Even with wireless mice more abundant than ever in the marketplace, there remains a diehard contingent of gamers who believe the best gaming mouse is still wired. Like with headsets, traditional wired gaming mice have several advantages including no possibility of running out of power during long gaming sessions. In addition, a wired gaming mouse generally costs less than its wireless counterpart, a definite consideration for users who tend to wear out their peripherals rapidly. Despite advancements in wireless technology, the performance and precision of wired gaming mice are the gold standard in the industry.

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As with most gaming devices, wired gaming mice are available in numerous categories that suit the needs of every gamer. There is a perfect-wired gaming mouse for anyone among the following mice, but when choosing the right one, players should think about:

• Cost
• Size and number of buttons
• Amount of RGB lighting
• Sensor type and max DPI

Some mice with the lots of side buttons cater to macro-loving fans of MMO titles, while FPS gamers tend to gravitate toward more agile and precise options. RGB effects are especially appreciated with wired mice since they can shine continuously on USB power. Deciding on personal preference in regards to gaming mice makes choosing the best mouse easy.

It's not often that when a manufacturer releases a new version of a mouse it actually looks or feels dramatically different from the older device. The wired Razer DeathAdder V3 is slightly longer with a taller and more curved shell than the V2. However, the weight of the V3 is the most obvious change, weighing in at 59 grams as opposed to the 82 grams of the V3.

These changes have a fairly dramatic impact on what gamers will find the Razer DeathAdder V3 most comfortable to use. Competitive FPS players often look for tiny and lightweight mice that they can flick around mousepads with ease and lock onto new targets. The Razer DeathAdder V3 still tracks at a speedy 750 inches per second (IPS), but its dimensions make it easier to handle for medium and large hands.

Visually, the Razer DeathAdder V3 is as understated a mouse as Razer has ever released. Razer's three-headed snake logo is set in black, rather than green, giving the mouse an all-black stealth-like exterior without RGB lighting. Fans of previous DeathAdder mice will notice that both left and right buttons now have an obvious split extending halfway down its shell. Another alternation from the V2, the V3 sports a smoother coating on its body, which still feels natural to grip. Attached to the mouse is a SpeedFlex cable which allows for maximum flexibility without dreaded snags.

How the Razer DeathAdder V3 performs is what really matters to competitive gamers. With an incredibly high DPI of 30K and the ability to recognize lift-off points with greater precision, the mouse is ready for any fast-paced title a gamer throws at it. The Razer DeathAdder V3 redefines what a lightweight Esports mouse can look like, and is the best gaming mouse on the market today.

Make sure to check out our full review of the Razer DeathAdder V3.

When it comes to budget options, all too often major sacrifices have to be made in order to save. However, with the Cooler Master MM720 gaming mouse, players can have it all: RGB lighting, a powerful sensor, and a durable cord. One of the few gaming mice under $30 available, the MM720 goes on sale frequently, bringing the price for the wired mouse under $25. Normally, such a cheap mouse won't last long, but the Cooler Master actually uses a honeycomb shell on the MM720, which reduces the weight while increasing the durability, and the braided cord is designed to prevent snags.

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The specs don't disappoint either, with an adjustable sensor that offers up to 32K DPI. There are also six buttons total, allowing players to customize the lights or remap the side buttons. The contoured sides are another great bonus, although the overall size of the mouse could be bigger. As it is, the Cooler Master MM720 is perfect for smaller hands or players who prefer fingertip grips. For other grip styles, the porous design will provide plenty of textured grip and keep their hand cool throughout every match.

While most FPS games are cross-platform and encourage gamers to use controllers, a wired gaming mouse remains the best choice to react and aim with accuracy. Competitive FPS gamers flock to Razer's line of gaming mice, particularly the Razer Basilisk V3 which has an attractive combination of performance, customization, and style.

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The Razer Basilisk V3 is among the best gaming mice with an extremely precise 26K DPI optical sensor and 11 programmable buttons. The functionality of the mouse's HyperScroll tilt wheel is without a rival, offering the ability to select weapons without costly mistakes or repeat common game commands in its free-spin scrolling mode.

