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The best gaming mouse can level up your gameplay experience by delivering a more comfortable and functional way to control all your favorite games. Gaming mice aren’t just limited to computers either, as consoles now let players use mouse and keyboard setups with some titles — and let me say, the advantage is real.
As a former game designer, I can tell you that most games are born and developed with a mouse in hand. The whole idea of aiming a weapon in a game, of selecting units, building defenses, and clicking on a target are all mouse-centric actions. Accuracy, response time, muscle memory, reflex, etc. — these tend to make the difference between playing well and losing, and it all gets funneled from the player and into the game via the mouse.
But just what makes a gaming mouse different from any regular old mouse? Well, compared to a standard mouse built for basic productivity, a gaming mouse places greater emphasis on ergonomics, accuracy of movement, customizability, and aesthetics. All of this is to make gaming more comfortable, precise, and enjoyable for long stints.
To help you find the best gaming mouse for your setup, I tested a variety of mice and selected my top four picks for different budgets and needs. And if you’re looking for more gaming accessories or hardware to pair with your new mouse, be sure to check out our guides to the best gaming mouse pad, best gaming PC, and best gaming laptop.
Our top picks for the best gaming mouse of 2023
Best wireless option: Razer Viper Ultimate – See at Amazon
The Razer Viper Ultimate is a speedy wireless mouse with an ideal balance of responsiveness, comfort, heft, and aesthetics.
Best wired model: Logitech G203 Lightsync – See at Amazon
With its gamer-grade sensitivity, comfort, classic six-button layout, and light effects, the Logitech G203 Lightsync is the ultimate wired gaming mouse.
Best wireless option on a budget: Logitech G305 Lightspeed – See at Amazon
The G305 Lightspeed is a fantastic AA-battery-powered gaming mouse that’s ideal for gamers who want a wireless model on a budget.
Best for an ultralight design: Glorious Model O – See at Amazon
The Model O is an ambidextrous wired mouse that boasts an incredibly light design that weighs only 67 grams.
