I'm not shy about the fact that I have maybe some of the most bizarre gaming mice preferences you'll come across. Where a lot of FPS gamers will opt for a very slimline, lightweight mouse that's obsessed with gliding across their desk like it were ice skating, I'm not a fan. Instead of the claw grip most people are using, I've always preferred a palm grip, so I ever so slightly detest mice that don't have a dedicated groove for my pinky and ring finger.

To make matters more complicated, I've also been obsessed with an MMO mouse for the last year and a half now. With 12 programmable keys on its thumb side, I have ultimate utility for mapping in-game actions to the buttons I feel are appropriate, and I'm not sure I could go without them now.

All of these things mean that as a gamer and a consumer, I do not feel even close to catered to in the current market. This is because, as my colleague and GR+'s resident mouse expert pointed out recently, the best gaming mice have an Esports problem. As Esports has become more prevalent, the preferences of the extreme 1% of gamers have become almost the entire market.

8,000Hz polling rates, a narrow, lightweight design, and essentially no extra functionality have become the norm for flagship, increasingly expensive mice. As weird and fringe as my own mouse preferences are, I'm not a fan of the fact that brands making them have decided that because it's what suits competitive, twitchy, performance-obsessed sweats on the biggest competition stages, we all need to conform.

Outside of the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, I don't see any gaming mice launching these days that stray from that convention. As much as I love the Redragon Impact M908 I use currently, I would love some more FPS features since these are the games I play most often. A slightly lighter weight or a better set of skates, or, if I can dream, a faster polling rate than 1,000Hz so I can keep up with the best players I'm up against. This kind of option just doesn't exist on the shelves, which is why a chance encounter at Computex a month ago drove all this home for me.

While I was in Hall 2, where most of the booths and exhibits are geared at B2B visitors and not the consumer-facing gamer stuff I was there to see, I stumbled upon Meetion's booth. My eye was immediately caught because, minus RGB, my Redragon Impact M908's design is very distinct. You seldom see 12 MMO keys and a pinky grove on a mouse, so I was instantly attracted to something sitting on display.

The Meetion Mega V1 isn't available yet through Meetion's website, nor its UK or US Amazon stores, but when it is, I'll be waiting. See, it has the design I love, but it's got the 8K polling rate and the lighter-weight feel of those Esports mice. It's the weirdo FPS mouse I've been longing for - it's even wireless and feels like it's gliding around the display surface much better than the one on my desk would.

But not only that, there's real innovation hiding in the Mega V1. It's got a modular element to it because you can swap around its side panels to have more or less functionality. Don't fancy those 12 extra MMO keys? Want a different shape on the other side? This mouse caters to you. Where is this level of ingenuity in the current mouse market? I'd be a lot more up for using a lightweight Esports mouse if it had the option for me to attach a side panel with a few extra keys on it.

What impressed me even further was that, in addition to this coming from a relatively unknown brand was that the side keys were tiny microswitches. They clicked in with a premium feel of the best PC controllers; they felt easy to actuate and distinguish from one another. The M908 Impact's side keys are useful, but they're plain plastic buttons that can be tough to actuate quickly - yet another issue that Meetion has found a cure for.

You probably don't have the weirdo, sicko mouse preferences I do, but even so, brands like Meetion are the solution if you don't feel like the biggest names are offering you some versatility these days. Esports rodents just aren't going to be for everyone, and if the bigger brands don't realise that soon, they might be losing some lunch to the smaller brands that are willing to take risks to cater to different desires.

If you want to delve deeper, check out the best wireless gaming mouse, the best Razer mouse, and the best Logitech mouse.

Noctua's Computex booth looks exactly as you'd expect it to, with the brand's signature brown color sticking out like a beautiful sore thumb in a tech conference that's bursting with RGB, bizarre PC cases, and massive demo spaces. But this brand's showing might be the most impressive I've come across. There are revolutionary cooling innovations to be seen, but I never thought one of them was going to be for my hand, in the form of a gaming mouse.

Honestly, I saw so many cool things at this booth that I'll need to write a whole other article just to touch on them all, but Noctua's upcoming gaming mouse is the thing that made my jaw hit the floor.

Made in partnership with Pulsar, it's a new edition of the Feinmann F01 mouse. It has a lightweight design (73G), and in case you're not aware of this particular rodent, its original model also has an open, cage-like design for its upper chassis. That means open space within the mouse for a lighter feel, potential for airflow, and a perfect testing ground for Noctua to do its beautiful, beige magic.

Inside the Noctua Edition of this mouse that's estimated to drop either in June or July 2026 is a tiny, upward-firing fan. To be specific, it's a tiny Noctua NF-A4x10 5V PWM fan, hooked up to a motion sensor within the mouse so that as soon as you start to move it around, it'll immediately start cooling the palm of your hand down. Take your hand off, and it'll spin down again, saving power draw for the next time you actually need it.

When I say I smiled from ear to ear upon testing that thing out, I cannot tell you the amount of giddy joy it gave me. I hate to admit it, but I have pretty clammy hands at the best of times - it's something I've always been self-conscious about. Having just tested a very expensive gaming mouse in the form of the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition, which does not respond well at all to sweaty gaming sessions, Noctua's little inventive gadget seemed all the more impressive.

It was so quiet as well; even putting my ear closer to it, any and all noise seemed to be blocked by my hand covering the fan. Noctua has allowed the fan speed to be controlled by the mouse buttons, or through a web driver in five distinct levels. So if you're in a heatwave in the heart of summer, or just in a particularly competitive round of your favorite game, it's all adjustable.

As a mouse, it has an XS-2 42000 DPI sensor and an 8K polling rate, as well as a standard USB port for charging and wired use.

As silly as this thing might seem, Noctua does not do anything by halves - I fully expect this to end up as a fan favorite when it becomes available. Not only is it a polar opposite to the RGB, gamer-looking mice on the shelves most of the time, but it's got the chops as a clicker to actually be what competitive gamers require. Honestly, cannot wait for it.

For more on Noctua's Computex showing this year, check back soon.

For more on PC gaming, take a look at the best CPU for gaming, the best graphics card, and the best RAM for gaming.

What if I told you you could have a yellow retro-styled Vokswagen Beetle and a gaming mouse in your Amazon basket a full three weeks before Prime Day? What if I told you they were both the same thing, and only a little over ten bucks?

That's what I stumbled upon this morning, checking out the new 'early Prime Day deals' tab that popped up on my Amazon homepage. Now that it's taking up permanent residence in my brain, I need to share it with yours.

What we have here is a 1600 DPI wireless mouse (impressively complete with a 2.4GHz receiver) powered up by two triple-A batteries. Those power cells slot underneath the removable roof, with your two main clicks sitting along the hood of the car. Listen, I never said it was an ergonomic design.

It's a neat gimmick for anyone looking to brighten up their desk with some novelty, but I don't think I have to tell you this isn't going to be one of the best gaming mice in your arsenal. It does have wheels, after all. Famously, the ratio of wheels to gaming mice should stand firm at 1:1.

I've had a peek and the reviews give us even more gold. One user notes a single complaint, "one of the headlights doesn't light up as bright as the other" - wait... the headlights light up?

The Elec Space Wireless Mouse is being sold by, you guessed it, Elec Space - an unknown retailer with a flair for cursing a setup with the bizarre. A quick look at its Amazon storefront reveals a heart-shaped rodent covered in sharp, jagged rhinestones, positioned upside down and wildly large in the frame of an AI marketing image. Classic.

Don't want your next CS2 run to leave you in bandages? How about the 'Cute Pig' selection? Yes, a squashed Babe with a worrying lack of feet and two ears for main clicks - that's what I've been missing. This is a Temu back door, is what I'm saying - don't expect something that's going to see you through gaming for the foreseeable future.

Car mouse will stay with me, though, as I'm tossing and turning in the wee hours dreaming of RSI and cramp. Maybe car mice are the way forward - as Herbie, Fully Loaded said back in 2005 "it only takes one person to blaze a trail."

Serious deal hunters can get prepped for the summer sale with our guides to the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals and the best Prime Day PS5 deals on the horizon.

When it comes to gaming mice, I'm what most brands would call a tricky customer. I have pretty bizarre tastes that don't align with the competitive FPS games I tend to use mice for on PC, and ones that certainly don't align with the Esports design a lot of companies lean into these days. My daily driver is an MMO mouse with numbered buttons along its left side, adjustable weights, and a dedicated groove for your ring finger and pinky, so it pretty much couldn't be further from the ultra-lightweight mice most FPS players are using to glide around their massive deskpads.

• Pre-order | $259.99 at Best Buy

So, trying out the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20, which has just been revealed at Computex, was quite the transition. Compared to the other lightweight mice I've tried, this feels very different. Lightweight rodents for me usually translate to a lacklustre-feeling accessory that, while speedy, don't exactly give me the feedback and comfort I like. This is a different story. This gaming mouse combines a celebratory anniversary look along with really robust-feeling side buttons and a scroll wheel that you just know will last a lifetime. Or at least, I'd hope it would, because it will set you back $259.99.

As much as I missed my 12 extra function keys and dedicated finger grooves on my MMO mouse while testing this, there's no disputing that the customization, glide, and all-around competitive brilliance of this mouse improved my FPS gameplay.

Design

The ROG Harpe II Extreme 20 is a semi-ambidextrous, 82g Esports mouse that builds upon the company's previous Harpe Ace II, Harpe Extreme, and Harpe Mini outings. Being a celebratory release for two decades of the ROG brand, this takes the design language up a few notches, with a 24K gold-plated metal frame that resides under a blackened crystal clear shell. The gold scrolling wheel and side buttons lure your eyes to see the gold hues within the chassis, and the transparent shell gives it a touch of class and an understated feel.

RGB is used within to show a specialized ROG 20 logo, and subtle bits of branding are peppered around the mouse, making it undeniably a ROG product.

Turning it over, things stay just as luxurious. The mouse feet, or skates, as they're often referred to, are made of Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides a stupidly easy glide around pretty much any mouse surface. I tested it with all the speeds of the SteelSeries QcK+ Performance mouse pads, as well as a pretty slick one that came with my Couchmaster CYCON2, and the mouse slid around so easily that they all felt like glass pads.

The Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 utilizes a ROG AimPoint Pro 65K sensor with 65,000-dpi <1% deviation, and for those with those harder surface mouse pads, it features track-on-glass technology.

The shape will be familiar to anyone who has used a Harpe mouse previously. It's 39.7mm high, 126.1mm long, and 63.9mm wide, with a beautifully crafted curve to rest your hand on. It's been designed with finger tip and claw grips in particular, though, so palm-grip players like me aren't necessarily as catered to - I'll say more on that in a little bit.

The black and gold design philosophy is so strong, but you can tell Asus has meant this to be a proper showpiece, or collector's edition peripheral thanks to its packaging. The box it arrived in folds out to reveal it like some sort of exotic flower, and a sturdy, transparent case means you can take it with you without fear of the surfaces being scratched.

Features

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the packaging is the Harpe II Extreme's expansive list of features and settings options. There's tri-mode connectivity here through wireless USB, wired USB, and Bluetooth pairing. The ROG Optical Micro switches are quoted for a 100 million click lifespan, and with a max polling rate of 8,000Hz, you know there's plenty of futureproofing for such an expensive peripheral.

Using the wireless dongle, you get access to ROG SpeedNova connectivity so that 8K polling rate isn't limited to a wired connection only. There's an impressive (quoted) 195 hours of battery life here too, which I haven't managed to actually find an end to yet in my hands-on time with it. Depending on what polling rate you set it to, your mileage will vary, but the Harpe II Extreme has a clever trick up its sleeve where it will determine interference in the surrounding wireless environment and boost its signal to maintain a steady connection.

If you're not one for spending loads of time in settings menus for your gaming peripherals, Asus has included a Zone mode on this mouse, which simplifies things for competitive players. Alongside 5 stored profiles you can configure, Zone mode will optimize things specifically for competitive play. With it on, you'll see a polling rate boost, increased sensor responsiveness, as well as sensor frame rate and wireless transmission power optimizations.

Performance

I've built more than one gaming PC with an ASUS motherboard, and I've tested its Raikiri controllers in the past, so this isn't my first run-in with a peripheral from the now 20-year-old ROG brand. One thing I have to admit is that dealing with the Armory Crate app is always my least favorite part of the ROG experience. This app always feels clunky; it usually involves subsidiary downloads to actually customize the product you have, and I worried an Asus mouse would involve me needing to download it. To my delight, that wasn't the case.

Upon connecting it to my PC via the wireless USB dongle, I was immediately met with a pop-up notification that invited me to a browser tab where I could fully customize the Herpe II. Everything from its button mappings to its polling rate, to its DPI and wider suite of settings and features was covered without the need for an additional download, and I loved how speedy the process of getting set up with it was.

Having just tested the GameSir G7 Pro 8K, I was curious to see how an 8K polling mouse would compare. Turns out, an 8,000Hz polling rate on any gaming peripheral seems to present itself in the same way. I play with a relatively high DPI of 2,300 compared to a lot of FPS players these days. But bumping the polling rate up to 8K meant that it felt a little more unruly than I was used to. Unbelievably smooth thanks to those Gorilla Glass skates, even with a (somewhat limited by today's standards) 144Hz refresh rate display, but would certainly take a while to get used to, as every twitch, pivot, and slip in any direction is registered.

Thankfully, while the 8K polling rate was a bit too hot to handle for my liking, the settings gave me loads of scope to fine-tune. I could try as low as a 150Hz speed, and ended up settling on a 1,000Hz speed after a few brief tests with 1,400Hz. There's a lot of scope to make this mouse the exact speed and sensitivity for you and your playstyle. If you like putting DPI all the way down and attacking CS2 players with massive swipes across your desk, there's loads of scope for you here.

My main FPS game is the Extraction Shooter GOAT, Hunt: Showdown, and so naturally, the bayou became my testing ground for the Harpe II. When the game's intense sound design has you completely immersed in a 3v1 western shootout, your heart can frequently pound out of your chest, and your palms start getting clammy. The shape and design of the Harpe II Extreme was excellent for keeping my grip, but one thing I will say is that the surface texture doesn't hold up all that well to those sweaty, intense gameplay sessions. There were a few moments where I felt my palm starting to slip in places, and the design of this mouse is so stunning that I worried my sweaty hands were going to stain or mark it and spoil its look. The aesthetics of this mouse are going to be a huge win for any gaming setup, but a little extra thought over actually gripping this peripheral would have been welcome, even if it is an anniversary showpiece.

While I do love the shape and look of the Harpe II Extreme, I do wish it catered to my palm grip a little more. My MMO mouse, and every mouse I've used for the last six years, has had a pinky groove, which I feel is so important in keeping my hand comfortable through long hours of remote work or intense gaming sessions. Yes, this is a niche taste with mice these days, but one I find very hard to go back to not having. One reason I don't gravitate to the ultralightweight mouse market is that I don't feel my whole hand is catered to, and I do wish Asus did a little more. My ring finger and pinky barely manage to hug onto the side of the Harpe II, and while I appreciate it's not exactly designed for a mouse grip like mine, a little more real estate on the right-hand side of it would go a long way.

Additionally, I get that this mouse is never going to compete with my 12 MMO keys, but more than two extra side buttons would have been welcome for the amount of money this rodent costs.

I can't fault the side buttons and scroll wheel that are here, though. They all feel so robust, like they'll last the next 20 years of the ROG brand. In fact, from reviewing the best PC controllers, the closest comparison I can make to the side buttons is that they feel almost as good as the most cushioned microswitch buttons I've come across. Pardon the pun, but this is the gold standard.

For reference, playing solo vs trios in Hunt, I usually average out around three or four kills per round. I may or may not have been having a good day when I did a longer session with the Harpe II Extreme, but I played three matches in a row, scoring four kills, then six, then seven, so I'm entitled to give some of that credit to the high-performance mouse I was using.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme 20th Anniversary Edition?

I have a lot of reservations about recommending controllers that cost $200 most of the time, so trying to justify a price of $259 for a mouse gives me a lot of anxiety. For reference, that RedDragon mouse I use cost me under $40, and is frequently on offer down to $25.99, so I'd argue you really don't need to spend this much to get a good clicker. Even for competitive gaming in the ultralightweight market, the SteelSeries Aerox 9 tops out at $189.99, so that should give you an idea of how much most people will likely be budgeting.

On the other hand, compared to those other lightweight mice I've tried, I think the Harpe II Extreme offers a much more premium feel. I don't feel I'm compromising as much on feel or build quality here, and I don't feel like the brand behind it is charging more for less of a product. The exhaustive list of settings and features arms you with so many ways to make this mouse work for you, and with premium parts used to craft it, you can sort of see where the price tag comes from.

Reservations about pricing aside, I think Asus has absolutely knocked it out of the park with the design of this 20th anniversary timepiece. Fans of this brand will not be disappointed by the aesthetic, build quality, lighting, and finer details of this mouse. It's a strong showing of why Asus ROG has been around for 20 years, and might stick around for a few years more.

• Pre-order | $259.99 at Best Buy

How I tested the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme 20

I put the Harpe II Extreme to work in my gaming setup for a few weeks before writing this review. I tested it on different mouse pad surfaces and in various games, but since it's an Esports peripheral, I mainly used it in FPS games like Hunt Showdown. I drew from my own experience of using other gaming mice to make my feedback, and used the prices of similar mice to assess its value. I used the Gear Link browser app to customize the mouse's settings and get a feel for how its various features can impact its performance.

For more on how we test gaming mice, take a look at our hardware policy.

Want to compare with what else is out there? Take a look at the best wireless gaming mouse, the best TMR controllers, and the best Razer mouse.

Activision officially dropped the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 reveal yesterday, and nestled among the campaign details, multiplayer upgrades, and return of DMZ, Ninty popped its head up. This is the first CoD title to launch on Nintendo hardware since Ghosts, though we'll have to wait a while for its Modern Warfare 4 pre-orders, and it comes with full Joy-Con mouse control support. As much as I love this nifty feature, I very much recommend that you don't take them up on that offer.

It's not just that you're relying on softer trigger buttons for your main clicks, or that the taller shape gives you far less stability on a desktop. I don't know about you, but when I'm in the heat of battle, I tense up - my relaxed palm grip becoming a strained claw with the adrenaline. Maintaining that hold over the tiny Joy-Con 2 is going to be unbearable.

Thankfully, you don't need to spend hundreds to pick up a far more comfortable gaming mouse supported by the Nintendo Switch 2. In fact, pretty much every rodent I've tested with the handheld has worked flawlessly. For everyday play when you don't want to rely on sticks, though, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed would be my top pick.

This is the best budget wireless gaming mouse I've tested so far, so it's not going to stand up against made-for-esports high-flyers like the Razer Viper V4 Pro or Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike. It will, however, run easily on the Switch 2, keep you comfortably on the couch with a wireless connection, and holds up with a sturdy build quality. Unless you're playing competitively, you don't need to shell out on one of the best gaming mice to have a good time here.

Look, the Joy-Con 2 are powerful little gamepads and that sensor is remarkable for what it is. It can't keep up with a traditional shape though, and I wince at the thought of cramping my hand around the tall, skinny oblong for serious CoD sessions.

It's lovely for mini-games or the odd break from the thumbsticks, and definitely speeds up my Balatro dopamine hit, but it's not going to cut it for fast-paced, tense FPS gameplay. Even Cyberpunk 2077 feels a little too action-y and Call of Duty (especially multiplayer Call of Duty) is going to push that unnatural hand position to its limits.

• See all gaming mouse deals at Amazon

We're also rounding up all the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, but you'll also want to check out the best gaming keyboards and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you're after more Call of Duty upgrades.

Razer and Logitech have been duking it out for generations now, but each brand's 2026 entries couldn't be more different. While Logitech went for reinvention with the X2 Superstrike's haptic switches, Razer went in the other direction.

One rolls the dice on a new way of interacting with your games, the other refines an already-winning formula. One is almost silent, the other is about as loud as you'll find. With both options occupying the high-end price range, the best gaming mouse for you will come down to how you hold your rodent and how you like your clacks.

Competitors

What I loved about the Razer Viper V4 Pro

Speed-focused design...

For particularly competitive players, there's a set of numbers that means more than everything else. The Razer Viper V4 Pro trims its waistline down to a solid 49g (in the black version I'm testing, the white option hits 50g). That's not quite the lightest gaming mouse on the market (check out the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight for a reliable 36g option), but it's still pretty effortless in the hands. It's also easier to flick and spin than the Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike and its 61g form factor. The Viper range has always lived to become an extension of your arm, and this is the best we've seen so far.

Like its ancestors, the Viper keeps a flatter dome than many of its competitors and siblings. While the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro and Superstrike are by no means uncomfortable and accommodate a good range of grip types, there's a little extra wiggle room in this shape. There's more clearance to pivot the main body between the thumb and pinky during finer aiming moments in a claw grip, while taller mice will often bump into the base of the palm instead.

I do naturally prefer a greater curve on the thumb side than you'll find on either the Viper or the Superstrike, but that's only because I typically use the top of my thumb for a lot of the legwork. Everyone uses different muscles in their unique grip and control styles, so it's fairly subjective - if you find yourself working the thumb a lot more, though, something with a deeper gradient like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX offers a much more comfortable shape.

I was never cramped or forced into an awkward hold here, though. The softer matte finish isn't to my personal taste, but it's still grippy enough to withstand more frantic gameplay moments and feels luxuriously smooth in the hand.

... with the sensor to back it up

Nobody's expecting to come here and read that the Razer Viper V4 Pro is anything less than blindingly fast, but here we are. Whether or not the upgrade to a 50K DPI sensor, 930 IPS, and 90 G acceleration in the Focus Pro Optical sensor will be worth it for mere mortals is a question in itself. This isn't where Razer keeps its costs low, the Viper line is where it lets its tech rip - whether players need it or not.

The same can be said for its new 2.4GHz receiver, the same dome-shaped plugin we saw in the DeathAdder V4 Pro. It supports polling rates up to 8,000Hz - a speed that only the upper echelons of esports glory will be able to notice, let alone make use of. It's no reason in itself to buy the Razer Viper V4 Pro, but it's there for those who want it.

Sturdy battery life

Razer has historically done pretty well with the battery life of its rodents. While Corsair, SteelSeries, and Logitech tend to skew a little lower (averaging between 70 and 110 hours between them), even older releases like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K have been punching at 110 to 150 hours. The Razer Viper V4 Pro ups the ante again, coming in at up to 180 hours in base 1,000Hz polling. That's the marketing number, but I've been running for two weeks (and that's been a two weeks of more gameplay than usual, with roughly 110 to 120 hours of work and gaming combined) and I still have 38% left on this charge.

Goodbye Synapse 4.0

Try as it might, Razer never quite managed to make its Synapse program the lightweight, stay-out-of-your-way software it needed to be. Thankfully, the brand is following a number of mainstream gaming hardware brands and taking its customizations to the web. That means no more downloads, crashes, and resource hogging. Synapse Web covers all the basics, including keybinding, DPI settings, sensor calibrations (and the nifty rotation and dynamic sensitivity tricks that come with them), and polling rates.

Unfortunately, it doesn't provide a fix for annoying Razer firmware updates - there are still far too many hoops to jump through in that department, and you'll still need to download the full suite.

Super tight scroll wheel

I do have to make special mention of this scroll wheel. Razer's done a bunch of fancy stuff with its encoder, swapping over to an optical sensor rather than a mechanical one. That makes for finely tuned precision in gameplay, but the actual mechanism behind this wheel is pulling just as much weight. There's a nice sense of heft to each rotation here, but it's a tactility that never gets in the way of speed. Notches clearly defined, comfortable, and easy to hit accurately. It's a small feature, but this is easily my favorite scroll wheel to date.

What to consider about the Razer Viper V4 Pro

The V3 Pro still looks pretty great as well

Unlike Logitech, Razer isn't doing anything revolutionary with this year's flagship. This is still the same shape and feel as you'll find in the Razer Viper V3 Pro. A better sensor, slightly lower weight, that gorgeous scroll wheel, and small tune up on battery life certainly makes it a worthwhile release for the true competitors among us, but there's nothing massive separating the V4 Pro from its predecessor.

Unless you're at the top of your leaderboard, there's nothing in here to pull you away from the older (and now much cheaper) previous generation.

You'll certainly hear it coming

I was taken aback by the sheer audacity of these main clicks when I first got the Viper V4 Pro on the desk - and I'm a fan of a sturdy snap. It's a large, brash, thunky sound profile that raises the decibels over pretty much everything else I've tested in the last year. These clicks are never hollow or pingy, but they're going to be noticed if you're sweeping and tapping in a quieter space. If you need your setup to stay quiet, they're loud enough to turn you away from the Viper entirely, running straight into the Superstrike's whisper-quiet haptic arms.

Should you buy the Razer Viper V4 Pro?

As with all flagship releases, the Razer Viper V4 Pro isn't actually made for the vast majority of players. Its tech, features, and FPS-first mentality just aren't justifiable for the budgets of cross-genre Steam generalists. If, however, you're a competitive player looking to up your game or support your skills with lightweight, super-fast hardware, that value comes into sharper focus.

The Viper V4 Pro succeeds in everything it sets out to do. It's supremely fast, effortless to wield, and holds its power for a particularly long time. Whether that's enough when the Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike is lumbering onto the battlefield is another matter.

If you're going for a classic FPS experience, where low weight, high reaction times, and fingertip grips rule all, the Viper V4 Pro is your go-to. It's a traditional esports gaming mouse dressed to the nines. If you want a new generation of main clicks, and you're happy to experiment with the possibilities afforded by the Superstrike, though, new technologies could prove more fruitful.

How I tested the Razer Viper V4 Pro

I used the Razer Viper V4 Pro for a period of two weeks, running the mouse for all my daily work, play, streaming, browsing, and everything in between. I tested specifically in Apex Legends and CS2, both on its own and side by side with the Viper V3 Pro and Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike, while also using the mouse for Mixtape, Planet Coaster 2, and High on Life 2.

For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're also hunting down all the best wireless gaming mouse models as well as more of the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mice on the market.

Listen, I love a good touchscreen. I love it when peripherals add more customization control options. I want my setup to have as many launchers, macros, and LED buttons as possible - but even I have my limits.

Turtle Beach's new Command Series MC7 gaming mouse is now up for pre-order, at a pretty flagship-looking $159.99 MSRP might I add, and slapped right across its shoulder you'll find a massive 2.25-inch touchscreen display. It's not just giving me the ick, it's making me physically itchy.

The screen looks like it has space for four different macro zones, spanning DPI shifting, profile shifting, personalized macros, and OBS controls. It's positioned just above the thumb rest, standing starkly inline with an incredibly square front end, angled very slightly with the edge of the main clicks.

I just can't see a universe where, mid-game, I can curl my thumb around to hit any of these touchscreen zones reliably. It just looks too high, with too much of a ceiling on the thumb rest, to be truly navigable without looking down and shifting my entire hand. I'm even less likely to move my left hand over to hit anything on this panel. And this thing better have pretty intelligent gesture smarts - I can't think of anything worse than being threatened by accidental settings changes if I shift my thumb too far during gameplay. My hand is aching from the tension already.

It's not just the giant touchscreen that made me wince over the weekend. The whole rodent just looks like it's been designed with a set-square. It's somehow incredibly sharp and boxy while also relying on heavy angles around the main click height and rear hump. This is one I'll have to see to believe.

