The Best Gaming Mouse

A perfect choice of best gaming mouse to match your gaming taste is as obligatory as a right weapon in the battlefield. Featuring accurate movements, just the right grip, advanced customization options is what we reckon best gaming mouse must offer. This can turn around all the available circumstances in your favor for victory in any genre of gaming zone.

Gone are the days when all mouse were more or less similar in functions and features. A lot of hefty effort is being put in now to meet the complex criteria of gamers. From DPI to click sensitivity, Grips to charging ways and weight adjustments, there’s a lot one can play with the mouse. With so many options available in the market and so many features to play with, it is really difficult to decide which one succeeds as the gaming mouse, however it does not matter, if you’re a beginner or a hardcore gaming professional, there are some features, one can’t let go while hunting for best gaming mouse.

When compiling the list of top 10 best gaming mice, a lot of manufacturers come to mind who are making innovative advancements with every passing minute and bringing revolutions in a gaming mouse. The list is deliberately compiled on basis of performance, features, design, and budget. Let’s roll!

1. Razer Mamba

Razer Mamba stands at the top of the podium of best gaming mouse. Equipped with its magnificent design, most precise 16000 DPI, the response rate of 1ms and ergonomic design with just the right grips for your palm, this mouse beats the rest in the show. During the evolution of Mambas over 9 years now, Razer has worked a lot in bringing this product at the pinnacle of gaming mice list. In its latest incarnation, the Mamba claims its place as the best all-purpose right-handed mouse Razer offers.

Design & Performance

Mamba uses Razers latest laser sensor which does not miss a slightest move and tracking is smooth and flawless. A perfect shape which allows it to rest perfectly in your hands. While Razer has brought out left-handed versions of DeathAdder and Naga, Mamba is unfortunately only a right-handed gaming mouse.

Neatly designed and comfortable in use, sides are coated in grippy rubber to avoid slippage. The spine is equipped with a gentle curve for better grip. Nine programmable buttons are provided, which are all well placed. The mouse offers different levels of actuation force to set up your personalized click force, in order to suit FPS sniper firers or rapid fire lovers. Available in both wired and wireless mode, the product of this quality is indeed a spectacular feature that brings out optimization to the whole new level.

The battery is the strong point of Razer Mamba. An appealing feature of this gaming mouse is 24+ hours of battery life when gaming. Especially when you have the ability to use the mouse, even when on charging. When plugged on wired mode, the battery concerns are eliminated and you can go all out with the 1000 Hz report rate and Chroma lighting. Another amazing feature it offers is the ability to adjust the click force making it easier or harder to click the main left and right buttons. All of the buttons are easy to reach and have a good touch, while the mouse sits comfortably in the hand. A button moved here, a texture changed there, just to keep the Mamba at Acme.

2. ASUS ROG Spatha

With the market saturated with the gaming mouse and rivals struggling hard to bet the list, ASUS ROG Spatha emerges as a spectacular choice for gamers. The mouse of this caliber has a lot to offer as regards to features and innovations but its higher weight lets it down a bit. Surprisingly, the ASUS ROG Spatha is a hefty mouse, weighing at 179g. When compared to its competitors, the Razer Mamba has 125g and the Logitech G703 has 107g. Few people prefer heavy mice, considering the fact that it adds to the build quality while most gamers consider it simply too heavy to use comfortably.

Design and Performance

ASUS ROG Spatha can be used both in Wired and Wireless mode. DPI counts to 8200 which is too high for beginners but if you own a 4k display, this DPI might bother you. It has a two-level adjustable DPI button, which is yet another customization, a gamer will fall for. Polling rate is also impressive, counting at 2000Hz when in wired mode and 1000Hz for wireless mode. Both the figures are enough to satisfy a hardcore gamer.

Charging platform feature of ASUS ROG Spatha gaming mouse was found to be better than Razer Mamba hyperflux, more neat and cool. The magnetic platform does not let you miss a chance of detaching charging pins.

ROG Spatha comes with 12 programmable buttons including the one for DPI switch. Six thumb buttons giving intuitive command and control. It fits perfectly in hand, and has ergonomically designed to give a perfect response which is another great feature added to the list.

3. Corsair Dark Core RGB

Navigate your desktop precisely with this Corsair Dark Core gaming mouse. The use of low-latency Bluetooth for syncing with compatible devices, and 16000 DPI optical sensor includes it in the race of best mice list. Corsair Dark Core gaming mouse has a contoured shape and interchangeable textured side grips for a comfortable feel in hand.

