Best gaming mice 2024: Find your perfect match

If you want to be competitive in PC games these days, you can forget about using a run-of-the-mill office mouse. Instead, you’ll need a powerful device that’s optimized just for gaming.

Manufacturers go to great pains to design specialist devices that give players an edge, with enhancements like unique body sizes and shapes, customizable weight, and extra grips to increase speed and accuracy. On top of that, the best gaming mice have unique hardware enhancements like highly sensitive sensors and complex button configurations to keep up with fast-paced games.

Deciding on the right mouse is a highly personal decision that needs careful consideration. Factors like the size and shape of your hand, your preferred grip style, the types of games you play, and the number of buttons you need, are all factors in your quest for the best gaming mouse.

Why you should trust us? PCWorld has delivered in-depth product reviews and news going on 40 years now. Our reviewers aren’t just peripheral geeks, they’re also avid gamers on a mission to find the best gaming gear for themselves. Because of that they know the ins and outs of gaming gear, what’s good and what’s not.

Every mouse we review is put through a rigorous testing process by our expert reviewers. We appraise everything from the device’s comfort and reliability, to its performance in games. We also compare each product to competitors to sum up whether or not they represent value for money.

Updated November 27, 2024, to include the Turtle Beach Kone II as “Best gaming mouse for MOBA and MMO games.” This mouse is large, comfortable and feels solidly made. It features a trigger button hidden in the thumb rest that expands the total number of commands to 23 — just perfect for MMOs.






Razer DeathAdder V3 – Best wired gaming mouse / Best overall














Pros

Very light (59 grams)

Ergonomic design for right-handers

High-precision sensor

USB polling rate of 8000Hz

Durable Razer Optical Switches (up to 90 million clicks)

High-quality PTFE grade feet


Cons

Non onboard storage of the key assignment

No RGB lighting


















Why I like the Razer DeathAdder V3

Lightweight, wired FPS mice don’t come any quicker than the Razer DeathAdder V3, which is maxed out with an extraordinarily sensitive 30,000 DPI Razer Optical Sensor and a whopping 8,000Hz hyper-polling rate that’s eight times as fast as the standard 1,000Hz polling rate you get in other FPS gaming mice.

If that isn’t already enough speed for you, the V3’s lightweight 2.08-ounce (59 grams) chassis and 100 percent PTFE feet combine for an exceptionally quick and smooth glide over your mouse mat, making it even more deadly in FPS gaming.

Who should buy the Razer DeathAdder V3

Based on the DeathAdder V3’s weight anyone looking for more speed in their FPS games would be well advised to get one. It’s also ideal for palm grippers with large- to medium-sized hands who will undoubtedly find plenty of support in its generous proportions for all sorts of tricky maneuvers.

If you prefer a comfy thumb rest when you’re gaming, then you might want to consider the Logitech G502X instead. Apart the extra comfort you get in the thumb rest, the G502X has a unique side trigger button that sets it apart from most mice of its ilk.

Read our full

Deathadder V3 review





Razer Cobra Pro – Best general purpose wireless gaming mouse














Pros

Its Razer Focus Pro 30K sensor is superb

Dedicated DPI up/down buttons makes switching DPI on the fly easy

Having 11 zones of RGB is brilliant


Cons

The dimensions won’t suit large hands

Buying the Cobra Pro with a Hyper polling dongle costs extra

It’s a little heavier than its stablemate the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro









Price When Reviewed:

149,99 €




Best Prices Today:


€126.53 at Cdiscount FR€145.2 at RueDuCommerce FR€149.99 at Razer






Why I like the Razer Cobra Pro

The Razer Cobra Pro is an excellent all-round gaming mouse with a very sensitive 30K sensor that will give the best esports mice a run for their money. While its 2.78-ounce (79 grams) weight makes it a little heavier than many competitive FPS mice, it boasts features that most mice don’t have. Indeed, features like its up / down DPI buttons that allow you to switch DPI on the fly, its gorgeous 11 zones of RGB lighting, and Tri-Mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) make it a highly versatile and sought-after gaming mouse.

Its one drawback, however, is its compact size, which comfortably fits small to medium sized hands but is a little too small for some large hands. Of course, this won’t affect players who prefer to use a claw grip, so this mouse is especially suited to them.

Who should buy the Razer Cobra Pro

Esports players or keen competitive players wanting one of the quickest mice you can buy, but also want the convenience of extra features that most esports mice don’t have.

