Understanding modern mice is sometimes very difficult. One has a dozen buttons, the other has two joysticks, and even a little lever on the left... Oops, it's broken. Excuse me, is this under warranty? And after all this, there is only one thought in my head: “Yes, I just need a good mouse! With normal and simple shape as well as human ergonomics. And an accurate sensor! Well, really, I want it to sit well in my hand, and look attractive outwardly ... Well, software very desirable, but how can you set up a mouse without it? All this is very familiar.

Everything does not happen at once, but you can choose a mouse that, with certain goals, will satisfy most of your needs. In some ways, gaming mice are similar to each other - good build quality and materials; competent technical base, thoughtful ergonomics and so on. However, eminent manufacturers have many worthy models in their arsenal, and all these mice cost a lot of money. Therefore, in the article I will talk about all the main aspects that you should pay attention to when choosing a gaming mouse.

The form

Form is the first thing you should pay attention to. The more comfortable it is to hold the mouse, the more pleasant it is to play and work at the computer. If the mouse is comfortable in the hand, then everything else is not very important. And here neither the sensor, nor the materials, nor the build quality will decide. The shape of a mouse is subjective, so it's impossible to choose a mouse based on specifications and dry data alone. As well as on someone else's opinion. The ideal form simply does not exist - it is different for everyone. And following your preferences, you can choose to choose the mouse that will be closest to the cherished ideal.

According to the type of shape, mice are divided into two main types - ergonomic and symmetrical (also called "Ambidextrous"). The first mice can also be called asymmetric, since they are made taking into account the characteristics of only one hand (right or left). The latter have the same design on both the left and right sides, so they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.

Mice can be categorized into large, medium and small. Small mice are quite compact, and they are more convenient when working with a laptop than in games. The best choice would be a medium or large mouse, because they are more comfortable to hold with your whole hand. And it all depends on your grip. If you like to put your palm on the whole mouse, a larger mouse will be preferable; if you like a tenacious grip with your fingers, then a medium-sized mouse is quite suitable for your grip.

Sensor

The sensor is the second component after the form, which should be paid close attention to. There is one stereotype of sensor resolution in the gaming segment: the more dpi, the better. This is not true. The type and model of the sensor itself, as well as its technical characteristics, are more important, because the quality of reading, called tracking, depends on it. The better the tracking, that is, the better the mouse reads the surface, the more accurate the tracking of any movements will be. In the language of shooters: the more accurately you will distribute headshots and make sharp jerks and any turns.

Sensor resolution is always indicated in dpi, although other names (dpi, cpi, ppi) can be found. All this is the same, just called differently, and means the resolution of the sensor - the number of dots per inch. The quality of the sensor is directly related to its technical characteristics. The higher these characteristics, the more accurately the sensor works. And do not forget a simple and useful rule: a good sensor - a good carpet.

Sensors are divided into three types:
optical LED
optical laser
laser sensors (working with Doppler shift technology, sometimes also referred to as "real laser")

The main parameters of any sensor are:
speed (ips)
acceleration (g)
number of frames per second (fps)

Which sensor do you prefer and why?

Optical LED(they are called simply optical). The most popular type of sensor installed in mice. It is versatile and hassle-free - it works with most carpets, and they also have the least problems when reading. Top models of optical sensors perform best in gaming terms - they have excellent tracking, low lift-off distance from the surface, while they do not have various disadvantages such as acceleration, angular binding and some other ailments inherent in budget models or other types of sensors. An excellent universal option for shooters and everyday work at the computer, including when working with graphics.

Optical laser(they are simply called laser). A less popular type of sensor that works on almost any surface, as well as reduced power consumption. Unlike optics, laser sensors have some disadvantages such as unrecoverable acceleration, which results in a slight loss in tracking, and therefore this can be critical in games where maximum sensor accuracy is required. Due to omnivorousness and low power consumption, these sensors are put in wireless mice, but in general they lose to good optics. Rigid surface types (plastic carpets) are preferred for the laser sensor.

laser(Doppler Shift, sometimes referred to as "real laser"). This type of sensor is less common and is sometimes confused with an optical laser sensor. Technically, these are the most advanced sensors on the market, but they are demanding on firmware, and therefore not every company undertakes to install them in their mice. In addition, they have several drawbacks, due to which they have a "capricious" behavior and are much more demanding on the surface than the above options. At the moment, this does not allow them to become a mass product on the market, although the potential of these sensors is incredibly high.

When choosing a mouse, it is important to pay attention not only to the shape, but also to the model of the sensor installed in it. For this reason, professional gamers and eSportsmen often choose mice with the best optical sensor, but set it to moderate dpi values, which are in the range from 400 to 1600 dpi. In this range, the sensors work in the best possible way, they have no errors or inaccuracies in reading, and the potential of the sensor with its technical parameters is revealed to the maximum possible.

Ergonomics

Mouse ergonomics is a subjective factor that is individual for each person. Ergonomics is inextricably linked with the integral perception of the form, but here we will focus on the individual details of the performance of the mouse. Simply put, ergonomics is how certain controls are thought out, what materials the mouse is made of, what weight it has, cable and other little things that make the device user-friendly.

Controls. The standard set of any gaming mouse includes at least 5 controls: main, side buttons and a wheel. Fans of shooters and simple devices will find these buttons sufficient, while people who often play MMORPGs or MOBAs, or work with complex programs, may need a lot more buttons. An interesting trend recently has been the creation of mice where you can customize the elements of the device as you wish - you can adjust the mass, replace or completely remove the side buttons, and also transform one or another part of the mouse for a more comfortable grip.

Materials. When creating gaming devices, any manufacturer strives to create a mouse from practical materials. The advantages of gaming mouse materials are obvious: pleasant tactile sensations, practicality and ease of care, tenacity in the hand, which is especially important during intense gaming, as well as an attractive appearance. Various types of coatings are used for this: painted plastic, soft-touch plastic, ordinary matte plastic, glossy plastic, rubberized coating and rubber pads. These materials are the most common, and they can be either smooth or textured.