Elsewhere, the Turtle Beach Command Series MC7 offers 8,000Hz wireless polling with a 30,000 DPI sensor - all pretty standard fare for a top-end gaming mouse with competitive players in its sights. The battery presents yet another surprise, though.

This is a hot-swappable solution, much like the Glorious O3 Wireless, with two 15 hour battery packs in the box. Each pack slots into the rear hump of the mouse when it's juiced up, returning to the included charging hub after being swapped out.

I can't lie and say my first reaction to the Turtle Beach Command Series MC7 wasn't tinged with horror. I am, however, curious to see what this rodent has in store. I'm judging it particularly harshly based on looks alone, but if there's an ugly duckling redemption arc in here I'm keen to see how it plays out.

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We're also hunting down more of the best wireless gaming mouse models as well as the best gaming keyboards for more setup inspiration.

The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a veteran of the best gaming mouse world, but eight years after launch how does this budget rodent hold up against the rest of the market? Surprisingly well.

This right-handed, AA battery-powered 2.4GHz mouse has shed its $49.99 / £59.99 skin by now, often available for well under $30. That makes it one of the cheapest options on the market, but it still manages to beat SteelSeries' newer releases for battery while holding its own in the build quality arena as well. Comfortable, relatively lightweight, and sturdy on the desk, this is a must-see for bargain hunters.

What I loved

Excellent price point

It's those numbers that often draw people to the Logitech G305 Lightspeed in the first place. While it still holds a $50 MSRP, this is a wireless gaming mouse that can be found for less than $30 on most days. Considering that's among the cheapest, even of the wired options, it's a serious selling point.

Brands don't often go this far down the price scale with a cord-free rodent. SteelSeries' cheapest competitor, the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 launched at a similar $59.99 (but is generally found for between $30 and $40 day to day) while the Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed is rarely found for less than $40 these days.

Considering the G305 Lightspeed doesn't only drop lower than these competitors, but does so with more regularity, it's easily the cheapest mainstream option out there.

Punching above its weight in build quality

It might be inexpensive, but Logitech certainly hasn't cheaped out on build quality. The G305 Lightspeed was released nearly eight years ago now, but that doesn't mean it feels flimsy in the hand. I was surprised to find zero creaking or flexing around the main chassis, even when putting direct pressure on the sides or top of the casing. That's rare even for a mid-range device, let alone one that costs less than a takeout.

Yes the clicks feel slightly more hollow than the $100+ options I'm used to testing, but they're far from rattly - still tight, precise, and clean in their feel and sound. Plus the scroll wheel has a fantastic tension underneath, miles from the overly stiff or free-wheeling spins of other budget models. There's just a breath of a hint of echo from the main click (that I only heard when holding it directly up to my ear), but everything else is held firmly in place.

Rock solid performance

If it's cheap and well built, surely there must be a sacrifice in its reporting? Nope.

Even eight years after launch, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed still holds its own in the arena. Of course, this 12,000 DPI / 400 IPS Hero sensor isn't going to win a race against the Hero 2s of the best Logitech gaming mice or the high-speed eSports ambitions of Razer's flagships. Considering most casual players won't notice when that 8,000Hz polling rate is turned off and won't even move much beyond 3,000 DPI, though, this really is all you need.

It nails the necessary specs on paper, but the G305 Lightspeed keeps its word on the battlefield as well. I never noticed any jitters, click latency drops, or tracking whoopsies in my weeks of testing - this thing ran like a far more expensive rodent and I trusted it just as much when push came to shove.

Versatile design

The only area where I see the Logitech G305 Lightspeed showing its age a little is its form factor. For some reason, this flatter shape has moved out of fashion in the last few years but returning to the shapes of yore isn't a bad thing. While today's gaming mice prioritize a more bulbous, curvy shape, I've had an excellent time with the flatter chassis design here.

It essentially means I can stay comfortable in a palm grip thanks to the wider middle section, but the drop in height keeps fingertip and claw grips on the cards as well. I find myself in the latter position the most and never felt unsupported during longer play sessions. That's versatile in its grip type, but those with larger hands may struggle to keep their composure.

What to consider

Smaller size won't fit everyone

The shape is certainly suitable for a wide range of mousin' styles, so long as your hand size can accommodate the slightly smaller chassis stature. The G305 isn't a miniature mouse at all, but it is smaller than other rodents out there. Combine that footprint with the aforementioned flatter design and there's less for larger hands to hold onto here.

Replaceable batteries are common at this price point

This isn't so much a drawback of the G305 as something you'll likely need to accept if you're after a budget wireless mouse in the sub-$50 price category. Rechargeable batteries only hit the spec lists at around the $60 - $80 mark (check out the Keychron M7 8K if you're looking to move up the price list), so you'll be making do with a double-A here.

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless wins on this front, though only if you're after a slower Bluetooth connection. With two triple-A batteries inside you're looking at up to 450 hours at a time. However, when that 2.4GHz dongle comes into play the G305 remains on top. The Logitech is good for up to 250 hours versus SteelSeries' 200 hours.

No Bluetooth option

This is the Logitech G305 Lightspeed so the brand is putting most of its emphasis on its own faster 2.4GHz connection. That means, unlike SteelSeries' entry, there's no Bluetooth connection to fall back on here. You'll need a spare USB-A slot to run the G305 from, which could get tricky if you're switching between PC, mobile, and handhelds.

Should you buy the Logitech G305 Lightspeed?

If you're going for a budget-friendly wireless gaming mouse, there's nothing else I'd recommend before the Logitech G305 Lightspeed. This is a best-in-class example of excellent value for money, with a build quality and performance that punches well above a price tag sitting slightly below its competition. Those with larger hands may struggle to keep control and multitaskers may need that Bluetooth connection back. However, in the grand scheme of value for money, Logitech beats SteelSeries and Razer hands down.

How I tested the Logitech G305 Lightspeed

I used the Logitech G305 Lightspeed for a period of two weeks prior to review, primarily testing across CS2 and Doom: The Dark Ages, with a little Planet Coaster thrown in for good measure. I used the device as my sole mouse for all gameplay and work during that time. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For more setup inspiration, check out the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming headsets on the market.

Razer has announced its latest Gigantus mouse pad, and I'm sure there are probably lots of people out there thinking it's a bit much. Giving people five levels of mouse pad speed to choose from probably sounds a bit silly - at a certain point, isn't it more about your aiming skill than the gear you're using? Well, I'm one of those weirdos who actually cares about the nuances different gaming mouse pads can give you, so let me tell you why I'm all for it.

The new Razer Gigantus V2 Pro goes even deeper than the SteelSeries QCK Performance pads we saw release last year, which offer three distinct feeling surfaces with different friction levels and speeds. Razer has expanded that to five different speeds with the new Gigantus V2 Pro; Max Control, Control, Balance, Speed, and Max Speed.

All of the new Gigantus V2 Pro mats use Razer's proprietary GlideCore Foam, but each "speed" uses it in different ways. The slowest two (Max Control and Control) utilize Soft Foam, with large air pockets for a softer and spongier feel and more stopping power. The Balance and Speed variants use a medium foam that Razer claims is "optimized for smooth glide with reliable control", and the Max Speed version uses a harder foam that's closer to glass/hard surface mats that have become more popular in recent years.

Last summer, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole with mouse pads, because until then, I really hadn't considered that there were even different speeds and that they could make such a drastic difference to your mouse aim. Then I tried the SteelSeries QCK Performance pads, which highlighted it all to me. My mind was blown - turns out I had been using a much, much slower pad than I should have been for over a year, and that's a reason I was losing so many close-quarters fights in my favorite multiplayer games.

It turns out that depending on the games you play and the way you configure your mouse settings, there's an optimal type of pad for you. While you might still be thinking that "a bad workman blames his tools", I promise you, after trying different mouse pad speeds and textures, it really does make a tangible difference to how you aim.

A harder surface with less friction, like Razer's new "Max Speed" pads, tends to be really popular among FPS gamers who play titles that require them to make fast moves, big flicks, or continuous tracking while shooting in games like Apex: Legends or Marathon. In games that require accuracy for a precise stopping points with your mouse, you'll probably benefit more from a pad that has more friction so you can stop exactly on an opponent's head - think Counter Strike or Valorant.

The FPS game I play the most is Hunt: Showdown, which is sort of a hybrid of the above examples. It's old western weaponry, so I need that stopping power and accuracy in my mouse pad to aim with single shots at a time, but I also need the speedy flicks to be quicker on the draw than my opponents. There are a lot of nuances to mouse pad speeds depending on the game.

For this reason, I really like that Razer is offering five different speeds. I'd be interested to try them to see if the middle options really do actually feel different from one another, but it's great that Razer is allowing people to lock into their favorite game's specific speed.

If there's something I'm disappointed about, it's that there only seems to be one size of each pad available right now. The Gigantus V2 mouse pads made different sizes their USP, so I'm hoping Razer follows up with more generous sizing options soon. I'm someone who loves having their whole desk space covered in the same surface, so if you're the same, the SteelSeries QCK Performance pads that do come in XL sizes might be the best option for you.

The new Gigantus V2 Pro mats have low-profile stitched edges, which is great for preventing fraying over time, as well as wrist irritation. Razer also claims that they've been optimized for optical sensors thanks to micro-texturing.

For more on gaming mice, check out the best wireless gaming mouse and the best Razer mice.

Sneki has refreshed its popular FPS-first range with the new Razer Viper V4 Pro, taking the same recipe as the previous V3 Pro and adding a boosted 50K optical sensor and running battery life up to 180 hours. That's one hell of a tracker - DPI aside, this Focus Pro eye can hit 930 IPS tracking speeds with 90G acceleration - beating Logitech's Hero 2 sensor pretty easily.

With its sights set on some of the best gaming mouse models around, the Viper V4 Pro is more of an update to the original formula than an entire redesign. Unlike the Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike, positioned by Razer's competitor as an endgame adjustable esports mouse, the Viper doubles down on speed. It's available now for $159.99 / £159.99 via Razer.

Weighing in at just 49g it's one of the lighter entries to the competitive market from a mainstream brand. While the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight is still going to feel nippier under the hand at 36g, Razer's not too far off ultra-levels of weightlessness here and it's still packing that hefty sensor inside.

930 IPS is the fastest I've seen on a high-end flagship to date, which should make for smooth, reliable tracking even during the most hectic of moments. Whether or not anyone needs that 50K DPI spec is up for debate, but safe to say this is a mouse positioned directly at high-intensity esports affairs.

Elsewhere the Viper V4 Pro updates the rodent's mouse clicks, with Gen-4 switches matching those of the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro. Replacing the Gen-3 options on the Razer Viper V3 Pro, I found these clackers to offer a slightly crisper feel under the hand. Razer also states that they're good for a 100-million click lifecycle with no debounce delay.

Is the Razer Viper V4 Pro going to be worth the upgrade for anyone already on the Viper or DeathAdder bandwagon? It's unlikely. These are solid upgrades, but they're iterative and, especially if you're not playing at the top of your eSports league, they're not going to make a night and day difference to your speed, reliability, or final ranked position. If you feel the Viper V3 Pro's clicks are a little softer than you'd like, or you're after the biggest battery life in the lightest shell possible, there could be an in here.

• See all gaming mice at Razer

For more setup options, check out the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming headsets on the market. We're also hunting down all the best gaming monitors as well.

12 side buttons might seem like overkill, and for some it is. Where keybindings are concerned, though, overkill is exactly what I'm going for.

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE was intimidating when I first got it out the box last summer, but after getting to know each of its Stream Deck-enabled clickers I've kept this rodent running in my roster. Its merits within MMOs are obvious, it's one of the best gaming mouse models after all, but that's not why I love this pointer.

That Stream Deck integration means this is more than just a keypress replacement. I can swap between Spotify and Planet Coaster controls at the tap of a button, adding tracks to my playlists while adjusting the height of a tree line all with just a slight shift of the thumb. Do I need it? Absolutely not. But if I want my setup to resemble anything it's the Apollo 11 cockpit, and maximizing my button-to-device ratio is imperative in that mission.

• See the full Tech Fest Sale at Best Buy

It takes a little learning to remember exactly how each of those 12 buttons are mapped but once the muscle memory is ingrained the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE feels like a super power. That's not just for gaming, I've been using this rodent in between reviews for nearly a year now and if anything I'd recommend it primarily as a productivity device.

Stream Deck integration is nice and simple, with a drag and drop interface and the entire Elgato Plugin store at your disposal. That means controls for pretty much anything you could imagine, though some of the more impressive integrations are paid for separately. Sure, it's not quite as seamless as having LED buttons tell you exactly what they do, but with a little time (and a cheat sheet for all my bindings) these 12 inputs have become second nature.

Today's deal puts the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE down at $79.99. That's $10 higher than I've seen it in the past, but the best price of the year so far. So should you dive in now?

If you're keen to get your setup as button-heavy as possible, this is an acceptable position. I've only ever seen the Elite Wireless at a cheaper price in a couple of sales and they were all positioned around last year's Black Friday / holiday events. That means there's no guarantee we'll see that discount return in the near future.

For those who can hold off for a record-low, it's likely we'll see a $69.99 price tag here again at some point. Whether that drops during Amazon's Prime Day offers in the summer or in its far sooner Spring Sales is difficult to predict.

• See all gaming mouse deals at Best Buy

For more setup inspiration, check out the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming headsets on the market. Or take a look at the best gaming monitors for a bigger update.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike has certainly made a splash since its release. The Superlight-esque rodent swaps conventional main click switches for an adjustable actuation system that mimics the rapid trigger and super-high sensitivities of Hall effect keyboards, while still offering a fairly tactile click feel through the use of haptics. It's been billed as the best gaming mouse the brand has ever released, and it's certainly onto something.

Are the short vibrations under each button the most satisfying in the world? No. Does the battery life live up to its siblings? No. Does it represent a solid ground-shift the world of the best gaming mice has been crying out for? Maybe.

I've spent just over two weeks using the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike as my daily driver and it certainly reigns over the rest of the best Logitech gaming mouse models. Whether it's going to be right for you is a completely different story, though.

Design

If you've been following the world of gaming mice so far this year, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is going to be immediately recognizable. The pill-shape of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 remains, but those black main clicks and plus symbols have been plastered everywhere as of late. It's a unique design, holding the Superstrike on a higher pedestal than the Superlight line, but it's not doing too much that's new.

This is where I come clean and say I'm not a massive fan of the Superlight shape. I fare much better with the ergonomic grooves of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX. This more stocky design has never quite sat right in my hand, I don't have the level of control between my thumb and pinky that I prefer and it can feel unwieldy as a result. So am I salty that Logitech went for the base Superlight design over the DEX? Yes, but mouse shapes are personal. If you use a claw grip with pressure on your thumb it might trip you up.

You are, however, getting that pedigree in build quality. The plastic used in the Superstrike chassis is ever so slightly thinner than that of the Superlight line, to keep that weight as close to 60g as possible (we're at 61g here). However, it's still as solid as you'd expect from this brand, with no creaks when squeezed from the sides or the top.

That's finished off with a soft-touch matte coating that remains grippy while feeling smooth in the hands.

Controls

There are five main controls on board here, but the Superstrike goes a lot deeper than that. The main two clicks use Logitech's new HITS process (Haptic Inductive Trigger System), essentially offering an adjustable actuation point rather than traditional mechanical or optical on/off switches. That means actuation points can be set across 10 steps of travel, either running a super sensitive hair trigger or a much deeper thud.

Such a system also introduces a rapid trigger feature that functions in the same way as it does in the best gaming keyboards. Traditionally, a click would have to make its way past the reset point before being repeated. Here, even the slightest lift allows the system to reset and another click to take place.

That means super fast mashing at super high sensitivities; a pro's dream. It also has its own benefits for the casual player. I did indeed notice that my repeat presses were ever so slightly faster (Logitech reckons this can help less skilled players compete against the pros), but not enough to better my casual play too much. Sure, I can readjust after a stray bullet a fraction of a second sooner but, as a casual player, it's not going to send me straight to the hall of fame. It will, however, give elite competitors more space to work with - it's easy to see how this is a gaming mouse designed for esports athletes.

Elsewhere, we've got two traditional mechanical side buttons (no HITS in here) and a nicely notched scroll wheel. Those clackers feel nice and sharp to the hit, with good spacing and a comfortable actuation - but this is a Logitech mouse, I would be incredibly surprised if they weren't solid.

Software

Logitech has stuck with G Hub, while a lot of other brands are opting for a lightweight web-based system. G Hub is actually a slick piece of software, though, so I'm not too mad at having it stuck in my system tray. With all the extra configuration options available here, I'm glad the brand hasn't overcrowded its interface. You've got all your usual button assignments and DPI settings, with a super easy drag and drop system for the former, but HITS also adds a new menu option.

This is where you'll configure your actuation point, across ten steps and with the ability to split between the left and right click. These settings are also mirrored on a diagram of the mouse to the right as well, with a handy visual representation of your travel distance that actually works wonders for finding the optimal settings.

Rapid trigger works similarly, with a toggle to enable the feature and five degrees of reset speed to work with. Finally, click haptics are configurable across six strength settings. The lowest doesn't even feel like a click, and the highest offers a heavier response overall.

Connection

Like most esports mice, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike keeps its wireless connection focused on speedy 2.4GHz, but I'm glad to see that doesn't mean an extra cable on my desk. Unlike the best Razer mouse models (looking at you Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro), that 8,000Hz polling connection is handled by a simple USB-A receiver. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you're going to be traveling with your rodent for any length of time, swapping the corded receiver connection for a simple dongle is a life saver.

Battery

The Superstrike uses a lot more power than the Superlight series, and its main competitors. That means it falls short in the battery department, at least on paper. With an advertised 90 hour max battery life, we're 5 hours below the rest of the Superlight pack and 60 hours behind the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro.

In practical terms, I'm still running off my first charge and it's been two weeks. With about 20% still left in the bank I could probably make it a few more days without having to plug in and that's good enough for me. It's also fully compatible with the brand's Power Play 2 mouse pad, so can charge while in use if you never want to plug in.

Sensor

The Superstrike doesn't make any grand changes to Logitech's sensor tech. This is still the Hero 2 eye, with up to 44,000 DPI, an 888 IPS tracking speed, and 88G acceleration. It's still slick, smooth, and reliable, holding up as one of the best sensors on the market right now. There aren't as many additional features in here compared to Razer's DeathAdder, though.

G Hub unlocks the ability to set different DPI rates for the X and Y axis, something the DAV4 Pro wears proudly, but lacks any dynamic sensitivity and drops the DeathAdder's rotation tool.

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike?

I like the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike. I really do. I also didn't pay for the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike, and that's the fundamental problem.

Esports athletes are going to benefit from the extra customization and speed options provided by those click sensors. That's plain to see. The everyday casual player like myself? I'd feel pretty silly putting this kind of money down.

Yes, the increased rate of fire from that rapid trigger can help in FPS scenarios, and yes the customization options provide a more versatile experience for everyone. At the end of the day, though, these kinds of enhancements don't scale downwards. If you're climbing league tables and truly turning your head to competitive stardom, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is the first gaming mouse I'd be pointing you towards.

While it doesn't benefit from the same sensor features as Razer's flagship and drops the snappy tactile switches from others in the Superlight range, its added speed and rapid trigger features offer real tangible benefits to those getting serious with their FPS skills.

If you're after a gaming mouse for single player, less competitive matches, and everyday tapping around, though, there's far better value elsewhere.

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

I used the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike for two weeks, alongside one other rodent, running my daily work and play through the device. I primarily tested across CS2 and Doom: The Dark Ages, with additional playtime in Planet Coaster as well. I tested using all sensor and mouse click cusotmization features, though primarily used a middling haptic pressure, actuation set to its second-highest position, and rapid trigger enabled at its second fastest position. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best wireless gaming mouse models as well as the best wireless gaming keyboards as well.

Corsair has been upping its mouse game recently. With the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight storming the lightweight market and the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE excelling in all its button-laden glory. The brand isn't quite done with the Sabre line for now, though, and (despite generally hating the feel of a cut-out chassis), the Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG is one of my favorite rodents of the last few years.

Its main shtick is that magnesium alloy casing, a super durable but impressively cooling material that's been shaved back to still hold a 56g form factor. You're still getting the brand's top sensor and a super comfortable set of main clackers there, though. At $149.99 / £119.99, it's got some competition from the best gaming mouse models on the market, but if you're after a luxury feel, it's beating the big dogs right now.

Design

• Sturdy magnesium alloy frame doesn't compromise weight too much
• Cut-out sections could lead to issues later in life
• Satisfying cooling material

Onto that material, then. The Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG isn't a dense brick. In fact, there's still a significant amount of flex to the top of the body (and a few creaks when squeezing the bottom panel). It feels stronger than the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro, though the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX stays a little firmer in the hands when pushed and squeezed.

That's likely down to the shapes cut out of the main body of the Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG, a design that could well turn players off altogether. I'm not a massive fan of this feel day to day, and the Sabre uses particularly egregious cut-outs where other brands keep things simpler with smaller pin-holes or honeycomb patterns. While the feel of those gaps can get a little distracting in-game, though, they also provide a nice sense of grip around the back of the main dome in a palm hold.

In a claw grip, my hand naturally curves over them, benefiting from the drop in weight without sacrificing feel. There's a problem here, though. I don't know how long it's going to take foreign objects to make their way in through these large gaps, but I'm willing to bet it's not going to be fun when they do. There's a lot of space for dust and liquid to settle in here, and the exposed PCB is looking pretty vulnerable underneath.

Still, those holes manage to keep weight to a conservative 56g. That's admittedly far higher than the featherweight Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight at 36g, but it's still on par with other flagships using thinner plastics.

The sides keep that smooth magnesium alloy finish, but there's also grip tape included in the box if you'd prefer a little more purchase. I never experienced any slipping as they are during testing, but can see why a lighter grip may warrant some extra help.

The shape keeps things simple with a symmetrical profile and a gentle gradient. If you're used to slimmer FPS-first mice, you'll feel right at home here, though those looking for more thumb support or a base designed for a relaxed palm grip may struggle to stay comfortable.

Controls

• Standard two-button design
• DPI shifter underneath the mouse
• Satisfying spacing on the scroll wheel

Corsair keeps things simple here - this is a speed-focused rodent, after all. That means you've got all the usual two side buttons with extra controls packed away on the underside of the mouse.

These clackers are lightweight and easy to hit, with a crisp snap to each press. Actuation is perfectly balanced, sensitive enough to stay zippy on the battlefield but still sturdy to withstand accidental presses. Button placement is also naturally comfortable for a claw, fingertip, and palm grip.

Underneath, you'll find a toggle for power and wireless connection mode, toggling between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth options, as well as a DPI button. That's pretty common for esports-minded mice, with the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro opting to tuck the DPI shifter underneath the rodent. If you're looking for on-the-fly control, though, the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro has a top-side DPI button but it's pretty difficult to reach. The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed, however, offers a central DPI clicker for $50 less than the competition.

The scroll wheel lacks any side-to-side action, but feels tight and tactile under the finger. There's a fairly wide notch between each groove, but each step feels particularly precise - this is one of the best weapon-wheel experiences I've had so far.

Software

• Lightweight web-based controls
• Support for all daily customization options
• Reliable and intuitive

Like many brands, Corsair is rapidly moving away from downloadable configurator tools. Instead, the Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG is personalized via the Corsair Web Hub program running in-browser. That means you've got access to everything from key assignments to DPI presets as a webpage rather than a full download.

Anything that leaves iCue in the gutter is worth celebrating.

Everything is clearly laid out and quick adjustments to macros and DPI settings are simple. It's the former that often trips up web-based software, removing the ability to record and save macro customizations (Glorious falls victim to this). Everything just works here.

My only gripe (and it's pretty much insignificant considering how small it is) is the fact that sensor features like lift height and angle snapping are hidden away in a separate 'Device Settings' menu that doesn't quite feel as polished as the rest of the system.

Connection

• Versatile Bluetooth connection included
• 8,000Hz 2.4GHz polling rate

A rarity among esports-focused gaming mice, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG uses both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. While the latter isn't going to take advantage of the rodent's top speeds, it's still excellent from a productivity and versatility standpoint. Similarly priced competitors like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro drop the connection completely. Of course, you can also just plug in as well.

There's an 8,000Hz polling rate in here for the ultra-competitive, but most players won't need to move too far past the standard 1,000Hz as battery life takes a significant hit higher up the scale. That's pretty common even among the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market.

Battery

• 120 hours on 1,000Hz / 2.4GHz
• Beats Logitech's Superlight 2
• Short of Razer's DeathAdder V4 Pro

Corsair claims that a standard 2.4GHz connection running at 1,000Hz will last you 120 hours, 10 hours more than Logitech's Superlight 2 range but 30 hours less than the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro. Considering the Ultralight only has enough juice for 70 hours, that's pretty good going.

I ran the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG as I usually would for two weeks. That's around eight hours of work, sleep mode for a little while, and then a couple hours of gaming if the wind's blowing in the right direction. At this pace, I only needed to plug in once, largely matching the brand's suggested battery life.

Of course, that juice time is extended up to 170 hours on Bluetooth, but running at the full 8,000Hz will cut things down to just 21 hours.

Sensor

• Smooth tracking across a variety of surfaces
• Solid sensor specs for the price
• Razer and Logitech IPS is higher

At this point in gaming mouse design, any brand that messes up its sensor has much bigger problems to worry about. The Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG uses the Corsair Marksman S sensor, capable of running up to 33,000 DPI with a 750 IPS tracking speed and 50G acceleration. That's a fairly standard sensor that tracks just as fast as it needs to while still maintaining stability during faster movements and across different surfaces. It's rare that I come across a mouse sensor from a major gaming brand that doesn't tick these boxes, though.

Instead, it's worth noting that you're missing a little extra IPS tracking speed compared to Logitech's Hero 2 sensor (888 IPS) and Razer's Focus Pro Gen-2 (900 IPS). Both also extend to higher DPI sensitivities, but it's this max tracking speed that actually separates truly competitive mice from casually fast ones.

Of course, that's information for the tournament-level players among us. In my more casual CS2 runs, I never experienced any drops in tracking and everything responded just as it should.

Switches

• Slightly larger travel distance than true competitive mice
• Snappy and satisfying

Each main click is serviced by an unnamed mechanical switch, but it still feels crisp and clacky under the fingertips. It's got a larger travel distance than you'll find in slightly more premium alternatives, which means repeat presses aren't quite as natural. There's instead a fraction of a second's resistance behind each click that will detract from a pro's top speed, but won't make much of a difference to the rest of us.

It's a nicely sharp sound and feel overall, though, with a soft landing that keeps things rattle-free and comfortable.

Should you buy the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG?

The Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG has plenty going for it. That magnesium alloy construction holds a particularly luxurious finish that does wonders for temperature control in particular. The surface is refreshingly cool no matter whether I've been gripping this mouse for hours of gameplay or I'm returning to it for the first time in the morning. That in itself could well be reason to investigate the Sabre Pro Wireless MG, anyone who feels the struggle of a sweaty palm during heated gameplay moments will appreciate this pretty unique construction.

It's also impressive that Corsair has managed to use this denser material without inflating the weight too far. Yes, it's not as lightweight as the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight, but it's still up there with the best from Razer and manages to beat Logitech's plastic flagships as well. Whether or not the holes on the back (and the lint they will inevitably allow inside) are worth that low weight might be a different question.

