2021 Best Gaming Mice: The Best Wired, Wireless and RGB Gaming Mice to Shop Now
(Pocket-lint) - Gaming mice are the mouse world's high-end products. They are designed to be more precise, provide a more comfortable experience and are made to last, as gamers are more likely than anyone else to spend more time with their mouse.
Top-of-the-range gaming mice often have several buttons, precision of highly customizable dots per inch (DPI) and a mass of adjustments that include everything for individual games from custom lighting to macros.
It can be difficult to find the correct mouse for you however. People hold their mouse in various ways and have different hands of different sizes that make buying a tricky business. For anyone with large hands, a big mouse with thumb rests and grips might be ideal, but others would find a small and sleek mouse preferable, both in terms of fit and agility.
In order to see which are the best around, we run through a selection of gaming mice, taking into account all the things gamers love most - RGB, responsiveness, amount of buttons and of course, value for money.
Best overall gaming mouse
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro
- 2.4GHz wireless, low-latency Bluetooth 4.0 or wired USB connection
- Swappable side grips and ergonomically textured design
- Nine individually customizable RGB lighting zones
- 1.8 metre braided USB cable
- Corsair Utility Engine (iCUE) compatible
- 18,000 max DPI, on-the-fly DPI switching via buttons and sniper mode
- Eight programmable buttons
- 2,000Hz polling rate
A real piece of art and precision in gaming is the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro. This is an ergonomically built mouse which fits perfectly in the hand with a comfortable textured grip. It comes with a side grip that is swappable and keeps your fingers and thumbs off the surface of the game and makes precise mouse movements.
By nature, it is wireless - capable of communicating either via wireless or Bluetooth with low latency. A USB wireless transceiver included in the box ensures an immediate and sensitive wireless link via ultra-fast 1ms 2.4GHz to your gaming machine. But you can take the Dark Core RGB Pro with you and link easily to any other Bluetooth enabled computer in a flash.
This mouse can accommodate up to 50-hours of gaming on a single charge as usual. If that doesn't sound like enough, then the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is also available - a version compatible with the MM1000 Qi wireless charging pad, meaning that when not in use, you can keep the mouse running and going by popping it on the charging region. The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is capable of Qi - so it can be charged not only on the mat, but also on any other Qi charging pad you happen to own.
You can do everything from altering the lighting to programming buttons and more by using Corsair's iCUE app. Here you can customize the nine key lighting areas of the Dark Core with a variety of different effects, including static, rainbow, colour pulse, and colour change, or select instant lighting to set the same colour with a single click across multiple Corsair devices.
Compared to the previous edition, the Dark Core RGB Pro has been revamped with more RGB areas, including a light bar under the thumb buttons that is divided into parts and can be adjusted individually.
With the buttons on the left, this mouse supports up to 18,000 max on-the-fly switchable DPI. You can switch between three key DPI modes that the CUE programme can customize.
By turning one of the eight programmable buttons into a 'Sniper' button, you can also add your DPI options. For small and precise motions, this is the fourth ultra-low DPI stage. It needs to be pressed and held, but it also makes it much easier for you to get back to your normal DPI easily.
Omron high-performance switches have a lightning-fast reaction and continue the precision and accuracy theme. Easily accessible thumb buttons mean that with a simple movement of your hand, you can masterfully activate any setting or macro you want too. The polling rate of the latest Dark Core RGB Pro has also been enhanced by Corsair. Thus it's precise, sensitive and agile.
Verdict
A strong all-rounder is the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro. It's a fantastic battery life multi-button mouse, a convenient build and brilliant specs too.
It's also superbly flexible, precise and customizable. This mouse's highlights include wired, wireless and Bluetooth networking options that make it easy to quickly use on multiple devices. We also really like the dual side grip configuration, which means that movement is very rarely interfered with by your fingers and you can keep gaming until the content of your core.
Best weight adjustable gaming mouse
Logitech G502 Lightspeed
- Ergonomically textured thumb rest
- 114-gram standard weight with extra adjustable weights
- Powerplay compatible
- Lightspeed wireless technology
- 11 programmable buttons with hyper-fast scroll wheel
- Logitech G Hub compatible for lighting controls, macros and various customisation options
- 25,600 max DPI, on-the-fly DPI switching via buttons with four custom settings and DPI shift mode
- 11 programmable buttons customizable with macros, actions and G-shift settings
- Up to 60 hours battery life, fast charge capable
This is a mouse that is not only full of all the normal choices, but also has a customizable weighting configuration that allows you to tailor its heft to your personal preference.
