The life of a gamer is far from easy! To face your online opponents during your gaming sessions, you need the best! PC, headset, keyboard, mouse, and more—a whole arsenal of essential equipment for a top-notch gamer!
One of these essentials is a gaming mouse! To help you become the gamer you deserve without breaking the bank, we've compiled a comparison of the best budget gaming mice you won't want to miss this year!
Our top 5 best budget gaming mice
Choosing a quality gaming mouse at a low price is a difficult challenge for all gamers! To save you the time of analyzing hundreds of mice on the market, we've selected incredible mice that stand out for their excellent value for money !
The 3 best gaming mice in our ranking!
Things to know before buying your mouse
We omitted ergonomic vertical mice from our ranking simply because most of this type of model are significantly more expensive than standard gaming mice. We therefore encourage you to read our comparison!
1. Cooler Master CM310: a well-designed model for under €30
Features and Reviews
Like the MasterMouse MM520 and MM350, the CM 310 offers excellent value for money! And this time, the brand is offering an incredibly low price. Boasting five preset options, this CM310 gaming mouse features RGB lighting . It also includes a Pixart PMW3325 optical sensor. An ultra-competitive price doesn't mean this peripheral is low-end; far from it.
On the technical side, it features 8 programmable buttons , making it ideal for gamers. In addition to its RGB lighting, the CM 310 mouse boasts a 10,000 dpi optical sensor ! Its compact size and comfortable grip should delight many gamers.
Furthermore, the elements that allowed the CM 310 to be at the top of our ranking lie in the frequency of 1000 Hz as well as the refresh rate of 60 fps ; enough to satisfy the most demanding gamers; and this, in all possible situations and styles of games.
2. Harpoon RGB Pro: the least expensive mouse that Corsair has offered so far
Features and Reviews
The Corsair Harpoon RGB mouse is unpretentious, presenting itself as a wired mouse with a minimalist yet elegant design. It's fair to say it doesn't stand out from the crowd, unlike the Mat Cartz CAT8+ mouse, which boasts a highly original and adjustable design, as we saw in our review. There are no backlit areas except for the logo on the base of the mouse. This logo is illuminated by an RGB LED and can vary in intensity and color depending on the effects offered in the CUE software. The Corsair Harpoon RGB Pro is the most affordable product the manufacturer has produced since its inception.
Priced at €29.99, it's definitely worth considering. Gaming mice at this price point don't usually include software. However, Corsair has gone the extra mile by offering an affordable gaming mouse equipped with Cosair Utility Engine configuration software . This is standard across all of the manufacturer's peripherals. Recently updated to version 2, this software is incredibly easy to use. Simply select the device at the top of the window, then navigate through the various tabs on the left to configure button functions and assign macros.
3. HyperX Pulsefire Core RGB: HyperX's best entry-level product
Features and Reviews
If you're a right-handed user looking for an affordable gaming mouse, you can opt for the HyperX Pulsefire Core RGB . Designed with extreme simplicity in mind, the Pulsefire Core mouse strengthens the HyperX mouse range.
With its price tag under €30, this mouse has proven popular. Like the Pulse Surge from the same brand, the affordable Pulse Core RGB gaming mouse features a design primarily suited to right-handed users, with the two side buttons located on the left. It's a small and lightweight mouse, weighing in at just 87g.
The palm rest is contoured enough to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. Furthermore, the mouse glides flawlessly, whether on a hard desk surface or a cloth mousepad. Regarding glide, the mouse is equipped with two feet. It features seven programmable buttons , along with two main click buttons, two side buttons, and two small top buttons that serve as DPI selectors.
Thanks to its light weight and smooth glide, this mouse is incredibly easy to handle. It's among the mice that can be moved effortlessly from left to right. Furthermore, the model boasts high performance thanks to its Pixart PMW3327 optical sensor, which offers a sensitivity of up to 6200 DPI.
4. Logitech G203 LightSync: an efficient and affordable mouse
Features and Reviews
The Logitech G203 LightSync is a revision of the G203 Prodigy software. This recent mouse is positioned as an entry-level model that offers a comfortable grip despite its extremely small size. In terms of simplicity, it ticks all the boxes. In fact, it's the simplest of Logitech's models, but its flashy, lightweight design makes it truly unique.
Gamers looking for an inexpensive, no-frills gaming mouse will find what they're looking for in this low-cost model. However, the brand could have made improvements in certain aspects of the product. But for the price, the quality of the Lightsunc is decent. It's an ideal compromise if you're looking for a reliable entry-level model.
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5. SteelSeries Rival 3: The best replacement for the Rival 110
Features and Reviews
The SteelSeries Rival 3 is a wired gaming mouse , despite its budget-friendly price. This mouse offers a comfortable grip and is well-suited to all hand sizes. However, those with smaller hands may find the fingertips a bit cramped.
While the maximum IPC isn't as high as many other gaming mice, it's probably more than enough for most people, and the sensor exhibited one of the lowest IPC errors we've measured to date. The mouse is very lightweight, and its software is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS, which is great.
