Welcome to T3's best gaming mouse 2021 guide. This is an invaluable resource for any PC gamer looking to upgrade their accuracy, precision and comfort in-game, with this guide presenting only the very best gaming mice in the world today, as well as where they can be bought for the cheapest prices.
Our best gaming mouse guide features top rodents from all the biggest makers, as well as some indie darlings that are releasing pioneering gaming mice at very affordable prices. As such, you will find gaming mice from the likes of Razer, Roccat, Logitech, Corsair, Glorious PC Gaming Race and HyperX.
Critically though, and this is something that separates T3's best gaming mice guide ( as well as its best gaming keyboards guide) from second-rate pretenders, is the fact that we have included a wide-range of gaming mice that cover every budget, specialism, grip-type and intended usage scenario. Our guide is not just filled with ludicrously expensive peripherals that only the very richest gamers can afford, but instead has been curated to have something for everyone.
We've also taken great care to ensure that our selection of great gaming mice covers all the key gaming mice technologies and packages now available – so we have recommendations for the best wireless gaming mouse, the best wired gaming mouse, and even the best gaming mouse and keyboard combo.
Remember, too, that if you're looking to upgrade your PC gaming setup T3's has a series of other buying guides to the best gaming laptops, best gaming monitors and best gaming headsets, too. Also, if you want to ensure that you game comfy then you should absolutely check out T3's best gaming chairs guide.
Here are the best gaming mice available in 2021.
The best gaming mice you can buy today
The Razer Deathadder V2 is the best gaming mouse for most people.
The Razer Deathadder V2 refreshes the hyper-popular Razer DeathAdder line while ticking just about every box you might have lined up in your search for the best gaming mouse – and it ticks them with style. We think it is the best gaming mouse for most people as a result.
The DeathAdder V2 delivers an astonishing 20,000 DPI resolution sensor, as well as Razer's new optical switches, 8 programmable buttons, 5 on-board memory profiles, a deep configuration software suite and a braided Speedflex cable.
Besides the spec, the style is very impressive as well, all textured rubber and tactile buttons that are a pleasure to use. Razer Synapse is supported, too, so you've got 16.8 million colours to choose from for a bit of extra illumination.
It's maybe not as eye-catching as some of the other models in this guide visually, but it's super sharp aesthetically, as well as incredibly accurate and powerful. It's also very comfortable ergonomically. You might find your gaming prowess goes up a level with the Razer DeathAdder V2 to hand.
And, well, over 10 million gamers can't be wrong, right? That's right, more than 10 million DeathAdder's have been bought by gamers to date. The Razer DeathAdder V2 is an strong update to one of the best selling mice on the planet, and is a great all-round rodent choice for gamers.
The legendary G502 has returned in Lightspeed form and, simply put, it delivers killer gaming mouse performance.
Logitech's G502 gaming mouse has serious pedigree in the gaming mouse market and, here, in a new G502 Lightspeed incarnation, it delivers everything the series has become known for and much more, too, with a raft of improvements elevating it right to the upper echelons of T3's best gaming mouse guide.
For example, on top of typical G502 high comfort levels and responsiveness, the G502 Lightspeed is now not just a wireless gaming mouse, but a wireless gaming mouse that can also supports Logitech's Powerplay continuous charging tech. This means the mouse can be used in wired mode, charge-use-recharge wireless mode, or in a continuous charging mode on compatible mouse mat.
And, talking of charging, the new G502 needs to be charged less in-between wireless uses off a Powerplay mat thanks to dramatically improved battery life. For example, where the Logitech G703 delivers a battery life of 24 hours with lighting enabled, the G502 Lightspeed can deliver double that number, clocking up 48 hours between charges.
The Lightspeed is also remarkably light (only 114 grams), although you can add in up to four two gram weights if you want to plant it a little more, and also comes packing Logitech's next-gen HERO 16K gaming sensor, which ensures excellent accuracy.
