to say, don’t go out and get a 8000 Hz mouse and think you’ll reach Radiant in ranked Valorant without putting in the work.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming mouse?

Similar to optical sensors with fast and accurate tracking, wireless technology has gotten to the point where it’s very much imperceptible to tell the difference in input latency between wired and wireless mice. The standardization of the 2.4 GHz wireless receiver makes mouse performance consistent across several brands and models, so it’s not something you’ll need to account for when looking for a good gaming mouse. Various brands will put fancy names on proprietary tech, like Razer’s HyperSpeed or Logitech’s Lightspeed, but those are wireless technologies that are legitimately high-performing. Some mice also come fitted with Bluetooth connectivity, which makes them versatile in work or casual settings, but under no circumstances should you use a mouse in Bluetooth mode for intense gaming scenarios.

Another feature that has evolved substantially over the years is battery life on wireless mice. Plenty of variables go into battery life, and usually the rating you get from a manufacturer’s website is likely under the best conditions. But even with RGB lighting and sophisticated sensors and wireless technologies, you can get decent battery life that’ll last for a few days of constant use before having to charge. Every modern gaming mouse is chargeable through USB-C and can be used like a wired mouse when plugged in, too. As indicated in the chart above with regards to polling rate, the higher it is, the more power it’ll drain since you’re essentially asking your mouse to work much harder.

Many flagship mice have wired and wireless versions available – such as the DeathAdder V3 or the Scimitar Elite, for example – and of course, the wireless ones are more expensive. So if you don’t really care much for having wireless capabilities, you can save some money by opting for the wired mice. Note that if you’re interested in higher polling rates, it’s currently restricted to wireless mice, which also tends to tack on a few extra bucks onto the price tag.

Michael Higham is the tech reviews editor at IGN and has been very particular about his gaming mice since rocking a Logitech MX 518 like a decade ago. Having grown up playing Counter-Strike 1.6, and now keeping up with the Valorant competitive scene, having the right mouse has been important in his mind, even though he should just get good first.

Originally posted:

Sep 27, 2024 8:00 pm