By Andrew DixonOctober 17, 202314 mins read55 Views
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A great mouse can enhance your gaming experience, and wireless models can deliver an extra level of convenience and mobility free from the pesky constraints of cables. To find the best wireless gaming mouse, we spent dozens of hours testing over 20 different mice. And after our extensive search, we've narrowed our recommendations down to five that are really worth considering.
Our top pick, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, is a powerful option equipped with several customizable features and smooth performance that can't be beat. If you're looking for something more affordable and beginner-friendly, our budget pick is the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, which is a simple yet reliable option.
You can find full details on all of our picks for the best wireless gaming mouse below. We've broken down what makes them so special and what kind of gamer they're each suited for.
Our top picks for best wireless gaming mouse
Best overall: Razer Basilisk V3 Pro - See at Amazon The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro stands above other wireless gaming mice with its incredibly smooth performance and high-quality build that feels great in-hand.
Best runner-up: Logitech G502 Lightspeed - See at Amazon A cult-favorite beloved by many, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed is ideal for users with firmer grips, as it offers all of the powerful features of our top pick, but with heftier clicks that require more force.
Best symmetrical: Razer Cobra Pro - See at Amazon For those in search of top-tier performance without extra bells and whistles, the Razer Cobra Pro is the best wireless gaming mouse you can get with a simple symmetrical build that doesn't compromise on quality.
Best budget: Logitech G305 Lightspeed - See at Amazon Though it forgoes some premium features in exchange for its low price, the Logitech G305 is an affordable wireless gaming mouse with a charming aesthetic and unbeatable price tag.
Best ultralight: Glorious O 2 Wireless - See at Amazon The Glorious O 2 Wireless offers the most comfortable ultralight design we've ever tested, while still giving smooth performance that's noticeable in quick-reaction games like first-person shooters.
Cons: A bit heavy, just two color options, some gamers may prefer more forceful clicks
The wireless Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is our pick for the best gaming mouse you can buy right now. The moment you get your hands on the V3 Pro, it's clear that this gaming mouse is unlike any other. With its clean angles, ergonomic build, sharp RGB lighting, and textured grips, its premium design immediately commands attention, and that high-end aesthetic extends to how it feels in-hand. It's an eye-catching choice for gaming, albeit a little aggressive-looking for casual use.
When it comes to the top attributes that gamers look for, like connectivity, comfort, and performance, the Basilisk V3 Pro is just plain better than the competition. Using one is unbelievably smooth, with even the smallest movements reflected instantly in-game. With up to 30,000 DPI sensitivity that can be quickly toggled using the buttons under the scroll wheel, you can instantly tailor your experience, even in the middle of a match.
With its 11 programmable buttons, this gaming mouse is one of the more feature-loaded options on the market, and most players won't need more buttons than that. Its unique HyperScroll tilt wheel is also a nice touch, allowing for side- and super-fast scrolling that's electronically actuated.
Because it's so capable and customizable, it's actually easier to say who the Basilisk V3 Pro isn't for rather than listing everyone who could benefit from one. Namely, this model is a poor fit for those in need of an ultralight mouse because of its heavy weight. It's also not suited for users with a heavier grip, as its light-touch switches might be too easy to unintentionally actuate (especially the scroll wheel). Otherwise, if you have the funds, this is easily the best wireless gaming mouse you can snag right now.
Best runner-up: Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Pros: Weighty clicks that feel substantial, offers many features that the Razer Basilisk V3 has for less money, Hyper-fast scroll wheel, wireless-charging compatible
Cons: Older generation that lacks newer features, heavy at 114 grams, only available in black, heavy clicks may require too much strength for some, less premium-feeling than other options
A favorite among online gaming communities for years, the Logitech G502 is the mouse that helped kick off the asymmetrical, feature-loaded design that brands like Razer and Glorious have run with. Like the Basilisk V3 Pro, it features an asymmetrical and angular form factor, textured grip, and matte finish that contrasts with bright RGB.
Whether you're a casual gamer who just dabbles in matches here and there, or a hardcore player with countless hours in a variety of genres, this mouse is packed with handy features. Its 2.4GHz wireless connection never failed during our testing, no matter where we placed the dongle. The hyper-fast scroll wheel feels great and allows for speedy scrolling that you can toggle on and off. Its switches are strong and durable, but are best fitted for a user who prefers a meaty click versus the lighter response of something like the Basilisk V3 Pro.
However, when you look at its specs, the G502 Lightspeed does fall short of our top pick in a few ways. Its maximum DPI is a little lower, though it's unlikely you'll ever need to reach its top limit. It's also two grams heavier han the V3 Pro and only comes with options to add more weight. Its advertised battery life is 30 hours shorter as well, though this isn't a big deal as long as you charge it weekly.