At the end of the day, the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG is cheaper than Razer and Logitech's flagships. At $149.99 it's by no means a mid-ranger, but it leans more into style and feel than raw performance specs, shaving between $10 and $30 off the final price compared to the top dogs. If that magnesium alloy construction appeals, it's well worth the leap for both casual and competitive players. However, if you're after a low-weight gaming mouse that still feels solid in the hand this isn't enough for me to stop recommending the V2 Pro Ultralight.

How I tested the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG

I used the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG for two weeks, spending a few days with a couple of other mice in the rotation as well. During that time I was using the rodent for my daily work as well as play and more direct testing in the evening. That meant it was up against CS2, Planet Coaster, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Sims 4. I tested in both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection modes, with polling rates set to 1,000Hz for two weeks and 8,000Hz for a few days separately. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice and best Logitech gaming mouse models on the market, or check out the best gaming keyboards for more setup ideas.

Tucked away amongst mountain ranges and lakes, Logitech's office in Lausanne, Switzerland, hides a secret. The brand has been hard at work changing the way the best gaming mouse models perform, and its latest release is one of the more dramatic of inventions the market has seen in the last decade.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike does away with main click switches entirely, opting not for optical or mechanical clackers but instead for the brand's HITS technology. A Haptic Inductive Trigger System runs all your main clicks here: an inductive electromagnetic sensor seated within the main board, a trigger plate on top, and an actuator over the top. It's a system that's been designed to offer a near-instantaneous click while still providing tactile feedback.

Rather than the snap of a mouse switch, the Superstrike responds with a simple vibration when each click is registered. Straight out the box it's a similar kind of feel to a particularly short, silent mechanical click, but G Hub also opens up customization options for a stronger or weaker feel.

The key here is that electromagnetic sensor, allowing for a range of different actuation points. At the very top of the ladder is a super-sensitive trigger actuating at a point about the same thickness as a single hair, while moving further down requires more force for each input.

All that sits inside the same, though a slightly thinner version, chassis as the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, a pill-shaped mouse we've all come to recognize over the years.

I've only had a few days with the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike on my own desk, but here's the long and short of it. While the range is predominantly designed for competitive esports players with larger budgets than most of us casual players, this is the closest I've come to recommending a 'pro' gaming mouse to a more amateur audience.

I say 'the closest I've come' because I wouldn't actually recommend it to the vast majority of players on the street who need a new pointer, even if they're starting their esports journey today. The same problems still creep in when considering the needs of the mass market.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike costs $179.99 / £159.99 for all its click sensors and 8,000Hz polling rates. That's a lot of money for a level of speed and customization that most players won't need or notice, but the tech on offer is nonetheless impressive.

Taking cues from the world of the best gaming keyboards, Logitech has dropped a rapid trigger reset into its main clicks. Adjustable across five degrees of speed, it makes repeat presses significantly faster (once the muscle memory has bedded in). Logitech states that it gives more casual players an edge that could see them competing at speeds more commonly associated with elite esports athletes. Not in reaction times, not in aim, and not in communication, but in the milliseconds in between each mouse click.

It's an upgrade to a small slice of the performance pie, but the adjustability itself is well worth investigating further if you want your gaming mouse to work a little harder for you.

After all, this is the first gaming mouse I've tested with any kind of actuation adjustment and the first to employ a rapid trigger feature at all. If you want speed on your left click but often misclick on the right as a result, Logitech has the answer right here.

So how do those haptics feel? This is what I was most nervous about when I laid hands on the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike for the first time. The switches inside the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Superlight 2C are actually one of my favorite parts of the mouse overall, light, snappy, and incredibly satisfying.

These are, uh, none of those things.

It's a very different feeling to the clack we've all come to expect from any mouse's operation. Where you'd expect a switch to click, this one thuds. That's great for anyone looking to keep the noise down, but it takes away from the tactile joy and quiet confidence of previous Logitech snappers. This is an esports mouse, so you're trading that sensory satisfaction for speed and adjustability, but that sacrifice isn't going to make sense for everyone.

It does, however, mean that the Superstrike performs when it counts: in-game.

I've had a few evenings to put the rodent through its paces in CS2, and it does feel like a new breed. It's taken me a little while to get used to the main clicks being set at their shortest actuation point, but I'm only accidentally hitting the right click a few times per round now and that will likely reduce the further I get into testing. Those shorter stops feel incredibly fast, though, surprise I know.

I've found it's best to keep the right click at a slightly deeper actuation point than the left in traditional shooter scenarios, especially when you first start using it. There's no getting around it, the sensitivity and click feel take some serious time to get re-learn and performance is going to suffer in your first few days of play. Once the fingers have learned their positions, though, there's nothing else quite like it. Once the brain has caught up with the rapid trigger reset, you're away.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike hasn't been made for you and I. Us mere mortals aren't going to be concerned about the fractions of milliseconds between different flagship mouse models; we don't have eight hours a day to hone a rapid trigger response, and a win doesn't mean millions in the bank.

In fact, this is a mouse that somewhat epitomises a growing issue in the rodent market. I've touched on why gaming mice have an esports problem in the past. While the tech on offer here could certainly help elite pros gain an upper hand in competition, it's not going to do much for us. $179.99 is a lot to pay for bragging rights when the benefits are locked behind a skill gap.

And yet, the Superstrike still has its place on the page. I'm a little salty that Logitech (and other brands) aren't giving mainstream all-rounder mice this same level of dedicated development time, but with the advent of HITS tech, we could see more customizable mouse click options scaling further down the price range in the years to come. As a signifier of what we could be playing with at a less 'Pro' price in due course, the Superstrike is well worth celebrating today.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon

I'm rounding up all the best Logitech gaming mouse models as well as the best Razer mice if you're after something a little different. It's worth noting that Logi does also sit atop my guide to the best wireless gaming mouse options on the market as well.

I'm not a competitive player, but I've logged so many hours in Apex Legends and CS2 trying to find the best gaming mouse models that I might as well be. Most rodents that pass my desk these days are built with one thing and one thing only in mind; winning elite-level tournaments. The only problem is, most players have far more on their minds.

High-speed 8,000Hz polling rates, incredibly low weights, and the same two side buttons have come to dominate the flagship landscape. We've stagnated in one corner of the market, and the same attention isn't being paid to the players who make up the majority.

I don't have millions of dollars riding on a millisecond of reaction time, and it's likely you don't either. I just want a comfortable gaming mouse that gives me more in-game.

I don't want to pay $160 for features I won't need or even notice, but of all the gaming mice I reviewed last year only seven came in under $100. It seems like every new pointer hitting the market has to justify itself as an esports tool in order to feel worthwhile. Take the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro, for example.

It's positioned as a professional esports mouse, with all its marketing tailored towards its 8,000Hz wireless polling rate and 'performance perfected' tagline. But at its core it's a wide-set mouse that prioritizes comfort in a palm grip from its chassis design.

The original Roccat Burst Pro (before the brand was purchased) launched as a wired, lightweight alternative to chunky button-laden options. It was the AIMO lighting features, UV-coated durability, and ambidextrous design that pushed the Burst Pro into public consciousness.

There's a reason the Logitech G502 is such an iconic pointer. It adds features and functions that everyday players will actually benefit from; extra buttons, a dual-mode scroll wheel, swappable weights, and a generous form factor.

With sensors hitting 30K DPI and 750 IPS like it's nothing these days, casual players don't need esports-level speeds and we don't want to pay for them.

And yet every mouse released has to tick these boxes to seem relevant. An 8,000Hz polling rate is going to do nothing for 99% of players' reactions, and yet we have to pay for it to pick up a new release, because it's an aspirational product.

Either that or brands have run out of ways of innovating on gaming mouse features and it's simply easier to lean into the 'faster = better' mentality.

Even the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless, a chunky gaming mouse with a hot-swappable battery feather in its cap, proudly boasts its own 8,000Hz polling rate and a far-too-high price tag.

Granted, there's a lot going into rising prices at the moment - I'd be shouting at clouds to suggest the $160 MSRPs we're seeing these days are solely down to this esports-ification of gaming mice. I know this stuff costs more these days, but I'm far more willing to pay more for features I'd actually use.

That's partly why I found the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE so refreshing. This is a $139.99 MMO-focused pointer, so it was never going to over-extend itself into FPS-gameplay territory. However, its combination of Stream Deck layering and that 12-button side panel meant it provided a real tangible benefit both in-game at during everyday use. 2

It's extra functionality that's actually being picked up, experimented with, and personalized by casual players, making their games feel better rather than just cutting down the milliseconds.

Gaming mice have always been about speed, and that was ok when sensor and reporting technology was still behind display and human response times.

Now that we've got faster report rates than many will actually keep up with, we seem to have hit a ceiling. Rather than thinking about how the majority actually use their rodents, though, it seems most brands are content with lifting the roof and convincing us we need the extra height.

• See all gaming mouse deals at Amazon

I'm rounding up all the best wireless gaming mouse models available now, but if you've already got a brand allegiance it's time to check out the best Razer mice and best Logitech gaming mice on the market.

How many times do you click your mouse each day? If you work at a computer, it's likely close to 10,000. That's why I'm particularly critical over how a mouse click feels and sounds. It's also why I'm often so taken with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight range.

These rodents run specs capable of making the best gaming mouse models weep, but on top of all that they've got the snappiest, crispiest main clicks I've used. And now Logitech is throwing them all out of the window.

Announced in the middle of last year, and available for pre-order now, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike rips those switches out in favor of a haptic system that responds to the pressure of your finger much sooner. That's the elevator pitch, anyway. I haven't had my mitts on this new release so far so it remains to be seen just how useful that new tech is.

What I do know is that Logi is heralding this advancement as one of the greats. Fire? Barely know her. The wheel? Child's play.

Logitech asserts that its new Superstrike technology boosts speed and precision while maintaining that satisfying feel of a sturdy main click. It's an analog sensor, essentially, similar to the Hall effect studs on the best gaming keyboard PCBs. That means players will be able to set their own actuation point across either the left or right main click, while still feeling the thunk of a switch.

I'm keen to get a rodent under my own hand to see how the tech pans out, but considering I've put my faith in the best Logitech gaming mice and their main clicks for years I'm optimistic. The 65g rodent still sports the brand's Hero 2 sensor for 888 IPS tracking speed and 44,000 DPI, with a 90 hour battery life under the hood as well. While it costs more than both the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, the brand is confident it's going to be a game-changer for the speed-inclined.

Of course, this is one for the ultra-competitive among us (if that $179.99 price tag didn't make that obvious enough). Casual players may benefit from the different levels of sensitivity between the left and right clicks, but in general those microseconds of saved time are only going to be useful (or even noticeable) to tournament-level players. Still, if you're curious about where this elite market is heading it's well worth checking out.

• See all gaming mouse deals at Amazon

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice for a different flavor, or check out the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market for more options. I'm also hunting down the best hot-swappable keyboards for more customization options.

I've just finished up my testing of the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro, only to find that the very reason it missed out on that last half a star has been (temporarily) eradicated. It's a little hard to fully justify at its full $139.99 MSRP, but with 40% off that final rate, the brand's latest rodent is looking far more welcoming.

Amazon has it down to $84 this week, just over $55 off the launch price and marking the first time it's been less than $100. Considering the Burst 2 Pro has only been trifling the best gaming mouse models for a couple of months, that's a surprisingly steep early discount.

What else could you get with $84 in your pocket? There are two gaming mice that threaten Turtle Beach's position this week.

First up, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight has taken a $20 discount on its $99.99 MSRP, ending up at $79.99 at Amazon. This is a much, much lighter mouse, weighing in at only 36g, that still manages to retain a less creaky build quality compared to the Burst. It's slimmer, and better equipped for a fingertip grip, but can't match Turtle Beach for overall comfort (especially in a palm grip) or battery life.

Next, we have the Keychron M7 8K. This is my go-to for wireless value on any given day, cramming high-end features into a $69.99 MSRP without breaking too much of a sweat. It's on par with the Burst 2 Pro's unfortunate creaks, but adds a more accessible DPI shifting button and a thumb tray for extra comfort as well. Just note that you're getting a slightly slimmer shape here, less geared towards larger hands or a relaxed palm hold - and that could be for better or worse depending on your preferences.

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro?

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro has something neither the Corsair Sabre nor the Keychron can offer. That chunky rear end.

The wider shape of the Burst 2 Pro is pretty rare in the world of esports-focused gaming mice. Competitive players are normally hemmed into a claw or fingertip grip if they want the lightest, fastest polling mice on the market, whereas Turtle Beach has left plenty of room for a less tense palm grip here.

Sure, most of us regular folk won't notice the benefits of that 8,000Hz wireless polling rate. Instead, it's the speedy, reliable sensor, excellent tracking features, and relatively low 57g weight that will see you through ranked matches. If you don't like the taller shape of most fps-first mice, it's well worth investigating the Burst over Corsair and Keychron's similarly priced offerings.

There's one caveat here, but it's largely personal.

Pretty much as soon as I started using the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro, I was aware that those main clicks felt a little strange compared to the rest of my rodent fleet. They're much softer than other models, still plenty fast and nicely responsive, but less tactical; that satisfying snap doesn't quite make itself known. By contrast, the side buttons are particularly crisp, which is a strange combination but one that could make or break your decision.

The only thing that kept my review at 4.5 stars? That $139.99 MSRP puts the Burst 2 Pro up against giants like the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro and Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX. In that arena, it's not quite punching in the same league, from its sensor specs to its software features.

• See all gaming mouse deals at Amazon

I'm catching all the best wireless gaming mouse models (humanely, of course) as well as hunting down the best Razer mice and the best Logitech mice for more flavors as well.

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro doesn't look like a $139.99 / £119.99 gaming mouse, but it's got the features, feel, and sensor performance to keep up with more expensive flagships while offering a form factor that plays particularly nicely with a relaxed palm grip.

That's not something you find in the best gaming mouse models every day. Its wider form factor isn't going to satisfy those going for gold in truly competitive esports arenas, but for the casual gamer who just wants a little comfort while zipping through some ranked matches, there's plenty to love here. It's not going to be for everyone, and it's priced just a little high compared to some of the mid-rangers out there right now, but the Burst 2 Pro is well worth stepping outside the Razer / Logitech box for.

Design

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro doesn't stray too far from the rest of its line. This is still a wide mouse with plenty of space for a comfortable palm grip and a soft-touch finish that keeps things smooth and tactile under the hand. A pear-shaped form factor means I can easily maintain control of the top half with just my thumb and pinky, while the base of my hand has good support from the fairly tall dome shape. That does limit finer movements, with the rear end often hitting my palm when I'm trying to fine-tune aim with more of a wiggle action, but it's more comfortable in a relaxed palm hold as a result.

The shape itself is going to serve those who use their forefingers and thumb to move primarily, rather than those who employ their smaller digits for more discrete movements. This is for the palm and claw grippers among us; otherwise, there's just too much strain on the fingertips.

Aesthetically, the Burst 2 Pro is a little dumpier than most of the gaming mice that cross my path. It's certainly smaller than the comparatively hulking Glorious Model O 3 Wireless and looks far more streamlined as a result. A heavier gradient down towards the front and an emphasized widening to the rear mean this is more of a slope to work with, compared to Glorious's slab-like design. It is, however, chunkier than the featherweight Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight, with less of a slimline feel.

Construction feels alright. Nothing has sent major red flags during my last few weeks of testing, but there's considerable creaking from the sides and the back of the main hump when pressure is applied. However, there's no rattle in the main clicks, and the scroll wheel feels just as tight as the day I opened it.

At 57g, we're still a way off from Corsair's magical 36g whisper of a mouse, but Turtle Beach has done well to keep the figures this low with such a chunky body under the hand. It helps that the underside is essentially carved out from the sensor up, with two open panels dropping a few grams. It's rocking the same kind of feel in-hand as the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro. That's with a nicely balanced weight distribution and no drag from that larger rear section.

Controls

You'll find everything you need here, with two side buttons to accompany those main clicks and a tappable scroll wheel. A DPI shifting button also lives right at the top of the mouse, but it's so far up the device that it's almost impossible to hit during gameplay. Still, I'll take it over the underside placement of the best Razer mice, even if I do have to shimmy up the mouse and grip the sides particularly hard to actuate the stiffer switch.

The scroll wheel feels nicely notched with a good amount of tension to avoid accidental flicks, while still feeling responsive in-game. There's no fancy footwork featured here, no side-to-side action, and a simple notched system to work with. However, it feels comfortable, doesn't squeak, and has good action to it overall. I did struggle when using it for weapon selection, though. These are softer notches than I've been used to, which sometimes meant a little over-extension.

Software

While many brands are moving towards lighter web-based configuration tools, the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro still needs the full Swarm treatment. This is Swarm 2, though, and it's miles ahead of the original software.

Everything works just as it should, with a simple keybinding system mapped to a virtual image of the mouse itself and easy macro recording to boot. Deeper customizations take place in a separate screen, with everything from lift-off distance to angle tuning available via individual panels. It's lightweight, doesn't throw a bunch of ads in your face, and never failed or took up too much CPU space during my testing time. It also provides a solid battery indicator, which is more than I can say for other brands.

Connection

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro offers an 8,000Hz wireless and wired polling rate, which feels more like a box-ticking exercise than a feature you'd actually prioritize when picking up a new gaming mouse. Yes, ultra-competitive players may feel a difference, but it's unlikely to be noticed by the rest of us and doesn't feel particularly well placed in the Burst 2 Pro's chunkier form factor.

Thankfully, Turtle Beach hasn't gone all in on tailoring its connections to the Esports elite. You'll still find a versatile Bluetooth connection onboard, with a simple USB-A 2.4GHz receiver for a faster tether. Connection modes are selected via a sliding toggle on the underside, and I found swapping between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth between devices to be pretty simple.

Battery

Turtle Beach expects you to get up to 150 hours of juice out of this rodent, and that's a number I wouldn't second-guess after a few weeks of testing. I've only had to plug in once or twice during this period. In a regular month of work and play, I had to recharge once, and I average around 53 hours of use per week. That does dip with a higher polling rate, but I largely keep to 1,000Hz with 4,000Hz in the back pocket if I need it.

You don't get the hot-swappability of Glorious's newer rodents, but with a heftier battery under the hood, you don't exactly need it. In fact, the only other mouse to hit the same power ceiling as the Burst 2 Pro is the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, and that's the best wireless gaming mouse for battery I've tested so far.

Sensor

The Owl-Eye sensor is back, with its 30,000 DPI and 750 IPS tracking speed. That's a pretty standard affair, not quite touching Razer's flagship Focus Pro or Logitech's Hero 2, most recently featured in the G Pro X Superlight 2c, but still offering a sturdy experience. Tracking remains stable and accurate on both fabric and harder surfaces, with no noticeable stuttering during faster moments. Power does seem to be routed away when the mouse is at low battery, though. I noticed more juddering when at lower percentages than I do from other devices.

There's also a strong roster of additional sensor features to dig into. This is often where more premium flagships take the win, with Razer's rodents offering the best selection of sensor features of the bunch. Turtle Beach is getting close, though, with lift-off distances running the full 0.7mm, 1mm, and 2mm gamut, with fine-tunable angle snapping and motion sync.

Switches

This is one of the only gaming mice I've tested that has softer main clicks than side buttons. That's a strange one. I'm normally getting stroppy about side clackers that feel too limp under the hand, but I was surprised when I first put these optical switches to the test.

They're fast and comfortable, but the main clickers feel just a touch too padded to truly feel tactile, while the side buttons have more of a traditional response. It doesn't impact gameplay too much. I was still able to hit all my usual beats, but if you prefer a crisper snap to your clicks, I'd recommend looking into the Logitech G Pro X Superlight line instead.

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro?

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro has plenty going for it: a solid battery life, low weight, comfortable shape, and a reliable sensor with a bunch of extras. It's zippy but comfortable, lightweight but particularly easy to control, and offers a few software features you won't find further down the price range.

It's premium, but it isn't as expensive as Logitech and Razer's top dogs. No, it's not as cheap as other mice offering similar feature sets, but if you're after a more relaxed hand position while still maintaining the internal speed of FPS-first pointers, it's an easy recommendation. However, considering the NZXT Lift Elite packs a similar shape with only a few minor sacrifices in the sensor department for just $79.99 / £79.99, it's worth consolidating your own needs first.

If you're after a soft feel with the sensor smarts to keep up with faster gameplay, this is an easy recommendation. However, this isn't a one-size-fits-all rodent.

How I tested the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro

I used the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro exclusively for four weeks, running the mouse as my day-to-day device for both work and play. In that time, I was primarily playing my way through Doom: The Dark Ages arena runs, while also ticking along in Planet Coaster and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I also stress-tested the mouse in Apex Legends and CS:2 during more focused testing sessions. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best Logitech gaming mouse options, while also diving into the best gaming keyboards and best gaming headsets for more setup inspiration.

The Razer Boomslang was the first ever gaming mouse when it launched in 1999. Ok, fine, it was the first ever mouse designed specifically for gaming (rest easy IntelliMouse). That may have been a little longer than two decades ago, but Sneki is celebrating its OG with a celebratory 20th Anniversary Edition this week.

The best gaming mice of today will be quaking at the sheer width of those main clicks. Not everyone will be able to grab this piece of history, though. This is a drop limited to 1,337 serialized devices.

So what's changed in 20 years? First, a little history lesson. Before the Razer Boomslang, mice were generally limited to 400 DPI (and that was if you were lucky enough to evade those little rubber balls), with some stretching to 500 DPI in the early 00s. Razer slid in with a 2,000 DPI sensor straight off the bat. Throw in its own software, ambidextrous design, and additional programmable buttons (and all that hyped marketing) and you've got a blueprint for the next 2(6) years of gaming mice.

In 2025, the Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary Edition launches with the brand's Focus Pro 45K Optical Sensor Gen-2, a 45,000 DPI eye with a 900 IPS and 85G acceleration. That means you also unlock some of the best features of the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro; dynamic sensitivity, rotation calibration, and 1-step DPI adjustments.

The OG used mechanical main switches, whereas Razer has outfitted its new release with Gen-4 optical clackers. Say goodbye to that 90s cable, the new model charges wirelessly via the Mouse Dock Pro and runs at an OP 8,000Hz wireless polling rate. Razer's also chucked PU leather on the main clicks and used a gorgeously 90s transparent plastic shell.

Gaming mice just don't look like this anymore, but veteran players will need to fight to get their hands on an upgraded piece of history. There will only be just over 1,000 Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary Editions produced, and you'll need to sign up to notifications to know exactly when that drop is landing. That also means we don't know how much this new model will cost (I'd be setting those sights high, though) or when it will start shipping.

Of course, I'm also testing all the best wireless gaming mouse models, but if your brand allegiances lie elsewhere you'll also find all the best Logitech gaming mice I've had my hands on so far. For a full setup refresh, check out the best gaming keyboards on the market.

The Nintendo Switch 2 might have launched with all its mouse controls intact, but Metroid Prime 4 is the first chance many Ninty fans will have to truly put that sensor to work. The first person shooter feels made for the new handheld's hidden feature, and if you're used to the best gaming mouse experience on PC you may well prefer to crack those Joy-Con off your console.

I tested Metroid Prime 4 back in the early Switch 2 reveal event days, and found that sensor far more exciting than the traditional gamepad controls. However, if this is your first time running that Joy-Con along the desk you may be wondering how to use mouse controls on Metroid Prime 4.

Thankfully, the process is incredibly easy.

How to adjust mouse controls on Metroid Prime 4

You can also change the mouse sensitivity in the 'Camera' menu under 'Settings'. Here, you'll have access to a sliding scale of sensitivity across both the X and Y axis of movement. The higher you set this scale, the more your camera will pan with each mouse movement.

You'll also have the option to choose between 'Default' and 'Linear' sensitivity curves at the bottom of this menu. Default will give you a smoother tracking experience, with more gradual acceleration. Linear tracks your mouse's on-screen position directly to your Joy-Con, for a more realistic feel.

I'd recommend players new to first person shooters stick with default for a little more wiggle room in their movements. However, seasoned pros will want to switch to linear for more of a traditional gaming mouse feel.

Should you use mouse controls on Metroid Prime 4?

The beauty of Metroid Prime 4 is how effortless that transition between traditional buttons and mouse controls is. That means you can quickly swap to your sensor for more intense gunfights and return to full controls for adventuring.

Of course, these controls will work much better if you're playing with a hard surface nearby. A desk setup is the ideal scenario, but I've found this sensor can run impressively well on everything from a couch to jeans as well. It's going to be a little trickier if you're already in full handheld mode, as you'll need somewhere to prop your screen.

In general, though, mouse controls offer better speed and more accuracy in faster gameplay moments.

We're rounding up plenty more gadgets for your handheld, like the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases and best Nintendo Switch 2 headsets.

Logitech has long been advocating for 60g being the optimum weight for a gaming mouse. That was until it launched the G Pro X Superlight 2C. This compact rodent is essentially the original Superlight 2 shrunk into a smaller footprint, with the same Hero 2 sensor and form factor. It's a widening of the brand's lineup rather than a whole new device, but if you've got smaller hands it's well worth investigating.

After all, this is a mini rodent with the guts of the best gaming mouse models on the market, with a slick sensor, esports-worthy polling speeds, and super slick main switches. It's just a little smaller this time.

Design

I've never been a fan of the original Superlight design. It felt a little clunky, bulky in my hands, I never managed to get all the way around it and accuracy sometimes took a hit. That's why I preferred the more contoured DEX model, released some time later.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c feels a lot better, with a 118.4mm length and 61.2mm width keeping things nimble and flickable under the hands without feeling too skinny and cramped. While I still miss that curved left flank, I can comfortably hold a claw grip for extended periods of time, though a palm hold is a little less easily controllable even in my smaller grabbers. A shorter 38.mm dome height also leaves plenty of space in between the chassis and my palm for micro-adjustments.

The Superlight 2c shaves a little off its length compared to other compact options. The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed measures in at 119.6mm while the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless stretches out to 120mm. That shorter tail makes for easy pivoting towards the rear with the pinky and thumb.

While its 53g form factor is certainly lifting the scales compared to the best Logitech gaming mice available elsewhere, Corsair has posed one problem for the Superlight. The impressive Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight comes in at just 36g for a truly weightless feeling so, while the 2c is among the lighter mice released by mainstream brands in the last year, it's not the go-to if weight is everything.

That said, the build quality is extraordinary. These days, most gaming mice I test go up against the Keychron M7 8K. That's the best value pointer I've reviewed to date, offering pro-level specs at a far lower rate than you'll find most flagships. Logitech easily beats Keychron in its materials. There are no creaks to this chassis, and barely a flex. It's stocky, sturdy, and covered in a smooth matte texture. Put simply, this feels like a mouse that can go the distance.

Controls

If you've seen a Logitech Superlight mouse in the past, you know what you're getting here. The brand hasn't added anything to this button setup, you're still getting two side buttons and no DPI shifting options. The latter is a little disappointing. I like being able to toggle through my own DPI presets but it's a lesser used feature in day to day work and play.

One of the first things I noticed about the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c, however, was the scroll wheel. It's raised to a particularly comfortable height and provides a fantastic tight response with well defined notches and just the right amount of tensioning.

