We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Our team knows what it's like to face defeat because of an unresponsive mouse, but also how much the right shape can improve your performance by inviting a better grip and fluidity of movement; we enlisted hardcore gamers to test and write this review. We bought 15 gaming mice and used them while playing games like Doom Eternal and Counter-Strike 2, and using KovaaK's FPS aim trainer to gauge each mouse's viability for dedicated gaming.
Ultimately, the Razer Basilisk V3 35K is the best mouse overall for most gamers. It has incredible sensor performance and a useful blend of customizable features. To get a massive bang for your buck, we recommend the HyperX Pulsefire Haste, which is a lightweight option that offers decent performance, even if its sensor is not perfect.
Choice and control are everything to gameplay, and the same applies when you're pulling together your ideal gaming setup. We want to help you make informed decisions every step of the way with our gaming keyboard review, and you can find information about even more mice by checking out our ratings of wireless mice and the best mouse overall.
Editor's Note: We retested every product in this review on August 18, 2025. Below are our most up-to-date findings.
The Razer Basilisk V3 35K is the poster child for high-end gaming mice. It's rich in advanced features, like a 4D scroll wheel that you can tilt left and right for horizontal browsing or configurable inputs, as well as infinite scrolling that's smoother and easier on the fingers. However, competitive gamers will be much more interested in its absolutely flawless sensor — it has a polling rate of 1,000Hz, which is fairly standard for gaming mice, but it never dipped below that figure for even a split second during all of our testing. Another favorite design element of the Basilisk is its ergonomic thumb rest. This shelf-like protrusion is extremely comfortable and helps stave off fatigue. Our lead tester had similar thoughts; he appreciated the level of control he could have due to this mouse's comfort factor, saying, “It's nice that it has more surface area for my hand to rest on.”
There's no doubt that the Basilisk looks, feels, and performs like a weapon meant to be wielded by high-end players. However, some of those players might not appreciate its weight. At 103g, it's almost twice as heavy as a lighter mouse like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste. If you're looking to maximize your K/D ratio in an FPS game, something snappier might be a better fit. Our tester also had a valid complaint about one of the extra configurable buttons on this mouse. “I don't like reaching the extra front thumb button as much,” he explained. This trigger button is a welcome addition, but it does little good unless you're willing to contort your hand enough to reach it. Overall, though, this superior gaming mouse has so much customizability and so much wide appeal that I doubt anyone would regret the purchase unless they're looking for something to only use in high-end FPS tournaments.
The Logitech G Pro proves that wireless mice can be just as viable as their wired counterparts in the competitive scene. Our lead tester says, “I love the convenience of being wire-free without having to worry about any noticeable dips in performance.” The G Pro has a subtle, unassuming appearance, but its form is amazing once you take a closer look. It's a perfectly symmetrical and ambidextrous mouse that even goes so far as to let you swap which side you want to place the thumb buttons on. We used specialized software to precisely measure the polling rate, and our tester reported the results, saying, “While there is sometimes a drop from 1,000Hz, you're not going to notice it.” It only ever went as low as 992Hz, and you're not going to feel a difference of 8Hz unless you have superhuman perception.
It's worth mentioning that the G Pro markets itself as a competitive mouse meant to be used by professionals. However, some pro gamers will find it to be a bit too heavy for their needs. To thrive at the highest level of competition, you need a mouse that you can move at lightning speeds — one that weighs 80g is close, but not perfect. Additionally, the most obvious drawback of using a wireless mouse is that it eventually needs to be charged. This is a seemingly negligible issue, but the fact is that you'll have to plug in the mouse about every three days — perhaps even more often if you use its lighting features. I found this tiny frustration to be worth the trouble, though, especially considering how freeing it is to operate without a wire holding you back.