A bit more noticeable is the G502's hollower build, which feels a bit cheap when compared to the V3 Pro. Its feet glide less smoothly as well, and after two years of use, they've worn out a bit. Though minor, these shortcomings are enough to knock the Logitech G502 Lightspeed down to runner-up status. It's still an excellent buy, but unless you're someone who prefers a heavier grip, we think the Basilisk V3 Pro is a better overall pick.
Best symmetrical: Razer Cobra Pro
Pros: Simplified symmetrical design but still packed with features, smooth performance, supports wireless charging, RGB, highly customizable
Cons: Doesn't have a tilt scroll wheel, just one color option
Though we think the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro and Logitech G502 Lightspeed are the top wireless gaming mice you can buy, their aggressive, asymmetrical designs covered in angular buttons and textured surfaces aren't for everyone. Casual gamers and players focused on speed might prefer a lighter and simpler option, like the Razer Cobra Pro.
At a glance, it's deceivingly simple to look at: a right-handed symmetrical form factor with only two extra buttons by the thumb. It's this streamlined design that makes the Cobra Pro such a worthwhile option. It's lightweight without flying away, sturdily built, and smooth in movement. Its multi-zone RGB (including a fancy underglow) is also beautiful.
The mouse doesn't have nearly as many buttons to program as the Basilisk or G502, nor does it have a HyperScroll tilt wheel, but the Razer Cobra Pro offers enough features for most users to feel covered. Eight total buttons plus its buttery-smooth tracking make it a quality choice that will serve well in shooters, fantasy RPGs, and more. It also delivers exceptional battery life, with nearly double the battery expectancy of the Basilisk V3 Pro.
Best budget: Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Pros: Top value for the price, multiple color options, simple symmetrical design but feels great
Cons: Some may prefer USB charging over AA battery, fewer buttons than other picks, doesn't offer RGB lighting
A reliable gaming mouse doesn't have to break the bank, and the Logitech G305 Lightspeed proves this. Though its retail price is listed as $50, you can often find it for $40 or less, making it an even better value.
Unassuming and simple at first sight, the Logitech G305 is a stalwart companion with lasting power. After years of testing, it still stands up to brand-new models with its smooth performance, long battery life, and satisfying clicks. Its performance and build don't feel quite as premium as what you'd get with pricier symmetrical mice like the Razer Cobra Pro, but beginners and casual gamers won't notice the difference.
In exchange for its super-low price, the Logitech G305 does lack some features found in our more expensive picks. It only has six programmable buttons, though we think that's enough for most types of games. Its symmetrical design isn't the most ergonomic, and may be too small for larger hands. Its feet are small and don't glide as smoothly as pricier options. It's not rechargeable and is powered by AA batteries.
But if those drawbacks aren't deal breakers, there's no reason to pass up on the incredible value of the Logitech G305 Lightspeed. Though it has no RGB lighting, it's available in more colorways than our other picks, including unique mint and lilac options that you won't find from other gaming mouse brands.
Check out our Logitech G305 Lightspeed review.
Best ultralight: Glorious Model O 2 Wireless
Pros: Cool ultralight design with RGB, speedy performance, only weighs 68 grams, nice charging cable
Cons: Just six programmable buttons
Ultralight gaming mice allow for quick reactions and movements unhindered by unnecessary friction and weight. Mice in this category are known for their honeycomb designs, and the Glorious Model O 2 Wireless perfects this perforated aesthetic with a sturdy build, beautiful look, and comfortable feel.
When it comes to making a great ultralight gaming mouse, having fewer features isn't actually a bad thing — unnecessary buttons can just lend to more weight, defeating its purpose. So while the Glorious Model O 2 Wireless may look sparse spec-wise, with only six programmable buttons and no real extra features outside of RGB, the real star of the show is the mouse's impressively light 68-gram weight.
We've found the perforated mesh shell design of some ultralight mice to feel awkward or uncomfortable, but the Model O 2 Wireless feels incredible in-hand, with the mouse's holes actually lending to breathability during long sessions. The mouse also has a very premium feel, with smooth-gliding feet and highly accurate tracking that makes for a very reliable companion in competitive games like first-person shooters (FPS).
Ultralight mice aren't for everyone, but gamers who crave the speed benefits that a lighter build can provide should have the Glorious Model O 2 at the top of their list. Glorious also offers a wired model that weighs even less if you don't mind being tethered with a cable.
How we test wireless gaming mice
There's a lot to consider when it comes to investing in the best wireless gaming mouse, especially when several models go well past the $100 mark. To ensure we recommend the best wireless gaming mice for every type of gamer, we use a variety of parameters to judge performance, the most important being customizability, weight/build, click quality, and connectivity. Here's how we took those into account during testing.