Design & Performance

Corsair has recently jumped in and emerged as a strong competitor to a renowned company Logitech due to the mouse charging ways. The Corsair’s wireless charging uses the Qi technology as already used by few renowned latest Smartphones while Logitech, on the other hand, uses electromagnetic resonance to continually charge their mouse via a field covering the entire mouse mat. The difference emerges conspicuously where the Dark Core RGB offers 20x fast charging when it’s positioned precisely in one 5mm diameter circle in the top right top corner of Mousepad. Positioning the gaming mouse in the corner might bother few Gamers, but Corsair justifies this by offering 20x charging speed and 24 hours prolonged battery life. However, Mostly gamers prefer continuous charging as it is more convenient in usability. Corsair Dark RGB can be connected via Bluetooth and wireless both without any glitches inaccuracy of movements.

Dark Core RGB and SE versions both are equipped with Corsair custom Pixart 3367 optical sensor. DPI count is 16000 pixels at maximum, which is a pretty good figure. A striking feature of this mouse comes with a surface calibration tuning utility which optimizes sensor precision and responsiveness for your playing surface. Nine buttons have been provided for spectacular customization.

4. Logitech G903

Logitech G903 is a sequel to G900 which has proved his powers among the gamers and has been top of the line mouse for the last year. Introduction of Logitech’s powerplay has added to the glory of the series and Gamers have their choices fixed over Logitech yet. New Logitech G903 now comes with a pure black scheme instead of gun metallic finish of its predecessor. Provision of a cavity to add extra weight to the mouse is yet another optimization, the mouse has to offer.

Design & Performance

Talking about design and performance, Logitech has never let its users down. Be it in wired or wireless mode, it works flawlessly and smooth. No glitches or latency was found while using it in any kind of Wi-Fi saturated environment and tracking was incredibly accurate and responsiveness was consistent. Logitech G903 uses the PMW3366 optical sensor with a maximum sensitivity of 12,000 DPI. Such count is quite high and can satisfy any pro gamer without complaint. However, Razer Lancehead being 10 bucks cheaper, is equipped with 5G laser sensor at an even higher sensitivity of 16,000 DPI.

A total of nine buttons, optimally designed with a great click feel, provide additional comfort, ease, and customization options. Logitech G903 is designed for left-hand users as well. Battery timings of this gaming mouse is another plus, rendering 24 hours of battery time with RGB lights on, and extends its battery life to 32 hours if RGB lights are turned off. Logitech clearly carves its name by nonpareil features and beats its rivals.

5. SteelSeries Rival 700

The Rival 700 is a powerful gaming mouse armed with the first fully customizable OLED display, and customizable tactile alerts giving gamers real-time information and notifications.

SteelSeries has earned itself a very good reputation over time and is emerging as a competitor in the market for gaming mice. Rival 700 optical gaming mouse sports is the one that SteelSeries has to offer to bear a DPI of up to 16,000, an integrated OLED display and can even vibrate. It must be admitted that OLED and haptic feedback are two most intriguing features that let us to test this mouse for the competition of best gaming Mouse.

Design & Performance

Sole and exclusive design of Rival 700 speaks for itself. Body made of hard plastic and sides covered with rough rubber texture. Feel is sturdy and shape is comfortable to grip. Black and white OLED provided is yet another prong towards gaming that supports various picture formats including GIF animations. Tactical feedback is available in 13 different ways of strength, speed, and duration, with most ranging from a one-off buzz to a pulsating vibration hence can bring a revolution for gamers to communicate with the device and PC without having to bring their ears to it. The best part is that these strong tactical feedbacks do not let the pointer to move on the screen even by a millimeter.

The Rival 700 gaming mouse does offer only seven programmable buttons than similar mice available in the market in the same price. For instance, the Proteus Spectrum has 11 buttons, while the Corsair M65 has eight. Those gamers who really value having extra buttons will be affected greatly. Moreover, it is designed for right-hand users only.

Performance is based on PixArt PMW3360 Optical sensor with DPI of 16000. Polling rate is 10000 Hz which is good enough when compared to Razer Mamba and Corsair dark Core RGB gaming mouse of equal DPI. This device has an incredible sense of lift detection which ranges up to 3mm. At no point, any lag or discrepancy in tracking was observed and tracking proportion was found as 1:1.

6. Corsair M65 Pro RGB

If you are FPS buff or you are looking for something that can bring glory to your FPS games, Corsair M65 PRO RGB is just the right mouse for you. Available at a very reasonable price tag, this aluminum cased mouse gives a tough competition to its market rivals. M65 Pro RGB is equipped with two DPI adjusting buttons but the ‘sniper’ button available in the mouse is the party trick to lower the DPI at once for better precision. A right hand only gaming mouse, with palm grip only, a fixed cable and a little hefty in weight. There could be a trouble for few gamers around who are Claw grippers and prefer lightweight devices.

Design & Performance

DPI count is 12000 and polling rate is 1000 Hz which is good enough for a pro gamer, but may not impress those who are expecting a count of 16000 dots. Working on optical sensor seems magnificently perfect and tracking is flawless. The existence of eight programmable buttons makes this mouse a great choice for pro gamers. Calibration of mouse surface can also be done from proper gaming surface, wooden surface, or even glass. The price tag for this gaming mouse is just $60 and is also available in white color.

