The Best Cheap Gaming Mouse You Can Buy in 2023

The right gaming mouse can make the difference between victory and defeat. When it comes to video games, a good mouse sets you apart from the others. In this guide, we've compiled a list of affordable mice that would make a great addition to any gamer's arsenal without breaking the bank.

A gaming mouse that will help them play and compete at their best is a top priority for any gaming enthusiast.

Gaming mice are essential for serious gamers. Playing comfortably and with a few added features make the game easier. But is it essential to spend so much on a mouse when there are cheaper alternatives available? 

Based on our testing and user reviews, here are our recommendations for the best inexpensive gaming mice.

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1. SteelSeries Rival 5

• Sensor: SteelSeries TrueMove Air, Optical
• Sensitivity: 18,000 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Right-Handed
• Buttons: 9
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Claw, Palm, or Fingertip
• Weight: 85g

The SteelSeries Rival 5 is a versatile gaming mouse. It sits in the middle of the spectrum between lightweight and heavier mice, feels sturdy, and has an ergonomic right-handed shape ideal for all grip types. However, keep in mind that it is not ideal for small to medium-handed players as the thumb button distance is quite long. 

There is a toggle switch on the left which also functions as two buttons, a box on the front with a silver sniper button, and two standard side buttons. The click latency is extremely low, the extensive CPI range and the lift-off distance is short. 

Its main downsides are that the onboard storage only supports one profile and can save specific settings, and CPI is only adjustable in increments of 100.

The mouse also comes with the extremely durable 80,000,000-click Golden Micro IP54 switches.

Features

• Suitable for a wide range of fast-paced games from FPS to MOBA to MMO.
• Real 1-to-1 tracking with TrueMove Air's precision optical gaming sensor.
• Nine programmable buttons and five side buttons for quick actions.
• Exceptionally lightweight and durable, 85g.
• Switches based on the Golden Micro IP54 standard.
• The PrismSync lighting features ten zones with 16.8 million beautiful colors

Pros

• Best in class sensor.
• 9 programmable buttons.
• Customizable CPI up to 18,000.
• 80 million-click switches.
• 16.8 million color single RGB illumination zone.

Cons

• No weight optimization.
• Not for small-handed people.
• Can hold only one gaming profile.

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2. Razer DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse

• Sensor: Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor
• Sensitivity: up to 20,000 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Right-Handed
• Buttons: 8
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Claw, Palm, or Fingertip
• Weight: 82g

Razer DeathAdder V2 is undoubtedly one of the best cheap gaming mice on the market. With its sleek design and its shape, it offers greater comfort during long games of FPS shooting. 

Its lightweight, 104-gram design makes it easy to use as you play your favorite game! You can adjust the sensitivity of the optical sensor up to 20,000 DPI while it comes with a great tracking speed of 650 IPS.

The LED light has 16 million colors, so you can customize the lighting to create the perfect atmosphere from any angle, anywhere, at any given time when playing with the DeathAdder V2, which also comes with the extremely durable Razer 70,000,000-click optical switches.

Features

• Precision mouse sensor with 20K DPI automatically calibrates across the mouse mat and reduces cursor drift from lift-off and landing
• New Razer optical mouse switches actuate based on light beams, registering button presses 3x faster than traditional mechanical switches.
• Support for 16.8 million colors and preset lighting profiles; syncs with Philips Hue products as well as Razer Chroma-enabled peripherals
• Razer Synapse 3 adds 8 programmable buttons that can be remapped to perform complex macro functions
• The Razer Speedflex cable eliminates the drag and weight of mouse bungees for a wireless-like experience.

Pros

• High polling rate.
• Low click latency.
• Very comfortable to use.
• Great build quality.
• Up to 5 profile configurations.

Cons

• No weight optimization.

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3. SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse

• Sensor: TrueMove Core
• Sensitivity: up to 8,500 DPI
• Shape: Slanted, Ergonomic
• Buttons: 6
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Claw or Fingertip
• Weight: 111g

The SteelSeries Rival 3 features a fantastic sensor and zero acceleration, making it an excellent choice for gamers of any skill level! In addition, the weight is just right: 4.6 ounces, so you won't feel like your arm will fall off while playing extended League games with friends! SteelSeries has more than 16 million colors to choose from for its lighting circles as well.

