There are a lot of things that make up a good gaming mouse. The right buttons in the right spots can easily help you in using your skills or switching out weapons before your enemy can even see you coming. Good supporting software can also enhance the performance of your chosen gaming mouse, letting you tailor it to your exact style of gameplay. Furthermore, a mouse that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand as well as a powerful sensor, increases the flow of your games. As a result, makes your strikes more accurate and fun. However, with so many options available, selecting the ideal one for you might be difficult. So without further ado, here’s our gaming mouse buyer’s guide for you today.
The Difference Between A Gaming Mouse And A Regular Computer Mouse
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not a gaming mouse is worth the money, here is a good place to start.
To get the most out of your gaming setup, you typically would want to get the best gaming mouse possible to help you achieve that. This is especially so if you have a very competitive playstyle. Some hardcore gamers can be quite prickly with the peripherals they use. And how could they not when these are the things that could sometimes be the difference between victory and defeat?
Some of you might think that a good graphics card is enough but in truth, that’s not the case at all. No matter how powerful your computer is, if your peripherals can’t keep up with your fast-paced games and your attacks, you might just see yourself on a losing streak. So it’s truly important that you treat each of your gaming peripherals with the same care and attention you do as the rest of your gaming setup.
With that being said, investing in an excellent gaming mouse will greatly assist you in bringing triumph and glory to yourself or your team. A true gaming mouse compared to your regular computer mouse, will get you a lot more than just the ability to point and click.
These peripherals are designed with gamers in mind especially. Whatever type of game you’re playing, owning a good gaming mouse will seem like an extension of your own hand. Because of that, most models will come with enhanced sensors, remappable buttons, a wider DPI range, and other helpful features that are sure to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Things To Consider
As previously stated, choosing the best gaming mouse that will suit your playstyle among the endless options available on the market can be a tough task. Other factors to consider include how the mouse will feel in your hand depending on its shape and form, the overall design, remappable buttons and their placements, the quality of the sensor, and so much more.
These minor details, however insignificant they may appear, can have a huge impact on your overall experience. On the other hand, brands sometimes would make exaggerated claims on their gaming mice and end up not performing as well as stated. So to make sure that you get your money’s worth, here are some things you might want to keep in mind and eye out for.
If you’ve been playing PC games for a while now, you’ve most likely already heard about the long-running argument about whether a wired or wireless gaming mouse is better for your gaming. It’s almost the same thing with gaming headphones and some of the concerns actually overlap between these peripherals.
But at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. Some players like the reliability corded gaming mice provide. Meanwhile, some gamers just love the complete wireless experience without having to fuss over the limitations a cord could bring in terms of mobility.
However, up until recently, the vast majority of gamers believed that wired gaming mice were still superior to their wireless counterparts. Because a corded mouse is physically plugged into your PC, you won’t have to worry about encountering latency issues or even running out of battery life. Not to mention, response time was just objectively better.
But that was until 2016 when Logitech dropped one of their best products to date. With the launch of Logitech’s G900 Chaos Spectrum that year, the performance gap between wired and wireless gaming mice began shrinking. The G900 was one of the first wireless mice to properly keep up with wired gaming mice in terms of speed and performance.
Wireless gaming mice technology has continued to advance and evolve since then. Major gaming companies like Corsair and Razer have now developed both wired and wireless versions of their popular gaming mice, with no compromises in terms of features and capabilities. Not to mention, this provides their customers the option of choosing which type of mouse they want.
Because both wired and wireless gaming mice come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, the debate between wired and wireless mice just goes on and on. So the answer is never a definite one. But one thing is for sure, there’s no right or wrong answer. Everything comes down to your personal preference and gameplay.
Size, Shape, & Weight
Gaming mice, as you may know, come in a variety of designs and sizes. In fact, some models allow you to disassemble it or remove components of it to customize its overall shape and weight to your preferences. So, if the sensation of your gaming mouse under your palm is bothering you, you may quickly switch it up for more comfort if your chosen model has this specific feature.
Other gaming mice, usually the high-end ones, tend to have removable weights. These weights resemble little steel tablets. The overall feel and amount of drag can be changed by adding or removing these weights from the slots inside the mouse’s body. Some models even go the extra mile for this, allowing you to configure the height, the pitch of the palm rest, as well as the center of balance.
Another design feature some gaming mice have is swappable panels. These panels can offer a good number of remappable buttons you can customize according to your playstyle and are typically tailored to cater to a certain type of game genre.