The G502 Lightspeed from Logitech is a genuine looker, but it's far more than that. It is very much a right-handed cursor, with on the left side a mass of easy-access buttons and very little catering for the left-handed.
It's remarkably light and nimble in your palm. In different ways, it is also customizable. This mouse comes with 16 grammes of extra weight that can be mounted on the underside of the mouse through hidden flaps.
The G502 uses the Lightspeed wireless technology from Logitech to ensure that it consistently maintains a low-latency and stable link and never lets you down. It also has fast charging capabilities, meaning that from a five-minute charge, you can get around two and a half hours of battery life this way.
The mouse wheel is one of our preferred features of this mouse. This is a scroll wheel that is hyper-fast, similar to the one we saw on the Logitech G903. You either have a tactile mouse wheel that provides clicky feedback every time your scroll, or an ultra-smooth, ultra-fast wheel that just spins and spins. This setup has a lot of possible applications, but in the blink of an eye, it is brilliant for just smashing through long web pages and papers. It is unbelievably rewarding to use too.
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed is powered by Logitech G-Hub, a free Windows and Mac download that allows you to tweak and customize the different mouse settings to your liking.
You can monitor the lighting of the two main RGB-capable zones from inside, change the DPI levels, report speeds, and customize the button configuration. There are 11 separate buttons for this mouse, two of which are sideways presses on the mouse wheel, and all of them can be tweaked here. Inside this programme, you can set unique commands (such as Windows shortcuts), individual keypresses, macros or behaviour. For example, items such as assigning a button press to start/stop OBS recordings can be done. This structure is extremely versatile.
There's G-Shift mode, then. This allows any button on the mouse to be added with an extra action, button customization or macro. This is then possible when G-Shift mode is triggered (via a key or button press). You then basically have 22 buttons instead of 11 buttons. You're going to have to remember which is programmed with what, though.
Verdict
One of our favourite gaming mice when it comes to customization choices is the G502 Lightspeed. We love all of this mouse's little design features that make a huge difference. The ultra-smooth scroll wheel, the weight of programmable keys, the secure wireless connection and the battery life are simply amazing.
This mouse comes with a large price tag and is a tad smaller in the hand than the other mice we've reviewed, but if you're looking for a new gaming mouse, it's almost definitely worth adding to your shortlist. This isn't bound to disappoint.
Best RGB gaming mouse
Corsair Nightsword RGB
- Customizable weight system
- Four RGB lighting zones controllable in the iCue software
- Six pre-set illumination effects
- Patterned rubber grips, ergonomic design and thumb rest
- Customized button mapping, surface calibration settings and macro settings
- 18,000 DPI max, 10 programmable buttons
- 1000Hz/500Hz/250Hz/125Hz report rates
We've seen a decent number of RGB lighting gaming mice, some are in-your-face, some more subtle and understated.
The Corsair Nightsword borders on the latter but with different lighting zones and numerous other characteristics that make it attractive.
The Corsair Nightsword is a feature-packed mouse beautifully built that has plenty to go for. It's the best RGB mouse that we have suggested, but it's a lot more than that. With all the bells and whistles, this is an inexpensive gaming mouse.
It features a contoured shape, a textured rubberized finish, and a style specifically for right-handed FPS and MOBA players for palm grip. Another highlight is the tunable weight system, with six weights (three 4.5g and three 2.8g) that can be placed in the underside compartment in various layouts.
Add to that a layout of 10 programmable keys, DPI flipping buttons and various easy-to-access thumb buttons.
There are four lighting zones on this mouse for RGB lighting lovers - the mark, the back, front and mouse wheel. There's also a measure of DPI that can also be modified in colour terms. All with the normal goodness of Corsair RGB.
As well as the ability to turn DPI on the fly, The Nightsword has 11 programmable keys. Set three separate DPI levels to switch between, as well as custom "sniper" mode levels that can be engaged for accurate movement by pressing and holding one of the thumb buttons to drop into an ultra low DPI range.
verdict
The Corsair Nightsword is a wonderful little mouse that is packed with features but refreshing without unnecessary expense.