An all-round top-tier gaming mouse that, if you can afford it and like the idea of wireless or continuous charging wireless functionality, is undoubtedly one of the top choices in 2021.
Indeed, it was also considered a truly top choice by the panel of judges for the T3 Awards 2020, with the adjudicators bestowing the prestigious Best Gaming Mouse award upon the Logitech G502 Lightspeed.
To see how this gaming mouse compares to another premium rodent, be sure to check out T3's Logitech G502 Lightspeed vs Razer Naga Pro comparison feature.
The Roccat Burst Pro is a top-rate ultra-light gaming mouse.
As T3 notes in its Roccat Burst Pro review, this is an ultra-light gaming mouse that will appeal to pros and newbies alike. It shares the now increasingly common honeycomb shall construction made famous by Glorious (see above), however the Burst Pro encases that honeycomb within a transparent shell.
This in combination with its AIMO interior lighting system means that the innards of the mouse are illuminated, which gives it a rather unique aesthetic.
Away from visuals, though, the mouse delivers. It has a super accurate 16,000 dpi sensor and Roccat's Titan Optical button switches, too, the latter good for 100 million clicks each.
At just 68 grams(2.4oz) it is also incredibly light, so Esports players are going to feel right at home with the Burst Pro, as well as anyone else who prefers a light rodent. A 6-button layout, braided USB cable and heat-treated PTFE skates complete the package.
Light and boasting a stand-out design, the Glorious Model O is a great gaming mouse choice.
We're impressed by just about everything the Glorious Model O has to offer, from the snug, ergonomic fit of the mouse in the hand, to the lightweight construction, to the excellent sensitivity. Tipping the scales at just 68 grams, it's also one of the lightest gaming mice to come our way in recent times.
The honeycomb outer shell that helps the mouse get to that low weight won't be to everyone's tastes, but it is at least very customisable – you get a wealth of colourful lighting options for the top, bottom, and sides of the mouse, and even the scroll wheel gets its own illumination. This isn't a device that you're going to struggle to find in a darkened gaming den.
There's a colour-coded DPI indicator here as well so you always know what settings you're running with. Glorious might not be the biggest name in gaming peripherals, but with devices like the Model O, it might not stay that way for long. If you don't like the white look, a black version is also available.
The Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Champion Series is lightweight and very accurate, while also ringing in at a mid-range price point.
For a mid-range price, the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Champion Series delivers serious performance.
The Sabre's optical 18K dpi sensor will be lapped up by gaming professionals and FPS gamers. Its chassis has a super comfortable and lightweight design (only 74 grams) and features 6 programmable buttons, too.
The drag-reducing cable is ultra-flexible, and the Quickstrike Omron switches are tactile as well as reliable. RGB lights are placed under the logo, on the scroll wheel and on the side of the mouse to show which DPI profile you are using. If you already own Corsair RGB gaming gear, you'll be pleased to know they can all synchronize together to create a personalised light show as well.
Overall, a quality gaming mouse for an attractive price, and worth a place on your best gaming mouse 2021 shortlist.
If you want a highly versatile gaming mouse for multiple genres then consider the Razer Naga Pro.
Many gaming mice are designed for a very specific kind of game. And that’s brilliant if you only play that kind of game. But if you play lots of genres, it can mean having a mouse that’s better at some kinds of games than others. Razer’s had a think about that, and the Razer Naga Pro is the result. It has three swappable side plates that effectively turn it into three different kinds of mouse.
It’s absolutely inspired, and built to Razer's usual high quality standards. There’s a 12-button side plate for MMOs, a 6-button one for Battle Royale/MOBA, and a 2-button side plate for FPSes. And there’s a left-handed version too. While it’s wireless, which may give some gamers pause, Razer’s tech delivers a lag-free connection with very long battery life – and you can connect it by USB if you prefer.
To find out more about this versatile gaming mouse check out T3's Razer Naga Pro guide.
The ROG Spatha is the best gaming mouse in the world for MMORPG gamers.