These kinds of adjustments are made to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible when using your gaming mouse and you can use it for hours on end. After all, when you’re gaming, one of the things you’ll be holding the most is your mouse.
It’s also worth noting that most gaming mice are designed for right-handed users. As a result, if you’re a lefty, you might have a hard time finding a mouse that’s made for you. Fortunately, several manufacturers offer ambidextrous designs that will appeal to a wider range of consumers.
The two most prevalent types of sensors found in gaming mice are “optical” and “laser.” Each variety has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you to decide which you prefer over the other. Trying out a mouse in person or relying on reviews and online forums for people’s own experiences is the easiest approach to figure out how it feels in various play situations.
In cheaper gaming mice, optical sensors are widespread, as they provide high tracking sensitivity and tend to map well on a variety of surfaces, including textured ones like fabric. Laser sensors, on the other hand, can map onto multiple sorts of surfaces at the same time. This includes smooth or glossy surfaces, which optical sensors may find difficult to detect. Keep in mind that some laser sensor types can also be sensitive to rough surface textures.
However, this isn’t anything that should be overly concerned about. You may quickly resolve any surface tracking issues with your mouse’s sensor by using a very inexpensive mousepad.
Software
The software supporting your gaming mouse is equally as vital as the shortcut buttons and other useful features in your mouse’s compartment. Every large and little gaming company has developed its own mouse-control software, which you can adjust to your liking. Advanced macro programming is usually included as well.
In many cases, the software also lets you control and customize a gaming keyboard made by the same company. As a result, it may be advantageous if your peripherals are all from the same manufacturer for improved compatibility.
In addition to recording macro commands, these software dashboards allow you to activate premade, game-specific profiles, develop your own profiles, and even adjust any RGB patterns and illuminations your gaming mouse may have. Non-gaming settings are another useful feature that certain software may have. This enables you to leverage the programmability of your mouse in Microsoft or Adobe apps for professional purposes.
Overall, the availability (or lack thereof) of dedicated software can be the deciding factor between low-end and high-end gaming mice. In fact, some low-cost gaming mice will ship without any software. If you don’t have such software, you’ll only be able to change mouse commands within a game or in your PC’s native mouse settings. For some, this isn’t a big deal, but it’s something to consider.
Conclusion
The most crucial element to consider when purchasing a gaming mouse is how comfortable it feels in your hand. There are many various sizes of mice available on the market, and weight and shape are important factors you can’t overlook. Aesthetics and other features can be added later. After all, no one wants a nice-looking mouse that they can’t use because it’s too unpleasant to operate. After you’ve decided which models are best for your hand, you can start thinking about which attributes will help you the most as a player.
Have you already bought your own gaming mouse? Was our gaming mouse buyer’s guide helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
The Razer Naga Pro’s three interchangeable panels with 20 remappable buttons can be a little overwhelming for some gamers. Especially if you’re new to gaming mice and don’t know much how everything works. However, with that being said, if this isn’t a clear indication that this is a high-performance gaming mouse, then I don’t know what is. So for today, let’s see in our dedicated Razer Naga Pro review below if this is a mouse worth getting over its hugely successful predecessor, the Naga Trinity.
The Naga lineup from Razer has gone through a handful of changes over the years. The very first Razer Naga in 2009 was designed specifically for MMOs. It boasted a whopping 17 buttons which allowed you to do every movement, command, and attack at the reach of your fingertips. A few years later, the Naga Hex was introduced in 2012. The side buttons were reduced significantly to adjust to certain types of games. Then more years passed and the Naga Trinity was launched, offering three interchangeable side panels.
Finally, enter the Naga Pro. This is Razer’s latest iteration of their Naga gaming mice series, which basically combines all the things you loved about the Naga Trinity and the Naga Epic Chroma. The new Naga Pro is built in the image of its predecessors and is definitely a worthy successor, shamelessly showing off the upgrades and refinements it had gotten thanks to Razer’s latest gaming mouse technology.
Furthermore, this wireless gaming mouse has six buttons laid out in two rows, which gives you enough buttons to configure many skills without becoming overwhelmed or having issues with misclicking. The Naga Pro also has a longer battery life and is Razer Mouse Dock compatible.
Not to mention, you might also find that this gaming mouse has a lower form than the regular gaming mouse you’re used to. This is something to bear in mind if you have huge palms. On the other hand, the relaxed grip of this gaming mouse is great for MMO gaming. But it should also function well in MOBAs, first-person shooters, and other fast-paced games.
