Whether you enjoy first-person shooters for PC or MMO games, the best gaming mice should be comfortable, customizable, and enhance your every move. Since it’s an accessory you will spend a lot of time with, comfort is one of the top aspects to consider. The other big-ticket items are performance and accuracy.

Of course, another trait gaming enthusiasts appreciate is the power to customize everything about their gaming accessories. If you like a bevy of choices around RGB personalization, programming macros and keybindings, and switching between profiles, make sure your choice gives you the control you want.

Our top pick, the Razer V2 Pro at Razer, excels in customization and performance with an ergonomic, wireless build that delivers expert precision and a max DPI of 20,000Hz. The other options on our list are also top performers and excel in other areas, such as ergonomics and connectivity.

If you’re in the market for a lightweight wireless mouse for FPS gameplay, the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro is a strong contender. It’s at the head of the pack with its optical sensor switch technology that boasts a max DPI of 20,000Hz, 650 IPS, and a lightning-fast 0.2-millisecond response time. While it’s built only for right-handed use and has no tilt-clicking scrolling action, it offers exceptional ergonomics with a responsive tactile scroll wheel, thumb buttons, and rubber grips on both sides of the body. This mouse is also outfitted with sticky 100% PTFE feet that will work on any surface. 

Best Overall

Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro

  • Max DPI of 20,000Hz

  • 120-hour battery life

  • RGB

  • Onboard memory for five profiles

  • Three connectivity options

  • No tilting scroll wheel

  • Only for right-handed use

With enough onboard memory for five different profiles, seven customizable buttons, and Razer Chroma RGB customization, all in the Razer Synapse software, it’s easy to tailor this mouse to your play style. There’s also an intuitively placed button on the top of the device that allows for quick profile switching, and you can use wired while charging or switching between Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless mode. When connected via Bluetooth, you can expect up to 120 hours of battery life or 70 hours via Wi-Fi.

Number of Buttons: 5 | CPI: 20,000 | Weight: 88g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle

If you’re a lefty or like to switch things up, this ambidextrous Logitech mouse can keep up. In addition to reliable and responsive wireless performance via Bluetooth or the brand’s trademark Hyperspeed 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity mode, you can also use it in wired mode. Sadly, there’s no onboard port for the USB receiver, which could make traveling with this mouse or keeping track of this accessory difficult. On the flip side, this model has optional weights for added heft and comfort, depending on your preferences.

Best Ambidextrous

Logitech G903 Lightspeed

  • 25,600 max DPI

  • 1000Hz/1ms polling rate

  • Up to 180-hour battery life

  • Removable side buttons

  • 7 to 11 programmable buttons

  • No onboard USB dongle storage

  • Shape could be awkward for some

The ambidextrous build means that both the side buttons are removable according to which hand you’ll use. For some, the overall shape could be awkward, especially for claw grippers. Still, the array of up to 11 programmable buttons, speedy, professional-grade 1-millisecond response time, and max 25,600 DPI are all positives that will please most. If you like a light show, there’s a certain degree of RGB customization via the Logitech Hub software. You can expect about 120 hours of battery life in RGB mode, while non-lighting mode will extend that to 180 hours.

Number of Buttons: 9 | CPI: 12,000 | Weight: 110g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle

The Logitech G502 Hero is a high-performing wired gaming mouse that’s also easy on your wallet. Retailing for about $40, this budget-friendly peripheral has a tilting scroll wheel that switches between precision mode and hyper-fast infinite scrolling, is rated for a maximum speed of 400 IPS, and features an impressive Hero optical sensor boasts a wide-ranging sensitivity rate between 100 DPI up to 25,000 DPI. You can quickly cycle through DPI settings on the fly or take advantage of all the customization power via the Logitech Hub software. This platform is also where you can manage all five onboard profiles, RGB lighting, and program key binds and macros for the 11 programmable keys. 

Best Budget

Logitech G502 Hero

  • Up to 25,000 DPI

  • 11 programmable buttons

  • Weight is adjustable

  • 5 customizable profiles

  • Heavier even without weights

  • Not as ergonomic as other models

While this mouse already has a heavier and more solid build than many other lighter-weight mice that are desired for games like FPS, it comes with 10-gram weights to add even more heft. Depending on your preferences, you might not find it conducive to all kinds of grips. Some users also report occasional issues with erroneous inputs or awkward strain to reach the thumb/sniper button. But if you enjoy the substantial feel and have the right-hand shape and grip, this could be just the affordable and overachieving mouse you’ve been looking for.

Number of Buttons: 11 | CPI: 25,000 | Weight: 121g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle

If you’re looking for a super-speedy, lag-free wireless gaming mouse, the Corsair IronClaw RGB Wireless offers impressive sub 1-millisecond latency. This professional-level gaming performance is made possible by the brand’s Slipstream 2.4Ghz wireless technology that’s engineered to keep up with your every move and maintain an impressive 60-foot range. If you prefer wired or Bluetooth mode, both are available with this mouse. Using the former can extend battery life to 50 hours without RGB lighting engaged. That isn’t as long as some competing mice but surpasses the maximum 24-hour capacity in wireless mode. 