Unfortunately, the side buttons start to sit flush with the body of the mouse, making them slightly difficult to press unless your thumb rests in just the right spot.
It's worth noting that this mouse is a step above the Rival 110. Priced at €49.99, it boasts a design very similar to the brand's top-of-the-line models. The mouse features a symmetrical shape, but it's only suitable for right-handed users. SteelSeries Engine software is included, along with an integrated 8500 DPI TrueMore Cove optical sensor; this combination makes it an exceptionally user-friendly mouse.
What are the best mouse brands for gaming?
Every gamer knows that a mouse is an essential part of any setup. You also know that your choice of mouse will greatly influence your performance. We relied on objective criteria as much as possible to compile this list of the best brands.
Let's see right away which are the best mouse brands for gaming!
Roccat
Roccat, of German origin (it still sells most of its products there today), founded in 2007, is a company specializing in gaming, the only sector in which it operates.
Its strategy to gain recognition was to sponsor many E-sport events from the beginning, and it eventually established itself as a benchmark in this field, to the point that professional players easily rank it in the top 4 of the best manufacturers.
It enjoys an excellent reputation and quickly expanded internationally, with subsidiaries in the United States and Taiwan.
Everything you need to play is at Roccat, whether it's a mouse, keyboard or headphones.
The Roccat Kone mouse, which you may be familiar with, truly revolutionized the industry upon its release, and gamers immediately embraced it. It offered unprecedented precision and comfort. It was also the first mouse to feature RGB backlighting with color-changing capabilities! Today, it's considered one of the most ergonomic mice ever sold.
You can get an entry-level Roccat mouse for around 70 to 80 euros.
Here are the Roccat gaming mice that gamers recommend:
Razer
You've been waiting for it, and now's the time to talk about it!
Razer is a brand created in 1999 by a group of friends who were engineers and gaming enthusiasts. It is clearly a high-end gaming mouse brand, with models whose price can approach 300 euros.
Its very first model, the Boomslang, boasted 2,000 dpi and was ultra-precise. It is still considered the easiest mouse to control ever produced.
Razer's principle is to release at least one new model per year, in addition to other gaming peripherals such as keyboards or headsets.
As you may have already noticed, Razer draws inspiration from Nature to name its products, which all bear the names of snakes.
The Death Ader released in 2006 is the brand's most prestigious model and many still use it today.
We recommend you check out the new Razer mice that are most popular with gamers.
Logitech
It's one of the most famous brands, even among those who don't use it for gaming. And that's understandable, as Logitech has over 50 years of expertise and know-how behind it.
Founded in Switzerland in 1981 by engineer Daniel Borel, the mice were initially manufactured in the barn of the family farm. The company offered excellent quality products with very long lifespans and therefore enjoyed immediate success.
Logitech surpassed the figure of 100 billion mice sold in 2008 and is considered by many to be the world leader in computer mice.
It is not purely specialized in offering peripherals for gamers but also manufactures mice for office use.
Their most famous gaming mouse remains the G502, which has since been released in numerous alternative models over the years. You can now purchase it for around fifty euros.
Corsair
This brand comes straight from the United States and is relatively young, having been created in 1994. Corsair initially manufactured RAM and quickly expanded its range in response to an expanding market that was attracting more and more gamers.
It specializes in gaming, but its offering goes far beyond that of other gaming brands. It is constantly expanding and is indeed one of the few to offer PC towers in addition to all the necessary components for a gaming setup, such as mice, keyboards, headsets, etc
Like many others, she understood from the start what the gaming community wanted and therefore achieved considerable success worldwide. Her equipment is professional-grade, as she immediately focused on high-performance products.
Mad Catz
Founded in 1989 in San Diego, California, Mad Catz is a brand that has had less immediate success than others. It has faced several resounding failures, which have impacted the brand's reputation, but from which it has always recovered.
Among them, a bankruptcy 4 years ago, in 2017.
These employees joined forces and decided to continue the adventure by taking over the company. They brought their expertise with them and specialized the brand in the production of gaming mice. Their mice are constructed not from a single block but from several, creating a unique design and providing exceptional comfort, for which they are highly regarded, even among professional esports players.
Its most praised model is the RAT8+, which makes us think of a machine straight from the future, with a very mechanical design.
Steelseries
SteelSeries is a very young Danish brand, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It is known for one particular success: the creation of the very first glass mousepad, the Icemat. SteelSeries is also the first inventor of the mechanical keyboard, the fastest keyboard system. It is therefore a champion of innovation.
It too quickly became known and a major player in the sector by sponsoring a huge number of esports events.
It has managed to distinguish itself from its competitors by trying to offer much more affordable mice.
You can indeed get a Steelseries headset for as little as 30 euros. It's still very high-quality equipment, specifically designed for gamers.
Gaming Gear, The French Next Generation
Gaming Gear is a brand new French startup specializing in gaming that offers accessories with unbeatable value for money.
Her secret? Longevity.
The very first of its mice, the Dragon Slayer (€50), is fully repairable, from the cable to the motherboard, for maximum lifespan. It's the only one to offer this.