Weight and cable. The small mass makes it easy to control the mouse on the carpet, which is important when playing shooters. At the same time, there are users who prefer a heavier mouse because it "feels good in the hand." This is a verbatim phrase of many people who prefer heavy mice. This also includes cable. Cables come in braided and unsheathed, thin and thick, and they partly affect the game. A thin cable is not felt during sudden movements of the mouse, and the braid allows you to keep it safe, while a thick wire can interfere with the game, depriving some of the freedom of movement, or simply dragging the mouse along.

Features and Opportunities

Software and built-in memory for storing settings. Well-known manufacturers reinforce their device with software with which you can fine-tune the buttons and some technical parameters of the mouse (for example, change the sensitivity, calibrate the mouse, or adjust the port polling rate). The software is useful for those who want to set up macros or remap the standard mouse buttons to more convenient ones. And the built-in memory will allow you to save all the settings inside the mouse, so that when you connect the device to another computer, these settings can be recalled from the mouse's memory.

Unusual tokens. Manufacturers often come up with very handy things that greatly simplify the gameplay and workflow, and each manufacturer has their own. So, SteelSeries began to equip the latest models of its mice with vibration motors and displays, which provide significant advantages in the same shooters, and Logitech distinguished itself by creating an inertial wheel that allows you to scroll through many pages at once. Other examples are the ability to change the sensor, analog controls and even joysticks, as well as modifying the mouse by replacing the side buttons and panels on the mouse.

Technical equipment and build quality. Often, the reliability and durability of the device depend on the installed components, besides, they are responsible for the tactile sensations when pressing the buttons and scrolling the wheel. This applies to microswitches under the main and side buttons, as well as the type of wheel encoder used. Equally important is the build quality of the mouse - for gaming mice, this parameter is at a very good level, since they are subject to increased requirements. Given the cost, such devices should justify the expectations placed on them. It all depends on the company, and advanced peripheral manufacturers have a rather strict quality control.

Appearance

Appearance is a secondary parameter that can play a role when choosing a gaming mouse. Someone likes aggressive and sophisticated performance, while someone, like a true esthete, chooses conciseness and asceticism with a minimum of design elements. The appearance depends on the types of plastic used, and most often there are black mice in various versions. However, some prefer eye-catching devices, so you can always find a mouse in some bright and juicy colors. If you want to assemble a set of devices in a single color style (for example, in white), then in this case a black mouse will look out of place.

Recently, the RGB backlighting, which is equipped with many gaming mice, has provided extremely wide opportunities for personalization. Such a backlight works in the entire color spectrum, often passing through the entire body of the device, which looks very unusual and memorable, especially at night. And various lighting effects give almost limitless scope and freedom for imagination when arranging the workplace. In addition, many manufacturers offer a comprehensive lighting system for interaction. various devices between themselves.

Wireless mice

It's just a new word in the genre! Efforts to create high-performance and accurate gaming mice have been going on for years, but only in the last year have we managed to achieve truly impressive results. Previously, it was difficult to call all wireless mice gaming, since they had a number of problems: a budget and unproductive sensor, data transfer delays, a large mass, and a short operating time. In addition, the "gaming" options cost a lot of money, in no way commensurate with their quality.

Recently, the market for wireless gaming devices has seen increased activity. The arrival of some companies ushered in a new era of wireless mice, as they managed to rein in the best optical sensor and get rid of all the shortcomings of past wireless mice. Now such devices have a moderate weight, a relatively long operating time, they have no delays in data transfer, and they cost a little more than their wired counterparts. The wires, of course, will not go anywhere - otherwise how to charge the mouse? However, such changes may soon give us a bright future for wireless gaming devices.

Conclusion

The most important thing to rely on when choosing a mouse is the shape and sensor. The two most important components on which all the convenience of working with the device depends. The form is at the head, followed by the sensor. Everything else is up to your taste and discretion. To find your mouse, rely on your past experience with different mice. The type of shape, grip, dimensions - all this affects the choice of mouse. Think about the type of shape, mouse size, and the grip that is most comfortable for you - all this will help you understand what you like and don't like about your current mouse. For example, if you've always liked ergonomic mice, and symmetry makes your arm turn back, then it makes sense to stick with ergonomic mice. It is impossible to choose a mouse purely by technical parameters - palm length and others, so the only unmistakable advice is to try. All that will help when choosing a mouse is your personal experience and feelings.

There are so many gaming mice out there now that it's not that hard to find a comfortable fit, so it's always a good idea to have an idea of ​​what else you want from a mouse. Materials, weight, appearance, the presence of certain controls, as well as technical equipment and software - all these factors can also greatly affect the further choice of the device. The more specific requirements, the fewer choices, but the more likely it is to find exactly the mouse that is perfect for you. Given the latest trends, it is quite possible that preference will fall on wireless mice.

And therefore it will be useful to mention the price here. The pricing of gaming devices is not always logical - the cost of the device, marketing, software and other features are always included in the final cost of the device. So the advice here is simple - choose what you like best. After all, once a correctly chosen device, albeit an expensive one, will give you pleasure from using it for many years to come.

A similar question pops up quite often on various gaming forums. Even after long and heated discussions, forum users, as a rule, come to the conclusion that the mouse should just suit you in those games in which you most often “freeze”. Most often, not even the resolution or type of sensor are the main priorities when choosing a particular model.

Gaming mice in the first place should be as comfortable as possible for each specific palm. Picky gamers are usually content with average ergonomic mice, advanced ones get expensive devices with variable body geometry.

Those who play RPGs or strategy games don't really care about the weight of the mouse. But fans of shooters usually pay attention to this. And therefore choose mice with the ability to adjust the weight and center of gravity.

