The best PC gaming mouse is constantly changing because gaming mice keep improving. The essential functions of a mouse remain constant despite changes in technology, features, and materials. The finest gaming mice will feel the most intuitive for most users, have the best responsiveness and agility, and be dependable.
Everybody has varied demands. Thus, no one mouse is best for everyone. Mouse selection is a personal choice. But what is the best gaming mouse if you have no preferences?
How Do Mouse Sensors Work?
Modern optical sensors project a solid red LED or infrared light downward onto a surface from the mouse’s base. A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor takes in the returning light. To determine or interfere with how the mouse cursor should move on your screen, the digital signal processor examines how the light reflects as you move the mouse.
Best mouse Alternative in 2023:
1. Razer Viper 8KHz:
All the mice on this list have exceptional performance to please almost everyone. Still, the Razer Viper 8KHz pushes the envelope of current technology and is targeted at genuinely performance-obsessed gamers. The Razer Viper V2 Pro, our top pick in this article, and this mouse are genetically similar. It is heavier and lacks wireless connectivity. However, it provides the best overall performance at a reasonable mid-range price.
This mouse naturally supports more excellent polling rates with a maximum of 8000Hz, whereas most gaming mice have a maximum polling of 1000Hz. Even compared to flagship mice, higher polling rates result in smoother pointer motions and significantly better latency. It’s crucial to remember that these increased polling rates use many system resources. You’ll need a decently strong rig to fully benefit from the functionality, as the performance benefits are modest but noticeable.
The Razer DeathAdder V3 is a possible alternative if you’re impressed by the performance but don’t like the low-profile symmetrical shape of this mouse. The DeathAdder V3 is an excellent choice for larger hands because it features an ergonomic right-handed shape and a larger, more high-profile design. It also offers the same high-end capabilities as the Viper 8KHz, including native support for an 8000Hz polling rate. Even though it is large, it is slightly lighter. But the price is also a little higher.
2. Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED:
At the higher mid-range price point, we recommend the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. Its price has fluctuated recently, although it often goes on sale and occasionally drops closer to the cost of our mid-range option below. This mouse includes 12 programmable buttons and an ergonomic form for the right hand with a thumb rest. The scroll wheel’s left and right tilt inputs let you convert between a standard notched scrolling mode and a considerably quicker free-scrolling mode, and it provides superb click latency and exceptional sensor performance.
Because of all these characteristics, this mouse is much heavier than most gaming mice made for fast-paced activities like FPS games. However, it’s a great option if you enjoy a heavier mouse and play various games in various genres. Even a set of supplementary weights is available for this mouse, allowing you to adjust how much weight is distributed.
The Logitech G502 X LIGHTSPEED and the Logitech G502 X PLUS (the PLUS has RGB illumination) are new variants of this mouse that Logitech recently introduced. These more recent entries are lighter and have a softer aesthetic appearance. The new quiet optical switches and the repositioned buttons are both appreciated features. We still advise using previous-generation devices unless these minor enhancements are priorities because the mouse is significantly more expensive.
3. Razer Basilisk V3:
The Razer Basilisk V3 is the finest choice at a lower mid-range price. In many aspects, this mouse is comparable to the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. The main distinction is that this model is wired-only. Besides that, they are practically equal in terms of ergonomic designs, remarkable customization options, and superior sensor and click latency performance. Additionally, the scroll wheel features left and right tilt inputs and may alternate between a slower free-scrolling mode and a standard notched mode.
It is much lighter than the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED because it does not require a rechargeable battery. Because of its lighter weight, it is easier to move swiftly and accurately, which helps play games at a faster speed. Overall, this is a remarkable choice if you want a high-performance, adaptable gaming mouse but don’t require wireless connectivity.
Check out the Keychron M3 Mini if you’d prefer a wireless alternative at this pricing point. It is substantially lighter, smaller, and offers exceptional wireless performance for its price point. It also has a symmetrical shape. Additionally, it has fewer programmable buttons, lower-quality feet, and a scroll wheel that lacks tilt inputs and free-scrolling.
4. Microsoft Ergonomic Bluetooth Mouse:
Ergonomic mice are not necessarily more expensive. The Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse demonstrates this. This Bluetooth mouse offers excellent value in addition to a comfortable grip, a natural hand position, and a lightweight design. Verified Amazon users have given this mouse excellent ratings for performance, even though we are still reviewing it. Whether they only use their computer for streaming, browsing, and emailing or if they put in a full day of work, it’s the perfect mouse for Windows users.
Most users would consider the device’s battery life of up to 15 months a wondrous godsend, but those expecting it could be recharged will be disappointed. It also enables up to three simultaneous connections and has two programmable buttons.
