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We tested over 100 of the best computer mice—ranging from wired and wireless to ergonomic and gaming models—to help you find the perfect fit for your budget and needs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ Updated June 17, 2025
Choosing the right mouse can improve your daily work tasks, gaming experience, or even casual web browsing. Whether you value the reliability and simplicity of a wired connection or the freedom and portability of a wireless design, the right mouse offers the precision, comfort, and ease you need to make every interaction with your computer smoother and more enjoyable.
With over 100 mice and counting tested at our lab, we've put new investments into objectively testing these products to gauge their accuracy, response time, and customizable features. To match the numbers, we have a panel of testers clicking away, testing them at our lab, at home, and on group gaming raids together. We know that not all mice are created equal. They vary in shape, size, and design, each tailored for different grip styles and purposes. At GearLab, our mission is to help you navigate the vast array of options, offering guidance on which mouse best suits your unique needs.
The Logitech MX Master 3S is the best productivity powerhouse for work with its elegant design, lightning-fast response, and two scroll wheels that will help you complete tasks quicker.
If you work long hours or suffer from wrist strain, the Logitech MX Vertical is the ergonomic mouse with a design most likely to help you reduce the wrist-twisting tension of conventional mice.
Gaming demands higher performance standards than the rest. With its flawless sensor, versatile polling rate, and high counts-per-inch (CPI), the Razer Basilisk V3 is the best gaming mouse for various gaming styles.
A mouse is just one component of an office or gaming setup. If you seek a full upgrade, we've also sat and sunk into different office chairs and gaming chairs for months at a time, and typed away on various styles of keyboards to find the best.
Editor's Note: We revised our mouse review on June 17, 2025, adding in a new favorite budget ergonomic mouse from TeckNet.
Who it's best for: The Logitech MX Master 3S is an excellent productivity mouse designed to make your work more efficient. If you spend your day navigating spreadsheets, editing videos or graphics, or even just browsing web pages for research or fun, this mouse will improve the experience. It features dual scroll wheels: One for vertical scrolling and another for horizontal navigation. “I thought both scroll wheels were smooth, fast, and accurate,” mentioned one of our testers in their review. The MX Master 3S also features forward and backward navigation buttons, selectable infinite scroll, and convenient USB-C charging. We think this is the superior option for anyone who values smooth control and efficiency.
Why we love it: Not only is the MX Master 3S an effective tool, but it also feels natural in the hand. Its ergonomic design provides exceptional comfort, allowing extended use without causing wrist or hand strain throughout the workday. Our lead tester noted, “There are these cozy grooves for my thumb to rest, providing a wider place for it to land that helps alleviate strain from needing to pinch compared to other mice.” We were also impressed with its ultra-responsive and precise sensor, which can even function on glass surfaces.
Should you buy it? This productivity-focused mouse is well worth the cost for the amount of time it can save you and the strain it can prevent in the long run. It was designed to accommodate a wide range of users, making it a great option for most people looking for a comfortable, convenient, precise mousing experience. However, it does have a blatantly asymmetrical design that makes it unsuitable for left-handed people. There are also specially designed ergonomic mice that go the extra mile in relieving repetitive strain injuries. Even so, the MX Master 3S strikes the best balance between comfort and function that we've seen yet.
Who it's best for: The Logitech MX Vertical is the top choice if you're looking for an ergonomic mouse that can reduce wrist pain or prevent repetitive strain injuries. As a vertical mouse, it supports a simple and comfortable “handshake” position that is much more natural for your wrist and forearm. “I can feel my arm relax when I go to use this mouse,” noted one tester. This is the best mouse for most people who experience fatigue throughout the day and those who have physical limitations that make a typical mouse difficult or impossible to use.
Why we love it: The MX Vertical has a wide body that excellently supports the palm. “It kept my hand in a perfect position for clicking and scrolling. There was no risk of my hand sliding down and out of place, despite the mouse's vertical shape,” remarked our lead tester. The wrist naturally remains elevated above the mouse pad, further reducing the strain or discomfort that would normally be exerted on the joint. We also thoroughly appreciate the long-lasting rechargeable battery that keeps the mouse going for up to four months before needing to be plugged in. Connect it to up to three different devices and switch between them with an onboard toggle for even more wire-free convenience.