Also an important parameter is the presence of additional buttons and the ability to record macros on them with combinations of certain actions.

Finally, and most importantly, gaming mice are created primarily with a much greater margin of safety and durability than ordinary “office” ones.

As for the design and resolution, there are several nuances.

Laser mice are generally much more accurate than optical mice. However, the latter work perfectly literally on any surface, even uneven ones. Laser mice are extremely capricious in this parameter. Raising the mouse even a fraction of a millimeter above the mat, you immediately “lose” control over the cursor or, if this is a game, the sight. This will not happen with an optical mouse. In addition, even a small speck that has fallen under the sensor of a laser mouse can lead to a “jump” of the cursor, which can sometimes cost your life in a game, albeit a virtual one.

If we talk about the resolution of the sensor, then, of course, for optical mice it usually does not exceed 800 dpi. Gaming mice are most often laser and have the ability to adjust the sensor resolution from a modest 400 to 2000 (and even 5200 dpi for top models).

By the way, objectively, the designation "DPI" is not a very correct term and is used rather to indicate the resolution value when printing. In relation to the mouse sensor, it would be much more correct to say “CPI”, that is, Count Per Inch, that is, the number of “values” per inch. In fact, this is the number of "changes" in the position of the mouse, which captures the sensor when moving it one inch.

In practice, this is expressed as follows: the higher the resolution, the slower the cursor moves or, if you like, the sight. On the one hand, the aiming accuracy is increased, but on the other hand, the aiming speed is deteriorating.

To date, the optimal mouse sensor resolution parameters are considered to be: 400-600 for work, 600-800 for shooters and 900-1200 for strategies and RPGs, including MMOs.

In any case, when choosing a gaming mouse, pay attention to how it lies in your hand. The pleasure that you get from the game process directly depends on this. And then pay attention to the number of possible sensor resolutions, the ability to adjust the weight and center of gravity, and, of course, the presence of additional buttons, preferably with the ability to record macros.

Ivan Kovalev

The computer mouse is perhaps the most widespread and widespread computer device. Since its invention in 1963, the design of the manipulator has undergone fundamental technological changes. Forgotten are mice with direct drive from two perpendicular metal wheels. Nowadays, optical and laser devices are relevant. Which computer mouse is better - laser or optical? Let's try to understand the differences between these two types of mice.

Design

A modern mouse manipulator has a built-in video camera that takes pictures of the surface at an incredible speed (more than a thousand times per second) and transmits information to its processor, which, by comparing the pictures, determines the coordinates and displacement of the manipulator. To make the pictures better, the surface should be highlighted. Various technologies are used for this purpose:

Optical mouse

It uses an LED, the operation of which allows the sensor to receive better, and the processor to read information faster and, accordingly, determine the position of the device.

laser mouse

For contrast illumination of the surface, not an LED is used, but a semiconductor laser, while the sensor is configured to capture the corresponding wavelength of this glow.

Photo: compress.ru

Resolution

The abbreviation dpi, which we often see on price tags in stores where mice are sold, means the number of dots per inch, i.e. resolving power. The higher it is, the better the sensitivity of the device. For normal work on a computer, 800 dpi is enough - an optical mouse is also suitable, but for fans of virtual games and professional artists, designers need a higher resolution of the manipulator - so they are better off buying a laser computer mouse.

Optical mouse

For most of them, this figure is 800 dpi, while the maximum is 1200 dpi.

laser mouse

They have an average resolution of 2000 dpi, while the maximum exceeds 4000 dpi, and not so long ago, laser mice with a resolution of 5700 dpi appeared on the market, which also allow you to control the value of this indicator to save energy.

Price

Optical mouse

Cheaper - cost from 200 rubles.

laser mouse

Quite expensive: from 600 to 5000 rubles and more (top gaming models)

Speed ​​and accuracy

A semiconductor laser that emits light invisible to the eye in the infrared range is more accurate, the reading of information is better, and therefore the positioning of the mouse is more accurate. Criteria such as speed and accuracy are improving. This is especially true for gamers, as well as for graphic designers - they are better off choosing a laser mouse.

Photo: www.modlabs.net

Power consumption

A laser mouse, compared to an optical LED mouse, consumes much less power. This is especially important when using a wireless mouse, where the issue of saving battery or battery power is vital. For wired manipulators, this factor is insignificant.

Working surface

Even the simplest member of the LED mouse class doesn't need a mouse pad as it works on almost all surfaces. The exceptions are transparent glass, glossy and mirror. Here, the LED mouse will operate with such malfunctions that you just have to put a mat under it. But laser illumination is practically indifferent to the material of the mouse movement plane, such devices can easily cope with any surfaces, including mirror ones. But, there is one nuance. For a laser mouse, close contact with the working reflection plane is very critical. The appearance of a gap of even 1 mm significantly complicates the operation of such a device, and the LED can even work on the knee.

Photo: www.engineersgarage.com

Backlight

Another drawback of the LED mouse, which is noted by many users, is the glow (often red, less often blue or green) even when the computer is turned off, which is not always convenient and pleasing to the eye - for example, at night when you are trying to fall asleep, but from the computer desk a fairly bright light shines. In lasers, there is no glow, because, as mentioned above, it emits infrared light invisible to our eyes.

Photo: topcomputer.ru

Such characteristics of the mouse as ergonomics, beauty, color, manufacturing material, tactile sensations, the number of additional buttons are purely personal and depend on human preferences.

Summing up: advantages and disadvantages

Optical LED mouse

Advantages:

• low price;
• the gap between the mouse and the work surface is not critical.

Flaws:

• does not work on mirror, glass and glossy surfaces;
• low accuracy and cursor speed;
• low sensitivity;
• distracting lighting;
• high power consumption in wireless version.