5. Logitech Lift Ergonomic Vertical Mouse:
The Logitech Lift Ergonomic Vertical Mouse may relieve any wrist or arm strain caused by regular mouse use. This vertical mouse from Logitech maintains your mouse arm in its natural handshake posture, which helps prevent RSI or repetitive strain injury. Other mice could better keep your mouse arm in its most optimal position.
Additionally, using one can always be started early enough. It’s a good idea to start using a mouse even if you don’t have chronic pain from using one, mainly if you use a computer a lot.
Although we haven’t yet begun testing it, users have been quite positive about it, with some reporting that it not only lessened their pre-existing wrist discomfort but also decreased weariness. It is, therefore, perfect for people who work long hours.
6. Fantech Aria XD7:
The Fantech Aria XD7 is the most excellent gaming mouse available at mid-range pricing. Its symmetrical, egg-like design comfortably fits most hand sizes and preferred grip styles. Despite its lower price, it weighs less than our top pick, the Razer Viper V2 Pro. It has the PAW 3395, PixArt’s newest flagship sensor, which performs better across the board and is closely similar to the sensor in the Razer.
It is shown in its lightest configuration, which has a modular back plate with tiny weight-saving cuts. That said, if you prefer the look and feel of a solid plastic body, it also has a solid back plate alternative that is only slightly heavier. If it has a flaw, the battery life of this mouse is limited to a maximum of 30 hours between charges. This will be fine if you have a regular recharge routine, but it could be inconvenient if your usage is unpredictable.
Check out the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless for a comparable alternative with a substantially longer battery life. The HyperX is a fantastic choice for recreational gaming, but the Fantech outperforms it if you primarily play fast-paced, competitive games because of its substantially higher click latency.
7. Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED:
The Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED is a budget-friendly recommendation. This mouse may go by the name Logitech G304 LIGHTSPEED, depending on where you are, but it is the same mouse. With a claw or fingertip grip, the G305’s symmetrical, egg-shaped body is highly cozy and adaptable for almost all hand sizes. The construction quality is also excellent. Despite being substantially less expensive, it feels almost as premium as the more expensive Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. There is no creaking or flexibility in the body. Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED USB receiver can connect wirelessly and is promised a battery life of up to 250 hours on a single AA battery.
Last but not least, this mouse features reliable sensor performance and excellent click latency. Its weight is a big drawback because it makes it more difficult to make quick, accurate mouse movements for games with a faster speed. As an alternative, look at the Razer Cobra if you’re searching for the best-wired mouse at this price point. It provides superior pure gaming performance while you give up wireless flexibility, and it is substantially more lightweight, making it far more suited for playing fast-paced or competitive games. It also boasts more RGB lighting overall.
8. Microsoft modern mobile mouse:
Microsoft updated and beautifully redesigned their Mobile Mouse, hence the moniker. It most certainly looks like it, with a rounded rectangular appearance, a lower, slimmer profile, a lighter weight, and an ambidextrous frame.
But that’s not all. You can eliminate those unpleasant mouse pads thanks to Microsoft’s BlueTrack technology and Bluetooth communication with a range of up to 33 feet. Although we have yet to give this mouse a complete evaluation, verified users have praised it for its accurate performance and responsiveness. It includes lovely, clicky buttons that, while fun to press, might be too loud for specific individuals.
9. Roccat Kone XP:
The Roccat Kone XP outperforms many wired gaming mice regarding performance and adaptability. It can play the fastest and most action-packed games because of its heat-treated pure PTFE feet, 19K DPI optical sensor, and Titan optical switches. Thanks to those feet, we discovered that it is not only swift and sensitive but also feels lighter than it is and is comfortable to button-mash with.
In addition to having fully customized buttons, it also has the Roccat Easy-Shift functionality, which grants its buttons access to a second set of features through the Easy-Shift button. What does that mean? With only 15 buttons, you can do a remarkable 29 tasks.
The RGB lighting needs to enable complete personalization and may only be appealing to some. Nevertheless, this one is the finest wired mouse for gaming if you don’t care too much about looks.
How to choose the best gaming mouse for you?
The mouse shouldn’t feel like a separate device but rather an extension of your hand and arm. A mouse that can respond instantly and move and click at the same speed as you is what you need. To lessen and prevent pain in your hand, wrist, or shoulder if you spend a lot of time using a computer, consider purchasing an ergonomic mouse.
Consider thinking about a wireless Bluetooth mouse if you can’t bear having cords attached to your computer. You should pick a mouse with a strong signal and few connectivity troubles because few things are more unpleasant than a mouse that won’t connect. Additionally crucial is a long battery life.
The most excellent mouse may feature additional buttons you can program to meet your computer demands, in addition to two clickers and a scroll wheel. If you’re left-handed, you should buy an ambidextrous mouse or one ergonomically made for the left hand. If you frequently travel with your laptop, look for a portable, light mouse. Above all, you should choose a mouse that is within your budget and does the job without being excessively pricey.