While the Naga Pro was built mainly for right-handed use, Razer has released a left-handed-specific version of the Naga. Unfortunately, the variant for lefties only comes in with one set of side buttons.
Features & Specifications
Dimensions: 2.94 x 1.7 x 4.68 inches
Item weight: 13.4 ounces
Brand: Razer
Wireless: Yes
DPI: 20,000
Sensor: Razer Focus+ optical sensor
Ergonomics: Right-handed
Buttons: 3 interchangeable side plates with up to 20 programmable buttons
When it comes to the overall design, the Naga Pro’s basic form is pretty much similar to that of its immediate predecessor, the Razer Naga Trinity. To support the 12-button MMO arrangement, this is a right-handed mouse with a more obvious slope on the left side. In between the pointer fingers, you’ll find a textured scroll wheel with a tactile scroll.
The DPI sensitivity buttons are a little further back, and they’re a little more recessed than the Naga Trinity’s were placed. This is a good thing as this means you’re less likely to accidentally click them unless you were really meaning to. The whole device is enclosed in a plastic that’s slightly textured, grainy, and matte. Despite being made of plastic, though, this gaming mouse doesn’t feel cheap at all.
Like most wireless gaming mice in the market, the Naga Pro also comes in with its own wire if you’re not into a completely wireless experience. The braided 6-foot cable included in the box is Razer Speedflex.
Four 0.8mm thick PTFE feet on the bottom of the Naga Pro keep the buttons on the underside from contacting your mouse pad or desktop, which is quite intuitive in my opinion. One of those buttons switches the mouse from wired mode to the 2.4 GHz Razer HyperSpeed dongle (USB Type-A) or Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. You’ll also find two pegs for charging on a Razer mouse dock if you have one.
As previously mentioned, the Naga Pro comes with three swappable side panels. One has 12 buttons for MMO gaming, the second has six, and the third panel has two buttons. Lastly, the Naga Pro also has RGB illumination, which can be tinkered with using the Razer Synapse program.
Software
When it comes to the Razer Naga Pro, its main features are obviously its three interchangeable side panels, wireless connectivity, and its Synapse software. Razer Synapse has evolved into a powerful customizing software over the years and it just makes the Naga Pro the boost it needs to be an even more excellent product.
With the exception of the left click, the profile button, and the connection switch, you can program any button on the mouse to your liking. You can easily set a wide variety of macros, keyboard operations, controls, and commands to these buttons at your fingertips.
On top of that, you’re also getting a slew of performance improvements with this particular software. There are mouse surface calibration, polling rate changes, sensitivity adjustments, low power mode, power-saving options, as well as RGB lighting effects, among other things.
You can also use them in conjunction with the programmable buttons in profiles. On the Razer software, you can create an unlimited number of profiles and save up to five of them to the Naga Pro’s onboard memory. For maximum versatility, each profile has its own set of settings. Programs and games can also be linked directly to each profile.
Overall, the Synapse software is just simply an amazing tool that really puts your Razer peripherals to the next level.
Performance
You might take a little extra time getting acclimated to the Naga Pro’s distinctive shape if you’re used to more minimalistic designed gaming mice. To be more specific, the Naga Pro has a chunky additional portion that juts out on the right flank.
However, contrary to popular belief, this is actually quite comfy. It not only gives you something to lean against, but it also gives you more accuracy and control, which is especially beneficial given the Naga Pro’s abundance of extra buttons.
When it comes to gaming, without a doubt, you won’t find a mouse with more versatility than the Naga Pro because of its swappable side panels. Doesn’t matter what kind of game you’re playing. Those three interchangeable side panels are just so useful in any type of game genre, making this the ideal mouse for anyone who enjoys a wide range of genres.
If you’re worried that swapping between these panels may be a bit fussy, then worry not! It’s actually no problem at all to switch gears and play something else on the spur of the moment because they’re so quick to snap on and off thanks to magnets.
Finally, there is no delay or issues at all with latency. But if you’re still worried about that, you can also plug this in via USB. It’s also worth mentioning that the Naga Pro’s battery life is just as good. This gaming mouse can easily last a number of days without needing to be recharged.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have finished discussing the things we liked and disliked in our Razer Naga Pro review, here’s a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this wireless gaming mouse.
Pros
Has interchangeable side plates with plenty of programmable buttons for optimum gaming.
Ideal for MMOs.
Excellent battery life.
Strong wireless connectivity.
Cons
Might feel a little heavy for some gamers.