Best Wireless

Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless

  • 10 programmable buttons

  • Sub 1-millisecond latency

  • Three connection modes

  • Up to 18,000 DPI

  • Best for palm grips and large hands

  • Only up to 50 hours of battery

Other game-ready specs include a maximum 18,000 DPI with 1-DPI increments for maximum control, customizable polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, three RGB zones, and 10 programmable buttons for programming your most-used keybinds or the most advantageous macros. While Corsair recommends this mouse specifically for larger hands and palm grips as well as FPS and MOBA play, if this fits your gaming preferences, the sculpted shape and speedy wireless performance could enhance the way you play.

Number of Buttons: 6 | CPI: 18,000 | Weight: 59g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle

A lightweight mouse can offer a definitive edge when agility and quick responses make the difference between winning and losing. The Cooler Master MM711 distinguishes itself with an ultralight exposed honeycomb design that weighs less than 60 grams and offers a unique front-row seat to the RGB light show, which you can also set according to your DPI preferences. Plus, the ultra-smooth, low-friction feet, 400 IPS, and a maximum DPI of 16,000 will make this mouse feel like a part of your hand, whether you use a palm, claw, or fingertip grip. 

Best Lightweight

Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse

  • Weighs less than 60 grams

  • Durable and flexible cable

  • Ambidextrous

  • Max 16,000 DPI

  • Could be cramped for larger hands

  • A little high maintenance

Regardless of which hand you use, this ambidextrous mouse is designed to offer maximum comfort for those marathon gaming sessions. There are two side buttons (all six buttons are programmable) for setting your preferred key binds, and the woven cord is durable and flexible so that you’ll never have to feel like you’re wrestling with it. The shell is also dust and water-resistant, so it won’t be the end of the world if you encounter a spill, but overall the design is a little delicate, won’t fit all hand sizes, and could require frequent cleaning.

Number of Buttons: 6 | CPI: 16,000 | Weight: 59g | Interface: Bluetooth, Dongle

What to Look for in Gaming Mice

Comfort

The right gaming mouse for your hand should be comfortable and suited to your preferred grips. Button placement and programmable buttons can also extend comfort, as could ultra-light form factors, sticky feet, and ergonomic shapes. If you don’t already know, spend some time figuring out your preferred grip(s), and your scroll wheel and button feel preferences.

Wired vs. wireless

Some die-hard gamers prefer wired peripherals over wireless. Still, the latest wireless mice can deliver solid connectivity and performance—as well as a lot of control over managing DPI settings, key binds, and RGB settings. Wireless mice also have an edge in portability, but battery life varies. The good news is that most wireless mice are also usable in wired mode.

Performance

Finding the right balance of sensitivity and speed is a personal preference that depends on your style of play, but looking for high and customizable DPI and fast polling rates and acceleration are all helpful indicators of how a mouse could enhance your gaming performance.

You’ll likely want to decide if it’s more practical to have a wired or wireless model. If you go with a wireless mouse for gaming, battery capacity and connectivity are vital considerations. Other performance stats you’ll want to look for include your preferred CPI/DPI sensitivity rates for precise movements, IPS and acceleration values for lightning-quick reactions, and higher polling rates for quick responses and lag-free play.

Customization

About Our Trusted Experts:

Yoona Wagener is a technology and commerce writer. She has tested a variety of wearables, laptops, and computer peripherals for Lifewire, including wireless gaming mice from Logitech and Razer.

  • Should I get a wired or wireless gaming mouse?
  • Wireless gaming mice were once considered inferior to their wired counterparts. Thankfully that’s no longer the case, with wireless mice having equal or better performance than wired mice. Wireless mice can sometimes be slightly heavier but eliminate the annoying cable drag that trips up some players. But, of course, there is the additional consideration of remembering to recharge your mouse at regular intervals.
  • What is a gaming mouse?
  • The optical sensor is the most prominent feature that sets gaming mice apart from their more conventional counterparts. A typical mouse tops out at about 4,000 DPI, while the latest gaming mice have sensors reaching up to 20,000 DPI. While it’s doubtful you’ll ever be using a sensitivity this high, this option gives you some flexibility, depending on the types of games you play. Gaming mice usually also feature RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your peripherals to complement the rest of your gaming setup.
  • I’m a lefty, can I use a gaming mouse?
  • Unfortunately, most gaming mice aren’t catered to the southpaw crowd. Still, several options are ambidextrous, like the Razer Viper, that allow you to cater your inputs for left-handed use.

Wireless gaming mice were once considered inferior to their wired counterparts. Thankfully that’s no longer the case, with wireless mice having equal or better performance than wired mice. Wireless mice can sometimes be slightly heavier but eliminate the annoying cable drag that trips up some players. But, of course, there is the additional consideration of remembering to recharge your mouse at regular intervals.

The optical sensor is the most prominent feature that sets gaming mice apart from their more conventional counterparts. A typical mouse tops out at about 4,000 DPI, while the latest gaming mice have sensors reaching up to 20,000 DPI. While it’s doubtful you’ll ever be using a sensitivity this high, this option gives you some flexibility, depending on the types of games you play. Gaming mice usually also feature RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your peripherals to complement the rest of your gaming setup.   

Unfortunately, most gaming mice aren’t catered to the southpaw crowd. Still, several options are ambidextrous, like the Razer Viper, that allow you to cater your inputs for left-handed use.