If you have a PC, you most certainly depend on a mouse to do almost everything on your computer, from clicking on the internet to performing basic tasks. But did you know that your mouse might be holding you back from being faster and more precise when playing certain games? The best gaming mouse won’t just look nice or fit your hand like a glove – it will feature lower latency, support higher dpi, use top-of-the-line sensors to keep up with fast movement during gameplay, and have plenty of customization options.
If the games you play are more intense than Candy Crush Saga, you should use a gaming mouse that fits your gaming style. If you’re wondering what the best gaming mouse is for you, keep reading.
The Best MMO Gaming Mouse
For Competitive Gaming, MMOs, MOBAs, FPS, and more
Razer Naga Chroma
(Model: RZ01-01610100-R3U1)
Razer’s Naga Chroma is a great choice for most games, but where this mouse really shines is in MMO gaming. While it isn’t difficult to find a gaming mouse with side buttons, this one gives you a mechanical 12-button thumb-grid. The mechanical buttons provide gamers with the tactile response they are familiar with in mechanical keyboards, while allowing you to program each button to perform any action or macro with a simple button press.
While the thumb-grid is useful for MMO games where you have a lot of actions to perform, those same buttons might get in the way of the fast-paced nature of a MOBA or FPS game. You might find yourself pressing the side buttons on accident, triggering actions at the wrong time. So while it might not be the best choice for a variety of gaming styles, the Naga Chroma is the best gaming mouse you can get if you are primarily an MMO player or desire a lot of programmable buttons for your games.
In terms of customization, the Naga Chroma is a versatile tool, allowing you to choose a look and feel that meets your expectations. With dpi speeds up to 12000 (probably more than you will ever need) and the ability to change speeds when you need to, you are able to pick one that matches your gaming style.
The Chroma lighting is top of the line, with 16.8 million customizable color options so it will match with your other devices. Plus, if you already have a Razer keyboard or headset, you can sync the color scheme you already have set with the gaming mouse for a seamless fit.
MECHANICAL BUTTON THUMB GRID
TILT-CLICK SCROLL WHEEL
A unique feature of this MMO gaming mouse is the Tilt-Click scroll wheel. The scroll wheel goes up, down, right, and left, as well as clicking in – all of which can be programmed, providing you with even more macros and actions with a simple wheel click.
One downside to this MMO gaming mouse is that it does not have the option to adjust the weight. If that is a feature you are used to with gaming mice, this mouse might feel too light. In most MMO games, this isn’t a huge drawback, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
But if weight-tuning isn’t a high priority for you, this is the best MMO mouse you can get, offering you a multitude of programmable features and customizable aesthetics. This mouse will give you an advantage in MMOs by putting your hotbars right at your thumb so you never miss a click again!
The Best MOBA Gaming Mouse
For League of Legends, DOTA 2, Smite, and more
Razer Naga Hex v2
(Model: RZ01-01600100-R3U)
Razer’s Naga Hex v2 is an exceptional choice for a multitude of gaming genres, but where it really excels is in MOBA gaming. It has the speed and precision you expect from a gaming mouse, but with a unique mechanical 7-button thumb wheel. Unlike the traditional 12-button thumb-grid you typically find on an MMO gaming mouse, this one is designed with an open center for the thumb to rest, with buttons equidistant to the thumb, ensuring you never misclick a button on accident during fast-paced gameplay, but still have access to all of your important actions and macros at the tip of your thumb.
While this mouse is also a good choice for action-oriented MMO games, some users might not like having less buttons to work with. So while it might not be the best choice for every gaming style, the Naga Hex v2 is the best gaming mouse you can get if you are primarily a MOBA player or desire a less overwhelming button grid.
The Naga Hex v2 is flexible as far as customization is concerned, allowing you to choose a look and feel that meets your specific needs. With dpi speeds up to 16000 (again, probably more than you will ever need), plus the ability to change speeds on the fly, you are able to tailor your mouse speed to match your gaming style.
Featuring the Chroma line of top-notch lighting, with 16.8 million customizable color options and a variety of light patterns and effects so you can match it to your other devices. Plus, if you already have a Razer keyboard or headset, you can sync the color scheme you already have with this MOBA mouse for a seamless fit.
MECHANICAL BUTTON THUMB GRID
SPEEDS UP TO 16000 DPI
Like the Naga Chroma, this top gaming mouse also has the Tilt-Click scroll wheel. The scroll wheel goes up, down, right, and left and clicks in – all of which can be programmed in addition to the thumb grid, providing you with more macros and actions at your fingertips.
A downside to this mouse is that it does not have the option to adjust its weight. If that is a feature you like in gaming mice, this mouse might feel too light, but most MOBA gamers prefer a lighter mouse anyway due to the amount of movement involved. This isn’t a deal breaker in most cases, but it depends on personal preference.
Also, unlike the Naga Chroma, which has a wired and wireless version available, the Hex is strictly a wired device and does not have wireless functionality.
