Summary
Even with controllers gaining popularity, mice and keyboards remain the weapons of choice for competitive gamers playing MOBA and FPS titles. Althoughcontrollersallow gamers to relax on their couches, the top esports players rely on thebest gaming micefor the most accurate movements and clicks. The stakes are also higher than ever, with millions of dollars awarded to the winners ofCounter-Strike 2,DOTA 2, andValoranttournaments each year.
With so much money and prestige on the line, an average gamer might think that esports stars use custom mice that are unavailable to the public. On the contrary, prominent manufacturers like Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries encourage competitors to use their products to market them to mainstream gamers. Even so, competition-level gaming mice often share some of the same characteristics, such as:
The following gaming mice give any aspiring esports participant the best opportunity to rise to stardom:
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut - Vaxee OUTSET AX Wireless
Mathieu Herbaut, aka ZywOo’s rise to become one of the most dominantCS:GOplayers didn’t happen by accident. The 23-year-old French esports pro is known for putting in endless hours of practice time between tournaments. His mother initially hesitated to embrace his career choice but recognized his dedication to gaming. Unlike many competitors who regularly switch teams, Herbaut has been an integral member of Team Vitality since joining in 2018. ZywOo instantly made his presence known on theCS:GOcircuit, winning five MVP titles in his debut season.
ZywOo continues to perfect his game, and 2023 proved to be another great year for Herbaut and Team Vitality. Herbaut would lead his squad to key victories in major competitions like the BLAST Premier World Finals and Gamers8. ZywOo himself was namedHLTV Player of the Yearfor the third time. This success led Team Vitality to extend his contract until 2026.
Vaxee OUTSET AX Wireless Gaming Mouse
The Vaxee OUTSET AX Wireless was designed with professional gamers in mind. This lightweight mouse features a unique slanted shell that provides maximum palm control and support. To combat wireless interference that can cost competitors matches, the Outset AX detects lost data and compensates for it in the next transmission. Now shipping with a 4K wireless USB dongle, the mouse boasts a 4000 Hz polling rate, which allows for the slightest mouse movements to be tracked.
Vaxee isn’t a well-known brand for casual gamers, but it’s popular among the most demanding users, like ZywOo. The Vaxee Outset AX is a lightweight, but not ultra-lightweight,wireless gaming mousewith a unique shape. Even though many pro gamers employ claw and fingertip grips, this wireless mouse has a pronounced hump with a shell that is steeply sloped from side to side. Right-handed palm grippers have plenty of support for their hands, but the mouse’s short and wide body doesn’t hamper other playing styles.
With the Outset AX, Vaxee put a lot of emphasis on achieving completely interference-free wireless performance. Competitive gamers in crowded arenas naturally fear signal congestion, but the Outset AX can detect these issues immediately. With constant high bandwidth transmissions, the mouse can overcome any potential pauses in tracking. After release, Vaxee introduced a USB wireless dongle with a maximum 4000 Hz polling rate, double that of theLogitech G Pro X Superlight 2. The Outset AX is finally ahigh-end wireless mousethat replicates the reliable performance of a wired device in any scenario.
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein – SteelSeries Prime
Although Johan Sundstein, aka N0tail, is currently inactive, he did serve as a coach in OG’s victorious 2022 run in the ESL One Stockholm 2022 tournament. In 2018 and 2019, the pro gamer won the biggestDOTAcompetition, The International, as part of the same team. N0tail’s pedigree speaks for itself. After winning over seven million dollars since his gaming career began as a young teenager, Sundstein is still involved in the esports scene. However, the prospect of N0tail returning to consistent competitive action took a hit whenhe left team OGand his role as their fifth player and captain.
SteelSeries Prime Esport Wired Mouse
The SteelSeries Prime Esport Wired Mouse is a favorite choice for Esports competitors, with Prestige OM switches providing instant response time. The TrueMove Pro gaming sensor allows for surgically precise tracking. Gamers can customize its 5 mouse buttons and select from 4 polling rates or 5 custom CPIs. At just 69 grams, the SteelSeries Prime Mouse enables rapid and accurate movements for Esports pros to perform their best.
Available in wired or wireless form, the compact SteelSeries Prime is one of the best gaming mice for competitive action. If buyers want a SteelSeries mouse that suits even larger hands, they should check outGame Rant’s review of the Rival 5.
Alexander “s1mple” Kostylev – Logitech G Pro X Superlight
If aCS:GOteam wants a shot at glory, they will likely need to take on the remarkably consistent Natus Vincere. Every member of the Ukrainian team belongs in a discussion of the greatest esports players in the business, but Alexander Kostylev is arguably the group’s ace in the hole. In 2022,HLTV ranked s1mple as the best player of the yearfor the third time before finishing in the top 10 again in 2023.
