Most of the inexpensive gaming mice you will find will be wired, as the technology is cheaper to produce. However, it is becoming easier to find wireless gaming mice with price tags that sit comfortably under $100. To help you find the best cheap gaming mouse for your rig, I have compiled a list of the five best options available to purchase. I have broken down their features, button configurations, and price points to assist you in determining which is the best fit for your budget and needs. Also:
The best gaming PCs The best game consolesThe best gaming CPUsThe best gaming TVsThe best gaming laptops
For other options, check out our picks for the best wireless mouse, best silent mouse, and best ergonomic mouse!
The Logitech G502 is one of the best gaming mice on the market, period. But it’s also the best choice for anyone looking to upgrade their setup on a budget. With a price tag under $50, you’ll still get tons of features that modern PC gamers shouldn’t have to live without; like 11 programmable buttons to create custom layouts for your most-played games as well as an optical sensor with a max DPI of over 25,000. This means that you’ll be able to create custom DPI levels to suit different applications from web browsing and office work to first-person shooters and RPGs.
It also comes with five, 3.6g weights that allow you to fully customize the feel of the G502, which is great news for anyone who likes a heavier mouse for some games and lighter for others. With plug-and-play support for Windows, macOS, and even ChromeOS, the G502 can be used across your whole device network so you don’t have to worry about keeping multiple mice on-hand for different computers.
A lightweight mouse is a great option for gamers who tend to play for long periods of time, or who use their computer for work during the day and gaming in their off time. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is one of the lightest gaming mice on the market, coming in at just 59 grams, and is my everyday mouse for work and play. The incredibly lightweight construction, combined with the ultra-smooth skates, gives you the ability to move very quickly for precision aiming or quickly changing camera angles.
The optical sensor also has a max DPI of 16,000, and you can create multiple DPI levels to cycle through for use in different programs. The 6 buttons are placed within easy reach, making the Pulsefire Haste great for all grip types, and you can program custom layouts for your most-played games. It even features customizable RGB lighting in the scroll wheel, letting you show off your personal style or sync with other RGB peripherals without annoying anyone you may share a work or gaming space with.
If you want to know more about the Pulsefire Haste, you can check out our full review.
If you prefer wireless mice, the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed lets you have the freedom of movement and other premium features you need at about half the price of other wireless gaming mice. It connects to your computer via 2.4GHz dongle for better reliability and less input lag or Bluetooth for better battery life. With the Razer Synapse desktop app, you can configure the 6 programmable buttons and create 5 different DPI stages to streamline controls in your most-played games.
The Basilisk X Hyperspeed is powered by a single AA battery for up to 450 hours of use before you need to even think about buying new batteries. It even has support for macOS and Linux computers, so you can work and play games on almost any device. The mouse is built to last, with the main button switches rated for a 50 million click lifecycle. This means that the Basilisk X Hyperspeed can handle every solo mission, tournament, and late-night raid you take on for years to come.
If you share a gaming or mixed-use computer with other people, you may want to pick up the Asus TUF M4 Air. This lightweight gaming mouse has been treated with ionic silver to create an antibacterial surface. This means that you’re less likely to pass germs between users, though you should still regularly clean and sanitize your mouse (even if you don’t share). It also features an IPX6 water resistance rating, which protects the mouse from everything from spilled soda to sweaty palms. The body of the mouse also features a hollow, triangular design to reduce weight and enhance airflow without sacrificing durability. The 6 programmable buttons and 16,000 DPI optical sensor also give you better control over your most-played games with custom configurations and sensor speeds.
You may look at the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite and think, “Who in the world needs that many buttons?” And if you have to ask, you probably don’t. But if you mainly play MMOs or RPGs, having 17 programmable buttons can go a long way towards streamlining gameplay. The thumb buttons are perfectly placed for firing off spells, using healing items, or performing quick-actions without having to memorize a NASA-eque keyboard input blueprint just to use a minor healing potion or equip a weapon. And if you need to adjust your grip style, the entire 12-button thumb panel can be moved around for perfect placement to suit palm, claw, or fingertip grip styles.
The main button switches are designed with durability in mind, boasting a 50 million click lifecycle, so you can expect reliable input for years to come. With the iCUE desktop app, you can configure the button layout to your needs as well as set custom DPI levels and RGB lighting schemes. And with on-board memory, you can store a few of your most-used button configurations and have them with you while traveling on vacation or for eSports tournaments.
DPI: Standing for dots per inch, the DPI of a gaming mouse lets you know the type of sensitivity you can expect when scrolling and moving across the screen. The higher the DPI, the higher the sensitivity.Connectivity: While some gaming mice are wired, others may use Bluetooth connectivity. Consider how and where you use your computer, so you know what kind of cheap gaming mouse is most appropriate. Fit: Ergonomics are of huge importance when you spend a lot of time using a mouse. Consider the fit and feel of your gaming mouse before making a final decision.Buttons: Some mice offer just a few buttons, while others allow for whole interchangeable sides. Consider what kind of controls you would like for your mouse. Price: Budget is something we keep at the forefront when choosing the best cheap gaming mouse, looking for affordable options that don’t skimp on quality.
The Corsair Harpoon RGB wireless is another great option if you’re Camp Wireless when it comes to gaming mice. For around $50, you’ll get a mouse with 6 programmable buttons and a 10,000 DPI optical sensor. It also features both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity options to prioritize performance or battery life, depending on your needs. The rechargeable battery gives you about 60 hours of use on a full charge, letting you work or game 8 hours a day for 5 days straight before you need to think about plugging in. The Razer Naga X is a very close second choice for gamers who primarily play MMOs and RPGs. It’s so similar to the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, that the choice between them comes down to brand loyalty and player preference. It has 16 programmable buttons and an 18,000 DPI optical sensor. It also weighs just 85 grams, making it one of the lighter MMO/RPG style mice on the market. It also supports gaming on macOS and Linux computers. The SteelSeries Rival 3 is another lightweight, affordable gaming mouse that’s great for both work and play. It weighs in at just 77 grams, which is a touch heavier than the Pulsefire Haste, but still light enough to prevent fatigue from all-day use. It also features 6 programmable buttons and RGB lighting for custom layouts and color schemes, though the optical sensor leaves something to be desired with its 8,500 max DPI.
