If you’re a gamer, you’ve got lots of mice to choose from. Which is the best for your genre?Finding the right gaming mouse for your style of gameplay does make an impact on how you game. This is especially true for competitive gamers. While it can’t replace painstaking practice and team play it can make a difference when it comes to accuracy.
As someone who is constantly getting product samples from manufacturers, I know that not all mice are made equal. Case and point are the countless budget Chinese mice from manufacturers you haven’t even heard of. While these knockoffs have improved in 2017, they clearly have some ground to make up before they can compete with the name brand manufacturers.
So, whatever genre that your game of choice is in, what mouse should you be using? Some of this will come down to personal preference. Comfort and a shape that fits your palm, fingertip, claw, or hybrid grip are most important. For those that don’t fit the traditional mold, my picks may not be for you. Find something with similar features that feels good. That being said for most this should give you a good idea of where to look for the ideal mouse.
Guide to Buying the Right Gaming Mouse for Your Games:
Mouse Acceleration vs Prediction – What’s the Difference?
Overall you want to avoid mouse prediction and acceleration simply because they add variables into where you’re trying to move your mouse. That deviation from your natural movement often causes inaccuracy. Here’s a quick look at the difference between the two.
Mouse Prediction – Mouse prediction is also known as angle snapping. It functions so that any time you move your mouse in a semi-horizontal or vertical line your movement becomes straight. While this isn’t annoying while browsing or working, it can be when you’re trying to aim.
Mouse Acceleration – The best way to explain acceleration and why you want to avoid it is through example. Let’s suppose you’re on the battlefield and you hear an enemy from behind. You turn quickly to face what’s coming at you. By doing so, you move the mouse 2 inches. Now let’s suppose you move the mouse to turn away and there’s not someone there. You don’t do it as quickly as the time before but it still takes 2 inches to move your mouse. Mouse acceleration would put you in a different spot each time. Since muscle memory is an important part of your aim this throws you off when you’re aiming side to side and is something that you’ll want to avoid for competitive gameplay.
Optical vs Laser Sensor Mice
If you play MMOs or games that don’t require a lot of accuracies, the sensor you choose is really not that important. Go for functionality, shape, and weight. For these types of games prediction and acceleration is something that most won’t mind. For twitch-sensitive games like FPS, choosing a sensor without inherent flaws is ideal.
While the two are typically distinguished by these names both types of sensors are optical. Laser sensors use a more current infrared laser diode while optical uses LED illumination.
Laser Sensor
Laser sensors perform well on a variety of surfaces and can typically achieve high levels of DPI. That DPI is often mistaken for accuracy. While the prediction found in many laser sensor mice can typically be turned off with software, laser sensors often have one deal-breaking attribute, built-in acceleration.
Optical Sensor
Optical LED sensor gaming mice are desirable for many games because the typically track better on cloth mouse pads and are able to avoid both prediction and acceleration. While not every optical sensor is desirable, most of the more modern gaming mice using optical sensors are now using what I’d consider a flawless sensor. One example of this is Logitech, whose corded gaming mice are now using sensors like the Pixart PMW3366DM-VWOU and PMW3310H.
Top Gaming Mouse For MMO / MOBA/ MMORPG Gamers in 2017
Of all the big thumb grid options, the Logitech G600, in my opinion, is the most comfortable. With all the spells, attacks, and moves you do in MMORPGs and MOBAs like LOL and DOTA 2 it’s convenient to have lots of programmable buttons to make life easier. While I personally would rather use programmable keys on a keyboard or keypad, many of my friends don’t mind the slightly elevated stance of an MMO, ARPG, or MOBA mouse.
If you’re going that direction, then consider how many programmable buttons you truly need. ARPG and MOBA players will most likely prefer the larger button area of a mouse like the Razer Naga Hex while MMO gamers will find the quantity of buttons on the G600 desirable.
While I’ve seen the G600 as low as $45, Redragon sells a very similar model in the Perdition with a similar button placement that’ll set you back only $35. That being said if you can find the G600 on sale I’d prefer that model with Logitech’s reputation and software.
| Mouse (Hover for Price) | Picture | Programmable Buttons | Key Features |
| [easyazon_link asin="B0086UK7IQ" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="ttgdiscount-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Logitech G600[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="center" asin="B0086UK7IQ" cloaking="default" height="125" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418gvV8MoTL._SL160_.jpg" tag="ttgdiscount-20" width="160"] | 20 MMO buttons with a 12-button thumb panel. | Up to 8200 DPI. 3 onboard profiles. Weight 133 grams. 6.5 feet braided cable. Programmable 16 million color backlight. Laser sensor. |
| [easyazon_link asin="B00GU8W5AE" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="ttgdiscount-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Redragon Perdition[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="center" asin="B00GU8W5AE" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BNym3PUYL._SL160_.jpg" tag="ttgdiscount-20" width="160"]Redragon Perdition[/easyazon_image] | 18 programmable buttons with 5 memory profiles. | Up to 16,400 DPI. 6 foot braided cable. 16 million color LED. Laser avago sensor with omron switches. |
| [easyazon_link asin="B00E8CF268" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="ttgdiscount-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Razer Naga[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="center" asin="B00E8CF268" cloaking="default" height="133" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a%2BCRJ4q2L._SL160_.jpg" tag="ttgdiscount-20" width="160"]Razer Naga[/easyazon_image] | 12 button thumb grid | 8200dpi 4G laser sensor |
| [easyazon_link asin="B006W3ZXEW" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="ttgdiscount-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Razer Naga Hex[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="center" asin="B006W3ZXEW" cloaking="default" height="122" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JP8VsSVxL._SL160_.jpg" tag="ttgdiscount-20" width="160"]Razer Naga Hex[/easyazon_image] | 6 button thumb grid for MOBA / ARPG games (11 programmable buttons) | 5600dpi Razer 3.5G laser sensor |
| [easyazon_link asin="B00B5QLS4A" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="ttgdiscount-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Corsair Vengeance M95[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="center" asin="B00B5QLS4A" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41o9oLDJhSL._SL160_.jpg" tag="ttgdiscount-20" width="160"]Corsair Vengeance M95[/easyazon_image] | 15 programmable buttons. Onboard storage profiles. | 8200 DPI laser sensor. 20 Million click lifespan switches. |
Best FPS and RTS Mouse
The Logitech G502 next to one of my all-time favorites, the MX518. As I mentioned in our review of the best FPS mouse, I much prefer optical vs laser sensor mice when it comes to FPS games. Looking for one with a flawless sensor allows you to avoid the acceleration and prediction that often plagues laser gaming mice.