The ROG Spatha mouse has a serious price tag, but then it's a serious bit of hardware from Asus’s elite Republic of Gamers range, and a worthy choice for our best gaming mouse 2021 list.
Made from magnesium alloy and boosting an 8,200 dpi sensor with 2000 Hz polling in wired mode (1000 Hz in wireless), 16 million possibly lighting colours and 12 programmable buttons, it's designed specifically for MMORPG players.
It's big and it's heavy, clocking in at a whopping 179g, but it's comfortable in the hand provided you use a palm grip rather than a claw grip. The side buttons are oddly shaped compared to other mice – laid out in the shape of the ROG logo – and they take a bit of getting used to, but the odd shape does mean they're easy to identify by touch. Meanwhile the main left and right buttons are independent of the chassis for soft-touch clicks, and you can swap them for heavier switches if you prefer.
We're talking a lot of money here, but it's a lot of mouse. If you're serious about MMORPGs it's definitely one for your shortlist along with the Logitech G502.
If you're shopping with a mid-range budget and prefer light rodents, then the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a strong choice.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse is a great choice for gamers who like a light weight and aren't too fussed about loads of fancy RGB lighting. It's super accurate thanks to a Pixart PAW3335 16,000 DPI sensor, and boasts the sort of open honeycomb chassis design that the Glorious Model O made famous.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste retails very firmly in the mid-range in terms of price point, too, making it very affordable for most gamers, and does still deliver six programmable buttons to use along with a good scroll wheel. The companion Ngenuity software isn't the best in class, but it does the job just fine, allowing you to tweak DPI settings and select your lighting profile among other things.
HyperX has really made a name for itself over the past few years in the gaming peripherals market, and the Pulsefire Haste continues that reputation, delivering a strong all-round gaming mouse that will suit many gamers perfectly.
The Kain 120 AIMO's Titan Click tech is seriously impressive.
The Roccat Kain 120 AIMO is advertised as being "one click ahead", and after testing one out here in the T3 office for a few weeks, we are for once inclined to agree with the official hype.
Its quality starts in terms of its aesthetic design and feel in the hand. Structurally the Kain is low, sleek, and leaning towards palm grip usage. However its quite rectangular and uniform flow from back to front means claw grips are well catered for too.
The entire chassis is coated in a super fine rubberised finish, which Roccat describes as an "evolutionary performance coating" that specialises in resisting the build up of dirt and moisture, while also delivering high levels of anti-wear. This chassis, along with the classy black and white colourways, and simply lush brushed metal button divider, makes the Kain incredibly pleasing to the eye – and that's even with zero AIMO illumination.
In the hand the Kain 120 AIMO is incredibly shiftable at speed, almost certainly down to its very light weight of just 89 grams. There's no weighting system here to slow the mouse down and, simply put, fans of medium and light weight mice are going to be heaven – and especially so if they have a penchant for fast gaming genres like FPS.
The real star of the show here, though, is the Kain 120 AIMO's Titan Click button mechanics. These custom-designed Omron mechanical switches have been installed higher up in the Kain's chassis for greater immediacy of actuation which, along with an intelligent algorithm in the Kain's firmware that improves signal processing speed, allows mouse clicks to be registered 16ms faster. In our testing, button clicks felt very crisp, sharp and accurate.
Then factor in the Kain's AIMO illumination engine, which can sync with other AIMO-compatible devices, its advanced Owl-Eye optical sensor that lets you ramp things up to 16,000 DPI, its adjustable lift-off distance, and its really well positioned price point (£62.99 in the UK), and its easy to see why this mouse impressed us so much during review.
Yes, if you like a heavy mouse, or need wireless functionality then the Kain 120 AIMO obviously isn't for you, but for just about everyone else this is fantastic gaming mouse that simply must be checked out before pulling the trigger on an upgrade.
