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If your loved ones have a gaming mouse on their Christmas list, you might think it’ll be quick and easy to get what they want and move on to the next item on your list. You’re not getting off that easy, though. Of all the gear sitting on a PC gamer’s desk, finding the perfect mouse is about as tricky as finding a needle in a haystack. It’s not as simple as picking the best technical specs for your budget. You also have to consider size, shape, the number of buttons, and much more if you want to see a smile on your gamer’s face when they tear the wrapping paper off their gift.
There are hundreds of mice on the market, so you’ll need to narrow down your options based on several factors. Believe it or not, the technical specs of the underlying hardware are probably the most straightforward choices to consider, so we’ll start our search there.
Things to Look for in the Best Gaming Mouse
Dots Per Inch (DPI) – Dots per inch (sometimes referred to as counts per inch) is a measurement of a mouse’s sensitivity and refers to how far the cursor moves on the screen relative to the distance you move your mouse; a mouse with a low DPI will move the cursor slower than one with a high DPI. For example, using a lower DPI means moving the mouse further to rotate the camera in a shooter game. Still, the extra movement gives more granular control of your movement, making it easier to line up a shot.
DPI can range anywhere as low as 100 DPI up to 26000+, depending on the quality of the mouse’s sensor. Even the cheaper gaming mice will support at least 8000 or 10000 DPI, which is more than enough for most gamers. Fortunately, the DPI can be adjusted through software, and some mice even have a button that allows you to switch between several settings on the fly.
Inches Per Second (IPS) – In simple terms, IPS is the maximum distance a mouse can move per second before it starts having trouble accurately tracking the movement. Most gaming mice fall in the range of 250-650 IPS. Higher is always better, but even at 250 IPS, you’d have to move your mouse back and forth across your desk multiple times per second before this becomes an issue.
Acceleration – Another specification that is more marketing jargon than realistic constraint, a mouse’s maximum acceleration determines how quickly a mouse can change direction and still provide accurate tracking. Modern gaming mice generally range from 30G to 50G acceleration. Once again, although higher is technically better, most gaming mice will be able to handle all but the most extreme cases.
With the big, flashy tech specs on the side of the boxes covered, it’s time to get to what really matters most when choosing a gaming mouse – form and function.
While a person’s hand size will factor into how well a mouse feels, it’s also important to know what type of grip they use to hold their mouse. There are three types of grips – fingertip, claw, and palm – and although many mice can accommodate all three, some are better suited for one grip or another.
Fingertip – Only the tips of the fingers touch the mouse, with the rest of the hand hovering over the mouse.
Claw Grip – The fingertips are still the point of contact on the buttons and sides of the mouse, but the palm of the hand rests on the back of the mouse or just behind it on the surface of the desk.
Palm Grip – The palm and fingers lay across the top of the mouse, similar to how you would hold a baseball.
Once you’ve identified the person’s hand size and grip, you’re on the home stretch. All you have left to do is find out what type of games the gift recipient plays. This, along with all of the other factors, will help you determine what features will make for the perfect gift. Fortunately, we’ve gathered up some of the best mice to fit any budget.
The Best Mouse For MMORPGs
This is MMORPG, so we’ll kick things off with the best mouse for MMORPGs. The mice in this category come packed with as many buttons as possible. Mid-tier sensors are used to keep costs from skyrocketing. Don’t worry, though, since MMORPGs are more about coordinated team tactics than twitch reflexes, the specs are still high enough to keep you in the fight with precise, unerring tracking. Since raiding with a group of friends can last into the wee hours of the night, many of these mice run larger than other types for the ultimate comfort and reduced fatigue of a palm grip.
Logitech G600 ($39.99) – If you’re looking for an MMO mouse at a budget price, you can end your search with the Logitech G600. Its maximum 8200 DPI, 160 IPS, and 30G acceleration may not be top-of-the-line, but the G600 comes packed with 20 programmable buttons to help you slay whatever raid boss is on tap for the night’s gaming session.
Corsair Scimitar Elite ($69.99) – A step up from the G600, the Scimitar Elite tops out at 18000 DPI, 250 IPS, and 50G acceleration. The Scimitar comfortably fits a palm grip, and the 12-button thumb pad can be adjusted horizontally and vertically to suit your grip perfectly.
SteelSeries Aerox 9 ($109.99) – Not too long ago, the Razer Naga Pro would have been my choice for a top-tier wireless MMO mouse. Since its release earlier this year, the Aerox 9 has taken over that spot. At just 89 grams, the Aerox 9 is exceptionally lightweight for its size, and the high-quality sensor and PTFE feet provide smooth, flawless movement in the heat of battle.
The Best FPS Mouse
While an MMO mouse packs in as many buttons as possible to help you prepare for a wide range of battles, the FPS (first-person shooter) mouse is built with a single purpose in mind. These lightweight mice are all about the agility, precision, and speed needed to be competitive in PvP deathmatches and battle royales.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste ($29.99) – The HyperX Pulsefire Haste proves that a lightweight FPS mouse doesn’t have to break the bank. The Haste has an ultralightweight honeycomb shell (59g) and utilizes PTFE feet for fast, smooth movement. The Pixart 3335 sensor (16000 DPI, 450 IPS, 40G) keeps the cost down, while the TTC Golden micro switches ensure that any dust entering through the shell doesn’t hinder the precision of your clicks.