Should you buy it? We think that the MX Vertical is the best vertical mouse out there, but you should consider whether it's right for your hand size. Our smaller-handed tester struggled to get a comfortable grip on this mouse's wide body, so a more compact mouse might be preferable if you have small hands. For those with severe conditions that demand even less arm or shoulder movement, an ergonomic trackball mouse could be a better solution. For the vast majority of use cases, though, the MX Vertical is a worthwhile addition to your ergonomic workspace.
Connection Type: Wireless and Bluetooth | Shape: Right-handed
The Logitech MX Vertical is our top choice among the ergonomic designs for its exceptional comfort, features, and precision.
Who it's best for: The Razer Basilisk V3 is the go-to mouse for the discerning gamer. It blends extreme performance and advanced programmability in a sleek, aggressive design. It has a flawless sensor with an adjustable polling rate (125, 500, or 1,000 Hz) and DPI/CPI (100 - 26,000). You can find the perfect balance for your specific gaming needs. The cherry on top is its 11 fully customizable buttons that you can configure universally or on a per-game basis to ensure you always play your way. It's the mouse for you if you feel that other models are holding your gameplay back.
Why we love it: This Razer mouse features an adjustable scroll wheel with a mechanical switch that toggles between fixed resistance and infinite scroll. One tester found this especially beneficial, noting, “With this adjustability feature, it was super easy to find my sweet spot for scrolling.” We appreciate that the mechanical and lighting customizability make this an excellent mouse not only for gaming but also for improving our experience with browsing, working, and any other computer task.
Should you buy it? We can wholeheartedly recommend this mouse to any gamer, though it does lack weight adjustments that would have made a notable difference for some power users. Its edgy design and stylish use of lighting definitely scream “gaming mouse,” which might discourage you from using it in a formal workplace setting. Otherwise, it is an exceptional mouse that excels in all gaming genres and is worth buying for all manner of other uses as well.
Who it's best for: The Tecknet Bluetooth Wireless Mouse is the right wireless mouse for you if you're looking for the perfect blend of value and premium quality. It's a feature-rich product with a sleek design and an affordable price point. Its performance in our exhaustive testing showed that it can compete with mice that cost nearly twice as much. “It's large enough to feel good in your hand without feeling huge and cumbersome,” according to our male tester with medium-sized hands. Folks with smaller hands will likely enjoy it, too.
Why we love it: We love how versatile this Tecknet mouse is. It connects effortlessly via Bluetooth and has a reliable sensor that allows for smooth tracking on various surfaces. It has an accessible CPI button that lets you adjust the mouse's sensitivity on the fly, which we found to be useful during photo editing projects and other precision tasks. “Also, I liked the compact size; it is an excellent travel companion if you work on the go,” one tester mentioned.
Should you buy it? This is a well-balanced, affordable mouse that is an excellent choice for everyday computing tasks. While it may not be suitable for high-end gaming, you can absolutely rely on it for work or casual recreation, and its accessible price point will keep you from ever feeling buyer's remorse. It is an asymmetrical mouse that favors right-handers, though, and those with larger hands may find that this mouse's size can lead to fatigue and discomfort during extended use. We recommend putting this mouse on your shopping list if you are looking for a medium-sized option that you can easily carry between different workstations and sync to multiple devices.
Connection Type: Bluetooth | Shape: Right-Handed
The Tecknet Bluetooth Wireless Mouse is a versatile product that works well on marble and other unusual surface types.
Who it's best for: The TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical is the ideal choice for anyone who's still on the fence about investing in a vertical mouse. It has an ergonomic design that keeps your hand and wrist in a more natural, strain-free position, just like the more premium vertical mice on the market. Not everyone has the same needs or preferences when it comes to ergonomics, though, so this mouse can be a great entry point for testing the waters. Its affordability also makes it a great choice if you're simply interested in switching back and forth between a standard mouse and an ergonomic mouse throughout to relieve bit of workday fatigue.
Why we love it: We were very pleasantly surprised by the high-quality experience provided by this budget TeckNet mouse. It's capable of very accurate tracking performance, it has a nice soft-touch plastic reminiscent of more expensive mice, and it comes with a rechargeable battery, unlike other budget mice that expect you to purchase replacements. It also has just the right shape and angle to feel ergonomic for many types of users. “I would recommend this for most hand sizes,” our lead tester commented.
