The Best High End Gaming Mice for 2023

With the price of essential PC components continuing to rise, some gamers hesitate to spend an excess of money on peripherals like gaming mice and keyboards. Even so, there are some undeniable advantages of the best gaming mice in the high-end bracket that tempt buyers to make significant purchases. The most premium gaming mice tend to be larger wireless mice with highly accurate tracking and an ample number of programmable buttons. There are also several top-notch wired gaming mice that can match the performance of their wireless counterparts for a lower cost.

RELATED: Wired vs. Wireless Mouse: Which Is Better For Gaming?

Since pricey high-end gaming mice should last a gamer for years, the ramifications of making a poor buying decision are greater. To determine which mouse deserves its elite status, focus on these considerations:

• Form Factor: Although many high-end gaming mice have a larger form factor, there is some diversity in weight and size even among the most expensive options. Lightweight gaming mice are ideal for FPS titles that require frequent rapid movements and a limited number of buttons. Heavier mice often include more commands that are perfect for MMO games where more physical buttons are an advantage.
• Wired vs. Wireless: The top wireless mice usually can boast excellent battery life which nullifies some of the benefits of wired devices. Still, wired mice with otherwise similar specs can provide an excellent gaming experience for more reasonable prices.
• DPI and Tracking Accuracy: Buyers of top-rated gaming mice rightfully expect the most accurate optical sensors and precise tracking. A high-end mouse should include an impressive maximum DPI, which indicates how far a cursor travels on screen for every inch that a mouse moves. Since Esports pros often game on lower resolution screens with lower DPIs, other factors like wireless latency and acceleration ratings are just as important.
• Customization: Another advantage of many elite gaming mice is a high level of customization with programmable macro buttons. In addition, some gaming mice showcase a modular construction, allowing games to swap grips and buttons for hardware with different textures and shapes.

With these factors in mind, the following devices demonstrate the most advanced technological breakthroughs in the world of gaming mice.

Logitech G502 X Lightspeed

Best Overall High-End Gaming Mouse

$115 $140 Save $25

The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed mouse is a wired gaming mouse perfect for gamers who want a simple yet elegant design on their gaming rig. All Lightforce wired mice come with Lightforce switches that provide incredible reliability and speed. The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed mouse comes with a HERO 25k gaming sensor that’s precise and responsive. The mouse comes with a redesigned scroll wheel that allows both hyperfast scrolling and slow and precise ratcheted mode. The thin and sturdy exoskeleton means that Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is both durable and lightweight at only 102 grams.
 

Weight

102 grams

Sensor and DPI

HERO 25k Gaming Sensor

Switches

LIGHTSPEED Switches

RGB Lighting

Yes

Programmable Buttons

4

Connectivity

USB

Wireless

Yes

Battery Life

140 hours

Pros

• Rock-solid build quality
• 140-hour battery life
• Low click latency

Cons

• No RGB lighting
• Suited best for right-handers

The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is an FPS gaming mouse that combines a generous button layout with low-latency wireless tracking. At 102 grams, it’s far from the smallest or lightest wireless mouse making it an attractive option for larger hands. The G502 X Lightspeed features 13 programmable controls, including a sniper button that can adjust DPI or be swapped for a larger paddle. This impressive number of reprogrammable buttons makes the mouse a prime candidate for MOBA or MMORPG titles as well.

Lightforce switches are one of several innovations found in the G502 X Lightspeed and combine the best elements of optical and mechanical technology. The mouse utilizes beams of light to accurately measure the actuation distance of clicks but still offers the satisfying clicking responses of mechanical switches. When competing in intense FPS games, gamers can’t afford any delays with mouse movements registering on screens. The Hero 25K sensor on the G502 X Lightspeed is surgically precise and extremely power efficient, leading to its remarkable 140-hour battery life. Also, compatible with the Logitech G Powerplay Mousepad, gamers can charge the mouse as they use it, or opt for fast USB-C charging instead.

RELATED: The Best Logitech Keyboards for Gaming in 2023

The scroll wheel on the G502 X Lightspeed is another highlight, boasting the ability to switch from ratcheted to free-scrolling mode. Gamers who use the mouse for work during the day can benefit from left and right tilting which can scroll through wide documents at a blistering pace.