Kostylev initially hesitated to jump toCounter-Strike 2, instead showing interest inValorant. S1mple joined a chorus of other esports stars and players incriticism ofCounter-Strike 2, suggesting that players stick with the first version of the game. However, joining the Saudi Arabian Team Falcons on loan from Natus Vincere, Kostylev finally made hisCS:GO 2debut in March.
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
The world’s most popular esports mouse has only gotten better with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. The latest version of this wireless mouse boasts a more advanced Hero 2 optical sensor with over 800 IPS and a maximum DPI of 44,000. Capable of a wireless polling rate of 8000 Hz, the Superlight 2 detects the smallest movements and adjusts as soon as the mouse is lifted off a surface. In addition, the Superlight 2 comes loaded with a 95-hour battery life, fast USB-C charging, and Powerplay mat compatibility.
For his gear, s1mple’s preferred gaming mouse was theLogitech G Pro X Superlight, a wireless device used by other pros like nitr0 and sinatraa. Extremely lightweight at only 63 grams, the incredibly agile Logitech G Pro X Superlight makes a strong case as thebest FPS mouse. The device benefits from Logitech’s Lightspeed technology and zero-additive PTFE feet for buttery smooth movements.
It’s not shocking that Kostylev would quickly embrace the newerLogitech G Pro X Superlight 2. This wireless mouse improves on its predecessor by being lighter, having a longer battery life, and a higher polling rate of 2000 Hz.
Standing at 6'2", traditionally small esports mice are not the most comfortable to grip for larger gamers like s1mple. However, although it has a steep asking price, the Pro X Superlight 2 surprisingly accommodates all hand sizes and grip types. Consequently, it will likely soon replace the original Pro X Superlight as themost commonly used competitive gaming mouse.
Jimmy “Marved” Nguyen- Razer Viper V2 Pro
One of North America’s most popularValorantplayers, Canadian Jimmy “Marved” Nguyen found himself in the spotlight when he stepped in for the Sentinels' Hunter “SicK” Mims in March 2023. Marved began his career in 2014 as aCS:GOcompetitor, before switching toValorantin 2020. Despite his role as Controller in the game, which is more about assisting teammates than attacking, Nguyen is known for his fearless play style. Playing for several other major teams, including OpTic Gaming, FaZe clan, and now NRG, some of Marved’s career highlights include finishing first in the Stage 1 Masters of the 2022ValorantChampions tour.
Razer Viper V2 Pro HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse
The Razer Viper V2 Pro brings a wired/wireless design paired with the Viper lineup’s ambidextrous design. Wireless, lightweight, and rechargeable, the Viper V2 stands out among mice with its flawless tracking performance and a wide margin of surface acceptance. It can even track well on less tactile surfaces like glass, without the need for a mousepad.
The sociable Marved also has streamed on Twitch with a large following and is unafraid to show off his latest gear. One of the keys to hisValorantsuccess is the Razer Viper V2 Pro, one of the lightest gaming mice Razer produces at just 58 grams. Razer has stripped down the device from previous versions by removing the side grips and RGB lighting effects. However, the manufacturer also upgraded the Razer Viper V2 Pro with Gen-3 Optical Switches and a more efficient battery, leading to a battery life of up to 80 hours.
Despite the Razer Viper V2 Pro’s lightweight stature, it’s bulky enough to accommodate medium-sized hands. Without an obvious hump, the mouse is ideal for esports pros who are adept at using fingertip or claw grips. IfValorantplayers like Marved couldn’t find wireless devices with a reliable low-latency connection, they simply would turn towired headsetsand mice. Fortunately, thanks to the Razer Hyperspeed Wireless technology, all of Nguyen’s movements are reflected in real-time on a monitor. Gamers can also upgrade to theHyperPolling Wireless Dongleto achieve a remarkable 4000 Hz polling rate.
Tyson “TenZ” Ngo - Lamzu Atlantis Mini Pro
Tyson Ngo AKA “TenZ” is yet another CanadianValorantstar on the Sentinels team. Among other acclaims, TenZ was thefirst North American to reach the rank ofValorantduring the game’s closed beta in 2020. 2021 was a particularly dominant year for Ngo, achieving first-place finishes in six major tournaments. However, the Sentinels have struggled to find that consistent form since TenZ was named Gamer of the Year at the most recent Streamer Awards.
