We’re a few months into the year and there have been a number of gaming mice released, so it’s time to choose the best gaming mouse for 2009.
Since last year there have been a number of good gaming mice released, so where do they fit in the chart? Which is the best gaming mouse available now? Here’s my top 10:
10. Steelseries World Of Warcraft |
| 3200dpi | 15 programmable buttons | 10 button profiles | Ambidextrous Apart from the blatant marketing in the link to the game, the WoW mouse is pretty good. It has a 3200dpi laser sensor and clever lighting but its biggest selling point is the huge number of programmable buttons – fifteen in total. You can also create up to 10 button profiles (one per character?) each with its own LED colouring. That’s a lot of macros, making the mouse ideal for MMORPG players but less so for FPS fans. It might not be the best gaming mouse, but is worth a look if you want lots of buttons. |
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9. Razer Lachesis |
| 4000dpi laser sensor | 9 programmable buttons | 5 button profiles | Adjustable sensitivity | Ambidextrous The Razer Lachesis still boasts one of the highest dpi ratings available today, with a high-tech 4000dpi laser sensor. It also has nine programmable buttons and five different profiles that can be stored in the onboard memory and swapped on-the-fly. Add to that a very comfortable ambidextrous shape and Razer’s trademark lighting and you have the makings of a great gaming mouse. But it’s pricey and really, are you sure you need 4000dpi? |
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8. Logitech G5 |
| 2000dpi laser sensor | 9 buttons | Adjustable weight | Adjustable sensitivity | Right-handed The G5 is an old design now, but until recently would have been considered the best gaming mouse by many gamers. It is comfortable and well built, and the weight cartridge allows up to 36grams to be added to give the mouse a heavier feel according to your taste. Nowadays it is quite cheap, so if you’re on a tight budget this could be your ideal mouse. Note that later models have two thumb buttons on the side, earlier versions just the one. |
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7. Logitech G7 |
| 2000dpi | 8 programmable buttons | Wireless | Adjustable sensitivity | Right-handed A wireless gaming mouse with 2000dpi that upon release was an instant hit. The Logitech G7 was the first mouse to prove that wireless technology really was suitable for lag-free gaming. Getting on a bit now, it has only just been bettered by the upcoming Microsoft Sidewinder X8 and Razer Mamba. There is no charging cradle but instead it uses a pair of swappable Li-ion batteries. Also, only one thumb button marks this down slightly. |
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6. Microsoft Sidewinder |
| 2000dpi laser sensor | 9 buttons (5 programmable) | Adjustable sensitivity | Adjustable weight | Right-handed The first of the new Microsoft Sidewinder range is still the best (excluding the wireless X8). It packs in plenty of features, including adjustable weight, dpi buttons with LCD display and macro recording on-the-fly. It even includes spare feet for a different gliding feel, which are stored with the weights in a built-in cable tidy/storage box. Good price now, so is great value for money. Shame about those side buttons, they can take some getting used to. |
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5. Roccat Kone |
| 3200dpi laser sensor | 10 buttons (8 programmable) | 5 button profiles | Adjustable weight | Custom colour LEDs | Right-handed A stylish mouse with trick LED lighting that gives Razer a run for their money. The Roccat Kone is packed full of features including excellent 3200dpi sensor, adjustable weight cartridge, programmable buttons and some great driver software. Each of the five LEDs can have their own colour, so great mouse for customisation. A large mouse, not for those with small hands, but otherwise very comfortable. Difficult to get hold of outside Europe, but this is one of the best gaming mice currently available. |
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4. Cyber Snipa Stinger |
| 3200dpi | 9 buttons (6 programmable) | 3 button profiles | Adjustable weight | Right-handed The Cyber Snipa Stinger is a great choice if you want 3200dpi for a low price. It may be cheap to buy but it doesn’t skimp on features, with six programmable buttons and three button profiles allowing up to eighteen macros to be stored on the mouse. There is room to add up to 7 weights allowing 140g of additional weight, and the scroll wheel glows a different colour to tell you what level of DPI you’re at. Colouring might not be to everyone’s taste, but otherwise a great mouse. |