Razer DeathAdder V2 ($45.99) – A step up from the Pulsefire Haste, the Razer DeathAdder series has been around since 2006. The DeathAdder has seen several revisions over the year, and although the newer DeathAdder V3 Pro comes with a better sensor, it does so at more than double the price of the V2. And let’s be honest, at $45.99, the V2’s 20000 DPI, 650 IPS, and 50G acceleration are more than enough for the average gamer. You can go even cheaper by picking up the DeathAdder V2 Mini (smaller size and lower specs for $29.99) or upgrade to the wireless V2 Pro for $84.99.
Razer Viper V2 Pro ($149.99) – Everything about the Razer Viper V2 Pro screams cutting edge. The Focus Pro sensor maxes out at 30000 DPI, and the 750 IPS and 70G acceleration mean you’ll probably break your wrist before you surpass its performance thresholds.
The Best Mouse For General Gaming
A 20-button mouse is excellent for MMOs, and an FPS mouse can help score those 360 no-scopes, but what should you get for a gamer that needs a versatile mouse that can fit the bill for any type of game? Bringing the comfort of a Cadillac instead of the speed of a Ferrari, these mice – some new, some that have stood the test of time – will be a fantastic fit for all but the ultra-competitive Esports crowd.
Glorious Model I (Wired $59.99, Wireless $99.99) – A very competent all-arounder, the Glorious Model I debunks the belief that comfortable mice must weigh a ton. Weighing just 69g, the Model I still packs in 9 programmable buttons, a thumb sled, and RGB lighting.
Razer Basilisk V3 ($69.99) – The Razer Basilisk V3 could land in several categories in this guide. It matches all the technical specs of the Razer Esports-quality mice (30000 DPI, 750 IPS, 70G). It has a 10+1 button layout, packs an RGB punch, and comes in wired and wireless ($159.99) options. But at 119 grams, the Basilisk’s ergonomic design isn’t about topping the competitive ladders or activating all of your class abilities with just your thumb. The Basilisk is all about providing a comfortable gameplay session across any game genre, and if casual gaming is your thing, the Basilisk V3 is the only mouse you need.
Logitech G502X ($79.99) – The G502X is the most recent refresh of the iconic G502 line. Over the years, many gamers have relied on the comfort and durability of the G502. With the new LIGHTFORCE hybrid optical-mechanical switches and HERO 25K sensor, the G502X is ready for anything a gamer can throw at it. The G502X redesign also cuts the mouse’s weight down to a respectable 89g, helping even more to reduce the fatigue of a long gaming session. One thing the new G502X isn’t light on is the price, so if you are looking for a budget-conscious gift, you can still be a hero on Christmas morning by grabbing the older G502 HERO for just $39.99 on Amazon.
The Best Wireless Mouse
Gamers spend a lot of time and money building the perfect battle station, only to find their gaming area cluttered with unsightly wires. Going with wireless peripherals improves the aesthetics of your game space and gives your mouse an unrestricted range of motion. And with long-lasting batteries and rapid charging options, gamers no longer have to fear being sidelined while they wait for their mouse to power up.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless ($49.99) – You get the same great FPS gaming as the wired Pulsefire Haste minus the cord, and the price is still less than $50. The onboard battery increases the weight by a mere 2g. This extra weight is worth the freedom of going wireless. With a single charge lasting 100 hours, you’ll never want another corded mouse again.
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro ($73.99) – The Dark Core RGB Pro may not have the longest battery life (50 hours), but it still has much to offer. The ergonomic design has both thumb and pinky rests, and the Pixart PAW3392 offers performance that would make an Esports champ smile. The 9-zone RGB lighting adds some flair to the Dark Core; just make sure to charge the mouse after every use because the extra lighting shortens the battery life to just 16 hours.
Logitech G502X Lightspeed Wireless ($139.99) – Rip out the cord of the G502X and replace it with a 140-hour rechargeable battery, and you have the G502X Lightspeed Wireless. Going wireless nearly doubles the price of the base G502X, and the onboard battery pushes the mouse’s weight back up to 102g. You still get the same performance as its wired counterparts, so the G502X Lightspeed Wireless is a sure win for anyone who prefers the extra freedom of going cordless.
The Best RGB Gaming Mouse
RGB lighting has invaded every aspect of the typical gaming setup, and mice are no different. Going far above the basic RGB scroll wheel found on many gaming mice, these little rodents do their best to bring additional bling to your desk. As an added kicker, they’re still good to game with as well.
Glorious Model O/O- (Wired $49.99, Wireless $79.99)- A formidable FPS mouse in its own right, the Model O is similar in design and function to the HyperX Pulsefire Haste above but adds LED strips to give it a little more pizazz. An ambidextrous mouse, the Model O is a great choice for lefties and righties, and the Model O- is the same mouse with a slightly smaller shell to accommodate smaller hands. Glorious also makes the Model D/D- which yields the same performance as the O/O- with a slightly slanted shell for a more ergonomic design for right-handers.
Logitech G502X Plus ($159.99) – If you like the feel of the G502X and don’t mind a little extra weight (106g total), the G502X Plus will add a generous amount of RGB to your setup. The 8-zone lighting is fully customizable with Logitech’s G Hub software, and the active play detection conserves battery life by automatically turning off the lighting when it’s covered by your hand.
Roccat Kone XP (Air) ($169.99) – As I already mentioned, many manufacturers add a touch of RGB to their scroll wheel to slap an RGB tag on the box. Some go as far as illuminating the logo found on the mouse’s shell. With the Kone XP Air, Roccat has raised the bar by adding RGB across the whole back half of an already functional mouse (wireless, 100-hour battery, Owl-Eye 19K DPI). They even take it one step further by adding RGB to the base of the included quick-charge dock.
With that, you’re now equipped to find the best gaming mouse for that special gamer in your life! Tune in all this week for more great gift ideas!
