Being a gamer is not just a hobby, it is a way of life. If gaming does not challenge you to outperform yourself, then you are doing it wrong. Sadly, things are never just black and white. To make the most out of your gaming session, you need not only dedication but also decent quality gaming gear.
If you can afford the best gaming mouse on the market, you just take a shot and reap the benefits of your purchase. However, if you have a limited budget, you need to settle for the best quality-price ratio. Check out the best cheap gaming mice that will give you an edge over the competition.
Best Budget FPS Gaming Mouse
HyperX Pulsefire FPS
I am struggling to break the habit of thinking about HyperX as a headset maker but here I am reviewing the Pulsefire gaming mouse geared towards first person shooter addicts.
Design-wise it bears resemblance to Razer’s Deathadder mice but performance-wise I would compare it to the Zowie mice. Simply said, the Pulsefire is a no-frills yet lethal weapon for Overwatch, Titanfall, and CS:GO competitive gaming.
The Pulsefire is a plug and play mouse. You don’t have to spend several hours customizing it via a software. It is suitable for palm and claw grippers, but Southpaws will be disappointed to know that it is a right-handed mouse slightly favoring palm over claw grip.
Similar to its FPS-oriented counterparts, the Pulsefire does not have a whole lot of buttons. It has six of them – a clickable scroll wheel, the standard right and left buttons, a DPI button, and two thumb buttons that felt pretty responsive during my tests. That being said, the absence of a sniper button can be a dealbreaker for FPS gamers who do a lot of running and gunning. Despite the lack of software, you can customize the buttons via the individual game menus.
The Pulsefire uses the PixАrt 3310 sensor and offers 3,200 max sensitivity. I know this is not even close to the newly established 16,000 DPI standard, but I don’t think you will ever need more than 3,200 DPI unless you have ultra-high resolution monitors.
You can choose between four sensitivity presets – 200, 800, 1600, and 3,200 respectively. Each preset will light up in a different color but since the color of the scroll wheel cannot be changed (it is always red), the color combinations do not always look nice.
The Omron switches provide satisfying clicks and their durability is estimated at 20 million clicks, which means that the Pulsefire will last for a while. It possesses all essential features you can find in this price tier so if you are fine with the limited customization options, and the lack of a sniper button, give the HyperX Pulsefire a shot.
Razer DeathAdder Expert
I have heard some creepy urban legends about Deathadders’ durability and the most widespread of them were that they break down after a few months of use, and they carry an atrocious price tag just because they are a Razer product.
Well, there must be a good reason why Razer is a top gaming brand and below, I am reviewing one of the most affordable mice in the company’s line-up – the DeathAdder Expert.
The DeathAdder Expert is a budget mouse that would appeal to FPS players who use 144Hz refresh rate displays. The mouse is made of durable materials and despite being a sub-$50 device, Razer hasn’t compromised on quality. Everything is on point from the sensor to the design itself. The Expert has a total of 7 buttons programmable via the synapse software and offers max DPI sensitivity of 6,400.
The Synapse software also enables you to tweak the lights, button functions, dpi settings sensitivity. Although there is nothing particularly noteworthy about the DeathAdder Expert, it offers the pinpoint accuracy of all FPS-focused Razer mice, which is enough of a reason to consider it a worthy addition to your setup. Still, if you don’t mind going over your budget and spending $10 more, I would recommend having a look at the DeathAdder Elite.
- 6400dpi 4G Optical Sensor
- Improved ergonomic side grips
- Razer Synapse 2.0
Corsair M65 Pro RGB
Since you are looking for the best FPS mouse under $50, I am positive you have stumbled upon fiercely advertised cheapos with descriptions in poor English and brand names that are difficult to pronounce.
That is why I am excited to introduce one of the best affordable FPS mice that have ever passed through my hands – the Corsair M65 Pro RGB. It is a top-notch product and it offers much more than what meets the eye. If you are a right-handed palm gripper, who is mainly into shooters, the M65 is the best you can find in this price range.
The M65 is a solid piece of engineering. It has an aircraft-grade aluminum unibody frame, durable Omron switches, and insanely precise sensor. The mouse comes with three optional weights that add 20g to its weight. If you do not use any of them, the mouse weight drops to 115 grams. For one reason or another, Corsair has not included a carrying case for storing the weights when not in use. Still, that omission is negligible given the impeccable performance of M65 in shooters.
