Best gaming mouse

Best gaming mice
It can be overwhelming having to pick the best gaming mouse for you so we put this list together. (Image credit: Future)

You shouldn’t game without the best gaming mouse on the market. In fact, to squeeze the optimal performance from the best gaming PCs, you’ll want to pay close attention to all the gaming mice available so that you can reach your full gaming potential, whether it’s competing in e-sports or digging into the newest first person shooter.

Look at more than just the price tag though, as it’s not always the best indicator of a quality peripheral. The SteelSeries Sensei 310, for instance, is an excellent mouse that looks good and has solid performance at a very reasonable price, making getting the best gaming mouse for you one of the easiest ways to max out your rig.

Yes, there’s a whole horde of gaming mice to choose from more companies than ever before. It can be overwhelming deciding what the best gaming mouse for you is but that’s why we’ve put this list together, so read on to find out what our picks are for the best gaming mice.

SteelSeries Rival 710

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

SteelSeries Rival 710

Specifications

DPI: 12,000
Features: OLED display, customizable weight, 60-million click mechanical switches, Haptic engine, RGB lighting

Reasons to buy

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 Heavy and balanced

When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance, and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players), and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech.

Razer Viper

(Image credit: Razer)

Razer Viper

Specifications

DPI: 16,000
Features: Optical Mouse Switch, highly flexible Razer Speedflex Cable, 5G Optical Sensor, 5 custom DPI stages via Razer Synapse 3

Reasons to buy

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Lightweight

There are a couple of reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI, and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks, and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here.

Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless

(Image credit: Corsair)

Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless

Specifications

DPI: Up to 10,000
Features: Wireless, RGB lighting, Omron switches

Reasons to buy

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Affordable

The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life, and doesn’t at all suck, for a very reasonable price. The ergonomics, unfortunately, favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about.

Logitech G502 Hero

(Image credit: Logitech)

Logitech G502 Hero

Specifications

DPI: Up to 16,000
Features: RGB lighting, programmable buttons, adjustable weights, 1ms latency

Reasons to buy

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Amazing sensor 

Aesthetically, you generally have two main choices when you’re in the market for the best gaming mouse: a high-performing mouse that looks like it would fit in the office or a mouse that lives and breathes that “gaming life.” The Logitech G502 fits squarely in the latter category, with its robotic design. But, if that doesn’t intimidate you, then you get adjustable weights, a jaw-dropping 16,000 DPI sensor, and superb performance as well. It’s not ideal for users with bigger hands, but other than that, this one has definitely earned its spot in the best gaming mouse list.

Roccat Kain 120 AIMO

(Image credit: Roccat)

Roccat Kain 120 AIMO

Specifications

DPI: 16,000
Features: ROCCAT Owl-Eye optical sensor, Adjustable lift-off distance, 50G acceleration, ROCCAT Easy-Shift[+] technology

Reasons to buy

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Nice design

If you’re in the market for an affordable mid-range gaming mouse, then the Roccat Kain 120 AIMO may just be the best gaming mouse for you. To start, it’s got a great design and solid build, as well as a decent number of customization options that let you personalize it according to your gaming style and needs. Of course, it’s exceptional to use as well, satisfying, responsive, and very reliable. This new offering from Roccat will without a doubt give you that gaming edge.

Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520

(Image credit: Cooler Master)

Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520

Specifications

DPI: 12,000
Features: Customised for claw grip, Customizable DPI settings, Three-zone RGB lighting

Reasons to buy

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 Good switches 

If you’re searching for the best gaming mouse that’s both economical and functional, then the Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 is an ideal addition to your gaming rig. It won’t win any beauty contests, but packing quality Omron switches and a relatively sensitive sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI make it a good purchase. Those make it easy to ignore the unappealing design – particularly if you use a claw grip.

Razer Naga Trinity

(Image credit: Razer)

Razer Naga Trinity

Specifications

DPI: 16,000
Features: Interchangeable side plates, Razer chroma support, 1000Hz Ultrapolling

Reasons to buy

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 Smooth motion tracking 

Have you been getting into the World of Warcraft: Classic lately? Then you’ll want to look into the Razer Naga Trinity. Razer’s Naga mice have always been fan favorites in the MMO community, and the manufacturer has taken things to the next level with Naga Trinity. With it, you’re getting three easily swappable side plates, allowing you to configure your mouse however you see fit. Add the insane 16,000 DPI sensor and Razer Chroma RGB lighting to the mix, and you’ll be topping the DPS meters in no time. Is there any doubt that the Razer Naga Trinity belongs on the list of the best gaming mouse?

HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB

(Image credit: HyperX)

HyperX Pulsefire Surge

Specifications

DPI: 16,000
Features: RGB Light Ring, 50 million click-rated Omron switches

Reasons to buy

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 Gorgeous RGB lighting 

If you catch yourself rolling your eyes at some of the gaming mice that sport ridiculous, over-the-top designs, then you should take a look at the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB. Boasting extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting – not to mention, an impressive 16,000 DPI sensor – you’re scoring the best gaming mouse for an outstanding price. Plus, it’ll fit right into any office, at least once you turn down the lighting effects to show off its more accessible design.

Corsair Ironclaw RGB

(Image credit: Corsair)

Corsair IronClaw RGB

Specifications

DPI: Up to 18,000
Features: Omron switches, Seven fully programmable buttons, Onboard profile storage, Two-zone RGB lighting

Reasons to buy

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Robust build

Most of the best gaming mice on the market are either too small or too light or even a bit of both, leaving gamers with big hands with few options. To make matters worse, some of the big mice out there come loaded with gratuitous buttons and weird shapes. The Corsair Ironclaw is just the opposite. It’s an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users, with a design that won’t make you want to squirrel it away in your desk drawer every time company comes around. It’s quite tough as well, so it can handle quite a bit of heavy use, making it the best gaming mouse for you.

Gigabyte Aorus M5

(Image credit: Gigabyte)

Gigabyte Aorus M5

Specifications

DPI: Up to 16,000
Features: Weight Distribution System, Surface Life-Off Calibration, On-the-Fly DPI adjustments, 50-million-click Omron Switch, RGB Fusion 2.0

Reasons to buy

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Great ergonomics

When you take stock of all its amazing features, it might shock you to learn that the Gigabyte Aorus M5 is so cheap. This stunner is among the best gaming mouse of great value that we’ve tested this year. It’s also very customizable, not to mention boasts great ergonomics and fun RGB lighting. As far as features that will give you the gaming advantage, it boasts an adjustable weight distribution system, on-the-fly DPI adjustments, and Omron switches tested for 50 million clicks, to start. If you’re looking for a mouse that gives you more bang for your buck, this is it.

Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas (Twitter) is TechRadar's computing editor. They are fat, queer and extremely online. Computers are the devil, but they just happen to be a satanist. If you need to know anything about computing components, PC gaming or the best laptop on the market, don't be afraid to drop them a line on Twitter or through email.