Catering to FPS gamers, the Razer Basilisk V3 ships with profiles for many popular shooting games that take advantage of its 11 programmable buttons. The mouse also takes full advantage of Razer's Chroma lighting ecosystem with 11 LEDs including underglow lighting for effects normally blocked by hands.

Read our full review of the Razer Basilisk V3 Gaming Mouse.

For MMO gamers who prefer to use a wired gaming mouse more than their keyboards, finding the right device is challenging. Popular MMO titles like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV demand an endless array of commands to excel at higher levels, and even many of the best gaming mouse options lack enough buttons. Despite Corsair advertising the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite as a mouse for MMO and MOBA games, its 18K DPI PMW3391 optical sensor tracks accurately enough even for FPS titles.

The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite comes to the rescue of MMO gamers with an astounding 17 programmable buttons, the majority found on the left side of the mouse. If a gamer is worried about accidentally hitting the side buttons, they can reposition them using a handy slider. The Scimitar RGB Elite is a rather wide and bulky gaming mouse, making it less suitable for shooters that demand regular rapid movements. However, the Scimitar, with an impressive layout of RGB effects is also an exceptionally durable wired gaming mouse ready to withstand the hours of grinding quests that MMO games require.

RGB effects are nearly universal on the best gaming mice these days, but some models are more understated with their lighting than others. Wired gaming mice are especially popular for RGB junkies since the lighting tends to drain wireless mouse batteries quickly. While Razer Chroma and Corsair iCue are two of the most popular lighting ecosystems, Roccat has many RGB keyboards and mice worth considering. With the Roccat Kone XP, no gamer can accuse the mouse of not taking full advantage of RGB lighting, with 22 LED zones shining through most of the mouse. The translucent Krystal 4D scroll wheel also joins the RGB party, adding to an impressive overall lighting package.

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The Roccat Kone XP includes 15 programmable buttons, with four available scroll wheel actions, making it a suitable wired gaming mouse for FPS and MMO gamers. With the Easy-Shift[+] button, the possible functions of the buttons soar to 29. While the mouse is slightly heavier than other options, it's also more agile thanks to Roccat's lightweight PhantomFlex cable.

Offering a healthy maximum DPI of 19K, nearly indestructible Titan optical switches, and a design that enhances the effects of RGB lighting, the Roccat Kone XP is the best gaming mouse for anyone looking for a visually striking peripheral to add to a rig.

In 2017 Mad Catz filed for bankruptcy, but their unique collection of gaming peripherals lives on. Simplicity was not a concept the designers of the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ considered a priority, but its complexity is necessary for the ergonomic nature of the mouse. Just as ergonomic gaming chairs can help gamers avoid chronic back pain, an ergonomic mouse can relieve wrist and finger discomfort aggravated by grueling gaming sessions.

The Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ allows gamers to adjust the position of the palm rest with a sliding mechanism to suit different grip preferences. Other mice allow users to swap left or right panels, but the R.A.T. 8+ takes things a step further with a swappable palm rest. Depending on which part a gamer selects, the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ becomes ideal for palm, claw, or fingertip grips. Beyond that, users can add weights to the mouse for a more or less substantial feel.

The futuristic look of the mouse is not for everyone, but with some effort, gamers can tweak the device to suit the shape of their hands and button placement preferences. Performance is far from a weak point for the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ either, with a Pixart PMW 3389 optical sensor providing a maximum DPI of 16K and 50G worth of acceleration around a mousepad.

Since gamers can essentially morph the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ into their dream peripheral, the device is the most ergonomic gaming mouse for users, regardless of their preferences for device size or grip.

Left-handed gamers are often frustrated at the lack of options when shopping for a wired gaming mouse. There are only a handful of mice made specifically for left-handers and those models are usually difficult to find in stock. Fortunately, there are many more choices among ambidextrous designs, including the excellent Corsair M55 RGB Pro.