The M65 Pro RGB has eight programmable buttons – right and left clickers, a clickable scroll wheel, three thumb buttons as well as buttons for increasing/ decreasing sensitivity. The sniper button is located right below the back and forward thumb buttons. The max sensitivity is 12,000 DPI.
Similar to all other Corsair peripherals, the M65 is customizable via the Corsair Utility Engine. The mouse also has an onboard memory, so you will not have to go through the customization process every time you use it at your friend’s house.
All in all, the M65 Pro RGB offers stellar performance in PUBG, Fortnite, Quake, CS:GO, and Overwatch. Fans of first person shooters will definitely fall for the convenient button placement, the dedicated sniper button, the excellent responsiveness and sensor accuracy. The M65 is a joy to use and I highly recommend it as one of the best fps gaming mice under $50.
- 12000 DPI high accuracy sensor: custom tuned, gaming grade sensor for pixel precise tracking
- Aircraft grade aluminum structure: light weight, durability, and optimal mass distribution
- Advanced weight tuning system: set the center of gravity to match your play style
- Surface calibration tuning utility: Optimizes sensor precision and responsiveness for your playing surface
- Optimized sniper button positioning: take advantage of on the fly DPI switching to instantly match mouse speed to game play demands.
G402 Hyperion Fury
Speaking of awesome cheap FPS mice, we cannot skip the award-winning Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury. Design-wise, the mouse is very different from the other Logitech peripherals, but it is easily one of the deadliest weapons known to gamers.
The Hyperion Fury design favors mainly palm grip, but claw grippers will not be disappointed either. The mouse has a total of eight buttons – right and left clickers, a scroll wheel, a sniper button, two thumb buttons, and two buttons for increasing/ decreasing mouse sensitivity. All of them are programmable via the Logitech software. Under the hood G402 houses a 32-bit processor and offers onboard storage, too.
The mouse has an optical sensor and offers a max sensitivity of 4000 DPI. The Fusion Engine setting enhances the speed, and it is definitely a feature pro gamers would love. The Hyperion Fury also performs well in MMOs and RTS games, although its responsiveness seems most helpful in shooters. WoW fans will probably have to look for a mouse that enables them to assign more macros.
The Hyperion Fury is undoubtedly one of the best Logitech FPS mice, along with Logitech G502, and even if you are not on a budget, I cannot see a reason why you pass on it.
- Responsiveness:USB data format: 16 bits/axis USB report rate: 1000 Hz (1ms) Microprocessor: 32-bit
- Fusion Engine hybrid sensor,8 programmable buttons,On-the-fly DPI Switching,32-bit ARM processor,1 millisecond report,High-speed clicking,Full-speed USB
- 4 on-the-fly DPI settings,Tracking Resolution: 240-4000 dpi Max. acceleration: >16G* Max. speed: >500 ips*
- Glide:Dynamic coefficient of friction -: .09 µ (k)* Static coefficient of friction -: .14 µ (s)*
- World's fastest gaming mouse: Fusion Engine technology and 1MS report rate enables tracking speeds of up to 10 meters/second (420 ips)
Best Budget MMO Mice with 12-Button Grid
Redragon Perdition M901
If you are heavily into World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, Lineage, and you cannot afford to spend half of your paycheck on a Naga Trinity, you must be looking for an inexpensive alternative that not only feels comfortable but also has the much-needed side buttons. The Redragon Perdition M901 ticks all the right boxes and it would not be excessive to define it as one of the best budget solutions for MMOs.
The mouse comes with a 12-button grid on the side and six more buttons placed across the body. The Avago laser sensor offers the mind-blowing 16,400 DPI max sensitivity and performs great on hard mouse pads. There are five DPI presets to cycle through. And here is the biggest selling point of the Perdition. The mouse has a weight tuning set, so that you can tweak the weight in accordance with your personal preferences.
MMO mice are usually fat and the Perdition is not an exception. It weighs 5.3 oz (150g). When you add all 8 pieces, the weight reaches 5.96oz (169.2g). (Each piece weighs 0.08oz or 2.4 grams).
The mouse is customizable via the proprietary software you can download from Redragon’s website.
You have 5 onboard profiles to save your settings to. The button at the base enables you to switch between profiles on-the-fly and personally, I found it pretty convenient.
Both the Perdition M901 and the Mammoth M801 are solid budget picks and if it was not for the acceleration, I would not have any complaints about M901 performance. If you are looking for a sub-$50 MMO mouse with a 12-button grid, the M901 is a must consider model.