You can find out more this rodent in T3's Roccat Kain 120 AIMO guide, while to see how it fares against our pick for the best budget gaming mouse, be sure to scope out our Roccat Kain 120 AIMO vs Corsair Sabre RGB comparison feature.
The Roccat Kone Pure Ultra is an accurate and lightweight gaming mouse.
If a lightweight, ergonomic mouse is what you are looking for the Roccat Kone Pure Ultra will be a great choice. It weighs just 66g thanks to the discreet internal honeycomb chassis which is cleverly hidden underneath a matte, anti-wear coating.
It has an Owl-Eye optical sensor with 16,000dpi which was accurate and easily kept up with rapid movement. One of the best parts about this gaming mouse is the silky-smooth mouse skates which let you glide the mouse across your mat with no trouble at all, making it perfect for FPS games.
The Roccat Kone Pure Ultra is a comfortable, supportive mouse with rounded edges and concaves in the sides to rest your thumb and little finger in. The customisable RGB illumination is in the Roccat logo underneath where your palm fits, unfortunately meaning you won’t get to see it during gameplay.
The Roccat Kone Pure Ultra caters for everything from pro-gaming to home-working, and if you are a serious gamer, the mid-range price is well in line with its performance.
Asus ROG Gladius II Core is a brilliant gaming mouse for RGB fanatics.
The Asus ROG Gladius II Core is another bit of top-notch, ROG-branded gaming kit from Asus, and while it might not look as flashy or as funky as some of the other devices in our list of best gaming mice, it certainly holds its own against the competition in terms of RGB lighting customisations.
The software that comes with the mouse lets you tweak the colours in all kinds of ways, from static to glowing, and you can even colour the scroll wheel and the ROG logo differently if you want to. There's no support for macOS and no wireless option, but for a lot of gamers that won't really matter.
On the design side, the Asus ROG Gladius II Core is well-built, compact, and comfortable in the hand. Whether you're clicking frantically, slowly nudging forward, or trying to make progress with the scroll wheel, you'll find the mouse pleasingly responsive and accurate.
If you don't need wireless functionality, the G502 Hero is a superb gaming mouse all-rounder.
There's no doubt the Logitech G502 Hero earns a spot on our best gaming mouse 2021 list as it hits hard in all the key areas that really matter. This is a mouse that you can rely on to navigate you through your favourite games, and do so while also delivering that trademark G-range aesthetic.
There are five 3.6 gram repositionable weights here, an impressive maximum 16,000 DPI sensitivity, and 11 buttons that can be customised as required. The subtle RGB lighting on board the Logitech 502 Hero can be customised too, giving you a gaming mouse that's versatile as well as comfortable and solid in the hand.
You don't get the freedom of a wireless mouse with the Logitech G502 Hero, but at the same time that also means you don't need to worry about recharging or replacing batteries. A worthy successor to the also excellent Logitech G502, and available at a very competitive price as well.
The Pulsefire Surge offers a great all-round gaming mouse package at an affordable price point.
HyperX continues its impressive entry into the gaming peripherals market with this well-specced, RGB lit gaming mouse that will be FPS gamers' affordable dream
The HyperX Pulsefire Surge sports a 16,000 DPI sensor, buttons backed by 50 million click rated Omron switches, on-board memory to store user profiles, and a "Light Ring" lighting system that provides 360-degree RGB effects.
All the mouse's settings can be tweaked and customised through HyperX's NGenuity software, too. Definitely one of the best gaming mice of 2021.
The G.Skill Ripjaws MX780's edgy, futuristic design is unique.
Next up is the futuristic looking G.Skill Ripjaws MX780, which is one of the most feature-packed and customisable gaming mice in this rodent roundup. That customisability comes in the form of a height-adjustable palm rest, ambidextrous and interchangeable side grips and, naturally, adjustable weights.
In terms of internal tech, the MX780 comes packing an 8,200 DPI laser sensor that supports on-the-fly DPI switching, 8 programmable buttons, on-board memory storage for profiles, and a 1,000 Hz polling rate.