While there are a lot of good FPS gaming mice, this year I like the Logitech G502. With its flawless Pixart PMW3366DM optical sensor as well as weight and balance tuning it’s ideal for my medium-sized hands and has the same great body shape that appeals to many gamers in the MX518.
For those of you who like a more simple shape and lighter mouse, I also like the Mionix Castor. It’s a great mid-sized mouse that’s easy to grip and use for long periods of time.
With 11 programmable buttons, it’s also enough for RTS as well as a lot of ARPG and MOBA gamers. If it has one fault, it’s that it comes a bit heavy at around 121 grams. Additional weight tuning can be used for those who prefer an even heavier mouse.
For those who prefer a good lightweight mouse for CS:GO, I like the G402, Zowie FK2, and probably the most popular FPS mouse on the market, the Razer DeathAdder. All of these have faultless sensors and can be used with a variety of grips.
| Logitech G502 | Logitech G403 | Zowie Gear FK2 | Mionix Castor | Corsair M65 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| PMW3366DM-VWOU | Avago S3988 | PMW3366 | PMW3310H | Avago ADNS 3310 | Pixart PMW3360 |
| 121 grams (weight tuning) | 105 grams | 90 Grams (+10) | 85 | 93.8 grams | 115 - 135 grams (Weight tuning) |
| 1.6 x 3 x 5.4 inches | 5 x 2.8 x 1.7 inches | 4.88 x 2.68 x 1.69 inches | 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches | 4.8 ×2.8 ×1.6 inches | 4.64 x 2.83 x 1.54 inches |
| •Surface tuning •On-the-fly DPI (200-12,000) •fast scroll wheel | •rubber side grips, •10,000 dpi optical sensor •Chroma lighting •On-the-fly adjust | •1MS report rate •6 program buttons •4 on-the-fly DPI settings •12,000 | •Ambidextrous •400-3200 DPI •Lift-off distance = 1.5 ~ 1.8mm Avago 3310 optical | •5 stored profiles •10,000 DPI optical sensor •Color LED options •Lift-off Calibration | •12,000 DPI optical sensor •8 program buttons •On-the-fly DPI adjust, |
Read Review Compare on NewEgg | Read Review Compare on NewEgg | Read Review Compare on NewEgg | Read Review Compare on NewEgg | Read Review | Read Review Compare on NewEgg |
Best Budget Under $40 and $15 Gaming Mouse
The Redragon Perdition is a lot like the G600 and costs around $10 less. It looks and feels like a high-end option.As I mentioned above more and more Chinese manufactured mice enter the market each year. While many of these are close to the level of quality that some of the more well-known brands have, perhaps their greatest influence has been over price. In the Under $40 option there are now a lot of faultless sensor options.
My favorite of these right now is the Logitech G402. With a respectable AM010 optical sensor and lightweight construction it’s ideal for FPS gamers who play long hours and want accuracy.
MMO gamers can consider the Redragon Perdition that I mentioned in our review on budget gaming mice. Gamers who are hard on their mice or who need something ultra-cheap under $25 should check out the Redragon M601. For $14 you get a mouse with an avago sensor, omron micro switches, DPI adjustment from 2000 to 4000, and even a braided cable.
| Genre | RTS / MOBA | FPS Under $50 | FPS / RTS | MMORPG |
| Logitech G602 | Corsair Gaming M65 Pro | Logitech G403 | Redragon Perdition | |
 |  |  |  |
|
| Advantages | The G602 is a good mouse if you prefer wireless and want an accurate sensor for gaming, but don't want to pay a high price. Includes 11 programmable buttons. | Simply put the M65 Pro is a great fingertip mouse with an FPS quality sensor in the 3360 for around $35. | This mouse has a Flawless Sensor without acceleration or prediction. It's also lightweight so you don't fatigue quickly. | Half the price of the Razer Naga and Logitech G600. Similar layout and feel to the G600. |
| See Amazon Price See Newegg Price Read Review | See Amazon Price See Newegg Price Read Review | See Amazon Price See Newegg Price Read Review | See Amazon Price See Newegg Price Read Review |
Final Thoughts:
Overall, it’s important to find a mouse that you can use for many hours at a time. Some may ultimately be happier to forget about sensor and go with what feels comfortable. Two of my favorite gaming mice of the past were the Logitech G9x and G500. Both of these used laser sensors but had the flexibility that I needed for the games I play.