Optical laser mouse

Advantages:

• work on any working surfaces;
• high accuracy and cursor speed;
• high sensitivity and ability to control resolution;
• no visible glow;
• low power consumption in wireless design;
• the ability to use many additional function buttons.

Flaws:

• high price;
• criticality to the gap between the mouse and the work surface.

Which mouse is better to buy - laser or optical?

If we proceed solely from the technical characteristics, then laser mice are better than optical LED devices in almost all respects. But does this mean that we must definitely get rid of the optical mouse? So far, she's done an excellent job.

The choice is always yours. For a laser mouse, you will have to pay a fairly large amount. Well, if you are a gamer or a designer, then the investment will quickly pay off (either materially or morally). If you are an ordinary user of office programs and the Internet, then you most likely will not even notice any qualitative leap in the level of accuracy of the response of the manipulator. Another thing is if a wireless mouse is required, then it is better to buy a laser mouse instead of an optical one. By purchasing a laser, you will save a lot on batteries - it holds a charge several times longer than an optical one.

2 Most Keys 3 4

Computer mouse- the main "tool" of the modern gamer. In order not to concede and even surpass your opponents in online games, a gaming mouse should be as suitable as possible for the user's requests. Important indicators such as ergonomics, ease of placement in the hand, ideal weight, reliable and trouble-free switches, responsive and “non-braking” sensor. For professionals, even such an indicator as the number of keys on the mouse body is important. For example, multi-button devices are more suitable for MMORPG games like Dota2 and StarCraft2. While for shooters (cs go) small-button models are better suited, with 5 - 7 customizable keys.

But before jumping straight into the rankings, let's take a look at some of the best gaming mouse manufacturers out there. This list includes both firms specializing in the production of gaming peripherals, and "diversified" companies, including civilian models.

• A4Tech. The company was founded in 1987 in China. Currently, the company is the owner of perhaps the largest line of gaming (and not only) mice. The products are distinguished by a very low cost for the segment and wide distribution.
• Razer. It was established in the USA in 1998 as a subsidiary company specializing in the production of mice. Razer is currently exclusively engaged in gaming devices: mice, keyboards, headphones, etc. The quality is excellent, but the cost can hardly be called budgetary.
• steel series. The Danish company also belongs to specialized manufacturers. The company's assortment includes everything that can be useful for an amateur gamer and a professional cybersportsman. The manufacturer's mice are minimalistic, but have excellent sensors and relatively affordable prices.
• Logitech. The Swiss company was founded back in 1981. Logitech is engaged in the release of computer peripherals of various kinds, designed for any wallet. There are both cheap mass products and professional devices costing several thousand rubles. The company's gaming mice are widely used and respected by gamers around the world.
• ASUS. This Chinese company regularly appears in the ratings on our website due to the huge list of products. Computer peripherals, smartphones, components - you can list for a very long time. Gaming peripherals come out in the ROG (Republic of Gamers) line. It includes, among other things, gaming mice of a unique design and with interesting features.

Our TOP 16 best gaming mice contains some of the best devices in their categories. The main criteria in the selection of gaming mice were reliability, popularity, technical "stuffing", positive user reviews and price compliance with the declared characteristics.

Best Wireless Gaming Mice - Optical Laser

4 Razer Mamba Chroma

Country: USA
Average price: 9 990 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7

We start with Razer's flagship gaming mouse. Externally, the model corresponds to the canons of the company's design. The form without unnecessary troubles - only smooth lines of the body and a minimum of buttons for fans of shooters or RPGs. The mouse fits comfortably in almost any hand. The back is made of soft-touch plastic, pleasant to the touch, the sides are made of tenacious rubber. The main buttons are pressed very nicely, they work quickly. A unique feature is the ability to adjust the pressing force with special controls on the bottom of the mouse - the force can be changed in the range from 45 to 90 grams. The side buttons are large, comfortable, have a good click. The only thing you don't like is the wheel. It is tight and almost devoid of cut-offs. Finally, backlighting: the wheel, logo and a pair of side stripes glow. In short, any of your lighting fantasies can be realized through a proprietary application.

The mouse has a record dpi of 16,000. It's hard to imagine a game where this would come in handy. The polling frequency is standard for this class - 1000 Hz. The mouse is powered by a built-in battery, which lasts for 15-20 hours of active play. The device is charging on the docking station. If the mouse is discharged during the battles, you can simply plug the wire into it and play on.

3 ASUS ROG Spatha

The most "fancy" mouse
Country: China
Average price: 9 950 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7

The biggest, heaviest, richest set. When describing almost any characteristic of this mouse, you can use the word "most". ROG Spatha is one of the most expensive in the ranking. The design is very "evil", futuristic, the edges are sharp. At the same time, the device lies perfectly in the hand. Of course, if you have large enough hands, because the dimensions and weight (178 grams) are rather big. The palm rests completely on the mouse, because there are stops for the thumb and ring fingers. Matte plastic, does not collect fingerprints. There are rubber inserts on the sides to prevent slipping. The mouse can be both wireless and wired, in case the built-in battery starts to run low during an important game. It, by the way, is enough for about 4 days. Charging is done at the docking station.

There are already 12 additional keys. All, of course, are configured through special software. The sensor resolution is not a record - 8200 dpi, but the response speed is phenomenal when connected by wire - 2000 Hz. In the wireless version, the performance is somewhat more modest - 1000 Hz. Separately, we note the package. It includes the mouse itself, a docking station, a pair of cables (one meter in rubber and 2 meters in fabric), a pair of spare Omron switches and a hard case for carrying all this stuff.