The Logitech G Pro is being replaced by the Pro 2 Lightspeed. While we have not had a chance to test this new model yet, some of the upgrades include changing from a micro-USB to a USB-C port and a more advanced Hero 2 sensor. We plan to test the new version in our next update and will let you know how it compares.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a capable gaming mouse specifically engineered to provide fast-paced, competition-level performance in a budget package. To accomplish this, it sacrifices a few features, but maintains an extremely lightweight of 59g — perfect for instantaneous reactions in a hectic battle royale or hero shooter game. It also has a uniquely breathable “honeycomb” design that not only drops a few grams but also provides nice texture and sweat-mitigating airflow. Under the hood is a PixArt 3335 sensor that is not as flawless as the one in a more premium mouse like the Razer Basilisk V3 35K, but it holds at a consistent polling rate of 970Hz with a less than 10Hz deviation. “It is possible that it could change with longer movement,” our tester explained, “but I did it for over 30 seconds and didn't see anything greater.” In a world where consistency and predictability are arguably more important than speed alone, the Pulsefire hits its mark.
If you're playing simulation games, RPGs, or any casual genre, you'll never notice the difference between this mouse and one that costs even four times as much. For the professionals out there, though, every ounce of responsiveness matters, and the Pulsefire might not be quite fast enough. Additionally, while it has a total of 6 programmable buttons, it only has a single on-board configuration profile. If you're a variety of gamer who jumps around between complex MMOs, granular 4X strategy games, and real-time action games, you probably like to change how you configure those buttons between different genres, but doing so can be a huge hassle without extra profiles to toggle between. Even so, this is a capable option that staves off most complaints with its low price tag.
Speed is in the name of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste for a reason. It's a budget mouse that can keep up with the very best of its kind, even outpacing them in some regards.
The Logitech G305 proves that there's an excellent mouse out there for every type of gamer. The common misconception is that great performance is only possible with a wired mouse or, at the very least, a super expensive wireless one. The G305 is a budget wireless mouse with performance nearly as strong as its G Pro cousin. Reliability is made even better by the addition of a USB cable that allows you to move the wireless receiver closer to the mouse or away from other devices that were causing interference. Another easily overlooked aspect of its design is its scroll wheel. It's generally average in terms of resistance, noise, and clickability, but it has a nice tactile feel that can really enhance your experience if you play games that make frequent use of the scroll wheel for zooming or weapon-swapping.
Try as we might, it's impossible to overlook the weight of the G305. While many wireless mice prioritize a lower weight, this one seems to have opted for heavier components to cut costs. This can definitely be an upside if you focus on games with precision building elements or complex menu navigation, as you'll have greater control over the mouse's movements, but for quick sweeps and pivots, you'll have to work harder. Either way, you'll still have to deal with the G305's awkward shape. After testing it with several grips and various hand sizes, our testing team determined that neither palm nor claw nor fingertip grips felt entirely natural, though those with small or medium-sized hands are more likely to find a hold that suits them.
If you received the Redragon M612 Predator RGB as a gift, you'd probably never know that someone spent less than $50 on it. In practice, it gives you a gaming experience that rivals the best of the best. Its biggest claim to fame is its comfort factor. It has just the right amount of bulk, plus a nice rubberized thumb grip, which perfectly invites your hand into a firm palm hold. Our tester thought so too, but voiced some concerns as well. “It feels much more comfortable to use a palm grip over a claw. With the claw, I can't get as comfortable a grip because of the asymmetrical shape.”
The biggest drawback of the Predator is its polling rate, or how often the mouse reports its position to the computer. It translates directly to smoothness and responsiveness, and the Predator has a polling rate of just 500Hz, whereas every other gaming mouse we tested polled at least 1,000Hz. The 500Hz rate is still totally acceptable for a huge variety of casual gaming use cases, but a competitive gamer will notice the difference immediately. It's also quite heavy at 110g. The harsh truth is that this mouse will not give you an advantage in any PvP (Player versus Player) scenario, but it will absolutely let you game in comfort and style when you're just playing to relax and unwind.
The Redragon M612 Predator RGB is the most comfortable gaming mouse in our lineup, and we genuinely enjoyed testing it, but you won't find it in any pro gamer's kit.
The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is exactly what comes to mind when anyone thinks of an MMO mouse. It has a number pad with 12 buttons you can reach with your thumb, and a slide adjustment makes it possible to use even if your hands are a bit smaller. Its height and weight make it more suitable for large hands, but those factors also make it easy to precisely control — you'll never have to worry about your cursor overshooting the tiny icons on your crowded hotbar. The sensor is reliable too, polling at a constant 1,000Hz without any dips. If you cause your party to wipe in a high-stakes raid, you won't be able to blame it on a laggy mouse.