Read our full

Razer Cobra Pro review





Lemokey G1 Wireless – Best budget wireless gaming mouse














Pros

Smooth glide and excellent maneuverability

An 8,000Hz wireless polling rate makes it very quick

RGB indicator lights denote polling rate and DPI

It weighs just 1.94 ounces (55 grams)


Cons

The very thin plastic lacks durability

Its compact size isn’t ideal for palm grippers

You make settings changes on a website rather than a desktop app









Price When Reviewed:

69




Best Prices Today:


€69 at Keychron






Why I like the Lemokey G1 Wireless

I test a lot of gaming mice, and this mouse has one of the smoothest glides I’ve ever seen. It’s also extremely lightweight, weighing just 1.94 ounces. That kind of maneuverability makes it a dream for esports and FPS matches, where you can turn on a dime and make quick micro adjustments.

While that’s a rare treat in a mouse that costs just $69, what’s even rarer is to find one with sensor stats like this one — it supports a maximum 8,000Hz wireless polling rate and has a maximum DPI of 30,000.

Who should buy the Lemokey G1 Wireless?

If ever there was a mouse that could pull off a dark horse win in a competition, the Lemokey G1 Wireless is it. It’s ideal for esports and FPS gamers who want exceptional speed, tracking, and reporting in their gaming mouse.

The Lemokey G1 Wireless is quite compact. If you’re looking for a slightly larger option, be sure to check out the $70 HyperX Pulsefire 2 Wireless. This mouse has a solid plastic casing instead of a perforated one, which makes it more comfortable for claw and fingertip grippers than its predecessor the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless.

If you want to drop even less coin on your gaming mouse, then the $40 Logitech G203 Lightsync may fit the bill. It’s best suited to smaller hands though, so if you have a medium to large paw, the Lemokey G1 Wireless or HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless are the better options.

Read our full

Lemokey G1 Wireless mouse review





Corsair M75 Wireless – Best ambidextrous grip














Pros

Swappable side buttons accommodate left- and right-handed players

The sensor is very precise and accurate

Attractive RGB accents


Cons

At 3.13 ounces (89 grams) it’s not the lightest FPS gaming mouse

It costs more than its stablemate the Corsair M75 Air

The main buttons have a long travel


















Why I like the Corsair M75 Wireless

The Corsair M75 Wireless has the ubiquitous two left-hand side buttons we see on just about every FPS gaming mouse. But as a point of difference, it also has a pair of buttons on its right flank. That means it can just as easily be used with a left- or right-handed grip. Ergo, if you’re a southpaw, an ambidextrous player, or if you share a PC with a southpaw, you’re really going to want this mouse.

The mouse’s side buttons are conveniently swappable with raised or flat button caps so that you can personalize them. That means there’s no danger of misclicking on the side you’re not using. They feature Corsair QuickStrike switches which have a very quick actuation speed suitable for rapid fire.

Who should buy the Corsair M75 Wireless

From a design standpoint, the Corsair M75 Wireless is bolder than its stripped-down stablemate the Corsair M75 Air, but that does render it a little heavier – it weighs 3.13 ounces (89 grams) to the M75 Air’s 2.12 ounces (60 grams). That has implications for performance; while the Corsair M75 Air is ideal for esports, the M75 Wireless’s heavier weight makes it more suitable for casual gaming and team events rather than one-on-one showdowns – so buy this mouse if you’re a casual gamer that likes to play a bit of everything.

That’s not to say it’s not quick off the mark. Indeed, its 26,000 DPI Optical sensor will hold its own in games like Overwatch 2 and Apex Legends as our playtesting revealed. Apart from the extra buttons, the Corsair M75 Wireless also sports attractive RGB accents that really lighten up your desk.

Read our full

Corsair M75 Wireless review





Swiftpoint Z2 – Best gaming mouse for tinkerers














Pros

Converts to a joystick

The button layout and button customization is excellent

Pressure sensors and haptic feedback give you a deeper level of functionality

Has a powerful accurate sensor


Cons

Only one small RGB zone

The joystick conversion provides only a small lift from a tabletop

Wired connectivity only


















Why I like the Swiftpoint Z2

It’s without a doubt the most customizable mouse that’s ever come across my review bench. Not only does this mouse allow you to customize its 13 programmable buttons with your choice of commands, but you can also customize the depth of actuation on those buttons, and the mouse tells you how deep you’ve clicked via haptic feedback.