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3. Logitech MX518 |
| 1800dpi optical sensor | 8 programmable buttons | Adjustable sensitivity | Right-handed An old design but a good one that still remains popular. The Logitech MX518 boasts 8 buttons so allows more control to be moved from the keyboard. It is solidly built, very reliable and represents excellent value for money. It might not have the latest sensor technology but it is probably more than most gamers will ever really need. It might be old, but that means stable driver software and bulletproof build quality. |
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2. Razer Deathadder |
| 1800dpi infrared sensor | 5 programmable buttons | 5 button profiles | Adjustable sensitivity | Right-handed I’ve placed the Deathadder so high up the list because, like the MX518, it makes a great all-round gaming mouse. Released to rave reviews, the Deathadder provides you with an excellent 1800dpi infrared sensor, five programmable buttons and an extremely comfortable shape. Like the MX518 it ‘only’ has 1800dpi, this time with a 3G infrared sensor, but for longer sessions I find the Deathadder more comfortable with its arched back that supports the hand. A great design. |
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1. Logitech G9/G9x |
| 3200dpi laser sensor | 7 buttons | 5 button profiles | Adjustable sensitivity | Variable weight | Interchangeable grips | Custom colour LEDs | Right-handed The Logitech G9 can be all things to all gamers. You can get an original G9 with 3200dpi or a G9x with 5000dpi. You can change the shape of the mouse with the detachable grips and then alter its weight with the detachable weights. You can change the look of the mouse by customising the colour of the LED display, or order a custom grip with a picture of your choice. Even the srcoll-wheel can be switched between smooth and clicky movement. The G9 may be expensive, but you do get a lot of features and premium build quality, making it my choice if you want the best gaming mouse. |
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I didn’t include the Razer Mamba or Microsoft Sidewinder X8 because I haven’t managed to get my hands on either of them yet. Both sound like they will be great gaming mice and would feature high on this list, but I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve seen them.
Think I’ve got it wrong? Do you want to recommend your favourite mouse? Then leave a comment! Hang on, just let me go and get my flameproof suit.
View Comments
Glad to see the Cyber Snipa Stinger getting some recognition, but it should be at number one. By far the best gaming mouse I've ever had.
Hi Stevie. You're right, the Stinger is a great mouse, but ultimately I think it lacks the quality feel of the top 3. Hopefully Cyber Snipa will be able to grab the top spot if they bring out another mouse.
The steelseries mouse is just a marketing con to tempt crazy warcraft players. Way too many buttons, some are difficult to use and its expensive too. No way it should be on a list of top gaming mice.
Mamba still have a lot issues. Maybe it may be nice wireless gaming mouse, but atm it may come with big problems.
Why u didnt include Microsoft IME 3.0 or wheel mouse optical? Arent they better than G5 or G7 lol?
Btw i use Deathadder, i would place it in 1st, cuz of ergonomic shape, havent use G9 thought.
Hi Sicis. Typical Razer, release a great new mouse with poor drivers. Mamba apparently still struggles with soft mouse pads like the Lachesis. One day they'll learn.
I very nearly put the IME 3.0 in the list. It is a good mouse - not sure it's better than the G7 but it probably should have been in the list above the Steelseries WoW.
I still use a Deathadder after two years. If I was to upgrade it would be for a G9, but for the time being I'll stick with it.
The WOW mouse shouldn't be in the top 10 at all.
As for the order for this list it is quite a change up from the 2008 list.
I don't understand how the MX518 went from 7th to 3rd. The sidewinder from 3rd to 6th. Lachesis from 5th to 9th. And the G7 came out of nowhere.
I know it is mostly up to user preferences for mice, but you (Chris) did both lists...
The MX518 absolutely should not have gone to the top 3 and the G7 should not have popped into 6th. At least one of the two charts are quite wrong and some criteria needs to be implemented instead of an arbitrary system.
