While wired gaming mice used to be the clear choice for gamers looking for the best performance possible, now the line between wired and wireless gaming mice is as clear as mud.
That’s exactly why we will be taking an in-depth closer look at the debate between wired vs. wireless gaming mice to help you decide which mouse is better for your specific needs.
But before diving deep into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick peek at the fundamental differences between modern wired and wireless gaming mice:
Wired vs. Wireless Gaming Mouse — A Snapshot
| Criteria | Wired Gaming Mouse | Wireless Gaming Mouse |
| Connectivity | Lower Latency (typically 1-3ms), consistent and reliable connection, shielded wires immune to external interference. | Higher latency (5-15ms), more susceptible to environmental interference, and wireless congestions. |
| Performance | Higher polling rates (up to 8,000 Hz), | 2.4G RF wireless technology can’t go much higher than 2,000 Hz without greatly hampering battery life. |
| Ergonomics and Design | Lighter with more even weight distribution. However, cables add visual clutter and can get tangled. | Provide visually pleasing aesthetics with zero clutter. However, the internal battery adds weight and may make the mouse feel rear-heavy. |
| Cost | More affordable due to simplicity and lack of internal battery and wireless transmitter. | More expensive due to internal rechargeable battery, RF transmitter. Is strictly regulated by FCC. |
| Gaming Genre Preference | Ideal for fast-paced, competitive esports FPS games. | More suitable for non-FPS games, namely RTS and MMOs. |
Wired vs. Wireless Gaming Mouse— Head-to-Head Comparison
With that out of the way, let’s take an in-depth, closer look at what sets wired mice apart from wireless gaming mice.
1. Connectivity
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: Connectivity. That’s what we are all here for, after all!
Wired Gaming Mouse
Low Latency Advantages
The biggest advantage of wired gaming mice is their lower latency compared to wireless gaming mice. Latency is the slight delay between when you click the mouse button to the point when the click is recognized by the PC. Since wired mice are connected directly with the PC via USB port, they offer the least amount of input latency, typically around 1 to 3 milliseconds.
Wireless gaming mice, on the other hand, rely on electromagnetic radio waves to communicate with the PC. When a button is pressed, the wireless gaming mouse broadcasts a signal on the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum. This signal is then picked up by either the 2.4G RF receiver or Bluetooth receiver connected to the PC. Since that signal travels through the air, it adds a slightly higher latency than a wired connection.
Wireless gaming mice connected via a USB RF receiver typically have a latency of around 2 to 5 milliseconds, whereas Bluetooth gaming mice feature noticeably higher latency, usually in the range of 5 to 15 milliseconds.
Consistent and Reliable Connection
Another major advantage of wireless gaming mice is their consistency and reliability. Wired gaming mice use shielded wires coated with insulation materials such as PVC, TPE, or even Nylon. This renders the mouse completely immune to external environmental interferences, providing a consistent, reliable connection with minimal latency.
On the other hand, wireless mice use the 2.4 GHz ISM radio spectrum, which is the same spectrum used by Bluetooth and low-band, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Since these radio waves are electromagnetic, they’re susceptible to electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by certain household appliances, namely induction cookers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc.
Additionally, if you have multiple Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other RF devices, it might create network congestion as they all work on the same 2.4 GHz frequency. This could disrupt your mouse connectivity, severely hampering your gaming experience.
Wireless Gaming Mouse
Advancements in Wireless Technology
While wired gaming mice still have an edge when it comes to latency, input lag, and overall reliability, wireless gaming mice are slowly catching up. This is thanks to constant advancements in Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless technology.
The latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard, for example, aims to offer the lowest possible latency, along with various quality of life enhancements such as Periodic Advertising packets, improved Host Controller Interface (HCI), superior Connection Subrating, various Channel Classification Enhancements, as well as removal of the Alternate MAC and PHY (AMP) Extension.
Improved Responsiveness
Bluetooth isn’t the only wireless standard receiving constant enhancements; gaming peripheral manufacturers are also making serious strides in 2.4G RF wireless technology. Companies like Logitech, Razer, SteelSeries, and HyperX, continue to push the boundaries of 2.4G RF with their proprietary LightSpeed, HyperSpeed, Quantum, and Slipstream wireless technologies. Each new iteration aims to get 2.4 RF wireless connectivity as close to a wired connection as possible.
