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Play More Effectively With The Best Gaming Mouse

By: Denise McNamara | Editor: Gabriel Rodriguez |

Published: Feb 10, 2023

| Updated: Mar 29, 2023

Losing is no fun. Having a top-tier gaming mouse can make all the difference when shooting for the highest score on the leaderboards. Although the right gear by itself won't make you a pro gamer, a great gaming mouse can increase your chances of coming out on top, whether you're struggling with a boss offline or fighting tooth and nail in online multiplayer.

There are various types of gaming mice available on the market, many of which provide outstanding capabilities and unique features at an affordable price. We compiled a list of the top gaming mice of 2023 and descriptions of the various mouse types and their features to help you make an informed decision.

Comparing The Top Gaming Mice Of 2023 In Detail

Logitech G502 HERO Gaming Mouse: Best Overall

The Logitech G502 HERO is an outstanding wired gaming mouse with a sturdy body that provides a superb grip and a right-handed form with thumb rest, which makes it very comfortable to use.

The mouse features 1:1 tracking, speeds greater than 400 IPS and a maximum sensitivity with no blurring, filtering or acceleration. It also has numerous customizable buttons on the left hand side to improve your gaming experience.

This gaming mouse boasts an exceptionally low click latency and a broad CPI (counts per inch) range. A CPI-switching button and profile-switching button allow for instantaneous settings adjustment. It includes five detachable 3.6g weights that enable you to adjust the weight to your preference.

Although intended for gaming, the G502 HERO also includes office-oriented functions, such as a scroll wheel that can be unlocked to permit unfettered scrolling and left or right tilts for horizontal scrolling — uncommon for gaming mice. The device's buttons are made of glossy black plastic; the body is built of matte black plastic and the sides are covered in latex to aid grip.

Responsive button controls
Eleven configurable buttons
Skin-friendly surface with an excellent grip

Some may not like its large design

Razer Viper Ultimate Gaming Mouse: Ambidextrous Design

The Razer Viper Ultimate is a wireless gaming mouse that is adaptable enough to handle any task. It features an ergonomic design with a sturdy, low-profile shape, a low back and two additional buttons on each side, making it comfortable to use whether you are left- or right-handed. Its small size encourages a fingertip hold, although small and medium-sized hands may also find using a palm or claw grip comfortable.

This gaming mouse has minimal click latency and is relatively lightweight. It comes with a special charging cradle that is RGB-lit at its base; you can set the logo and the base to the same lighting or different lighting using the device's software. The mouse also includes a dedicated USB receiver for wireless PC connection and a charging point that extends the range of the receiver with improved performance.

You may place the Viper Ultimate in the cradle, which serves as an extender, or connect it straight to your computer. The device is made of high-grade PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), allowing you to glide it smoothly across a desk or mouse pad. The lift-off distance is modest enough that the sensor won't detect your movement while repositioning your mouse.

Simple to adjust the settings
Looks great when you charge it wirelessly
Ambidextrous design for optimal performance

Not suitable for those with larger hands

BENGOO Gaming Mouse: Most Ergonomic Design

The BENGOO Gaming Mouse's ergonomic shape is designed to fit most hand shapes perfectly and prevent hand fatigue, even after extended use. Its non-slip foot pad results in movement with less friction and the device's solid construction ensures the mouse will last a long time. The mouse also features a sturdy braided cable with an anti-interference ring that makes for a smoother gaming experience.

This gaming mouse has four selectable DPI speed levels ranging from 1200 to 3600 DPI and an RGB illumination that gives it a striking appearance. The RGB backlighting can enhance your setup by creating an elegant gaming area that accentuates the game's atmosphere.

On top of all that, the BENGOO doesn't require any drivers for installation, enabling plug-and-play functionality. It's compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows Vista, XP, 8, 7 and 10. The device is also suitable for PC, notebooks, computers, laptops, MacBooks and so on.

Four-speed switches for easy speed control
Multi-color lights create a high-end gaming environment
No drivers required

Cons Light doesn't remain lit for long

SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse: Optimal Quality

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse is sturdy and consists solely of solid, matte plastic with no noticeable squeaky or loose pieces. The device features an ambidextrous design with two side buttons that are well-positioned to align with your thumb. Its scroll wheel has a textured rubber grip with somewhat deep ridges, and the steps are well-outlined without scroll resistance.