For the sake of our rating system, though, the Scimitar's heft is generally a detriment. It weighs a whopping 120 grams, making it a behemoth among gaming mice. “It feels slow and sluggish compared to the lighter mice,” our tester explained. This isn't so much a downside in the MMO or MOBA spheres, particularly when precision is paramount, but this is definitely not a mouse you would choose to use for almost any other genre. We also don't love the scroll wheel on the Scimitar. It is a bit too loud and too quick to stiffen up. Ultimately, though, we've never felt more efficient in our MMO dungeon-delving and group raiding than we do with the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite in our hands.
The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is expertly engineered to give as many types of users as possible an advantage in MMORPGs, but it's not a practical choice for many other genres.
Credit: GearLab Staff
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
Logitech G Pro
Razer Viper V3 Pro
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
Redragon M612 Predator RGB
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
Logitech G502 X
Glorious Model O 2 Wired
Logitech G502 HERO
Logitech G305
Logitech G203 Lightsync
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
Awards
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Overall Gaming Mouse
Best Gaming Mouse on a Budget
Best Gaming Mouse on a Tight Budget
Best MMO Mouse
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse on a Budget
Sensor / Flawless
Hero 2 / Yes
Hero 25k / Yes
Focus Pro 35K Optical Gen-2 / Yes
Focus Pro 35K Optical Gen-2 / Yes
Pixart 3335 / No, but close
PixArt P3104 / No
Focus X 26K Optical / Yes
PixArt PMW3391 / Yes
TrueMove Core Optical / Nearly
Hero 25k / Yes
Glorious BAMF 2.0 Optical / Yes
Hero / Yes
Hero / Yes
PixArt 1855 / No
TrueMove Core Optical / Nearly
Measured Weight
59 g
80 g
54 g
103 g
59 g
110 g
54 g
120 g
77 g
84 g
60 g
122 g
95 g
82 g
110 g
Number of Programmable Buttons
5 + G-Shift
7 + G-Shift
6, including 3x scroll wheel + Hypershift
11, including 5x scroll wheel + Hypershift
6
None
6, including 3x scroll wheel + Hypershift
16
8
13 + G-Shift
6
11 + G-Shift
6 + G-Shift
6 + G-Shift
8
Measured Polling Rate
1000 Hz
1977-1994 Hz
3905-3942 Hz
7677-7854 Hz
992-1000 Hz
1000 Hz
1978-1994 Hz
3915-3965 Hz
7802-7906 Hz
1000 Hz
966-974 Hz
500 Hz
1000 Hz
1000 Hz
999-1000 Hz
1000 Hz
1000 Hz
1000 Hz
979-993 Hz
1000 Hz
995-1000 Hz
Form factor
Right-handed symmetrical
Ambidextrous
Right-handed symmetrical
Right-handed
Right-handed symmetrical
Right-handed
Right-handed
Right-handed
Right-handed symmetrical
Right-handed
Right-handed symmetrical
Right-handed
Right-handed symmetrical
Right-handed symmetrical
Right-handed symmetrical
Software
Logitech G HUB
Logitech G HUB
Razer Synapse
Razer Synapse
HyperX NGENUITY
None
Razer Synapse
iCUE
SteelSeries GG
Logitech G HUB
Glorious CORE
Logitech G HUB
Logitech G HUB
Logitech G HUB
SteelSeries GG
RGB Lighting
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
On-Board Profiles
5
5
1
5
1
N/A
1
3
1
5
3
5
1
1
1
Approximate Measured Length
4.95"
4.95"
5.01"
5.11"
4.88"
4.98"
4.82"
4.7"
4.74"
5.11"
5"
5.11"
4.6"
4.59"
4.74"
Approximate Measured Shell Length
5.8"
5.8"
5.69"
6"
5.5"
5.69"
5.69"
5.6"
5.38"
6"
5.88"
6"
5.2"
5.13"
5.38"
Approximate Measured Height
1.58"
1.58"
1.56"
1.68"
1.48"
1.55"
1.62"
1.62"
1.48"
1.63"
1.5"
1.63"
1.51"
1.47"
1.48"
Approximate Measured Hump inset, back to hump
2.4"
2.4"
2.03"
2.1"
2.25"
1.56"
2.22"
2"
1.55"
2.43"
2.16"
2.43"
1.68"
1.68"
1.55"
Approximate Measured Finger Width
2.41"
2.41"
2.15"
2.36"
2.2"
2.14"
2.19"
2.16"
2.03"
2.23"
2.18"
2.2"
2.3"
2.03"
2.03"
Approximate Measured Waist
2.35"
2.35"
2.33"
2.4"
2.4"
2.4"
2.34"
2.87"
2.3"
2.45"
2.32"
2.25"
2.46"
2.46"
2.3"
Approximate Measured Palm Width
2.45"
2.45"
2.46"
2.26"
2.5"
2.56"
2.5"
2.35"
2.56"
2"
2.55"
2.21"
2.14"
2.11"
2.56"
Our team tested all the best gaming mice on the market to see which were superior.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested Gaming Mice