I can't quite layer the same praise on the side buttons. They lack that punch that I love in alternative models like the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, instead sitting a little limp on the left side. Sure, that lower travel and softer feel makes for speedy in-game movements if you position your hand right, but the back button always felt a little out of reach for me in a more relaxed palm hold.

Software

Logitech hasn't gone down the same web-based route of many of its contemporaries, instead sticking with G Hub as a downloadable program. While it's otherwise nice not to have to add to my downloads, I can't blame them.

G Hub is one of the slicker software suites available from mainstream brands, with a clean interface, intuitive menus, and reliable running. Keybindings are easily set from an image of the Superlight 2c itself, with a wide range of system settings to choose from and easy macro recording as well.

BHOP sensitivity is also customizable from 100ms to 1,000ms to ensure scroll wheel inputs are precise and any accidental hits are avoided. Five different DPI shifts are available from 400 to the full 44,000 whack. You'll also find presets available for a selection of genre scenarios as well.

Connection

Like most high-end flagships, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c drops the Bluetooth support of more casual devices, going all in on an 8,000Hz 2.4GHz connection. One of my favorite things about these Logi pointers is that you don't need an extra cable and receiver to keep this high-speed connection running, the 2c does it all from a single USB-A dongle. That's better than the best Razer mouse models offering the same high-speed polling rates, and I never suffered in latency as a result.

The 2c can also run in wired mode via a USB-C cable supplied in the box. If I had just spent $160 on this premium esports mouse, though, I'd be pretty frustrated to be greeted with a rubber cable. The cord itself can drag pretty easily, especially if you're using a desk mat. I'd expect a paracord option in here at this price.

Battery

This might be a smaller, lighter gaming mouse, but the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c can still hold its own in the battery arena. I've been running this device for two weeks now (with some 12-hour days sprinkled in there) and I'm still at 45% power. Logitech rates it for up to 95 hours of constant motion, a figure that has the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight beat and matches the larger, heavier Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. The 2c is also fully compatible with Logitech's PowerPlay charging mouse pad system as well.

Sensor

Logitech hasn't changed anything under the hood, leaving its Hero 2 sensor firmly intact. When the G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX launched this was an industry leading sensor, with 44,000 max DPI and an 888 IPS. Sure, most players aren't going to be playing at that full sensitivity, but the IPS tracking speed is certainly a benefit. Since then, Razer's best sensor has overtaken Logi. The DeathAdder V4 Pro debuted Sneki's competing model, with 45,000 max DPI and a higher 900 IPS.

Those numbers are only going to catch the most discerning of eyes, though. This is still an incredibly powerful eye, with smooth tracking on every surface I've tested on and customizable lift-off distance and asymmetric sensitivity settings available across the X and Y axis. That's a powerful device with the extra personalization features to back it up.

Switches

If you, like me, prefer a snappy, tactile mouse switch, you're going to be happy here. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c's hybrid clackers offer the crisp clack of a mechanical option while also maintaining the speed of an optical actuation. That makes for a robust, deep feel while still keeping a shorter actuation distance and nippy input.

It's as close to a perfect click as I've felt in the last year, with the reliability to keep up with faster repeat inputs to boot.

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c?

Logitech isn't ripping up the rulebook with its latest release, and that extends to its price tag. You're paying $159.99 for this high-end sensor, excellent set of switches, and a compact form factor, and the same launch price as most other esports flagships. That puts the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c on the same shelf as the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro and earlier Logitech releases. And yes, it does deserve to be there - but it's only tournament-level competitive players who should be taking it off that shelf. And only those after a compact design specifically should take it home.

Casual players won't get enough out of this rodent to justify its lofty price tag. If you prefer a smaller mouse, the Glorious Model O 2 Mini sacrifices the 8,000Hz polling rate you're unlikely to notice for a $99.99 price tag and only a couple extra grams on the weight. Similarly, those after a skinnier form factor will find better value in the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed at this price point.

If size truly doesn't matter, the DAV4 Pro still reigns supreme with its more sophisticated sensor, contoured shape, and better side buttons. It's significantly chunkier, though, and those with smaller hands will get on better with Logi's new release.

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c

I used the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c for a period of three weeks, a particularly busy three weeks at that. This rodent was at my side for some of the longest work days and evening play sessions I've had all year, but I predominantly tested in Doom: The Dark Ages, The Outer Worlds 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Beside those adventures, I ran the device in all my usual CS2 and Apex Legends tests as well.

For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up plenty more of the best wireless gaming mouse models, but if you're kitting out a whole setup check out the best gaming keyboard and best gaming headset options as well.

I was shocked when I reviewed the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight just a couple of months ago. This is a wireless gaming mouse with the sensor and polling specs of a Razer or Logitech flagship, and yet crams it all into a 36g form factor and $99.99 MSRP. Now that it's $20 off for Black Friday, this lightweight speedster is a must-see.

You'll find the V2 Pro Ultralight available for $79.99 on Amazon's shelves this week, marking the first time I've ever seen a price cut on one of the best gaming mouse models of the year. This is a relatively recent release, so any savings are impressive - especially considering it's already offering excellent value.

Taking a look at some of the other gaming mice included in Amazon's Black Friday deals puts that price cut in even better light. The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed is still up at $89.99 with $10 off its $99.99 MSRP, while the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is still three-figures at $129.99 (was $179.99). Both of those are record-lows, but you're still sacrificing the low weight of the Sabre and spending more.

That hurts to say - the G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is one of my personal favorite rodents and yes, it does sport a more powerful sensor set. However, if you're going for an ultra-low weight over specs that won't necessarily be worth it for everyday players the Sabre is by far the better buy.

Even compared to the similarly priced Cobra, the Sabre puts more of its emphasis on speed and performance over jack-of-all-trades features and still comes in $10 less.

The only thing I didn't like about the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight is its DPI shifting. There's no dedicated button to swap that sensitivity on the fly, you'll need to hold the right mouse button at the same time as a side clicker. The only problem is I could never seem to get it to work when another function was mapped which, if you're using a mouse like this, is going to be pretty regular.

Other than that this is a Black Friday gaming mouse deal I would happily buy myself if I didn't already have one in the cupboard.

• See all Black Friday deals at Amazon
• See more gaming mice at Amazon
• Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight | $99.99 $79.99 at Amazon

I'm rounding up plenty more of the best wireless gaming mice on the market, as well as the best Razer mice and best Logitech gaming mice for a look at the competition.

I'm the type of PC player who holds onto a gaming mouse longer than I probably should. That's because once I find something I like, I find it difficult to switch things up, but now that I've got HyperX's ridiculously customizable rodent as part of my setup, I genuinely might never have to deal with changing mice ever again.

That ultimately helps the HyperX Pulsefire Saga take on even the best gaming mouse options out there, and if it sounds like your dream clicker, you'll want to grab one while it's $99.99 at Amazon. It'll normally set you back $119.99 without a discount, but this early Black Friday gaming deal helps it reach its lowest price yet.

At a glance, the Pulsefire Saga could honestly pass for an office mouse. Yes, it has a splash of RGB on the top, but it's otherwise an unassuming clicker. At least, that's the case before you discover you can strip it down to its bones and dress it up however you'd please in 3D printed parts, which virtually transforms it into, well, anything you'd like.

And I mean anything, as while I was sensible and stuck with a shell that adds a thumb rest to its left-hand side, there are some absolutely bananas creations out there. The peripheral maker previously held a competition, with entries that remix the mouse's shell model into everything from a SNES controller to a DeLorean and even a very unwieldy beetle.

The whole point of the contest was to demonstrate just how customizable the Pulsefire Saga is thanks to its modular design. The front shell easily slides off using magnets, which adds a hot-swappable vibe, but you can pretty much replace the entire exterior of the mouse. Not only does that just make it endlessly customizable, but it means if it does eventually get crusty, you can just print an entire new shell.

Even if you like to swap your mouse routinely, you could just basically make any shape you like using Pulsefire Saga prints. I'm not saying you should try and remix the shell to look like other mice out there, but y'know, you could do that instead of spending more money on a new rodent. I guess the main barrier there is that you'll have to get access to a 3D printer and dive into modelling, but hey, what's another hobby to add to the pile?

It is worth stressing that there is more to the Pulsefire Saga than magical dress-up abilities. HyperX's wireless mouse boasts 8K polling, a 26K sensor, and tactile optical switches that all make for a great competitive clicker. I've already clocked in quite a few hours in Overwatch 2 using the accessory, and while my own skills are still questionable, it has ensured that nothing is holding me back in terms of accuracy and speed.

One of my only gripes with the Pulsefire Saga is that it lacks the optional weights I've become accustomed to with the Mountain Makalu Max. Funnily enough, that's potentially only a temporary con, as once I figure out a way to incorporate that feature into a new 3D printed shell, I'll have zero complaints.

I'm sure some of you would rather trade the modularity for something completely cutting-edge. There are mice like the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro with a superior sensor out there, but I'd say, unless you're actually playing professionally, the performance difference won't be drastic. Plus, with a discount, the Pulsefire Saga just feels like a mouse that could end up being part of many setups for longer than most others out there, even if it's a bit of a Ship of Theseus scenario.

• More gaming mice at Amazon
• Gaming keyboards at Amazon

Looking for more PC accessories? Swing by the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming headsets to enhance your setup. We've also got you covered with the best gaming desks if you fancy an entire overhaul.

I'm conflicted about the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless.

On the one hand, I'm enjoying these hot-swappable batteries, but on the other I'm not entirely sure the problem they solve requires a $159.99 price tag to fix.

And that's the central issue with the latest release. Where Glorious initially set out to produce low-weight speedsters, its latest rodent is focused more on quality of life features.

It's a larger, heavier pointer than its predecessors, with a giant glow of RGB lighting in the middle, and a whole separate control / charging dongle. Priced the same as some of the best gaming mouse models on the market, this rat's going to need to fight.

Design

'Finally,' I thought, when taking the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless out of the box for the first time 'a mouse that doesn't look like everyone else's.'

It's the panelled design and great big glowing RGB strip in the middle that sets the Model O 3 Wireless apart. Everything is separated into chunks, unlike the seamless aesthetics of flagship esports models like the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro and Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX. That means the main clicks look like their own separate paddles, and both the back hump and side panels are floating on their own in a sea of RGB.

This is going to be a love it or hate it design for sure. Thankfully, the fairly wide base (though not quite as chunky as the Corsair M75 Wireless) and mid-scale height keep it comfortable for longer sessions. I also never felt those gaps in the main chassis during play, and am more thankful that Glorious has stepped away from a cutout design.

The whole thing weighs a little more than some previous entries. The Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless comes in at just 57g, while the Glorious Series 2 Pro had it beat at 55g. We're on par with the chunkier 66g Glorious Model D 2 instead, sitting at the top-end of the competitive space.

That weight drops significantly without a battery installed (relying only on the 10 hour 'Hero' charge), hitting the low 60s instead.

I came to this rodent after testing the featherweight Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight and certainly felt the strain. After getting used to it, though, there's still more strain here compared to lighter options from Razer and Logitech. Interestingly, though, Glorious has done a good job of balancing the extra weight added by the battery - I couldn't discern any noticeable drag from the back end.

Controls

Glorious hasn't padded its larger mouse out with additional buttons, instead opting for the traditional two side clickers. There's also a DPI shifter up top under the scroll wheel, and a simple power button on the underside.

There's something else to consider here, though. The Model O 3 Wireless also comes with a much larger house for its 2.4GHz receiver. This is where you'll be plugging in your spare battery, but it also features a handy extra multi-function button that can be programmed to a range of different options.

I was a little underwhelmed by the side buttons and scroll wheel unfortunately. These two clickers have a particularly low tension underneath. While that didn't translate into unwanted presses in my own gameplay, I can see how someone who uses a tighter claw grip with larger hands could run into difficulty. Still, this sensitivity does make them nice and easy to hit in-game.

The scroll also feels weaker than other mice at this price point. Weapon swapping in Doom: The Dark Ages proved particularly frustrating, with the wheel not always providing a tactile sense of snap and often running over my desired stopping point. It feels like these notches need to be more clearly defined, with less effort needed to get it going in the first place.

Software

All those clickers are configurable in Glorious's Core software, which also provides access to polling rates, DPI presets, and RGB lighting effects. Core hasn't always been my best friend, and it's a little rougher around the edges compared to Razer and Logitech. Everything's here, including more subtle sensor features like lift-off distances and motion sync, but it's slightly more punishing on the system.

There's just one missing thing here. There doesn't appear to be any way to record your own macros to assign as a keybinding. The option appears for all my Glorious keyboards, but is absent here - and killed my usual setup completely.

I also ran into one issue after updating my firmware, in which the 2.4GHz receiver wasn't connecting via the larger dongle house. I had to physically remove the smaller USB-A and plug it directly into my laptop to get things up and running again (before re-attaching it to the external charger), but it has been running smoothly since.

Connection

The Glorious Model O 3 Wireless runs on both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, running all the way up to an 8,000Hz wireless polling rate. Again, like many esports mice that high-speed rate is limited to a 2.4GHz connection and the max on the cable is 1,000Hz, which I still find odd to this day.

All that is run through an external dongle (but a smaller 2.4GHz receiver is available for use by itself). This additional housing is where you'll slot your spare battery, but also displays charge levels for your mouse and the charging battery, as well as polling rate and DPI levels.

Battery

It's taken us a little while in this review, but we're finally at the battery section, arguably one of the more important portions for the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless. There are essentially three batteries in play; two external pods that can be charged and swapped independently, and a 'Guardian' battery hardwired into the mouse itself. This is your backup should the hot-swappable charge die mid-game (though you'll get plenty of warning via flashing red LEDs).

Glorious states that each battery should last around 60 hours with an additional 10 hours inside the mouse itself, and I found myself swapping out roughly every other day.

It's a neat feature. Is it worth $159.99? I'm not entirely sure.

Look, I hate having to drag a cable around mid-game as much as the next gal, but do I hate it enough to drop $160 on a gaming mouse that doesn't quite have the same premium polish as similarly priced flagships? I think I'd rather be more disciplined in plugging in at the end of each session.

Don't get me wrong, if you absolutely hate having to contend with wires this is the mouse for you. I haven't seen any others offering this level of battery versatility, but these batteries aren't exactly a silver bullet.

Sensor

Glorious's very own BAMF sensor is running this joint, hitting 30,000 DPI sensitivity with a 750 IPS. That's pretty par for the course these days and on the same level as other competitors in the mid-range price tag. You could get snotty and say both the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro improve on these specs for the same rate, and I'd agree. Ultimately, though very few players are going to be hitting the ceilings of this kind of tracking speed. That said, the higher IPS of Razer and Logi's flagships will give you a little more headroom if you're particularly nippy.

Switches

There's something going on with Glorious's optical switches. These are speed-focused clickers, with a fairly harsh landing but nevertheless responsive feel overall. I'm still hearing a ping from the main buttons that I generally only ever experience with mechanical buttons, though.

There's something squeaking away under these paddles, taking us far from the soft, smooth feel of Razer and Logitech's devices and almost back in time. It's less obvious in lighter touches, and doesn't exactly echo across the entire desk. In quieter moments, though, it easily stood out to me - and was one of the first things I noticed.

Should you buy the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless?

Glorious is making some moves here, but I'm not exactly sure they're warranted given the final price. $159.99 is a popular resting spot for the elites of the gaming mouse market, and there's some seriously impressive competition out there.

The overall build of the chassis, mouse switches, and software simply can't compete with Razer and Logitech's rodents. Without those hot-swappable batteries this would be a solid gaming mouse at about $80. After all, the Keychron M7 8K still offers all that esports-level speed in a similar weight for $69.99, and the NZXT Lift Elite has a similar (though lighter) proposition for $79.99.

You're spending a lot on that fancy charging, and I just don't think it's worth it. Hey, if you'd pay $80 to never have to touch a cable again then the Model O 3 Wireless is your oyster. Personally, I'd rather just set a timer to plug in.

How I tested the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless

I used the Glorious Model O 3 Wireless for three weeks before my final review, primarily running it across Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Planet Coaster while also testing directly in Apex Legends and CS2. I also used the device as my everyday workhorse as well. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market, and checking out all the best Razer mice and best Logitech gaming mice as well.

If you've long hoped that you could ditch your diffuser or air freshener for a computer mouse, then your bizarre wish has finally been granted. Asus is finally releasing its Fragrance Mouse in the US, eight months after unveiling the thing on its website.

The Asus Fragrance Mouse MD101 might seem like your standard PC mouse on the surface, connecting via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth to your PC or desktop. The 'Fragrance' comes in through a small compartment that you can fill with aromatic oils. Presumably, it releases these sniffs slowly as you use the mouse; I must confess that the more I write about it, the more I am curious to try it. Just maybe not instead of the best gaming mouse. You can buy the mouse for $59.99 in white or rose, and it's on sale at Asus' website right now.

Judging by Asus' promotion, you're not just paying for a smelly mouse. The company promises that it was designed with a smooth gliding feel, super-fast connectivity and a robust design that'll withstand up to 10 million clicks. For context, you could click 250 times every day for 100 years, and still not hit that figure.

The Fragrance Mouse isn't the only product Asus is introducing to the US market. You can buy a new keyboard to accompany it (though not one that'll smell). Meet the Marshmallow Keyboard KW100, a wireless and compact keyboard that's also on sale now.

The keyboard costs $59.99 as well and you can buy it in Iridescent White, Rose Clay, Oat Milk or Green Tea Latte. I hope whoever came up with those latter names is staying hydrated.

The Marshmallow is a compact wireless keyboard which works with a range of operating systems. Its keycaps are arched, the body has foam to reduce typing noise and it has small kickstands. More, you can pair the keyboard to multiple devices and quickly switch between them.

When buying either the mouse or keyboard at Asus' store, you can choose to bundle them both together and save $14.99. In addition you can save $5 off just one if you don't want to get both, as long as you buy before November 11.

Sadly, these come a bit too late in the year for there to be a good chance of Black Friday gaming deals on them, but perhaps you can pick up scented oils in bulk for your mouse at the very least.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• Asus Fragrance Mouse | $59.99 at ASUS website
• Asus Marshmallow Keyboard | $59.99 at Asus

We're also rounding up all the best gaming keyboards we've tested, as well as the best wireless gaming mice (though they might not smell as good). Or, take a look at the best gaming headsets available.

I'll say it. If Razer or Logitech made the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight it would cost $160. It's not every day I praise a brand for its restrained pricing, and I can't remember the last time I did so for Corsair, but at $99.99 / £89.99 the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight is actually pacing incredibly well.

This is a super light 36g speedster with 8,000Hz polling, a solid 33K sensor, and even a commendable battery life with all that included. It's not the cheapest rodent on the market, but considering you're getting everything you need for a competitive run with an incredibly low weight to boot, it's certainly an interesting promise.

It's got some heavy competition from the best gaming mouse models on the market, and more of a niche to its ideal user. If you want your mouse to become an extension of your arm, though, this is the way to go.

Design

We'll start with the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight's biggest medal. This thing weighs just 36g - that's the lightest mainstream gaming mouse I've tested yet. The lowest weight you'll typically find in a rodent from a major gaming brand like this (stepping away from smaller, more focused esports names) is around 50 - 55g. Most tend to stick to a 60 - 65g weight profile.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX ups those numbers to 60g, with the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro measuring up at 56g. Both of these mice are high-end luxuries designed for low weights and high speeds.

So what does that low weight actually give you in-game? It's far more noticeable in faster games, where wide sweeps, quick pivots, and twitch reflex movements in low DPI settings feel effortless. Lifting the mouse in a longer pan, for example, requires almost nothing from my thumb and pinky. If you have the reflexes to match, that can unlock some serious speed on the battlefield.

And still, the Sabre never falls into the common trap of feeling cheap at this weight. Its simple shape and matte finish make it incredibly comfortable in the hand. Where other mice like the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless need to cut holes in their chassis' to achieve a low weight this is a fully intact body.

That's pretty impressive. There are no uncomfortable cutouts here, we've got a smooth, crisp material to work with, and there's not a hint of a creak when squeezing the device either side to side or from the top and bottom. The Keychron M7 8K is a cheaper lightweight alternative (though it's a hefty 63g compared to the Corsair), but you do sacrifice this kind of build quality.

The Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight is available in black or white, with fairly minimal branding. A slightly glossy logo is only just visible on the back panel of my black model, with a small gradient effect in light gray at the top of the left flank.

Controls

Onboard controls are light, but you're still getting the basics you'd expect from every mouse. Two side buttons are easily accessible from the left flank, sitting at just the right height. Underneath, there's just a single on/off button with no dedicated DPI or polling controls to be seen.

DPI can be shifted on the mouse itself, by holding the right mouse button at the same time as the back button for three seconds. In my experience, though, this only works when nothing else is mapped to the side button - which kind of defeats its purpose in the first place. That's tricky to get over, but if you don't tend to swap DPI on the fly it shouldn't make much of a difference.

Software

I've never been shy in my distaste for Corsair's iCue program, to the extent that the fact the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight avoids it completely goes down as a big win my book. Everything is condensed down to a web portal, Corsair Web Hub has less depth than other native programs such as Razer Synapse but it gets the job done without clogging up your system.

Here you can change keybindings, set your own macros, and create your DPI presets. This is also where you'll be updating your firmware, tweaking polling rates, and setting sleep time to save battery. Speaking of charge, I'm always a little frustrated when web-based programs don't show me how much battery I have left. Like many others, the Corsair Web Hub just gives you a color - you have to guess the rest, I was on 'red' for a while.

Connection

Perhaps the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight manages to keep its price manageable by staying laser focused on its goal. There's no Bluetooth connection in here, but there rarely is on more esports-focused mice. That means you've got a little less versatility with multiple devices, but ultimately most players will be using the 2.4GHz receiver anyway.

This is, however, another cable. Razer does this as well, pops its 8,000Hz receivers onto the end of a cable rather than using a simple USB dongle like Logitech. I get the benefits. You can swing the actual receiver much closer to the mouse to reduce interference. It is frustrating to add another cable into the mix, though, especially if you're looking for the best wireless gaming mouse to cut down on the cords.

Still, this thing can poll at the full 8,000Hz over a wireless connection - something of a rarity in this sub-$100 price category. That said, the tech is getting cheaper incredibly quickly and competitors at this range are growing fast. Compared to something like the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed, though, Corsair is ahead of the game amongst more mainstream brands.

I'll say it again, though. You shouldn't be basing your whole purchase decision on this factor. High-speed polling rates will only be noticed by the top 1% of elite players, let alone be beneficial. The vast majority of us only need 1,000Hz - or 4,000Hz if you want to grow your skills.

Battery

70 hours of battery life isn't considered high in the current gaming mouse world. But there are some caveats here.

I'm actually impressed with this level of endurance. After all, a lot of weight is generally devoted to battery - and the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight has chopped that weight right down. The Keychron M7 8K has double the battery life at 140 hours, but it's also nearly double the weight.

The NZXT Lift Elite has that same 70 hour battery inside it and bumps your weight up to 57g. Yes, you'll need to plug in more than you would with the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, but if a lightweight form factor means more to you it's a necessary sacrifice. We're still talking a once-weekly charging session here, and that's if it's in constant motion for ten hours a day.

Sensor

The Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight uses the brand's Marksman S optical sensor, rated at a 33,000 DPI with a 750 IPS. DPI aside (because, really, nobody runs a gaming mouse at its full sensitivity), that IPS tracking speed is up there with the upper mid-range of the moment. Premium mice from Logitech and Razer can bump that up to 888 and 900 respectively for pristine precision at high speeds, but 750 is still above average in a two-figure price tag.

In actual use, tracking is remarkably accurate and I never noticed any stuttering or deviation during faster sweeps. The sensor does, however, start to weaken when the battery gets low. This is when I noticed a little jittering during both productivity and gameplay.

Switches

While many esports-focused gaming mice are opting for super-fast optical switches, Corsair has gone old school with its mechanical clickers. They may drop a few milliseconds off the lightning fast speeds of the likes of Razer and Logitech's fastest mice. However, they are feel much more satisfying.

Casual players aren't going to notice a difference in their battlefield speed here, but everyone will appreciate the crisp actuation. No, repeat presses aren't quite as fluid as the shortest optical clickers on the market - there's a little more resistance to each main click. They're still reliable, chatter-free, and smooth.

Should you buy the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight?

Considering the Razer DeathAddver V4 Pro comes in at $169.99 and Logitech's G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is at a similar $159.99 MSRP, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight does a lot with its two-figure price tag. There are cheaper options out there, but few offer such a low weight with this kind of substance underneath.

Of course, it goes without saying, if that ultralight experience is your ultimate aim in upgrading your gaming mouse - this is a must-see. It's an incredibly fluid feeling that doesn't compromise on build quality or battery life (too much, anyway). On top of that you're getting the 8,000Hz polling rate and 750 IPS that provides the headroom for those skills to improve as well.

If, however, you're after a macro-heavy pointer for games that require more inventory management or a reliance on combos you might need something with more configurable inputs.

How I tested the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight

I've been using the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight for three weeks now, running the rodent for all my daily work and play during that time. I primarily tested across Doom: The Dark Ages, Apex Legends, and CS2, with a healthy amount of The Sims 2 and Spiritfarer thrown in. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mouse models if you're keen to see what the competition's up to. Or, take a look at the best gaming keyboards for more setup upgrades.

Every now and then, a gadget comes along that I can recommend to everyone - not just my gaming pals. That's what happened when the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE landed on my desk earlier this year and now I'm very happy to report it's cheaper than ever before.

The MMO gaming mouse has just dropped to $79.99 for only the second time in its life, thanks to Amazon's current Prime Day deals. That's a $60 saving on the $139.99 MSRP where I normally only ever see $40 off when it's on sale. The best part? This is one of the best gaming mouse models I've tested, but it's just as stacked for productivity.

That's because of that 12-button array on the side.

This is a staple of dedicated MMO mice, which need to have plenty of space for a wide range of easily accessible keybindings in-game. I've never been a massive fan of these titles, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE performs just as well in my day to day work.

Every single one of those buttons can be mapped to whatever you need. I personally had everything set up with volume controls, regular keyboard shortcuts, media playback, and Chrome tab navigation on each column. Once I'd nailed that muscle memory, I absolutely flew through my day.

Not only that, but because Corsair now owns Elgato you're also getting full Stream Deck functionality in here. That means access to the full library of plugins built around not just streaming, but productivity as well. So no, you don't need to be a gamer to get value out of this premium gaming mouse deal.

Should you buy the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE?

Ultimately, whether that means you should dive straight into the 12-button world depends on how committed you are to integrating it into your setup. If you're also a gamer you're going to get more mileage out of that 33,000 DPI and 750 IPS tracking speed. However, the 114g weight (and the particular balancing going on here) means it's not ideal for faster paced first-person shooters.

At $79.99, though, non-gamers have license to ignore those more premium specs. Instead, it's the solid 150 hour battery life, easy 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections, and - of course - those lovely buttons that need to prove their worth.

If you're upgrading your setup with a wireless pointer, or simply want to streamline your workflow without relying on a completely separate macro pad, this is a winner.

• See more Prime Day deals at Amazon
• Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE | $139.99 $79.99 at Amazon

I'm also tracking down all the best wireless gaming mice and the best Logitech gaming mouse models on the market. Or, for a full setup rework, check out the best gaming keyboards on the market.