The Rival 3 features a respectable click latency and a CPI range comparable to that of other gaming mice. Its software is perfectly compatible with macOS and Windows, enabling Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Better still, it also provides simple optimization for ultra-low latency wired-like performance, in addition to the versatility of 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity.

This mouse includes two AAA battery slots and an ideal storage compartment for its 2.4 G Hertz wireless dongle. The scroll wheel has an RGB zone and a symmetrical layout making it best adapted for right-handed use because of its two side buttons on the left.

Exceptional durability and a long battery life
Extremely comfortable symmetrical design
Works with one or two AAA batteries

The palm grip is slightly uncomfortable

HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse: Most Lightweight

The HyperX Pulsefire Gaming Mouse features a honeycomb design that makes it exceptionally lightweight and suited for playing games of any genre with little to no noticeable lag. It offers a robust feel and a comfortable build that is ideal for most hand sizes and any grip style. Furthermore, it's made entirely of premium plastic, which enhances its endurance — it has no loose parts or squeaky sounds, nor does the wheel wobble.

The Pulsefire Haste features two glossy black side buttons near the HyperX logo and RGB lighting along the scroll wheel that is easily customizable. Besides having an additional grip tape for those who desire a firmer grip, it also features exceptional feet with four rounded pads that make for a smooth, frictionless experience. The device boasts an excellent click latency and a vast CPI range that is quite stable whether you move your mouse swiftly or slowly.

The mouse's lift-off distance is modest enough that the sensor cannot monitor your movements. And thanks to its ergonomic design, you can get full control over all the buttons by using a palm grip.

Suitable for most hand sizes
Honeycomb design enhances its elegance
Sturdy construction enhances its durability

Only six programmable inputs

TRELC Ergonomic Gaming Mouse: Impressive Specs

The TRELC Ergonomic Mouse is a vertical gaming mouse with a shape that provides greater support and comfort for your hands, eliminating the forearm and wrist torsion caused by traditional mice. This highly precise mouse allows you to effortlessly switch between its three DPI levels of 1000, 1600 and 2400. It also features optical tracking technology that provides added convenience while playing various games and offers greater sensitivity for accurate tracking on multiple surfaces.

The TRELC's other features include advanced "Page Forward" and "Page Back" buttons located where the thumb rests, which improves the web browsing experience, and a USB dongle that removes the trouble of connecting to a wired or cable connection. Instead, you can simply connect it to your computer using the provided dongle transceiver, and after inserting the device into a USB port, your computer will automatically recognize it and enable you to play games.

Lastly, the device includes a rechargeable battery that eliminates the need to purchase batteries.

Rubber-wrapped coating for comfort while playing games
Rechargeable batteries eliminate battery purchases
Compatible with Windows, Vista, Mac OS

Poor battery life

Finding A Quality Gaming Mouse: A Buyer's Guide

Need help finding a gaming mouse that can match your playstyle? Whether a professional gamer or a novice, our comprehensive guide to gaming mice will help you select the best device for your specific use case. Read on to learn about the factors you should consider before buying a gaming mouse.

How To Pick The Right Gaming Mouse

Playing Styles

The type of mouse a gamer needs will be determined by the games they play and how often they play them. Some gamers are interested in speed first, while others are more interested in precision — some individuals may be looking for a combination of the two.

Comfort

The most significant characteristic of every gaming mouse is how comfortable it feels in your hand while playing video games. Comfort depends on hand size and grip type, so what fits one individual may not work for another. Look for a gaming mouse that fits your hand size and shape and feels comfy while holding it and moving it around.

Buttons

A gaming mouse should include at least two more buttons near the thumb and possibly one or two on top. These buttons should be easily accessible for hands of average size. Look for a gaming mouse with buttons that are relatively easy and easy to access.

Scroll Lever

The scroll wheel should be strong and comfortable to grip, with distinct ratchets that indicate changes in gameplay (for example, when a player has switched weapons). The ideal gaming mouse should have a sharp, gratifying click and be neither too soft nor too tough to press.

DPI

DPI, or dots per inch, measures a mouse's sensitivity. The greater the DPI, the higher the sensitivity of your mouse. Some gamers prefer a high DPI for rapid mobility in-game, while others like a lower DPI better for more precise targeting. Many gaming mice offer on-the-fly DPI adjustment.