Should you buy it? This is a quiet and adequately ergonomic mouse that is worth buying for use in any workplace, classroom, or home office. It can help stave off the onset of repetitive stress injuries and provide some relief from wrist-related strain, but keep in mind that it has an overly thin design compared to other vertical mice. A mouse with a wider design will do a better job of supporting your palm and providing hours of consistent comfort. At such an accessible price point, though, the TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical will provide more benefit per dollar than just about any other ergonomic mouse.
Connection Type: Wireless | Shape: Right-Handed
The TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical has a stylish design and impressive performance comparable to higher-end options.
Extremely tactile and notched-feeling scroll wheel
Who it's best for: The Logitech G203 Lightsync is for the gamer who values performance, customization, and self-expression. These are things you can have without paying a premium, and the Lightsync proves it. It comes in several appealing colors and includes configurable RGB lighting with various presets and color schemes to choose from. Equipped with a high-precision sensor, you can adjust this mouse's CPI anywhere between 200 to 8,000 CPI. The adjustable polling rate also guarantees smooth and lag-free movements from 125 to 1,000 Hz.
Why we love it: We appreciate that this is an affordable yet highly competent mouse that also benefits from Logitech's intuitive software. It's extremely easy to program the buttons, sensitivity, and lighting effects to your liking. It is also an extremely reliable piece of gear for the discerning gamer — all but the most elite competitors at the highest level of competition will find this mouse to be more than suitable for their gaming needs, whether for casual gaming, fast-paced shooters or MOBAs, or anything in between.
Should you buy it? It's hard to go wrong with such a performant, feature-rich gaming mouse at this price point. However, it's worth mentioning a possible issue from our tester's review: “Although I couldn't reproduce it, I read that some users reported spin out, which is an overcorrection during fast-sweeping mouse movements that highly competitive gamers want to avoid.” We also noticed that the Lightsync's scroll wheel feels overly tactile and produces a relatively loud noise — a factor worth considering if you're looking for something more smooth, ergonomic, and audibly subtle. The positives will outweigh the negatives for most gamers, though, making this a budget gaming mouse worth putting at the top of your shopping list.
Who it's best for: The Logitech G Pro is the ultimate mouse for gamers looking to free themselves from the constraints of pesky wires. You would be hard-pressed to sense the minuscule difference in performance between this mouse and the most cutting-edge wired gaming mice. The G Pro is also perfectly symmetrical in design, making it a rare example of such a high-end mouse that's suitable for both righties and lefties.
Why we love it: We love the reliability and precision that make the G Pro such a great choice for any type of gaming. Logitech's proprietary HERO 25k optical sensor pulls its weight here, resulting in flawless movement detection and capitalizing on adjustable sensitivity that reaches high CPI counts. We felt completely in control of every on-screen motion during our gaming sessions. Clicking is basically silent and felt effortless, striking the sweet spot necessary for shooting in a game like Rainbow Six Siege, making each pull of the trigger quick enough to gain that extra edge. The customization is decent as well, with two fully programmable buttons on both the right and left sides.
Should you buy it? There's little reason not to purchase the Logitech G Pro if your priority is to find the best-performing wireless mouse. However, it definitely falls short on self-expression compared to other gaming mice. There is almost no RGB customization available for this mouse–the only part that lights up is the small Logitech G logo. It also lacks the dozen or so customizable buttons that many MMO or MOBA players are likely to seek for their personalized gameplay needs. However, if a no-frills approach to high-end wireless gaming sounds appealing to you, this is the mouse to buy.
Who it's best for: The Logitech M500s is a simple, elegant, and well-performing mouse that caters to the everyday needs of most users. Whether you are managing documents, surfing spreadsheets, or casually browsing, you will likely find that this mouse commendably gets the job done. It leaves no room for complaints or frustrations with its high-precision sensor that offers up to 4,000 counts per inch (CPI). It also features a low-resistance 4D scroll wheel and selectable infinite scroll mode, greatly enhancing its usability as a versatile productivity tool.
Why we love it: We found ourselves most surprised by how well the M500s performs on various surface types. It demonstrated highly accurate tracking capabilities across nearly all surfaces we tested, making it a reliable choice no matter where you go. Relaxed scrolling sessions on the couch, impromptu work tasks at the dining room table, or even on-the-go productivity at a strange cafe booth–all are perfectly manageable with the M500s. It also features seven programmable buttons, and you can even assign functions in the Logitech Options software based on the active application you are currently using.
