Staff, Courtesy of Corsair
Whether you’re gaming on a slim laptop or custom-built rig, your mouse is one of the most important computer peripherals. Along with your keyboard, your mouse receives a lot of hands-on time, and as such, needs to be reliable and comfortable. For competitive PC gaming, a precise mouse is even more important, as the difference between victory and defeat can often come down to the precision of your cursor movements.
We’ve recommended gaming mice before, but this time around, we’ve picked some of the most affordable, most bang-for-your-buck options out there. If you’re looking for a cheap gaming mouse, look no further.
What to Consider
When it comes to getting the perfect cheap gaming mouse to meet your needs, it’s best to take a look at a few different features.
The first is connectivity. Most cheap gaming mice are wired, and offer precise, affordable control for everyone. If having a wireless gaming mouse is important to you, you’ll likely have to pay more than the cost of an equivalent wired model.
Next, pay attention to mouse layout, and how you usually grip your mouse. Some models may be better suited for larger hands or different grip styles.
Lastly, check your mouse’s DPI (dots per inch). Also called clicks per inch (CPI), this is a general measurement of the speed your cursor moves across the screen. A higher DPI allows for more flexibility when establishing your preferred mouse sensitivity settings.
How We Evaluated
Many of these recommendations come from personal use. For the products we couldn’t test ourselves, we reviewed content from expert sources like Wirecutter, The Verge, CNET, Tom’s Guide, DigitalTrends, and others, as well as thousands of consumer reviews from online storefronts like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. As for the products themselves, we evaluated them on design, comfort, build quality, and price.
1
Best Overall
DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 20,000
- Battery: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired, USB-A
- Programmable Buttons: 6
- Weight: 2.89 ounces (82 grams)
- Additional Features: Razer Chroma RGB, up to 5 onboard profiles
The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a critically-acclaimed mouse for a reason. Usually priced under $50, the DeathAdder V2 fuses a subdued design with precision and customizability for an easy, comfortable experience. The customizable buttons allow for easy access to key inputs during intense gaming moments.
The slightly large, slightly grippy feel of the mouse itself creates a comfortable profile, even after hours of gaming. And Razer’s Synapse software allows for easy customization of buttons, RGB, and sensitivity. If you’re looking for a gaming mouse that can handle any genre of play comfortably, the DeathAdder V2 definitely deserves your consideration.
- Subdued design
- Comfortable grip
- Reviewers report some quality control issues
2
Best Premium Model
Basilisk V3 Customizable Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 26,000
- Battery: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired, USB-A
- Programmable Buttons: 11
- Weight: 3.56 ounces (101 grams)
- Additional Features: Razer Chroma RGB, up to 5 onboard profiles
For gamers looking for a serious tool that will support them in the heat of battle, check out Razer’s more premium Basilisk V3. Unlike the DeathAdder’s simplified design, the Basilisk offers a more sculpted shape, complete with a textured thumb rest and glossy accents.
In terms of features, a standout is the Basilisk’s scroll wheel, which automatically cycles between tick scrolling and free spinning depending on your scroll intensity.
Another highlight is the “sniper button,” a programmable, square button on the thumb rest that’s great for key inputs. The Basilisk V3 also comes with programmable RGB, a flexible cable, and a super high 26,000 DPI for an all-around great experience.
- Super high 26,000 DPI
- HyperScroll scroll wheel
3
Best Budget Model
G203 Wired Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 8,000
- Battery: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired, USB-A
- Programmable Buttons: 5
- Weight: 2.99 ounces (85 grams)
- Additional Features: Lightsync RGB
If budget is your top priority, you’ll want a gaming mouse that delivers on the essentials without any extra features that might raise the price. Thankfully, Logitech’s G203 wired gaming mouse is exactly that, delivering on the essentials at an affordable price point.
Coming in a variety of colors, the G203 has a timeless shape with no added slopes, grips, or textures. Along with the main buttons and scroll wheel, two side-mounted thumb buttons give room to customize, while the top button quickly cycles through user-set DPI modes. Much like its competitors, you can customize buttons, DPI, RGB, and more through Logitech’s G Hub software.
- Very affordable
- Easy-to-use design
- Lower DPI than the competition
- Requires Logitech G Hub software for most functionality
4
Best Customization
G502 HERO High Performance Wired Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 25,600
- Battery: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired, USB-A
- Programmable Buttons: 11
- Weight: 4.26 ounces (121 grams) minimum, adjustable
- Additional Features: Lightsync RGB, three optional extra weights (3.6g each)
Customization is important for any gamer, and having a mouse that offers a wide variety of customization options makes it that much easier to reach your peak performance. If you don’t mind its sharp, angular design, the Logitech G502 Hero is one of the best cheap gaming mouse options on the market in terms of customization.
