Leave the Wires Behind With These 6 Top Gaming Mice
As tech becomes more advanced, the need for wires is steadily decreasing—even for gaming setups. While some of the first wireless mice paled in comparison to comparable wired models, current wireless gaming mice are now just as good, if not better, than wired. From impressive DPSs to batteries that last up to 400 hours to compatibility with charging mouse pads, wireless mice are the way of the future without sacrificing your high scores.
Check out quick reviews below of the top five wireless gaming mice then scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those models plus other high-ranking options
More Features to Consider
Clicks Per Inch (CPI): Also known as Dots Per Inch, CPI indicates the speed at which you will be able to move the mouse across the screen. The higher the number, the faster and more controlled movement you will be able to make. You will want at least 10,000 CPI, but some models go up to 20,000. Low CPIs may cause slow, lagging movements that make it difficult to track your cursor.
Sensor: There are two types of sensors: optical and laser. Optical sensors are most common in cheaper models but that isn’t to say that they aren’t up to snuff. They tend to have a good tracking ability, and are able to map well on different surfaces. Lasers are generally more expensive, and also tend to map well, except on rough surfaces. Ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference, since either will work well for the average gamer.
Customization: Most gaming mice come with customization options both inside and out. Some have extra pieces that you can change out to fit the mouse to your hand better. And some have software that allows you to set specific profiles for the mouse for individual games, such as changing the functions of the buttons and the lighting of the mouse.
How We Selected and Rated Them
We researched 10 expert sources such as PC Gamer, Tech Radar, and PC Mag, as well as 6,600 consumer reviews to select the top six wireless gaming mice of the year. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of customers who rated the product at least four out of five stars on retail and review sites like Amazon, Walmart, and manufacturers’ websites.
—BEST SELLER—
Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Total Expert Score: 90/100 | Consumer Score: 86% gave it 4 stars or more
Everything you want in a wireless mouse and more.
DPI: 16,000 | Sensor: Optical | Interface: USB / 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 11 | Weight: 114g (4 oz)
It’s hard to argue with the Logitech G502, as it has been lauded by customers and gaming professionals alike. While the price is a bit of a gut shot, it is a worthy addition to your gaming setup. It can last at least 40 hours on a single charge, and it’s just as responsive as a wired mouse. With 11 customizable buttons, it is great for any genre of gaming, but particularly well-suited to shooters. It comes with a wire for when you don’t want to take any chances, but is also compatible with the Logitech G Powerplay wireless charging mouse pad ($120), which allows the mouse to charge while you are playing without having to plug it in and deal with an intrusive USB dongle.
—ERGONOMIC—
Logitech MX Vertical
Total Expert Score: 85/100 | Consumer Score: 85% gave it 4 stars or more
Save your wrists and your battery for long gaming sessions.
DPI: 4,000 | Sensor: Laser | Interface: Wireless or USB | Buttons: 4 | Weight: 136g (4.8 oz)
Beyond the initial feelings of discomfort, stressing your wrist from long hours of playing can cause long-term effects on your wrists and hands. But the Logitech MX Vertical’s ergonomic design keeps you in a healthy, neutral position even in marathon sessions. It also features an impressive battery life that will last you all day long—plus it charges in less than three minutes. While the DPI is rather low at only 4,000, it shouldn’t have any real effect on your gaming, and according to PC Gamer, it was still extremely precise and if you do have any issues, you can just turn up the sensitivity.
—AMBIDEXTROUS—
ASUS ROG Pugio II
Total Expert Score: 82/100 | Consumer Score: 85% gave it 4 stars or more
Solid build for right- and left-handed players.
DPI: 16,000 | Sensor: Optical | Interface: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB | Buttons: 7 | Weight: 3.59 oz (102g)
While most ambidextrous mice compromise on some features to make them workable for both right and left handers, the ROG Pugio II is the exception. To start, it can function through Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB, which you can change with a switch on the base of the mouse. You can also change the DPI, but it cannot be done mid-game, as you have to change it through the software, which could prove problematic for some gamers. It also has customizable buttons that can be changed out, but you will need to take the mouse apart with tools in order to change them—so while the mouse certainly is customizable, personalizing it isn’t instantaneous. Overall, however, the mouse is a comfortable, lightweight design that pairs well with any standard gaming laptop and will last a while thanks to the solid design.
—GREAT BATTERY LIFE—
Alienware 610M
Total Expert Score: 75/100 | Consumer Score: 87% gave it 4 stars or more
Game for weeks without a single charge.
DPI: 16,000 | Sensor: Optical | Interface: Wireless/USB | Buttons: 7 | Weight: 4.13 oz (117g)
If you are like me, you likely forget to charge everything—from your watch to your phone to your laptop. So when it comes to charging something like a gaming mouse, it’s really off your radar. With the Alienware 610M, however, charging almost becomes a non-issue. This model can last up to 350 hours on a single charge, which means you can quite literally play for weeks before having to charge it again. It also features a solid build and has a satisfying tactile clicking to satisfy your ASMR needs. Unfortunately, like most Alienware products, it looks like it has an 80 percent chance of taking off from your mouse pad, so the aesthetic isn’t for everyone.
—BUDGET—
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Total Expert Score: 82/100 | Consumer Score: 91% gave it 4 stars or more
Affordable gaming with features above its pay grade.
DPI: 12,000 | Sensor: Optical HERO | Interface: Wireless | Buttons: 6 | Weight: 3.5oz (99g)
It’s hard to come up with any reason not to buy this mouse. It has a 12,000 DPI sensor, which is more than many of the more expensive options and makes it highly accurate. It may not be made of the most expensive materials, but it has a solid feel and is still way better than your standard mouse. While it does require two AA batteries, it lasts 200 hours on just one of the batteries so you don’t have to worry about it flaking out in the middle of your game. Plus, it comes in at only $50 and has some great color options that you often don’t get with pricier models.
—PORTABLE—
ROG Strix Carry
Total Expert Score: 85/100 | Consumer Score: 86% gave it 4 stars or more
Take your gaming on-the-go.
DPI: 7,200 | Sensor: Optical | Interface: Wireless | Buttons: 6 | Weight: 2.57 oz (72.9g)
Arguably, any wireless mouse is portable, but this one from ROG was designed with on-the-go gaming in mind. It connects easily via Bluetooth or 24.GHz and has a 300 hour battery life—plenty for long travel days when you don’t have time to charge. It is also relatively small and lightweight, which makes it easy to slip into a pocket or save space in your bag. Downsides include the low DPI and somewhat spongey buttons, but for the price, battery life, and included faux leather protective case, it’s a great option for gamers on the run.
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