Should you buy it? You get excellent performance and a high degree of versatility at a bargain price with the Logitech M500s. It certainly feels comfortable to hold, too, but its affordability comes with some design sacrifices. “The scroll wheel is pretty loud, which might bother some folks,” one tester commented. Gamers and power users might also overlook this mouse in favor of one with even more customization and programmability. Overall, though, it packs a punch in the productivity department that few mice can match at this price point.
Connection Type: Wired | Shape: Ambidextrous
The M500s has a sufficiently long cord that's light enough to never restrict your movement.
Who it's best for: The TeckNet USB Wired is for the budget-conscious shopper. It's a cost-effective choice if you need to supply an entire classroom or office building, but it's also perfect for individuals who are just looking for something that will get the job done. Despite its sub-twenty-dollar price tag, it's no slouch in the performance department. You get exceptional tracking precision that surpasses expectations for a peripheral in this price range. During our extensive testing, it even consistently delivered performance comparable to mice with significantly higher price points.
Why we love it: This mouse goes above and beyond in almost every way. It has a fairly ergonomic design, dedicated forward and back browser buttons, and even a convenient CPI switch for on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments. “I found this feature proves particularly beneficial for tasks requiring varying sensitivity levels throughout the workday,” noted one of our testers. We were impressed to find that we could rely on the TeckNet to adapt to diverse usage scenarios, making it a standout value proposition in the crowded peripheral market.
Should you buy it? The fact that this TeckNet mouse performs so well at such a low cost makes it a natural buy for any low-intensity use case, but it is worth reporting that we experienced some minor issues during our testing. For example, we noticed some sluggishness when we tried to use the mouse on unorthodox surfaces such as lined paper. The inexpensiveness of its construction also starts to become apparent with its stiff cord, rattly scroll wheel, and loud clicks. If you aren't planning to use it for precision design work or video games, though, the TeckNet USB Wired will hardly steer you wrong.
Connection Type: Wired | Shape: Ambidextrous
We were impressed with the tracking performance this value sensor demonstrated.
Who it's best for: The Razer Pro Click Mini is designed for the on-the-go professional. Weighing just three ounces and boasting a truly diminutive size, it effortlessly slips into a briefcase or backpack. It's perfect for taking to and from work, keeping up with lectures in class, or bringing your productivity to the coffee shop or airport. Of course, this also means it's a great choice as your at-home mouse if you simply have limited desk space.
Why we loved it: Despite its small stature, the Pro Click Mini packs a punch in terms of performance. It has impeccably low latency and an impressive sensor that goes up to 12,000 dots per inch (DPI). It stands out as one of the most accurate mice in our testing lineup, exceeding the needs of the average person but aiming to appease even the most discerning power user. We also appreciated the convenience of being able to pair this mouse with up to three separate devices. “I like that it offers users the flexibility to connect either via Bluetooth or a USB dongle,” one tester said. It is incredibly efficient to bring this peripheral between several frequently used locations and simply switch the active connection with the push of a button.
Should you buy it? This mouse strikes the right balance between power and portability, making it a worthwhile purchase if you plan to take it on the go. However, folks with larger hands might find the size of the Pro Click Mini to be a downside. While none of our testers experienced discomfort due to its small dimensions, we understand that it could pose difficulties for some users. Also, we had issues with the tilt-click side-to-side scrolling feature, which scrolled too quickly, hindering precise navigation in tasks such as spreadsheet usage. Fortunately, adjusting the scroll speed in the computer's mouse settings mitigated this problem to a large extent. These caveats are not enough to dethrone this mouse as the ultimate travel companion.
Connection Type: Wireless or Bluetooth | Shape: Ambidextrous
The Razer Pro Click Mini was a tiny champion that held up to all of our performance-focused tests despite its compact size and feather-light weight.
How We Tested
The GearLab test team has purchased dozens of mice across multiple categories and put them all through exhaustive practical evaluations. Our expert testers arrive at objective ratings for each mouse by taking precise measurements in the lab, testing each component along with any accompanying software, using them extensively in real-world circumstances, and, in the case of gaming mice, fielding them in actual gameplay scenarios.
We are passionate hardware fanatics, productivity fiends, and gaming enthusiasts. We stay abreast of the best wired and wireless mice on the market for office use, ergonomics, and recreation. We purchase all products in our reviews from retailers and put each mouse through the wringer with specialized machinery and standardized manual tests. For example, we utilize advanced tools such as electronically actuated linear sliders, dimensional measuring devices, and scales to gauge metrics like tracking precision, ergonomics, and overall unit weight. You can find more detailed info on our testing articles for wired mice, wireless mice, and gaming mice.