Form might be a bit low for gamers with bigger palms.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, the Razer Naga Pro is probably the best iteration of Razer’s Naga lineup to date. It’s just simply an excellent piece of technology with great utility, terrific software support, and battery life. Doesn’t matter if you’re using it exclusively for gaming or for work as well.
Have you already bought the Razer Naga Pro? Did our review of the Razer Naga Pro helpful to your purchasing decision? How was the experience? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed has always been a reliable and capable gaming mouse that surely meets the needs of the vast majority of gamers today. It’s no wonder that it has become one of the popular choices in the gaming industry despite its premium cost. If you’d like to know more about this particular gaming mouse, just keep scrolling to read our dedicated review.
Taking the same design as its predecessors, the G502 Lightspeed is everything you knew and loved from the popular G502 Hero but made faster, lighter, and completely wireless. Without a doubt, this is a wireless gaming mouse that is well-made and comfortable to use at any given time.
Despite its expensive price tag, the G502 Lightspeed quickly pays for itself with premium features like six variable weights for optimal customization and adjusting the mouse’s feel in your hand. Apart from that, the G502 Lightspeed’s best feature is that it can be used in any gaming genre. So whether you favor first-person shooters, MMOs, MOBAs, or anything else, the G502 Lightspeed will do its job well.
This was made feasible by Logitech’s high-CPI and power-efficient Hero sensor, as well as a huge number of programmable buttons you can customize to your liking. In terms of design, the g502 Lightspeed was built in the style of a first-person shooter while maintaining a comfortable shape that won’t feel weird when you’re using it.
Another feature of the G502 Lightspeed that’s worth noting is that it is set up to never require the usage of a cable. Yes, that also involves charging. If you have the Logitech G Powerplay wireless charging mouse, you can just plug this into a USB port and it will charge the G502 Lightspeed for you.
However, it’s also important to keep in mind that this charging mousepad will set you back an additional hundred dollars. If the G502 Lightspeed’s wireless capabilities aren’t enough to pique your interest, you’d be happy to know it also comes with its own cable. This way, you won’t have to worry about latency issues, battery life, or if you’re just not into wireless gaming.
If you’ve used any of the previous G502 models from Logitech, you’re most likely already familiar or might have an idea of what the G502 Lightspeed looks like. In case this is your first time ever looking at this model, it’s a large, right-handed, mouse with a curved thumb rest and textured grips with a very ergonomic shape that feels comfortable to use.
In terms of style, it has a very in-your-face gamer aesthetic. So if you were looking for a more minimalistic gaming mouse, this might not be for you. That being said, this mouse doesn’t look or feel tacky at all. Among a sea of gaming peripherals, this is definitely a premium device that sure looks like it.
Looking over the mouse, you’ll find that there are ten buttons on the top side of the mouse. There’s also a right-click button, a left-click button, a clickable scroll wheel, as well as a button to modify the resistance of the scroll wheel for optimum accuracy. Personally, I found this feature pretty handy when scrolling between pages.
Additionally, there is also a programmable button beneath the adjuster. This usually indicates the battery level of your gaming mouse by default but you can also configure this however you like. On the far left of the click buttons, you’ll also find a pair of DPI sensitivity adjustment buttons.
You can also locate two huge thumb buttons on the side and right below is another button that momentarily reduces the DPI. This may seem like a lot of buttons especially if you’re not that hardcore of a gamer but the overall built and how the buttons are placed are pretty organized and don’t feel cluttered at all.
Adjustable Weight System
One of the great things about the Logitech G502 Lightspeed is that you can customize how it weighs in your hand for a better gaming experience that suits your playstyle. Like its wired predecessors, you’ll find a detachable panel on this particular model as well that will allow you to add or remove metallic weights.
Some users may also prefer the G502 Lightspeed’s customizable weights over the previous models’ weights. They’re tinier and it’s a lot easier to add and remove weights now than it was before. Not to mention, there’s still a little carrying case to keep extra weights in. However, it’s important to note that you can’t use the 4-gram weights on the PowerPlay wireless charging mouse pad.
Performance
The G502 Lightspeed functioned wonderfully in games, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has used a Logitech mouse in the last few years. With this gaming mouse in your hands, you’ll discover that it’s quick, responsive, and precise.
The particular gaming mouse also has 11 programmable buttons and is ready for any type of game. It features a first-person shooter form factor, which is useful if you’re frequently playing games like Valorant, Overwatch, or other FPS titles. Aside from that, the DPI button near your thumb allows you to take exact aim at opponents with ease.