2 Logitech G403 Prodigy

The most compact
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 6 000 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7

Model G403 Prodigy from Logitech is somewhat out of the general style of the manufacturer. Before us is not a futuristic "rodent", but a minimalistic working tool. Dimensions - the smallest in the category, and the weight can not be called large - 105 grams. If this seems too little, you can add a special weight of 10 g, which is hidden at the bottom. The design is classic, there are only a couple of additional buttons on the left side and a DPI switch key. They are made of glossy plastic, which allows you to distinguish them by touch from the rubber coating of the side faces. The latter, by the way, quickly get dirty - if you like cleanliness, keep a cloth handy. The back is made of soft-touch plastic.

Omron switches are excellent quality, fast response - nothing to complain about. But the wheel let us down. There are no clear cut-offs, it is pressed hard. Through proprietary PC software, you can customize the color and mode of the backlight, key assignments (macros), sensitivity in the range from 200 to 12000 dpi, and even calibrate the mouse for different types of surfaces. In general, the mouse is perfect for shooters of various stripes.

Which gaming mouse is better: laser or optical LED? We offer to study the table of pros and cons of each type of mouse.

Mouse type	pros	Minuses
laser	Less demanding on the type of surface High precision and speed Low power consumption (big plus for wireless devices) Multifunctionality	High price Cursor may "jump and shake" when debris or crumbs hit the work surface
Optical LED	Affordable price Works great without mat Minimal (almost imperceptible) acceleration Do not be afraid of dust and dirt on the work surface	Does not work on glossy and glass surfaces Slightly lower cursor accuracy Not high sensitivity Consumes more electricity, which is especially bad for wireless devices (the battery drains quickly)

1 Logitech G602

Profitable price. The best solution for a gaming laptop
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 5 880 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The Logitech G602 is a versatile wireless mouse that's perfect for a gaming laptop. The device runs on two standard AA batteries and is capable of holding a charge for 250 hours of computer games. This is one of the best indicators among competitors in the market. The Logitech G602 is built with Delta Zero™ technology for the most accurate hover. It will be especially appreciated by loved online shooters (cs go, for example). The latency of the device is minimal, the polling rate is 2 ms. The wireless range of 3 meters is enough for any user. Complaints of some players come only to the inconvenient location of the side buttons and the appearance of problems with the "double click" after prolonged active use (more than a year).

Be that as it may, the Logitech G602 is one of the best-selling wireless laser mice. Attractive price, high-quality body materials, well-thought-out ergonomics and optimal technical characteristics have made this model very popular with both beginners and experienced players. First place in our ranking!

Video review

Best Wireless Gaming Mice – Optical LED

4 HAMA uRage Unleashed

Best price
Country: Germany
Average price: 1 380 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.5

HAMA is an extremely little-known company in our country. The choice of mice from the manufacturer is quite large. Basically, these are budget devices. uRage Unleashed is no exception. Appearance can be called classic. The body materials are far from premium, you won’t get a tactile buzz, but everything is assembled soundly. Illuminated wheel and logo. There are only 2 states - on (smoothly flickering) or off. The presence of five customizable keys is declared, but in fact there is no software for customization. It is worth noting a unique feature - the ability to adjust the volume with a wheel. That's just to enable this function, you need to pull the switch at the bottom of the mouse. And to scroll back... We also note the presence of a key that emulates a triple click. It is useful in games where you need to "click" the enemy.

However, everything is not so bad. The mouse copes well with the amateur level of the game. Yes, the polling rate is 500Hz, which is half that of most competitors. Yes, the sensor can break, but in most games, an ordinary gamer will not notice problems.

3 A4Tech Bloody Warrior RT7

Good quality for minimal money
Country: China
Average price: 2 163 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.6

We climb a little higher up the ladder of evolution of gaming mice. Models from A4Tech are very popular in our country due to the budget cost, good appearance and good performance. The design is replete with sharp edges, there are several decorative elements. The shape is suitable only for right-handed people due to the massive stop under the thumb and the protrusion under the ring finger. Note the rubberized inserts on the main buttons for better contact. Unlike the previous participant, A4Tech boasts a workable software through which you can set the backlight mode, dpi and remap keys.

Specifications on paper look nice, but in reality, users talk about some problems. The most significant is the periodic (once every 3-4 hours) cursor freezes for a few seconds, which can cause you to lose in an online shooter.

2 Logitech G900

The best optical sensor. A light weight. For professional players
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 9 660 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Logitech G900 is one of the best models for professional gamer. The mouse can work both in wireless and wired mode. The battery in the device is built-in, and when it starts to sit down (the indicator will tell about it), the user can switch the mouse to wired mode and charge it without interrupting the gameplay. charge for wireless mode enough for two days of active games.

The sensor here is the TOP - Pixart 3366, works without interruption on any surface, at any speed and turns. Breakdowns and jitters were not noticed in numerous tests. The sensor resolution is as much as 12,000 dpi, which is the best indicator in our review. The mouse is equipped with 12 customizable buttons at once, some of which, namely the side ones, are removable. To store the removed keys, a case is provided in the kit, and a plug is placed in the vacated space.

A separate plus deserves a scroll wheel. This is all the same side-click wheel and proprietary scrolling from Logitech. Normal scrolling can be replaced by fast scrolling when the wheel starts to rotate continuously after light scrolling.

Video review

Sensor

Avago sensors are considered the most popular and reliable, the rights to which were recently bought out by another well-known company, Pixart.

Switches (mics)

Omron mics are considered to be of the highest quality, which, unlike switches from other companies, do not suffer from “double clicks”. These are more reliable and proven switches, but mice with "Omron" mics are somewhat more expensive.

Number of keys

The choice of model by the number of keys depends on the genre of the game. For example, for an online shooter cs go (cs go), a small-button mouse with 3-4 keys is better suited. For MMO / MOBA / DOTA2, multi-button mice are more often taken, with at least 10 programmable keys.

Wheel

On sale you can find mouse wheels with a mechanical and optical encoder. Most of the well-known models are equipped with a mechanical one. Wheels with an optical encoder are much less common, but they are considered more durable.