Response Rate

Most gaming mice come with great response time. The polling rate determines how frequently the mouse communicates with the computer. A greater polling rate suggests that the mouse transmits data to the computer with greater frequency, which can be crucial for fast-paced games.

Size And Weight

The size and weight of a gaming mouse are a matter of personal preference. Some individuals have big hands and require a larger mouse, whereas others have smaller hands and may struggle to reach certain mouse buttons. It's important to try on various sizes to find the one that fits you best. As for weight, a heavier mouse will provide greater control, whereas a lighter one will be easier to carry or slide around.

Wired Or Wireless

In recent years, wireless mice have improved significantly, but they still have some drawbacks. These include limited battery life (especially for models with RGB lighting) and noticeably higher delay than wired alternatives. If you choose a wireless mouse, make sure it has a long battery life and a low-latency 2.4 G Hertz connection. And if you buy a wired mouse, ensure that the cable can stretch and move sufficiently so it does not tangle or worsen your accuracy.

Grip Style

There are three standard grips.

Palm grip

Your palm lies on the mouse's back while your fingers lay on top. This is the most popular mouse grip type.

Claw grip

With a claw grip, your wrist will rest on the mouse mat or surface and your palm will not touch the mouse. Your fingertips will grip the mouse's edges or buttons.

Fingertip grip

When using a fingertip grip mouse, your wrist or palm is raised above the mouse pad or surface. You grip the mouse's edges or buttons with your fingertips.

Larger, heavier mice with a prominent hump and mice with sculpted, ergonomic profiles are optimal for palm grips. But these mice may seem unwieldy if you have small hands, especially with a palm grip. Mice that are lighter, smaller and with flatter humps are ideal for claw and fingertip grips.

Right Or Left-Handed

Most mice are designed for right-handed users, but some are ambidextrous. This indicates that it can be utilized by both left- and right-handed individuals. The distinguishing feature of an ambidextrous mouse is that you may switch the hand you're holding the device with throughout the day, lowering the likelihood of acquiring injuries. If you are feeling discomfort on one hand, an ambidextrous mouse enables you to use it on the other.

Types Of Gaming Mice

There are a variety of gaming mice available on the market nowadays. Most gaming mice fall into one of four categories: MMO mice for utility, FPS mice for aim and agility, all-purpose mice for a bit of both and customizable mice for more special use cases.

Devices in all categories won't be identical, but they'll share certain design principles and pursue similar goals. Below are thorough explanations of each type of gaming mouse and the reasons you may wish to use them.

MMO Gaming Mouse

The primary purpose of an MMO mouse is to reduce the number of left-hand inputs required during gaming. These mice are often heavier than others and have as many buttons as they can fit on their sides. When using WASD for movement, these mice enable gamers to bind and use various techniques and skills with their mouse hand for optimal comfort and efficiency. Software support is essential for MMO mice, as different players demand vastly distinct key bindings.

FPS Gaming Mouse

FPS games are among the most popular worldwide. These games set players against one another in fierce online fights that demand the highest accuracy. FPS gaming mice are typically lighter than alternatives and feature expansive DPI ranges. A sniper or slowdown button distinguishes an FPS mouse from other mice. This button reduces DPI, allowing you to aim as precisely as possible.

All-Purpose Gaming Mouse

Combining and effectively using several qualities of other mice makes a mouse an all-purpose mouse. While some may consider an all-purpose mouse a less expensive option, this is not the case. These devices have lower DPI ranges and come in various weights, shapes and sizes.

Software-programmable side buttons are commonly seen on the thumb side of all-purpose mice. If a device lacks software support, it will probably have dedicated buttons for adjusting DPI. An all-purpose mouse should be compatible with any game, making them ideal for casual gamers or those who like playing a wide variety of games.

Customizable Gaming Mouse

Customized gaming mice are an alternative if an MMO or FPS mouse won't cut it. These devices are highly specialized and packed with features that have been precisely calibrated. Adjustable weights, many connection types and replaceable ceramic mouse feet are just a few features in customizable mice. Not all high-end mice will include these functions, so before entering the world of programmable gaming mice, consider which characteristics are most important to you.

Denise McNamara

Gabriel Rodriguez