On top of all that, you can get this attractive gaming mouse for a very attractive price too. One of the best gaming mice on the market in 2021, especially if you're after a stand-out design.
The ROG Gladius II is one of the best looking gaming mice on the market today.
A curvaceous beauty, the Asus ROG Gladius II gaming mouse is one hell of a looker. It also doesn't skimp on features or hardware, with a very competitive 12,000 DPI sensor, 50g acceleration, and removable left and right buttons in the mix.
There's no fancy swappable weight system in the Gladius II, but a clickable scroll wheel, Omron switches, and a sensitivity toggle make this mouse well-suited to a host of genres, and one of our best gaming mouse for 2021 picks.
Oh, and if you dig gaming mice that can deliver ridiculous levels of RGB lighting, then the Gladius II will certainly not disappoint, with colours and patterns also capable of being synced across other Asus peripherals, too.
If you want a no-frills but quality gaming mouse on a budget then the Sensei 310 is well worth a look.
While the SteelSeries Sensei 310 has its shortcomings, such as a lack of weight adjustment and slightly plasticky finish, those sacrifices are there to raise the bar everywhere else. And raise it spectacularly!
With its ambidextrous design (suiting both left and right-handed users), super-precise 12,000 DPI sensor, and lightweight build (weighing in at just 92g), it's one of the best gaming mice of 2021 for us – especially when you factor in its very affordable price point.
If you're a fan of light, no-frills but high-performing rodent accessories, this could be the best gaming mouse for you.
The new Logitech G903 offers DPI levels from 100 all the way up to 16,000.
Logitech has given its venerable G900 gaming mouse design a bit of a makeover, and while those changes are subtle, they simply serve to elevate an already impressive PC peripheral.
The Logitech G903 features a "1 ms report rate for competition-level twitch targeting" which basically means next to no latency when playing competitively. It also boasts myriad DPI levels (from 100 all the way up to 16,000) and mechanical buttons for that all-important sense of feedback.
In terms of battery life, this gaming mouse is rated for up to 180 hours of usage with lighting effects turned off, and a still impressive 140 hours with them turned on.
Expensive, yes, but worth it if you want one of the best gaming mice of 2021: you can't go wrong with some Logitech hardware.
SteelSeries upgrades the Rival, with impressive gaming mouse results.
SteelSeries continues to show it's one of the leading manufacturers in gaming mice with the latest addition to its Rival range – the updated and retooled SteelSeries Rival 600.
This new model comes with two optical sensors, one for detecting normal movement, and another for clocking when you lift the mouse off the pad/desk. It features a rubberised grip for extra control and comfort, and a set of mechanical buttons of extra precision.
Oh, and it features all the RGB lighting you could wish for in your gaming mouse. Get this on your shortlist for sure.
Corsair's Glaive RGB gaming mouse offers serious levels of customisation.
Corsair is really committing to the gaming mouse market, and one of its latest additions – the Glaive RGB – aims to set itself apart with both RGB lighting and a set of interchangeable thumb grips. That makes it one of the most ergonomic designs on the market, but thankfully it makes for a really slick gaming mouse, too.
Its tracking system offers 16,000 DPI so you're never going to be left wanting when it comes to response times, while its Omron switches offer 50 million clicks per model. It's a tad pricey, but you get a lot for your money.
The Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 is worth a look at the budget end of the market.
Gaming mice can sometimes be a little expensive – especially if you want to get your hands on an eSports ready model or something with all the bells and whistles of the top brands – but that doesn't mean you can't buy quality for an affordable price. The Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 does just that, with some reliable Omron switches and some respectable specs right out of the box.
With a 12,000 DPI resolution this should do you for both long sessions in your favourite shooter or strategy title, or double as an everyday mouse for home/work use. And due to it's affordable price point it is a relatively easy investment to make, too.
The Tario RGB Gaming Mouse is a strong newcomer, delivering big customisation and a very ergonomic design.