- WIRED GAMING MOUSE; built for PC Gamers -Optical Gaming Mouse up to 12400 DPI via software, 12000 FPS, 1000 Hz polling rate, 50G acceleration.
- LED RGB BACKLIT PROGRAMMABLE GAMING MOUSE; 18 programmable buttons, 5 Memory Profiles each with distinct LED color option for quick identification.
- ERGONOMIC GAMER MOUSE DESIGN; Ergonomic shape fits naturally in your hand, reduces stress with superior productivity and efficiency. Give an extremely gaming experience during sessions.
- HIGH-END PC GAMING MOUSE FEATURES; 7 Mouse Buttons PLUS 12 MMO programmable side buttons. Total 19 buttons. Fire button, Pulsing Breathing light color modes. Durable smooth TEFLON feet pads for ultimate gaming control
Logitech G600
The G600 is a premium Logitech MMO mouse that normally sells for $80 but I got mine for less than $50 so it would not hurt to check out if it is still on sale. It might not be the most eye-catching Logitech rodent but if you are more concerned about performance rather than the looks, you may rest assured it will add to your smooth WoW gameplay.
Apart from the 12-button grid on the side, the G600 also has three extra buttons, right and left clickers, two buttons on the top, a scroll wheel, and an extra button you can access with your pinky finger. The mouse has onboard storage where you can save your settings for generic PC gaming, Primary MMO, and Alternative MMO. As you can see, you have plenty of buttons to assign macros to. There is no sniper button, but I believe MMO players would not make a big deal out of it.
The G600 offers 1000Hz report rate, 30G acceleration, and 8,200 max sensitivity. As for the sensor itself, I am likely to believe it uses ADNS-9800.
The features and button layout make the G600 a strictly MMO mouse. I don’t think FPS fans would like it, but if you are playing mainly WoW, you cannot go wrong with it. You will enjoy smooth, consistent tracking, a plethora of buttons to remap and three profiles to save your setting.
- 20 MMO tuned buttons: Includes unique 12 button thumb panel designed for quick, no look navigation;
- G shift ring finger button: Instantly double the number of actions you can perform with every button. PTFE Feet: 250-km range. Onboard memory: 1 profile
- Built for comfort: Sculpted shape and tuned buttons reduce click fatigue during marathon multiplayer sessions; G8 cycle modes
- Total personalization: Set it up your way with customizable thumb panel lighting colors, DPI levels or button assignments; Do not use a USB hub
- Made for PC gaming: Compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8
HAVIT HV-MS735 MMO Mouse
You must have noticed that most MMO mice are geared towards right-handed palm grippers and manufacturer’s aim to stuff the mouse with 20 buttons results in poor ergonomics. Well, this is not the case with Havit. It is still a right-handed mouse, but it is a comfortable rodent that feels like a natural extension of your hand.
The left panel houses the required 12-button grid, a tiltable scroll wheel, right and left clickers, and buttons for increasing/decreasing the mouse sensitivity. There are no forward and back thumb buttons, but I am likely to believe that their absence is for the sake of keeping the mouse comfortable instead of making it an oversized beast.
The Havit HV-MS735 uses Pixart 3360 optical sensor and offers the impressive 12,000 max sensitivity. During my tests, the mouse ensured consistent tracking on all surfaces although I recommend you get a mousepad if you have a glass desk.
You can start using the mouse as soon as you take it out of the box but if you want to create shortcuts, adjust the color patterns or the DPI, you will have to fiddle with the Havit software. The HV-MS735 ships with a CD but you can also download the software from company’s website. All settings you make will be saved in the onboard memory.
I am telling you folks, Havit HV-MS735 is really good and it is a shame that it is not more popular. It might not be the most advanced gaming mouse for MMO, but it is an ideal budget alternative that will provide you with quick access to the most important spells and skills.
UtechSmart Venus MMO Gaming Mouse
At a first glance, the UtechSmart Venus looks like yet another Razer Naga copycat, but the truth is that it is a versatile device that does an excellent job not only in MMOs but also in shooters. The first thing I noticed about the Venus was that it did not feel like a $20 plastic toy in my hands. On the contrary – it felt sturdy and aside from the physical look, it won me over with the Omron switches and the Teflon feet that add to its durability.
The Venus has a 12-button grid on the side as well as six more buttons located appropriately across the body. Yes, you counted right, the Venus has a total of 18 buttons you can remap via the software.