If that wasn’t enough already, the Swiftpont Z2 has a mini-OLED display. It also has an inbuilt gyroscope and converts into a joystick, which is a blast in flight simulators.

Who should buy the Swiftpoint Z2

This mouse is great for gamers who like to tinker with their controls for a deep level of customization or gamers who liked the Mad Catz R.A.T 8+ and are looking for something with upgraded functionality. The only problem once you’ve decided this is the mouse for you, is picking one up; right now it’s sold out and Swiftpoint is taking back orders for future shipments.

Read our full

Swiftpoint Z2 review





Turtle Beach Kone II – Best gaming mouse for MOBA and MMO games














Pros

Up to 23 commands

Comfortable, well-built, and ergonomic

Fits large hands and all grip types


Cons

Polling rate is just 1,000Hz

The scroll wheel could be larger

The casing sometimes collects fingerprints

















Why I like the Turtle Beach Kone II

For its $70 price tag, the Turtle Beach Kone II is a great value mouse with a solid feel, smooth motion, and up to 23 commands. Some MMO gamers go for mice with a side grid of buttons to get all the commands they need but I found the Kone II’s trigger — located at the base of its thumb rest — a lot quicker and more accurate. I also really dug the RGB zones along the mouse’s back and in the scroll wheel.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Kone II

Thanks to its 23 commands, the Turtle Beach Kone II is a great option for MMO gamers but it’s comfortable and lightweight enough to use as a general-purpose gaming mouse too. If you need either of those options, you can’t go wrong.

If you do need a mouse with a side grid but want the option of skimping down to have less buttons, be sure to check out the Razer Naga V2 Pro which features three swappable magnetic button plates. Or else read up on our other highly rated specialist MMO mice, the Corsair Simitar Elite Wireless and the Razer Basilisk Ultimate.

Read our full

Turtle Beach Kone II review





Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse – Best gaming mouse for esports / first-person shooters














Pros

4KHz wireless polling rate

The buttons are soft and have quick debounce

The Alienware styling looks awesome

One of the most precise mouse wheels I’ve used

Weighs just over 2 ounces


Cons

The back could do with more height

There’s no RGB lighting

It’s quite large so won’t suit everyone


















Why I like the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse

You hear a lot about DPI being the main factor that determines performance. But quite frankly polling rate is twice as important for aiming at and hitting fast-moving players in FPS games. Hence why this mouse is so lethal — it comes with a 4KHz polling rate right out of the box, that’s quadruple the reporting rate of some other big-name FPS gaming mice.

Who should buy the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse

Everything else about this mouse is tailored for speed and precision. From its 4K polling rate, to its ultra-light weight of just over 2 ounces, to its soft buttons with their ultra-quick debounce rate. For that reason, I’d recommend this mouse to gamers who want the fastest performance in FPS games.

For other excellent options for FPS gaming check out the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, and Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition. I also just reviewed the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed. This mouse is a great alternative to the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and Razer Viper V3 Pro. For one, it’s more affordable, shipping for just $100. Being that it’s slightly more compact, it’s also a better fit for players with medium-sized hands.

Read our full

Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse review





Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition – Best buttons














Pros

An excellent sensor that syncs movements precisely

4K polling rate

Strong and lightweight metal chassis


Cons

Perforated back won’t suit claw grippers

Smaller size isn’t great for large hands

Battery life isn’t great in 4K polling mode









Price When Reviewed:

99




Best Prices Today:


€99 at Keychron






Why I like the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition

It’s very lightweight, weighing just 2.25 ounces (64 grams). Yet its chassis is made from magnesium, so it’s also very strong. I also had everything I needed to perform at my best — an accurate 26K DPI sensor, a lightning-quick 4K polling rate and soft buttons with a very quick debounce.

The Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition is also cheaper than some rival gaming mice with similar specs, judging by its price tag at the time of writing my review; it cost $99 at Keychron, which is $50 cheaper than some very capable competitors.

Who should buy the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition

The Keychron M3 mini 4K is a one-of-a-kind mouse that makes an excellent all-purpose gaming mouse. Its interesting design also suits gamers wanting to make it a centerpiece of a collection. The mouse’s compact size does, however, mean it’s best suited to players with small-to-medium sized hands.

If you’re after a mouse with exceptionally quick buttons like this one, you might also like to check out the Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8KHz Edition.