The weight

The heavier the mouse, the more accurately you can hover the cursor (target on the enemy), but the slower it will be. In contrast, a light mouse will be very fast, but not as accurate. Therefore, for some games it is very important to choose a mouse with a "golden mean", not so heavy, but not too light. On sale there are gaming mice in which you can adjust the weight with the help of special weights.

1 Logitech G603 lightspeed

Best value for money
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 4 383 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.8

Logitech seems to make the best value for money wireless mice on the market. The G603 lightspeed model does not lower the bar either. In terms of design and shape, this is an almost complete copy of the G403 model discussed above. Even the impressions of the controls are similar: the buttons are chic, the wheel is no good. Differences, of course, are also more than enough. The back of the mouse is attached with magnets, and therefore can be easily removed for cleaning and installation of AA batteries. By the way, they can “regulate” the mass of the mouse, because the G603 can work on both one and two batteries. In economical mode, they should be enough for 18 months of work. But for games, it is recommended to turn on the performance mode - the switch is located at the bottom of the mouse. In the same place, engineers placed a switch button between Bluetooth and a radio channel. This is useful, for example, when used with a laptop and desktop PC at the same time. There are no questions about the speed of the sensor, the polling frequency and other indicators. In games, the mouse, if it fails, is extremely rare.

Best wired gaming mice - optical laser

4 A4Tech XL-747H Black

Profitable price. Best Selling Laser Mouse
Country: China
Average price: 1,679 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Fourth place in the ranking is A4Tech XL-747H, a budget gaming mouse for beginners. This is a very popular model, which is perfect for users who do not have serious demands on the mouse. The XL-747H has earned high popularity due to its low price, “not killed” design, flexible dpi settings and the ability to work on any surface.

Removable weights are provided in the body of the device, allowing you to choose the optimal weight for each player. The wheel is very comfortable, rubberized, does not make noise when scrolling. The design of the mouse and the side surface for the thumb also contain rubberized inserts, which creates additional comfort when using. Using a special button (next to the wheel) you can instantly change the sensitivity of the mouse, which is very convenient for online shooters.

Among the shortcomings, there is a too stiff cord and a quickly worn out anti-slip coating. However, expect something more from a budget gaming mouse, perhaps, is not worth it.

3 Razer Abyssus 2014

The best quality for the least money
Country: USA
Average price: 2 390 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.6

Inexpensive gaming mouse from Razer. It sounds unusual, but such a model really exists. The Abyssus model has been on the market since the distant 2014, but for most amateur gamers it will still be relevant today. The design is as simple as possible: the rodent with a matte back and rubberized sides fits perfectly in the hand. Moreover, it does not matter if you are left-handed or right-handed - the symmetrical case will suit anyone. In addition to the two main buttons and the wheel, there is nothing. Perfect for shooters, otherwise - for an amateur. Only the logo is highlighted. There are two modes: on and off.

Sensor resolution 3500 dpi, polling rate 1000 Hz. The sensor does not break, clearly fulfills all movements. There is simply nothing to complain about. Abussus works out its money 100%

2 SteelSeries Sensei Rubberized

Most Keys
Country: Denmark
Average price: 4 990 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7

If you think Razer's mouse has been around for a very long time, check out the SteelSeries Sensei. This model has been produced since 2012 (!) At the same time, the mouse not only has not lost its relevance, it has not even fallen in price. The design is symmetrical, suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. More buttons than competitors. In addition to the two main keys and the sensitivity switch button, there are 4 side keys - a pair on each side. It is difficult to talk about materials, because a huge number of options with different stylization were produced. In general, there are two options for the back - gloss or matte plastic. Both resist abrasion well, but the glossy one is easier to wipe off fingerprints. But the side faces after a couple of years of use acquire an unpresentable appearance. I tell you this as a longtime owner of Sensei.

Clarity of movement, clicks, wheel - everything works fine. The polling rate is standard 1000 Hz. The resolution of the sensor can be changed in the range from 100 to 5670 dpi. All manipulations are carried out through proprietary software. Sensitivity, backlight mode, as well as the function of all (even the main) buttons are adjusted.

1 ASUS ROG Gladius

The best combination of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 4 789 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.8

Gaming mice from ASUS are as always good. The design of the gladius differs from its competitors, if only because it is not suitable for left-handers due to its shape. The back cover is very pleasant to the touch, the sides are well held in the hands due to the textured rubber material. In it, by the way, dirt is clogged, which is not very pleasant. Additional buttons differ in texture, which makes it easier to find by touch. In addition, they are designed to be clicked by a slide - conveniently. Below the main buttons are Omron switches for 20 million clicks. They, if necessary, can be independently replaced by "mics" with a different pressing force and a smaller (1 million) resource.

The sensor resolution is 6400 dpi. The polling frequency is 2000 Hz. Such indicators are quite enough even for professional e-sportsmen. Separately, we note the package. In addition to the mouse and the already mentioned switches, it includes interchangeable feet, 2 cables (2m braided and 1m unsheathed) and a carrying case.

Best Wired Gaming Mice – Optical LED

4 A4Tech Bloody Winner T7 Black

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 1,480 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Fourth place in the ranking is A4Tech Bloody Winner T7, an improved version of the popular A4Tech Bloody V7 gaming mouse. This model is in demand due to its affordable price (only $ 20) and excellent technical equipment compared to its closest competitors. Many users praise the top-end clickers (switches) from Omron, a high-quality Avago sensor with a resolution of 4000 dpi, non-killable iron legs and high-quality impact-resistant plastic that makes up the mouse body. Additionally, the case is covered with soft-touch plastic that is pleasant to the touch.

Another advantage of the Bloody Winner T7 is an optical wheel with a resource of more than a million scrolls. Also, many note comfortable rubber inserts on the main buttons (left and right). Among the shortcomings of the model, one can note complaints about the meager equipment (which is partly due to the low price of the mouse itself) and poor software.