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For a budget price, the M55 RGB Pro packs plenty of features into a lightweight wired gaming mouse. There are two buttons on each side of the mouse, which is sure to please both left and right-handed gamers. The M55 RGB Pro also serves up some RGB lighting which is superior to even more expensive wired gaming mice on the market. However, prospective buyers who prefer super-heavy mice should look elsewhere, as the M55 RGB Pro checks in at only 86 grams.

Even though most left-handed gamers are more than satisfied with ambidextrous mice, if they are searching for a device specifically crafted for them, the MMO-oriented Razer Naga Left Handed Edition is a likely target. However, the Naga is not only far more expensive but also weighs 109 grams. With 8 programmable buttons and a DPI of 12,400, the more agile Corsair M55 RGB Pro will satisfy the majority of southpaw gamers.

The Corsair NightSword RGB is a right-handed gaming mouse designed for those players who enjoy fast-paced action in FPS or battle arena games. It has a total of 10 programmable buttons, all customizable to meet a gamer's preferences. The optical sensor on the Corsair NightSword RGB can process up to 18,000 DPI, making it a competitive gaming mouse ranking among the best mice from its rivals Razor and Logitech.

A healthy dose of iCue RGB lighting is found throughout the body of the Corsair NightSword RGB. Also, other mice experiment with a variety of smooth surfaces that claim to enhance grips, but the Corsair takes no chances with the Nightsword. A noticeably textured shell practically sticks to palms, with the disadvantage of attracting dust and grime.

Underneath the Corsair NightSword RGB are weights that help bring balance and heftiness to the mouse for optimal control. Unlike most mice with adjustable weights, the NightSword has 6 mounting locations for its weights, so users can completely alter the balance of the device. The RGB lighting on the Corsair NightSword RGB is customizable through the exclusive app and is easily adjusted. The Corsair NightSword RGB boasts a considerable size, weighing anywhere from 119 to 141 grams, averaging larger than most typical gaming mice. Even as a behemoth of a device, the NightSword RGB is the best gaming mouse Corsair sells today.

It may seem strange to rank a budget device as the best gaming mouse Logitech has to offer. However, the Logitech G203 Lightsync is a simply designed mouse perfect for gaming which is why it's one of the world's best-selling peripherals. With a straightforward design both button and aesthetic-wise, the Logitech G203 Lightsync exhibits a classic look that doesn't compromise on available features. As one of the most affordable mice on the market, Logitech G203 Lightsync compares favorably to other similarly priced mice, such as the DeathAdder Essential, the Basilisk V3, and the Viper Mini. While the Logitech G203 Lightsync sports a no-nonsense layout, it has all the essential features of a competent gaming mouse packed tightly into a minimalist package.

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The Lightspeed performs just as it sounds: at high speeds and reliably. With the capability of 8,000 DPI, it isn't the heaviest gaming mouse out there, but it does more than enough to suffice for most PC performance needs. The Logitech G203 Lightsync also comes with beautiful RGB lighting along both the logo and the base of the mouse. Customers have the option to sync their mouse with other Logitech products using the exclusive app.

Sometimes, moving a large wired mouse around a pad is a real drag, whether a gamer is playing anything from sports to FPS titles. The Razor Viper Mini is a compact gaming mouse for those users who want to avoid the usual bulk of serious gaming gear. The wired gaming mouse has the profile of the full-sized Viper by Razor, but in a smaller package and at a lighter weight. It's one of the lightest gaming mice that Razor has ever produced. With its small size, the Razor Viper Mini offers a more controlled grip, a lighter-density build, and easier overall handling for both the hardcore and casual gamer.

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With a high DPI sensor, the Razor Viper Mini still has all the perks of a gaming mouse without excessive weight. It can manage 8,500 DPI, more than acceptable for most games. Extra thumb buttons give the Razor Viper Mini some versatility as well. Generous RGB lighting on the mouse gives the Mini gives it a clean and simplistic look, perfect for any PC rig style. The cable on the Razor Viper Mini resists getting caught on surfaces, giving players the confidence that nothing will interrupt their game.