Read our full

Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition review





ROCCAT Burst Pro Air – Best RGB gaming mouse














Pros

Owl-Eye sensor is very precise and quick

You won’t find a mouse with more stunning RGB lighting

Dual wireless as well as wired connectivity


Cons

81-gram weight can feel heavy if you’re used to a lighter mouse

Mouse wheel lacks left and right lateral clicks

Pricey compared to some rivals
















Best Prices Today:


79.99 at ROCCAT






Why I like the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air

The ROCCAT Burst Pro Air’s four dedicated RGB lighting zones shine colored light through its semi-transparent body, creating a mesmerizing sheen-like glow that looks totally stunning from any angle. If the semi-transparent shell is my canvas, then ROCCAT’s Swarm app provides my painter’s palette, letting me go to town customizing each zone with up to 16.8 million colors and a range of stunning effects.

But as any gamer knows, looks aren’t everything. Consequently, I also chose the Pro Air because of its excellent gaming performance, which in my play testing I attributed to its comfortable eight-button design, powerful 19,000 DPI Owl-Eye optical sensor, and low-latency optical switches, which are rated for 100 million clicks.

The Pro Air also scores big points for its excellent connectivity options, which includes low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless options, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for wired connectivity. For another great ROCCAT gaming mouse that has previously taken top position for ‘Best RGB gaming mouse’ also check out the ROCCAT Kone XP.

Who should buy the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air

If you appreciate a bit of RGB artistry in your gaming getup or want to create a mesmerizing light show to go with your other dazzling RGB gaming gear, then this looker is ideal.

Read our full

ROCCAT Burst Pro Air review





Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless – Most original gaming mouse design














Pros

Very good sensor

Ultra-flat front

Very light

Eco-friendly design

Long battery life


Cons

Unusually placed charging socket

Design might take some getting used to for some users


















Why I like the Xtrfy M8 Wireless

The Xtrfy M8 Wireless’ design is as unique as possible, with the charging socket placed on its right-side rather than at the front like just about every other gaming mouse you will find. But while some players may like that and others not so much, what I salute the most in its design is the fact that its housing is made from 60 percent recycled plastic.

Who should buy the Xtrfy M8 Wireless

Despite the reused materials and side charging socket, this mouse’s hardware is just perfect for pro-gamers. It’s powered by a Pixart 3395 sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI. A low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal provides a response time as fast as 1 millisecond.

If changing debounce is your jam, the M8 also allows you to choose between four settings: 2, 4, 8, or 12 milliseconds. Plus, it weighs just 1.94 ounces (55 grams) which makes it one of the lightest and quickest mice you will move over your mouse mat.

Read our full

Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless review





Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – Best dual-purpose gaming and productivity mouse














Pros

Quick and accurate sensor

High sensor positioning

Very long battery life


Cons

No RGB lighting

2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity only

Weighs less than 3 ounces


















Why I like the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed

With no RGB lighting and a modest uni-color Black casing, the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed is stealthy enough to be your work or study mouse, and yet it also has some of the best hardware for esports you can find in a wireless mouse. That includes a whopping 30,000 DPI Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor and super-quick Razer Gen 2 Mechanical Switches.

The Viper V3 Hyperspeed’s design gives you precision control of your movements; it features a high back and lots of length in the fingers so that you can stretch out in a palm grip. The high position of the sensor catches your movements at their origin for split-second quicker movement than we’ve experienced in some rivals. The Viper V3 Hyperspeed also supports 4,000Hz HyperPolling, which really makes this mouse cook with fire in fast action games like CouterStrike — although you will have to shell out $29.99 extra for the HyperPolling dongle (not included). The Viper V3 also has excellent battery life. In fact, a single AA battery provides up to 280 hours of operation at the mouse’s default polling rate of 1,000Hz.

The V3 Hyperspeed currently costs $69.99 at Razer, Amazon, and Best Buy. In a similar vein but with more modest hardware and for $15 cheaper, be sure to check out the Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed too.

Who should buy the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed

Players who want a kick-ass gaming mouse that’s also stealthy enough to double as a school or work mouse. It’s also a great option for those who like the feeling of a mouse with a high back and slightly flared main buttons.

