Mouse Buying Guide – November 2021

What To Look For

  • Sensor: This heavily impacts accuracy of the mouse itself, as it tracks where and how far the mouse moves. Since most very cheap mice will cheap out on this, they will be less accurate and because of that will be harder to work with.
  • DPI/CPI: This will show the Dots/Counts per inch. These terms are generally used interchangeably, but the most accurate name for it is CPI. A higher CPI will increase the sensitivity of the mouse, but will also start to smooth out once you go higher up. See this number as a limit, not as an indication of quality.
  • Switches: Even if more often than not Omron is used, A4tech/LK, Kailh, TTC and Huano also have recently started to take their part of the market. This is mainly worth looking at to see the endurance, but can also change the feel of the click itself.
  • Hand orientation: This will show with which hand(s) they can be used. Even though left-handed are uncommon, there are technically 3 options here. For left-handed people like me, I would generally recommend to look for a mouse that fits both hands.
  • Size: This sounds like an obvious point, but a mouse is generally made on a specific hand size. You shouldn’t grab something small like a G305 if you don’t have small hands, but also the other way around with such as a G502 and small hands.
  • Grip: Different mice are made for a different way of holding them. Keep a close eye on how you grip your current mouse and how that would translate to the new one. Some mice are better optimized for certain types of grip.

What To Avoid

  • Poor build quality: Sometimes things are just too good to be true, which is the case with many cheap mice that offer very high-end sensors. They either have very little QC or are built very cheap. This has become less common with budget mice improving in this regard, but can still be found.
  • Office mice: They can be an okay starting point, but will limit you in both latency and accuracy. They use much lower end sensors that often already use smoothing at very low DPI, have a low polling rate or use a wireless connection with much higher latency

Our Picks:

20 USD30 USD40 USD50 USD60 USD70 USD80 USD90 USD

Logitech G203 Lightsync

Often dropping to 20 USD, the G203 is one of the few gaming mice not using a Pixart design, instead using Swiss manufacturer CGS to make the Mercury sensor. This sensor is also found in G102/G203 prodigy with a 6k CPI firmware instead of the lightsync's 8k CPI. Featuring a compact shape, RGB lighting and 4 color options.

Buy g203
Pros:
  • Low price
  • Shape fits both left- and right handed users
  • RGB light
Cons:
  • At ~30 USD more you can find better sensors
  • Made with smaller hands in mind
  • Bit heavier than the other option
Specs:
  • Sensor: Logitech Mercury
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-7N (not confirmed)
  • Hand shape: left/right
  • CPI: 8.000
  • Weight: 85g
  • RGB: Yes, G-hub
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

 

Razer Deathadder V2 Mini

Returning from our last buying guide, the DeathAdder V2 mini still is a great option at just 20 USD. Featuring a Pixart based Razer Focus 8k sensor, it won't match higher end mice, but will do very well for a budget setup.

Buy Deathadder V2 Mini
Pros:
  • Great value
  • Lightweight
  • RGB light
Cons:
  • Doesn't fit left-handed users well
  • Better sensors available at a slightly higher budget
Specs:
  • Sensor: Razer Focus 8k
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-7N (not confirmed)
  • Hand shape: right
  • CPI: 8.500
  • Weight: 62g
  • RGB: yes, chroma
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

Corsair Katar Pro XT

Featuring the PMW3391, the Katar Pro XT is offering a sensor generally found on much more expensive mice. The shape fits both left- and right-handed users and comes in at a respectable 73 grams.

Buy Katar Pro XT
Pros:
  • Shape fits left- and right-handed users
  • High-end sensor
  • Relatively lightweight
  • RGB light
Cons:
  • Smaller shape
  • Wireless version uses a different sensor
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3391
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-K 50m
  • Hand shape: left/right
  • CPI: 18.000
  • Weight: 73g
  • RGB: Yes, iCue
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

 

Logitech G305

Lately dropping down to 40 USD, this mouse is one of the most modded on the market. Projects ranging from honeycomb shells to full body replacements have been shown off. Featuring the older Hero 12k sensor, the G305 still holds up well. In Asian regions, this mouse is sold by the name G304.