Given the amount of attention wireless peripherals, including gaming mice, have been receiving as of late, it’s safe to say that the technology is only going to improve further with time.
Final Verdict
While wired mice currently hold the crown when it comes to input lag, latency, and overall consistency, wireless gaming mice are slowly catching up.
2. Performance Factors: DPI (Sensitivity) & Polling Rate
With connectivity out of the way, the next important thing to consider is performance. A gaming mouse’s performance relies on two main factors: DPI and Polling Rate.
DPI or ‘Dots Per Inch,’ which is also sometimes referred to as PPI or ‘Pixels Per Inch,’ represents the overall sensitivity of the mouse. For example, a mouse with a DPI of 1,000 will move 1,000 pixels on screen for every inch of movement in either x-axis or y-axis.
Now, here’s the thing about DPI: It’s a double-edged sword. While gaming mouse manufacturers may have you believe that the higher the DPI, the better, that’s not always the case. A higher DPI is only useful if your goal is to make quick 180-degree turns with the flick of the wrist.
Lower DPI is preferable for lining up precise shots as high DPI will make the crosshairs too ‘squirrely.’ That’s one of the reasons most pro gamers typically use DPI in the range of 400 to 1,600. However, there are also those who like to use much higher DPIs, combined with lower in-game mouse sensitivity. In the end, it all depends on your personal taste and preference.
Polling Rate, on the other hand, simply determines how often your mouse transmits its x-axis and y-axis ‘coordinates’ to the PC. For example, a gaming mouse with a polling rate of 500 Hz will transmit its position exactly 500 times each second to the PC. As you can probably tell, a higher polling rate means smoother mouse movement and, unlike DPI, a higher polling rate is indeed better.
However, higher polling rate comes at a cost: The higher the polling rate goes, the more CPU cycles it will require. While high-end CPUs can simply muscle through it, lower-end CPUs may not. This is especially true for gaming laptops where resources are at a premium as polling rates higher than 1,000 Hz can put a noticeable dent in your battery life.
Lastly, there’s the matter of diminishing returns. For instance, going from 125 Hz to 500 Hz is indeed a noticeable jump as it’ll drop input latency by 6ms. But the same can’t be said about moving from 500 Hz to 1,000 Hz as doing so will only improve latency by just 1ms.
If you want to learn more about what makes a gaming mouse tick then don’t forget to check out Gaming Mouse Buyer’s Guide. The guide covers not just DPI and polling rate, but also sensitivity, acceleration, lift-off distance, as well as the subtle differences between laser and optical sensors in great detail.
Wired Gaming Mouse
Let’s start with DPI. Since DPI depends on the sensor and has no direct relation with the mouse’s connectivity, both wired and wireless gaming can offer very similar DPI levels. However, there’s one area where wired gaming mice excel: Polling rate.
Razer Viper 8KHz and DeathAdder V3 8K are two wired mice which, as their names suggest, offer a staggering polling rate of 8KHz or 8,000 Hz. Meanwhile, the world’s fastest wireless gaming mouse, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, has a polling rate of ‘only’ 2,000 Hz.
So, if it’s raw polling rate you’re after, you may want to stick with wired gaming mice as wireless gaming mice are still a little bit behind.
Wireless Gaming Mouse
It may come as a surprise to some but wireless gaming mice currently have an edge–albeit a slight one–over wired gaming mice when it comes to DPI. ASUS ROG Chakram X Origin, which comes with the latest Asus ROG AimPoint optical sensor, features 36,000 DPI, giving it the highest resolution of all gaming mice currently available. Meanwhile, the fastest wired gaming mouse, namely the Razer DeathAdder V3, features a peak DPI of ‘just’ 30,000.
However, that’s subject to change in the near future. Logitech is expected to launch the ever popular G502 wired gaming mouse with the Hero 2 32K optical sensor, which will bring wired gaming mice on par with their wireless counterparts in terms of raw resolution or DPI.
Battery Life Considerations
When it comes to the performance of a wireless mouse, you also need to factor in its battery life because it can indeed run out of power right in the middle of an intense gaming session.
There’s nothing worse than a discharged wireless mouse in the heat of an esports game. Without any power, the mouse essentially becomes a paper weight–or perhaps more accurately–a mouse pad weight! Speaking of which, there’s a way around this problem in the guise of wireless charging mouse pads.