Five programmable buttons around the thumb rest and left click button allow for quick execution of all your most important inputs in any game. The left-right buttons themselves are impressive too, as their longer design allows for a wider range of grip styles. The G502 Hero even features adjustable weight, although its base weight may be a bit heavy for some users.
- Main LR buttons support many grip styles
- Tons of programmable buttons
- Adjustable weights
- Scroll wheel feels plastic-y
- Heavy, even with weights removed
5
Best for Claw Grip
MM720 White Glossy Lightweight Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 16,000
- Battery: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired, USB-A
- Programmable Buttons: 5
- Weight: 1.72 ounces (49 grams)
- Additional Features: RGB
Compared to most gaming mice you’ll find online (and even on this list), Cooler Master’s MM720 looks a bit odd. With a very round shape and a honeycomb center, it may look like some sort of knock-off. Rest assured, the MM720’s unique design is intentional, and creates a comfortable, lightweight feel well suited to gaming and everyday tasks. The biggest selling point of the MM720 is not any customization or unique additional buttons, but its shape, which is designed for claw grip usage. With a resting point for the ring finger and arched central buttons, using a claw grip with the MM720 feels better than it will using most traditional gaming mice.
- Lightweight and comfortable
- IP58 water and dust resistant
- Build quality could be better
- Not a great fit for large hands
6
Best Ambidextrous Model
Sensei 310 Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 12,000
- Battery: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired, UBS-A
- Programmable Buttons: 8
- Weight: 3.2 ounces (92.1 grams)
- Additional Features: Ambidextrous layout, RGB
When shopping for any hands-on tool, left-handed people are often an afterthought, and as such, are forced to adapt to right-handed tools. But with an ambidextrous mouse, left-handed gamers can enjoy a device that’s ready for either hand.
Among ambidextrous gaming mice, SteelSeries’ Sensei 310 is a standout. Similar to Razer’s DeathAdder V2, the Sensei 310 features a subdued design with grippy side textures. But unlike the DeathAdder V2, the Sensei 310 features a symmetrical, ambidextrous shape. On top of that, the Sensei 310 features programmable buttons on both sides of the mouse, meaning extra input options for either hand. If you’ve ever been curious about ambidextrous gaming mice, it’s definitely worth giving the Sensei 310 a spin.
- Ambidextrous shape
- Programmable buttons on both sides
- Some adhesive issues with side grips
7
Best Wireless Charging
Dark Core RGB Pro SE Wireless Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 18,000
- Battery: 30+ hours, USB-C and Qi rechargeable
- Connectivity: Wireless via 2.4GHz USB-A receiver, Bluetooth, Wired USB-C
- Programmable Buttons: 8
- Weight: 5 ounces (142 grams)
- Additional Features: RGB, up to 3 onboard profiles
Most of the mice on this list are wired for a reason: wired mice are often cheaper than wireless ones, and help users avoid any battery or charging issues. Corsair’s Dark Core gaming mice is an exception, as it offers robust features and versatility at an affordable price point.
Like other mice on this list, the Dark Core delivers a comfortable, precise experience with high DPI, customizable buttons, and RGB lighting. But the Dark Core is also wireless, with low-latency Bluetooth connectivity. Powering up is simple with either USB-C or Qi wireless charging, making the Dark Core one of the easiest wireless gaming mice on the market.
- Versatile connectivity
- Affordable
- Divisive grip design
- Heavy
8
Best Wireless Model
G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse
Key Specs
- DPI: 12,000
- Battery: 250 hours, 1 AA battery
- Connectivity: Wireless via 2.4GHz USB-A receiver
- Programmable Buttons: 6
- Weight: 3.5 ounces (99 grams)
- Additional Features: USB receiver storage slot
Very similar to Logitech’s own G203 mouse, the G305 Lightspeed is one of the most affordable gaming mice around. With a universal shape, programmable side buttons, and adequate DPI, the G305 is more than enough for most gaming needs.
The biggest selling point of the G305 Lightspeed is that it provides all of this while being wireless, making it a particularly great cheap gaming mouse. Coming in a wide range of colors, the G305 is ideal for wireless gaming on a budget, delivering the essentials and cutting out everything else.
- Very affordable
- Great quality
- Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity options
- Non-rechargeable (uses one AA battery)
Harry Rabinowitz Harry Rabinowitz is a writer, editor, and columnist covering the latest and greatest products in the gaming industry.
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