Best Gaming Mouse (2024)

Even the best gaming mice have improved significantly since Razer’s first DeathAdder with insane DPI’s and other stats and metrics being spammed around by manufactures, it’s hard for gamers to make a choice. Below we explain what they are and if they are important.

• DPI – DPI stands for dots per inch, higher the DPI the less you need to move. A lot manufactures went nuts trying to obtain the highest DPI possible as a way of selling more mice. Higher DPI does not always mean a higher accuracy, this will depend on the type and the accuracy of the sensor. As a side note DPI,  is actually an incorrect term the correct metric measurement is CPI (Counts Per Inch) – not they we are elitist around here ?
• ​Sensors – There are two types of sensor optical and laser. Traditionally optical performs better on more surfaces, including rough surfaces and laser performs better on reflective surfaces. So, what’s best optical vs laser? While we can’t speak for every sensor on the market, generally speaking optical sensors track smaller precise movements better during our testing process and we if had to pick one over the other we would go with optical.
• Mouse Acceleration – This is your worst enemy it makes movements inconsistent and unpredictable, the good news is you can turn it off. Check out our gaming mouse settings guide​ for more information on how to setup your DPI, sensitivity and more importantly how to disable evil mouse acceleration in windows 10.
• Polling Rate – When you move your mouse the data is sent from the device to your computer for processing. Polling rate is the amount of updates sent from the device to your computer, the higher the polling rate the more updates are sent. Typically speaking there is no draw back from higher polling rates, but like most metrics there becomes a point where it makes little difference and it becomes something else for the marketing teams to boast about on the box. Polling rate is typically measured in Hz and gaming mice should all be 200hz+
• Lift-Off-Distance – The distance you can lift the mouse off the pad while still registering movement. Typically Lift-Off-Distance can be adjusted withing the software. 
• Weight – Usually an overlooked concept but a heavy mouse can appear laggy to some players. Adjustable weighted mice exist such as the Logitech G502. Weight difference is most noticeable when the device is new, and your coming from a heavier older mice – especially if it was wireless with batteries. 

Yes, they matter. A gaming mouse pad is important your mouse needs to track perfectly on it’s surface, that’s why we recommend matching the pad to the manufacture. In certain software such as Razer Synapse you can configure the sensor for the surface you’re using. And it does have a noticeable non-placebo improvement in our opinion.

Another product you should consider is a mouse bungee, a device that holds your cable up in the air. This removes cable drag and prevents your cable getting caught on other objects on the desk, we have an in depth buyers guide for mouse bungees that will help you save some time doing your own research.

Yes and no, a good quality mouse will enable you to perform at your best by not holding you back. I am sure we all have that friend with worn out old microsoft intelipointer, who owns everyone against all odds. But who knows if he had a Razer DeathAdder – perhaps he would be even better.

The take away here is that yes, it will help, but nothing can or will replace practice, determination, skill and a bit of luck.