If you’ve a Logitech wireless gaming mouse, the Logitech G Powerplay Wireless Charging System is the answer to your ‘range anxiety.’ Compatible with G502 Lightspeed, G703, G903 Lightspeed, as well as all Logitech Pro wireless gaming mice, it keeps your mouse fully charged at all times. It literally offers the best of both worlds!
- Innovative new POWERPLAY continuous wireless charging technology
- Continuously charges wireless gaming mice while in Gaming use
- Power core module converts compatible mice
- Integrated light speed wireless receiver
- Choice of two surfaces – soft or hard gaming mouse pads
- Works with Logitech G703 and G903 gaming mice
- Innovative new POWERPLAY continuous wireless charging technology
- Note : In case of Wireless mouse, the USB receiver will be provided inside or along with the mouse
- Continuously charges wireless gaming mice while in Gaming use
- Power core module converts compatible mice
And if you’re more of a Razer guy, consider the Razer Mouse Dock Pro, which is compatible with both Razer Basilisk V3 Pro and Razer Naga V2 Pro. While not as convenient to use as Logitech G Powerplay, it does save you the hassle of dealing with those pesky USB cables. Simply drop the mouse on the magnetic dock and charge away!
- Magnetic Wireless Charging: Seamless, convenient charging by simply installing the wireless charging puck on a compatible Razer mouse and place it onto the dock—a fit that stays secure while charging
- Integrated HyperPolling 8K Hz Transceiver: Pair the dock with a compatible Razer mouse to unlock an insane level of responsiveness and precision designed for top-tier competitive gaming
- 8 Chroma RGB Lighting Zones: Customize the dock’s underglow from over 16.8 million colors and a suite of effects, and sync it with your setup to experience dynamic lighting for over 150 integrated games
- Charge Status RGB Lighting: The mouse and dock will light up to reflect battery level—from low (red) to mid (yellow) to full (green)
- Anti-Slip Base: A tacky underside provides grip to ensure the dock never topples over while remaining gentle enough to not leave any sticky markings
- Compatible with the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro & Razer Naga V2 Pro
Final Verdict
To summarize, both wired and wireless gaming mice are pretty much neck-in-neck when it comes to DPI because a mouse’s resolution isn’t the least bit affected by its connectivity.
On the other hand, if all you care about is polling rate then wired gaming mice are the obvious choice and will remain so for the foreseeable future. That’s because higher polling rates require more power, a luxury battery-powered wireless gaming mice can’t quite yet afford.
Moreover, battery dependency can affect the performance of a wireless mouse unless you are using it with a compatible wireless charging system.
3. Ergonomics and Design
Performance isn’t the only factor that sets wired and wireless gaming mice apart. There are several other quirks to both wired and wireless gaming mice that you must consider. Case in point: ergonomics and design.
Wired Gaming Mouse
Cable Management Considerations
If there’s one reason people choose wireless gaming mice over their wired counterparts, it’s the cables. For one thing, cables add visual clutter and make your gaming desk look ‘busy.’ While not everyone minds this clutter, there’s one thing about cables that basically everyone dreads: Cable management.
Cables just have a tendency to get in your way, for some reason! No matter where you tuck them, they somehow always end up on your mousepad. It’s absolutely awful. Fortunately, there’s a solution in the guise of mouse bungees.
None other than Razer itself has the answer in the guise of Razer Mouse Bungee V3. Bungee V3 features an adjustable spring, allowing you to thread the cable at any angle you feel comfortable with for a “wireless-like” gaming experience.
- Wireless-Like Experience: An adjustable spring allows for the mouse cord to be threaded in the best angle to eliminate tangles during play
- Weighted Base: Additional drag-free cord control stability provided by an integrated weight - 240g (8.5oz)
- Zero-Movement Anti-Slip Grip: The solid, weighted base is reinforced with non-slip feet to always keep the bungee in place and never flip over while gaming
- Compact Size: The Razer Bungee V3's small frame ensures it takes up minimal desk space, saving room for any peripherals
- Designed for all cables: Fit different types of mouse cables (rubber, braided, paracord) from major brands.
And if the Bungee V3 is too ‘vanilla’ for your acquired taste buds, consider the Bungee V3 Chroma, which features an RGB light strip at the bottom to bring a bit of panache and personality to an otherwise plain-looking mouse bungee.