We scientifically test each category of mice using specialized tools and methodologies tailored to assess key attributes like sensor accuracy, programmability, and button responsiveness.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing team includes tech experts who know their stuff when it comes to managing mind-boggling spreadsheets and winning a deathmatch in the latest online shooter. That also means understanding the tools that make those things possible. The testers at GearLab have real experience with hunting down the best computer mice out of necessity — whether for productivity, ergonomics, or a much-needed competitive edge.
Leading our mouse-testing effort is Austin Palmer, who brings over two decades of experience with mice in office settings. Diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI) in 2009, Austin's extensive use of mice and his commitment to ergonomics make him a valuable expert in identifying the most comfortable and effective mice for long-term use, ensuring our recommendations help prevent discomfort and injury. He's also an avid PC gamer with a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of gaming peripheral performance and how it translates to the screen in competitive gaming.
Every mouse we review undergoes rigorously developed scientific evaluations and consecutive subjective analyses by seasoned testers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose a Mouse
We've covered the best wired, wireless, gaming, and ergonomic mice. While there is a good deal of overlap between most varieties of mice, and many of these can pull off excellent ergonomics while working well enough for casual browsing, productivity, or gaming, you probably want to find the one best suited to your specific use case. We're here to help.
What is Your Primary Use Case for the Mouse?
Gamers will prefer mice with high precision and low latency, with lots of buttons to program, while someone looking for an upgrade for their office mouse might lean towards mice with advanced ergonomics and a horizontal scroll wheel for spreadsheets. People with repetitive stress injuries will want to look into the sub-genre of ergonomic mice that positions the hand in a more natural way than traditionally designed mice. Then, of course, there are wired and wireless mice to think about, which is a matter of preference for most but a performance requirement for some.
A lineup of mice ready for testing, each set to undergo rigorous evaluations of their performance, ergonomics, and features.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Types of Mice
When it comes to choosing the right mouse, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Different styles cater to unique needs, preferences, and tasks. From the classic wired mice that offer reliable performance to ergonomic models designed to minimize strain, the options are vast. In this review, we'll explore a variety of mice, highlighting their features and helping you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Wired Mice
A wired mouse might be the right choice for you if you're leaving the mouse on your desk and don't want the burden of recharging or replacing batteries. They also offer the most reliable connection to your computer, as you are highly unlikely to experience any connection drop, which sometimes occurs with wireless mice. Wired mice also have the edge on low latency, which is a factor in the ultra-fast response time required by competitive gamers.
Wired Mouse Metric Scores
Product
Tracking/Precision
Scroll Wheel
Programming
Surface Types
Razer Basilisk V3
9.8
9.8
10.0
9.0
Logitech G502 X
9.9
9.0
9.5
9.5
Logitech M500s
8.9
9.3
6.5
9.5
SteelSeries Rival 3
9.6
6.5
9.0
8.0
Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse
9.9
6.0
7.5
7.5
TeckNet USB Wired
8.8
6.0
1.0
8.0
Dell MS3220
4.3
7.0
5.0
7.0
Kkuod Silent Wired
8.6
6.0
1.0
6.8
Amazon Basics 3-Button
7.1
8.0
1.0
6.0
Logitech B100
6.8
6.0
2.5
6.8
Logitech M100
6.8
6.0
2.5
6.3
Wireless Mice
Many prefer a wireless mouse for minimal cable clutter and portability. Depending on your use case, wires can be more than just an eyesore — they might restrict your range of movement if you have limited desk space. You might even opt for a wireless mouse if you are a competitive gamer who wants to limit the amount of weight or drag you feel on your mouse during critical, high-intensity moments when every factor can make all the difference.
If you're on the hunt for a good mouse for your workday, we highly recommend mice with forward/back browser buttons and a secondary horizontal scroll wheel for use in spreadsheets. You might want a mouse with a few additional buttons, but not an overwhelming amount like some gaming mice tend to have. A mouse you are going to use day in and day out at the office should probably have some decent ergonomics built into its design, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a dedicated ergonomic mouse if you'd rather stick to something more traditional. You will want decent tracking and response, but those parameters aren't nearly as crucial for productivity and casual browsing as they are in gaming and some advanced design and creative fields.