I would like to put emphasis on the 12-button grid itself as it comes to confirm my belief that when it comes to gaming peripherals, the devil is in the details. The grid has four rows and each of them is comprised of three buttons. As you can see on the pics, there are peaks and valleys between the rows and once you get used to the mouse, the risk of misclicks is basically eliminated.
The Venus is equipped with Avago ADNS 9800 sensor that performs admirably on all kinds of surfaces and allows up to 16,400 DPI sensitivity. Still, you’d better get an extended mousepad if you are planning to use the mouse on a glass surface.
To make the most out of your gameplay, you will have to fiddle with the software settings. Once you have the mouse up and running, you will be able to create macros, reassign button functions, adjust the polling rate and the lighting patterns, and more.
Similar to the Redragon Perdition M901, the Venus has an adjustable weights tuning system that allows you to add up to 19.2g to its weight and make it a heavy MMO oriented mouse or a lightweight FPS mouse.
To cut a long story short, the UtechSmart Venus is neither the most sophisticated nor the most bare-bones MMO mouse. It is right where it belongs – a sub $50 mouse that possesses the features needed for making your WoW gameplay smoother and more enjoyable.
- 『SENSITIVE DPI MMO MOUSE』Focus on MMO gamers: this professional MMO gaming mouse built-in up to 16400 DPI, 12000 FPS, 1000 Hz polling rate, 30G acceleration, 100-150in/s cursor speed, and a high precision Avago sensor.
- 『FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE MOUSE & RGB BACKLIT』Venus MMO wired gaming mouse with multiple programmable buttons (included 12 side buttons), 5 custom profiles each with 5 LED RGB colors
- 『PROGRAMMABLE MOUSE BUTTONS』All the macro buttons allow you to customize the functions to your specific needs and can be easily mapped to any of the usual keyboard keys, combos.
- 『PRECISE CONTROL IN YOUR HAND』Venus MMO mouse is also an adjustable weighted mouse that comes pre-assembled with (2. 4g) x 8 weights inside.
- 『COMFORTABLE SHAPE & TEXTURED GRIP』 Ergonomic Right-Handed design with the frosted painting surface avoids hand sweat and slippery.
Best Budget MOBA Mouse ($50 and Under)
Corsair Sabre RGB
Corsair Sabre is a mouse devoid of the fancy features its high-end siblings boast about, except the RGB lighting. I however dare to say that it is on par in terms of performance.
The Sabre is a corded mouse, featuring eight programmable buttons and the layout is pretty similar to the M65 save for the lack of a sniper button. This mouse has two back and forward buttons, two DPI adjustment buttons, a scroll wheel, right and left clickers, and another button underneath the scroll wheel. You can assign that button whatever function you want but it seems to me that it is a bit inconvenient. On several occasions, I hit the scroll wheel instead of that button but I guess this issue will be non-existent once you build a good muscle memory.
The Sabre offers the satisfying 10,000 max DPI sensitivity, 1000Hz polling rate, and Omron switches, designed to withstand at least 20 million clicks. Despite being released quite a long time ago, it remains the top choice of MOBA enthusiasts who do not aim for the competitive scene.
Logitech G302 Daedalus Prime – The Best League of Legends Mouse
At a first glance, you would never guess that the G302 is a MOBA mouse. However, it possesses a stunning number of specific features and it is worth the money. If you have recently discovered your passion for League of Legends, the G302 deserves your attention.
The Logitech G302 has been designed by MOBA gamers for MOBA gamers. You know, those who have experienced the sour taste in the mouth after a humiliating loss in LoL, can give the most relevant recommendations about the specs of the best budget mouse for MOBA. Likewise, only those who have played for hours on end can confirm how important well ergonomically designed mouse is, especially in MOBAs, where the relentless clicking is an inseparable part of the game.
The G302 sports six buttons – right and left clickers, a clickable scroll wheel, a sniper button, as well as two thumb buttons. Buttons’ metal spring tensioning system is said to improve their responsiveness. The Daedalus Prime can be taken for an ambidextrous mouse if it wasn’t for the thumb buttons. Southpaws will never be able to make use of them.
You can remap the buttons via the Logitech software except for the right and left clickers. Still, you can swap the functions of these two, which makes G302 unsuitability for lefties even more baffling.
The mouse has a 32-bit ARM processor and an optical sensor allowing 4,000 max DPI sensitivity. You have four dpi presets to cycle through. The Daedalus Prime is ideal for hardcore MOBA gamers that do a lot of clicking, but it also does a brilliant job in games where the combination of speed and pinpoint accuracy is essential.
