What makes esports mice different from other computer mice? They don’t use scads of buttons. Many leagues and events bar the use of custom macros that automate any combination of buttons and keys. Plus, serious players steer clear of any buttons that change configuration profiles or sensitivity presets on the mouse face, because a misclick at a critical moment could change their settings and spell defeat. At PCMag, we test lots of mice, including esports mice, evaluating them on the basis of features like design, ergonomics, weight, sensitivity, supporting software, and comfort. So we know which ones are best suited to competitive play, such as our top overall pick, the Razer Viper V3 Pro. Read on for a detailed rundown of it and our other recommendations for both general and specific gaming scenarios. After that, look for a detailed buying guide on what to seek out in an esports mouse.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Esports Mouse Overall
Razer Viper V3 Pro
Pros & Cons
One of the lightest esports mice we’ve seen
Maximum 35,000dpi sensor resolution
New Synapse features add even more customization options
Fits perfectly in your hand
Tracks smoothly thanks to wide PTFE feet
Expensive
No option to buy without HyperPolling dongle
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2
Sensor Maximum Resolution
35000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
1.9 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Bottom Line
Fast, sleek, and packed with a new sensor, the Razer Viper V3 Pro is a stellar gaming mouse for competitive esports play, and a worthy upgrade to the Viper V2 Pro.
Learn More
Razer Viper V3 Pro Review
Best Budget Esports Mouse
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2
Pros & Cons
Reasonably priced for the feature set
Lightweight
Attractive design
Fully customizable via software utility
Not a good fit for large hands
Limited RGB
No onboard profile storage
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
HyperX 26K Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
26000 dpi
Power Source
Wired USB
Weight
1.92 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Bottom Line
As an update to the original Haste esports mouse, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 innovates on everything that made the original great—including a super light weight—while remaining well-priced.
Learn More
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Review
Best Super-Light Wireless Esports Mouse
Asus ROG Keris II Ace
Pros & Cons
Super lightweight
Two colors available
High DPI ceiling
8,000Hz polling rate maximum
Expensive
No version for lefties
8,000Hz polling requires a wired connection
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
ROG AimPoint Pro
Sensor Maximum Resolution
42000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
1.9 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Bottom Line
The Asus ROG Keris II Ace has the specs pro gamers need from a wireless mouse: a high DPI ceiling and an 8,000Hz polling rate with not a gram of weight more than necessary.
Learn More
Asus ROG Keris II Ace Review
Best Esports Mouse for MOBAs and MMOs
Razer Naga V2 Pro
Pros & Cons
True 4,000Hz polling rate (with optional Hyperpolling dongle)
Includes three swappable side button panels
Tons of customization options
Supports wireless charging
30K DPI sensor
Heavier than expected
Premium price
Hyperpolling dongle not included
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
20
Interface
Bluetooth, RF Wireless, USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Razer Focus Pro
Sensor Maximum Resolution
30000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery, Qi Wireless
Weight
4.7 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Bottom Line
Razer takes its classic Naga MMO mouse and polishes it to a sheen, with a host of additions that elevate it to the top of its class.
Learn More
Razer Naga V2 Pro Review
Best Esports Mouse for Hand Comfort
Corsair Darkstar Wireless RGB MMO Gaming Mouse
Pros & Cons
Unique, lightweight design
Impressive sensor enables gyro controls
RGB lighting used sparingly and effectively
Wide range of customization options
Expensive
Battery life could be better
Button layout takes some getting used to
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
15
Interface
USB Wired, RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Corsair Marksmen Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
26000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
3.3 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Bottom Line
Corsair’s Darkstar Wireless RGB mouse offers an excellent sensor, a unique design, and tons of customization options that will thrill players of MOBAs, MMOs, and fast-paced first-person shooters.
Learn More
Corsair Darkstar Wireless RGB MMO Gaming Mouse Review
Best Esports Mouse for Lefties and Righties Alike
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
Pros & Cons
Consistent, spot-on performance
Long battery life
Onboard dongle storage
Made of pleasingly grippy plastic
No DPI switch
Staid design
Expensive
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
RF Wireless, USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Hero 2
Sensor Maximum Resolution
32000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
2.1 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Bottom Line
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is a simple, powerful ultralight mouse for gamers who don’t mind trading more money for less weight.
Learn More
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Review
Best Esports Mouse for Claw-Grip Gaming
Corsair Katar Elite Wireless
Pros & Cons
Lightweight
Powerful sensor
Lots of premium upgrades over the previous model
Shaped specifically for claw- and fingertip-style grips
Small, tapered shape isn’t comfortable for standard palm grip
Only stores one onboard profile
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Corsair Marksman
Sensor Maximum Resolution
26000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
2.4 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Bottom Line
It has only niche appeal, but Corsair’s Katar Elite Wireless gaming mouse perfects the design for claw and fingertip players.