If it's working or gaming or both, it's easy to use all day. A fantastic kit that everyone would enjoy, adjustable lighting, buttons and weight systems round off. If you're a socialist, of course.
Best high-dpi multi-button mouse
Razer Basilisk Ultimate
- Customizable scroll wheel resistance
- Replaceable Multi-function paddle
- Gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel with customizable resistance
- Textured grips and an ergonomic grip
- 2.4 Ghz HyperSpeed Wireless technology
- Razer Synapse 3 compatible
- 20,000 max DPI adjustable in five different levels
- On-the-fly DPI switching via buttons with sensitivity clutch too
- 11 programmable buttons
A wireless mouse with several buttons, a nifty charging base, some colourful RGB lighting and interesting features, the Basilisk Ultimate is a highlight of Razer's design.
This mouse is filled with features that include a multi-function removable paddle that doubles as an oh-so-satisfactory thumb button. Inside the Synapse app, this paddle can be customized, but acts as a sensitivity clutch by design. In the middle of a game, press and hold the paddle and you get a temporary reduction in DPI levels for precise sniping or tiny mouse movements. You are back to whatever stage you used before until you let go again.
The customizable scroll wheel is the other fun feature. There's a tiny wheel on the underside of the mouse that you can roll to adjust the way the mouse wheel operates. Roll it one way, and with every tiny movement of the wheel, the scroll wheel becomes smooth and quick, roll it the other, and you get clicky feedback. This is a cool little option for customization that we haven't seen anywhere.
The mouse wheel can also be clicked sideways and this combination of keys, along with stuff like the DPI buttons, ensures that when you engage Hype shift you get a total of 11 programmable buttons with even more.
With an emphasis on comfort and usability, this is a wireless gaming mouse. You can pop it on the accompanying charging base to replenish the juice while not in use. This dock also has a USB pass-through, which means that you can directly plug the wireless dongle into it, reducing the need for one mouse to use two ports on your PC.
The Razer Basilisk Ultimate uses the HyperSpeed Wireless technology from Razer that offers precise, lag-free wireless gaming excellence. It is also planned to run with the lighting switched off for as much as 100 hours - although we feel that under regular usage it may be a little premature, but the dock makes it easy enough to charge anyway.
This mouse also has an incredible 14 adjustable lighting zones inside the software for you to play with.
You also get access to tweak the mouse buttons, change DPI levels and more from Synapse. With five on-board memory profiles on the mouse, you can switch between using a small button located underneath it You can set up multiple different profiles.
You can also select DPI switching levels of up to 20,000 max at five different levels. Set up stages here and you can then switch between them near the mouse wheel using the two buttons on the left.
We liked this mouse, particularly because of its thumb buttons and customizable settings. During gaming sessions, the textured grips, ergonomic nature and thumb rest make it comfortable and capable too.
The Razer Basilisk was found to be outstanding for FPS sessions, but also perfect for regular use, surfing, searching, and working as well. It's very precise and the wireless link will never let us down. Meaning, when we failed to claim a Battle Royale victory or outshoot an enemy, we could never blame our instruments.
Verdict
Look no further if you're searching for anything with a mass of keys, plenty of programmability choices and a stylish style.
One of the most convenient and versatile wireless gaming mice we've tried is the Razer Basilisk Ultimate.
An amazing gaming kit is definitely rounded off by a ridiculous battery life, snazzy customisable lighting and a convenient charging dock.
Most stylish gaming mouse
Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
- Roccat Owl-Eye optical sensor with 16000 DPI
- 1.8m micro USB cable
- 2.4GHz wireless
- 1000mAh inbuilt Li-Ion rechargeable battery with up to 50 hours charge
- Omron switches
If your gaming mouse needs style and charm and you're just a little bored with boring black mice, then this mouse from Roccat could be the answer.
Not only is the Roccat Kain 202 AIMO a pleasantly cheap, feature-rich mouse, it's a looker, too.
This is a lightweight mouse with a nicely understated style of gaming. With a dirt-resistant, anti-wear coating that should keep things clean for even the messiest player, it is built to be both ergonomic and robust.