Gamers seeking a sleek-looking, modern-looking device will be even happier with the design of this stylish mouse.

Pros

• Attractive, simple, and sturdy design
• Wireless and optically advanced.
• Great low starting price.

Cons

• Designed for right-handed use only.
• Lacks battery low warning indicator.
• Poor battery conservation.

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4. Logitech G402

• Sensor: Fusion Engine Hybrid Sensor
• Sensitivity: up to 4,000 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Right-Handed
• Buttons: 8
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Claw or Palm
• Weight: 125g

There is no doubt that Logitech is one of the leading manufacturers of gaming mice. For players of first-person shooter games, the Logitech G402 offers excellent features and high quality.

Playing games, including MMOs and MOBA, is made more comfortable with eight buttons, while it goes up to 4000 DPI sensor sensitivity. Quite frankly, that's already too much, unless you are playing on 4K. Its weight also makes it very comfortable.

Additionally, the 32-bit ARM processor makes it possible to play any game faster than you've ever done before with this cheap gaming mouse.

If you are looking for a great gaming mouse to play MMOs or MOBA, this one is a great option.

Features

• Fusion engine provides one of the highest tracking speeds available in gaming mice with up to 500 IPS.
• Customise your Logitech G402 USB gaming mouse with eight programmable buttons and use the default configuration straight from the box or create your own one-button triggers and save them.
• On-The-Fly DPI : Switch between up to four DPI settings, from pixel-precise targeting (250 DPI) to lightning-fast movements (4000 DPI).
• With a 1MS response rate, you can be confident that whatever the precision or speed of your moves, the game will receive them as fast as possible.
• Lightweight materials, rubber grips and low friction feet make your gaming sessions more comfortable.

Pros

• Great ergonomics.
• Nice customizable software.
• Very lightweight.
• Great button positioning.
• DPI on-the-fly switch.

Cons

• No real macro capability.

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5. Razer DeathAdder Expert

• Sensor: 4G Optical Sensor
• Sensitivity: up to 6,400 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Right-Handed
• Buttons: 5
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Palm, Claw, or Fingertip
• Weight: 104.33g

Gaming enthusiasts will find everything they need in the Razer DeathAdder Expert. This mouse is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and its buttons are easily accessible for immediate response times.

Due to the optical sensor's 4,000 DPI, you can control how quickly or slowly your cursor moves on screen while you play games fast or slow. 

It has five buttons, making all key controls easy to reach regardless of your game style! It is a great choice despite its lack of a lighting system, although that's an advantage for some people (myself included).

Features

• 6400dpi 4G Optical Sensor
• Improved ergonomic side grips
• Razer Synapse 2.0

Pros

• Ergonomic design and thumb buttons.
• Available in left and right hand models.
• DPI and polling rate settings.

Cons

• Rubber side grips tend to collect sweat and grime over time.

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6. Redragon M901

• Sensor: Pixart PMW3360 Sensor
• Sensitivity: up to 12,400 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Right-Handed
• Buttons: 19
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Claw or Fingertip
• Weight: 150.252g

An outstanding mouse for its price. Its size, great build quality, and a great look make the M901 programmable laser gaming mouse a great purchase. It offers 7 buttons and 12 on the side, so it is a versatile mouse that even comes with a weight tuning set.

Furthermore, this device supports 16 million colors and 16400 DPI, so any gamer looking for their ideal gaming equipment at a low price will appreciate this option!

Overall this is a great choice at this price point.

Features

• Built for PC Gamers ? Wireless Gaming Mouse with up to 12400 DPI, 12000 FPS, 1000 Hz polling rate, 50G acceleration. Pinpoint Accuracy is provided by the High-Precision Sensor, with long-term durability and reliability provided by the Micro Switch.
• 18 programmable buttons, 5 Memory Profiles, each with different LED color options for quick identification. Features an 8-piece weight tuning set (2.4g x 8) and breathing effects. (LED Backlight can be turned off).
• Ergonomic design fits perfectly in the hand, reducing stress and maximizing productivity. The game sessions should be extremely enjoyable.
• 7 Mouse Buttons as well as 12 MMO programmable side buttons for high-end PC gaming. There are 19 buttons in total. The colors of the breathing light pulse when the fire button is pressed. Smooth, durable TEFLON feet pads for ultimate gaming control.
• Compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, Limited Mac OS keyboard support. 
• Includes 6 feet of high-speed braided fibre cable and a gold-plated corrosion-free USB connector for a reliable connection.