- Spring Arm with Cable Clip - The mouse bungee fits most mouse cables and is rubber coated so that the cable is not damaged when in use when the spring arm holds it high to allow complete freedom of movement without cable pulls.
- Powered by Razer Chroma RGB: Thanks to 16.8 million colours and a wide range of unique lighting effects, the 8 lighting zones can be individually adjusted via Razer Synapse 3 to light up synchronously with the battle station.
- HEAVY DUTY NON-SLIP BASE: The heavy base with its secure rubber feet prevents the mouse bungee from shifting or tipping over no matter how hectic it may happen during gameplay.
- Model number: RC21-01520100-R3M1
- Connectivity technology: Wired
Weight Distribution and Balance
When it comes to overall weight, wired gaming mice hold an edge over wireless gaming mice. Since wireless mice don’t require wireless modems or internal batteries, they tend to weigh less than wireless mice. For example, the Razer DeathAdder V3 weighs just 53 grams whereas its wireless variant–the DeathAdder V3 ‘Pro’–weighs 64 grams.
Additionally, wired gaming mice also typically offer a more even weight distribution and feel more balanced, overall. That’s because wireless gaming mice typically contain the battery at the rear of the mouse, which often exceeds the weight of the switches and circuit board located at the front, making the mouse rear-heavy.
Wireless Gaming Mouse
Wireless Receiver Placement
It’s always a good idea to keep your wireless mouse’s receiver as close to the mouse as you can for minimal interference and latency. Try to plug the receiver at the front of the PC case for best results. If that’s not possible, you can also use a USB extension cable.
Additionally, turn off all unnecessary Bluetooth, 2.4G RF, and Wi-Fi devices while gaming as all these devices operate on the same 2.4 GHz band. Too many wireless devices operating on the same frequency can potentially create congestion, making it harder for the devices to communicate.
Final Verdict
In short, wired gaming mice typically feature superior weight distribution and lower weights since they lack a wireless modem and a battery. However, their cables can be a pain to manage without mouse bungees.
On the other hand, wireless gaming mice offer you a visually pleasing desk space with zero clutter.
4. Cost
Everything eventually boils down to one thing: Cost. So, let’s see whether wired or wireless gaming mice are more cost effective.
Wired Gaming Mouse
If you’re a cost conscious user looking for the best bang for the buck, the wired mouse is the obvious choice. Wired gaming mice tend to be much simpler since they lack an internal battery and other wireless circuitry, such as the radio transmitter, making them simple and cheap to make.
Wireless Gaming Mouse
Wireless gaming mice, on the other hand, are more premium options and aren’t ideal for people on a tight budget. Not only do wireless mice contain lithium-ion batteries and RF radio transmitters, but they also need to be tested and approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before they can be imported, marketed, or sold in the U.S.
According to official FCC documentation, “radio frequency (RF) devices contained in electronic-electrical products that are capable of emitting radio frequency energy by radiation, conduction, or other means…must be approved using the appropriate equipment authorization procedure before it can be marketed, imported, or used in the United States.
Final Verdict
In short, wired gaming mice lack an internal rechargeable battery and radio transmitter, making them highly affordable. Additionally, they don’t fall under the FCC’s description of RF devices and are immune to any federal regulations, which also contributes to their lower cost.
5. Gaming Environment and Preference
With the cost question out of the way, let’s take a look and see which gaming genres are more suitable to wired and wireless gaming mice.
Wired Gaming Mouse
For competitive first person shooters, such as Call of Duty – Warzone, CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, etc., wired gaming mice are the ideal option. FPS games require not just responsiveness but also precision and accuracy, and wired gaming mice, with their lower latency and high polling rates, are simply a no-brainer.
Just make sure to secure the mouse’s cable in a way that it doesn’t get tangled up or otherwise get in your way during the heat of battle, and you’re good to go.
Wireless Gaming Mouse
While wired gaming mice are king when it comes to competitive first person shooters, that doesn’t mean they are ideal for all gaming genres. More relaxed non-FPS competitive games, such as World of Warcraft, Starcraft II, League of Legends, DOTA 2, etc., are perfectly fine when played with a wireless gaming mouse.
