Don’t invest serious funds in a high-end gaming mouse without consulting this guide. These mice have performance worthy of their steep asking prices.
With the price of essential PC components continuing to rise, some gamers hesitate to spend an excess of money on peripherals like gaming mice and keyboards. Even so, there are some undeniable advantages of the best gaming mice in the high-end bracket that tempt buyers to make significant purchases. The most premium gaming mice tend to be larger wireless mice with highly accurate tracking and an ample number of programmable buttons. There are also several top-notch wired gaming mice that can match the performance of their wireless counterparts for a lower cost.
Since pricey high-end gaming mice should last a gamer for years, the ramifications of making a poor buying decision are greater. To determine which mouse deserves its elite status, focus on these considerations:
With these factors in mind, the following devices demonstrate the most advanced technological breakthroughs in the world of gaming mice.
The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed mouse is a wired gaming mouse perfect for gamers who want a simple yet elegant design on their gaming rig. All Lightforce wired mice come with Lightforce switches that provide incredible reliability and speed. The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed mouse comes with a HERO 25k gaming sensor that’s precise and responsive. The mouse comes with a redesigned scroll wheel that allows both hyperfast scrolling and slow and precise ratcheted mode. The thin and sturdy exoskeleton means that Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is both durable and lightweight at only 102 grams.
The Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is an FPS gaming mouse that combines a generous button layout with low-latency wireless tracking. At 102 grams, it’s far from the smallest or lightest wireless mouse making it an attractive option for larger hands. The G502 X Lightspeed features 13 programmable controls, including a sniper button that can adjust DPI or be swapped for a larger paddle. This impressive number of reprogrammable buttons makes the mouse a prime candidate for MOBA or MMORPG titles as well.
Lightforce switches are one of several innovations found in the G502 X Lightspeed and combine the best elements of optical and mechanical technology. The mouse utilizes beams of light to accurately measure the actuation distance of clicks but still offers the satisfying clicking responses of mechanical switches. When competing in intense FPS games, gamers can’t afford any delays with mouse movements registering on screens. The Hero 25K sensor on the G502 X Lightspeed is surgically precise and extremely power efficient, leading to its remarkable 140-hour battery life. Also, compatible with the Logitech G Powerplay Mousepad, gamers can charge the mouse as they use it, or opt for fast USB-C charging instead.
The scroll wheel on the G502 X Lightspeed is another highlight, boasting the ability to switch from ratcheted to free-scrolling mode. Gamers who use the mouse for work during the day can benefit from left and right tilting which can scroll through wide documents at a blistering pace.
One surprising omission from the G502 X Lightspeed is the lack of RGB effects. Logitech does sell the G502 X Plus Lightspeed which illuminates with a considerable amount of RGB lighting, costing marginally more money. Also, while the wireless mouse has a carefully crafted ergonomic design, it’s not ambidextrous, so left-handed gamers will struggle to control it on mousepads.
Even with its lack of flashy lighting, the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is the best gaming mouse when money is no obstacle. Its wireless performance and battery life are both class-leading while its build quality will have gamers pounding on its optical-mechanical switches for years without the device failing.
The Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ Adjustable Wired Gaming Mouse offers gamers an extraordinarily unique and customizable design. The R.A.T. 8+ has a 16,000 DPI sensor and durable switches rated to last over 50 million clicks. The mouse features an adjustable palm rest to accommodate a variety of grip styles and swappable parts including alternative pinkie rests. In addition, the R.A.T. 8 has an adjustable weight system to suit both MMO and FPS titles. The R.A.T. 8 provides the flexibility of 11 programmable buttons, 4 internally stored user profiles, and Chameleon RGB software to customize lighting effects.
Typically, even the most highly-rated wired gaming mice don’t come with an excessive asking price. While the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ is fairly expensive, gamers receive one of the most customizable pieces of gaming gear that exists. Just some of the replaceable parts that ship with this mouse include swappable pinky and palm rests, offering different textures and positions to suit multiple grip styles. The R.A.T. 8+ also features a sliding thumb rest, providing relief without fingers interfering with critical left and right buttons. Also, gamers often feel obligated to purchase a lighter gaming mouse for FPS titles or a heavier device for other types of games. Fortunately, the adjustable weight system in the R.A.T. 8+ enables the mouse to adjust to almost any gaming scenario.
The Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ offers 11 programmable buttons which consist of a profile button to switch between four onboard settings, side scroll wheels, and a precision button to adjust the mouse’s DPI up to 16000. Even though this mouse isn’t built with the highest sensitivity optical sensor on the market, the PMW 3389 sensor maintains reliable tracking during rapid movements.
Even with adjustable weight, the R.A.T. 8+ is a quite heavy mouse and probably not a favorite of the most competitive Esports pros. However, the device is extremely well-built and is able to withstand the constant tinkering of gamers who enjoy modifying its layout regularly. Also, this mouse’s OMRON switches can last up to 50 million clicks, so buyers can expect it to become a reliable part of a gaming rig for years to come.
The software that Mad Catz provides with the R.A.T. 8+ isn’t as feature-packed as Corsair iCue or Razer Synapse, but it still allows users to create game-specific profiles or adjust the device’s Chameleon RGB effects. In the app, gamers can go so far as to tweak the mouse’s lift-off height and USB report rate for the most personalized gaming experience.
When the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ was released in 2019, it broke new ground for just how customizable a mouse could be. Since then, no other mouse has been able to match its advanced modular design. Combining a high level of button and grip customization with flawless tracking, the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ is the best gaming mouse among corded contenders.
The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless gaming mouse lets the fastest and most agile gamers perform at their best.