Those extra buttons on the side are also ways to personalize for MMOs, allowing you to load up on spells. In particular, the Hero 25K sensor, DPI sensitivity settings, and the 1,000 Hz polling rates easily provide gamers with a lot of options, making it ideal for any type of game genre.
While delays and latency aren’t likely to be an issue with the G502 Lightspeed, you may always connect the detachable cord if you’re concerned about losing connection in the middle of your game.
Wireless Capabilities & Reliable Software
For the ultimate wireless gaming experience, the G502 Lightspeed is compatible with Logitech’s Powerplay charging mouse pad, which connects to your PC via USB Type-A. So if you genuinely want to go for a completely wireless experience, it’s worth investing in the charging mouse pad as well. It’s a little costly, but not having to worry about any additional cords for a significant amount of time, it sounds worth it.
The G502 Lightspeed may also be used with Logitech’s G Hub software. This software allows you to remap buttons, tweak RGB illuminations, as well as DPI sensitivity adjustments. For those who are quite particular with their gameplay, you can freely personalize your gaming mouse as much as you like using this software. Furthermore, you can also create multiple profiles and have your customizations ready for every game that you’re playing or for other activities like professional use.
Our Least Favorite Things
Premium Costs
Honestly, there’s not a lot of bad things to say about the Logitech G502 Lightspeed, which is a good thing when you’re paying this much for a gaming mouse. That being said, the biggest drawback about the G502 Lightspeed is its expensive price point. It’s not the most affordable option out there and if you’re on a budget, this is definitely something that might be too heavy on the wallet.
However, I do think its premium features and well-built design more than justify its high-end costs. A gaming mouse this good doesn’t come cheap. But at the same time, there are also other gaming mice in the market that could cost you a lot less and also offer great value. At the end of the day, it’s up to you if you’re willing to splurge on the G502 Lightspeed.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have discussed the things we liked and disliked about the Logitech G502 Lightspeed, here is a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this particular wireless gaming mouse.
Pros
Excellent customization for weight adjustments.
Has a cord available if you want it to be wired.
Sleek and lightweight design.
Wireless charging capabilities.
Extremely low latency.
Configurable buttons.
Cons
Expensive.
The charging mousepad costs an extra hundred dollars.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, the Logitech G502 LightSpeed gaming mouse is an excellent choice. It’s responsive and precise without ever requiring a cable, even for charging. Its great ergonomics and gaming performance are top-shelf as well. It is, however, on the high-end side of gaming peripherals. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you’re willing to spend a hundred bucks on this gaming mouse. But if you do, you won’t be disappointed.
Have you already bought the Logitech G502 Lightspeed? Was our review helpful in your purchasing decision? How’s your experience with this gaming mouse? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
The best gaming mouses of 2021 are the ones that will fit your hand comfortably and performs well in your favorite games. Having a mouse that feels right in the palm of your hand will have the right features, has a powerful sensor that will improve the flow of your gameplay, and will ultimately make your strikes more accurate and enjoyable. However, with so many options in the market, finding the best one for you can be quite a struggle. To help you out, here are our top picks for the best gaming mouses this 2021.
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Why Should You Upgrade To A Gaming Mouse?
If you’re still contemplating whether a gaming mouse is something worthy to invest in, then perhaps, this is something you should read. But if you’re a gamer who is just looking to upgrade your current mouse or want to check out your best options in 2021, then you can freely scroll down to our top picks below.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll want the best gaming mouse you can find if you want to get the most out of your gaming setup. In fact, it doesn’t matter how strong your PC is. Your peripherals will limit your overall gameplay if you are unable to keep up with the speed of the game and your attacks. So it’s important that you give your peripherals the same attention you would as your other PC parts.
If you want to bring victory and glory for yourself or for your team, investing in a good gaming mouse will help you a lot. Unlike your regular computer mice, you get a lot more than simply the ability to point and click with an actual gaming mouse. It doesn’t matter what kinds of games you’re playing, having a solid gaming mouse will feel like an extension of your own hand.
Not to mention, gaming mouses are created specifically with gamers in mind. So most models will include improved sensors, remappable buttons, a better DPI range, and more. In case you’re still unconvinced, remember that any PC game’s essential actions occur at the click of a mouse.
So if you’re gunning for a win, you can’t afford to be stingy with a reliable gaming mouse. After all, if you’re going against some tough competition, wouldn’t you want to pick up the best weapon to fight?
Our Top Recommendations For The Best Gaming Mouses 2021
If you’re ready to finally make the jump to getting a gaming mouse, you should know that the quality threshold of gaming mice has been raised to the point that you can afford to be selective on the features you want to have.
