Getting yourself the best gaming mouse can be a matter of (digital) life and death. No, really. Faster speeds mean faster responses, and that's essential when it comes to twitch shooters like Fortnite, Apex Legends, or the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare remake. Finding a good one is easier said than done, though. Competition for the title of 'most awesome mouse' is fierce, and there are tons of options to sift through. Well, there should be. Our team of experts have narrowed things down with what we feel are the creme de la creme of the PC gaming world.
How do you decide what the best gaming mouse for you will be, though? Firstly, it's worth asking what kind of games you'll be playing with it; there's usually a mouse specifically designed for the job. Play a lot of FPS games? Mice with higher DPI scores are your bag - the higher the number, the faster your pointer moves across the screen. Trying out MMOs such as World of Warcraft Classic? Mice with bonus programmable buttons will save you time.
Secondly, we'd normally suggest going for a wired mouse wherever possible. Wireless ones are great (and we've included some below), but the wired ones are that much faster by and large. Anyway, you can find our favourite mice for gaming right here.
Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless
The best premium gaming mouse
This wireless follow-up to the classic G502 gaming mouse is popular for a reason; it honours the original's legacy while improving on it in substantial, noticeable ways. For example, the Lightspeed now features the accurate and reliable 16,000 DPI HERO sensor along with its 11 programmable buttons. What's more, it can be customised with weights to change the way it feels in use.
The G502 Lightspeed Wireless is also compatible with the PowerPlay charging mat, and that's a real bonus for those who want to cut the cord entirely. As well as charging your pointer on the fly, the mat will actually pair the G502 and your PC right away without using a USB cable. It's an expensive piece of kit, yes, but the newest G502 Lightspeed model is absolutely worth that price.
Logitech G203 Prodigy RGB
The best budget gaming mouse
Want to save a bit of cash? Look no further than the Logitech G203 Prodigy (or the 'G102', depending on where you are in the world). Although there are cheaper gaming mice out there, none of those has the same excellent build-quality, comfortable shape, and great software.
While the G203 Prodigy doesn't have the best sensor on this list with just 8,000 DPI, it's ideal for a starter mouse. And hey, most of us probably wouldn't notice much of a difference between that and higher settings anyway. When combined with a low cost and its sleek, modest design, Logitech's G203 becomes one of the best-value gaming mice there is.
Razer Viper
The best ambidextrous mouse
The Razer Viper was built for and with the help of esports players. This is clear from the mouse's speed; it's quick, responsive, and comfortable. It's also exceptionally lightweight. At just 69g, you can manoeuvre it effortlessly across your mouse mat.
The real star of the show would have to be the brand-new Optical Switches, though. They allow for an almost-instantaneous response upon clicking. Most gaming mice use metal contacts to register clicks, but the Viper utilises a much faster infrared light beam that shoots an electrical signal to your PC. This means you can react much faster with the Viper than normal, and that'll give you an edge in multiplayer shooters.
Razer Naga Trinity
The best mouse for MMOs and strategy games
MMO players that play melee classes or participate in competitive modes often have to balance accuracy and agility while still maintaining quick access to a laundry list of abilities.
Enter the Naga Trinity, the latest in Razer's storied line of MMO-focused mice. In addition to Razer’s highest resolution optical sensor and the myriad customization options, the Trinity is equipped with an absurd/impressive 19 thumb buttons. That’s an entire World of Warcraft action bar’s worth of abilities or macros that can be activated by your thumb alone, allowing the rest of your fingers to focus on movement. Razer has also developed in-game configuration utilities for many popular MMOs, meaning you can rearrange your button configurations during a raid break without having to back out to the desktop, or play in windowed mode.
In other words, the Razer Naga Trinity is an exceptional choice for anyone who needs performance, accuracy, and instant access to many different functions.
Corsair Ironclaw RGB
The best mouse for larger hands
Corsair's Ironclaw is a fantastic, wide mouse that's perfect for gamers with larger hands. However, it's not so big that it overwhelms the petite-handed. Built from various sturdy materials ranging from grippy diamond-pattern rubber to smooth matte plastic, it comes up trumps in the ergonomics department.
It's also incredibly precise at up to 18,000 DPI and with a tolerance of 400 IPS; throwing it around even at high speeds won't cause it to lose tracking. Its buttons are tactile and satisfying, too. Finally, a reinforced, braided USB cable and some slick plastic feet increase the Ironclaw's durability no end. Made to perform in league with the very best, it's definitely our top choice for those wanting a slightly larger mouse.
HyperX Pulsefire Surge
The most stylish gaming mouse
Looks aren't everything, but the HyperX Pulsefire Surge aces that department nonetheless. Thanks to a 360-degree RGB strip that goes all the way around the mouse, it pulses with rainbow colours in a hypnotic light show. A smooth, rubberised finish only adds to the premium feel.
Looks aren't everything, but the HyperX Pulsefire Surge aces that department nonetheless. Thanks to a 360-degree RGB strip that goes all the way around the mouse, it pulses with rainbow colours in a hypnotic light-show. A smooth, rubberised finish only adds to the premium feel.
Logitech MX Vertical
An ergonomic mouse for the ultimate in comfort
If comfort is your main concern, there's no better option than Logitech's Vertical MX. Its ergonomic form-factor is designed to reduce muscle strain and let you rest your hand on it in a neutral position so that you can use it for hours on end with virtually no strain.
While its 4,000 DPI optical sensor isn't the best in class, it's still very precise - go above 3,000 DPI, and any mouse is likely to start feeling too twitchy and hyperactive anyway. For marathon sessions of Civilization or Total War, or any situation where you'll be holding your mouse for hours at a time, the MX Vertical is a great go-to.
Connectivity and battery life are another selling point. The MX Vertical is wireless but can be paired through Bluetooth or via the included Logitech Unifying Receiver/USB-A to USB-C cable. The advertised battery life on a full charge is a ridiculous four months. Even a quick one minute charge will yield up to three hours of battery life, so you'll never be stuck having to wire it up to jump into a long gaming session.