The G302 is a vivid example that a high-quality gaming mouse does not necessarily go with a hefty price tag. Its lightweight design, sturdiness, and plenty of customization options make it not only the best cheap MOBA mouse, but also an excellent all-rounder.
- 6 programmable buttons
- On the fly DPI switching
- Metal spring left/right button tensioning system
- Tuned to Pro Gamers Specifications: Features and playability developed with the help of Pro MOBA players
- Metal Spring Tensioning Button System: Improves button feel and response for fast, accurate actions
Roccat Kova
If you left hand is dominant, or you switch hands to minimize wrist fatigue and you play not only MOBAs but also other genres, the Kova is the perfect mouse for you. It performs brilliantly in almost all genres, although MMO freaks would not be amused by the lack of a 12-button grid.
Aside from the standard right and left clickers and the scroll wheel, the Kova has three extra buttons on each side as well as a DPI shift button in the center. You can easily assign a desired button command (including Easy Shift +) via the Roccat Swarm software. The other settings you can tweak to your liking include polling rate, DPI sensitivity (up to 7000), color patterns, and take advantage of five profile spots to save your settings.
The Roccat Kova is one of the most comfortable mice ever released and its ambi shape, the generous number of buttons, the excellent performance in all genres and the fact that it is a Roccat product makes it appealing to bargain hunters.
Best Cheap Left-Handed Mouse
Logitech G300s – Best Mouse for Small Hands
If you play WoW or the Elder Scrolls, and you are a leftie, you must have been devastated to know that Razer discontinued the left-handed Naga edition. I cannot think of an adequate alternative to the Naga, but the good news is that you have a decent number of ambidextrous gaming mice to choose from. One of the most notable among them is the Logitech G300s. I had the original G300 and I loved it, and I think that Logitech deserves a nod for releasing an equally good successor.
The G300s is the most affordable gaming mouse for both right- and left-handed gamers, and its curved shape makes it comfortable for long hours of use. Still, if you will have big hands, you’d better look elsewhere.
The mouse has nine buttons and an optical sensor that allows maximum sensitivity of 2,500. Although there is no ultimate answer to the question “How much DPI is too much DPI” I am likely to believe that G300s’ max sensitivity might be a dealbreaker to high DPI gamers. The mouse does not have a weight tuning system, but it is relatively lightweight and allows a decent level of customization.
The Logitech G300s is a fine gaming mouse that would not meet the needs of pro gamers, but it is a great option for casual gamers who choose a game from their Steam library to shake off stress after work.
- Nine programmable controls: Move keyboard commands to mouse buttons that are in easy reach
- Symmetrical compact shape: Feels comfortable in either hand and perfect for gamers who don't want a large mouse
- Gaming-grade optical sensor: Tracks accurately on a wide variety of surfaces and is tunable to achieve the responsiveness you need
- Easy configuration software: Simply drag and drop commands to the buttons to setup the mouse exactly the way you want
How to Choose a Good Budget Gaming Mouse?
The cheapest gaming mice usually cost under $50, but the price greatly depends on the retailer. Also, if the company is going to release a new model, the predecessor usually gets a huge price discount. Well, if you are not likely to wait until the next Black Friday and you need an immediate replacement of your rodent, read on and make an educated choice.
Good Cheap Gaming Mouse for FPS/MOBA/MMO
Depending on the genre you prefer, you have to pay attention to different specs. If you are into FPS, you have to look for a lightweight mouse offering a good-quality sensor and decent DPI.
The best cheap gaming mouse for MMO addicts should possess plenty of buttons and robust software allowing macros assignment.
Likewise, MOBA fans should choose a mouse with high-quality switches, impressive sturdiness and a broad range of customization options.
The truth is that there are some exceptionally good budget gaming mice out there, and the lack of popularity is attributed mainly to the poor brand awareness. These mice are crafted by companies that are yet to become competitive to the most established manufacturers of gaming gear.
Don’t get me wrong, though. The majority of budget gaming mice come with a limited number of customization options that makes gamers frown on their capabilities. All of these mice connect via a USB cable, and you do not have to worry about battery life.
Indeed, no wireless gaming mice managed to make it into this list. If you are after a wireless gaming mouse, then you’d better check this post.
If you are willing to spend around 50 bucks or less and get the best value, you definitely have to pay attention to these hidden gems listed above. They tick all the right boxes and provide FPS, MMO and MOBA fans with all fancy features needed for a trouble-free gameplay.