Pros

• Powerful 16,400 DPI laser sensor.
• Textured surface.
• Customizable weights.
• Comfortable.

Cons

• Heavy at 150 grams.
• Quite large.

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7. Logitech G502 Hero

• Sensor: HERO Sensor
• Sensitivity: 25,600 DPI
• Shape: Symmetrical
• Buttons: 11
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Palm, Claw or Fingertip
• Weight: 59g

In comparison with other mice on this list, the Logitech G502 Hero is slightly more expensive. Despite that, it remains one of the most popular models.

There's a good reason for that ? the Proteus Spectrum RGB tunable gaming mouse features an advanced optical sensor that delivers next-level performance. You'll find the same design on most Logitech mice.

Due to its 4.3-ounce weight and 12000 DPI sensitivity levels, you will be able to easily move between the 11 programmable buttons during gameplay without missing any critical inputs.

Features

• The new Hero 25K sensor is available to all players as a free software upgrade from G HUB: Our most advanced, with 1:1 tracking and 400+ ips and 100 ? 25,600 max dpi sensitivity plus zero smoothing, filtering, or acceleration
• With 11 customisable buttons and onboard memory, you are able to assign custom commands to the buttons and save up to five ready-to-play profiles directly to the mouse.
• The mouse has a weight system that allows you to adjust the balance and weight by arranging up to five removable 3.6 grams weights within it.
• LightSync and RGB programmable lighting: Choose from nearly 16.8 million colors to match your team's colors or your own.
• Left and right gaming mouse buttons have a metal spring tensioning system and pivot hinges for a crisp, clean click feel and rapid click feedback.

Pros

• Best scroll wheel.
• Flawless performance.
• Glides well.
• RGB lighting.

Cons

• Extra buttons are prone to accidental miss-clicks.

8. HAVIT HV-MS672

• Sensor: PMW3366
• Sensitivity: up to 3,200 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Symmetrical
• Buttons: 6
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Palm, Fingertip, or Claw
• Weight: 140g

HAVIT HV MS672 is a very affordable gaming mouse for everyone. Gaming mice like this one are not just awesome-looking, but they are also superb performers.

There are seven different circular and colorful breathing lights on this wired model and an impressive DPI setting of 3200.

It fits naturally in your hand and is easy to use. Its six buttons are strategically positioned so that you can grip it comfortably while playing computer games for long periods of time.

This low-priced gaming mouse is a great choice for those looking for one under 20 bucks.

Features

• 7 different LED light colors that change while in use, offering soothing ambient lighting(Warm tips: can not set in one specific color).
• Precision control with 4 DPI settings: 800/1200/1600/2400.
• Ergonomic design fits naturally in your hand; Support operating system: Windows 7/8/10 and Mac Oslo function of programming.
• 6-buttons for superior productivity and efficiency; Simple to use -just “plug and play”. No additional software or firmware required.
• Full 1 year manufacturer's warranty.

Pros

• Good ergonomics.
• 4 level DPI switch.
• Durable wire cord.

Cons

• Buttons are not programmable.

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9. HyperX Pulsefire Haste

• Sensor: Pixart 3335
• Sensitivity: up to 16,000 DPI
• Shape: Ergonomic, Symmetrical
• Buttons: 6
• Connection: Wired 
• Grip: Claw, Palm
• Weight: 59g

HyperX Pulsefire Haste is about as light as it gets when it comes to capable gaming mice. Pulsefire Haste is a good pick at a low price because it is lightweight and has other important features. Despite the acceleration and high speeds, PixArt's high-resolution optical sensor will still keep up. 

HyperX also doesn't ditch the traditional buttons, keeping the left thumb button (sorry, lefties) and the DPI switch.