Buy G305
Pros:
  • Great modding potential
  • Low-latency wireless
  • Compact shape
  • Works for both left- and right-handed use
  • Long battery life
Cons:
  • Not always found at 30 USD
  • Requires AA battery
  • Back is relatively heavy
  • Not made for big hands
Specs:
  • Sensor: Hero 12k
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-7N 10m
  • Hand shape: left/right
  • CPI: 12.000
  • Weight: 99g
  • RGB: No
  • USB report rate: 1000hz

 

Cooler Master MM710

The MM710 is our pick for a honeycomb shell budget mouse. Coming in at just 53 grams, the mouse is very lightweight. It features a Pixart PMW3389 sensor, making it a great option for low DPI gaming or just for someone preferring their mouse to be as light as possible without breaking the bank.

Buy MM710
Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • High-end sensor
  • Fits both left- and right-handed users
Cons:
  • MM720 fits bigger hands better
  • Honeycomb shell isn't for everyone
  • RGB version is MM711
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3389
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-7N (not confirmed)
  • Hand shape: left/right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 53g
  • RGB: No
  • USB report rate: 1000hz

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

Basilisk's shape reminds of the G502, but at 15 grams less. It's a great fit for big-handed people and combined with Razer's hyperspeed wireless, it's a great wireless option.

Buy Basilisk X Hyperspeed
Pros:
  • Great fit for bigger hands
  • Low-latency wireless
  • High-end sensor
Cons:
  • Not for left-handed people
  • Claimed battery life is with bluetooth, not hyperspeed
  • No RGB
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3369
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-7N 50m (not confirmed)
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 106g
  • RGB: No
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

 

Cooler Master MM720

Essentially a much bigger shaped MM711, the MM720 is a great option for people preferring wider mice. Featuring LK optical switches, the MM720 has a lower latency compared to mechanical Omron switches. It uses the same sensor as the MM710/MM711.

Buy MM720
Pros:
  • Wide shape
  • Only 49 gram weight
  • High-end sensor
  • LK Optical switches
Cons:
  • Doesn't work for left-handed use
  • Not made for palm grip
  • Honeycomb isn't for everyone
Specs:
  • Sensor: PMW3389
  • Switch: LK Optical (70m)
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 49g
  • RGB: Yes, Master+
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

Razer Viper 8KHZ

Using Razer's best sensor so far, the Viper 8KHZ upgrades it's sensor and USB report rate to an overkill degree. It also uses Razer's 2nd generation optical switches made by LK.

Buy Viper 8KHZ
Pros:
  • 8KHZ polling rate
  • Top end sensor
  • LK optical switches
  • Lightweight
  • Compact
Cons:
  • Doesn't fit bigger hands well
  • 8KHZ polling rate stresses system a lot more
  • Higher report rate isn't noticeable for most people
Specs:
  • Sensor: Razer Focus+ 20k
  • Switch: Razer Optical Switches 70m (Made by LK/A4tech)
  • Hand shape: Left/Right
  • CPI: 20.000
  • Weight: 71g
  • RGB: Yes
  • USB report rate: 8000 HZ

 

Cooler Master MM830

The MM830 is the opposite to the general trend in the gaming mouse market right now. Coming in at 162 grams, it's a heavy mouse by today's standards.

Buy MM830
Pros:
  • Proven PMW3360 sensor
  • Made for big hands
Cons:
  • Heavy
  • Right hand only
  • OLED screen feels like a gimmick
  • Cheaper alternatives with similar specifications
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3360
  • Switch: Omron
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 24.000
  • Weight: 162 grams
  • RGB: Yes, master+
  • USB report rate: 1000 hz

Pwnage Ultra Custom Symm/Ergo

Coming with two top shells, 12 weights, grip tape, botton spacers and extra mouse skates, the Pwnage Ultra Custom Symm is a complete package for the more experienced player. It can be customized with the included accessoires, but can also be modified with additional sets.

Buy Ultra Custom Symm Buy Ultra Custom Ergo
Pros:
  • Highly customizable
  • Complete out-of-the box package
  • Adjustable weight
  • Top-end Kailh GM 8.0 switches (Symm only)
  • High end sensor
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Ergo uses Omron 20m instead of Kailh GM 8.0
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3389
  • Switch: Kailh GM 8.0 80m/Omron D2FC-F-K (not confirmed)
  • Hand shape: Left/Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 58/61-86g
  • RGB: Yes, pwnage driver
  • USB report rate: 1000hz

 

Cooler Master MM831

Usable with a 2.4 GHZ, Bluetooth 4.2 or a wired mode, the MM831 is one of the heavier wireless mice. It supports Qi wireless charging, a detachable cable and a similar shape to the MM830.