As soon as you rest your hand on Speedlink's Tarios RGB you'll fall in love. Designed with the right-handed in mind, the ergonomic form-factor boasts a flared platform to accommodate different hand sizes and grips.
Geared for esports, this mouse is all about giving you an advantage, from the 12 programmable buttons (including rapid-fire) and impressive 24,000 DPI, to the 1,000Hz polling rate.
Speedlink brings a little style to the substance with a rubber coating for maximum control that extends to a rubber grip on the wheel; this is a premium-feeling mouse at a fraction of the expected price. If you're looking to up your game, the Tarios RGB gives you everything you need and comes in at under £50.
If you need a vertical mouse geared towards gaming use, then the Speedlink Sovos is the best option.
Vertical mice and gaming mice don't often cross paths because they're usually catering to different groups of people, but the Speedlink Sovos is a very decent attempt at mixing the two categories together – it certainly ticks a lot of the boxes you want ticked if you're shopping for this sort of peripheral device.
It's cheap, it's comfortable in the hand (and pleasing from an ergonomic standpoint of course), and with the bundled software you can play around with some 16.7 million colours to get the RGB illumination effects you want (there are 10 distinct effects to choose from). Add in seven programmable buttons and this is an appealing all-round champ.
The specs don't match up with the very best gaming mice out there, but if you're going for the Speedlink Sovos then you're doing it for the design. You might be a few milliseconds slower in your response times but your gaming hand will thank you for using a mouse that makes hand health a priority.
Lightweight and ambidexterous, the Razer Viper is one of the best gaming mice on the market today.
Razer plays to its strengths here with the Viper, delivering a gaming mouse that drips style and comes loaded with some top-rate internal hardware. It is also super light, meaning that it sits perfectly in the esports field.
In terms of specs, the Viper boasts a DPI of 16,000, which of course can be stepped up or down through 5 DPI stages, as well as a 5G Optical Sensor and Mouse Switch. It also comes with Razer's nifty Speedflex Cable and features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling.
Can you get a mouse with that sort of hardware and feature set for less money? Yes, yes you can, but Razer's pedigree in terms of design and build quality give the Viper the edge. A great gaming mouse option for those who prize speed in their rodent.
To get even more information about this ambidextrous gaming mouse be sure to check out our Razer Viper Ultimate guide.
How to choose the best gaming mouse for you
Make sure you evaluate what sort of games you tend to play before picking up a new gaming mouse, as certain mechanical rodents specialise in certain genres.
There are many factors to consider when picking the best gaming mouse for you. In terms of specs, the big one is the resolution in DPI (dots per inch), and you should be looking for something in the 8,000-16,000 DPI range. Acceleration and tracking are also important, as is whether the mouse has mechanically switched buttons.
Obviously, button quantity is very much worth considering too, plus the design and grip type. Remember, there are different ways to grip a mouse – claw, palm, fingertip etc – and you should determine what your grip is before coughing up any cash, because specific mice are primarily designed for specific grips.
Also factor in whether the mouse is ambidextrous in design or not, as some are designed for right or left hand users only, as well as if the mouse allows weight alteration. Check if the mouse has any programmable buttons, and which genres it's best for, as certain gaming mice are geared toward first person shooter use and others real-time strategy titles.
Lastly, price should be a major factor in picking the best gaming mouse for 2021. Here at T3 we feel you should be able to get a top tier gaming mouse for less than £80, so don't pay more unless you're stretching to added wireless capabilities.
What is really important to remember here is that there are plenty of brilliant budget gaming mice that, truth be told, deliver great all-round performance. You simply don't have to spend big bucks to get a robust, feature-packed rodent, so be sure to browse round and really way up if you need advanced features before you invest in them. Sure, they are nice to have on tap, but it is the core mouse functionality that any gamer should prize most highly.
Why do pros use 400 DPI?