At GearLab, our testing process starts by keeping a close eye on every new hardware announcement; we know right away when an innovative new gaming mouse is about to hit the market. As passionate gamers, we've got a lifelong accumulation of experience with gaming mice. We first spend dozens of hours carefully analyzing each mouse and measuring its specs, before putting them to the ultimate test in actual gameplay scenarios. We use each model to play across multiple genres, noting the speed, precision, and comfort offered, and keeping track of which models give us advantages in different types of play. We go crazy with the customizations, from superficial but super cool lighting setups, to programmable clicks that can save time when fractions of a second matter. To be fair, this hardly feels like work, but we don't take it lightly.
To rank each gaming mouse in a way that makes sense for every type of gamer out there, we evaluate each product based on four rating metrics.
Comfort (45% of overall score weighting)
Weight and Balance (25% weighting)
Scroll Wheel (20% weighting)
Sensor Performance (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
We adhere to a strict philosophy of buying products ourselves so we can give a fair and unbiased review. Our testing team is led by Senior Review Analyst Austin Palmer. Austin dives deep into complex ARPGs, MMOs, and skill-intensive shooters in his free time, but he also takes the opportunity to unwind with less demanding games now and then. His many years of hardware-testing knowledge and intense passion for gaming ensure that he knows what to look for when evaluating the latest gaming mice.
Assisting Austin is Jonathan Sayers. Jonathan has a degree in Computer Science from Missouri State University, and his passion lies in gaming and all things tech. He considers it an important responsibility to help fellow PC enthusiasts find just the right tech for their specific needs, and when offered the chance to go hands-on with the mice on this list, he didn't shy away from highlighting both the pros and cons he experienced with each product.
Our testing focused on four key metrics and resulted in six glorious award-winners from among 15 market-leading gaming mice.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
You might wonder, is the term “gaming mouse” just a marketing tag? To some extent, it is. However, when you're shopping for a gaming mouse, you can reasonably assume that any model in this category will have a more advanced sensor that will give you incredible performance and responsiveness. Since you already know that you will have pro-level performance, finding the right one is more a matter of determining which one perfectly accommodates your hand size, grip, and gaming style. Sensor performance, weight, balance, and scroll wheel quality are still important, of course, and all aspects are worth considering when making your decision.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
A dedicated gamer can do amazing things with just about any mouse or controller they happen to use, and if you're not playing high-intensity games, you might just want the product that's going to give you the most bang for your buck. The Redragon M612 Predator RGB presents undeniable value when you weigh its price and features, and although it has a low polling rate, it is comfortable and works plenty well for casual gaming sessions. The Logitech G305 is another low-key budget option, but this one is wireless.
On the other hand, if you want to squeeze every last drop of performance out of your gaming setup, you might find that a premium mouse will “pay for itself” over time in improved gameplay. The Razer Basilisk V3 35K is our favorite gaming mouse overall; the value it can add to your gaming experience makes it worthwhile. While a bit more expensive, the same can be said for the Logitech G Pro, especially if you're looking for a wireless mouse.
We use a sophisticated blend of hi-tech software, specialized testing rigs, and personal impressions to formulate the most meaningful buying advice possible.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort
When we discuss the comfort aspect of a gaming mouse, what we're really talking about is how well you can grip it… comfortably. Everyone has different hand sizes, but a well-designed mouse will have broad appeal. The chart below can give you an idea of how well different grip styles work for different hand sizes when using each mouse.