Instead of cat-like reflexes and quick hand-eye coordination, which are pretty much the bane of first-person esports titles, these MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) and RTS (Real-Time Strategy) games instead require patience, intellect, and endurance. As such, these games are perfectly fine when played with a wireless gaming mouse.
Similarly, if you’re mostly into story-based single-player AAA games, it may be a better idea to get a wireless gaming mouse instead of a wired one.
A wireless mouse will not only offer you convenience as you won’t have to deal with cable clutter but will also allow you to play games from a sofa, recliner, or couch, especially if you invest in a couch desk, such as the Couchmaster CYCON² Fusion.
- ✔ Cushions are not fixed to the board. This allows the Couchmaster to be individually adjusted to fit any body size. Get up easy and just push the board to one side. Thanks to its three-part construction, it is also quick and easy to stow away.
- ✔ PREMIUM QUALITY - The Couchmaster CYCON² Gaming Desk impresses with its ergonomic design and its premium quality. With its practical features and 6 USB 3.0 ports, it offers maximum comfort - a gamer’s dream!
- ✔ INTELLIGENT DESIGN - The CYCON² has 6 USB 3.0. ports to connect all required input devices and charge them at the fast charging port - exactly where you sit. At the same time, the internal cable management ensures a tidy appearance!
- ✔ MAXIMUM ERGONOMICS - The Couch Gaming Desk was designed and created by a German University. The result is a patented ergonomic design, which ensures a back-friendly sitting posture thanks to lateral support cushions. The neck muscles are optimally relieved!
- ✔ RESOURCE SAVING - The compact cushions are made of high-quality memory foam and are covered with a noble and washable suede-like cover. This allows the cushions to be vacuum packed, saving resources & the environment! The desktop is also made of recycled plastic material.
Final Verdict
Both wired and wireless gaming mice have their uses when it comes to competitive gaming. Wired mice have a clear edge when it comes to fast-paced, competitive first-person shooters. On the other hand, wireless mice feel more at home when it comes to slower-paced esports games in the MMO and RTS gaming genres.
Best Wired Gaming Mice of 2024
Looking for a wired gaming mouse? Here is a quick list of our top favorite wired gaming mice currently available.
1. Razer DeathAdder V3
Featuring the latest Focus Pro 30K optical sensor, good for 30,000 DPI and a staggering 8,000 Hz polling rate, all crammed into a compact little package that weighs just 59g, the Razer DeathAdder V3 is a formidable wireless gaming mouse that’s hard to beat.
- 59G ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN — Enjoy a level of speed and control favored by the world’s top players with one of the lightest ergonomic esports mice ever created
- FOCUS PRO 30K OPTICAL SENSOR — Flawless tracking performance on a wider variety of surfaces including glass—supported by intelligent functions for enhanced aim and control
- OPTICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN-3 — From an improved 90-million click lifecycle with zero double-clicking issues, to a blistering 0.2ms actuation with no debounce delay, the mouse has the reliability and speed built for esports
- 8K HZ HYPERPOLLING TECHNOLOGY — The mouse can communicate its position and clicks to your PC at up to 8000 times a second for near-zero input latency
- ERGONOMIC FORM — Developed in partnership with top esports pros, the iconic shape of the Razer DeathAdder has been further improved to continue its legacy of award-winning handling and comfort
- RAZER SPEEDFLEX CABLE — Woven for greater flexibility and designed to produce minimal drag allows quicker, smoother swipes for tighter mouse control
2. Logitech G502 X
The Logitech G502 X is the latest iteration of the legendary G502 gaming mouse that’s been around for years. Powered by the Hero 25K optical sensor and weighing just 89 grams, it features the brand new hybrid optical-mechanical switches, providing better reliability and click response than the pure mechanical switches on older G502s.
