Best PC Gaming Mouse 2015

There are so many gizmos and gadgets out there to make game playing even better and if you haven't purchased a good gaming mouse yet, then you should definitely consider getting one.

Gamers who use a gaming mouse know they give you a huge advantage. This is especially true when you're in time-sensitive situations. With programmable buttons, increased accuracy, and better precision it takes less effort to switch weapons and strike your opponent.

That being said there's a lot you might want to consider avoiding if you're purchasing a mouse specifically for an FPS game. One thing in particular is built-in acceleration and prediction that can decrease accuracy. On the other hand, someone playing an RTS or MMORPG might prefer some of that same acceleration based upon the game they play. Here's a few other things to keep in mind.

What should you look for?

DPI

Much has been said about getting the mouse with the highest DPI, but it's important to realize that DPI is simply a measure of sensitivity.

The SteelSeries Vs. Razer DPI Debate:

Per Kim Ron, the CMO of Steelseries you could go to a professional tournament and "Ninety percent of the expert gamers there will be using a DPI value between 800 to 1,600."

So, instead of looking to move your mouse more quickly gamers should be looking for better precision, functionality, and comfort. Razer, on the other hand, disagrees and says that "there are also more high-sense gamers around now, corresponding to the much larger screens and much higher resolutions available." Ultimately, you'll have to decide whether a mouse's dots-per-inch specs truly matters to your particular play-style.

That being said for FPS in particular you do lose accuracy by going beyond a certain level. With the DPI of most mice being available at that level in 2014 it's doubtful that you'll get too little DPI out any modern gaming mouse.

Programmable Buttons

A good gaming mouse may come with as many as 17 programmable buttons! As an FPS, RTS, and Action RPG gamer I don't use that many programmable buttons, but MMORPG gamers may find that additional programmable buttons outweigh other categories.

Accuracy and Precision

This is number one when considering a mouse for time-sensitive games like first-person-shooters or real-time-strategy. Generally a mouses sensor and how you grip the mouse affect accuracy. Additional accuracy may also be gained by lowering your DPI and adding weight.

Perhaps even more important is the sensor. Finding a mouse that has an Avago optical sensor will ensure additional accuracy even when on the run.

As Voted on By Gamers

A Gamer Driven Top Ten - You Decide the Order!

I'm all about reader interaction when it comes to a top ten list. As an author it would be ignorant of me to not take into account your point of view. For that reason this list is decided by your vote, found at the end of this page.

Voted #1 - The Razer Deathadder 2013

Great Ergonomics for Right and Left-Handed Gamers

The ergonomics, at least as far as what I like, are spot on. The model I've listed below is for right handed gamers like me, but Razer has one that is ergonomically designed for lefties as well. If you're picky about your scroll wheel, like I am, then you'll like the non-slip rubber coating and 24 individual click positions.

What's New with the 2013 - 2014 Razer DeathAdder?

If you're comparing the old Razer DeathAdder vs. the new Razer DeathAdder, then there's several changes that really give the new version a leg up. Razer didn't change any of the stuff that we like about it already and added increased precision and accuracy by changing from a 3.5G optical sensor to a 4G infrared sensor and upped the DPI sensitivity to 6500.

In addition, those shiny and slippery grips on the side have been changed to a rubber-type material. This was a huge deal for me as my old one got pretty annoying after a few hours of gaming. Lastly, Razer upped the DPI from 3500 to 6400. This is especially important for those of you with super high resolutions. For those with a standard HD monitor, it's probably not that big of a deal.

Additional Technical Details: 1000Hz Ultra polling, 1ms response time, 7 foot braided cable, gold-plated USB connector, five programmable buttons, quick sensitivity adjustment, non-slip buttons, Razer Synapse 2.0, and ultra-slick feet.

The G402 is the successor to one of the most popular gaming mice ever - the MX518. Today's version uses the Avago S3095 sensor and has up to 9 programmable buttons. This

gives it both enough accuracy to play FPS games and enough features to satisfy ARPG and RTS gamers.

While its predecessor only had 1600 DPI the more modern version has on the fly adjustment allowing you to adjust from 250 to 4000 DPI in an instant.

That being said the G402 isn't completely different from the classic version. It has the same ergonomic feel that gamers have grown to love and that no nonsense accuracy and durability that they appreciate.

A Solid Pick for the Multiple Genre Gamer:

The G500 is another really solid option and one which I use on a daily basis. I like the general feel of it as well as the free-flowing scroll wheel. In addition, it's not too radical looking for my home office.

Accuracy/DPI/Buttons:

The G500 allows up to 5700dpi so it has plenty of sensitivity for any game. On the front left portion of the mouse it also has buttons that make it convenient for adjusting on the fly. It also has a dual scroll wheel which allows you to more efficiently scroll on a large map or while outside of the map and browsing the internet. Just flick it up and it will go quite a way. Other mice have a mechanical trigger for this that makes the mouse scroll until you stop it. While this can be a great feature I like the simplicity of the overall design. It also comes with up to 10 programmable buttons for all of your favorite in-game macros/keys.

Overall:

In conclusion, it's one of the most time tested options available and will work well with most genres you come across. Are there better more expensive mice out there? Perhaps, but unless you're looking for a wireless mouse with a million programmable buttons for your MMORPG, then this should be a solid option.

