The Best Gaming Mouse - Fall 2023 Mice Reviews

The Razer Viper V2 Pro is the best gaming mouse. It shares the same shape as previous models in this popular lineup, which makes it ideal for using a claw or fingertip grip. However, it's now significantly lighter and features Razer's updated Focus Pro 30K sensor, one of the most accurate and consistent sensors we've tested. Additionally, its click buttons use optical switches designed to prevent double-clicking and last longer than standard mechanical switches.

While this version is significantly lighter and easier to move quickly, it lacks some features that characterized previous models in the lineup, including rubber side grips, RGB lighting, and side buttons on both sides. If you're more interested in weight savings, you may feel these changes are for the best. If you're more a fan of some of the legacy features and don't mind a heavier mouse, now is a great time to check out the previous generation Razer Viper Ultimate, which is currently available for cheaper than ever.

Lastly, we couldn't forgive ourselves for not mentioning the updated Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro as a possible alternative. It has the same internal components as the Viper V2 Pro and is virtually the same weight. However, it's designed exclusively for right-handed users and is a better option for larger-sized hands, especially if you prefer using a palm grip.

At an upper mid-range price point, we recommend the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. Lately, its price has been volatile, but it frequently goes on sale and can sometimes dip closer to the price of our mid-range pick below. This mouse has an ergonomic, right-handed shape with a thumb rest, and it's bristling with 12 programmable buttons. It delivers excellent click latency and outstanding sensor performance, and its scroll wheel has left and right tilt inputs, letting you switch between a regular notched scrolling mode and a much faster free-scrolling mode.

All these features make this mouse significantly heavier than most gaming mice designed for fast-paced experiences like FPS games. However, it's a terrific choice if you play a wide range of games in different genres and prefer a heavier mouse. This mouse even has a set of optional weights you can add to customize the weight distribution.

Logitech has just released new versions of this mouse called the Logitech G502 X LIGHTSPEED and the Logitech G502 X PLUS (the PLUS features RGB lighting). These new entries have a softer visual look and are lighter. The adjusted button placement is a welcomed feature and includes new quiet optical switches. However, the mouse is substantially more expensive, so we still recommend previous-generation models unless these minor additions are priorities.

The best gaming mouse at a mid-range price point is the Fantech Aria XD7. Its symmetrical, egg-like shape provides a comfortable fit for most hand sizes and grip type preferences. Despite its more affordable price tag, it's only a bit heavier than our top pick, the Razer Viper V2 Pro. It has PixArt's new flagship sensor, the PAW 3395, which is closely related to the sensor in the Razer—offering superior performance across the board.

It's pictured in its lightest configuration with a modular back plate with small cutouts to save weight. That said, it also comes with a solid back plate option that's only slightly heavier if you prefer the look and feel of a solid plastic body. If this mouse has a weakness, the battery life sits at a maximum of around 30 hours between charges. While this won't present any problems if you get into a regular recharging schedule, it may be annoying if your usage is more variable.

For an alternative around the same price point with a much longer battery life, check out the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless. The HyperX is a great alternative for casual gaming, but it's outperformed by the Fantech if you mainly play fast-paced, competitive games because its click latency is significantly higher.

For the best option at a lower mid-range price point, we recommend the Razer Basilisk V3. This mouse is similar to the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED in many ways. The biggest difference is that this is a wired-only model. Otherwise, they share nearly identical ergonomic shapes, an impressive array of customizable controls, and outstanding sensor performance and click latency. The scroll wheel also has left and right tilt inputs and can switch between regular notched mode and a much faster free-scrolling mode.

Because it doesn't need to hold a rechargeable battery, it's significantly lighter than the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. Its lower weight is a notable advantage that makes it easier to move quickly and accurately, which is handy for playing faster-paced games. Altogether, this is a standout pick if you're interested in a high-performance, versatile gaming mouse but don't need the flexibility of a wireless connection.

If you'd prefer a wireless alternative at this price point, check out the Keychron M3 Mini. It has a smaller, symmetrical shape, is significantly lighter, and offers outstanding wireless performance considering its price point. It also doesn't have as many programmable buttons, its feet aren't as high-quality, and its scroll wheel lacks tilt inputs and free-scrolling.

At a budget price point, we recommend the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED. Depending on what region of the world you live in, this mouse may be called the Logitech G304 LIGHTSPEED, but they're the same mouse. The G305's symmetrical, egg-shaped body is very comfortable and accommodating for nearly all hand sizes using a claw or fingertip grip. The build quality is also impressive. There's no creaking or flexibility in the body, and despite being significantly more affordable, it feels nearly as premium as the more expensive Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. It connects wirelessly with Logitech's LIGHTSPEED USB receiver and gets an impressive advertised battery life of up to 250 hours from a single AA battery.

Last but not least, this mouse has excellent click latency and consistent sensor performance. Its major downside is its weight, making it harder to make snappy, responsive mouse movements for faster-paced games. Alternatively, if you're looking for the best wired mouse at this price point, we recommend checking out the Razer Cobra. While you're giving up wireless flexibility, It delivers better pure gaming performance and is significantly more lightweight, making it much better suited for playing fast-paced or competitive games. It also has more extensive RGB lighting.

All the mice on this list have superior performance to satisfy nearly everyone, but the Razer Viper 8KHz is pushing the limits of current technology, focusing on the truly performance-obsessed gamers. This mouse shares much of the same DNA as our top pick in this article, the Razer Viper V2 Pro. It isn't as lightweight and doesn't connect wirelessly. However, it offers the best raw performance at a solid mid-range price point.

While most gaming mice have a maximum polling rate of 1000Hz, this mouse natively supports higher polling rates with a maximum of 8000Hz. Higher polling rates produce slightly smoother cursor movements and marginally improved latency, even compared to flagship mice. However, it's important to note that these higher polling rates consume considerable system resources. The performance gains are small but noticeable, and you'll need a fairly powerful rig to take full advantage of the feature.

If you're impressed by the performance but aren't a fan of the low-profile symmetrical shape of this mouse, you may be interested in the Razer DeathAdder V3 as an alternative. The DeathAdder V3 offers the same high-end performance as the Viper 8KHz, including native support for an 8000Hz polling rate, but it has an ergonomic right-handed shape with a larger, more high-profile design, making it an outstanding pick for larger hands. Despite its size, it's even a little lighter. However, it's also a bit more expensive.