It goes without saying that a mouse's dimensions have the most significant influence on whether it will be suitable for your own hand size. A longer mouse with a taller hump will usually accommodate a full palm grip. Smaller dimensions are usually better for a fingertip grip, but not if the mouse is too wide.
Grip Styles Recommendation
Finger Tip
Claw
Palm
Corsair Scimitar
Not ideal, but Large
Large
Med ~ Large
Glorious Model O 2
Not ideal, but Med - Large
Med-Large
Small - Med
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
Any
Small - Med
Large is passable
Small - Med
Logitech G Pro
Med - Large
Any
Small - Med
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
Med - Large
Any
Small - Med
Logitech G203
Med - Large
Med - Large
Small ~ Med
Logitech G305
Med - Large
Med - Large
Small ~ Med
Logitech G502 Hero
Not ideal, but Med - Large
Awkward, but Med - Large
Small - Med
Logitech G502 X
Not ideal, but Med - Large
Awkward, but Med - Large
Small - Med
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
Not ideal, but Med - Large
Awkward, but Med - Large
Small - Med
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
Med - Large
Med - Large
Small - Med ~ Large
Razer Viper V3 Pro
Med - Large
Any
Small - Med
Redragon M612 Predator
Not ideal, but Med - Large
Med - Large
Small - Med ~ Large
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
Med - Large
Med-Large
Med is better
Small - Med
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
Med - Large
Med - Large
Small - Med
The Redragon M612 Predator RGB is the most comfortable mouse we tested, and also happens to be the most budget-friendly option. It has just the right length and bulk to support the hand in a nice palm hold, while also including stylish textured curves along the side to improve thumb grip.
If there were a gaming mouse with the Predator's size/shape at half the weight, it would likely be the supreme option.
Some gaming mice, like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste, are willing to sacrifice some comfort in exchange for speed and performance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Click force and cable drag also affect comfort, though these are attributes that are easy to overlook unless you already know what to search for. Lighter click force, like what we observed with the Logitech G305, will keep you from feeling finger fatigue over the course of long sessions. Some mice have noticeably stiff cables, like the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, for example, and this can be both an inconvenience and an active hindrance. It's worth investing in a mouse bungee to manage these types of cables and alleviate any discomfort.
Ultimately, our comfort tests focused primarily on size and shape. My priority is to help you find the gaming mouse that suits your specific physical needs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight and Balance
Weight and balance don't affect sensor performance, but they affect how well you can maneuver your mouse. A heavy mouse requires more startup force and has more kinetic energy while in motion, while a lighter mouse is easier to get moving, but has less stopping power and thus less precision.
We ultimately placed greater value on lighter mice, keeping in mind that the gamers who are most likely to care about weight are the ones who require lightning-fast reaction time in competitive scenarios.
There are some niche benefits when using a mouse as heavy as the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, but lighter is usually better.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
If weight is about speed, then balance is about control. If your mouse is front-heavy or back-heavy, then you're likely to notice your cursor moving unpredictably, especially when you make wide-sweeping movements. You might not notice the subtle difference as it occurs under your palm, but the mouse is definitely edging toward the direction where it's heaviest — unless it's perfectly balanced.
A perfectly balanced mouse like the Logitech G Pro is a rare find.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Feeling how the weight and balance of a mouse affect movements while using it is the best way to evaluate the “glide” of each mouse (using the excellent Corsair MM200 Pro mouse pad). While not a perfectly balanced mouse, the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed has a nice, smooth, and easy glide that feels just right.
The heavy Corsair Scimitar mouse actually had the best glide overall. It's so smooth in motion that it almost feels like it's floating.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The chart below shows our overall findings regarding mouse glide and the associated force necessary to move and stop each mouse. In each column, a higher number indicates a better experience. Although heavy, the bulk of the Redragon M612 Predator RGB seemed to give it a weighted glide that worked well in practice, and it has great stopping precision.