3 Razer Lancehead Tournament Edition

Best optical sensor resolution (16,000 dpi)
Country: USA
Average price: 5 990 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7

Before us is the top wired mouse from Razer. The shape is somewhat reminiscent of the SteelSeries Sensei discussed above, but with branded "raiser" chips in the form of small protrusions along the edges of the main keys. The mouse is symmetrical, suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. The back is made of branded plastic, which is pleasant to the touch, does not get dirty, but can wear out and become glossy over time. On the sides tenacious rubber inserts. Due to the textured pattern, dirt can clog into it - this is a minus. The side buttons are small, due to the symmetry of the mouse. With such dimensions, they do not interfere, but at the same time they are quite convenient to use.

Below the main buttons are Omron switches for 50 million clicks. The wheel is excellent, with a clear short-stroke click and good cutoffs. The Pixart 3389 sensor does not break or tremble - it will not let you down at the crucial moment. Resolution - a record 16000 dpi. Of course, all parameters, including excellent backlighting, are configured through proprietary software. You can quickly switch between configured profiles by clicking on the bottom of the mouse.

2 SteelSeries Rival 100

popular model
Country: Denmark
Average price: 3 490 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7

The Rival 100 is an inexpensive model in the SteelSeries mouse line. The shape of the mouse is typical for the company. Design without unnecessary details, simple symmetrical shape. However, the side buttons are only on the left side, which means the Rival is better for right-handers. There are small complaints about them - they are difficult to find, and pressing is not perceived from the entire surface. The material is the same as on many other mice of the company - pleasant to the touch, wear-resistant, but very dirty. There are no complaints about the switches under the main keys (Omron for 30 million clicks) and the wheel. The sensor is also good - 3059SS - works well. Problems arise only at maximum dpi (4000).

We also note that there is no way to clearly adjust the sensitivity - the value is adjusted in increments of 250 dpi, i.e., for example, setting 400 will not work. Otherwise, do not find fault with the software. The lighting is worth special attention - in addition to the standard effects, you can turn on GameSense. This mode allows you to color signal about the level of lives, frags, etc. The list of games is modest - CS:GO, DOTA 2 and Minecraft - but the function is interesting.

1 Logitech G502 PROTEUS

The best ergonomics. Quality sensor at 12000 dpi
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 5 650 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

A worthy first place in the ranking of LED gaming mice is Logitech G502 PROTEUS. This is the flagship model, with a cool futuristic design and the most comfortable construction. The body of the mouse is covered with non-staining matte plastic with rubberized side inserts, which provides a tenacious position in the hand. There is a weight adjustment system and horizontal scrolling. Branded metal wheel with fast scrolling helps to view very long documents and web pages in facebook or vk.

The sensor in G502 PROTEUS is implemented at the highest level, it provides soft and smooth movement in the game. The resolution is 12,000 dpi, which is a lot for optics. The main switches come from Omron, with a resource of 20 million clicks. A separate plus can be put behind the Teflon legs, due to which the device easily glides over both fabric and plastic.

The mouse is very popular among both beginners and experienced players. The number of available keys here is 11, which is more than enough for any MMO game. Although often the Logitech G502 PROTEUS is specifically purchased for online shooters. The wire is protected from bending, but, according to users, it is too thick.

Video review

There are many types and designs of mouse pads. They can have a working surface made of fabric, soft or hard plastic, metal. The first option is the cheapest and, oddly enough, one of the best. For soft plastic, and for hard plastic too, there are options for optical and laser mice.

For tests, we used regular mats Nova MicrOptic+ and Defender Ergo opti-laser. They look about the same:

According to both manufacturers, these mousepads are optimized to work with laser mice. Let's check.

To begin with, zoomed-in surface shots:

There are some differences, but not particularly noticeable. Nova's grains are smaller and less pronounced. Does that mean he's worse?

Now let's look at the mats through the eyes of an optical sensor:

Agree that there is a difference and very cardinal. The high-contrast structure is clearly visible on the Nova mat, but the Defender gave some kind of "soap". Most likely, this is due to the size of the "granules". In laser sensors, unlike optical sensors, the visible window size is reduced. It seems that on the Defender mat the size of the granules is larger than the window and the sensor captures only part of them, constantly switching between monotonously light and dark areas. For comparison, I will give photos of the surface of the plastic.

The right figure is obtained from the left by increasing the contrast. The mouse sees this surface like this:

On such a surface, "office" optical mice do not work at all, but laser ones somehow manage to work quite successfully.

Tear-off height

What do you do when the mouse reaches the edge of the pad? You pick up the mouse and move it to a new place, to the center of the mat. The optical sensor is highly sensitive and tries to maintain normal operation while lifting, constantly adjusting the parameters of the equipment. As a result, when the mouse is raised above the surface, the speed decreases. More precisely, the speed does not decrease, but rather the quality and reliability of motion detection drops quite sharply. Theoretically, when the surface quality drops below reasonable, the optical sensor should stop producing movement. That is, with some lifting of the mouse, he should not notice that the mouse has been raised, and if it is even slightly raised, then simply stop transmitting the movement. This is ideal, but in real mice, when the surface deteriorates, the quality of the movement transmitted by the mouse degrades. Moreover, this harmful effect depends on the speed of movement, which is why it is more difficult to get used to such a mouse.

The separation height of LED mice is 1.5-2 mm, for laser versions the figure is larger and is already 2.5-4 mm. These are all numbers, but in reality such a mouse is inconvenient to use even for office applications, you have to raise it very high above the rug. According to my personal impressions, a stall height of 1.5-2 mm is quite comfortable. But what to do with laser mice and their 4 mm stall height?

Let's take one by the tail and look at the insides. Mice on the Avago sensor are now common (link to http://www.avagotech.com) ADNS-6010

In order not to be too smart, I took a picture from the documentation.