One surprising omission from the G502 X Lightspeed is the lack of RGB effects. Logitech does sell the G502 X Plus Lightspeed which illuminates with a considerable amount of RGB lighting, costing marginally more money. Also, while the wireless mouse has a carefully crafted ergonomic design, it’s not ambidextrous, so left-handed gamers will struggle to control it on mousepads.

Even with its lack of flashy lighting, the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is the best gaming mouse when money is no obstacle. Its wireless performance and battery life are both class-leading while its build quality will have gamers pounding on its optical-mechanical switches for years without the device failing.

Typically, even the most highly-rated wired gaming mice don’t come with an excessive asking price. While the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ is fairly expensive, gamers receive one of the most customizable pieces of gaming gear that exists. Just some of the replaceable parts that ship with this mouse include swappable pinky and palm rests, offering different textures and positions to suit multiple grip styles. The R.A.T. 8+ also features a sliding thumb rest, providing relief without fingers interfering with critical left and right buttons. Also, gamers often feel obligated to purchase a lighter gaming mouse for FPS titles or a heavier device for other types of games. Fortunately, the adjustable weight system in the R.A.T. 8+ enables the mouse to adjust to almost any gaming scenario.

The Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ offers 11 programmable buttons which consist of a profile button to switch between four onboard settings, side scroll wheels, and a precision button to adjust the mouse’s DPI up to 16000. Even though this mouse isn’t built with the highest sensitivity optical sensor on the market, the PMW 3389 sensor maintains reliable tracking during rapid movements.

Even with adjustable weight, the R.A.T. 8+ is a quite heavy mouse and probably not a favorite of the most competitive Esports pros. However, the device is extremely well-built and is able to withstand the constant tinkering of gamers who enjoy modifying its layout regularly. Also, this mouse’s OMRON switches can last up to 50 million clicks, so buyers can expect it to become a reliable part of a gaming rig for years to come.

The software that Mad Catz provides with the R.A.T. 8+ isn’t as feature-packed as Corsair iCue or Razer Synapse, but it still allows users to create game-specific profiles or adjust the device’s Chameleon RGB effects. In the app, gamers can go so far as to tweak the mouse’s lift-off height and USB report rate for the most personalized gaming experience.

When the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ was released in 2019, it broke new ground for just how customizable a mouse could be. Since then, no other mouse has been able to match its advanced modular design. Combining a high level of button and grip customization with flawless tracking, the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ is the best gaming mouse among corded contenders.

Lightweight mice are not what come to mind first when thinking of the most expensive mice. Nevertheless, with the Aerox 5 Wireless, SteelSeries managed to include some features of larger mice with complicated button layouts while maintaining a lightweight profile. At just 74 grams, the Aerox 5 is ideal for MOBA games since those players can make use of its nine programmable buttons, but it’s also an excellent candidate for FPS games.

RELATED: MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless Mouse Review

SteelSeries employs a number of innovative methods to keep the Aerox 5 Wireless as light and agile as possible. Most noticeably, the mouse showcases a honeycomb shell on its exterior with diamond-shaped cut-outs. This design maintains the integrity of the shell while reducing the weight of the mouse. AquaBarrier forms a protective shield around the Aerox 5 Wireless that resists a buildup of dust and dirt. SteelSeries doesn’t stop there, however. They also rely on an ultra-thin PCB circuit board and a battery that checks in at only 6 grams. Despite the slim battery, the Aerox 5 Wireless can last up to 180 hours without its RGB effects active.

Thankfully, since it commands a high price tag, the Aerox 5 Wireless is no slouch in the performance department. The TrueMove Air sensor allows for a maximum DPI of 18,000 and a 40G acceleration. Even more impressive is the fact that the included PixArt sensor can accurately track movements when the mouse is tilted left and right.

The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless is also one of the most versatile mice on the market in terms of connectivity. Gamers can choose between Bluetooth 5.0 or the proven SteelSeries Quantum 2.0 wireless technology with a supplied USB dongle. Competitive gamers shun Bluetooth connectivity because of the added latency it introduces, but the feature makes it simpler to use the Aerox 5 Wireless with multiple PCs.

Potential buyers of the Aerox 5 Wireless should realize that for a lightweight mouse, the device has a rather long body. As a result, small and medium hands may struggle to reach all the buttons, depending on the preferred grip style. Even so, for gamers who crave a mouse that flies around mousepads with ease while still offering the functionality of larger alternatives, the Aerox 5 is the best wireless gaming mouse available.