- Icon reinvented: From the legacy of Logitech's most popular G502 design, the G502 X wired gaming mouse is reimagined and redesigned with the latest innovations in gaming technology
- LIGHTFORCE switches: All-new hybrid optical-mechanical switch technology for incredible speed and reliability, as well as precise actuation with crisp response, for hours of performance gaming
- HERO 25K gaming sensor: Incredibly precise down to the sub-micron for high-precision accuracy with zero smoothing/filtering/acceleration for high gaming performance every time on the computer
- Redesigned DPI-shift button: This wired optical gaming mouse features a reversible and removable DPI-shift button for precise customization depending on your grip and preference
- Redesigned hyperfast scroll wheel: Switch between hyper-fast free spin and precise ratcheting mode, and tilt left and right for two additional personalizable controls
- Weight reduced: Thin-wall exoskeleton for minimum material and maximum rigidity, lightened scroll wheel, and more to achieve 89 grams
- Make your choice: Available in black and white colorways
3. Razer Basilisk V3
Razer Basilisk V3 is a highly customizable, ergonomic gaming mouse that comes with support for Razer Chroma RGB. Powering the mouse is Razer’s ol’ reliable Focus+ 26K optical sensor, good enough for 26,000 DPI and 1,000 Hz polling rate. The mouse comes with 11 programmable buttons, all of which feature Razer’s signature optical switches, and weighs just 100 grams.
4. Corsair Nightsword RGB
The Nightsword is Corsair’s answer to Logitech’s ever popular G502. At the heart of the mouse is the semi-custom Pixart PMW3391 optical sensor, good for a peak resolution of 18,000 DPI. The mouse comes with 10 programmable buttons and has adjustable weights that can bring the mouse’s standard 119 gram weight to up to 141 grams.
- Smart Tunable Weight System: CORSAIR-exclusive software automatically detects the mouse’s center of gravity in real time, allowing you to adjust weight between 119g and 141g and fine-tune balance to perfectly fit your grip.
- CORSAIR’S Most Advanced Optical Sensor Yet: A custom Pixart PMW3391 native 18,000 DPI optical sensor, adjustable in 1 DPI resolution steps, gives you total sensitivity customization and ultra-accurate tracking.
- Professional Comfort: Built with a contoured shape that naturally fits your hand, with high-performance rubber grips inspired by pro sports equipment.
- Ten Fully Programmable Buttons: Customize your gaming with the in-game advantage of powerful macros and key remaps.
- Precise Weight Calibration: Two sets of weights and six mounting locations offer 120 different weight and balance configurations.
- Ultra-Durable Omron Switches: Rated for more than 50 million clicks.
5. Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+
Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ is an ergonomic friendly gaming mouse that comes standard with a thumb rest, palm rest, as well as pinky support. Powering the mouse is the PixArt PWM3389 optical sensor which is good for 16,000 DPI and 1,000 Hz polling rate. It’s fully compatible with Mad Catz’s F. L. U. X. software that allows you to program buttons and customize RGB lights.
- Multi-button functionality for maximum precision and control: Scroll wheel, Left click, Right click, DPI button, Forward, Backward, Precision button, Profile button
- Adjustable DPI up to 16000. Also features precision button to adjust sensitivity - perfect for in-game sniping.
- F. L. U. X. software lets you customize your settings – create unlimited user profiles, program buttons, customize lighting and more. Store your favorite 4 user profile on mouse using on-board memory. Quickly switch profiles using the profile button. You can also create millions of customizable colors for the 3 LED zones. Windows only, available for download.
- OMRON switches feature 50-million click lifetime, and the adjustable palm and pinky rests allow you to customize the mouse for maximum comfort. Tunable weight system allows you to add or remove weights for further customization.
Best Wireless Gaming Mice of 2024
And finally, here are our top recommendations for gamers looking for a potent, capable wireless gaming mouse.
1. Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
The G Pro X Superlight 2 is by far the best wireless mouse you can buy right now. Powering the mouse is the all new Hero 2 32K optical sensor good for a peak 32,000 DPI. The mouse features 5 programmable LightForce hybrid optical-mechanical switches and weighs just 60 grams. Despite its relatively small footprint, the mouse can last for up to 95 hours.
- Fast and Precise Wireless Gaming Mouse: A pro gaming icon—now faster and more precise; it is designed in collaboration with the world’s leading esports pros and engineered to win
- Pro Precision: LIGHTFORCE hybrid optical-mechanical switches enable pro-level precision, reliability and ultralow latency optical actuation with a crisp, tactile click
- Most Advanced Optical Sensor in Gaming: HERO 2 features tracking over 500+ IPS, up to 32,000 DPI and precise sensor calibration with zero smoothing, acceleration or filtering
- Better Performance: Our championship-winning, wireless mouse—made even better; now with 2K polling, USB-C charging, 95-hour battery life (3) and POWERPLAY compatibility all at 60g
- Zero-Additive PTFE Mouse Feet: Command a smooth glide and seamless connection to your game with Zero-additive PTFE mouse feet
- Command a smooth glide and seamless connection to your game with Zero-additive PTFE mouse feet
2. ASUS ROG Chakram X Origin
The ROG Charam is probably the muscle car of wireless gaming mice. Featuring an eye watering 36,000 DPI, 8,000 Hz polling rate (up to 2,000 Hz in wireless mode), and weighing over 250 grams, this mouse is all about raw muscle. It features a total of 11 buttons using Push-Fit Switch Socket II and can be hot swapped with newer switches within minutes.