Ngo has a huge following on Twitch, amassing 3.8 million followers on the platform, and is engaged with fellow content creator Kyedae. Rumors were rampant that TenZ may leave Sentinels since his contract would expire at the end of 2023. Fortunately for fans of the esports organization, the team announced that they had signed Ngo to a new contract last September.
Lamzu Atlantis Mini Pro
The Lamzu Atlantis Mini Pro is a gaming mouse designed by FPS gamers to enhance the performance of the best Esports competitors. Ultra-lightweight at just 51 grams, the Atlantis Mini Pro relies on a Pixart 3395 sensor for a maximum DPI of 26,000. Thanks to the powerful Nordic 52840 MCU, the mouse is capable of a 4000 Hz polling rate after purchasing the 4K dongle separately.
Lamzu is not a household namecompeting with brands like Corsairand Logitech, but the company has made a splash in recent years with its esports-grade gaming mice. Developed by a team of FPS gamers and experienced engineers, the wireless Lamzu Atlantis Mini Pro has become TenZ’s favorite choice duringValorantcompetitions.
The Atlantis Mini Pro has a rather unassuming symmetrical shape and, at 51 grams, is one of the easiest mice to fling around mousepads. TenZ is constantly tweaking his grip but prefers a claw style, which is perfect for the Atlantis Mini Pro and its short body with an arched back. This wireless mouse is also capable of industry-leading tracking with a maximum DPI of 26,000 and a polling rate of up to 4000 Hz. Gamers will need to purchase an additional 4K compatible USB dongle to meet that threshold. Otherwise, the polling rate will remain at 1000 Hz. Inside the mouse, buyers will find custom switches made by Huano that leave no doubt when pressed and focus on avoiding costly double clicks.
Far from the only mouse TenZ has embraced, the competitor has been influential in the gaming mouse market for several years. In 2022, he teamed up with FinalMouse to craft a custom edition of the Starlight Pro with a magnesium alloy honeycomb shell. More recently, Ngo announced that he was creating an esports mouse from scratch and will soon take preorders on theTenZ storefront.
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok – Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
Since joining T1 in 2013, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has been one of the most influential players in theLeague of Legendscompetitive scene, if not all esports. Known for his cool demeanor but deadly instincts, Faker has won numerous world titles and reached the finals of the 2022 Worlds event. The loyal Sang-hyeok has resisted invitations to leave the T1 team over the years and extended his contract through the 2025 season. Sang-hyeok is such an esports icon that he even owns a tall building in Seoul, South Korea, appropriately named Faker Tower.
Faker achieved yet another triumph this past November when he led T1 to yet anotherLeague of LegendsWorld Championship. Remarkably, it was the fourth time the team won the competition.
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Gaming Mouse- Faker Edition
To meet the approval of Esports champion Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro has very high standards to meet. The hallmark of the wireless gaming mouse is its super-lightweight design, weighing only 63 grams. The Focus Pro 30K optical sensor enables class-leading tracking accuracy on any surface. Meanwhile, Gen-3 switches offer an accusation of just 0.2 ms and last for 90 million clicks. With a battery life of up to 90 hours, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro will never run out of juice during critical gameplay moments.
Faker has always enjoyedRazer mice designed for FPS games, using the DeathAdder Elite extensively during tournaments. Early in 2023, Razer announced a wireless Faker Edition of the DeathAdder V3 Pro, also available in a wired version. The red and black mouse is one of the lightest wireless mice ever designed, weighing only 63 grams. The custom DeathAdder V3 Pro has a relatively simplistic look with five programmable buttons. Still, its effortless agility on mousepads and a maximum of 30,000 DPI make it a perfect choice for competitive gamers. A Razer HyperSpeed Wireless dongle is also sold as an additional purchase, enabling a 4000 Hz polling rate.
If a buyer prefers to go to battle with a rock-solid corded mouse, check outGame Rant’s full review of the wired Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro.
Robin “ropz” Kool- Zowie BenQ EC2-C
Robin Kool, aka ropz, is one of the most consistent esports pros on theCS:GOscene. After ranking highly in HLTVs top 20 players each year since 2018, ropz is usually among the leaders in prize money. The Estonian Kool began his interest in esports at just seven years of age, with the originalCounter-Strikegame. Kool’s focus on content creation and Twitch streaming at around age 17 was pivotal to him gaining more opportunities in the competitive gaming world. In 2017, ropz was invited to join the mouseports (now called MOUZ) team and would win numerous tournaments before moving to FaZe in 2022.