The simple answer is because of consistency, both in terms of input delay, which at 400DPI is the lowest available on almost all gaming mice, and also in terms of control. It is far easier to aim a cursor at 400DPI on both the X and Y axis.
Now, of course, there are plenty of other factors in play, too, including mouse weight and sensitivity, but the main reason why pros use 400 DPI is because the mouse then delivers accurate and consistent performance with the lowest input delay possible.
The answer to the question "what DPI do most pro gamers use?" is therefore this. 400 DPI and 800 DPI are the two most common settings that pro gamers use with their gaming mice.
What mouse do pro gamers use?
According to prosettings.net, which has analysed the setups of 1,519 pro gamers, the 5 most popular gaming mice are:
Logitech G Pro Wireless
Zowie EC Series
Razer DeathAdder Elite
Zowi FK Series
Logitech G703
Of course, pro gamers around the world use a plethora of different gaming mice, though, with specific rodents more suited to certain game types (MOBA, FPS, RTS). Not every gamer will have the same feeling for a mouse, too, with some preferring a heavy rodent and others a light one.
Left handed gaming mouse: the best options
There are plenty of quality left-handed gaming mice on the market today and the following are T3's top picks:
Razer DeathAdder Left-Handed Edition
Logitech G903
Razer Viper
Corsair M55 RGB Pro
SteelSeries Sensei 310
Roccat Kova AIMO
Remember, too, that there are plenty of ambidextrous gaming mice on the market, too, that offer strong left-handed performance in both claw and palm grips.
Gaming mice for big hands
The best gaming mice for big hands are:
SteelSeries Rival 310
Logitech G502 Hero
Corsair Scimitar Pro RGB
Corsair M65 Pro RGB
Zowie EC1-A
When you've got big hands the last thing you want in a competitive online environment is to lose grip on a small rodent, or get hand cramp. Using a mouse that is too small for you is also a great way to give yourself RSI, so make sure you size up a gaming mouse before pulling the trigger on a purchase.
Do gaming mice make a difference?
The short answer to this question is yes. Gaming mice do make a difference to how PC gamers play. A top-rated gaming mouse won't turn you suddenly into an eSports champion but it will deliver a host of things that will be beneficial in video games.
Firstly, a lot of gaming mice just do the basics better, such as delivering a chassis that is comfortable to hold over a prolonged period of time. They also tend to deliver more buttons and better scroll wheels than regular mice, and also tend to be designed with multiple grip types in mind.
Then, on top of the better core functionality, gaming mice also deliver gamer-focused features, such as higher DPI sensors, better acceleration, adjustable weights, advanced lighting options, programmable buttons and higher-quality, faster switches.
Combine all these things with powerful customisable software and its easy to see how one of the best gaming mice can deliver the marginal gains that will take a player from pwned to pwnage.
How we test gaming mice
Here at T3 we understand just how crucial a weapon a gaming mouse is in a PC gamer's armoury, which is why we thoroughly test is rodent that arrives with us.
The first thing we do is ascertain what the gaming mouse package delivers overall (such as if there are modular parts, a wireless dock, weights and tools) as well as the rodent's build quality and design. If the gaming mouse radiates quality to the hand and to the eye, we'll find out here.
Next up we actually use the mouse, and that involves judging its buttons, scroll wheel and tracking. We're looking to see how precise and tactile the mouse is to use, as well as how it performs at a variety of DPI settings and in various applications. Gaming is obviously a major usage, but we also see what the mouse is like to use in non-gaming applications, too.
This naturally leads us onto testing the gaming mouse's software package, which often is the conduit for tweaking its settings, including DPI. Here we want to see just how intuitive and powerful the software is, as well how it handles things like custom profiles and any RGB lighting control.
With all this complete, we then compare the gaming mouse to the market and consider if it offers value for money. When this is done, we then give the mouse a star score, with five stars the best score a product can receive and one star the worst. If the gaming mouse in question has scored highly it is then considered for T3's best gaming mouse buying guide.
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