This time last year, I was shopping for a new gaming mouse. I didn't have much on my checklist of features, I just new that I wanted one with a pinky groove because I can't remember the last time I didn't have a mouse with one, and I now don't want to go without one. I was scrolling through Amazon deals and I found a very silly MMO mouse. Sure, it wasn't one of the best gaming mice on the market, but it had what I was looking for.

In fact, it had a bit more than that. On its left-hand side, where your thumb sits, it has a number pad with 12 programmable buttons. At the time, I got it for £35 here in the UK, and in the US it sits rather stubbornly at around $35 most of the time. That's still pretty reasonable for a mouse, but thanks to Prime Day you can get one for just $24.29 at Amazon

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a clown, because when I'm gaming, I use an Azeron keypad with 30 mappable keys on it. I use this to create my own unique control schemes in every game I play, because I'm a sick, sick individual. Adding an MMO mouse to the mix would give me even more functionality at my fingertips, and it'd be a way to take my sickness to extremes. I really did it as a meme to make my girlfriend, co-workers, and any other house guests laugh at how extra my setup was, but now I cannot imagine playing games without it.

As it happens, I liked the experience of using this mouse so much that I bought a second one so that I had the same one at my desk and my couch setup. That way, I also had more consistent aim and DPI settings when playing competitive shooters, regardless of where I wanted to play games in the evening.

To be honest, I found that once I had access to the 12 extra mappable functions on my mouse hand, I felt like I was really missing the functionality when it wasn't there. In some games, I map the 12 numbered keys to the numbers on a keyboard, which means quicker access to my tools in games like Hunt: Showdown, instead of scrolling through them or reaching for a faraway slot on a deck. I've never mapped these to my Azeron Cyborg II, so it felt like a perfect fit.

In other games like Dying Light: The Beast, I'll map the mouse buttons to things like checking my wrist watch or toggling my torch, or using a medkit, which frees my left hand up for all of Crane's other actions.

The only catch is that the Redragon software can be a little confusing to learn, and games don't recognise the mouse keys as extra physical buttons in settings menus; they need to be mapped to keyboard functions, which may or may not impact how you use them.

In terms of comfort though, I love this mouse. There's a really comfortable grip here for folks with larger hands, or for anyone who finds that their pinky isn't catered to with regular mice. I also find there are loads of DPI settings and profiles to play with to give you the best feel, and if you want to change DPI settings between games, the profiles will allow you to do that. I've got the number keys set to directions in my Helldivers 2 profile, which makes calling for Stratagems on the move really easy.

I honestly did buy this mouse as a meme, but now it's one of my favorite parts of my gaming setup, and one I'd happily recommend to anyone looking for a bit more functionality in their right hand. With this current Prime Day deal bringing it $10 less than it was both times I bought it, I'm jealous of anyone grabbing one now. Maybe I should get a third one just in case I need a replacement at some point...

• View all gaming mice at Amazon
• Azeron Cyborg II: $217 at Amazon
• Corsair's MMO mouse: $79.99 at Amazon

Looking for some new gaming accessories this Prime Day? Check out the best PC controller, the best wireless gaming mouse, and the best gaming keyboard.

It's heartbreaking, but very now and then a gaming mouse passes my desk that just falls a tenth of an inch short of being one of the greats. In the case of the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2, that tiny nick in the throne came in the form of an MSRP that just felt a little stretched.

I loved this budget gaming mouse, but at $59.99 it just wasn't easy to recommend to others considering the best gaming mice it was competing with. On sale for $42.99 at Amazon, though? Knock yourself out.

Should you buy the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2?

Back in May, I said I was hopeful for the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2. It's right there, in writing - "as soon as it nears $40 or even $45, this is going to be a steal." I even made it the headline.

That's because there are so many features baked into this pointer that you just won't find at in the $40 - $50 price range day to day. It's a wireless device that can operate across both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, with a replaceable battery that can keep you running for up to 200 hours.

Its relatively small form factor means it can maintain excellent speed and precision on the battlefield, but the wider base still keeps it comfortable for a more relaxed palm or claw grip as well. Personally speaking, I also loved the textured surface.

A growing number of fancy flagships are opting for a matte finish these days, but I just prefer the tactility of a bumpy chassis. It provides a little extra grip yes, but it also means fewer clammy gaming sessions.

Underneath all that you've got a SteelSeries-modified Pixart 3335 sensor, clocking in at an 18,000 DPI with a 400 IPS. Those are entry level numbers but just remember, very few players actually move beyond 6,000 DPI with any regularity. The brands telling you you need 40,000 are lying - it's just an easy marketing win.

Most importantly, the Rival 3 Wireless is comfortable, versatile, easy to maneuver, and provides the standard side buttons (though they could be a little thicker) you need. It also does it at a great price.

Why didn't I love it at $59.99 then? There are a couple of $69.99 mice getting in the way.

The Keychron M7 8K is the best wireless gaming mouse on the market for sheer value and comes in $10 more than the SteelSeries while offering a rechargeable battery, boosted sensor, faster polling rate, and a lower weight. That's a no-brainer.

With that upgrade costing you nearly $30 on top of today's sale price, budget-friendly value starts to shift in SteelSeries' direction.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 | $59.99 $42.99 at Amazon

I'm also hunting down all the best Razer mouse models and the best Logitech gaming mice on the market. Check out the best gaming keyboards for more accessories as well.

I'm constantly on a hunt for the best gaming mouse, testing dozens of rodents and ranking them in my list of top recommendations. Before Razer launched the Deathadder V4 Pro, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX was king of the castle. Now a $50 discount makes it a must-see this weekend.

You'll find the 60g esports gaming mouse available for $129.99 at Amazon, down from the original $179.99 MSRP. That starting price has risen since I first reviewed the DEX, but today's sale rate still represents a record-low. I'd only ever seen this model at $139.99 in previous discounts and they were few and far between.

At $129.99, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is now considerably cheaper than the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro.

The latter currently sits at the top of my recommendation list, thanks to its higher quality sensor, lower weight, and longer battery life. With today's discount, though, the number's don't quite match up.

You'll be spending $169.99 on the Razer DAV4 at Amazon - a full $40 more than the Superlight 2 DEX. Considering most players aren't elite esports professionals who will make the most of those smaller improvements, Logitech is winning the battle this weekend.

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX?

Logitech's flagship offers better value when compared against Razer's big guns, then. But is it the right gaming mouse for you?

I'll be the first to admit, I was surprised when I first took the Superlight 2 DEX out of the box. I wasn't the biggest fan of the original Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. Its flat side design was a little uninspired and it never curved naturally with my hand.

The DEX rectifies that straight away. There's a much higher gradient to this side panel, with a natural, comfortable sweep to the left flank that makes gripping and relaxing infinitely more enjoyable. Not only that, but these are particularly satisfying main clicks. If you like a contoured chassis shape with deep, almost thocky switches you're going to have a great time here.

That 60g form factor stays nimble on the battlefield, but with a reassuring heft to each movement. That's a comforting amount of precision and control without sacrificing twitch-reflex speed.

If you want to spend a little less you can opt instead for the Keychron M7 8K. You're not getting the rock-solid build quality or the sensor speed of Logitech's model here, but you are still keeping 8,000Hz polling and a comfortable frame. You'll also find a spare $60 in your pocket at the end of it - the M7 8K comes in at just $69.99 at Amazon. It is, after all, the best wireless gaming mouse for sheer value that I've tested.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX | $179.99 $129.99 at Amazon
• Keychron M7 8K | $69.99 at Amazon

I'm also rounding up plenty more of the best Logitech gaming mice and best Razer mouse models on the market. Or, take a look at the best gaming keyboards for more setup upgrades.

Corsair has just unveiled its next gaming mouse, a super feather-weight 36g speedster with a simple design and two-figure price tag. The Corsair Sabre V2 Pro is one of the lightest gaming mice I've seen from a mainstream brand, but it's also occupying a competitive $99.99 price point.

That's where you'll find some of the best gaming mouse value on the market right now, with the likes of the Keychron M7 8K and Razer Cobra Hyperspeed currently battling it out. Considering both of those options aren't far off double the Sabre's weight, things are certainly heating up in the lightweight category.

Most FPS-first gaming mice I test weigh in somewhere between 50 and 65, and those on the lighter side tend to drill holes into their chassis' to keep things low on the scales. Corsair's kept its entire back panel intact, though, which should make for a more comfortable experience overall (some, including myself, often find those cut-outs a little abrasive against the palm).

At 36g, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro is lighter than the best wireless gaming mice I've had on my desk in years. Sub-$100 options are rapidly lowering their weights as batteries get cheaper and more advanced, and sensors grow more efficient.

However, Razer's Cobra Hyperspeed ($99.99) logs in at 62g and the $69.99 Kechron M7 8K is right behind it at 63g. Even the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro, Sneki's current esports-focused flagship, would tip the scales at 56g.

There's a reason few gaming mice opt for this ultra lightweight form factor, though. You need some kind of grounding to maintain precision and control, weight isn't always a bad thing.

Corsair's got the speediest players in its sights here, though, those who need to zip their camera around in an instant, flick up to a well-practiced headshot before their brain's even registered a signal, or pull wider movements faster and more frequently.

Realistically, the vast majority of players aren't going to see the benefits of this uber low weight - it may even become a hindrance if your accuracy isn't elite-level. Still, with an 8,000Hz polling rate, 33K DPI / 750 IPS sensor, and symmetrical shape, the Sabre V2 Pro could represent a solid upgrade for those with their sights set on the arena.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• More Corsair mice at Amazon
• Corsair Sabre V2 Pro | $99.99 at Corsair

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mouse models for more options, or check out the best gaming keyboards for extra setup inspiration.

Logitech has just its latest gaming mouse, a lightweight esports pointer with real-time haptics under each main click. We'll have to wait a little while for it though, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike launches some time in Q1 2026.

Very few of the best gaming mouse brands are willing to explore the world of haptic feedback. It's risky business, throwing motors into a lightweight device designed to prioritize precision and comfort. Logitech isn't rumbling your hand with in-game effects, though. Instead the Superstrike replaces traditional mouse clicks with its Superstrike Technology - a combination of analog sensing tech and haptic motors.

In short, you're not pressing a button - you just feel like you are.

It works similarly to Apple's Macbook touchpads, but with one key difference. Like many of the best gaming keyboards, this actuation is customizable in ten-step increments. You choose the force required to hit your main click, with different levels available on the left and right.

Logitech wants to dramatically reduce latency with this new toy, with early testing showing "improvements of up to 30 ms, depending on how the key is pressed."

Elsewhere, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike weighs in at 65g, slightly heavier than the brand's traditional esports mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX. The brand's Hero 2 sensor is back in action, with a 44,000 DPI and 888 IPS tracking speed. All that polls at 8,000Hz wirelessly.

Battery life looks to have taken a slight hit from this haptic tech, coming in at 90 hours whereas previous Superlight releases have been in the 100 - 110 region.

There's no doubt about it, this is a gaming mouse aimed squarely at the pros - its $179.99 launch price gives that information away for free. Casual players won't find the additional immersion they may expect from a haptic device, and likely won't notice the faster speeds afforded to them by the latency reduction and high polling rates.

Still, if you expect to find yourself at the top of the leaderboards by January it's well worth keeping an eye out.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike was announced at the brand's Logi Play event today, alongside the G Pro X Superlight 2c. The next Superlight scales things down into a more compact form factor for those who prefer a lighter, more flickable pointer.

At 51g it's built for twitch-reflex actions and maintains the Superlight's esports-focused spec sheet with that 8,000Hz polling rate and Hero 2 sensor. It's heading to stores on October 21, at the same $159.99 launch price as the full-sized models.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX | $179.99 $149.99 at Amazon

I've been testing plenty more of the best wireless gaming mouse models as well as the best Logitech gaming mice. Or, for a different brand check out the best Razer mouse I've seen yet.

The Cobra is a jack of all trades line, and I said as much in my review of the Pro model two years ago. At $99.99, but still sporting all Razer's main features, the Cobra Hyperspeed is the ultimate jack - but compared to cheaper alternatives it's only going to make sense for a specific player type.

Cutting straight to the chase, if you don't want to invest in high-end features now, but might later, this is the best gaming mouse for your specific needs. If you just want the best value for money, I'd point you towards some alternatives.

I've had my paws on a massive range of pointers over the last few years, but more than a few are coming for the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed's price tag. I've been testing the $100 gaming mouse for weeks now, but I've also been pitting it against the $69.99 Keychron M7 8K, $79.99 NZXT Lift Elite, and $69.99 Hyperspeed versions of Razer's Viper V3 and Deathadder V3.

Design

The Hyperspeed doesn't stray too far from the design language used in the slightly more premium ($129.99) Razer Cobra Pro. This is still a right-handed gaming mouse with a symmetrical shape, slimline form factor, and fractured, paneled aesthetic.

This time around there's no rubberized grip panels on the sides, which I did miss considering there's not much of a grain to this plastic chassis. On the plus side, it feels like weight is distributed a little better, with less of a drag towards the back of the device.

It's smaller than most gaming mice I test, even super-lightweight FPS-first models. Measuring in at 119.6 x 62.5 x 38.1 mm, it's slightly larger than the NZXT Function Elite, but manages to look a little slimmer with a more severe slope down to the front buttons. It's also much smaller than the Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed, which is both longer and wider in the hand.

Side by side, the Cobra feels more flickable with its skinnier profile and lower dome height. It's far more wieldable in a claw grip, with less pressure on the pinky when making finer movements. That's where I find myself most comfortable when using a gaming mouse, but it's worth noting that palm grip users might struggle here.

Compact mice rarely provide full support for a more relaxed position, but the Glorious Model O 2 Mini offers a higher dome for additional comfort. The shorter style of the Cobra Hyperspeed means things can feel a little cramped if you're not arching your hand.

In my natural claw grip, I stayed comfortable throughout regular work days and longer gaming sessions. I have smaller hands, but they're not tiny - those with larger grabbers may feel a little squished.

The device itself looks great. Razer has kept the paneled design of the Pro, as well as the glossy accents running in between each element. RGB lighting lifts a logo on the rear, with underglow lighting providing something of a glow (I needed to whack it up to 100% brightness to get any real effect going).

The only thing I missed when swapping between the Keychron M7 and Cobra Hyperspeed was the small thumb rest on the former. In a slimmer mouse, it adds a little extra positioning and saves your hand from running along the top of your desk surface.

Features

Razer has nailed the basics here, focusing on the features everyday players will actually use rather than investing too much of its price tag in fancy esports extras. That means you're getting a 26,000 DPI sensor with 500 IPS tracking speed, 1,000Hz polling straight out the box, and a 110 hour battery life on 2.4GHz.

Those are the kinds of specs the vast majority of gamers should be shooting for, but Razer doesn't want you to stop there. More competitive players looking for the kinds of speeds offered by luxury devices like the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro can upgrade to 8,000Hz wireless polling with an additional purchase.

That's a $30 upgrade, bringing the total cost of the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed to $129.99 if you want the fastest experience possible. Considering the Deathadder comes in at a hefty $169.99, it's not a ridiculous value proposition. Just keep an eye on the Razer Viper V3 Pro, it polls at the full 8,000Hz straight out the box and offers a lighter 54g form factor for a $159.99 MSRP, but sales can drop that as low as $110 - $140.

There's one flaw to this plan, though. The Keychron M7 8K offers speedy polling rates straight away, without requiring an additional purchase - and it does so for $69.99. So does the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless. That's a bit awkward for Razer.

The Cobra has one more sword in this fight, though. You'll be charging your mouse via the included USB-C cable to start off with (much better than replacing the batteries inside the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed). If you're after a fancier setup down the line, though, it's also compatible with the brand's range of wireless charging accessories. Again, this is an additional purchase - but it's a headroom that the other brands can't offer. Is it worth it? Only if you want room to upgrade later on without having to buy a whole new mouse.

Elsewhere, the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed swaps the Keychron M7 8K's sniper button for an additional clicker just under the scroll wheel. By default, this is mapped to the brand's AI features - I've tried these in Synapse, they're essentially a shortcut to ChatGPT. Throw that away and you've got a fully remappable button at your disposal (great for DPI shifting, whereas most Razer mice tend to drop this button to the underside of the device).

That makes for a total of 9 programmable controls, mappable over 5 onboard presets.

Wireless connections remain versatile, with 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired options available. Each runs smoothly, though the former will drain your battery a little faster. It's worth noting that the NZXT Function Elite drops Bluetooth all together.

Performance

The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed is plenty speedy on the battlefield. With a slimline form factor, easy-to-hit side buttons, and a solid sensor, I never noticed any drops in gameplay or dragging around the arena. There aren't as many sensor tricks in here as you'll find in premium models, but those sacrifices make sense for this more generalist gaming mouse.

Again, that 500 IPS isn't going to cut the mustard if you're an ultra-fast competitive player but everyday casuals like me will be well served. This is the lowest IPS among my testing pool, with the Keychron M7 8K offering 750 and the Glorious Model O 2 Mini coming in with 650. Everything else tends to track at these kinds of speeds, so the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed is a little behind.

Nevertheless, I still found wider, faster movements to maintain their positional accuracy decently. There's an instinctive feeling that things could be snappier during particularly fast gameplay, but it was never enough to actually make a difference to my boringly average skills.

Like the rest of the mouse, the optical switches under the main clicks aren't built for pure speed. Instead, they feel satisfying and well textured, if a little heavier than similarly priced competitors. They're not as bouncy as the Glorious Model O 2 Mini, and repeat presses are harder to nail as a result.

Should you buy the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed?

It's a solid enough mouse, but I don't think the vast majority of gamers will get their money's worth with the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed. Especially not when the Keychron M7 8K's out here with a better sensor, faster polling speeds, an arguably more comfortable design, and a lower price tag.

Still, there's a place for this mid-range rodent. If you're just starting to climb the leaderboards, but still generally play more casually it could be worth the investment. $99.99 is a far smaller outlay for a gaming mouse than you'll find in the top-end of esports-focused flagships. Rather than spending $160-$170 on a set of features you might not be making most of for a few years yet, the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed allows for a more gradual upgrade to faster polling rates as and when you need them.

I'm by no means excusing Razer's 'buy this mouse, now buy the features everyone wants' approach, but in stripping those expensive extras out (and then offering them to the players that actually want them) Razer has produced a more accessible mouse for more players.

Is it the best value sub-$100 gaming mouse I've tested? Probably not.

It's undeniable that the Keychron M7 8K offers better value overall, doing everything the Cobra does and more for a lower price. Ultimately, as all gaming mouse conversations do, it comes down to feel. If you want a larger mouse for palm and claw grips, Keychron is going to give you a lot more. If you prefer that flickable, ultra-light FPS-first feeling, Razer's at the top of your shopping list.

How I tested the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed

I used the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed for my day to day work and evening gameplay over the course of four weeks. I also tested side by side with the Keychron M7 8K, NZXT Lift Elite, Glorious Model O 2 Mini, Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed, and Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed. I primarily played Fallout 4 and Doom: The Dark Ages during that time, with some Tiny Bookshop thrown in, while also stress testing in CS2 and Apex Legends. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming mouse models as well as checking in on the best Logitech gaming mice and best left-handed gaming mice for more options.

Whenever anyone asks for best gaming mouse recommendations, I normally find myself saying one of two names out loud. Razer and Logitech have long dominated this world, with speedy sensors, comfortable chassis', and super crisp click switches. Competition between these brands is fierce, with each model looking to outdo the other's alternative in specs, comfort and functionality.

Reddit favors Logitech overall, citing the Superlight series as the best of the best (RedditRecs), and a few months ago I would have agreed. Since getting my hands on the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, though, that's all changed.

On paper, the DV4 has the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX (my previous top pick) absolutely smashed. The Razer Focus Pro 45K sensor features a higher 45,000 DPI sensor (compared to the DEX's 44,000), with a boosted 900 IPS tracking speed. That makes for more precise movement at high speed and more granular controls at a lower DPI setting. Yes, Logitech's contender benefits from a faster 88g acceleration, but Razer's eye is ultimately sharper.

Combine that with a lighter weight and a higher battery life, and it's difficult to recommend the Superlight over Razer's new Deathadder, especially to competitive players.

That's not to say I prefer using Razer's pointer in every scenario, though. In fact, more casual players will still do very well with a Superlight under their fingertips.

The moral of the story? Yes, Razer has the best wireless gaming mouse on the market right now in the Deathadder V4 Pro. It's faster, more competent, and offers more software features. However, that's not the be all and end all.

The majority of players won't make the most of Razer's additional specs - they won't even push the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX to its max. Finding the right gaming mouse doesn't mean picking out the highest specs, it's about shape, weight, feel, and comfort. You'll have a far better experience with a rodent that fits your grip and hold preferences.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro | $169.99 at Amazon
• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX | $179.99 $139.99 at Amazon

I'm also rounding up all the best Logitech gaming mouse models and the best Razer mouse options for more contenders. Or, take a look at the best gaming keyboards for more setup upgrades.

Mario Paint is back, baby, and the SNES Expansion Pack version naturally takes advantage of Switch 2 mouse controls. I'd be writing angry letters right now to Mr Nintendo, albeit by recording my creations to a VHS tape like back in the '90s, if it failed to show up. However, rather than using the gaming handheld's fancy new Joy-Con to create masterpieces, I'll be using a specific NES-themed wireless rodent.

Yes, the 8Bitdo Retro R8 is a gaming mouse that takes visual cues from the NES rather than the SNES. I'll also admit that it's slightly overkill for messing around in Mario Paint, even if I do think using its composer mode makes me a legit musician. But, out of all the compatible USB mice out there, this one feels like a perfect fit, and there's nothing to stop you using it with your PC when you're not pretending to be a pixel Picasso.

Unlike 8Bitdo's first attempt at a NES-inspired mouse, the N30, the newer Retro R8 model strikes a balance between 8-bit aesthetics and modern ergonomics. Sure, the original is more interesting to look at since it boasts the same buttons as the retro console gamepad and a side D-pad to boot, but that means it's anything but a comfortable clicker.

Effectively, the R8 is a mouse that pays tribute to the NES without inflicting cramp. At a glance, it looks pretty contemporary, but its beige and grey shell actually has two concave buttons at each side that pay homage to the old controller. Embedding them in the body helps keep things streamlined while still hitting the right visual notes, and the fact that they're mappable means they're handy for shooters and modern PC releases too.

While not every mouse plays nice with Switch 2, the R8 works just fine via USB-C and its 2.4GHz dongle. In fact, you can hook its included stand straight up to either the handheld or the dock, which will, in turn, provide wireless connectivity and charging. In honesty, the form-fitting plinth is what makes this accessory truly stand out in my book, as it gives it weird vapourware retro sci-fi vibes that are extremely pleasing to the eye.

It's worth noting you don't need the 8Bitdo R8 or any gaming mouse to play Mario Paint since the Joy-Con will serve as a clicker. That said, I'd personally rather use something more traditional since the shape and size of the controllers make moving a cursor around feel a little odd, whereas dedicated peripherals feel more like the original SNES accessory.

You also don't even need a Switch 2 to play the new Mario Paint port with a mouse, as it also works on the OG Switch. You'll naturally have to use the dock since the handheld doesn't have that new top USB-C port, but it's still an option for those of you rocking the old console.

Before you try and properly delve into Mario Paint using a USB mouse, I'd urge you to head into the game's mouse sensitivity settings. The slowest movement option is enabled by default, and that's going to slow even the speedy R8 and its 26000DPI sensor to a crawl. Selecting the fastest setting will make everything feel much snappier, and switching the handheld's own menu setting to "fast" also makes a bit of a difference.

I'll no doubt end up spending a night trying to make old 2000s emo anthems in Mario Paint's composer mode and making daft creations soon. While I would have probably persevered with the Joy-Con controls, I feel like 8Bitdo's NES mouse is going to make for a more authentic feeling and easier to wield night of nostalgia.

As a side note, if you grew up with Ninty's 3D console, you want to check out the 8Bitdo's N64 controller, as it makes for a great alternative to the OG gamepad.

• Check out Nintendo Switch 2 stock at Amazon
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The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed was announced yesterday, but I've had this all-in-one gaming mouse on my desk for just over a week now. I loved the previous Razer Cobra Pro, so adding a wireless connection to a cheaper pointer was always going to go down well. It wasn't until I picked up the new generation, though, that I realized why it had stuck in my heart for so long - it reminds me of the good old days of the Razer Viper.

This is line of longstanding competitors in the best gaming mouse arena, but the Razer Viper Ultimate was actually one of the very first gaming mice I tested for GamesRadar+ specifically. A lightweight, skinny FPS-first gaming mouse, it sported the classic slimline form factor that came to define genre-specific pointers for some time. With my small hands and proclivity for a relaxed claw grip, it was a match made in heaven.

So, when the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed first introduced a chunkier shape and a higher dome I felt something slipping away from that traditional design. I was being forced into a flatter grip due to the extra height, leaving less space for finer movements between my thumb and pinky.

With the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Razer Viper V3 Pro sporting the same larger chassis, I've come to accept that lightweight speedsters just feel different now. That doesn't stop me yearning for the slimline days of yore.

The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed takes me straight back there. It's got the same angular aesthetic as the Viper Ultimate, albeit with more modernized glossy accents. The grippy rubberized sides are replaced by a matte finish similar to that of newer releases, and there's no tape in the box, but I'm happy. My hand is back where it felt so natural all those years ago, and it's not a position I can relax into with too many modern releases.

It's been five years since the Viper Ultimate, so specs are looking much tighter here as well. The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed features a 26,000 DPI / 500 IPS sensor, a much lighter 62g weight, and Razer's Gen 4 Optical Mouse Switches. It also adds a little extra RGB flair, with an illuminated logo on the back but also a strip of LEDs on the underside, casting onto your surface.

Look, it's not going to give the esports-focused (and $169.99) Razer Deathadder V4 Pro anything to worry about, but at under $100 it's already looking like one of the best Razer gaming mouse models for sheer value.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• Razer Cobra Hyperspeed | $99.99 at Amazon
• Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro | $169.99 at Amazon

I'm hunting down all the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market, but if you're after a full setup refresh check out the best gaming keyboards and best gaming headsets as well.

Razer could have looked at its award-winning Deathadder range and made incremental updates for the new generation. It did the exact opposite. The Razer Deathadder V4 Pro is an overhaul across sensor, switches, and connection, adding a number of new Synapse features, a snazzy 8,000Hz dongle, and a much lower weight.

Its $169.99 / £169.99 price tag certainly reserves it for the very top of the market, putting it in direct competition with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX, the best gaming mouse I've tested so far, as well as the brand's very own Razer Viper V3 Pro. With a turbo-charged sensor, nifty use of optical tech, and the same enduring comfort of this range's chassis, the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro may well sit at the top of the list.

Design

I picked out the white version of the V4 Pro for testing, and I'm glad I did. With a clean aesthetic and a bold Sneki logo on the base (one that's heavily obscured on the black model), this is a crisp design. That white base needs a slightly more intensive cleaning routine than the Deathadder's black colorway, but it stands out a little more on the desk top. Without any RGB to speak of, the alternative will quickly fade into the background of a setup.

The actual Deathadder form factor is tried and tested, and Razer's leaving that shape well alone. These contours and grooves have long been held as some of the most comfortable on the market, and the V4 Pro continues to deliver an incredibly ergonomic chassis. Personally, I do prefer the higher gradient of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX's side angles, particularly around the thumb. However, I was still able to maintain a solid grip on this matte surface, and translate that grip into smaller movements using my thumb and pinky.