Glide
Product
Startup
Moving (Kinetic)
Stopping
Logitech G502 Hero
8
8.5
9
Redragon M612 Predator
8
6.5
10
Corsair Scimitar
9
8
7
Glorious Model O 2
10
10
2
Logitech G203
7
6
8
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
8
6
7
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
8
7
5
Logitech G502 X
6
4
10
Logitech G Pro
5
4
9
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
6
5
7
Razer Viper V3 Pro
6
6.5
5
Logitech G305
6
5
6
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
4
2
10
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
3
3
9.5
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
3
3
9
Weight is one of the biggest factors in glide, so if you aren't able to get your hands on a mouse to try it yourself, you can get a decent idea of how it will feel by looking at the weight.
Weight
Product
Weight
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
54
Razer Viper V3 Pro
54
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
59
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
59
Glorious Model O 2
60
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
77
Logitech G Pro
80
Logitech G203
82
Logitech G502 X
84
Logitech G305
95
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
103
Redragon M612 Predator
110
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
110
Corsair Scimitar
120
Logitech G502 Hero
122
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a mouse we can highly recommend if weight and balance are top priorities for you. It's a well-designed, super-fast, and reasonably affordable mouse with low weight and a consistent gliding experience.
You won't find a better overlap of price and speed than with the Pulsefire Haste mouse.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Scroll Wheel
Even if you don't realize it, you probably rely on your scroll wheel to swap weapon kits, change your perspective during raids, or fulfill some other function assigned to the scroll wheel click.
A well-designed scroll wheel is one that you can simply forget about while you're using it. If the manufacturer neglects the quality, it might stiffen up, break, or just generally be difficult to use when you need it most. We measure the effort required to rotate or click the wheel, and the chart below shows our findings measured in gram force. If you choose to capitalize on every configurable element of your mouse, this data is worth considering. Lighter is better for preventing fatigue, but it means you will have to be more precise with your movements to avoid accidental clicks.
Scroll Click Force
Product
Scroll Wheel
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
154
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
181
Logitech G203
182
Razer Viper V3 Pro
182
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
198
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
206
Logitech G Pro
213
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
220
Redragon M612 Predator
239
Logitech G305
244
Logitech G502 X
245
Logitech G502 Hero
274
Glorious Model O 2
280
Corsair Scimitar
303
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
324
The Redragon M612 Predator RGB had beautifully smooth, quiet scrolling compared to many of the gaming mice we tested. On the flip side, you should also pay attention to the wobble factor. Our testers noticed some rattling when scrolling up on the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, which can be a sign that the scroll wheel will wear down and fail faster than others.
The Scimitar has a decent enough scrolling experience, especially for clicking, but it's likely to succumb to wear and tear at a slightly faster rate.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Advanced features like 4D scroll and infinite scrolling are found on a few models. The Razer Basilisk V3 35K has both, and it's part of why it's one of our favorite gaming mice we've ever used. The 4D action comes in the form of a left and right tilt, both of which can be used as additional programmable “buttons”, and the infinite scroll is just a luxurious novelty that we enjoy using both in and outside of the game.
It seems silly to gush about a scroll wheel — unless you've had the pleasure of trying out the Basilisk yourself.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sensor Performance
There isn't a mouse on this list that has a “bad” sensor; even so, a millisecond of extra speed or a pixel of inaccuracy can be the difference between victory and defeat in high-stakes competitive situations.
We measured sensor performance and calculated the speed-related accuracy variation (SRAV) so you can know for sure if your purchase will live up to the claimed speed with the accuracy needed to give you a killer edge.
SRAV%
Product
Average SRAV%
Logitech G203
1.40
Glorious Model O 2
1.10
Logitech G502 X
0.35
Corsair Scimitar
-0.08
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
-0.10
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
-0.14
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
-0.44
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
-0.47
Logitech G305
-0.52
Logitech G Pro
-0.53
Logitech G502 Hero
-0.53
Redragon M612 Predator
-0.82
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
-1.25
Razer Viper V3 Pro
-1.66
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
-3.05
The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, Razer Basilisk V3 35K, and Logitech G502 X all have flawless sensors, meaning they perfectly maintain their target polling rate of 1,000Hz and have SRAV ratings within half a percent or even less.
A simple “flick” test, paired with sophisticated software, helps us see how well a high-end mouse like the Basilisk keeps up with every type of movement.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Redragon M612 Predator RGB was the lowest performer in this metric. It has a polling rate of only 500Hz, which is half of the standard rate of 1,000Hz that you see in most gaming mice. This number represents how frequently the mouse reports its position to the computer, so a lower rate will translate to cruder on-screen movement and less responsiveness overall.