A long, flexible, snag-free cord ensures seamless and uninterrupted performance for a wired mouse.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ergonomic Mice
Most modern, well-designed mice, outside of the most basic ones, are pretty ergonomic. However, some do it better than others, and there is even a sub-genre of mice that are less traditionally shaped and more ergonomic to the human hand. Prolonged periods in front of a computer can lead to health issues such as repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. An ergonomic mouse, designed for comfort and efficiency, can mitigate these risks. Unlike standard mice, ergonomic mice are designed from the ground up to reduce strain, encouraging a healthier posture during use. They come in various forms, including horizontal, vertical, trackball, and joystick mice, each offering unique benefits.
Ergonomic Mouse Key Metric Scores
Product
Comfort
Tracking and Performance
Scroll Wheel
Programmable Buttons
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
7.3
9.9
8
9
Logitech MX Master 3S
8
9.9
7.2
8.5
Logitech MX Ergo S
7.6
9.4
7.5
8.5
Logitech MX Vertical
8.5
9.8
6.4
8
Logitech Lift
6.3
9.8
8.1
8
Logitech M575S
6.1
9.5
6.5
7.5
Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball
4.8
9.4
7
5.5
Lenovo Go Vertical
5
8.3
6.5
5.5
Evoluent VerticalMouse D
5.3
5.9
6
7
ProtoArc EM11 NL
7.5
8.2
6.8
1
TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical
6.9
8.5
6.4
1
TeckNet Wireless Vertical Mouse
6
8.5
7
1
Anker 2.4G Vertical
6.9
6.7
6.7
1
J-Tech Digital V628 Vertical
4.3
7.2
5.5
1
Traditional Horizontal Ergonomic Mice
Traditional horizontal ergonomic mice offer a familiar design with enhancements to reduce hand strain. They feature contoured shapes and additional thumb rests, providing a more comfortable grip and better support for the hand. This design minimizes the risk of repetitive strain injuries by promoting a more natural hand position. These mice also typically include programmable buttons and high-precision sensors, making them suitable for both productivity tasks and casual gaming.
Vertical Ergonomic Mice
Vertical ergonomic mice promote a natural handshake position, which can significantly reduce wrist and forearm strain. By rotating the hand into a more vertical orientation, these mice help prevent the twisting motion associated with traditional mice. This design is especially beneficial for users who experience discomfort or pain from extended computer use, as it reduces pressure on the carpal tunnel and supports a healthier posture.
Joystick Ergonomic Mice
Joystick ergonomic mice use a vertical grip that resembles holding a joystick, engaging the stronger arm muscles rather than relying solely on the wrist. This design can be particularly helpful for users with limited wrist mobility or those recovering from wrist injuries. By distributing the movement across the arm, joystick mice reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and provide a comfortable alternative for prolonged computer use.
Trackball Ergonomic Mice
Trackball ergonomic mice eliminate the need for extensive wrist movement by allowing users to control the cursor with a stationary ball. This design is ideal for users who suffer from wrist pain or have limited desk space. Trackball mice reduce the strain on the wrist and arm, offering precise control with minimal effort. They are also beneficial for users who need to operate the mouse on uneven surfaces or in confined areas, providing versatility and ease of use. need to operate the mouse on uneven surfaces or in confined areas, providing versatility and ease of use.
From joysticks to trackballs, there are many different styles to choose from with ergonomic mice.
Gaming Mice
There is probably more to consider with gaming mice than any other type. These mice tend to excel in performance and precision. They have better tracking and response times than all other mice and often even include aesthetic touches like programmable RGB lighting effects to enhance desktop ambiance. Most of all, they have more buttons than most other mice. Below are the results from our gaming mouse review.