Learn More
Corsair Katar Elite Wireless Review
Buying Guide: The Best Mice for Esports in 2024
What makes for a perfect esports mouse? Of course, it depends. But look at the concerns of esports players that we mentioned in our introduction, and for most, the ideal esports mouse is a five-button mouse with two primary click buttons, a clickable scroll wheel, and two side buttons. In lieu of a sixth button in the center column below the scroll wheel, dedicated esports mice may put a DPI cycle button (which swaps among DPI presets) on the underside of the mouse. This lets you change DPI when you want without fussing with the mouse’s configuration software, while minimizing the risk of changing it by accident.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
It’s worth pointing out that the “hidden DPI button” is not a standard feature—plenty of companies still use the typical all-on-top six-button gaming mouse layout—and shouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker for picking a mouse unless you have a habit of switching your DPI by mistake. Still, the feature is common enough, having emanated from competitive gaming. At the very least, if you see it, it’s a sign that the mouse is optimized for match play.Esports Mouse Design: Keep It Simple, Keep It LightSo the ideal esports mouse is a simple gaming mouse—one that’s light and fast, with a good sensor that tracks accurately at high speed. You can see that even among our top picks. Some of the oldie-but-goodie mice weigh in at 3 to 3.5 ounces, while newer models fall to around 2.5 ounces or even less. The difference between one or two tenths of an ounce may not be noticeable, but you will feel the difference between 2.5 and 3.5 ounces. It may not feel exactly like you’re “pushing” it, but a heavier mouse will create a smidge more resistance as your arm moves around to guide your cursor.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
At the same time, you shouldn’t simply pick the mouse that weighs the least. The most important element of every mouse, regardless of its purpose, is its shape. A comfortable mouse feels like an extension of your arm. It’s comfortable to hold for a long time, and you can easily hit every button quickly.In the race to create the lightest mouse with the most impressive specs, every manufacturer is looking for ways to slim down. There’s been a minor wave of mice with “honeycomb” chassis, punched full of hexagonal or other-shaped holes to reduce the weight of their shells. Many designers opt for an ambidextrous mouse shape, too, which tends to have a slightly lower mass. Some companies are even making faux-ambidextrous mice that have a shell with a hand-neutral shape but provide side buttons only for right-handed players.Here’s the thing: If a mouse doesn’t fit your hand, none of the other specs really matters. You will perform better if moving the mouse feels comfortable and allows you to react on instinct.In our experience, the compromises needed to take a mouse to its absolute lightest are not worth it. If you’re a right-handed, palm-grip player, you should buy a right-handed mouse—sometimes, confusingly, called an “ergo” mouse in esports circles. Unfortunately, left-handed palm players don’t have a lot of options, but there are comfortable ambidextrous mice.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If you play claw- or fingertip-style, where the palm of your hand does not rest on the mouse, the equation changes a little bit. Weight becomes more important, as you need to push the mouse with just your fingers. No matter what, for these grip types, you should go for a mouse with an ambidextrous shape, as the molded shell of a right-handed mouse can make it harder for you to reach the side buttons.How to Choose an Esports Mouse SensorSince speed is king with an esports mouse, it makes sense to look closely at its optical sensor, the component that actually tracks your movement. An optical sensor uses a small beam of infrared light—often imperceptible to the naked eye—and a camera to track the mouse’s position relative to the surface it’s moving over. (Technically, there are other kinds of mouse sensors, but most modern mice use optical sensors.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Aside from practical testing, the primary spec that most people care about when looking at a gaming mouse’s sensor is its maximum tracking rate, as measured in dots per inch (DPI). As we discussed, most pros actually set their DPI very low, so having a sky-high maximum is more of a symbolic goal. As long as the sensor can track at up to 5,000dpi, which most can, you’re golden.To really scrutinize a sensor ahead of testing, you should also look at its top “speed,” which is generally measured in inches per second, or IPS. If you’re setting your mouse’s DPI to a low number, chances are you’re going to whip the mouse from one end of your mousepad to the other rapidly and repeatedly. The IPS value lets you know how quickly you can move the mouse before its tracking is compromised.At this writing, there isn’t a huge range in the top speed department: A cheaper—$50 and under—mouse will top out between 250 and 350 IPS; a more expensive one should be able to handle at least 400 IPS, though some can go much higher.
Recommended by Our Editors
Is a Wireless Esports Mouse Worth It?Historically, most gamers would scoff at the idea of using a wireless mouse for competitive play. Really, until a few years ago, most people would laugh at the idea of using a wireless gaming mouse at all. Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s no longer a crazy idea. In fact, there are even a handful of good wireless esports mice.Fears of sluggishness and lag are outdated; most of the top manufacturers now offer gaming mice that deliver a stable connection and an imperceptible amount of lag using a 2.4GHz wireless connection. If the mouse connects at 2.4GHz via a USB dongle, you can consider it reliable, even in competitive situations.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Using a wireless mouse does introduce potential issues around battery life, but most gaming mice last at least 10 hours on a charge and often get much more. As long as you keep your mouse charged, it shouldn’t fade out mid-match.That said, not all wireless mice make good esports mice. In fact, many of them don’t. Adding an internal battery adds weight, so most don’t compete well on the lightness front with wired mice made for esports. There are a couple of wireless esports mice, however, and I’m sure we’ll see more sooner rather than later. Don’t keep a mouse out of contention just because it doesn’t have a tail. Just know that most of the best ones do.Ready to Buy the Right Esports Mouse for You?Okay, we’ve gone over all the deciding factors that make or break an esports mouse. Our top picks here are derived from our deep-dive reviews. If you want to know more about picking mice, also check out our guides to the best overall computer mice, the best mice for MMO games, and the best overall gaming mice, all with detailed discussions around the wider world of mouse design.