We use a specialized rig to measure other important metrics too, including DPI and deviation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The best gamers in the world are so hyper-aware that they can perceive differences in responsiveness even beyond 1,000Hz. For gamers at this level, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Razer Viper V3 Pro deliver on high expectations by targeting 8,000Hz each.
A 1,000Hz polling rate is perfectly sufficient for 99% of gamers, including those at the tournament level, but there are sensors out there for those who want more.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How To Choose a Gaming Mouse
The easiest way to narrow down your options when choosing a gaming mouse is by considering your hand size. No matter what other specs a mouse boasts, if it is too big or small for you to comfortably control, it won't do you any favors.
The next consideration is whether you prefer to stay wired or go wireless. Beyond that, you can get into more niche specs that cater to different genres. For example, if you know you're going to use your mouse for MMO gaming as well as some slower-paced experiences, you'll want something with a generous number of customizable buttons. However, it doesn't need to be wired or lightweight, nor does it need the best sensor in the world. We'll walk you through the why and how below.
It's important to choose just the right mouse, because one that's good for navigating icon-packed hotbars usually isn't good for fast-paced shooting action.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wired or Wireless
The longstanding rule of thumb is that wired mice are more responsive and demonstrate less latency. While that's still technically true, the difference is minuscule, and the line between them becomes thinner with every new hardware generation. Even so, most serious gamers still choose the way of the wire. Every single advantage, even if it's just a perceived or assumed advantage, matters immensely in PvP encounters.
Reliability is important too, and while today's wireless mice are extremely dependable, there's always that lingering chance of connection interference or dropped step counts when it matters most. Even if you consider yourself a casual player, choosing a wired option is nice because it means you never have to change batteries or go fishing for a charging cable.
A rechargeable wireless mouse like the Logitech G Pro might only last for 2 days before you have to plug it in, negating much of the convenience of being cord-free in the first place.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
On the other hand, a wireless mouse represents convenience and freedom. You'll have fewer restrictions on where to place your mouse and keyboard on your desktop setup. You also will never have to fret over cable drag or stiff cords impeding your gameplay. Plus, one that runs on replaceable batteries like the Logitech G305 will last for as long as 250 hours of use before you have to worry about it.
You can tell at a glance that the Redragon M612 Predator RGB has a stiff cable, which could hamper your performance when you're pulling, flicking, or widely swiping your mouse. A mouse bungee can resolve this issue, or simply choose a wireless mouse instead from the outset.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Genre Considerations
While it's certainly possible to find the mouse that can be your one-size-fits-all tool for everything (that's how we feel about the Razer Basilisk V3 35K), there's also something to be said for having different mice for different uses.
From complex, to functional, to simple, there's a mouse out there that perfectly accommodates the types of games you want to play.
If you play MMOs or MOBAs that require mapping many functions to a wide array of buttons, a dedicated MMO mouse like the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is the way to go. Or at the very least, one with more customizable buttons than usual, like the Logitech G502 Hero with its 11 programmable buttons.
If you mainly play shooting games, especially ones with active competitive scenes like Valorant, Counterstrike, or Rainbow Six Siege, then you need the lightest and fastest mouse possible. Choose something that weighs in below 60 grams and has a flawless sensor, like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste.
Having a mouse that fits comfortably in your hand is insanely important, no matter what games you play, but if you're into laid-back genres such as slow-paced RPGs or casual sims, then comfort may realistically be the only thing that matters. Consider something like the Redragon M612 Predator RGB or Logitech G Pro that supports the hand so naturally that it will feel like a seamless extension of your fingers.
If you want a mouse that can do it all, choose one with a medium weight, comfortable/ergonomic form factor, and of course, a perfect sensor that will never fail you.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
At GearLab, we know better than to lump gamers into one big, all-encompassing category. We all share a love of games, but everyone has their own unique traits, preferences, and gameplay styles. Luckily, the wide variety of gaming mice on the market reflects that. Our team carefully evaluated the attributes that have a direct impact on gaming success and enjoyment. The right gaming mouse for you will help you accomplish your specific goals, whether that means climbing the leaderboard, boosting raid efficiency, or just playing all night without building fatigue in your wrist and fingers.