7. ASUS ROG Gladius II

ASUS ROG Gladius II is the sequel to the Gladius mouse which was top of the line mouse of its time. Introduction of a new sensor, support for ASUS’ Aura lighting technology, and hot-swappable Omron switches, a feature that provides an exclusive push-fit socket design that allows you to easily change switches to customize click resistance. Specially designed for right-hand users, Gladius II has equipped with five extra buttons apart from conventional two clicks and a scroll wheel. A sniper button is also present to lower DPI as in case of Corsair M65 PRO RGB. Apart from sturdy design, the buttons fall naturally to my fingers and thumb and are ergonomically contoured, so they’re easy to access.

Design & Performance

Gladius II offers a sensor capable of handling 12,000 DPI. Polling rate over USB of this device is supported up to 1000 Hz. Smooth scrolling provided by the mouse over surfaces and the combination of DPI and polling rate provides an exciting in-game experience, with a snappy response time keeps it in the contest of best gaming mice. Detachable USB cable gives you the option of using a short cable or a longer, which may act as a lifesaver for most gamers who are wired mode friendly but get irritated due to unwanted longer or shorter length of the cable.

8. Razer DeathAdder Chroma

Well! If you are the one who praises simple and straight style, you would love to deal with Chroma. The mouse of this class is a simple yet elegant and comfortable device that lets you feel the show. Whether you’re a claw-grip gamer or you prefer palming your peripheral, it’s wonderfully designed. No complex add-ons to this device and is only equipped with two extra buttons, which is indeed a plus point as far as we speak of simplicity. But you might want a mouse with more buttons, like the Razer Naga Chroma, to perform at the highest levels.

Design and Performance

The design is ergonomic and pretty comfortable. Allowing enough finger space and a perfect grip, the rubberized textures on sides of the mouse adds to the comfort level of holding this joy. Chroma features a DPI of 10,000 and polling rate of 1000 Hz, meaning thereby, it competes for the latest mice in best gaming mouse competition. Tracking remains smooth and mouse glides perfectly over surfaces. The mouse works perfectly for start-up gamers, however, pro gamers might want some added customization options in it. Best thing is the availability of this gaming mouse for both right and left-hand users.

9. Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum

Logitech G502 is the beast that is roaring in the market and giving rivals a real tough competition when it comes to the listing of best gaming mouse. Logitech claims that this mouse provides an unprecedented level of customization, which is true so far.

Design & Performance

Designed in an extremely compact and sturdy way, mouse body is mostly black and hard plastic material. Both sides of the mouse are having texturized rubbers, making the grip more comfortable and easy. Equipped with 11 customizable buttons, it is a spectacular claw-grip gaming mouse.  Yes! You heard it right. That is more than any mouse offers. The peripheral has a left mouse button, a right mouse button, and a scroll wheel that clicks in three directions, two dots-per-inch (DPI) sensitivity buttons near the top, one button below the scroll wheel and three thumb buttons. These ample buttons out stand this device from the rest. But wait! The show isn’t over yet, there is yet another button available, but that is not programmable and is used to adjust scroll wheel options.

The gaming performance of G502 was remarkable in almost all kinds of genre. Tracking accuracy and smoothness was at its pinnacle. All the programmable buttons seemed right in place with no feel of cluttering. DPI is adjustable to 12000 dots and polling rate is 1000 Hz. This is pretty enough for the latest mouse and a hardcore gamer.

If the weight of mouse could be a matter for you, Logitech G502 lets you adjust it. It is equipped with five removable 3.6 g weights that may be used to adjust gaming mouse weight as per ease and habit of gamer. Moreover, surface customization can also be done and that is indeed a practical feature, Logitech offers.

10. SteelSeries Rival 600

SteelSeries Rival 600 is the first of its kind that brings you two optical sensors; one for conventional movement, and another sensor which detects lift-off from the mouse surface, as serious players are often prone to do. Featuring an innovative adjustable weight system, and RGB lighting, it is equipped with latest performance advancements. New Optical Truemove3+ sensor has a second optical sensor included, and it is the successor to the Rival 310 optical sensor TrueMove 3.

Design & Performance

Rival 600 gaming mouse is designed for both Claw grips and palm grips for right-hand gamers only. It is equipped with silicon grips and soft touch finish designed to provide easy control of the mouse. Another remarkable innovation in Rival 600 apart from the dual sensor is weight adjustment. Although Logitech G502 provides the same feature with adjusting all five weights in a single compartment, SteelSeries has really worked on this one. Weight adjustment of eight 4g weights is done in four different compartments at front, rear and sides of the mouse, so as to balance out the weight as per the wish of gamer. 32 g weight lets you play perfectly and that is quite an adjustment option to be delivered.