There are a variety of things going for it with the Kain 202 AIMO. First of all the battery life will last up to 50 hours until it needs to be plugged in. Then there are the eight programmable buttons that with Roccat's Easy-Shift technology can be doubled up. Then a multitude of settings including five up to 16,000 customizable DPI levels, a press, scroll and pointer speed that can be tuned, as well as an adjustable lift-off distance.
Roccat claims that the Kain 202 has Titan Click ultra-fast technology and an optical Owl-Eye sensor that makes it agile, precise and sensitive. It also reveals that this mouse is a real artist, both in and out of the game.
Verdict
Though not exactly the most feature-packed mouse on our list is the Roccat Kain 202 AIMO, it is definitely the most beautiful. Beauty is in the beholder's eye, of course, but we love this mouse's white colour and the rugged bodywork that should keep it clean for the yonks.
Beauty is deeper than skin too, and with this gaming mouse, that shows. Supported by a number of features, including high DPI settings, some funky lighting and even neat customization of the Easy-Shift button.
Best large gaming mouse
Mad Catz R.A.T. PRO X3 Supreme
- Exoframe size adjustable structure with swappable grips and rests
- 16000 DPI
- On-board memory for up to 10 profiles
- 400 IPS, 50G acceleration, 3000 Hz report rate
- Omron switches
- 10 buttons
It can be difficult to pick the right gaming mouse if your hands are slightly on the big side. Comfort is an issue and you might find that at least we do anyway, your thumb can get in the way. A convenient, suitably sized mouse that you can use without difficulty is always difficult to locate.
The weird-looking solution to that dilemma might well be the Crazy Catz R.A.T. PRO X3 Supreme. In the past, we've seen Crazy Catz mice, but this is the ultimate version of all-singing, all-dancing, which not only has fashionable looks, but also lots of nifty features.
It sports all of the normal stuff you would expect from a good gaming mouse. 10 keys, 16,000 max DPI, onboard profile memory and more. But the highlight is the style. This mouse is expandable and ergonomically designed to be a perfect match and one that can be personalized to your needs, like other R.A.T. mice.
On both sides of the cursor, it also comes with exchangeable rests, additional palm rests, pinkie rests and thumb rests that can be switched out in a matter of seconds. The feet can also be tweaked and the package also contains numerous scroll wheel covers, so you can adjust how it feels.
Verdict
A highly customizable mouse that can be tweaked to suit your individual needs is the result of all this. A true eye-catcher with different buttons and a multitude of choices for customization. Great for players who don't know what their mouse is for.
Best MOBA/MMO mouse
Razer Naga Pro
- 20,000 DPI
- 19 customisable buttons
- 2 RGB lighting zones
- 117g weight
- Swappable button side plates
- 650 IPS, 50G acceleration
In general, MMO and MOBA gamers are a separate breed of players. With multiple macros and complicated button presses, they're always found attempting to micromanage and pull off all kinds of movements. There are a couple of mice out there for you if you're that kind of player. But what if you prefer MMO gaming, but like shooters as well? Well maybe the Razer Naga Pro is just what you need.
Apparently, this mouse aims to appeal to everyone with an unusual design that not only has everything you would expect from a gaming mouse, but also has swapable side buttons, meaning that depending on what you are doing, you can change the thumb button control.
The choice is yours: two side buttons for FPS or 12 for MMO/MOBAs.
With magnets, these side plates are kept on, so they are easy to snap off and on to meet your needs at a whim. Inside the Razer Synapse programme, you can then configure the keys, set macros, button presses, actions and more. You can also allocate a secondary button action with Razer's Hypershift software while in that mode too, making the number of programmable buttons possibly more than anyone will like.
In other places, too The Naga Pro thrills. One of these is its ability to link in wired, wireless or Bluetooth mode. With RGB lighting off, you can even get as much as 150 hours of battery life out of it with Bluetooth.
Throw in five onboard memory profiles, five custom DPI levels, 100% PTFE feet, and a Pixart Optical sensor, and you've got a powerhouse for real gaming.
Verdict
For gamers who need a different mouse setup for specific games but do not want to own several mice and the cost that comes with that the Razer Naga Pro is a great choice. It is all-singing, all-dancing and fantastic in general.