Gaming Mouse Metric Scores
Product
Performance
Customization
Ease of Use
Scroll Wheel
Razer Basilisk V3
9.3
8.1
9.0
9.7
Logitech G Pro
9.0
6.5
10.0
9.4
Logitech G502 Lightspeed
8.8
8.0
10.0
8.0
Razer DeathAdder V3
9.9
6.1
9.3
9.4
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
9.3
6.3
9.5
9.4
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
9.9
5.8
10.0
8.5
Razer Viper V2 Pro
9.8
5.8
10.0
8.3
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite
8.7
9.3
8.5
7.4
Roccat Kone XP
9.3
9.1
9.3
6.1
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless
8.8
6.0
10.0
9.0
Logitech G203 Lightsync
8.3
7.3
9.5
8.2
Glorious Model O-
9.0
6.3
8.5
9.0
Logitech G305
8.9
6.1
9.8
7.7
Logitech G502 X
9.3
7.0
9.0
6.3
Corsair Sabre RGB Pro
9.2
7.3
9.0
5.4
Sensor
Sensor quality is crucial for tracking precision and performance. A high-quality sensor ensures accurate and responsive tracking, which is essential for fast-paced gaming. Look for key specifications like DPI (sensitivity), IPS (movement speed tracking), and a high polling rate (Hz) for quick data transmission. Many of the best gaming mice come with optical or laser sensors from reputable brands like PixArt. While most new gaming mice have excellent sensors, verifying these specs ensures the mouse meets your specific needs.
GearLab uses specialized machinery to test precise gaming mouse metrics such as DPI or IPS.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Shape/Grip
Shape is crucial when selecting a gaming mouse, especially for FPS players, as it affects ergonomics and comfort. Choose a mouse that suits your grip style—palm, fingertip, or claw. Hand size matters, too; a large hand might struggle with a smaller mouse. Additionally, consider the finish: matte offers a better grip, while glossy can become slippery during intense gaming.
The Razer Basilisk V3 provides a perfect example of a great gaming mouse grip with its ample thumb rest that helps keep your hand in perfect firing position.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight
Another important personal preference when choosing a gaming mouse is its weight. Generally, lighter mice are favored as they tend to be easier to handle and move around, providing greater agility during gameplay. However, some people prefer the substantial feel of a heavier mouse, finding that it offers more control and stability. Ultimately, the ideal weight of a gaming mouse depends on individual preference and the specific demands of the games you play. Many mice in the “superlight” category weigh less than 60 grams, while the most beastly gaming mice will anchor your experience with a hefty 120 grams or more.
Gaming mice can combine eye-catching aesthetics with top-tier performance for a competitive gaming edge.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Software
One of the key features to consider in a gaming mouse is the ability to customize button functions. Advanced programming features allow users to reassign button functions, create complex macros, and tailor the mouse's performance to their specific needs. This includes setting up profiles for different games, adjusting DPI settings for precision control, and programming buttons to execute multiple commands with a single click. These capabilities enhance the gaming experience by providing greater flexibility and efficiency, enabling players to optimize their mouse for various tasks and gaming styles.
The Logitech G HUB software gives you full, easy-to-navigate control of G series products like the G Pro wireless gaming mouse.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Lighting
Gaming mouse lighting features, often powered by RGB technology, add a visually appealing element to your gaming setup. These customizable lighting options allow you to personalize your mouse with a spectrum of colors and dynamic effects, enhancing the overall ambiance of your gaming rig. Beyond aesthetics, the lighting can be synchronized with other peripherals and in-game events, creating a cohesive and immersive environment. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or vibrant, pulsing lights, the ability to adjust the lighting settings can significantly contribute to the flair and atmosphere of your gaming experience. If that's not your style, there are also unassuming and RGB-free gaming mouse options.
Many gaming mice come with exceptional LED lights for decking out your gaming quiver.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Wired or Wireless
Each has its pros and cons. Wired mice offer consistent performance and superior response times, which is ideal for competitive gaming, although they may have minor cable drag and bring more clutter to the desk. On the other hand, wireless mice provide freedom of movement and a cleaner setup but require regular charging or battery replacements, which can be inconvenient during long gaming sessions. Despite advancements in wireless technology, some gamers still prefer a wired connection's reliability and slightly faster response.
Equipped with heat-treated pure PTFE glides and Owl-Eye 19k DPI optical sensors, this model ensures smooth and precise control.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Mouse Feet
Don't forget about the mouse feet, or skates, underneath. These small pads greatly affect the mouse's glide and performance, providing smooth movement and precision during gameplay. While they wear out over time, aftermarket options allow for customization. Your choice of mouse pad also impacts performance, so personalize your setup to your liking for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
In the vast and varied world of computer mice, there's a click for every clique!
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
With numerous options available, whether for gaming, ergonomics, productivity, wired, or wireless use, finding the right mouse can greatly enhance your computing experience. We hope we've helped you decide which type of computer mouse best suits your needs and preferences in this expansive market.