The design is sturdy and quite comfortable.  There’s more use of soft-touch finishes all over the exterior of this peripheral. What’s more, the two sides you’ll be gripping the most are lined with seriously soft pieces of rubber, ensuring a comfortable and firm grip. With the introduction of seven buttons, this gaming mouse has pretty good customization options. It is also equipped with a sniper button as in on mice like the G502 or the Corsair M65. DPI adjusters are also in an optimal place, not bothering any type of gamer. Adjustment of buttons on this mouse dictates that this model is dedicated to FPS games mostly.

Know Your Mouse – A Buying Guide

Mice today, are more than a left click and a right click. Before you jump into gaming or if you are already one, you need to choose the right mouse for you. Choosing right mouse is not that easy as it sounds. There’s a lot one must know about, before paying some bucks for better gaming.

Different Type of Mice Grips

Right grip for the right job. First thing before choosing the right mouse is knowing your grip. Once the grip is right and comfortable, you can then focus on design and features of the gaming mouse. Every Gamer has his own style of gripping the mouse and mostly depends on the type of gamer you are. Typical grips are explained here for you to choose, which one suits you better.

Claw Grip. Most HSG (High-sensitivity Gamers) use claw grips where the mouse is held with fingers and rest of palm is acting like a claw. The palm does not touch the body of the mouse. This grip requires lighter mice but a steady hand.

Palm Grip. LSGs (Low-sensitivity gamers) use Palm grip where most of your hand is resting on the mouse body and fingers are holding mouse firmly. Palm grip offers more control over mouse and does not require a steady hand.

Design

If your toy fits well in your palm with the perfect grip on the device, you probably have chosen the best gaming mouse for the play. No matter what all features it offers you if it does not fit in your hands, the way you want it, you can’t take lead in any of the games. Few gamers are bothered by the heavy looks, spare buttons that keeps on pressing unnecessarily, while few prefer to have more and more customization options. Body material, buttons location, rubber textured surfaces and lights are few features that define an excellent design of a gaming mouse.

Which Wired or Wireless Gaming Mouse?

Over the years, gamers usually have preferred a wired gaming mouse over wireless, due to obvious reason of faster tracking and lesser lag. But thanks to the technological innovations and advancements, one can now rely on a wireless gaming mouse with ease. The best gaming mouse should offer zero lag with accurate swift movements irrespective of wired or a wireless mouse.

But tracking accuracy is not the only feature defining whether wired mouse may be preferred over wireless. Some gamers are pretty much bothered with wires or inappropriate wire sizes. You need to weigh as to which one suits you better under your gaming conditions.

Is Weight Matters Too for Gaming Mouse?

The weight of the mouse is yet another feature that is very important in choosing right mouse for yourself. Either you chose gaming mouse with right weight or get a mouse with adjustable weight options. Mouse these days are equipped with empty slots for placing additional weights inside, letting you play with a few grams of weight. Once you have got the right weight of mouse for yourself and catered for all the above-mentioned basics, you are all set to focus on the technical side of gaming mice.

DPI vs Polling Rate

Enough of talks on physical design and features of mice. Right? Let’s focus on the real meat of the matter. When it comes to the tech features of mice, DPI takes the lead. Dots per inch (DPI) is a measurement of how sensitive a gaming mouse is. The higher a mouse’s DPI, the farther the cursor on your screen will move when you move the mouse. A mouse with a higher DPI setting detects and reacts to smaller movements. A higher DPI is not necessarily better. Although it provides better control over movements, you might end up with your cursor flying all the way across the screen.

Whereas, the polling rate of a mouse is how often it reports its position to a computer. If a gaming mouse has a 1000 Hz polling rate, it means it reports its position to the computer 1000 times every second. A higher polling rate will decrease the lag that occurs between when you move your mouse and when the movement shows up on your screen but at the same time will consume more CPU resources.

Price

Last but not the least, how much money you want to spend on buying yourself a good gaming mouse, does matter a lot. The market is saturated with so much to offer, that one needs to define the limits, whether in terms of features or capacity of your wallet.

Conclusion

Every gamer is keen as mustard to enjoy the game to the fullest, with the fact still alive that everyone owns a unique style as far as the utility of gaming mouse is concerned. If the aim is a quick response and more comfortable tracking so as to increase the win rate of your games, Razer Mamba and Corsair Dark Core RGB will be the best pick. For enhanced customization options, ROG Spatha and Logitech G903 might be the best tool for you.

Every gamer loves diverse features of mouse and its crucial to meet every aspect pointed by them. However, various brands, be it SteelSeries, Razer or Logitech, are pacing into this niche to offer their users with the best features in gaming mouse with every minute ticking the clock.