Best lightweight gaming mouse
Glorious PC Gaming Race Model 0
- 12,000 max DPI
- 50 G Max acceleration
- 250 IPS Max Speed
- ~0.7mm Lift off Distance
- Up to, 1,000 Hz adjustable polling rate
- 67g weight
- 6 buttons
You will be told by professional gamers that weight is all that matters. Although on lower (more precise) DPI settings, a lightweight mouse is easier to travel rapidly.
That is where Model 0 of the Glorious PC Gaming Race comes in. At just 67 grammes, this mouse weights in and delivers pace in other areas too.
It's built with G-Skates slick PTFE feet and a lightweight, versatile USB cable that makes the whole thing agile and nimble.
Thanks to the lighting strips on either side, which give a pleasing glow through the inside of the mouse, it features a honeycomb style and some seriously snazzy RGB lighting.
Easy programme allows DPI levels to be changed (switchable via the button below), lighting adjusted, polling rate tweaked, distance lifted and more.
Verdict
With a fantastic look and gaming prowess, the Model O is a remarkably cheap gaming mouse. The lightweight nature makes it flexible and agile, and for such an inexpensive mouse, it is also extremely feature-rich. In the long run, it may be hard to keep clean, but there's no denying it's a looker and a great piece of kit.
Others to consider
Roccat Burst Pro
- Lightweight 68g design
- 16,000 max DPI adjustable in five levels
- Roccat Titan Optical Switches
- Honeycomb design with outer shell
- Eight programmable button
The Roccat Burst Pro is the company's response to the flood of late honeycomb lightweight mice that have reached the market. With the advantages of a hollow mouse, but without the possibility of the internal build-up of dirt and dust. It is inexpensive as well, but it does not skimp on efficiency. The Burst Pro has an accurate optical Owl-Eye sensor and the Titan Optical Switches from Roccat make it accurate and robust - up to 100 million clicks guaranteed. This mouse isn't going to smash your wallet, but it could make you a pro.
Endgame Gear XM1
- 50 CPI to 16,000 CPI sensitivity
- 50 G Max acceleration
- 450 IPS Max Speed
- 2mm Lift off Distance
- 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz adjustable polling rate
Maybe the XM1 Endgame Gear doesn't look like anything special, but don't let it fool you. It's understated in its power to play, but that doesn't mean it ought to be dismissed. It's also precise, responsive and fast. Thought has obviously gone into the design and we love the basic touches, such as the ultra-flexible cable that does not pull or snag on the desk.
It's a serious and affordable one. If the thrills of RGB and more luxury mice don't matter to you and you just want something that does the job, then you're in for treatment.
Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini
- 8500 max DPI
- 300 IPS max speed
- 35G max acceleration
- 100% PTFE feet
- Speed flex cable
- 62-gram weight
- 6 programmable buttons with Hypershift
The Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini may well be the computer for you if you have smaller hands or prefer a Diddy Mouse to do your gaming with. This is a little titchy mouse that is also meant to be lightweight, relaxed and agile.
It doesn't have all the bells and whistles on this list of other gaming mice, but in other ways, it makes up for that.
It only weighs 62 grammes, has six programmable buttons (more with Razer Hypershift) and is incredibly clever. We really like the optional anti-slip grips included in the box that make it easier for the mouse to grip and look better. Small mouse, small price, big character. What isn't there to like?
For the humorous fun of using a tiny mouse on a gigantic mouse mat, we would suggest combining it with the Razer Gigantus V2.
Mad Catz R.A.T. 6+
- 11 programmable buttons (including side slung additional mouse wheel)
- Up tp 12,000 DPI
- 50G acceleration, 2,0000Hz report rate
- 131 grams
One of the most bonkers looking mice you're ever likely to see, the Crazy Catz R.A.T. 6+. For this price too, it's also feature-rich. It has an adjustable weight system, several programmable buttons and is also capable of extending in size.
For those who are not too sure what size mouse they need or gamers who vary their grip between the palm, claw or finger-tip, we feel like this mouse is probably the perfect option. This mouse is ergonomically pleasing with a convenient thumb rest, easy access buttons and extendable range.
Connect all the normal features that you would expect from a good gaming mouse, such as DPI flipping, profiles, macros, and customizable keys, and you undoubtedly have a great set. The R.A.T. 6+ may not be our list's best mouse, but it's definitely worth considering.
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