Mouse review:
Best mice of 2024 (so far)
Categories: Gaming, Work/school , Casual.
Starting off with the gaming category, people who game with a mouse and keyboard layout are looking for a lightweight mouse with quick (if not the quickest) response rates and those with high dpi. If you don't know what dpi is, it stands for dots (pixels) per inch. The higher your dpi, the higher number of dots per inch, thus resulting in a smoother cursor movement. dpi also affects your sensitivity so the higher the dpi, the more easily (faster) the cursor will move. High dpi mice make for higher precision in fast paced video games that require fine tuned mechanics. Here are my top choices for gaming mice this year so far.
Premium:
Taking the premium spot is the Logitech G Pro X Superlight V2. Starting at around the $150 range, this mouse has a premium price tag, but don't worry, it holds up to the dollar. Hence the name, this mouse it light! Coming in at 60 grams, this mouse flies, and with it's wireless connection/low friction ptfe feet, nothing is holding you back (can also be wired during use with usbc cable to charge battery). In terms of form factor, it is nothing special. Sleek comfortable and easy on the eye, this mouse is a righthander that many say feels almost ergonomic though not shaped like one. The superlight has nearly unrivaled wireless sensing, and it's performance is sought after by world class professional gamers. In terms of software, Logitechs user friendly g hub is easy use to customize your mouses settings including dpi. Definitely something to consider if you have the budget.
Budget:
Speaking of budget, budget gaming mice are indeed a thing. Solid gaming mice that meet the requirements of lightweight, fast, and affordable are taking the market by storm with companies, such as Razer, hyperx, Steelseries and more making accommodations for those who aren't willing to bleed their wallet. My pick for the best budget mouse of 2024 is the Razer Cobra. Razer and Logitech have always been butting heads for the number one spot, but Razer has found a seat in the budget category. The Cobra comes in at only $40, and is lighter than the superlight at 58 grams. Keep in mind that this weight difference is because this mouse does not have a battery on board and thus is wired. Despite this, the wire is braided and as long as you give it some slack, many say it feels wireless. This mouse also has low friction ptfe feet and adjustable dpi along with Razers premium sensor and switches. In terms of form factor, this mouse is nothing special. it's design resemble many other mice already on the market, but is nothing to complain about. To give you an idea of what this mouse exactly is, it's like a cheap car that the makers threw the best tires, engine, and controls on. I would reccomend this if your on a budget and want some bang for buck.
Note: In terms of Software, razer is not exactly the king of software. It can be known to be userUNfriendly and is a bit disorganized.
Now let's talk about work/school mice. Work mice are heavier than gaming mice they are differently shaped. Their only service is to click around pages and send emails. BUT, there is still such thing as a good work mouse and a bad work mouse. First of all, a work mouse needs to be ergonomic and is better to be wired rather than wireless. Your mouse is your weapon in the workspace, and it is going to be on for over 50 hours a week. When buying work mice, the thing to note is that just because something is branded as gaming, doesn't mean it isn't going to be suitable for working. Because of this, some of the mice that I list as my favorite work mice are going to be made by gaming companies. Gaming companies just make really robust mice.
Premium:
Taking the premium spot are two mice that I really think are the best. They check the boxes of having a good weight, a comfortable shape, and are wired. These two mice are the Razer Basilisk V3 and the Logitech Hero g502. Some of you may know this and yes! I personally own the G502! As do millions of other people! This mouse was ranked as the number one mouse for about 7 years I think and has the highest amount of 5 star reviews on Amazon. This thing is a beast! It's great for working, you can indeed game on it if you wanted to, and most of all, it is comfy as (insert). it features a solid feeling with the option of adding included metal weights, it has a thumb rest on the side that reduces table drag, it's sensor is smooth, and the material is sweat resistant and side textured. As for the Razer v3 this is a clone of the G502, but I put it on the list because it is also so good. it has the same ergonomics but it goes for a more gamerish style. so If you want to buy a really good mouse for gaming and work, consider the V3.