This lightweight gaming mouse has a honeycomb pattern cut out from its frame to reduce its weight. By using flexible paracord, HyperX keeps the USB cable lightweight. 

In addition, the underside of the mouse has paracord and PTFE skates, which reduce friction, giving you smooth and consistent mouse movements. HyperX includes grip tape you can apply to the side of the shoe if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of weight for more grip and primary mouse buttons.

Features

• Lightweight hex shell: Honeycomb shells provide feather-light weight without compromising durability.
• With the HyperFlex USB Cable you can move your mouse effortlessly thanks to the lightweight, flexible paracord material.
• The TTC Golden micro dust proof switches provide solid, satisfying clicks and are rated for 60 million clicks.
• The low-friction 100% PTFE skates offer an effortless glide.
• For more control and comfort, grip tape is included for the sides and left and right buttons.
• Configurable with HyperX NGENUITY Software: DPI settings, RGB lighting, button assignment, and macros can all be customized with the powerful, but easy-to-use, HyperX NGENUITY Software.

Pros

• Good ergonomics.
• 4-level DPI switch
• Flexible paracord.

Cons

• Too light for some people.

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10. Roccat Burst Pro

• Sensor: Owl-Eye
• Sensitivity: up to 16,000
• Shape: Symmetrical, Ergonomic
• Buttons: 6
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Claw, Fingertip 
• Weight: 68g

The ROCCAT Burst Pro is an ultra-light, great performing, compact gaming mouse specially built for speed. It comes with a honeycomb shell on the inside, and a transparent exterior layer covers it. According to the company, this unique design is to keep the dust from entering the mouse.

This wired mouse still feels solid and well-built despite its extremely low weight. It comes with excellent skates to offer a frictionless gliding experience and offers 1.8m cable made of high-quality flexible material.

The ROCCAT Burst Pro has a symmetrical ergonomic design and can fit most hand sizes regardless of the user's grip style. A high maximum polling rate, wide DPI range, and low click latency make this mouse a great option for gamers. It's important to note that a few users have reported inconsistency as its DPI varies depending upon the cursor speed.

You can customize this mouse by using the Roccat Swarm software. It's not a super user-friendly software, but it does the job, and you can adjust polling rate, DPI, and RGB lighting. Unfortunately, the software isn't compatible with macOS.

However, the mouse can save your specific settings because it offers an onboard memory. It means you can customize it using Windows and enjoy the same settings on your Mac Computer.

Features

• Titan Optical Switches: It's faster than any mechanical switch and offers precision and unprecedented quickness without compromising the durability and familiar click feeling.  
• Ergonomic Design: The company crafted a unique and extremely ergonomic shape from scratch which is very different from most mice.
• Translucent Honeycomb Interior Shell: The ROCCAT Burst Pro comes with an interior honeycomb shell covered by an external layer. Not only does it reduce the weight significantly, but also keeps the dust from getting inside the mouse.
• Phantomflex cable: It's a light, pliable, and flexible cable that offers a near-wireless experience.
• Specialized Glides: The ROCCAT Burst Pro comes with specialized heat-treated glides that offer incredibly smooth mouse movements.  

Pros

• Low click latency
• Extremely lightweight
• Custom made owl eye sensor
• Titan optical mouse switches
• Flexible and lightweight cable
• Unique dual-layer chassis 

Cons

• Might not be suitable for people with small hands
• Doesn't offer side grips

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11. Fnatic Clutch 2 Pro

• Sensor: PixArt PMW3360
• Sensitivity: Up to 12,000
• Shape: Ergonomic, Right-handed
• Buttons: 6
• Connection: Wired
• Grip: Palm, Claw
• Weight: 97g

The Clutch 2 Pro by Fnatic is a right-handed ergonomic mouse that is an upgraded version of Clutch 1. It comes with a PixArt PMW3360 sensor, one of the most consistent and reliable ones available in the market.  

It's a great option if you want to buy a mouse for both gaming and day-to-day use. Everything from its two side buttons to scroll feels within reach perfectly. However, it comes with a bulkier build and feels big, making it a deal-breaker for people with small hands.