Everything's very simple underneath. Unlike Keychron or some Turtle Beach mice, which layer their undersides with LEDs, toggles, and switches, we've just got one button, that all-important sensor, and a relatively small set of PTFE feet. They still provide a fluid glide, but they're not as cushioned as those under the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse, a particularly floaty model.

With a 2.7-inch width, the Deathadder V4 Pro is ever so slightly larger than the Razer Viper V3 Pro. It's still an fps-first mouse, but the additional base opens the door for a more relaxed palm grip and keeps it open for those with larger hands as well. It's far more versatile as a result, and remains comfortable for longer periods of time.

Controls

This isn't an MMO mouse, and it drops any of the additional sniper or macro buttons you might find in larger devices like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K. You're getting a good old traditional two-button side array, two main clicks, and scroll wheel up top. This isn't just any set of clickers, though. Everything, barring the side buttons, is optical - including that scroller.

I can't say I noticed a massive difference in that optical scroll wheel during day to day productivity. I do, however, use a scroll for switching between weapons and noticed a slight tightening in accuracy. Realistically, you'll feel this benefit if you're already lacking a precise scroll wheel - it's unlikely to change your game completely unless you're near the top of the leaderboards.

What actually tangibly impacted my gameplay more were those side buttons. These are chunky clickers, far thicker than those you'll find elsewhere on the market. They're also separated into two physically distinct buttons. Both these factors mean they're incredibly easy to find and hit in faster gameplay scenarios, and still feel snappy and responsive under hand.

Unfortunately, one bug bear with even the best Razer mouse models remains here. While more of Sneki's pointers are including DPI shifters on the top of the frame these days, the DeathAdder V4 Pro keeps it underneath, tied up with the power button. If you change your DPI on the fly regularly, that's enough to point you in a different direction. Personally, I tend to stick with a sensitivity setting in-game so it didn't make much of a difference.

Software

Like with all Razer gadgets, Synapse is going to be your port of call for all adjustments and personalization features. The software is far more reliable than it used to be, but still takes some setting up. Frustratingly, plugging the Deathadder V4 Pro in for the first time triggers a firmware update that isn't actually completed in Synapse itself.

Instead, I have to download a specific firmware updater tool and run everything through that. I've noticed this more with recent Razer releases, and considering other brands like Logitech and Corsair can keep everything neat in one package it's annoying that Razer still puts up hoops to jump through.

Still, Synapse is one of the more sophisticated programs on the market, with a wide range of sensor sliders and features to toggle. This is where you'll set keybindings, assign different profiles, and register your preferred DPI steps, but the program also offers smart tracking with asymmetric cut-off for your mouse mat, dynamic sensitivity (change your DPI automatically based on the speed of your mouse movement), and a nifty rotation tool that ensures your horizontal swipes are always precise.

It was the latter that impressed me the most out of this suite, allowing for tightly focused mouse pans even when actually holding the device at an angle. This is how I naturally play, finding it far more comfortable when I'm hunched over my keyboard and mouse like a gremlin.

Connection

Razer hasn't just reinvented its scroll wheel, its Hyperspeed dongle has been completely reworked as well. The Deathadder V4 Pro comes with the 8,000Hz wireless polling receiver as standard straight out of the box, and instead of a boxy square device we have a neat, far more helpful dome.

With a premium corded USB-C cable to keep it connected, this weighted hemisphere uses its circular shape to improve reception, according to Razer. It also features three tiny LEDs on the front, which can be set to represent battery levels, DPI settings, connection strength, and more.

It's a functional upgrade over the previous model, and it's far better for those who use a PC tower or a laptop away from their main playing space. However, these extra long receivers do defeat the purpose of picking up a wireless gaming mouse if you're looking to keep your setup cable-free. Others, like Logitech's G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX manage to keep their higher polling rates in regular USB-A receivers for a cleaner look, albeit at the slight expense of reception.

It's also worth noting that there's no Bluetooth connection here. There rarely is in an esports-focused mouse like the Deathadder, but if you're after something more versatile you're better off looking a little further down the price range.

Battery

Razer estimates that you'll get 150 hours of battery life off a 1,000Hz polling rate, with 22 hours if you're bumping things up to 8,000Hz. I recharged my Deathadder V4 Pro to full four days ago and I've only lost 12% so far. In total, that's about 32 hours of use - well above Razer's estimate. Of course, it's likely that that 150 hour figure is a constant-use measure, but you're still covered with a rock solid charge during everyday play.

Sensor

The Deathadder V4 Pro debuts the brand's new Focus Pro 45K sensor, with a whopping 45,000 max DPI and a lightning-fast 900 IPS tracking speed. Those are specs that blow Logitech out the water, offering a much higher ceiling for tracking but also greater speed in that tracking window.

Before the V4 Pro landed on my desk, the Superlight 2 DEX featured the highest quality sensor I'd tested (44K DPI and 888 IPS). Razer just nudges ahead with this super slick eye, making for a fantastic experience overall.

Every nudge, twitch, and pan is represented at full 1:1 tracking scale (at least that my human eye can register), making it all too easy to find and lock in a target.

Switches

There are two things you need to know about the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro's optical switches; they're incredibly fast but just as loud. They don't feel as good as the thoccy, textured clacks of Logitech's Superlight 2 DEX, with a more hollow affect and a high-pitched snap. They are, however, slightly lighter, noticeably easier to hit repeatedly, and generally better for fast-paced gameplay.

If you're an esports player, they're a gold standard. For more casual use that prioritizes comfort and satisfaction? Logitech wins this round.

Should you buy the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro?

If you're looking to spend big on an esports-focused gaming mouse, there are two other models the $169.99 Razer Deathadder V4 Pro needs to fend off before it makes its way to your desk; the $159.99 Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and the $159.99 Razer Viper V3 Pro. With its improved sensor, more comfortable form factor, and 8,000Hz polling dongle in the box, the Deathadder easily beats its Viper cousin. When Logitech steps into the ring, things get a little more tense.

On paper, the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro is the best wireless gaming mouse I've tested so far. It boasts a sensor that just about takes the lead from Logitech, with a faster 900 IPS and higher DPI ceiling, uses a lighter (by 4g) form factor, and packs a higher battery life (in my testing, the Superlight runs for around 110 hours before cutting out). Competitive players should absolutely be looking to Razer this generation, but more casual folk could still be leaning Logitech's way.

I personally prefer the slightly deeper contours of the Superlight's shape, for example, and the softer, more muted feel of its main clicks. It's not going to beat Razer for speed, but if you're more concerned with feel and texture, Logitech's not completely out of this race.

Of course, if you only play single-player games casually, you simply won't need the tech you're buying in the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro. Make no mistake, this is an esports gaming mouse that will, more than likely, be marketed towards casual players who won't need or even notice the features they're paying for. If you have no interest in climbing leaderboards I'd point you to a sub-$100 price range, with the Keychron M7 8K offering a similar form factor and aesthetic design for just $69.99.

How I tested the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro

I used the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro as my main daily driver for two weeks before beginning this review. During that time I mostly played across Doom: The Dark Ages, but also stress-tested in CS2 and Apex Legends. I used the device in both 1,000Hz and 8,000Hz polling modes across both work and play, and completed a range of aim training tests in the process. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you're after more from Razer's competitor, check out the best Logitech gaming mice I've tested, or check out the best gaming keyboards and best gaming headsets for a full setup renovation.

Razer launched its latest flagship gaming mouse last week, and while I've had the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro on my desk for a little while now I'm still yet to publish my full review. What I can say right now is I'm impressed.

Yes, the new-generation Deathadder packs a 45K DPI sensor with 8,000Hz polling straight out of the box, all slimmed down in a super comfortable 56g form factor. Those are flagship specs one would expect from a gaming mouse starting life at a whopping $169.99 / £169.99 and the kinds of features everyone is celebrating right now. What's really got me excited is its rotation tool, that's what could lift the Deathadder up among the best gaming mouse models on the market.

Synapse 4 opens up a whole world of keybinding and sensor settings to tinker with, but the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro also has one more trick up its sleeve. The 'Rotation' tool allows you to find the degree to which you naturally lean upwards or downwards in a horizontal pan, and then have your gaming mouse correct it.

It sounds small but, while there's a whole host of fancy features tucked away under the hood, this is the function I've noticed kicking in the most during my testing so far. In my natural, slightly angled, mouse position I'm often drifting ever so slightly upwards when trying to sweep sideways. That makes sense, my mouse is sitting on a slight diagonal angle that I'm not naturally compensating for in wider mouse sweeps.

Once I used Razer's tool to see how that discrepancy, I can use Synapse and the Deathadder V4 Pro to fix it. Simply adjust a slider and the mouse will read my natural swipe as a solid horizontal.

You might think this is a fix that will only be appreciated by the more competitive players among us, and I would have agreed with you before getting my hands on the Deathadder. I'm no ranked God, but I do enjoy more casual first person shooters. Lining up a headshot horizontally is noticeably smoother and requires less fine-tuning with this rotation feature switched on. If I can feel the difference in Fallout 4, much better players will be noticing it in CS2.

• Razer Deathadder V4 Pro | $169.99 at Amazon
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• View all Razer mice at Amazon

Of course, I'm also hunting down all the best Razer mouse models on the market as well as the best wireless gaming mice as well. You can also check out the best gaming keyboards I've tested for a full setup refresh as well.

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE has dropped to its lowest price yet at Amazon this Prime Day, but it's not its gaming chops I'm celebrating.

This 12-button MMO mouse actually had a much larger impact on my productivity than my competitive endeavors when I tested it last month. Now that it's sitting pretty at $89.99 (was $139.99) at Amazon for the first time, it's time to upgrade your keybindings once and for all.

This is far more than one of the best wireless gaming mice I've reviewed so far. All 12 of those side buttons are easily programmable to whatever media function, keyboard shortcut, or macro you need regular access to. What really gives the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE its edge is its Virtual Stream Deck integration.

That's right, this entire gaming mouse can also function as a Stream Deck. That opens you up to the massive range of plugins available on Elgato's dedicated platform, as well as the ability to map entire command presets to individual programs and use-cases. I have my own Photoshop settings and a whole roster of my most-used macros - I'm even using a specific set of controls and shortcuts to write this very article.

All that for $89.99 when this particular pointer has only ever dropped to $99.99 in the past (and only for one day)? That's a Prime Day deal worth shouting about.

Should you buy the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE?

Of course, the largest market for Corsair's latest gaming mouse is going to be MMO players. If you're constantly cycling through your inventory or missing key combos, you've got all the space you need for quick and easy access right here. Why opt for the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE over something like the Razer Naga V2 Pro or older releases?

In my opinion, it's the tension in those side buttons that make all the difference. Like in previous releases, all 12 clickers can slide up and down the side of the mouse to make sure everything is easily reachable. However, I've always had problems with accidental clicks when using this design. There's just enough resistance under each of these buttons. I never mis-clicked during my testing, and I'm still clean to this day.

I would only recommend avoiding the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE if you play faster FPS games. The heavier weight and wider body means it's a little tricky to move at true twitch-reflex speed, and lifting the device off a desk is more cumbersome than you'll find with something lighter like the Razer Viper V3 Pro or Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX.

• View all gaming mouse deals at Amazon
• Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE | $139.99 $89.99 at Amazon
• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX | $179.99 $132.99 at Amazon

I'm tracking all of this year's best Prime Day deals for gamers live, but you can also check out plenty more Prime Day PC deals and Prime Day gaming laptop deals as well.

I only became a full-time PC gamer a few years ago, and in that time, I've slowly been developing my mouse aim in all the competitive FPS games I enjoy. I've used aimtrainers, I've mucked around with DPI settings and mouse weight, but I made a fatal error. I ignored my mouse pad.

I've played thousands of hours of Hunt: Showdown at this point, and even if I have a 5-star rating (out of a possible six), I'm still looking to improve so I win more firefights and land slicker headshots. When I hit a plateau recently, I had no idea that a $50 mouse pad at Amazon was all I needed to take me to the next level.

I review all sorts of gaming hardware, so I have no idea why I completely ignored how in-depth mouse pads go these days. The technical rabbit holes you can fall down while searching for a gaming PC, VR headset, or controller, I can understand. But how much could a mouse pad really impact things, I asked myself.

As it turns out, mouse pads have so much depth to them that they can completely upend your FPS aim. In general, they've been getting larger in size recently because the current pro tactic is putting DPI settings lower and going for larger sweeps and flicks. But the material, the weave, the thickness - it can all help you cater to the specific type of FPS game you play, and I had no idea.

There are faster pads which help your mouse glide across their surfaces, which is excellent for faster twitch-shooters where you're constantly switching direction and generally being as speedy as possible. Then there are slower pads which will add more friction to the mix, making control and precision easier, but will eliminate glide.

My problem was that, without realizing, my mouse mat had become worn down thanks to extensive use, and the slick surface I had on it to begin with had been eroded. Little did I know that it was on the slower end of the mouse pad speed spectrum to begin with and, with age, my playing surface was almost fighting my every mouse flick.

Hunt: Showdown is the main shooter I play. It has old Western-style weaponry, which means you need control and accuracy for single-fire shots, but the speed to move around like a Dishonored speedrunner when you're not aiming down sights. There's no need to worry about tracking a target while firing like in Apex Legends, but when every headshot in the game is lethal, there's a lot of quick reflex aiming involved, so you really need a mix of both speed and control when it comes to your gaming mouse, and your mouse pad.

Thankfully, SteelSeries has a range of mouse mats designed for exactly this conundrum. The SteelSeries Qck Performance pads come in three variants, and when we reviewed them recently, we immediately put them at the top of our mouse pad leaderboard. There's a speed, balance, and control option for you, and by opting for the middle option, I got the best of both worlds.

My first match-up using this pad, I played as a solo, taking on teams of three. I scored 10 kills, essentially wiping the server clean by myself, and I immediately felt the difference from the super worn and slow pad I had been using. Changing my playing surface has undoubtedly been the biggest difference maker in my setup recently, and I'm now slightly obsessed with maintaining it so I hold onto that "new" feeling for as long as possible.

Admittedly, you don't actually need to spend as much as $50 to get a good mouse pad. There are loads out there, and I can say from experience this is a rabbit hole worth diving head-first into, so you get the right one for you. Either way, if you've been in an FPS funk lately, maybe your mouse pad is the thing holding you back.

Want to head down some more PC-shaped shopping rabbit holes? Take a look at the best CPU for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best graphics cards.

If I had a dollar for every NES gaming mouse out there, I'd have two dollars. Yes, despite my adoration for retro console nonsense, I would say it happening twice is weird, but unlike 8Bitdo's first attempt, the Retro R8 balances classic aesthetics with contemporary features in a way that gives me sleeper PC build aspirations.

As much as I love weird gaming mouse designs, I've definitely got a line. If I weren't fussy about ergonomics and performance, I'd probably be using one of my novelty mice, and believe me when I say playing Overwatch 2 with a clicker shaped like Anakin from Star Wars: Episode One's head isn't a fabulous idea. Simply put, I need something that feels super comfortable and can keep up with the fastest peripherals, and the 8Bitdo R8 checks both boxes.

On the outside, the Retro R8 absolutely looks like something you'd plug into the Nintendo Entertainment System, and it could pass for a nostalgic roller ball clicker for your old beige family PC. However, what you're actually looking at is a mouse with a 26,000 DPI sensor, Kailh Sword GM X micro switches, and four customizable side buttons. It's even rocking 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and one of the most stylish charging stands I've used yet, so it's safe to say it isn't for playing Mario Paint.

That charging plinth is one of my favorite things about the Retro R8, as its contours match the mouse itself to create an almost seamless design. It's weighty and attaches via magnets, which helps prevent it from being knocked across my gaming desk like a hockey puck when I'm moving things around. The overall design absolutely beats mice with stands like the Roccat Kone XP Air I've used in the past, providing a vibe that's almost artistically curvy, paired with less faff when trying to place it down.

I've already used this mouse to play various matches in Overwatch 2, and it absolutely holds up on the battlefield. That lofty DPI helps keep everything slick, but I did find myself dialing things down a bit using the button at the top, depending on my hero choice. It's got six levels that range from just 50 DPI to the full 26,000, which has helped me improve my quick-fire shotgun and sniper skills as Ashe.

The R8's Kailh microswitches are also pretty satisfying, providing the same level of pleasing tactility and responsiveness as my previous daily driver, the Mountain Makalu Max. That makes sense given that 8Bitdo is using a newer version of the same switches, and the NES-inspired rodent boasts better longevity with a 100 million clicks life expectancy versus 80 million.

The Retro R8 has been a joy to use for both work and play, but there are tweaks I'd make for a version 2. For starters, while some players will value how floaty light this clicker is, I wish I could make it a little heavier than 1.26 lbs. By adding optional weights, 8Bitdo could subtly embrace customization to suit a wider player base.

I'm also not super keen on the flush side buttons since I'm used to conventional up and down toggles. I don't want 8Bitdo to scrap the design altogether since it's effectively what makes this mouse feel like a pseudo NES accessory, but adding some height could enhance tactility while protecting the core aesthetic. Maybe the solution is to take the higher clickers of the older N30 and place them on the side instead.

Those small gripes aside, the 8Bitdo Retro R8 is firmly one of my favorite gaming PC accessories to release in 2025. While the N30 played far too much into novelty, this revised version feels more like a high-spec gaming mouse cosplaying as an old-school clicker. It's exactly the sort of peripheral you'll want to pair with a GeForce RTX 5080 rig crammed into an old beige box or even a newer system like the Ayaneo Mini PC AM02, and I'll absolutely be talking about it again once I settle on sleeper build plans.

Upgrading your PC setup? Swing by the best gaming keyboards and best wireless gaming mouse options for punchy peripherals. You'll also want to peek at the best Alienware gaming PCs if you also need a rig revamp.

We all love a good spreadsheet, I know I do. I don't normally think of cells and shortcuts when I'm desperately trying to rank up, but I can't help it when the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is underneath my fingertips.

This is an MMO device through and through, and one of the best gaming mouse models I've tested this year so far, that much is obvious from the 12-button array on the left flank. Those clickers aren't just reserved for quickly sorting through your in-game inventory, though. In fact, I've had a much better time using them for everyday productivity tasks.

No, you got old and boring.

I've been reviewing the brand's latest gaming mouse for the last month or so, using it in between tests on 'traditional' two-button rodents like the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 and even Razer's productivity-focused Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition. It's a solid, if heavy, performer in-game but I spend far more time working day to day and that's where it truly shines.

Fine in-game, but a powerhouse at work

Those 12 buttons have been fun to play with, yes. They make swapping between weapons in Doom: The Dark Ages a far quicker experience. They can shave precious seconds off a range of actions in more competitive titles. They can also keep me hopping between Chrome tabs, running a range of different spreadsheet formulas, opening and closing specific folders, sorting emails in folders, and so much more.

The thing is, the way the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is actually designed means it actually feels even better as a productivity device than a gaming one. I'm no snob when it comes to mouse weights, but this is a chunky rat. A flatter form factor coming in at 114g is always going to sit outside of truly competitive arenas. Combine that with smaller-than-average PTFE feet that don't provide the best glide and the in-game experience can get a little clunky.

It's a fantastic MMO mouse for players who prioritize access to vital commands over raw speed, of which there are many. Most of us adults probably spend more time in our inboxes than we do on the battlefield on any given day, though, and this is the best experience I've had from a mouse that does both.

Should you buy the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE?

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is about to overtake the Corsair Darkstar Wireless as the best MMO mouse on the market right now. Its side buttons feel perfectly tuned, strong enough to resist accidental presses while staying light enough to feel easily hittable even at stranger angles. It also boasts an impressive 150-hour battery life - a vast improvement on both the Darkstar and the SteelSeries Aerox 9.

Of course, not even the super versatile Razer Naga V2 Pro can offer the same Virtual Stream Deck features either. These are what make the Scimitar so powerful in a productivity setting, but also what unlock this device's massive potential for streamers and content creators.

All that, and it's cheaper than the competition. Razer's device sits at a hefty $179.99, the Darkstar isn't far behind at $169.99, and the older Aerox 9 holds a $149.99 MSRP.

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is $139.99 at full price, and just took its first ever price cut to $99.99.

Sure it's too cumbersome for first-person shooters (and I'd certainly recommend something like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX instead if that's your genre of choice). For slower or less competitive games, though, this is a particularly high-value device.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market, as well as the best Logitech gaming mice and the best Razer mouse options as well.

The Corsair Scimitar was a legend in its day, but with no new releases for a few years it's faded into the background more recently. Now it's back, with the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE - a traditional 12-button MMO mouse that looks to take the crown back from the brand's own Darkstar Wireless.

At $139.99, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is actually cheaper than a lot of the best gaming mouse models specifically designed for MMO play. Not only that, but it achieves this lower price point while bumping your sensor specs, improving battery life, and offering its own unique Stream Deck features at the same time. While it can be held back by its weight and software, those hunting down ultimate programmability aren't going to be disappointed.

Design

Corsair's classic Scimitar shape has survived to the new generation, with a rounded chassis that molds into a claw or palm grip and sits much wider than traditionally long and skinny FPS mice. Everything from the teardrop shape to the textured pinky rest has stayed the course, but nothing feels particularly cramped. It's still a fatter option than the SteelSeries Aerox 9, but it's far from the almost-circular feeling Razer Naga V2 Pro.

At its widest point, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE measures in at 73.48 mm, while its max height reaches 42.17 mm. That makes it slightly smaller in both dimensions compared to the Naga (75.5mm wide and 43.5mm tall), though the contours of the body itself are more conducive to palm-tucking. The tapered lower half nestles neatly into my palm, reaching a surprisingly narrow point right at the bottom, whereas the Naga's flat edge can sometimes feel unwieldy.

I received the white and gray colorway, though the Elite Wireless SE is also available in traditional black / yellow and a newer gunmetal style. The white version is a little less crisp than other white mice I've tested, with a dulled quality to the final color that feels more like a very light gray rather than a bold white. I'm looking at it next to the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, for example, and it's a little muted. The textured pinky rest picks up its fair share of dirt and grime, though, and being formed of raised plastic notches can be tricky to keep clean.

Still, everything feels well built. There's very little flex to the main chassis when pushing directly downwards, and only a slight creak to the side walls when squeezed with extra force.

This isn't the first time Corsair has set its 12-button side panel on an adjustable slider, but it's the first I've seen of it. There's a good range of movement here - those with particularly large or small hands will still struggle to maintain full control over all the buttons, though. With this range, it's more your grip type that's being catered to. Setting the button array towards the back of the mouse was is far more comfortable for a fingertip grip, while you'll need it bumped towards the front for a palm hold.

Actually making this adjustment is as easy as unscrewing a medium socket cap underneath, wiggling everything into position, and tightening it back up. An Allen Key is provided in the box.

The skates leave something to be desired. They may be 100% PTFE, but they're plonked down in smaller batches across all four corners and don't provide the smooth action of other devices. The Corsair Darkstar Wireless features larger foot panels that contribute to a more stable flow of movement. With the heavier weight (114g) of the Scimitar, things can drag a little too much to truly feel nippy.

This is a heavier mouse by today's standards, though it still has the Naga V2 Pro (134g) beat. It's actually one of the heaviest I've tested in the last few years, and I feel that extra heft most keenly in lift-off. It takes a real concerted effort to raise this device from its position on a pad, which takes it out of the realm of faster competitive titles. The best wireless gaming mice tend to stick under 100g these days, but that's without 12 side buttons. The SteelSeries Aerox 9 is able to get away with its 89g form factor is through a honeycomb cutout design, and that can present its own problems as well.

Controls

Still, if you're here for that 12-button array you likely prioritize extra functionality over low weight in your gameplay. I'm right there with you.

Razer might have introduced the idea of a full 12-button array, but Corsair's Scimitar design has been right up there ever since it debuted. This time there's an extra layer of programming available. Now that the brand owns Elgato, it's able to add a whole virtual Stream Deck to your mouse's functionality. That means the side panel can now control your stream, run productivity macros for a wide range of different programs, and act as a launcher.

It takes a little learning without LED displays showing you what's what, but this quickly became one of my favorite features on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE. I had different productivity presets with everything from specific Chrome tab launchers to individual image editing controls mapped out across the side of the mouse. If you're a power-user of a supported program (and thanks to the Stream Deck plugin database there's a lot of them) it's going to be a game-changer.

A lot of functions can already be matched with iCue's own macros, so this integration isn't going to be so revolutionary if you only want media controls and keyboard shortcuts. However, streamers who don't want to reach for a separate pad are going to have a field day here.

In total, there are 16 programmable buttons to play with; 12 on the side, two main clicks, a scroll click, and DPI shifter in the center. Everything sits within easy reach thanks to the adjustable panel design, and the side buttons feature a nicely textured surface that helps differentiate between each column. My only issue sits with that central DPI button, which feels tougher than most, actuates with a little reverb, and regularly became stuck during my testing.

Those actual side buttons are the best I've felt from an MMO mouse. They've got just enough weight to them to remain snappy and easily pressable, even at a slightly awkward thumb angle if reaching forwards or backwards, while resisting against accidental hits. The SteelSeries Aerox 9's clackers feel too light by comparison.

Software

I don't think I've ever got on particularly well with iCue. It looks and feels outdated, with its small menus, unintuitive interface, and sometimes-confusing preset display. It's got everything you need, though, with customization options across RGB lighting, DPI settings, and individual keybindings. There's also a surface calibration feature included, which claims to optimize your tracking accordingly. Truthfully, I didn't particularly notice a difference in either gaming or productivity.

Slightly frustratingly, you'll need a whole second piece of software to load up your Virtual Stream Deck, and the two don't always play nicely with each other. Switching between onboard controls and Stream Deck controls is a little janky with two programs butting heads and getting everything working in the first place is a maze of menus, firmware updates, and permissions.

Additional sensor features like Angle Snapping, lift-off distance, and power saving modes are buried in a buried, pop-up Settings menu, and polling rates are controlled via the receiver's icon instead of the mouse's. It's all a bit scattered, and it doesn't feel particularly slick to use.

Connection

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE can connect via the brand's Slipstream Wireless (2.4GHz), Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable. The cable supplied in the box feels solid, and I was able to plug in third party wires, though there is a cut-out around the port itself that could exclude larger connectors.

The mouse can poll at 1,000Hz, but the Slipstream receiver goes up to 2,000Hz. That left me with some confusion at the start of testing, but if you're only using the Scimitar this seems to be a redundant setting.

I never had any issues with tracking or latency when using the device in either 2.4GHz or Bluetooth mode, even with a high amount of interference running around them.

Battery

Corsair claims the new Scimitar can run for up to 150 hours in 2.4GHz mode and up to 500 hours in Bluetooth mode, both with RGB switched off. That's solid, battery was a key issue for the Darkstar Wireless with only 20 hours up for grabs.

That figure rings true from my testing. I'm on mouse and keyboard for an average of around 50 hours a week between work and gaming and I'm still on 62% battery after a week and a half's solid use (no RGB, 2.4GHz). That puts the Corsair Scimitar Wireless SE's battery above that of the 95-hour Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and 80-hour SteelSeries Aerox 9, and tied with the Naga V2 Pro.

