Different mice will suit you better or worse, depending on your hand size and the type of grip you use. A claw grip is a mixture of palm and fingertip grips. It's used for faster gliding movement and is great for flick shots. It generally offers better speed than a palm grip but is worse for smooth and slow tracking. A claw grip can also be better if you prefer higher CPI settings since it encourages snappier movements in smaller arcs using the wrist and fingers rather than the forearm and shoulder. However, because it often relies on a tense hand posture, it's more tiring than your run-of-the-mill palm grip.
We've tested over 300 mice, and listed below are our recommendations for the best mice for claw grip. If you're uncertain what grip type might work best for you, check out our ergonomics and grip types article. For other recommendations, check out our picks for the best gaming mice, the best wireless gaming mice, and the best cheap gaming mice.
The best claw grip mouse we've tested is the Endgame Gear XM2we. This straightforward-looking wireless model has a surprisingly premium feel and, most importantly, a highly prized shape among claw grip players—with a cinched middle, a raised centered hump, and a wide, rounded back end to support your palm when using a relaxed or more aggressive claw. Its medium size also puts it right in the sweet spot for providing a comfortable claw grip position for most hand sizes.
Performance-wise, it offers excellent click latency and outstanding sensor accuracy. This mouse also only weighs 62g, making it extremely easy to move quickly and accurately. Altogether, the XM2we delivers an extremely responsive-feeling experience in-game, and it has a shape that's tailor-made with claw grippers in mind.
If you're considering options at a mid-range price point, we recommend the Endgame Gear XM1r, essentially a wired version of our top pick, the Endgame Gear XM2we. It feels just as sturdy and shares the same claw grip-focused shape. Impressively, it also offers slightly better latency and sensor performance. Additionally, unlike the wireless option above, this mouse is available in a range of different body coatings that aren't just cosmetic but offer a chalky, glossy, or rubberized feel to suit your preferences.
The only downside is that this mouse is a bit heavier than the XM2we, and, of course, it lacks wireless connectivity. That said, the cable on this mouse is extremely lightweight and flexible, so if you don't mind a cable or even prefer using a wired mouse, this is a better option.
The best mouse for claw grip we've tested in the budget category is the Cooler Master MM720. This wired model has an unusual right-handed shape that's relatively short and wide, and it features a small ledge on the right that supports your ring and pinky finger. This shape is ideal for a claw grip, especially for those who prefer a knuckle claw grip with minimal or no palm contact. The body's honeycomb perforations make it the lightest model on this list, weighing in at just over 50g, so it's a great option if you prefer the movement speed advantage of an ultra-lightweight mouse. It also delivers high-end sensor performance and click latency, which is surprising given its price point.
Build quality is its biggest weakness. It feels cheaper and more fragile than most gaming mice, especially compared to premium options like the Endgame Gear XM1r or the Endgame Gear XM2we above. Its side buttons feel mushy, and the body squeaks, feeling like it may crack with enough force. It's fine for most people during regular use but can be an issue if you're rougher with your devices. Ultimately, its price, unique claw grip shape, and impressive performance make it a standout option if you're shopping on a budget.
Sep 18, 2023: We've confirmed all our picks for price and availability. We haven't made any changes to our lineup with this update, as they all remain the best choices currently available for their respective categories.
Jul 11, 2023: We've replaced the Pulsar X2 Wireless as our pick for the best claw grip mouse with the newly-reviewed Endgame Gear XM2we because the XM2we has somewhat better sensor performance and build quality and is much easier to find in stock.
May 11, 2023: Verified that the picks are still valid. No change in recommendations.
Mar 15, 2023: We've moved the Logitech G303 Shroud Edition from its position as our 'Best Claw Grip Mouse' into the Notable Mentions section and replaced it with the Pulsar X2 Wireless. We've also removed the SteelSeries Rival 3 and Razer Orochi V2 from the Notable Mentions and added the LAMZU Atlantis.
Jan 03, 2023: We've confirmed all the picks for this article are in stock and remain the best choices for their respective categories.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best claw grip mice for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper mouse wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no mice that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our reviews of mice. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no mouse is perfect for every use, most mice are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.