HyperX deserves a place on any list of the best gaming mice, especially after their successful release of the original Pulsefire Haste FPS mouse in 2017. Compared to the first Pulsefire Haste, HyperX's latest wired mouse is noticeably lighter than its predecessor at just 53 grams. Even at its minimal weight, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is not a mini mouse, as it is taller and wider than the first Pulsefire Haste. Although it's still a good fit for Esports competitors with claw grips, the mouse is substantial enough for palm grips as well.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 has a fairly standard 6-button layout, with all buttons customizable in the HyperX NGENUITY app. Fans of competitive shooting titles generally value a mouse's performance over having an excess of buttons, and this is where the Pulsefire Haste 2 truly excels. The mouse's DPI is a boosted 26,000 with the ability to move around mousepads at a tracking rate of up to 650 IPS.

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The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 looks as ordinary as any modern gaming mouse, but there is a bit of customizable RGB lighting visible on the scroll wheel. Otherwise, available in a basic black or white color scheme, gamers can add the optional side grip tape and PTFE feet that HyperX includes in each box. The lightweight HyperFlex 2 cable attached to the mouse takes advantage of a paracord-type material to resist annoying snags.

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a no-nonsense wired gaming mouse that prioritizes performance and durability, making it ideal for competitive Esports. HyperX managed to develop its own type of switch that can last an incomprehensible 100 million clicks. Since it's somewhat larger than other lightweight mice, the mouse is comfortable for a wider range of gamers with varying grip styles.

Are Wired Mice an Endangered Species?

Each year, it seems like more wireless devices hit the marketplace, while new wired mice become less common. It's not a mirage that wireless mice have become more dominant among gamers, but Esports competitors continue to favor wired mice, headsets, and keyboards. When substantial amounts of money are at stake, the smallest chance of a failing battery or signal interference is still too big of a risk to take.

The fact of the matter is that most wireless mice now track with such accuracy and low latencies, that most gamers won't feel at a disadvantage using them compared to wired alternatives. Even so, buyers with limited funds can save money by opting for a wired gaming mouse and eliminating regular recharging from their daily routines. Also, with USB cords becoming lighter and more resistant to tangles, guiding a wired peripheral around a mousepad or desk surface is not quite the hassle it used to be.

With a vast selection of wired gaming mice still available, the classic wired vs wireless debate will undoubtedly rage on for the foreseeable future. Whether gamers are on the hunt for a lightweight device nimble enough for fast-paced FPS games, or a massive peripheral with enough buttons to master the MOBA scene, there is a reliable and battle-tested wired gaming mouse waiting for them.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Mouse for You:

Choosing the best gaming mouse is largely a matter of individual preferences, but there are some things that everyone wants, such as a good value for their money and a comfortable grip. Along with these, gamers should consider other factors before purchasing a gaming mouse. Cost is important for obvious reasons, and especially because of the wide range of gaming mouse prices. The shape and size of the mouse is very important too, as each person may want a larger or smaller mouse depending on their hand size and grip style. Whether a gaming mouse has an impressive sensor and a high DPI doesn't matter equally to everyone. Most cozy gamers don't need a DPI higher than around 4K, while FPS players would virtually die with a DPI under 10K.

Our top gaming mouse, the Razer DeathAdder V3, was chosen because it can serve most gamers in every category. The price is well within the mid-range of gaming mice, but with a max DPI of 30K, it has one of the best sensors on the market. Razer mice and keyboards are also known for their high durability, so gamers can rely on this wired mouse for years to come.

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FAQ

Q: Are wired mice still better for gaming?

When buying a mouse, it can be important to consider latency issues and input lag. If players want less of a possible lag out of their mice, working with a wired mouse is the way to go. Good wireless mice may have no noticeable lag, but getting a wired mouse decreases the chances of having any input lag at all, no matter the quality.

Q: Do wired mice need charging?

Unlike wireless mice, wired mice do not need to charge. They remain functional as long as they're connected to the source of power from the PC. The main benefit that gamers get from a wired mouse is the lack of any need to charge.

Q: How long should a mouse last?

Many factors affect a mouse's longevity, including usage, environment, dust, and heat. If owners take good care of their mice, it can last up to 2-3 years with consistent use.