Sensor

A 33,000 DPI Corsair Marksman sensor sits underneath, boasting 750 IPS speeds and up to 50G acceleration. That's a good sensor spec sheet, shooting just over the top of the Naga V2 Pro's 30K DPI and extending well beyond the 18K DPI / 400 IPS eye inside the SteelSeries Aerox 9.

Of course, very few of us are playing right at the top of that DPI range - but it is good to know that the sensor's sensitivity is adjustable in increments of one, which makes for a particularly precise setup experience. Running at my usual 3,200 DPI everything feels smooth and accurate with a consistent tracking rate across both a wooden surface and a softer mouse pad.

Lift-off distance can be customized across three presets in iCue, ranging across low, medium, and high. There's no specific measurements listed, but I'd bet these settings translate to 0.7mm, 1mm, and 2mm. iCue also offers an angle snapping toggle.

Switches

Optical main switches make for a light and speedy actuation in your larger clicks, and I found them to be uniform in feel and actuation speed across the entire panel of the button itself. They're not as deep and thoccy as other options, losing some of the tactile clunk of the best Logitech gaming mice and the best Razer mice, but feel nimble across repeat presses. They also feel nicely supported, with no wobble or reverberation and a tight feel overall.

Should you buy the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE?

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is a fantastic MMO mouse, especially if you happen to stream your adventures. While that Stream Deck integration can take a while to get set up, it offers a particularly slick set of additional features for content creators and productivity power-users alike. Combine that with a comfortable side panel of buttons, each particularly well-balanced for responsiveness and accuracy, and you've got yourself a powerhouse.

The increased weight and often frustrating software may mean some should look to spring for the more expensive Razer Naga V2 Pro ($179.99), however with a vastly improved battery life and sensor compared to the $149.99 SteelSeries Aerox 9 and $169.99 Corsair Darkstar Wireless you're getting excellent value for money overall here.

The latter is currently my top pick for the best MMO gaming mouse on the market, and it doesn't even feature this 12-button array. I found the circular panel of side buttons to be far more accurate than the softer, more accident-prone clickers previously available on the market. The low price, improved button handling, and additional charge time of the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE propels it straight to the top of that list.

How I tested the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

I used the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE on and off for around a month, testing other mice in between, but used the device as my sole pointer for just under two weeks before completing this review. I primarily used it across Apex Legends and Fallout 76, while also playing through Doom: The Dark Ages. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you're kitting out your setup further, check out the best gaming keyboards and best gaming headsets we've tested so far. Or take a look at the best PC controllers for a more traditional feel.

Vertical mice are nothing new, but brands seem to be jumping on Logitech's hype-train a little more frequently at the moment. The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is the second upright pointer I've tested in the last few weeks, and while it sits higher on the price scale the upgrades in comfort and functionality are well worth the investment.

This is a productivity machine, so it's not going to be threatening the best gaming mouse models on the market. However, Razer's pedigree in creating high-quality peripherals that balance speedy sensors with additional functionality is certainly on show here. The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is too cumbersome to be a true threat on the battlefield, but it's certainly a beast in a spreadsheet.

Design

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition doesn't look like most of the wireless gaming mice I test, and the clue's in the name. This is an upright pointer with a large, heavy base and some serious heft to its waistline. That means it's not going to be zipping across any Apex Legends arenas any time soon, and it's certainly taking a backseat in ranked play.

Razer's Pro line has never been in step with the brand's wider gaming motivations, though. First and foremost, this is a productivity machine.

That means comfort is a top priority here, and thankfully Razer has delivered. I felt too much of a strain to truly relax when wielding the Keychron M5 earlier this year, but the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition makes some key changes to that form factor. Instead of placing the thumb all the way at the bottom of the device (the design Keychron takes, as well as Logitech), there's a large dent in the top left side. Here, the thumb sits comfortably atop the mouse, rather than straining to control it from the bottom.

That, plus the super grippy texture covering this side of the device, makes for a far more accurate and infinitely more pleasant experience. Instead of working overtime to keep a lumbering pointer in check, my thumb is resting neatly in the small groove while the rest of the work is balanced across three fingers on the top and my wrist. The difference is night and day.

At 150g this is still a solid piece of kit, but I never felt like I was dragging it across my mouse pad. There's a fairly sophisticated set of large skates on the underside that, while not as slick as the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse, keep that glide smooth and lighten the load a little.

Build quality feels sturdy, though there's a little more creaking when squeezing from the sides than I would have expected from a Razer device. It's by no means enough to have me worried about long-term durability, though.

Controls

The Razer Pro Click V2 line has a number of AI features built into Synapse and, in the case of the Vertical Edition, it's all accessible via a small button right on the very top of the device. By default, this small silver clicker cycles DPI settings but a long press brings up your AI Prompt Master. Connect to an AI Engine like ChatGPT and you've got quick access to a pre-set prompt of your choosing. You'll need Synapse installed and running to use this feature, though, and for now it's largely based around summarizing or writing text rather than running more complicated analysis prompts.

Then you've got your classic two side buttons, framing that thumb groove on the side. The curved side means Razer can't fit these two clickers side by side as Keychron does. Instead, they're positioned above and below the thumb. Knocking upwards or downwards to actuate each button is a new feeling, but one I quickly merged into muscle memory.

These buttons are slightly more shallow than you might expect, but that's perfect considering they're being hit by the side of the thumb instead of the top. There's ample space on the button itself so I never missed a click but there's still enough room around the thumb to avoid accidental presses.

You do sacrifice some scroll wheel action by opting for the Vertical Edition over the standard Razer Pro Click V2. While the traditional design offers both smooth and notched scrolling, this wheel is locked to notched in the taller shape. Everything still feels responsive and there's a strong sense of presence to each notch, but scrolling through longer pages does grow tiresome after a while (which is where that free-spin mode comes in).

Software

The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition runs on Razer Synapse 4, the latest iteration of the brand's software. Things are a little slimmer here than I normally see in the best Razer mice, with no fancy sensor features or lift-off distance customizations on offer. Instead, we've got more of a focus on keybindings and the aforementioned AI Prompt Master.

The latter is basically a back door into ChatGPT, allowing you to bring up a Razer-skinned version of the software (with the addition of a few handy drop downs and preset prompt parameters) to either rephrase, summarize, or create text or images. It's basically an alternative to hitting alt-space to bring up the app itself, with the addition of a few quick settings.

Individual prompts can't be mapped to any buttons, which is a shame. If you regularly find yourself using one or two of the exact same prompts, it would be much easier to simply assign the full task to a keybinding.

Elsewhere, Razer's software can be used to set DPI presets (either along a simple slider or using five stages saved to the mouse itself), set the polling rate from 125Hz to 1,000Hz, and configure sleep mode timings. RGB lighting can be toggled on and off, with Razer's standard range of effects on offer.

Everything is laid out well, with intuitive menus (though some keybinding options can be a pain to find in the smaller dropdown that appears) and easy sliders for your main controls. Synapse 4 is also far less CPU intensive than its predecessors, though it does constantly run in the tray in Windows, which has slowed my system in the past.

Connection

The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition can connect via the supplied USB-C cable as well as both Bluetooth and its 2.4GHz receiver. That's par for the course at this price range, with most other $100+ gaming mice offering the same connection options.

Switching between connections is pretty simple, as is swapping between Bluetooth devices (there are three slots, which is handy for multi-tasking between different laptops and tablets). Interestingly, the toggle on the underside is used simply to swap between wired and wireless mode, with a separate button on the other side used to configure either a 2.4GHz or Bluetooth connection.

Both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections remained resilient in my testing, with very little additional input lag introduced when using Bluetooth instead of Razer's speedy receiver.

Battery

Razer advertises mammoth six-month battery life, which is likely a best-case Bluetooth scenario with no RGB. So no, you probably won't get six months of juice out of this device if you're using it at a 1,000Hz polling rate over 2.4GHz with some fancy light shows - but you're still going to run for a long time.

I charged the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition to 100% twelve days ago and I've just hit 50%. It sees runtime for eight hours per day during the work week, with a few extra hours in the evening for gaming, and around two to four hours each day on weekends. That's connected via a 2.4GHz receiver, without RGB switched on, set to a 1,000Hz polling rate.

I've done the math, and that's roughly 102 hours for 50% of the battery to drain, putting us firmly into the 200-hour territory overall. I spent 112 hours testing the Keychron M5 and it was down to 45%, so both mice are offering particularly strong battery lives.

For reference, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX (my favorite gaming mouse at the moment) gets about 95 hours for a full charge, while the next-sturdiest (after the M5) Cougar Revenger Pro 4K taps out at 150 hours on its lowest polling rate.

Sensor

We've got Razer's Focus Pro Optical Sensor at the helm here, the same eye featured in the cheaper Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed and slightly older Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and Razer Basilisk V3 Pro. That means tracking is smooth and accurate while keeping up with faster movements admirably, despite the lower-than-average 550 IPS. A gaming-focused mouse will generally start off with 650 inches-per-second of tracking speed, but the sacrifice doesn't make too much of a difference here considering the weight and shape of the pointer itself. You're not going to be able to zip this across a mouse pad in the same way you would a lightweight esports mouse.

For its productivity sensibilities, this is a fantastic piece of kit. Not many users are going to stretch to the full 30,000 DPI unless you're particularly nimble and using a much larger display. Overall, tracking is reliable and accurate, while maintaining a smooth curve at higher settings as well.

There are no lift-off distance settings to customize, but I can see why. The larger form factor means actually readjusting positioning during wider movements is far too cumbersome. I'm not knocking it, the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition was never designed as a gaming-first device, but it's certainly something to remember if you're looking for an all-in-one pointer.

Switches

This is a fully mechanical mouse, with no optical clickers in either the main clicks or the side buttons. That makes sense, Razer doesn't need to focus on pure speed here and instead the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition offers a deep, precise actuation on its main buttons. That's a little lighter when it comes to the side clackers, but it still works in Razer's favor - they're easy to hit and still offer a robust sense of feedback when knocked with the thumb.

Should you buy the Razer Pro Click V2?

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is a little too awkward to truly make sense as a gaming mouse, but it's not designed for that. This is a productivity tool that will serve anyone looking for a more relaxed hold particularly well.

It's far more comfortable than cheaper alternatives from Keychron and serves its higher price tag well with a textured grip, excellent sensor performance, and easily accessible extra buttons. AI features feel like a slight gimmick at the moment considering it's basically just another shortcut for ChatGPT, but could come in handy for the power user, and that battery life is second to none at the moment.

If you've decided to invest a little more in a more ergonomic shape for work or content creation, this is an easy recommendation from me. Just be aware of the extra weight that inevitably comes with this chunkier design.

How I tested the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition

I used the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition for two weeks, running the pointer as my daily driver for all work and play during that time. My work primarily centers around writing and researching, but I made good use of additional productivity functions in image editing and across data-heavy spreadsheets as well. I primarily testing the Pro Click's gaming chops in Doom The Dark Ages, while also running my usual competitive tests in Apex Legends and CS2.

For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best Logitech gaming mouse models as well as the best left-handed gaming mice for more options. Or, take a look at the best mouse pads for gaming if you're truly looking to finesse that setup.

The low end of the wireless gaming mouse market is getting bigger by the day, and in the last few weeks alone I've tested four pointers all offering cable-free connections for under $100. While these aren't especially budget-minded in the wider scheme of things, they're certainly cheap for 2.4GHz devices - and SteelSeries has noticed things heating up.

The Rival 3 has always been a classic go-to for a no-frills, wallet-friendly wireless pointer. Sure, the best gaming mouse models can run DPIs of up to 40,000 with polling rates that boggle the mind. But if you don't want to part with more than three-figures, this has always been a solid companion.

This budget-friendly rodent has had a glow up for 2025, with the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 hitting the shelves at $59.99 / £54.99 and promising an improved battery life, reduced click latency, upgraded PTFE feet, and extra software features. There are far more players in this arena compared to the original's launch, though, and with names like Razer and NZXT vying against cheaper brands like Keychron and Cougar, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 has its work cut out for it.

Design

One of the biggest new changes to this year's Gen 2 series is the increase in color options. The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless now comes in both black and white as well as Aqua and Lavender. I've had them all on the test bench, though the white version has been out and about the most. The blue and purple options appear just a little brighter in SteelSeries' photography than they do in real life. I love the Aqua model in particular, but it is slightly darker than the sky-blue on the website.

Still, both the blue and purple versions have a slightly more satisfying underside than the white model. This is a courtesy nod to the past, with a translucent design that provides a glimpse into the guts of the rodent itself. The white version still features this panel, but it doesn't quite show the insides off as well. If you're chasing that retro aesthetic, even subtly, I'd certainly recommend a colored model.

All versions share the same foundations, though. A 120.6mm long, 67mm wide, and 38mm chassis keeps things easily flickable during faster moments, while still providing enough space for a comfortable claw grip or even a palm grip if you've got slightly smaller hands.

This is an ever-so-slightly flat design compared to the 41.3mm tall Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed and Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed (39.1mm), both of which use more of a humped dome to stay comfortable. That means it's better suited to faster twitch-reflex motions, though doesn't quite fit a more relaxed posture. I've got relatively small hands and play with a claw grip most of the time, and stayed comfortable during longer sessions.

Underneath, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 has been outfitted with 100% PTFE feet for improved glide over the previous generation. It's not exactly light on those feet, though, and the additional weight of the battery means it's a little more cumbersome than alternatives.

The battery compartment underneath the main hump works hard to keep things balanced, but there's still a noticeable drag from the rear. It wasn't enough to slow me down during even fast-paced single-player adventures like Doom: The Dark Ages, but it did feel a little woolly in competitive FPS arenas. The max weight (with both batteries inserted) is 106g, hefty by today's standards. For only $10 more, the Keychron M7 8K is fully rechargeable and weighs only 63g.

SteelSeries makes up for this weight increase in its build quality. This is a sturdy mouse indeed, without even a creak when squeezed on the sides or top and bottom. That's incredibly impressive for a $59.99 gaming mouse built out of solid plastic, especially considering it's a hurdle Keychron's cheaper mice sometimes fall at.

That dense build is complimented by a slightly textured surface up top, a design feature I've come to miss in this era of slightly clammy matte finishes. The slightly bumpy plastic provides excellent grip and avoids that sweaty feeling during longer play sessions. It reminds me of the surface of the far more expensive Razer Viper V2 Pro, and it was the feel of that particular mouse that had me running back to it time and time again.

Controls

SteelSeries isn't looking to do anything particularly new with its control scheme here. Instead, you're getting everything you need from a modern gaming mouse without paying for any unnecessary extras. Two side buttons and a DPI shifter button in the center of the main clicks are all fully remappable, and function as expected.

Those side buttons aren't as easy to hit on this pointer, though. The front clicker tapers out into a particularly thin front-half, which doesn't hold up particularly well under faster movements. I've come to keep my shield throw bound to this button for Doom: The Dark Ages and I never felt like I could reliably hit it fast enough. The skinny button isn't particularly intuitive in the heat of battle, and the heavier force required to actuate can slow things down as well.

The scroll wheel is nicely notched and provides a defined step between each rotation that makes cycling through weapons particularly responsive without feeling heavy.

Software

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is fully compatible with the brand's GG software, which houses all your keybindings, DPI settings, battery saving features, and sensor adjustments. This has never been my favorite program, Razer's Synapse feels more intuitively laid out, and the NZXT CAM program used to run the Lift Elite Wireless mouse is much cleaner as well. It's better than iCue, though.

The Engine tab is where you'll find all your devices, with one page of settings to manage for the Rival 3. Keybindings are simple to set up, though the menu system for finding individual functions isn't particularly appealing and sometimes nestles commands in unintuitive spots. An easy macro editor sits at the top of this menu, though, so setting your own keyboard inputs is particularly speedy.

Handy sliders allow for easy adjustment across polling rate, acceleration and deceleration, as well as the strength of your angle snapping, while toggles take care of the mouse's "High-Efficiency Mode", a super-low power setting, "Bluetooth Smoothing", which reduces jitter when using the slower connection, and "Wireless Stability Enhancement", for those using the device with a lot of other wireless connections around.

That's a considerable wad of controls for a cheaper gaming mouse, slightly extending past similarly priced options from NZXT and Razer.

Connection

While some cheaper wireless gaming mice will keep your connection limited to either Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is far more versatile. Both modes are available for speedy pairing, enabled via a toggle on the underside of the device. The Cougar Revenger Pro 4K, NZXT Lift Elite Wireless, and Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed all stick to 2.4GHz only - even the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed drops the Bluetooth connection, and that's $40 more.

This is an excellent turnout compared to the competition, though, and considering the Rival 3 still featured dedicated connection features like Bluetooth smoothing and wireless stability enhancements there's some serious value packed in. I noticed far greater benefits from the latter, however.

Bluetooth smoothing didn't add any noticeable improvements over the stock experience in my testing, but I was experiencing a notable amount of connection dropouts and jittering when using a 2.4GHz dongle connected to a busy USB-4 hub. There's no receiver extender included in the box, though I did see a dramatic reduction in this interference when using the dongle directly plugged into a laptop.

More competitive players may be interested in moving up to the Keychron M7 8K or NZXT Lift Elite Wireless for their 8,000Hz polling modes. However, the vast majority of users will be well served by the 1,000Hz cap on the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2.

Battery

This is a replaceable battery affair, with two AAA charges supplied in the box. The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 can run with either both installed (parallel, underneath the main dome) or one, for a lighter experience. I opted for the latter to keep things speedy in-game, and noticed battery draining at a rate of around 4% every five hours. Extrapolated out for constant use, that translates at around 80 hours of battery total.

SteelSeries suggests that running both batteries under the hood will provide 200 hours, so it makes sense that halving that power will further reduce your lifespan. It's also understandable that a single battery will feel the strain a little more by itself, which explains the drop to 80 hours here, instead of 100.

The Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 also accepts rechargeable AAA batteries as well, which will keep those recurring costs down and prove more environmentally friendly as well. For $10 more, both the Keychron M7 8K and Cougar Revenger Pro 4K come with rechargeable batteries built in, lasting 140 hours for the former and 150 hours on the latter.

Sensor

The second-generation SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless uses the same TrueMove Air sensor as the older model. This is a modified Pixart 3335 and it's a little older than most of the gaming mice in my comparison pool. That 18,000 DPI is still going to serve the vast majority of players well, though the 400 IPS could make for less accurate faster movements if you're particularly speedy.

Everything is still nicely responsive, with tracking holding up across a variety of surfaces and genres. I never noticed any inconsistencies in my usual 3,200 DPI setting, and only a slight amount of jitter once I started moving closer to 6,500 territory. For $59.99, this really is all you need though you are losing out on adjustable lift-off distances.

Newer sensors, like the Pixart PAW 3390 and 3950 (often found in gaming mice at around $60 - $90) allow you to personalize the point at which your mouse stops tracking when it's lifted from the desk, which can make for more accurate positioning when shifting the device to extend the cursor position on screen. A shorter lift-off distance means better precision, with newer models extending to 0.7mm or 1mm. The Rival 3 Wireless is kept firmly at 2.4mm.

Switches

SteelSeries doesn't give us any names when it comes to the switches used in the Rival 3 Wireless. They feel fairly short, though, with a lighter actuation force than the Keychron M7 8K but less energy than the NZXT Lift Elite. There's a dampened feel to them that makes for a satisfyingly quiet response, but doesn't provide the same kind of protection against accidental presses that I enjoy in more expensive mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX.

Still, they hit when the moment needs it and I managed to sail through my usual roster of Apex Legends and CS2 runs without misfiring enough to become a problem, and all while still hitting twitch-reflex reactions. Would I prefer a crisper response? Absolutely. For $60, though, these are still fine clackers.

Should you buy the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2?

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is among the cheapest gaming mice I've tested recently, but it still holds out thanks to its versatile wireless connections, comfortable form factor, solid-value sensor, and impressive build quality. For $10 more, you can pick up the improved sensor, lower weight, and upgraded battery of the Keychron M7 8K, but you are sacrificing overall durability to do so. Or, you can take a gamble on the fantastic battery life and better side buttons of the Cougar Revenger Pro (though just don't trust that 4,000Hz polling rate too often).

Ultimately, if you're after a budget pointer it's well worth keeping an eye on this device's sale prices. At $60 it's too close to more sophisticated models' price points to be worthwhile, but as soon as it nears $40 or even $45, this is going to be a steal.

How I tested the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2

I used the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 for two weeks, solo-ing the device for one week and testing directly against alternatives from NZXT, Razer, Keychron, and Cougar for another week. It saw action in Doom: The Dark Ages, Planet Coaster, and Fallout 4, with additional testing completed in Apex Legends and CS2. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best left-handed gaming mouse models and the best Razer mice and best Logitech gaming mice in the business.

The Corsair Scimitar is back, with the new Wireless SE model hitting the shelves today. That 12-button array returns in all its glory, with the addition of new Stream Deck features, an upgraded Marksman S 33K sensor, and a boosted 150-hour 2.4GHz battery life. At $139.99 / £139.99, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is $10 more expensive than the previous generation in the US.

Long considered one of the best gaming mouse models for MMO titles, 2025's iteration returns the 12-button array as well as the slidable panel design. This is where I've been having fun tinkering over the last few days.

That's a total of 16 customizable buttons, all readily available for personalization not just in iCue but in the Stream Deck software. The latter means you can now configure those clickers to run your streams, with the full suite of Stream Deck OBS and Twitch plugins available.

That's big news for anyone on live, but with the wealth productivity and media editing tools also available on the platform the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE goes well beyond usual keybinding opportunities. I currently have a full work profile set up with access to every keyboard shortcut I use on a day-to-day basis available at the tap of a button. On top of that, though, there's the potential for everything from full stream control to super-fast video editing all taking place in the right hand.

There's also an improved sensor under the hood, though the leap from the previous generation's 26,000 DPI to the new 33,000 DPI is only going to be noticed by the most competitive of players. The swap also comes with a faster 750 IPS, though, which will make for more accurate tracking over faster movements.

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE packs 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity, with an estimated 500-hour battery life over Bluetooth (no RGB) and 150-hour charge when used on 2.4GHz. That's well above the average set out by the best wireless gaming mice on the market, tying the the Scimitar's main competitor, the Razer Naga V2 Pro.

If you're keen to try the competition, I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice on the market, but there's also a range of the best Logitech gaming mice to consider as well. Lefties won't get on well with the Corsair Scimitar, but I'm also hunting down the best left-handed gaming mice on the market.

The Keychron M7 8K is an iterative update on the newer M7 model, upgrading the sensor to a Pixart PAW 3950 and adding support for 8,000Hz wireless polling. That's a small change in the grand scheme of things, even without those updates (and they will only really be noticed by the most competitive players in the arena) this is still one of the best gaming mouse models I've tested in a while.

The value on offer here is particularly strong. While the build construction and plastic material isn't the most comfortable or tactile on the market, the shape is fantastic, the sensor is speedy, and the controls are well-placed. If you're on the hunt for a tail-free rodent but don't want to break the bank, you'll find very few sacrifices compared to the flagships here.

Design

The Keychron M7 8K doesn't break the rulebook in its design, but it does add to it. The soft curve of the main chassis is supported by a generous thumb rest on the left flank and finished off with a soft-touch matte surface that feels fantastic under the hands. That means this is a comfort-first design, but one with a standard width and height for more nimble maneuvers.

It carries a larger footprint than many of the gaming mice in this mid-range, lightweight category but still manages to feel pliable under the fingertips. A total width of 77.1mm takes the thumb rest into account, which means it looks much larger than alternatives from Razer, Glorious, and Endgame Gear on paper. In reality, the actual grippable dome is far more streamlined. The Keychron M7 8K measures 124mm in length, which is again a touch larger than the 113mm Glorious Model O 2 Mini and 122mm Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed.

Much of that extra space, however, has been pushed towards the front of the device, with longer main clicks. That means the rear curve still easily slots in underneath the palm with space to spare, and I was still able to pivot the device from side to side in a claw grip.

That's an impressive combination of comfort and freedom of movement that I rarely see in mice that verge towards the top end of the size scale. The Turtle Beach Kone II Air, for example, goes all in on its wider base at the expense of flickability. The low 63g weight isn't quite as nimble as the 55g Cougar Revenger Pro 4K or Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, but it's light enough to stay fast while still providing a nice sense of grounding to each movement. In my opinion, it's just a few grams heavier than the sweet spot.

The actual construction feels fairly solid, though I did notice some considerable creaking when pressure is applied to the sides. There's also a slight flex from the bottom panel (though absolutely nothing from the top of the main dome) when pushed in the other direction as well. This is a cheaper all-plastic build, so it's easy to forgive.

The skates planted on the underside of the Keychron M7 8K aren't going to give the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse anything to worry about, and don't provide the super-smooth glide you'd expect from a more expensive pointer. They do, however, keep things moving along nicely with minimal sticking. I did require a mouse pad for a better experience.

The Keychron M7 8K comes in black or white, both benefiting from the same matte finish and glossy side buttons. The white model I received is nice and crisp, though grime and dust do show up far quicker and take a little work to remove fully.

Controls

The Keychron M7 8K packs all the standard controls you'd expect from a gaming mouse, though removes any side-to-side action on the scroll wheel that you'll see in some other models. Instead, the M7 comes with an additional clicker on the left flank, an angled third button that can be set up as a temporary DPI slower or simply configured to any other keybinding you choose.

I take as many buttons as I can on the side of my gaming mice, for both productivity and gameplay, so I'm always happy to see extras added. This third button could be difficult to hit if you have particularly small hands, due to its placement fairly high up the length of the chassis.

However, I have relatively little grabbers and was able to hook my thumb onto the angled portion of the button with ease. It doesn't take too much pressure to actuate either, which keeps it flexible for lighter touches without having to shift grip too far. The two main side buttons are perfectly positioned for speedy access without the threat of misfiring.

It's rare to find a third side button in gaming mice at this price point - none of the other models in this $69.99 - $99.99 comparison pool go beyond the traditional two-button array.

Underneath, you'll find dedicated shifters for DPI and polling rate settings (as well as LED indicators for each). That's a feature I loved in the Keychron M5. Again, it's rare to have on-the-fly access to polling rates no matter how much you're paying for your pointer.

Software

Keychron doesn't rely on a download for its configuration software, instead keeping things light with an in-browser setup. That means no additional CPU usage and no annoying software updates and notifications. Everything is saved directly onto the M7's onboard storage and can be adjusted from session to session, simply by running the Keychron Launcher.

The interface itself is neatly intuitive as well. Each of your configurable buttons are displayed on a graphic of the mouse, with keybinding options available on the lower half of the screen. Unlike the software packaged with the best Razer mice or the best Logitech gaming mouse models, your customized inputs aren't reflected directly on the mouse's graphic, which can make things a little more confusing, but they're displayed neatly in a table below instead.

DPI settings can be configured in five stages, and adjusted in increments of 50. That's not as fine a level of control as you'll see in more expensive mice, but it's certainly everything an everyday player will need. Each preset is assigned a color which is represented via an LED on the underside of the mouse as well.

Overall, everything is easy to find and I never ran into any issues setting up different profiles and presets, even when leaving the Launcher website and reloading at a later date. It could be prettier, but I'll certainly take streamlined functionality over CPU-heavy graphics and ads any day.