After using it for two years the paint has faded slightly, but it performs just as well as the first day I bought it. In addition, it's probably my favorite mouse to use for work at home and at the office because of it's ergonomics and scroll wheel.

Depending on how much cash you're willing to fork over you can purchase the R.A.T. 3, starting at $43, the R.A.T. 5, R.A.T. 7, and finally the R.A.T. 9 featured above. The most popular of these models is the Cyborg R.A.T. 7 which gives you most of the customization you want for under $100.

When looking at these models be sure to check out the versions which released in September and October of 2012 rather than the previous versions released in 2010.

Overall the R.A.T. 9 is somewhat expensive but if you go with the R.A.T. 7 you still get most of the customization and my favorite thing, the pinky rest. It also has a lightweight and durable aluminum chassis and a custom weight system for up to 30 grams of additional weight. If you haven't used this style of mouse before, then it might take some getting used to, but it's legit for those who are willing to give it a try.

Steel Series is known for their professional gaming equipment. While it has an Ambidextrous rather than ergonomic shape gamers love the Sensei because the area it excels is is the only real thing that matters; precision.

It's for this reason that many competitive gamers use the Sensei and other SteelSeries mice to play games like SC2. The shape is also good for a variety of grip techniques rather than being tuned to a specific palm or claw type.

Best Corded Mouse For MMORPG:

This molten version of the super popular Razer Naga mouse was released almost a year ago and I still can't get over just how cool it looks. Other than just the look you have access to a multitude of in-game commands located in one place with this mouse. The thumb grid comes with multiple buttons. Yet again, another ergonomically designed mouse to let you play for hours comfortably.

There are 17 MMO optimized buttons which include the 12 on the thumb grid. You can have an unlimited number of character profiles with AddOns and also more specific software with the AddOns as well. You can organize everything and get rid of information clutter with these interfaces.

Overall this is a very accurate mouse with 5600dpi Razer Precision and a 3.5G Laser Sensor. It is somewhat difficult to learn but overtime the learning curve is well worth the improved game play. Recommended for MMORPG-style games only. You'll have to decide whether it's worth a little extra cash for the molten version or whether you're willing to fork over considerably more for the Naga Epic which has gaming grade wireless and three interchangeable side panel grips.

In at number 7 is the Logitech G700s which combines USB gaming level speed of 1,000 reports per second along with the freedom of wireless. This new version of the G700 has a higher DPS and additional accuracy and DPI when compared to the older model. Also, with Logitech phasing out the G9X, the G700s is a likely candidate to move up this list in the next couple of months.

The sensitivity is now up to a staggering 8200 DPI, and has in-game on-the-fly adjustment from 200 up to 8200 DPI. In addition you get Logitech's gaming-grade laser sensor. Another handy feature is that it comes with a rechargeable battery which can be plugged in to recharge even while you're gaming. Overall it's definitely worth a look in the $100 price range.

Another great mouse to add to your arsenal of gaming tools. This comes with 17 MMO optimized buttons and the famous Razer Naga thumb grid. The extra programmable keys give you a plethora of choices when it comes to how you want to use them.

The driver software gives you simple access to organize your key binds and character abilities for any game. You can remap and create macros for all 17 buttons. You can switch between a wired and wireless mode with no effect on the function of the mouse. Using the wired mode is a great way to charge it up without having to miss out on play time. There are three interchangeable side panels to fit any hand type.

Good Customization for Switch Grippers

Customization and Profiles:

The G9X comes with onboard memory for up to 5 profiles which store your macros, DPI settings, and even customizable LED colors (Red, Green, Blue, and Orange).

Did you know: The G9X is currently out of production. While there are still many boxes left for consumers to buy it remains to be seen exactly how Logitech will replace the gaming favorite.

Tip for Saving Money on the G9X: Go with the COD MW3 version which sometimes is available for as much as $30 off the standard G9X price.

Adding weight for additional Accuracy:

If you've never used weights before, then I recommend you do a simple test by adding and removing weight. I've always found that some level of weight in the front helps to improve my overall accuracy when playing first person shooters.

Overall the G9X offers you more options and flexibility and is one of the better high-end USB options available. The scroll wheel is similar to others in its category, but what really sets the G9X apart is its interchangeable grips and hard nosed accuracy.

The Razer Orochi Elite Mobile Gaming Mouse is the first notebook gaming mouse that gives 4000dpi. A great feature is the battery life indicator so you know when it is time to recharge and you aren't interrupted in the middle of game play. It only takes two AA batteries to operate.

It comes with Bluetooth compatibility for most laptops, so your on the go gaming is easier than ever. It is dual mode wired and wireless functionality so you have more precision and control. With the higher dpi you have speeds that are up to 5 times greater than standard sensors.

Your vote changes the way that this page looks. During the year we've added various mouse to the poll and at the end of the year we'll reset everything to make sure newer mice get a fair shot.

In the PC gaming industry hardware and peripherals change quickly. Each year at CES Las Vegas we see new products advertised as bigger and better.

Whether there's a particular mouse you have a question about or you want to ask about a new mouse on the market, then be sure to let me know in the open discussion area below.