Read our full

Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed review





MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless – Best rechargeable gaming mouse














Pros

Charging dock included

Current high-end sensor from Pixart

Omron switches

Three connection modes (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired)

Good price-performance ratio


Cons

A bit heavy for “Lightweight”

Software is a little convoluted









Price When Reviewed:

99,90 €




Best Prices Today:


€97.85 at Cdiscount FR€99.90 at MSI€100.67 at Macway FR






Why I like the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless

The MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless gaming mouse combines practicality, functionality, and stellar looks better than just about any other gaming mouse. As well as supporting all three connectivity types — 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired — it features visually striking RGB Diamond Lightgrips down each side that hold your fingers to the mouse’s body and provide you with a lot of precision control over movement. Another practical feature is the convenient charging dock that makes recharging a piece of pie and means it’s very difficult to ever run out of battery.

The GM51 Lightweight Wireless has impressive hardware for gaming, including a Pixart PAW 3395 sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI and Omron switches in its buttons, which are known for their durability and speed.

Who should buy the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless

Although its 3.1-ounce (89 grams) weight is at the upper end of what many would call lightweight, the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless’ balanced size makes it especially comfortable for players that adopt palm and claw grips. It’s also a great option for players who play for long stints and like the convenience of not having to plug their mouse in to charge after every gaming session.

Read our full

MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless review





How we test gaming mice

To ensure that our gaming mice selections are the pick of the crop, the PCWorld team subjects them to extensive play testing as well as a legion of other tests. We scrutinize everything from how well a mouse perform in games, to the size and shape of it in the hand, to comfort and ergonomics, to customizations. Here are the main categories our tests fall under:

Gaming performance: At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how a mouse looks; it’s how it performs that matters. To evaluate a mouse’s performance we look specifically at how sensitive and responsive its sensor is and also how well the sensor tracks movement. Precision is also a key consideration, with mice that are more accurate generally scoring better in our reviews than those that aren’t. In wireless mice we also evaluate the speed and strength of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, keeping a look out for red flags like signal dropouts or interference. Some mice also come with software enhancements that determine the mouse’s lift-off distance, which we also examine in our testing.

Design and ergonomics: You won’t find another tech device for which design plays a more crucial part of a user’s experience. And, while it’s true that there’s no one shape, size, or configuration that fits every gamer, there’s enough variation out there for every gamer to find their own perfect fit. When looking at design, we consider the size and shape of the device itself and the type of hand it fits. Gamers tend to use one of three common grip types—palm, claw, or fingertip—so a mouse’s compatibility with one or all of those types is a big consideration.

Software: Being able to tweak settings like your mouse’s DPI and polling rate and create specific profiles for your favorite games can make or break your gaming experience, which is why a mouse’s software support is so important. Our PCWorld reviewers’ focus here is to consider the range and scope of software support and how readily settings can be modified, changed, and saved for future use.

For more details about our testing process, see our article on how we test gaming mice at PCWorld.

FAQ
1.
Should I choose a wired or wireless mouse or one with both connectivity types?

It used to be generally well accepted that wired gaming mice had the edge over their wireless counterparts, providing gamers with a much faster and more accurate signal between mice and PCs. However, that’s less true today thanks to the popularity of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies, which have almost levelled the playing field.

I say almost, because there’s no denying that wired gaming mice still deliver the fastest and most secure connections you can get. That said, whether you choose one type over the other should come down to your gaming priorities.

If you’re a serious competitive gamer or esports player, where winning or losing sits on a knife’s edge, opting for a wired mouse over a wireless one is a good decision, since it’s less likely a signal dropout or interference will disrupt your play. Every competitive edge counts. However, wireless mice are infinitely more portable and allow you to switch between devices at a whim, so if nimbleness and portability is more important, a wireless mouse will be a better fit.

2.
What size and shape mouse should I get?

Hands, just like gaming mice, come in all different shapes and sizes, and for comfort reasons it pays to match like with like. While categorizing sizes of hands can be highly subjective, chances are you’ll be able to guess whether your hand is on average small, medium, or large. You can then find a mouse that best fits from among the size categories below:

• Small gaming mouse: Length: Less than 6.7 inches; width: 2.9 to 3.3 inches• Medium gaming mouse: Length: 6.7 to 7.9 inches; width: 3.3 to 3.9 inches• Large gaming mouse: Length: 7.9 inches; width: 3.9 to 4.3 inches

Gaming mice generally come in three shapes: left-handed, right-handed, and ambidextrous. Ambidextrous mice are designed to be neutral in that they can be just as ea