It is certified to handle 20 million clicks.
Its precision is perfect; its sensor tracks movements at a speed of 7.5 meters per second and allows for incredible lag-free acceleration. This sensor is among the top 3 best on the market.
This young company has a bright future ahead of it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this selection will help guide you if you're having trouble choosing your next gaming mouse. There are many brands in the gaming sector, and they're not all created equal. We believe the ones we've just presented are the best on the market!
Buyer's guide: how to choose the right gaming mouse?
If video game players choose specific mice, it's not just for fun. Gaming mice offer excellent performance when playing demanding games. The performance provided by gaming mice is a significant advantage, especially in the world of esports .
Their advantages are well-established, and gaming mice offer different technology than standard mice designed for the general public. With gaming mice, players benefit from advanced motion analysis and detection , making them a superior ally during gameplay.
For example, optical mice incorporate an LED light, while laser mice use light from laser beams, offering greater clarity and precision . That said, a mouse's performance is determined by several factors. As we saw in our comparison, there's something for everyone on the market. If you haven't found what you're looking for in our selection, you can always take advantage of our valuable tips and great ideas for choosing the perfect budget gaming mouse. Here are the elements to consider when choosing an affordable gaming mouse .
Right-handed, left-handed or ambidextrous?
Are you right-handed or left-handed? This is the first question you need to answer if you want to choose an affordable PC gaming mouse. As you might have guessed, your choice of mouse model will depend on your hand. There are mice specifically designed for left-handed and right-handed users. Ambidextrous gaming mice are also available and are suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
Furthermore, the size of your wrist is also important when choosing an affordable gaming mouse. Obviously, people with small hands can opt for smaller mice, while those with larger hands can choose mice of the same size. Taking this into consideration will allow you to choose a mouse that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. From your index finger to your thumb, including your middle finger, each finger should naturally rest on the clickable areas . Ultimately, the way you grip a mouse depends on each individual gamer.
The best cheap gaming mice!
What weight should a gaming mouse weigh?
Contrary to popular belief, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a gaming mouse is its weight, especially for avid gamers. Because gamers use their mice intensively, even all day long, they tend to opt for a lightweight mouse . This reduces the risk of wrist fatigue.
It's therefore understandable that most manufacturers offer gaming mice weighing around 120g. A lightweight mouse is a significant advantage for handling , especially for gamers with smaller hands. However, beware of excessive lightness. A mouse can become so light that it offers less precision.
Wireless or wired gaming mouse?
Wired mice are the preferred model for gamers. What particularly appeals to them about this type of mouse is that it allows for uninterrupted gameplay and requires no battery charging . Furthermore, in terms of price, wired mice are generally preferred, as they are less expensive than wireless ones .
However, there is one small drawback: the cable can quickly become a nuisance when space is limited on your gaming desk… The solution is to choose a mouse cable holder !
From their initial release, the best wireless gaming mice were known for their lack of performance, but some are already striving to outshine wired mice. Manufacturers are increasingly producing higher-performing wireless gaming mice. This is the case with wireless mice that, thanks to their alkaline batteries, can last up to 250 hours. That said, thanks to significant advancements in wireless gaming mice, they are now performing just as well as wired mice.
Gaming mouse and DPI
DPI, short for "Dots Per Inch," is also known as PPI, which stands for points per inch. This value helps measure the precision and sensitivity of a mouse. Affordable gaming mice on the market typically have 1600 DPI, which is sufficient.
However, controlling the cursor position will be a real chore with a DPI higher than that. Gamers will therefore opt for a low DPI , as low as 800. This will give them more control over the mouse's precision and sensitivity. If you choose a low DPI, you'll need an extra-large mousepad and you'll have to make large arm movements to use a low DPI mouse .
Laser or optical gaming mouse?
You'll find both laser and optical technology in gaming mice. Since the advent of ball mice, LED or optical sensors, as well as laser sensors, have become very popular.
For LED mice, optical sensors emit light onto the surface where the mouse rests. Integrated lenses transmit the movements to the sensor. Laser mice, on the other hand, use a laser invisible to the naked eye instead of an LED.
This helps reduce the area to be analyzed. As a result, the cursor will move more precisely. However, many novice players will never be able to perceive the difference. It goes without saying that the laser sensor has a considerable advantage , since it works on reflective surfaces, unlike the optical sensor.
Design and buttons
Some mice have programmable buttons, while others don't. Mice without programmable buttons are perfect for office use, while mice with programmable buttons are ideal for gamers . This type of button is also called a macro.
Finally, regarding the design, we won't be demanding. It all depends on the player's taste. If you're set on a design you like, just make sure it fits comfortably on your wrist or palm.
Conclusion
We have reached the end of our comparison and buying guide for the best budget gaming mice. After selecting the 5 best gaming mice at the lowest price, we have carefully outlined all the factors to consider when choosing such a device.
As a reminder, gaming mice are different from office mice . One of their main characteristics is the presence of several programmable buttons. With so many models on the market, we hope you'll click on our various links and choose one from our selection.