Things like reliable connectivity, precise functionalities like clicking and scrolling, as well as responsive tracking are all pretty much expected in most models. But in our list below, you’ll see why these particular gaming mice stand out from the rest and made it into our “Best Of” list.
1. Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Overview
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed is a solid and excellent gaming mouse that is sure to satisfy most gamers’ needs. It’s also a lighter and wireless version of the Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum. Despite its high-end cost, the G502 Lightspeed begins to repay your investment with premium features such as six different weights for optimum customizations as well as for changing the mouse’s feel on your hand.
The best thing about the G502 Lightspeed is that it is suitable for any gaming genre. Thanks to Logitech’s high-CPI and power-efficient Hero sensor and a large variety of configurable buttons, this was made possible.
Its shape is comfy and doesn’t feel weird when being used, and it was designed in the style of a first-person shooter. In case you’re not too excited about the G502 Lightspeed being wireless, it also comes in with its own cable so you won’t have to worry about any issues with latency and its battery life.
Another thing worth noting with the G502 Lightspeed, which I find really incredible, is that it is configured to never require the use of a cable at all. Yes, that includes charging as well. As long as the Logitech G Powerplay wireless charging mouse pad is hooked into a USB port, the mouse will always be charged. However, keep in mind that this mousepad will cost you an extra hundred dollars.
Overall, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed is the best gaming mouse for gamers who are unwilling to sacrifice anything when it comes to having top-shelf features. It’s comfortable and packed with excellent features. And despite being wireless, it’s a quick and accurate performer that doesn’t feel disadvantaged when compared to its wired counterparts.
The G502 isn’t cheap, but the best things rarely are, and its high-quality features more than justify the price if you’re willing to spend a little extra.
Without a doubt, the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro is one of the best wireless gaming mice for a lot of people. It still sports the same shape and design from its predecessor that we all know and love while eliminating the cord without sacrificing any of its performance. In fact, gaming performance was comparable to the mouse’s wired counterpart while using a 2.4 GHz USB-A adapter with Razer’s HyperSpeed technology.
The DeathAdder V2 Pro is also equipped with Razer’s most advanced optical sensor, which performs so well in gaming even at high CPI settings. Additionally, dual sensitivity controls aid in quick adjustments. Meanwhile, the mechanical-optical switches on the left and right-click buttons can be a bit polarizing, especially among those who might prefer the tactile feel of mechanical switches.
Apart from its excellent gaming performance, people who prefer a more minimalist approach to their gaming peripherals will also appreciate the DeathAdder V2 Pro’s clean aesthetic. This also makes this mouse pretty versatile when being used in a more professional setting. So if you’re willing to splurge on this premium piece of hardware, you totally won’t be disappointed.
The original Naga gaming mouse from Razer has come a long way in terms of both form and function over the years. However, it has long been the best gaming mouse for MMO games, period. But the latest version of the Razer Naga which is the Pro is probably their greatest iteration yet.
The Razer Naga Pro is a small, ergonomic mouse with a high-quality sensor and three configurable thumb grips you can swap out any time, as well as an array of buttons that are excellent for playing MOBAs, MMOs, and pretty much general use.
For people who love playing games like DOTA 2 or League Of Legends, you’ll be glad to know that this gaming mouse has six buttons laid out in two rows, which gives you enough buttons to configure many skills without becoming overwhelmed or issues with misclicking.
The Naga Pro also has a longer battery life and is compatible with the Razer Mouse Dock. Though keep in mind that the Mouse Dock is sold separately. With a lower form than your typical gaming mouse, the Razer Naga Pro is slightly on the small side. So if you have larger palms, this is something to keep in mind.
On the other hand, this gaming mouse is pretty comfortable in the relaxed grip that’s ideal for MMO gaming, but it should also work fine in MOBAs, first-person shooters, and other fast-paced games. While the Naga Pro is typically made for right-hand use, Razer has designed another variant of the Naga that’s created especially for lefties. Unfortunately, the left-handed variant just has one set of side buttons.
While gamers all over the world may still be reluctant with a wireless gaming mouse’s capabilities, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro aims to get rid of all doubts. And they weren’t playing when they made this statement. In fact, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro is easily one of the best gaming mice in the market, both in wireless and wired categories.
In the past years, wireless mice were not ideal for gaming. Especially in games where every second counts and latency issues could mean a mortifying defeat. However, these concerns don’t exist with the Dark Core RGB Pro. This particular gaming mouse is truly made for gamers.