Customizability: One of the most important features for many gamers that sets a good wireless gaming mouse apart from your typical office model is how customizable it is. That means programmable buttons, RGB zones, and on-board profiles. All of our picks offer at least six buttons, meaning that at very least you can re-map features like push-to-talk to your thumb buttons with ease.
Weight/build: Weight is a subjective feature in a mouse so we selected options for a variety of tastes and ensured that our recommendations maintained a great feel in-hand no matter how much they weighed. A mouse can be heavy but still feel cheap; a mouse can be light but lack durability in its construction. All five of our picks offer quality builds that can stand the test of time and feel good to use.
Click quality: Not all clicks are created equal, and that's because the switches a mouse uses determines just how crunchy, firm, or buttery their clicks are. Which type of click is best is up to preference, but a cheap click definitely stands out from a premium one. To make our list for the best wireless gaming mouse, these mice had to have easily-actuated switches with no interference from the build, without being too easy to click by accident.
Connectivity: Gone are the days of wired mice trumping wireless ones with better tracking and latency — nowadays any 2.4GHz wireless mouse worth its salt can easily compare. Regardless, we ensured that all of our picks maintain strong connections via a 2.4GHz dongle, no matter where the PC or dongle was located. Mice that didn't make the list would cut out intermittently or fail to connect at all. Some of our picks also support Bluetooth wireless in addition to 2.4GHz, but we don't recommend a Bluetooth connection for gaming since it can lead to higher latency.
What to look for in a wireless gaming mouse
Gaming is a personal experience, meaning that in the end, the best wireless gaming mouse is the one that feels best to you. That's why we have five recommendations above, intended for different types of gamers.
If you're shopping for a new PC gaming companion, you need to identify what your priorities are. Do you need more buttons to create shortcuts with? Do you need a lightweight option to give you more speed? Do you just want a cute colorway that will match your setup?
The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is our top pick because it has the most to offer most gamers, with its wide set of programmable buttons, customizable RGB, and comfortable ergonomic grip. If all of that satisfies your needs but you tend to have a heavier hand and firmer grip, we recommend the Logitech G502 Lightspeed as it's built with switches that require a stronger touch. Meanwhile, our other picks are geared toward specific design and budget needs for people who prefer symmetrical builds, ultralight mice, or just want an affordable, entry-level mouse.
For more gaming gear recommendation to pair with your wireless gaming mouse, check out our guides to the best gaming mouse pads, best gaming PC, and best gaming laptops.
Wireless gaming mouse FAQs
Is a wireless or wired gaming mouse better?
Whether or not you get a wired or wireless mouse depends on your gaming and PC usage needs. The main benefits of choosing a wired option is their lower price point, lack of batteries, and their reassurance of zero lag. However, 2.4GHz wireless mice have come a long way, and can now offer connectivity with very little difference in latency.
A wireless gaming mouse can benefit anyone in need of speedy and wide movements or less cables. Parents and pet owners also won't need to worry about anyone getting tangled in or tugging on the wire. In general, a wireless mouse can offer an overall freeing experience, but you will need to remember to recharge it.
What's the difference between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz?
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz are two different ways that wireless mice can connect to your computer.
Bluetooth can sometimes be found as the sole connection type on cheap office mice or as a secondary option on full-featured gaming mice. This method uses less energy and is convenient since it can connect directly to a Bluetooth-capable computer without a dongle. However, the big drawback of Bluetooth is that its connection quality isn't the best and it has higher latency than 2.4GHz.
Meanwhile, 2.4GHz connections are higher quality with less latency, but require a dongle to connect to your PC. All of the best wireless gaming mouse options will include 2.4GHz as their primary connection type, though some will also have Bluetooth as an extra option. We always recommend using 2.4GHz for gaming to avoid any potential latency.
Do all wireless gaming mice charge wirelessly?
Not all wireless gaming mice offer the ability to charge wirelessly; only premium options like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, Razer Cobra Pro, and Logitech G502 come with a removable piece underneath that can be replaced with a wireless charging puck. Wireless chargers come at an extra cost, but if you splurge for one, they can be very convenient.
One of the biggest draws of Razer's gaming mice is their compatibility with the Razer Wireless Mouse Charging Dock, which is an RGB dock and puck combo that magnetically attaches and charges select Razer mice. Logitech models are only compatible with third-party chargers, or the PowerPlay Wireless Charging System, which is a mouse pad that can also function as a charger.
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By: [email protected] (Sarah Saril) Title: The best wireless gaming mouse in 2023 Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-wireless-gaming-mouse Published Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:58:13 +0000