Anyways I just ordered the Cyber Snipa Stinger yesterday to replace my G5 v1. I want to hold out for the next gen wireless gaming mouse or the G9x and it seems like the Stinger is one of the best bang for the $.
I had the Mamba for less than a week before returning it due to absolutely poor performance on several levels.
Uh oh, I'm being held to account here!
OK Will, first off you're right about the WoW mouse and with hindsight I should have left it off the list. It's USP is the amazing number of buttons, but really they're not all that useful.
The Lachesis plummeted to 9th thanks to feedback from friends who bought them. On the right day, with the right mouse pad and a good north-easterly wind, the Lachesis is great. But the rest of the time it's over-sensitive to movement and button presses. Shame, really.
The MX518 went up because I picked up a second-hand one off eBay for my work PC (my Krait had started acting up) and I learned to appreciate its solidity and comfort. Logitech seemed to get things just right with that mouse, and they're such a bargain now. Finally, I felt the G7 was an omission on last year and should have been included as it is still a good wireless gaming mouse, although I suspect the Sidewinder X8 would kick its ass.
Interesting to hear about your experience with the Mamba, you're not the only person to complain. It would appear that Razer haven't learnt from the poor launches of the Deathadder and Lachesis.
Good luck with the Stinger, it's a good little mouse. Pop back and let us know how you're getting on with it.
And criticism noted - when I get round to doing Best Gaming Mouse 2010 I'll try to implement some sort of proper scoring system :)
Hi, thanks for getting back to me.
I thought you did have some reasons to change the list like so, but the changes were just so dramatic.
I realize you are compiling a list of the best gaming mouse and writing a mini review is not what you are intending.
Now that I have exposed the reasoning behind those mice ranking changes, heh heh :) , other users will hopefully read the comments and see the reasoning.
The only real quibble after all this is the Logitech G5 should switch places with the G7 at the minimum. The G5 has been a proven winner from the start (besides the one back button for the first revision) and I have to say the number one conservative choice.
I'm not sure if the G7 should be on that list as it still has quite a bit of annoyances with degrading performance overtime and the lack of battery life.
The worst gaming mouse is the gaming mouse which does not work.
Anyways I chose the Stinger mainly because of all the positive reviews about the mouse coupled with the lower price when compared to the G5 V2 and Deathadder.
It's great to see a list like this setup since somebody has ranked mice to their liking and it has helped me find a great mouse I have not done research on before. I am obligated to thank you for that!
If I remember to I will be sure to reply back with a mini review of the Stinger.
It's always good to see some feedback on a post like this.
So come on folks, lets have some suggestions to replace the Steelseries mouse at number 10.
chris,which one do u use ?
At the moment I'm using a Deathadder and Kone as my main gaming mice (one for my laptop, one for my desktop PC). The Deathadder is two years old and still going strong, the Kone six months and (so far) hasn't succumbed to the problem with the faulty scroll wheel. Deathadder is my favourite of those two.
As mentioned above I also use an MX518 at work, as my Krait recently started having problems with the left-click and a hyperactive scrollwheel.
If my Deathadder dies I'm definitely getting a Logitech G9. I borrowed a friend's G9 for a week and was smitten by it. Comfortable, built like a brick shit-house and full of features.
Hey, my real name's Chris too, I just thought that was a little funny.
Anyway, I'm 14 and just getting into taking FPS's seriously, so as a result I'm getting a new mouse, headset, cooling pad (for my awesome gaming laptop), and mousepad.
So basically it's between the Deathadder, Mamba, or Logitech G9x.
I heard that the Deathadder's driver software doesn't work with Vista, which is what I have, is this true?
Like, I won't be able to access the program to change what the extra buttons do and so forth, do you know anything about this?
The Mamba seems really nice although it might seem to have some software problems as well, what with the problem where if you click the cursor jitters a little, like a lot of the Youtube reviews show.