But if weight-tuning and going wireless aren’t high priorities, this MOBA gaming mouse is the best option, offering you many programmable features and customizable aesthetics. This mouse will give you an advantage by offering you the speed and precision you’ve been looking for in your favorite MOBA games.
The Best FPS Gaming Mouse
For Overwatch, Battlefield, CS:GO, UT4, and more
Logitech G Pro
(Model: 910-004855)
The Logitech G Pro is the best gaming mouse available for gamers who desire speed, precision, and tactile feedback to match the fast-paced playstyle of their games. Featuring the PMW3366 optical sensor which is widely accepted as one of the most pixel-precise sensors by gaming enthusiasts and professional gamers alike. Delivers exceptional tracking and consistent responsiveness across the entire dpi range.
This top gaming mouse has 6 programmable buttons that are strategically positioned so that they won’t get in the way or hinder your performance with accidental misclicks, while still remaining within reach so that all of your most used actions are available with a click of a button.
The Logitech G Pro has flexible dpi tracking speeds from 200-12000, and offers crisp, reliable button clicks thanks to the advanced button tensioning system. The tensioning system enhances the consistency of the left and right mouse buttons, and reduces the force required to click. This means that you can click in rapid succession with much more ease and precision.
This FPS gaming mouse also has programmable lighting and buttons, allowing you to customize the mouse’s look to match your current gaming setup. 6 programmable buttons and onboard memory make it easy to setup and store custom commands directly to the mouse for competition sessions without the need for installing additional software or reconfiguring your settings.
A few downsides to this mouse is that because of it’s smaller size and ambidextrous design, gamers with larger hands or who are used to ergonomic shaped mice may find the design of this mouse underwhelming.
Something that is more inconvenient than a dealbreaker is that the braided mouse cable, while durable, can often feel too stiff and create drag. Nothing a mouse bungee can’t fix, but some might not want to make an additional investment.
The final drawback is that the feet on the bottom of this FPS gaming mouse do not glide as easily across cloth mouse pads, which can hinder your ability to move it as quickly as you like. For best results, using this mouse on a flat, minimally textured gaming mouse mat is highly recommended.
Although the Logitech G Pro may seem a little more high maintenance in terms of outward issues like needing a gaming mouse mat and possibly a cord management system, it more than makes up for in performance in competitive FPS games. These additional investments, while optional, will allow this mouse to perform at it’s best, offering you the highest precision and accuracy you desire in FPS games.
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse
For Competitive Gaming, MMOs, MOBAs, FPS, and more
Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum
(Model: 910-004558)
If you’re looking for the best wireless gaming mouse, the Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum has it all! Much like the Logitech G Pro, this mouse houses the PMW3366 optical sensor, which is widely accepted as one of the most pixel-precise sensors by gaming enthusiasts and professional gamers alike, delivering exceptional tracking and consistent responsiveness across the entire dpi range.
With a wireless connection trusted by eSports professional gamers, you won’t have to worry about inconsistent or inaccurate tracking that other wireless mice are notorious for. Virtually lag free, this mouse plays just as well in wireless mode as it does wired. And with an impressive 30-hour battery life, you can spend more time wrecking your opponents and less time waiting for it to charge.
The Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum has flexible dpi tracking speeds from 200-12000, as well as 11 programmable buttons that can be set as game macros, used for dpi shifting, media controls, and more.
The metal spring tension system and metal pivot hinge provide fast and accurate button clicks, enhancing the consistency of the buttons, and reducing the required amount of force to register a click. This means that you can click in rapid succession with much more ease and precision.
And once you have things working the way you want, save and store your custom commands directly to the onboard memory for competition sessions, LAN parties, and more, all without having to install additional software or reconfigure your settings.
This mouse also has programmable lighting and buttons, allowing you to choose from over 16 million colors to customize the mouse’s look to match your current gaming setup.
A few downsides to this mouse are that because of its smaller size and ambidextrous design, gamers looking for a gaming mouse for large hands or who are used to ergonomically shaped mice may find the design of this wireless gaming mouse underwhelming. Not a huge dealbreaker, but if you know that you prefer larger gaming mice, the G9X is a better choice, although it lacks the wireless functionality that this mouse provides.
The final drawback is the higher price point which might be out of reach for some budgets. The professional level of precision and tracking you get in both the wireless and wired modes is more or less why you end up paying more compared to other options, but if you genuinely want the best wireless gaming mouse available, the Logitech G900 can’t be beaten.
Conclusion
As you can see, no matter what type of gamer you are, there is a top gaming mouse that will cater to your exact needs and play style. While many more choices are available, these are my top picks for the year. And with 2016 drawing to a close and some of the best sales coming up as the Holidays approach over the next few months, you should have no trouble catching a good sale and snatching up the best gaming mouse for you while it’s still available. Have fun taking your gaming to the next level!