With the popularity of RGB-enabled peripherals rising, a properly illuminated mouse is an essential part of many gaming setups. The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro boasts 13 zones of customizable Razer Chroma RGB lighting, including lights on the scroll wheel, palm rest, and underglow lighting as well. The RGB effects underneath the mouse in particular make a statement, since it’s a bit more visible to gamers gripping the mouse. Of course, buyers have a complete lighting studio available to them in Razer Synapse to create custom effects or simply make use of the many existing game-specific Razer Chroma profiles.

If a gamer opts not to keep the RGB lighting on the Basilisk V3 Pro enabled, this wireless mouse still offers plenty in the features and performance department. The Focus Pro 30K optical sensor on the mouse represents the best of Razer’s wireless tracking technology, allowing the device to track accurately on nearly any surface. The 11 programmable buttons on this rather large and heavy mouse make it an appealing choice for MOBA or even MMORPG titles. Plus, gamers won’t have to worry about wearing out the Gen 3 Optical Switches on the Basilisk V3 Pro since they can endure up to 90 million clicks.

RELATED: Razer Basilisk Ultimate Gaming Mouse Review

Bluetooth is available with the Basilisk V3 Pro, but most gamers will rely on the low-latency HyperSpeed RF dongle which is also compatible with many Razer keyboards and mice. Buyers can also upgrade to a 4,000 hz polling rate by purchasing the Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, though only the most competitive FPS gamers will likely notice the difference. At standard polling rates and without its RGB effects at full blast, the Basilisk V3 Pro can last for up to 90 hours on a single charge. This battery life is not class-leading, but gamers can enjoy the convenience of Qi wireless charging pads including Razer’s Wireless Charging Puck.

One of the most impressive features of the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is its HyperScroll Tilt Wheel. Far from a standard scroll wheel, this component on Razer’s mouse can effortlessly toggle between smooth, free-spin, and tactile cycling modes. With smart-reel functionality, the mouse can detect how the scroll wheel is being used and change modes automatically.

Ultimately, the large body and substantial weight of the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro will scare away some Esports pros who prefer lighter FPS mice. Regardless, for most gamers, its sensational RGB lighting, industry-leading tracking accuracy, and innovative scroll wheel make the Basilisk V3 Pro one of the best gaming mice on the market.

The Razer NAGA V2 Pro is one of the priciest gaming mice currently for sale, but it’s also one of the most versatile. Since gamers can swap its left side panel for three alternate plates with 12, 6, and 2-button configurations, the NAGA V2 Pro is suitable for almost any genre. Still, its 134-gram weight and rather large body have made it a favorite more among MMO gamers than FPS competitors. Each side plate snaps on in seconds with magnets, so it’s trivial for users to instantly transform the mouse.

With access to a maximum of 19 programmable commands in the Synapse app, gamers can essentially replace a gaming keyboard. However, the 12-button side panel crams many small buttons into a compact area, so users will need some practice to reach for the correct attacks and spells. The 6-button plate gives some extra commands to Battle Royale fans to gain an advantage in titles like Fortnite. Finally, after installing the 2-button panel, the NAGA V2 Pro can become a more streamlined weapon for shooting games with more simplistic controls.

To further justify its steep asking price, the Razer NAGA V2 Pro also has incredibly precise tracking with the Focus Pro 30K optical sensor. Battery life also ranks among the top wireless mice in the industry with up to 150 hours using the HyperSpeed USB wireless dongle or 300 hours with Bluetooth. As with some of Razer’s other premium wireless mice, the Razer NAGA V2 Pro will work with Qi-certified wireless chargers.

Buyers must make a considerable investment with the Razer NAGA V2 Pro, but it solves the problem of having to resort to multiple mice to play anything from sports games to MMO titles. Its weight makes it difficult to recommend for Esports pros who prefer minuscule mice, but the average gamer will find the Razer NAGA V2 Pro to be the best gaming mouse for a host of different gameplay experiences.

Although it doesn’t quite match the RGB splendor of the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is an impressive-looking wireless gaming mouse nonetheless. Also, when considering the performance and features that this mouse ships with, it’s hard to deny that the Dark Core RGB Pro SE is one of the better values on the market.