- ROG AimPoint optical sensor: Next-gen 36,000 dpi sensor with 8000 Hz polling rate for ultimate precision
- Tri-mode connectivity: Flexibility with wired USB, low-latency 2.4 GHz RF, plus a Bluetooth mode to pair up to three devices
- Programmable joystick: New detachable joystick available in different sizes for refined analog or digital linear controls
- More control at your fingertips: Seven buttons and four-way directional joystick offer a total of 11 programmable buttons for versatile hotkey functions
- Instantaneous DPI adjustments: DPI On-the-Scroll enables effortless on-the-fly in-game adjustments
- Push-Fit Switch Socket II: Hot-swap compatibility with 3-pin mechanical switches and 5-pin optical micro switches enable variable click force and extend lifespan
- Smooth and fast movement: Soft ROG Paracord and 100% PTFE mouse feet ensure fluid glide
- Exceptional Battery Life: Charge up to enjoy up to 114 hours of uninterrupted gameplay in low-latency 2.4 GHz RF mode
- Effortless DIY customization: Screw-less magnetic buttons and cover, plus a customizable badge to easily switch up feel and looks
3. Logitech G502 X Plus Lightspeed
The G502 X Plus Lightspeed is the wireless flavor of the legendary G502. Just like its wired siblings, the mouse features the formidable Hero 25K optical sensor with a 25,000 DPI. It also features LightForce Hybrid Switches, LightSync RGB lights, and can last up to 130 hours on a single charge, thanks to Logitech’s active play battery optimization.
- Icon reinvented: From the legacy of Logitech’s most popular G502 design, G502 X PLUS is reimagined and redesigned with the latest innovations in gaming technology; available in black and white
- LIGHTFORCE switches: All-new hybrid optical-mechanical switch technology for incredible speed and reliability, as well as precise actuation with crisp response, for hours of performance gaming
- LIGHTSYNC RGB: This RGB gaming mouse features glowing 8-LED lighting that’s customisable and adapts as you game with startup/power-down effects and battery optimisation through active play detection
- LIGHTSPEED wireless: This wireless mouse features pro-grade connectivity, with an updated protocol achieving 68 per cent faster response rate than the previous generation and improved reliability
- HERO 25K gaming sensor: Incredibly precise down to the sub-micron for high-precision accuracy with zero smoothing/filtering/acceleration for high gaming performance every time on the computer
- Redesigned DPI-shift button: This cordless optical gaming mouse features a reversible and removable DPI-shift button for precise customisation depending on your grip and preference
- Redesigned dual-mode scroll wheel: Switch between hyper-fast free spin and precise ratcheting mode, and tilt left and right for two additional personalisable controls
- POWERPLAY compatible: G502 X PLUS wireless PC gaming mouse stays charged, at rest and at play, with our unique wireless charging solution (sold separately)
4. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is an ultra-lightweight gaming mouse that weighs just 61 grams. Despite its petite size, the mouse packs a punch. At the heart of the mouse is the HyperX 26K optical sensor, good for 26,000 DPI and 650 IPS tracking speed. The mouse features 6 programmable buttons using the HyperX tactile switches, rated for up to 100 million clicks.
