Creating a gaming setup requires a lot of peripherals these days from the perfect chair to a headphone rest and even a collectible or two. But what's more important are the things that affect how you experience gameplay. Think monitors, computer parts like GPUs, and, of course, the mouse you use.
For RPG fans or the like, getting a high-end mouse might not be necessary. However, maybe you also play an MMORPG and need a mouse with macro buttons. With such variation, determining the best mouse for gaming comes down to a few things:
- Available DPI settings
- programmable macro buttons available
- optical vs. laser mice
- size, shape, and orientation
RGB, while pretty to look at, does not really affect how you experience a video game. I know -- that's a heretical statement in 2021, but we aren't focusing on the "look good, play good" mantra right now.
10 Logitech G502 Lightspeed
- Max CPI: 16,000
- Sensor: Logitech Hero 16K (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 11
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle or wired
- Price: $119 USD
A big factor in choosing the gaming mouse for you is how you hold your mice. Do you have a claw, fingertip, or palm-type grip when you hold your mouse? Regardless, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed should work for you -- and work very well. The anomalously high cost of the mouse is mitigated by its features including adjustable weights included for customization, tons of programmable buttons, and more.
Ideal for first-person shooters, the cable doesn't get in the way, the tracking is choice, and the overall shape is familiar and comfortable. The aggressive styling comes complete with luxe-feeling materials which it should (considering the price). A budget alternative within the same brand is the Logitech G203 Lightsync for between ~$30 - ~$40 USD.
9 HyperX Pulsefire Dart
- Max DPI: 16,000
- Sensor: PixArt PMW3389 sensor (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 6
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB and 2.4 GHz RF connection with Qi charging support
- Price: ~$70 USD
It's hard to beat the simplicity of the HyperX Pulsefire Dart. It has a classic silhouette with modern performance specs like Qi charging and up to 16,000 DPI. The cushioned side padding is excellent for multiple grip types even if it sadly has no left-handed option available.
When using the wireless option, it has impressive battery life -- something any gamer wants if they opt for a wireless peripheral. It has a good heft to it while not feeling heavy, but it lacks a braided cable. Still, the $70 price tag puts it squarely in the middle of gaming mouse prices and that makes it a bargain for its performance.
8 Cooler Master MM720
Max DPI: 16,000 CPI (native) - 32,000 (with software)
Sensor: PixArt PMW3389 (optical)
Programmable Buttons: 6
Ergonomics: Right-handed
Interface: USB Type-A cable
Price: ~$40 - ~$70 USD
This is a more affordable option if you're looking for something that combines performance, unique design, and lightweight hardware. It even includes a ring finger support which may work for certain mouse grip types.
The weight of this mouse is really what sticks out about it as many gaming mice can be clunky. The sensor on it is also very responsive -- even if the design isn't the most stylish of this bunch.
7 Razer Deathadder Pro V2
- Max CPI: 20,000
- Sensor: Razer Focus+
- Programmable Buttons: 8
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle
- Price: ~$40 - ~$70 USD
This is the classic "gamer" mouse option -- even in the year of our flying spaghetti monster 2021. It works for all kinds of hand sizes and all kinds of video games from quick-twitch shooters to point-and-click adventures. The additional comfort is what really drives this mouse home as an enduring winner.
But now with the V2, Razer has amped up the performance and adjusted how the optical sensor works. If you've used these models in the past, you know that the middle mouse button, left click button, or something else will just suddenly start having issues after awhile.
The updated optical sensor seeks to fix these long-term issues and, so far, people seem to like it. There's also a mini version of it, too. The shape and button placements lend themselves more to palm grip users. As a bonus, the Rosewill Neon M60 is great for gamers on tight budgets as it mimics the Deathadder design while still providing RGB and solid performance.
6 Steelseries Sensei 310
- Max DPI: 12,000
- Sensor: SteelSeries TrueMove3 (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 8
- Ergonomics: Ambidextrous
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle
- Price: ~$40 USD
One of the few gaming mice out there not just for right-handed people, the Steelseries Sensei 310 is nothing to write home about in the design department. But that isn't a bad thing -- and neither is its relatively "low" DPI count by modern standards.
Steelseries revamped its classic design and equipped it was a fantastic sensor, lightweight frame, and grippy materials. The software is a sticking point for many people, but if you're more on the "casual" side of gaming and/or you have small hands, this is a solid option for you. TG's own Eric Switzer reviewed the Sensei Ten model in 2019.
5 Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite
- Max CPI: 18,000
- Sensor: PixArt PMW3391 (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 12
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle
- Price: ~$ USD
If you're looking for programmable button supremacy, this is the gaming mouse for you. The Corsair Scimitar Pro RGB brings the same Razer precision in addition to 12 buttons and a comfortable grip for all types of grips. It's the best, obviously, for hardcore MMO players.
The mouse is also very balanced with its weight centered at the middle for a solid and well-constructed feel. Be warned however that that stability means a stiff cable and a heavy mouse.
4 Glorious Model D
- Max DPI: 12,000
- Sensor: PixArt PMW3360 (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 6
- Ergonomics: Ambidextrous
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle
- Price: ~$50
This is one of the best lightweight gaming mice available in 2021 and works better for small hands than its peer the Model O. For those sharing their gaming space with others, this mouse is also on the quieter side while still having solid click response and tracking, as well.
At the price point, you get incredibly solid performance, long-term comfort, and a sleek design. The only downside is the Zeus-like image on all Glorious gaming mice.
3 Razer Basilisk V2
- Max DPI: 20,000
- Sensor: Razer Focus+
- Programmable Buttons: 11
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle
- Price: ~$55 - ~$80 USD
This is a mouse for the MLG-type gamer who wants to avoid misclicks and have tons of commands available at their thumb. Some people raise their eyebrows at the hefty price tag for a wired mouse, but the hardware on the Basilisk V2 makes up for the cost.
The more traditional shape can make it more accessible for some mice grip types in comparison to the Deathadder V2. It's easy to see the improvements Razer made from the first version, as well, as this mouse's tracking is impressive and consistent.
2 Roccat Kone Pro
- Max DPI: 19,000
- Sensor: Roccat Owl-Eye (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 8
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle
- Price: ~$70 - ~$130 USD
Roccat isn't a name many gamers outside those who watch eSports might be familiar with. But the brand is essentially royalty when it comes to gaming peripherals and hardware. The Kone Pro is no exception to this tradition.
The design is deceptively simple and sleek with understated RGB lighting and grippy materials. It's extremely light while still delivering premium performance with Titan Switches and the Owl-Eye sensor. One of the few downsides besides the higher price is that the cable feels a bit brittle compared to some competitors.
1 Corsair Ironclaw RGB
- Max DPI: 18,000
- Sensor: Pixart PMW3391 (optical)
- Programmable Buttons: 5 - 7
- Ergonomics: Right-handed
- Interface: USB Type-A dongle or Bluetooth
- Price: ~$40 - ~$70 USD
This comes in wireless and wired, but its main feature is how great it is for people will large hands or palm grips. The performance numbers are fantastic for novice and expert mouse users with only professional gamers really noticing any difference in performance vs. competitors. Be warned though: it does not support customizable weights.
However, this one is definitely not as good for those who use fingertip or claw grips, ironic as it may be. For the price, it's well worth the investment, but a quick note: Corsair mice can fall victim to that same phenomenon that Deathadder mice do. But again, the price is pretty reasonable for the performance you'll get out of this gaming mouse.