The Dark Core RGB Pro performs flawlessly in terms of accuracy, speed, and responsiveness. So you’re sure that your gameplay is going to be as smooth as possible. While its eight programmable buttons, configurable RGB lights, and its textured rubber palm rest are simply icing on the cake.
All in all, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro will surely get you through with even the toughest games you will encounter. But with the added bonus of looking and feeling great while doing so. However, no product will ever be without flaws.
As expected, the Dark Core RGB Pro does come with a few, minor hiccups. Namely, a stiff charging cord that might inconvenience you if you use this gaming mouse while it is charging. Though personally, I don’t see this as a huge deal breaker to many gamers and it can be easily resolved as well.
Features & Specifications
Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 1.69 inches
Item weight: 4.7 ounces
Brand: Corsair
DPI: 18,000
Sensor: PixArt PAW3392
Ergonomics: Right-handed
Wired or Wireless: Wireless
Buttons: 8
RGB: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours.
Pros
Great value for the money.
Extremely low latency.
Excellent performance.
Cons
Wired gaming is a bit difficult due to the stiff charging cord.
The Kone Pro Air from Roccat sports a clean and minimalist aesthetic which makes it very pleasing to the eyes. It’s a more straightforward mouse than the majority of the gaming mice on this list, with fewer buttons, gimmicks, features overall. If you’re looking for a gaming mouse that’s fuss-free and has reliable basic functions, this one is a strong and solid option for you.
Looking into it further, it includes dual wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz compatibility. It also has a switch on the underside that toggles between two modes. Next to it is a button for profile-switching which you can program in its accompanying software. You’ll also find a slot for the USB dongle, a braided cable, and USB-C charging.
In terms of design, the Kone Pro Air has a low arch and thumb buttons that are thick and easy enough to reach. If you’re not too keen on these types of designs, you might not fully appreciate the feel of this mouse. However, it’s fairly easy to use with different grips. The major mouse buttons, which cover about half of the mouse’s topside, contribute to that comfortable advantage.
Roccat also boasts up to 100 hours of continuous playtime on this mouse and fairly enough, their claims are true. You can easily go weeks without having the need to plug this mouse to charge. On top of that, since this gaming mouse supports USB-C, you can expect lightning-fast charging capabilities too.
It can be difficult to choose the best gaming mouse among the many options available in the market. There are other aspects to consider, including how it feels in the hand, its design, the button choices and placement, the sensor’s quality, and whether you want a wireless or tethered mouse.
These tiny nuances, as insignificant as they may appear, can have a significant impact on your experience with the mouse you purchase. On the other hand, mice occasionally have features that are exaggerated and do not perform as well as advertised. So when shopping for a gaming mouse, below are some things you might want to consider and keep an eye out for.
Wired Vs. Wireless Gaming Mice
If you’ve been playing PC games for quite some time now, you’ve probably already heard of the long-running debate over whether a wired or wireless gaming mouse is preferable for your requirements. However, with both models having their pros and cons, it’s quite a difficult question to answer.
Some just simply prefer corded mouses due to their reliability while other gamers love the mobility of wireless gaming mouses without any cords getting in the way. But up until recently, the majority of hardcore gamers had a firm answer: wired gaming mouses remain superior.
Because a wired mouse is physically attached to your PC, you don’t have to worry about connectivity. Battery concerns are also alleviated, and as for response times, wired mouses are expected to be the winner in this battle. Then 2016 came and Logitech made a huge release.
With the launch of Logitech’s G900 Chaos Spectrum in 2016, the performance gap between wired and wireless mice began to shrink. The G900 was one of the first wireless gaming mice to properly compete with wired gaming mice in terms of speed and performance.
Since then, technology for wireless gaming mice continued to evolve and progress. It’s now at the point wherein major gaming manufacturers like Logitech, Corsair, and Razer have released both wired and wireless variants of their popular gaming mice without any compromises on its features and capabilities. Not to mention, this gives their consumers a choice of which type of mouse to go for.
So wireless or wired?
Truthfully, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to gaming mice. It’s all up to your personal preference at the end of the day.
A wired mouse, obviously, has a cord attached to it. Because your mouse connects directly into a USB port and a wired mouse has little input lag, this typically means that problems like input lag shouldn’t be an issue at all. Not to mention, you also won’t have to worry about losing your gaming mouse’s battery life in the middle of a game.