Connection

Packing all three connection methods (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired) as well as an 8,000Hz polling rate means the Keychron M7 8K beats the rest of its competition in this price range. The Cougar Revenger Pro 4K drops Bluetooth functionality and taps out at 4,000Hz for the same $69.99 price point and the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed only uses a 2.4GHz connection for the same rate. Even at the $99.99 position, the Glorious Model O 2 Mini drops you down to a 1,000Hz polling rate while keeping all three connection options and the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed kills Bluetooth and requires an additional dongle for super-fast polling.

That means the Keychron M7 8K is set up particularly well within its price bracket and, while the higher polling rate will only make sense for particularly competitive players, the versatility of those connection options is a win for everyone. I can keep the 2.4GHz receiver plugged into my gaming laptop and run the pointer off Bluetooth on my handheld (where ports are far more limited) or iPad, for example.

I never noticed any stuttering or lagging over either Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, even when battery levels started to run down.

Battery

Keychron states that the M7 8K can run for up to 140 hours on a single charge, a considerable improvement over the 70-hour lifespan of the previous M7 model. It still keeps the M7 8K from the top of the testing pool, though it does beat a number of $99.99 options out there. The Cougar Revenger Pro 4K taps out after 150 hours and the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed can run for up to 280 hours (though that is on a replaceable AA battery).

Still, I haven't had to charge this pointer once in my testing, which is more than I can say for some of the best wireless gaming mouse models I've had my hands on.

Sensor

The Keychron M7 8K comes with a Pixart PAW 3950 sensor under the hood, capable of tracking at up to 750 inches-per-second across up to 30,000 dots-per-inch. That's a solid mid-range spec sheet, and far more than you'll usually see from a mid-range model. The Cougar Revenger Pro 4K taps out at 26,000 DPI / 650 IPS, as do the more expensive Glorious Model O 2 Mini, Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed, and Endgame Gear OP1 8K.

Keychron makes this sensor a little confusing on its site. There is another M7 model available without the 8,000Hz polling and a weaker PAW 3395 sensor (26,000 DPI and 650 IPS) and, confusingly, some of that model's specs have been pulled through to the 8K's listing. If you are looking at additional retailers, it's well worth double checking the listed specifications to make sure you're picking up the 3950 model. It will give you access to that faster polling sure, but also a lower 0.7mm lift-off distance option and better power handling. You can read more about the PAW 3395 vs PAW 3950 and what it realistically means for each mouse as well.

The PAW 3950 runs beautifully sitting inside the Keychron M7 8K. Faster in-game mouse movements are tracked perfectly, representing as close to 1:1 movement as you can ask for beneath the $100 threshold. Ramping things up beyond my usual 3,200 DPI, action is still smooth thanks to the ripple control feature and even motion sync doesn't feel too woolly here.

Switches

Huano 80M Micro Switches sit inside the main clicks of the Keychron M7 8K, delivering a crisp clack with a robust feel behind it. They're slightly heavier than the shorter stops I'm used to in more competitive mice, but repeat presses are still swift and easy for the most part.

That extra heft does make itself known in faster moments - I often found myself staying stuck to the bottom of a press for a little longer than I would expect to in particularly competitive scenarios. They're far from mushy, though, and have a satisfying thunk to them overall.

Should you buy the Keychron M7 8K?

The Keychron M7 8K is a relatively affordable gaming mouse that doesn't shy away from the features more mainstream gaming brands will sell you at a premium. While its switches won't keep up with the competitive needs of its 8,000Hz polling rate, there's plenty of headroom for faster players and a lightweight body to accommodate faster movements and twitch-reflex shots as well. The additional ergonomics in the thumb rest play beautifully into slower moments and productivity use-cases, while still keeping the main body of the mouse skinny enough to remain nimble in a claw and fingertip grip.

At $69.99, the K7 8K has some considerable competition. It's the same price as, though much more widely available than, the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K and the Razer Viper Hyperspeed. If you're stuck at this $70 budget, the Keychron M7 8K wins the battle. It's better for more competitive players thanks to its lower weight and higher polling rate, while still catering to more casual markets better with its ergonomic design, extra side button, and versatile Bluetooth connection option.

The Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed is the gaming mouse that threatens the M7 8K the most, though. Before Keychron came along, this was the best value wireless pointer I'd tested. With its lower battery life, weaker sensor, lack of Bluetooth, and $30 higher price, that might be about to change. I'd stick to Razer if you're after extra sensor functionality, there are some neat Synapse tricks in here. However, if you're going for sheer value while cutting the cord, Keychron is the new name to beat.

How I tested the Keychron M7 8K

I used the Keychron M7 8K for all my daily work and play over the course of two weeks, testing specifically for competitive advantage in CS2 and Apex Legends and otherwise using the device across the tail end of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best left-handed gaming mouse models available now, as well as the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming headsets for a full setup refresh.

There are two Pixart sensors dominating the custom and high-speed gaming mouse market right now, the PAW 3395 and the 3950. While most of the best gaming mouse brands will use their own spin on this tech, or modify existing Pixart models for their own exclusive use, smaller manufacturers like BenQ, Pulsar, Vaxee and Lamzu rely on these eyes for most of their current rosters. What's the difference?

Not much. In fact, I'll say right now - if you're buying a new gaming mouse there are far bigger factors to consider over the sensor; shape, weight, switches, and controls.

Still, if you're torn between two identical rodents there could be some differences in their behavior based on the sensor inside.

The Pixart PAW 3950 is newer, releasing just last year, while the 3395 has been around much longer, driving a steady flow of mid-range and budget-minded gaming mice. Both sensors offer high-speed tracking, plenty of DPI headroom, and keen responses across a variety of surfaces, but there are a few differences that more discerning players will want to note.

Yes, the PAW 3950 can run at a higher 30,000 DPI compared to the 3395's 26,000, and that IPS tracking speed has been increased to 750 vs 650 on the older model. But very few players are going to notice those improvements. More competitive players may feel the additional speed during faster mouse movements, but very few are actually playing at the top of a gaming mouse's DPI range.

Instead, the Pixart PAW 3950's main benefits are its decreased lift-off distance and extra battery life.

We have lift off

The Pixart PAW 3395 allows users to choose between 1mm or 2mm lift-off distances (how high you have to lift the mouse before it stops tracking). The lower your lift-off distance, the more accurate your tracking is - as your mouse isn't continuing to move your cursor in between wider strokes.

The Pixart PAW 3950 improves on this customization by adding the option to drop as low as 0.7mm for a much faster stop to your tracking. You don't need to lift your mouse as high to reset your swing without interference, which means faster movements overall. More mainstream Razer gaming mice and Logitech gaming mouse models are still stuck at 1mm or even sometimes 1.2mm (like the Razer Viper V3 Pro and Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX).

I say it all the time, but only particularly competitive players are going to notice this benefit. If you're climbing ranks fast, it's worth considering, but casual users aren't going to move fast enough to spot the benefits of a lower lift-off distance past 1mm.

8% battery is 8% battery

The second noticeable benefit of the Pixart PAW 3950 compared to the PAW 3395 is its improved efficiency. This comes into play a little more when using higher polling rates (though, again, most players will only notice small benefits moving up to 4,000Hz and the majority won't even notice a shift up to 8,000Hz), but is still noticeable at 1,000Hz.

In short, the PAW 3950 handles its power better when sat inside one of the best wireless gaming mice. I've noticed a slight increase in runtime that tends to average out at an 8% improvement in battery life. Below, I've compared some of the most popular brands that use Pixart's sensors, taking average 1,000Hz battery lives from similar models released by those manufacturers using both PAW 3395 and PAW 3950 sensors.

Granted, there are a number of different factors that go into a gaming mouse's battery life. The numbers above are in no way indicative of the work that the Pixart 3950 sensor is doing overall to increase that juice. You've also got to consider the size of the actual battery running the rodent, how efficient that battery is, any additional LEDs on board, and the presence of extra power saving features. Just look at the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K topping the list with its PAW 3395 eye, for example.

Still, I've stuck to different generations of similar models from the same brands in this data to try and keep that deviation to a minimum. The Keychron M7 and the Keychron M7 8K is a great example - this is a very similar mouse between generations, with one running the PAW 3395 and the other upgraded to a PAW 3950. On average, gaming mice with a Pixart PAW 3950 sensor under the hood generally run for slightly longer between charges.

The Pixart 3950 is better, but that's far from the full story

The Pixart PAW 3950 beats the older PAW 3395 both on paper and in the smaller areas you might notice it working away. However, I'd recommend against buying a gaming mouse purely for its sensor alone. We're talking about minor improvements that some players might notice here, rather than game-changing features and performance enhancements.

What's really going to make a difference is the way your gaming mouse feels under the hand. Weight, shape, size, and layout all have a far greater bearing on whether a gaming mouse is right for you than its specs under the hood. A much bigger question would be whether a wired vs wireless gaming mouse would be better for your setup. I base my recommendations on how to choose a gaming mouse on what you play and how you play it - paper specs are rarely the only thing you should be considering.

I'm also hunting down all the best left-handed gaming mouse models on the market, as well as the best mouse pads for gaming to get that glide just right. Or, if you're kitting out your whole setup, check out the best gaming keyboards available.

I broke my hand about ten years ago, and my wrist has never been quite right since. It's achy and stiff when held at an angle (or only moving slightly) for too much time, a problem I generally only run into when stress-testing gaming mice over longer periods of play. I was skeptical when the Keychron M5 showed up at my door, though cautiously optimistic.

We've all had friends waxing on about the benefits of vertical mice, and I've considered joining the gang a few times over the years. I never quite pulled the trigger but, after two weeks with this lop-sided fella, I can see the benefits - in some lights.

While it may have the 8K polling rate and extra control features of some of the best gaming mouse models, the M5 isn't going to replace an FPS-first pointer for most players. In some sessions it even presented more problems than it solved. However, if you're tired of cracking your wrist after longer gaming sessions, it could be worth a look.

Design

This is the first time I've used a vertical mouse, but it only took about an hour of use for the upright position to feel natural. The wider base and increased pressure on the base of my thumb? That took a little longer.

Actually holding the Keychron M5 feels comfortable enough, though perhaps not immediately so compared to the hundreds of flat mice I have in my cupboards. This isn't a magical win for ergonomics - instead, its design places pressure on different places around the hand.

When I'm using a regular gaming mouse (I'm testing against the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX here) I notice a strain around the sides of my wrist. After a few hours with the M5 that pressure is more noticeable around my thumb and the base of my hand. When I swap between the two I can feel different parts of my wrist relaxing and tensing - neither is more comfortable than the other overall, but each offers something different.

It's the role that my thumb has to play that trips me up the most. While the M5 offers a generous rest on the left side, and a sturdy middle portion to grip with the rest of the palm, I'm squeezing the device a lot more than I would with a regular gaming mouse. That's due in part to the shape, I'm no longer sharing the load between my thumb, pinky, and a couple of fingers, but also the size.

Accuracy isn't the name of this game, maneuvering this larger, taller monster around finer aiming scenarios is a nightmare. The extra heft of a 95g chassis, reliance on thumb movements, and wider base meant I'm miss-clicking a lot more in Google Chrome, let alone Apex Legends.

The whole thing just feels too clunky to truly be wieldable in an FPS or even a faster action-adventure scenario. That much was obvious when I first started testing, but it's also remained true as I've grown used to the weight and shape of the chassis itself.

The actual chassis isn't decked out with anything particularly special. This is a cheaper-feeling plastic build with a hollow air to it and a non-descript all-black aesthetic. Visually, it could be from a top brand like Keychron or it could be Amazon Basics, I wouldn't know by either looking at or feeling it. That smooth material also gets a little clammy during longer sessions. Creaks are audible when the sides are pushed, though the plastic base never flexes.

Keep in mind, though, that this is a $69.99 wireless gaming mouse with an advertised 8,000Hz polling rate and 140-hour battery. I'll forgive a basic design if the features are all there.

Controls

The Keychron M5 benefits from all the usual side buttons you'll find on a regular gaming mouse, but also adds an additional scroll wheel on the left flank. The two, slightly glossy, side buttons are easily reachable, though the front clicker takes some readjusting to nail, and it only takes a small flick of the thumb to engage the notched wheel as well.

You don't normally get two of these on a gaming mouse, so I had to get pretty creative thinking up ways to use it in-game. It functions beautifully as an additional accessory in sniper situations in particular. I can keep my main scroll locked to my weapon wheel while scope-zooming on the other. That's really the only time I found myself using it. Though it's going to be a dream for video editors, it could have been far more useful had it also featured a scroll click.

Software

Keychron doesn't rely on a full install for its customization options, everything is readily available via its online tool. This is a simple interface that hides its in-depth features behind a basic coat of paint. It doesn't look like it's ready to take on Razer Synapse or Logitech G Hub, but it's certainly winning in what it actually offers.

Keybinding and macro recording is easy enough, each taking up their own tab and offering a simple, intuitive process for setting up. Inputs are selected from a graphic at the top of the page, though these aren't updated once a keybinding is set, which can make it difficult to cycle through different profile settings.

DPI is adjustable in increments of 100, all along a sliding scale. There's no option to manually input your own numbers here, but the position can be fine-tuned with +/- buttons along the side. Each profile can house five DPI settings, with each one assigned to a color that displays under the mouse itself. Interestingly, the polling rate gets the same treatment.

This is the first time I've seen a gaming mouse allow you to cycle through different report rates on the device itself. Each stage (125Hz through to 8,000Hz) is represented by a different combination of red, white, and blue LEDs in a separate indicator portion on the bottom of the mouse. That's a super easy way to keep track of your settings, especially when the software boots up fresh every time.

You've also got access to lift-off distance settings with both 1mm and 2mm options available, as well as a shorter 0.7mm toggle (more on that later). Debounce time can also be configured across all five main keys, giving you a seriously detailed level of control over speed response.

All of those settings are saved directly onto the mouse so it's truly a set-and-forget experience.

Connection

For a cheaper gaming mouse, the Keychron M5 certainly outdoes itself in its wireless connections. Not only are you getting 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and a wired port in here (the similarly priced Cougar Revenger Pro 4K and even more expensive mice like the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed drop Bluetooth) but there's up to 8,000Hz polling rates available straight out the box.

With no need for an additional dongle to make the most of these speedier response times, Keychron certainly has one up over the best Razer mice in the polling department. Of course, that's only going to be a win for the most competitive among us - very few players truly require full 8K rates. Still, it's handy to have in your back pocket when picking up a cheaper gaming mouse.

Unfortunately, that 2.4GHz connection wasn't the most reliable in my testing. Despite still having plenty of battery left, I noticed the Keychron M5 stalling out every so often, spending a few seconds stuck before catching up. This was persistent even with every other receiver and Bluetooth signal removed from the setup.

Battery

This is an insane battery life. I normally charge all my gaming mice to 100% before running their batteries fully down. It's been two weeks of normal play and I'm still at 45%.

Keychron estimates that its rodent has 140 hours to live, and based on my usage that feels conservative. Of course, this is box fresh so mileage is going to deteriorate over time, but that's true of every mouse I test and very few make it through the whole testing period without needing a charge.

It's also true that this is at 1,000Hz (though there were a couple of hours of 4,000Hz and 8,000Hz gameplay in there). If you keep to higher polling rates you're going to see a significant drop in battery life.

Sensor

A Pixart PAW 3950 sensor keeps everything rolling here. That's a slightly boosted version of the sensor I was expecting from a $69.99 device. Most budget-conscious gaming mice use a Pixart 3395 (even more premium models like the $149.99 / £134.99 Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse opt for this weaker version).

The 3950 can run at up to 30,000 DPI with a 750 IPS tracking speed. That gives you slightly more room for high-sensitivity moments (though nobody is going to be reaching the top end of that DPI chart) and more headroom for reliable tracking at faster mouse speeds. The 3395 I usually see in gaming mice that don't use their own sensors, or modify Pixart's, runs at up to 26,000 DPI and 650 IPS.

Of course, most players aren't going to notice the difference between these two sensors from sensitivity and tracking speed alone. There are other benefits present here that are impressive for the price.

The Pixart 3950 also benefits from that lower 0.7mm lift-off distance, which can be helpful if you're playing with a higher DPI and need to quickly readjust more frequently. It's also a more efficient sensor overall, which helps ensure that robust battery life as well.

The 3950 also maintains the key feature benefits of the older sensor as well, with angle snapping (for more rigid movements free of smaller jitters) and ripple control (for keeping high-DPI movements smooth).

Everything ran smoothly in the Keychron M5. The sensor kept up with faster gameplay moments well, matching high-speed movements with strong accuracy and keeping motion free from any stutter. My wilder panic-sweeps in Apex Legends felt 1:1 with the mouse's actual position, even at high speeds.

Switches

The Keychron M5 uses Huano's switches under its clickers, with a satisfying snap and a noticeably heavier feel compared to more esports-focused models like Logitech's Lightforce switches or Razer's Gen 3 Optical clackers. I like the heavier feel in this iteration, though. The angle of the main clicks means they could easily be accidentally pressed if a shorter.

I naturally prefer a shorter, crisper switch, and the M5 can run the risk of feeling a little hollow, especially around the side buttons. However, considering the size and shape, these feel like well-tuned switches overall.

Should you buy the Keychron M5?

The Keychron M5 is a very capable gaming mouse if you don't like the strain of a regular-shaped device and don't play particularly competitively. While it's too heavy to truly be considered a competitive device, and its larger form is too cumbersome to twitch into finer movements, it's comfortable and speedy enough for longer single-player sessions. I did note some 2.4GHz connection dropouts, and the shape isn't a cure-all for wrist or hand ache. However, if you're already used to a vertical pointer and want a new device that can take on your Steam library just as well as it can your spreadsheets, this is a fantastically priced device.

How I tested the Keychron M5

I used the Keychron M5 for two weeks, running the device for all my daily work and play (currently Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight). I also stress-tested the mouse in Apex Legends and CS2. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best left-handed gaming mice on the market, as well as the best Razer mouse models and best Logitech gaming mouse models available as well.

The Cougar Revenger Pro 4K is a tricky one. It launched at $69.99 in the US, but has been pretty much impossible to find at that price recently, with Amazon currently only listing a few at around $95. At its MSRP, it's well worth a look - undercutting more mainstream brands with 4,000Hz wireless polling (in theory), a solid Pixart 3395 sensor, and a fantastic battery life. If things stay near $100, though, things aren't quite so clear.

This is the threshold where some of the best gaming mouse models on the market come to play, and with a cheaper build quality and a problematic 4,000Hz polling dongle, the Revenger is going to struggle.

Cougar Revenger Pro 4K: Available at Amazon

Design

Cougar sent me both a black and white colorway of its symmetrical gaming mouse, and I instantly ripped open the white model first. It's a slick aesthetic, with a clean white chassis and jet black side buttons and scroll wheel quickly reminding me of the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, only without that cable sticking out the front.

The black version is more tame, after all this is the colorway many come to expect from their gaming mice, but it's still elevated with a brassy 'Cougar' logo stamped on the side. That's the only piece of branding you'll find topside, making for a nice relief from the RGB logos and etched stamps of other designs. The white model looks crisper, but it's certainly harder to keep clean. It's a magnet for the everyday grime of daily life.

Both pointers are covered with a soft-touch finish over plastic chassis', imitating the less textured surfaces of mice like the Razer Viper V3 Pro and Alienware Pro Wireless. While these pointers manage to stay grippy, though, the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K can sometimes slip. Grip tape is included in the box and I only noticed the rodent getting away from me during faster combat moments, but it's not quite as solid a surface as you'll find from more mainstream devices.

This is a cheaper gaming mouse, with (at MSRP) a $70 price tag, and there are signs. Squeezing the Revenger's sides revealed more creaking than I found on the similarly priced Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed and there's a considerable amount of flex when squeezed from the top and bottom. These aren't going to impact your day to day play with the device, but do raise some concerns over longer term durability.

At 124 x 65 x 38mm, the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K is slightly larger than the Glorious Model O 2 Mini in all regards, with a taller hump along the back offering better purchase for a palm hold in particular. It's roughly the same width and length as the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed, but slightly lowers the maximum height from 41mm to 38mm. That's a slightly more well-rounded set of dimensions than either the flatter (fingertip / claw-friendly) Glorious model or the more palm-minded Viper.

I found it comfortable enough to run with my usual claw grip most of the time, with enough space at the rear for finer pivot movements between the base of the mouse and my palm and a slightly indented left flank making for a secure hold overall.

What's perhaps more impressive is its weight. The Cougar Revenger Pro 4K squeezes everything down into a 55g form factor - that's lighter than the majority of models on the market at this price. Keeping things nimble on the battlefield is always a goal, but making sure that weight is balanced and sturdy can trip smaller brands. Cougar has navigated this line particularly well, beating the Alienware Pro Wireless, Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX, and Glorious Model O 2 Mini in the weight arena while still feeling grounded at the same time.

Features

With a Pixart 3395 sensor and Omron optical switches, the Cougar Revenger Pro isn't doing anything particularly innovative in its components. This is a classic 26K DPI / 650 IPS optical eye seen in a number of competitors' devices, from Alienware to Glorious, and it represents some of the best value for money on the market right now. A newer 30K DPI / 750 IPS Pixart 3950 has hit the shelves since the heyday of this tracker, but at this mid-range position the 3395 represents the bests of both performance and affordability.

Those switches offer a deep, responsive click with a little more travel distance than more esports-focused pointers. That's not necessarily a bad thing, on the contrary these clickers provide just enough tension to avoid accidental presses while remaining fast and comfortable during repeat inputs. They're crisper-feeling than the mechanical switches inside the similarly-priced Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed, which can feel soft by comparison. That optical design also means actuation can run a little faster as well.

Polling rate is a bigger issue for competitive players, but if you're finding yourself climbing the leaderboards and don't want to splash out on a flagship speedster like the Viper V3 Pro or Logitech G Pro X Superlight it's worth noting you can bump up to 4,000Hz wireless polling. That's a happy medium for me, 1,000Hz will serve the vast majority of players just fine - the increase in speed as you climb that ladder will only be noticed by the top 1% of competitors. However, if you do want a little more juice just in case, Cougar readily provides without making you pay for unnecessary 8,000Hz rates. It should be noted now, though, that I do have some concerns over that 4,000Hz polling mode.

Some more expensive mice can accommodate a wide range of polling rates from one dongle, for others it's a little more complicated. Like some of the best Razer mice, you'll need to use a separate receiver when scaling all the way up to 4,000Hz though, unlike Razer, it's included in the box. That's a blessing and a curse - you won't need to shell out for an additional accessory, but splitting the two receivers is a headache. I can only see myself losing one and being stuck with the other, and switching a full USB around every time I want to adjust my polling rate gets tiresome quickly.

There's a silver lining here, while the 4K dongle is huge and requires a cabled connection anyway (tough luck if you're trying to cut down on your wires by opting for a wireless gaming mouse), keeping it separate does make the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K more portable. Unlike the Razer Viper V3 Pro, which needs the full kit to work, it's much easier to simply pack the 1,000Hz receiver when travelling.

Unlike many cheaper gaming mice from smaller brands, the Revenger Pro 4K does have its own software. This is far simpler than competitors' options, but it does offer a clean and efficient interface for setting keybindings, fiddling with DPI settings, changing polling rates, and configuring lift-off distance. There are also a few additional customization options for angle snapping and ripple control to toggle on and off as well.

All in all, it's a light and breezy software with simple controls and intuitive menu systems. It's not as flashy as SteelSeries Engine or in-depth as Synapse, but it gets the job done without tanking your system.

The battery life is phenomenal. I was skeptical when I first saw that 150-hour figure from Cougar itself. That's the longest-lasting rechargeable 2.4GHz battery life I've seen in a mouse weighing just 55g, and it really does live up to that estimate. I ran the mouse for four weeks before that little red LED starting flashing at me, that's at between eight and ten hours on weekdays and three to four hours per weekend day. The hardest working gaming mice I've tested so far are the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K at 140 hours, the Alienware Pro Wireless at 120 hours, and the Turtle Beach Kone II Air at 130 hours, and the Cougar has them beat.

So what's missing from similarly priced mice? The Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed ($69.99) can bump those speeds up to 8,000Hz, but you'll need to buy a separate receiver to get there, and adds 'Dynamic Sensitivity' to its sensor allowing for a more natural DPI curve based on your movement speed. The MSI Clutch GM31 ($69.99, though regularly on sale for less) comes with its own wireless charging dock. And the Endgame Gear OP1 8K ($74.99) can reach up to 8,000Hz polling though drops your wireless connection to get there.

Performance

Gaming with the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K proved pleasant and precise, with the low weight and snappy clicks offering both speed and precision in single-player and competitive titles alike. The sensor holds out well, generally keeping up with faster movements, though not quite offering the resilience of the 888 IPS speeds of the Logitech G Pro Superlight 2 DEX.

That translates to a slightly heavier-feeling glide in faster moments, but I only noticed the difference when lining up the same shots I have a thousand times before and directly comparing between the two speeds. We're also talking about (at MSRP) a $90 difference in price, so can't complain.

The shape and weight work to keep movements zippy while allowing for a finer tuning of aim in slower sniper situations, especially thanks to that slightly shorter length running into the base of the palm.

Switching over to the 4,000Hz dongle is no mean feat. The whole receiver needs to be paired to the mouse, which means removing all dongles from the PC, holding the left, right, and scroll buttons, and controlling the software with the space button. It doesn't take too long, but the on-screen instructions don't match the user guide included in the box (with each suggesting a different color for the pairing light and instructing for different keyboard buttons to be pressed). I got there fairly quickly, but it felt like a rocky process. There was little difference between the 1,000Hz and 4,000Hz polling rates in my everyday gameplay, at least - when it was working.

The first time I paired and played with the 4,000Hz dongle everything was fine, but after waking the mouse from sleep and trying again things got a little patchy. Even with no other 2.4GHz receivers plugged in (or Bluetooth devices switched on), the mouse would drop connection for about a second fairly frequently. At some points I could barely make it across the screen without input dropping out.

After all that, you'll need to repeat the same pairing process to get back to the 1,000Hz receiver.

Should you buy the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K?

Taking that dodgy 4,000Hz receiver out of the picture for a minute, the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K actually offers a solid proposition. It's got one of the best batteries I've tested in a lightweight gaming mouse, glides and tracks well at a variety of different speeds, and offers an efficient, intuitive software system. It's unfortunate that the 4K reception needs a little more work, hopefully via firmware updates in the future, and requires a finicky setup process that could prove frustrating.

It's also worth bringing us back to the fact that I haven't seen that $69.99 MSRP for some time now, with low stock levels at Amazon giving us some rogue prices closer to $100.

All of that to say, the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K could have been a fantastic gaming mouse, but it's lack of availability, cursed 4,000Hz wireless polling, and lower build quality in the face of similarly priced competition stops it from being an easy recommendation. If it pops back onto the shelves for $69.99 it will be worth investigating in the future, but for now I'd stick to the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed at the same price, or spring for the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed at $99.99 / £99.99.

How I tested the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K

I spent four weeks using only the Cougar Revenger Pro 4K for all my daily work and play. I primarily played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Fallout 4, and Avowed with the device, while also testing across my usual competitive roster of CS2 and Apex Legends. My DPI was set at 3,200 for the duration of testing. I ran the battery from 100% to 0% at a 1,000Hz polling rate and, used the device in both this and 4,000Hz polling settings for as long as possible. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best Logitech gaming mice and the best left-handed gaming mice for more options. Or, take a look at the best mouse pads for gaming to complete your setup.