- Icon reinvented: From the legacy of Logitech’s most popular G502 design, G502 X PLUS is reimagined and redesigned with the latest innovations in gaming technology; available in black and white
- LIGHTFORCE switches: All-new hybrid optical-mechanical switch technology for incredible speed and reliability, as well as precise actuation with crisp response, for hours of performance gaming
- LIGHTSYNC RGB: This RGB gaming mouse features glowing 8-LED lighting that’s customisable and adapts as you game with startup/power-down effects and battery optimisation through active play detection
- LIGHTSPEED wireless: This wireless mouse features pro-grade connectivity, with an updated protocol achieving 68 per cent faster response rate than the previous generation and improved reliability
- HERO 25K gaming sensor: Incredibly precise down to the sub-micron for high-precision accuracy with zero smoothing/filtering/acceleration for high gaming performance every time on the computer
- Redesigned DPI-shift button: This cordless optical gaming mouse features a reversible and removable DPI-shift button for precise customisation depending on your grip and preference
- Redesigned dual-mode scroll wheel: Switch between hyper-fast free spin and precise ratcheting mode, and tilt left and right for two additional personalisable controls
- POWERPLAY compatible: G502 X PLUS wireless PC gaming mouse stays charged, at rest and at play, with our unique wireless charging solution (sold separately)
5. SteelSeries Aerox 9
SteelSeries Aerox 9 wireless is the perfect wireless mouse for the MMO buffs among us. On the side of the mouse, there are 12 tactile buttons arranged in a 3 x 4 grid, as well as 6 additional buttons for a total of 18 buttons. All these buttons can be programmed via SteelSeries Engine software. The mouse is powered by TrueMove Air Optical Sensor, good for 18,000 DPI.
- SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless - Holey RGB Gaming Mouse - Ultra-lightweight Water Resistant Design - 18 Buttons – Bluetooth/2.4 GHz - 18K DPI TrueMove Air Optical Sensor
- STUNNING RGB — Radiant 3-zone PrismSync RGB shines in 16.8 million configurable colors
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT — Purposefully designed holey shell reduces weight to 89g for effortless, fast gameplay
- AQUABARRIER — Mouse interiors are shielded from water splashes, dust, and dirt, technology rated IP54
- 18 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Execute the toughest rotations and instantly access plenty of shortcuts with a 12-button side panel
- PERFORMANCE TO OUTLAST YOU — Extensive 180-hour battery life enabled by lag-free Quantum 2.0 Wireless technology with 2.4GHz for gaming and Bluetooth 5.0
- NEXT-GEN SWITCHES — Golden Micro IP54 switches last longer than a lifetime for crispy clicks, with added dust and water resistance
- PIXEL-PERFECT ACCURACY — Great TrueMove Air optical gaming sensor co-developed with PixArt
If you like to know more, don’t forget to check out our full, in-depth comparison of the best wireless gaming mice.
FAQs— Wires vs. Wireless Gaming Mice
Do Pro Gamers Use Wired or Wireless Mouse?
While most pro gamers prefer wired gaming mice, there are several who use wireless mice. Logitech’s popular G Pro X Superlight is the go-to-mouse of Alexander “s1mple” Kostylev, a veteran CS:GO player. Similarly, Logitech G900 Wireless and Razer Viper V2 Pro Wireless are the weapons of choice of Hunter “SicK” Mims (CS:GO) and Jimmy “Marved” Nguyen (Valorant), respectively.
Why Do Pros Use Wired Mouse?
Wired mice provide lower input latency and higher polling rates than wireless mice. That’s why they are the preferred choice of most pros. However, wireless mice are slowly catching up. With cutting-edge wireless technologies like Lightspeed (Logitech), HyperSpeed (Razer), Slipstream (Corsair), and Pulsefire (HyperX), wireless mice are closer to wired mice than ever.
Can Design Impact My Choice between Wired and Wireless Mice?
No, a mouse’s connectivity no longer hampers its design. Modern wireless 2.4G and Bluetooth modems are small enough that manufacturers can add them into practically any mouse design, complete with a battery, without running into space constraints.
Conclusion
In the wired versus wireless gaming mouse debate, the choice boils down to individual preferences and gaming priorities. Wired mice dominate in latency, offering lower input delay crucial for competitive FPS games. However, wireless technology, particularly with advancements like Bluetooth 5.3 and proprietary wireless solutions, is narrowing the gap.
When it comes to performance factors like DPI and polling rate, wired mice excel in raw polling rate, while wireless mice showcase higher DPI options. Ergonomics and design preferences vary, with wired mice providing better weight distribution and balance, but wireless mice offering clutter-free aesthetics.
Cost-conscious users may lean towards wired options, while gaming preferences dictate the ideal mouse for specific genres. Ultimately, ongoing technological advancements suggest that wireless mice are steadily approaching the performance levels of their wired counterparts.
