The 5 best gaming mice of 2022

Tech Specs: Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB | Buttons: 11 | Weight: 112 grams | Sensor: Optical | RGB: Yes | Programmable: Yes | Configuration: Right-handed | Max DPI: 30,000

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is a powerhouse of a gaming mouse. It features 11 buttons that can be programmed with different keystrokes and inputs to make everything from casting spells to precision sniper shots fast and easy. The thumb paddle acts as a DPI throttle to help you with precision aiming in FPS games, or you can program it with a quick action. The optical sensor has a max sensitivity of 30,000 DPI, and you can create custom DPI levels, switching between them for different game genres or even office work. 

And with the Razer Synapse desktop app, you can even set up different user profiles with custom input layouts and DPI sensitivities to suit your top 5 favorite games or easily switch between typical office work and gaming. It connects to your computer via Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle, or USB cable so you can use it while charging. And the integrated, rechargeable battery gives you up to 90 hours of play on a full charge — which means you can game and work 8 hours a day for almost 2 weeks before you need to plug in.

Tech Specs: Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB | Buttons: 6 | Weight: 69 grams | Sensor: Optical | RGB: Yes | Programmable: Yes | Configuration: Right-handed | Max DPI: 26,000

The Corsair Katar Elite is proof that a wireless gaming mouse doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be over-engineered to be a great option. This mouse features a simplified, symmetrical design that is comfortable in both palm and claw grips, though it might not be as good for anyone with larger hands. With 6 programmable buttons, you can create custom input layouts for your favorite games, and switch between them with the Corsair iCUE software. The body of the mouse weighs just 69 grams, making it very responsive for fast-paced shooters and platformers. 

The optical sensor maxes out at 26,000 DPI, and you can cycle through custom DPI settings with the button beneath the scroll wheel to quickly switch between sensitivities when needed. The integrated battery gives you up to 110 hours of play on a full charge, and the included USB cable means that you can keep gaming while recharging. You can also connect the Katar Elite to your PC via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz USB dongle for a wireless connection. And at about $80, it’s one of the more affordable wireless gaming mice on the market.

Tech Specs: Connectivity: USB cable | Buttons: 4 | Weight: 59 grams | Sensor: Optical | RGB: Yes | Programmable: Yes | Configuration: Right-handed | Max DPI: 16,000

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste weighs in at just 59 grams, which is even lighter than the Apple Magic Mouse. I personally use this mouse for both gaming and everyday work, and it is a delight. The honeycomb body design reduces weight without sacrificing strength, creating a mouse that doesn’t flex even during intense play. It has just 4 buttons that can be programmed with the HyperX Ngenuity app along with the RGB lighting on the scroll wheel. The wheel is the only lighting on the mouse, which is great if you want a more understated look for your gaming space. 

The switches are designed to prevent dust build-up, ensuring long-lasting durability. And if you don’t like the super smooth feel of the mouse body, it comes with honeycomb-textured, rubberized grip tape for the sides and top buttons. And I suggest using the grip tape anyway, as the natural oils and sweat from your hands can make the mouse even more slick and difficult to control.

Tech Specs: Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB | Buttons: 6 | Weight: 9.2 ounces | Sensor: Trackball | RGB: Yes | Programmable: Yes | Configuration: Right-handed | Max DPI: 2400

ProtoArc’s EM01 trackball mouse might not be your first thought when looking for an ergonomic gaming mouse, but it’s definitely one of the best. The thumb-positioned trackball does take some getting used to, but once you’ve got a handle on it, you’ll be able to game with the best of them. The angled, palm-fitting design helps relieve hand, wrist, and forearm strain and discomfort that comes with marathon gaming sessions by keeping your arm in a more neutral position. 

The mouse has 6 programmable buttons, so you can create custom input layouts. And you can even connect the EM01 to up to three computers at once — which is perfect for content creators who have separate rigs for gaming and recording or editing raw footage files or anyone with separate work and gaming computers. The integrated battery lasts up to a whole month on a full charge, which means you can game all day or night worry-free.

Tech Specs: Connectivity: USB cable | Buttons: 6 | Weight: 92 – 103 grams | Sensor: Optical | RGB: No | Programmable: Yes | Configuration: Right-handed, symmetrical | Max DPI: 4200

The MSI Clutch GM08 is an ultra budget-friendly option for PC gamers looking for a simplified model and comfortable design to suit a variety of game genres and play styles. It features a symmetrical design that is great for palm and claw grips, and even left-handed gamers if needed. The body weighs just 92 grams, but if you want a bit more heft, you can use the included weights to add up to 11 more grams of weight. 

The optical sensor maxes out at just 4200 DPI, which is plenty sensitive for most games, including shooters and platformers. It connects to your PC via USB cable for unlimited power, and it features a smooth wire cover to prevent annoying snagging or tangling that can limit your movements. And with a price tag under $20, it’s perfect as a backup mouse or a first gaming mouse for kids and teens.