Explanations:

sensor- ADNS-6010 chip, which is a motion sensor

Sensor PCB- mouse circuit board

VCSEL- laser emitter. Just a small semiconductor laser with a mediocre beam angle.

VCSEL PCB- a small printed circuit board on which the laser is mounted.

VCSEL Clip- plastic latch, fixes the laser in the optical system. The picture is light yellow.

lens- optical system made of transparent plastic, pale yellow.

surface- the surface on which the mouse moves.

This figure shows the figure 2.4 mm - this is the optimal distance from the bottom of the optical system to the surface. One point - the bottom of the mouse has some thickness, so the distance from the surface to the bottom of the mouse will be less by the thickness of this bottom.

And what does the separation height depend on and why is this height smaller on optical mice? Let's see another picture:

I allowed myself to show amateur activity to paint some important elements of the design.

The lenses of the optical system are highlighted in yellow, the light flux of the laser is highlighted in gray. Green - visibility zone of the optical sensor. The zone of "visibility" of the sensor is determined only by its focus and the ability to work with a defocused image. The higher the speed of moving the picture, the worse the stability for unfocused objects should be. If you look at the test data, then it turns out. The stall height of 4 mm is not functional, I tried to reduce this value by slightly changing the principle of operation - the loss of the image by the sensor can be obtained not due to poor focusing, but due to the departure of the light spot from the sensor's visibility zone. This is how LED mice work. To do this, I increased the angle of the backlight beam from 21 degrees to about 50 degrees from vertical.

When the mouse is lifted, the backlight spot (gray beam) goes out of the visible sensor window (green zone).

The refinement technique is not particularly difficult - you need to cut the optical block along a vertical line and not touch the lenses. In extreme cases, you can slightly damage the backlight lens, it is not so important. You can fasten the two components with hot melt adhesive, marked in brown in the figure.

It has sufficient rigidity and strength of the connection, while allowing multiple correction of the position of the glued parts of the optics. When the backlight is tilted, part of its design will go beyond the dimensions of the optics unit and it will have to be filed a little, marked in blue in the figure.

Unfortunately, the backlight unit must not only be tilted, but also moved down, which will cause the backlight lens to be below the level of the optics. This is bad, in the bottom of the mouse you will have to melt a small dent under the ledge. However, this is not difficult and does not interfere, because the lens goes beyond the dimensions quite a bit. The laser module was attached to the optics using a VCSEL Clip. Now it will have to be removed and secured with a drop of glue or sealant. Although, he's holding up pretty well. Such a construction has one feature - the illumination beam falls on the surface with a different angle than the angle of view of the sensor. As a result, an angle of about 15 degrees is formed between the surface plane and the reflection plane.

Black - a beam on an unmodified optical system, green - after completion. The surface for the modified case has been raised to prevent it from blending into the normal mode. The sensor looks, as it were, from the side at the surface and sees all the irregularities on it more clearly. The additional slope of the backlight gives additional brightness modulation when passing through volumetric areas under the lens. Whether this is good or bad depends on the rug, the texture of its surface. By the way, if you take pictures of the surface of the Nova pad on this modified mouse, then the photo will not have such clear edges. And, most likely, it's not about focusing. The angle of view has simply changed and the clear structures of the rug have disappeared. Nova and Defender look almost the same on this mouse. However, the mouse walks well on both surfaces. Alas, there is also a clear drawback - due to the fact that the reflection surface is tilted relative to the surface of the rug, the overall level of illumination decreases and it becomes necessary to increase the backlight laser current. Usually it is a figure in the region of eight milliamps. After refinement, I had to increase the current to 12 milliamps. It's already too much, but within the reach.

If you are finalizing a regular, serial mouse, then it would be nice to help a little with the automatic control circuit for the laser current. The documentation for the ADNS-6010 sensor mentions the Rbin resistor from pin 13 of the microcircuit. Usually, its face value is 12.7 com. In order to correct the current, it is necessary to reduce its value. For my case, it would be good to increase the current by 1.5 times, which means soldering another resistor in parallel with this resistor with a rating of 2 times more, i.e. 24-27-30KOm. And a couple of surfaces - fabric and aluminum sheet. Quite often you hear recommendations to use these surfaces, they give very good results.

First, on a mouse with unmodified optics (W-Mouse 730). Textile:

Aluminum sheet:

And a mouse after modification of the optical block (W-Mouse 750).

Aluminum sheet:

On a surface with a three-dimensional relief, the modification of the optics leads to a greater visibility of this relief. But the picture from a sheet of aluminum looks rather worse, but not so significantly. Nothing happens for free. They touched the optics - they got problems with focusing.

Recommendation - when repeating such a refinement, do not get carried away! It is hardly worth increasing the angle of the backlight so much, because the stall height turns out to be too small and unpleasant problems arise with pushing it into the body and increasing the laser current.

There is an easier way to reduce the height of the fall - put the button on the bottom of the mouse and, when it is raised, turn off, block the sensor. There are many means of influence, at first I tried to turn off the laser, but the controller in A4 is smart and if you just open the laser current, the controller notices this very quickly and turns off the mouse. Alas, it turns off completely, you have to poke the USB connector, you will have to act not so straightforward. There is a proposal to connect a pair of silicon diodes instead when turning off the laser, but this will require the installation of additional components. I acted differently - I acted on the resistor Rbin (see the documentation for the ADNS-6010 sensor), with an increase in its value, the auto-regulation system tries to set such a current. If Rbin is disconnected or made very large, then the laser will actually turn off, but this will not cause any problems within the regulation system.

I took the "button" itself from a 3.5 "drive from a floppy disk presence sensor. The force is small, but I had to loosen it a little. The idea worked well, you can choose the height you like, only the plastic pin of the button quickly wears off.