And the G9x doesn't look comfortable for a palm player like me with pretty big hands, but what do you think about all of that?
Hi Chris, good name!
I can't speak from personal Vista experience, I'm sticking with XP until Windows 7 is released. However, I have heard of problems with Deathadder drivers on 64-bit Vista. I think Razer have been working on proper 64-bit compatibility, not certain though. Latest firmware is 1.27 (1.28 is optional) and drivers are 1.09, Razer support for more info. Might be worth sending them a ticket to ask, but don't expect a speedy response.
Personally I'd steer well clear of the Mamba until the early driver issues are sorted and the price drops below $100. Let other gamers take the pain and the cost for a few months - they shouldn't have to, but it seems to be how Razer do business.
As for the G9, I'm a palm gripper and I do find it comfortable, but the Deathadder is more comfy as the arch in its back supports the palm more.
Thanks a lot, people know me as DoA-Neo from a few games so I figured I should use it here to, in case some one recognizes me.
Thanks for the info, I figured I should stay clear of the Mamba for a while, but I really like the dock and the "convertible" power ability is really cool, one I'd use a lot.
The Deathadder does look really comfortable, which after using MY mouse for a while I'm really looking for in a mouse 100%.
Plus I can get the Deathadder for $50 from Amazon with free shipping, and the Mamba is pretty expensive.
Thanks a lot, I'll be ordering my Deathadder soon, so then my clan mates can stop yelling at me for missing a clean shot, haha.
@Chris - good luck with the Deathadder, I'm sure you'll find it a great mouse. Hope it gives you many happy headshots!
@Will - thanks for popping back with the review. I completely agree about the scroll wheel, the colours don't fit in with the look of the mouse. Razer wouldn't have come up with such a design, but you're not paying Razer prices either. It is a shame that Cyber Snipa don't get more exposure, their products do deserve more recognition. Their Game Pad is pretty good too!
As promised I have had a few days with the Cyber Snipa Stinger and will write a mini review.
The mouse comes in a plastic pack like packaging so you have to have scissors or a razor. I really despise these types of packing as it is a pain to open, you can get cut easily and the package is basically destroyed in the process of opening it.
The mouse looks fine to me with the red/black theme, but the LED on the scroll wheel and the red lighted cross hair puts it out of place. It is not a mouse to get if you really worry about aesthetics. It would be great if the software allowed you to control the intensity of the lighting, but it is like a budget gaming mouse (I snagged it for $37 shipped) and compromises have to be made.
The left/right mouse clicks feel normal and are not loud like on the Mamba. The back/front buttons above the thumb feel a bit cheap to me, but they work fine.
The anti slip grips feel absolutely great and it is a pretty good mouse for a palm user. I am like a hybrid user switching between palm and claw (claw uses the wrist to aim) and find the mouse fine. Of course I am still getting a bit used to it, but it is not as hard for me due to using the G5 for years.
The weight cover system was quite hard to get open, but once I did I made sure not to close it all the way just in case I wanted to get it open again.
The scroll wheel is a lot quieter than my G5 (a huge plus), but still retains the same quality of being hard to depress. Mice with tilt wheels tend to have that characteristic. I have to say the wheel on the Mamba was the absolute best wheel to use even though it lacked tilting.
I am completely satisfied with this mouse and hope it will last for a while. Too bad most have not even heard of the Cyber Snipa Stinger since the gaming mouse market is dominated by Logitech and Razer.
By the way the Lachesis looked really comfy, but I figured with all the massive amounts of negative reviews on it about the bugs and software problems, I figured I should just skip it.
Otherwise it looks nice.
Does Razer make any mice with adjustable weighting like Logitech does?
Razer seemed to have ignored the weights thing, with one exception. The Copperhead Tools package allows you to customise a Copperhead mouse, but it's far from being as easy as on other mice. You have to take a screwdriver to the mouse to add one of three weights (5g, 10g and 15g). Funnily enough they've not released the same thing for any of their other mice.