The grip of the Clutch 2 Pro also feels quite nice, thanks to its smooth texture made of matte plastic. It also flaunts a rubber coating on either side that provides you with extra grip.

You can customize the key binds, lighting, DPI, and polling rate of this mouse using the official software called OP. The software also allows you to change the LOD (Lift off Distance) between 2mm and 3mm.

This ergonomic mouse offers Omron switches underneath its primary buttons to provide the durability of a whopping 50 million clicks. The primary button requires low actuation force and offers a satisfying sound.

The scroll wheel also works perfectly well and offers tactile feedback. Behind the scroll, you'll find a DPI button that allows you to change the DPI without using the software. The left-hand side of the mouse offers two more chunky customizable buttons that you can configure using the software as desired.

Features

• Comfortable Build: The rubber side grips, scroll wheel with tactile feedback, and the upward pointing strain relief of cable ensure high performance.
• Dedicated DPI Button: a dedicated DPI button behind the scroll wheel allows you to adjust the LOD and DPI on the fly.
• Programmable RGB: You can use intuitive cross-platform software to customize the RGB lighting of this mouse whenever desired.
• Precise Control: The mouse is equipped with smooth glides to eliminate unwanted friction and its balanced weight ensures accuracy and control. 

Pros

• Comfortable and easy to hold shape
• High-quality and durable sensor
• Solid build that can last
• Offers very big glides 

Cons

• Quite plain design

Best Gaming Mouse Buyer's guide

Selecting the right feature for your needs helps to know where to look and how to use the different features. It is important to remember that not every feature will be useful for your specific situation. 

Your mouse's sensitivity will be determined by the number of dots per inch or DPI. Gaming mice come in various sensitivity and DPI levels, so it's important to check that first.

DPI Target Range

For gaming, a good DPI range is between 800 and 1600. When your DPI is low, your cursor will move more slowly. Changing the sensitivity settings on your mouse will alleviate this problem. You can find the right balance by playing around with the settings.

Polling Rate

A mouse's polling rate is the frequency at which it notifies your computer of its position. The most effective way to prevent sudden acceleration from occurring is to have a high polling rate. The more often your mouse reports its position, the more accurately your computer can adjust the cursor to match.

A good polling rate for gaming is between 500 and 1,000 Hz. That means that your mouse is reporting its position 500 to 1,000 times per second.

Optical vs Laser Sensor

Make sure that you use an optical mouse on a cloth mousepad and a laser mouse on a plastic mousepad or a very thin mousepad (around 1.5 mm thick).

Weight

It is important to know the mouse's weight for several reasons. Having the right weight will help you comfortably use the device for an extended period of time without any discomfort.

Lighting

You should buy a mouse without light if you want a wireless gaming mouse since lighting drains your mouse's battery. On the other hand, if you go for a wired mouse, you can take advantage of cool lighting effects.

Left-Handed, Right-Handed or Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse 

There are only a few options for left-handed gamers when it comes to gaming mice. Generally, manufacturers do not release mice tailored exclusively for users with left-handed grips. Typically, these gadgets offer fewer buttons and low DPI than would be appropriate for the applications they are designed for.

Most top-of-the-line gaming mice are designed for right-handed players. However, these days there are more and more ambidextrous mice on the market, and you can even switch them to match your hand preference.

How to Choose Best Cheap Gaming Mouse

Nowadays, you don't have to sacrifice much to save a few bucks on a gaming mouse. There are many cheap options out there that offer a high level of DPI and polling rate to compete with even the best premium gaming mice. There are a few things to consider when choosing a peripheral; some mice offer more buttons, while others are ergonomically designed for a certain degree of handiness (usually for right-handed users).

The shape of the mouse is the most important factor for selecting the right one for your needs. Generally, mice come in two shapes: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Although it might seem obvious that all right-handed users should go for a mouse with a good ergonomic shape, while left-handed users should pick something ambidextrous, the way you hold the mouse is equally important.

Furthermore, mouse grips can basically be divided into palm and claw. Those who prefer a palm grip should have a mouse with a solid back that can support their hand, as well as some finger support for their pinky and ring fingers. In contrast, claw grippers should target mice with short lengths and small footprints.