On the other hand, most wireless gaming mice use a USB connector and a 2.4GHz connection to connect to a computer. Although low-latency Bluetooth is also an option, and many will come with a wire as well. Latency should not be an issue if you purchase a good specialized wireless gaming mouse.
While particular gaming enthusiasts would always prefer using wired mice, there are some advantages to having a totally wireless setup. When gaming, a cable can sometimes be in the way of your mobility, which is something to keep in mind. In the heat of an online battle, issues with a cable could mean the difference between winning and losing.
Sensors
Honestly, the best way to know if a particular gaming mouse has high-quality sensors is to have actual on-hand experience with them. Without that, knowing which suits you best can be a little difficult.
With that said, the two most common types of sensors with gaming mouses are “optical” and “laser”. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and it’s up to your personal requirements which you prefer than the other. The easiest way to find out how a mouse feels in various play conditions is to try it out in person or rely on reviews and online forums for people’s personal experiences.
Optical sensors, which give strong tracking sensitivity and tend to map well on a range of surfaces, even textured ones like fabric, are common in cheaper models of gaming mice.
Laser sensors, on the other hand, can map onto the same or more types of surface. This also includes smooth or glossy surfaces that optical sensors may have trouble with. Though keep in mind that laser sensor types can be picky about rough surface textures.
However, this is something that really shouldn’t be fussed too much about. You can easily solve any issues with your mouse’s sensor with a very cheap mousepad to fix its surface tracking.
Types Of Mouse
While most gaming mice should be good for all types of games, there are also specialty or niche gaming mice that target specific gameplays. The best kinds of gaming mice should be able to provide comfort during usage as well as customization capabilities to a wide range of users. However, there are some cases wherein particular models also boast features that focus on certain types of games.
For example, there are gaming mice in the market that are well-suited for first-person shooter games, MMOs, professional esports tournaments, and so much more. Whichever it is, each game category has its own set of requirements and certain gaming mice may cater to those particular needs in order to help boost your gaming experience.
Software
The software functionality that the gaming mouse manufacturer provides for its hardware is just as important as the shortcut buttons and tracking-speed toggles it offers. All major and minor gaming companies have created their own mouse-control software to allow you to customize them to your preference. This typically includes advanced macro programming as well.
In many cases, the software also allows you to manage and personalize a gaming keyboard from the same manufacturer. So it might be quite beneficial if your peripherals come from the same brand for better compatibility.
These software dashboards allow you to activate prefabricated, game-specific profiles, let you build your own profiles, and even modify any RGB patterns and illuminations your gaming mouse might have, in addition to recording macro commands.
Another handy feature that certain software might also include is non-gaming presets. This allows you to utilize the programmability of your mouse in applications from Microsoft or Adobe for your professional needs.
All in all, the availability or the lack of dedicated software is sometimes what separates low-end and high-end gaming mice. In fact, some low-end gaming mice will not come with any software at all. You’ll only be able to alter mouse commands within a game or in your PC’s own mouse settings if such software is not available to you. This isn’t a huge deal for some, but you might want to keep this in mind.
Size, Shape, & Weight
As you know by now, gaming mice come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, some models would even let you pick it apart or remove certain parts of it to adjust its overall shape and weight according to your needs. So if you ever feel uncomfortable with how your mouse feels under your palm, you can easily switch it up for added comfort.
In better gaming mice, removable weights, which resemble little steel tablets, are prevalent. The overall feel and amount of drag can be changed by adding or deleting these weights from slots inside the mouse body. Some versions go even farther, allowing you to vary the height and pitch of the palm rest, as well as the center of balance.
These kinds of customizations are there to make sure that you’re most comfortable whenever you’re using your gaming mouse. After all, your mouse is one of the things that you’ll be holding the most when you’re gaming.
Another thing worth noting is that most gaming mice cater to right-handed users. So if you’re a leftie, you might have a bit of difficulty finding a mouse that is specifically designed for you. Thankfully, some manufacturers offer ambidextrous designs to suit all types of people.
Conclusion
All in all, when shopping for a gaming mouse, the most important factor to consider is how comfortable it feels on your hand. There are plenty of differently-sized mice in the market. Weight and shape are also something to think about. Aesthetics and additional features can come in later. After all, no one wants to have a nice-looking mouse that you won’t be able to use because it feels uncomfortable. Once you’ve settled on which models are well-suited for your hand, then you can start deciding on the features that will benefit you most as a player.
Have you already bought your own gaming mouse? Did your pick make it into our list? Was our list of the Best Gaming Mouses 2021 helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