Now let's put these two on the spot and see which one is best for you. The Hero is currently on amazon for 35ish dollars while the Basilisk, being newer than the hero is still up there at a reasonable 50ish dollars. with that in mind, both do hold up to there dollar except for the fact that the Hero does feel like more of a deal. Things to like about the V3 are that is have very few spots for grime to collect, and as a g502 user, I can tell you that there are indeed some spaces on this mouse to develop dirt and sweat. in terms of technology between these two, I would say about equal. both have the same amount of buttons (11) and both are on par in specs. Now here is the selling point for most people that you won't expect: the scroll wheel. Both mice have a button that switches the wheel between a tactile bump feeling or a free spin. The razer is average, and you know what to excpect, but the g502's wheel spins forever in free spin. it uses a ball bearing for some reason, and the the wheel is so sensitive that it moves while swiping with the mouse. I honestly prefer the satisfying tactile bump so this has never been a probelm for me, and the infinite free spin does come in handy when I am reading through 60+ page academic articles.
Razer B V3:
https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Basilisk-Customizable-Ergonomic-Gaming/dp/B09C13PZX7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1A10OB86GCM2O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lV6JfNHMxj7bs6kJTPeYHV3ZDptFtlNmF7-lnB2PGZM1aggQ4TF7wuDqty5KVUMw4wxuZ0VlFyrqs3eVAZ6JJ9KeTyCR0WdGRTumzm48i1AOpZGU87VpvaJTRl27PonxeOG9CKebpz1t8PMMcP-9GkIXprTIp0kyanG-WgpH7UMqU426De28dV7tCOAVCaJ_de9622jRuYSzkylCD7cFl6hIlSFGv2EoEW6Y4UOeqQw.N7yrcrnd1pxslmvPRdtwvRWFJVcJT85HP3ZtVAlM1-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=razer+mouse&qid=1707866838&sprefix=razor+mous,aps,249&sr=8-3&th=1
Hero G502:
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Performance-Gaming-Mouse-Renewed/dp/B07LGWW1S8/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1IGANPB9161QJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M6G8hJVclj-kUUppEdEQpbYyowmDpVXDmYJ3bulK1Eo_hs4bbF9BLb7UQSgILj6ExSZJfjciCslj8ScDFlSF6VGKCw4KYtI8FYSNYSOS3PF8nFnh_p1kaFkC3ziWEoXILkENOi2Y7_w8BchC_4FqTT3SfWqUQrKu-Iv_2YAl11pqaqnjSXQiuH3EcFA4tvZG_B3XTj-A_EGuI_ThBcdjzm-ns-Tyj-MS4UvLqYBLh4nTu_akavYeR1aGBgpte_wL-TTyn-RRuvHLgaH9Gpl_Dcy3yy_YG5bMu2jt5eRRFps.XufFvOzQd6GRUOba9HQuQ412j8QICBZn25YX56guHHY&dib_tag=se&keywords=g5o2&qid=1707867833&sprefix=g5o,aps,231&sr=8-7
Budget/casual:
My favorite section, WOOHOO! This section doesn't need to be explained much. this is the buedget section where the mice are used for some work and are going to be cheaper in terms of quality and performance these are decent mice that could be called casual and are great if you don't care about mice really. I will still be going over ones with an acceptable form factor and are not chinese off-brands.
coming in at under $15, here we have the Logitech M185. I actually happen to own this mice as my I needed something quick for college. Which reminds me that mice like this are great if you commute with them. This mice is wireless. I have owned it since november of last year I believe and have not had to change the battery (I don't use it all that much tho). it's design is basic: ambidextreous, small, tactile and rubbery scroll wheel, powered by one AA battery. of course there are things to be sought after, but for what your paying, it's enough. So far this mouse has carried me through 2 of my essays, and it's okay. nothing bad, just nothing great. Would by for casual use.
Next up in budget is the Tecknet wireless mouse. at $20 (on sale for 9) with nearly 70,000 4.5 stars on amazon and branded as ergonomic and productive, this is a dirt cheap yet great mouse if you want something big and grippy. you have full control over everything, and you make every click count! whatever that means. not as much to say about this mouse. very standard with the highlight being it's profile. would get if your hands don't exactly like gripping the harsh sides of your average mouse and you want a piece of effective furniture for your hands.