Buy MM831
Pros:
  • Made for bigger hands
  • High end sensor
  • Qi charging
  • Bluetooth+2.4GHZ wireless
Cons:
  • Heavy
  • Standard Omron switches
  • Hard to use for left-handed people
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PAW3335
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-7N 20m (not confirmed)
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 32.000
  • Weight: 123 grams
  • RGB: Yes, Master+
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

Endgame Gear XM1R

The XM1R is one of the best wired esport mice on the market right now. Using the well respected Kailh GM 8.0 switches and the recently released PAW3370 sensor. It comes in at just 70 grams, while not resulting to a honeycomb design.

Buy XM1R
Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • Kailh GM 8.0 switches
  • One of the best sensors on the market
  • Both for left and right handed users
  • Two included skate sets
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • No 4-8khz polling rate support
  • RGB version is significantly more while not being updated yet (at the time of writing)
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PAW3370
  • Switch: Kailh GM 8.0 80m
  • Hand shape: Left/Right
  • CPI: 19.000
  • Weight: 70g
  • RGB: No
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

 

Asus Strix Impact II Wireless

My personal driver, the Strix Impact II features a very interesting feature. It comes with Omron hotswap sockets, that can be easily accessed without removing the skates on the mouse. So far I've found it to be compatible with multiple Omron, Kailh, TTC and Huano switches, though Asus only verifies it for Omron.

Buy Strix Impact II Wireless
Pros:
  • Hotswap switch sockets
  • High end sensor
  • Ambidexterous shape
  • Compatible with many 3-pin mouse switches
  • Two sets of switches included
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Rather small shape
  • Grips on the side don't work well with tape
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PAW3335
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-K 50m (hotswap)
  • Hand shape: Left/Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 93g
  • RGB: Yes, Armory crate
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

 

Razer Naga Trinity

One of the few modern MMO/MOBA mice left on the market, the Naga Trinity can be configured with eitehr two, seven or twelve buttons on the side. As the trend moves to lightweight mice, it has little competition and would be our top pick for a mouse with many macros.

Buy Naga Trinity
Pros:
  • Configurable for 2, 7 and 12 buttons on the side
  • High end sensor
  • Ergonomic shape
Cons:
  • Doesn't work for left-handed users
  • Heavy
  • Naga Pro has replaced it
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3390
  • Switch: Omron D2FC-F-K 50m
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 120g
  • RGB: Yes, Synapse
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

Ninjutso Origin One X

With a shape that reminds of the Microsoft Intellimouse, the Ninjutso Origin One X is an ergonomic wireless mouse coming in at just 65 grams. It is claimed to be the lightest wireless ergo gaming mouse on the market, and they've yet to be proven wrong.

Buy Origin One X
Pros:
  • Ergonomic shape
  • Kailh GM 8.0 switches
  • Lightest wireless ergo mouse on the market
  • High end sensor
  • USB-C charging
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Right-handed use only
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PAW3335
  • Switch: Kailh GM 8.0
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 65 grams
  • RGB: No
  • USB report rate: 1000hz

Pwnage Ultra Custom Wireless Ergo

Highly customizable, everything included into a single package and a honeycomb mesh design, the Ultra custom wireless is one of the best mice on the market. It might not be justified for everyone, but you certainly won't be dissapointed.

Buy Ultra Custom Wireless Ergo
Pros:
  • High end sensor
  • Lightweight
  • Highly customizable
  • Everything you need included (two top shells, 12 weights, grip tape, botton spacers and extra mouse skates)
Cons:
  • Omron 20m switches on gen 1
  • Surprisingly slightly heavier than Origin One X
  • Symm version isn't on Amazon yet
  • Right hand use only
Specs:
  • Sensor: Pixart PAW3335
  • Switch: Omron 20m
  • Hand shape: Right
  • CPI: 16.000
  • Weight: 68 grams
  • RGB: Yes, pwnage drivers
  • USB report rate: 1000 HZ

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