2023’s top gaming mouse
2023's top gaming mouse
The Best Gaming Mouse: Enhancing Your Gaming Experience
If you’re a PC gamer, having a good gaming mouse is essential. Not only does it provide you with greater control and customization options, but it also enhances your gaming experience, making it more comfortable and responsive. However, with so many options available in the market, finding the best gaming mouse for your specific needs can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing for you, playing countless hours of popular games like Overwatch, CS: GO, Halo Infinite, and Final Fantasy XIV. After careful consideration, we have found a few options that fit the bill, whether you’re into FPSes, MMOs, or anything in between.
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse
When shopping for a gaming mouse, there are several factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Wired vs. Wireless
Wireless gaming mice have come a long way in terms of responsiveness, thanks to improved wireless connectivity. However, it’s important to note that we’re specifically referring to mice that use a 2.4GHz connection with a USB dongle, not Bluetooth. Bluetooth’s latency is generally too high to be reliable for gaming. While wireless mice offer the convenience of eliminating cables, they often come at a higher cost and have a shorter battery life due to their higher performance demands and RGB lighting. Therefore, if price is a concern, a good wired mouse is usually a better value.
Comfort and Grip Types
Finding a mouse that fits your hand comfortably is crucial. Everyone’s hand size and grip style are different, so ensuring your comfort is the first step in making the right choice. Popular grip styles include palm, fingertip, and claw grips. Most people use a palm grip, which offers the greatest sense of control, while fingertip grips allow for more rapid movements, and claw grips strike a balance between the two. We’ve tested each mouse to ensure it accommodates various hand sizes and grip styles.
Build Quality and Design
A good gaming mouse should feel sturdy and well-built, with a smooth, comfortable exterior that can withstand long gaming sessions and sweaty palms. Ergonomic mice are designed with right-handed users in mind and often feature dedicated thumb rests, while ambidextrous mice are symmetrical and can be used with either hand. The choice between ergonomic and ambidextrous mice is a matter of personal preference.
Weight
Gaming mice have become increasingly lightweight in recent years, with some models weighing as little as 45 grams. While a lightweight mouse allows for easier and quicker movements, some players still prefer a bit of bulk for games that don’t require fast reactions. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Switches, Buttons, and Scroll Wheel
Optical switches are becoming more popular in gaming mice due to their durability and reduced risk of double-clicks. The main buttons should have a soft feel and sufficient travel to prevent accidental actuations. Programmable buttons are also essential for quick macros or shortcuts. Additionally, the scroll wheel should have distinct, ratcheted steps and a grippy texture for accurate scrolling.
Sensors and Performance
Most modern gaming mice come with optical sensors that are fast and accurate enough for most people’s needs. These sensors are measured by DPI (dots per inch), IPS (inches per second), acceleration, polling rate, and lift-off distance. DPI represents a mouse’s sensitivity, IPS refers to the maximum velocity the sensor supports, acceleration measures the G-forces the mouse can withstand, polling rate determines how often the mouse reports its position to the computer, and lift-off distance indicates the height at which the sensor stops tracking the surface below it.
Software and Onboard Memory
Gaming mouse software should be intuitive and allow for customization of settings, profiles, macros, and RGB effects. It’s also helpful if the software can save settings directly to the mouse itself, enabling easy transfer to other devices without the need for additional downloads. Compatibility with both Windows and Mac is ideal.
Warranty and Customer Support
Checking the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer is important, especially when considering less well-known brands. Most major gaming mice brands offer warranties between one and three years, and it’s worth ensuring that some level of customer support is available.
Now that we have a clear understanding of what to look for in a gaming mouse, let’s dive into our top picks for different categories:
Best for Most: Razer Basilisk V3
The Razer Basilisk V3 offers an excellent blend of price, performance, build quality, and comfort. It features a sturdy body with a textured matte finish and a shape that suits various grip types and hand sizes. With its durable optical switches, large main buttons, and customizable features, such as 11 programmable buttons, sensitivity clutch, and a tilting scroll wheel, the Basilisk V3 provides a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. It weighs around 100 grams and comes with PTFE feet for smooth gliding. Razer’s Synapse software allows for easy customization, although it is available only for Windows.
Best Premium: Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
If money is no object and you want the best of the best, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is the ultimate choice. This wireless gaming mouse weighs only 63 grams and utilizes an exceptional sensor for unparalleled responsiveness. Its sleek design, comfortable shape, and optical switches make it a top-tier gaming mouse. Although it comes with a higher price tag, the DeathAdder V3 Pro offers superb performance for competitive FPS players.
Best Budget: Logitech G203 Lightsync
For gamers on a budget, the Logitech G203 Lightsync is a solid choice. Although it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it offers a smooth and reliable performance at an affordable price. The G203’s compact design, customizable buttons, and RGB lighting make it a great entry-level gaming mouse. Its ergonomic shape suits fingertip or claw grips, and the Logitech G Hub software allows for easy customization.
Best for MMOs: Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite
MMO and MOBA players will appreciate the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, which offers 12 programmable side buttons for effortless in-game actions. Its well-built design, comfortable grip, and customizable features make it a solid choice for MMO enthusiasts. Although the Corsair iCue software may not be the most user-friendly, the Scimitar RGB Elite’s functionality and value make it a top pick for MMO gamers.
These are just a few of our top picks, but there are several other honorable mentions worth considering:
- Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2: A no-frills, high-performing wireless gaming mouse with a comfortable shape.
- Logitech G600: A popular MMO mouse with a third click button for additional commands (availability may vary).
- Razer Cobra: A compact and lightweight gaming mouse with optical switches for improved durability.
- Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition: Designed specifically for left-handed gamers.
- Ninjutso Sora: An ultralight gaming mouse with a symmetrical shape for smaller hands.
- HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2: A lightweight gaming mouse with an ambidextrous shape and customizable features.
- Lamzu Atlantis OG V2: A claw grip-focused gaming mouse with a lightweight build and performance-oriented design.
- Glorious Model I 2 Wireless: An ergonomic wireless gaming mouse with customizable features.
- Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed: An affordable wireless gaming mouse with a comfortable shape and customizable options.
With our comprehensive guide, you can now make an informed decision and choose the best gaming mouse that suits your preferences and gaming style. Remember to consider factors like comfort, grip type, build quality, performance, and software customization. Happy gaming!