At 133 grams, the Dark Core RGB Pro SE is definitely heavy for a gaming mouse aimed at the FPS and MOBA market. With eight programmable buttons, there is enough versatility for almost any type of game that requires access to a large arsenal of commands. Strangely, the Dark Core RGB Pro SE includes one less button than the original Dark Core mouse. In any case, the bulky profile of the Dark Core RGB Pro SE is ideal for larger hands who prefer palm grips. The mouse also has some modular qualities, including a right panel that can store its wireless USB receiver or be replaced with a pinky rest.

RELATED: Best Corsair Keyboards for Gaming in 2023

Wireless performance is top-notch with the Dark Core RGB Pro SE thanks to Corsair’s Slipstream Wireless technology which ensures a reliable and long-range connection. A maximum 2,000 Hz polling rate doubles the specs of most wireless mice and is just enough for the most competitive gamers to benefit. The 50-hour battery life is not outstanding, but the mouse is compatible with a wide range of Qi wireless charging pads. Bluetooth is also an option for gamers who don’t want to carry a USB wireless receiver with them on the road.

The iCue software can seem a bit scary to new users with all its options and menus, but it really shines with a mouse like the Dark Core RGB Pro SE. Users can program custom macros, adjust sensitivity and polling rates, or create a customized RGB color palette with the device’s nine zones of lighting.

As is often the case with high-end wireless mice, the advanced capabilities of the Dark Core RGB Pro SE come at the expense of portability. Even so, for its reasonable asking price, there are few other wireless mice that can compete with its wireless performance and the customization of its buttons and grips.

What Gaming Mice Deserve Their High-End Status?

Since gaming gear often has to withstand hours of abuse on a daily basis, spending more than a hundred dollars on a gaming mouse can be a scary proposition. To avoid buyer’s remorse when shopping for a high-end gaming mouse, focus on characteristics like form factor, tracking accuracy, customization, and whether a wired or wireless device is preferable.

Form Factor

Larger and smaller gaming mice can provide drastically different gaming experiences. Long, wide, and heavy mice like the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE take more effort to guide around mousepads but also have more surface area for programmable buttons. Conversely, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless with its honeycomb shell sheds any excess weight and excels during competitive FPS action.

Wired vs. Wireless

The movement in the PC gaming peripherals arena has been moving steadily toward cord-free gear. Nevertheless, wired and wireless gaming mice remain locked in a battle for supremacy. An elite wired gaming mouse, such as the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+, provides highly precise tracking without battery life becoming a concern. On the other hand, the Razer Naga V2 Pro can quickly make gamers forget that they are using a wireless mouse since the device can endure up to 150 hours of gameplay without recharging.

DPI and Tracking Accuracy

Buyers often put too much emphasis on DPI ratings, since the vast majority of gamers can find glory at much lower than maximum sensitivity settings. Even so, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro leads all contenders with a Focus Pro 30k Optical Sensor and a polling rate of up to 4,000 Hz with a separately purchased HyperPolling dongle. With a mouse that reports even the most subtle movements as often as possible, a gamer can gain an advantage over the competition.

Customization

When it comes to being able to shape a mouse into the perfect gaming weapon, few mice can top the wired Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ or the wireless Razer Naga V2 Pro. The Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ encourages gamers to swap pinky and thumb rests, and even allows users to modify its weight by installing small pieces of metal in its base. Meanwhile, the Razer Naga V2 Pro can morph into different mice that are appropriate for a variety of game genres with three side plates consisting of 12, 6, or 2 buttons.

In the end, the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed encompasses the best qualities of all the high-end gaming mice discussed in this guide. Utilizing a blend of mechanical and optical switch technology, this wireless mouse can more accurately detect button presses and avoid costly misclicks. Also, its Hero 25K sensor is not only highly accurate but also power efficient, leading to an impressive 140-hour battery life.

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FAQ

Q: What is the most expensive gaming mouse?

Razer tends to sell some of the most expensive gaming mice on the market. Usually, these are larger wireless mice like the Razer NAGA V2 Pro which are modular with more than 19 programmable commands. They offer industry-leading wireless performance and battery life.

Q: Which is a better mouse for gaming: wired or wireless?

Wired mice tend to have lower latency than wireless mice. Modern examples of both show little difference, however.

Q: What does DPI mean?

DPI, in simple terms, is the rate at which the mouse detects movement. A higher DPI means a mouse cursor can move farther with the same amount of effort.