As a rifler and lurker, ropz often stays in the shadows duringCS:GOmatches, gliding around maps and finding targets to engage with his incredible aiming skills. Despite racking up some impressive kill numbers, it’s common for other players to never actually spot ropz roaming around them. Kool has also echoed the criticisms of otherCS:GOveterans like Alexander “s1mple” Kostylev, highlighting the rampant cheating that’s abundant inCounter-Strike 2.
ZOWIE BenQ EC2-C
The Zowie BenQ EC2-C is an Esports wired mouse crafted specifically for top professional gamers. The mouse features a 24-step scroll wheel and an optical sensor with a maximum DPI of 3200. Unlike with most mice, Zowie realizes that one size never fits all, so this mouse is available in small, medium, and large sizes. With carefully sculpted dimensions, each size accommodates palm, claw, and fingertip grips.
Zowie peripherals are incredibly popular in esports.More than half of all competitors,including ropz, use a peripheral made by the brand. The Zowie EC2-C is the medium-sized version of their wired mouse with features catering to the best FPS gamers worldwide. This mouse weighs 73 grams,heavier than the lightest gaming mice, but its slightly increased girth helps users avoid unintentionally lifting it off of mousepads.
Many manufacturers claim that a certain mouse model suits most gamers, but Zowie takes a different approach with their EC2 line of mice. The device is available in small, medium, and large sizes, with each variation conducive to palm, claw, and fingertip grips. The medium-sized EC2-C is the most common choice and allows for a maximum DPI of 3200 with a polling rate of up to 1000 Hz.
Zowie also touts the fact that the EC2-C is driverless, meaning that Robin Kool doesn’t have to mess around with software when traveling to different competitions. With custom sizes to ensure that every gamer has the right fit in a mouse, the EC2-C’s best traits are its adaptable ergonomic qualities. One of the best gaming mice for esports also has more than acceptable tracking accuracy, making it an ideal choice for rifles and lurkers.
If gamers demand the freedom of a wireless device, ropz has also been spotted gaming with theEC2-CW, the wireless version of this Zowie mouse.
Kyle “Mongraal” Jackson - Logitech G402
At age 13, the British Kyle Jackson received massive media attention as the youngest gamer to sign with a professional esports organization. Although Mongraal retired fromFortnitein 2022, he maintained a massive following on YouTube and Twitch. Jackson joined the FaZe clan in 2019 ahead of theFortniteWorld Cup and went on to amass career earnings of over $700,000.
Mongraal showcases an aggressive play style, often eliminating the competition in record time. Jackson briefly returned toFortnitelate in 2023 before announcing another break from competition. Still, it’s unlikely Mongraal will stay out of action permanently.
Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury
The Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury is a serious mouse made for the most intense Esports competitions. The Max DPI 4000 optical sensor of this wired gaming mouse utilizes Logitech Delta Zero technology with a Fusion Engine hybrid sensor to enable tracking speeds of more than 500 IPS. With 8 programmable buttons, the G402 provides gamers with plenty of customization and also features 4 on the fly DPI settings.
Most professional gamers are attracted to small, light gaming mice, but Mongraal has always done things a little differently.Similar to the large Logitech G502, the G402 weighs a hefty 108 grams without a cord, so it takes more effort to fling it around surfaces. Even so, once the mouse gets moving, it’s one of the fastest mice on the planet, with a maximum acceleration rate of 16 G. Jackson was rumored to have converted to a Logitech G Pro X Superlight in 2022, but audiences have yet to see him compete or stream with an alternative mouse.
With quick mouse movements, the optical sensors of these devices can sometimes struggle to keep pace. To solve this, Logitech employs a gyroscope and accelerometer in the G402 to maintain tracking accuracy amid an intense firefight. As a result, Logitech’s Fusion Engine hybrid sensor never fails gamers who can enable up to 4,000 DPI.
It’s not uncommon for lightweight esports mice to offer only five or fewer programmable buttons. On the other hand, the Logitech G402 allows for more customization with eight remappable buttons, including a sniper trigger. That will surely please gamers like Mongraal, who constantly like to tweak their setups. For aspiring esports pros who need a heavyweight peripheral, the Logitech G402 is the best gaming mouse in its weight class.
Neta “33” Shapira - Logitech G403 Hero
The 26-year-old Neta Shapira, aka 33, began mastering hisDOTAcraft in 2014. Shapira has been one of the top earners on theDOTA 2scene in recent years, most notably becoming the first Israeli competitor to win The International in 2022, leading the Tundra Esports team to victory. Tundra struggled in 2023, which led Shapira to leave and join Team Liquid this past November, replacing Ludwig “zai” Wahlberg.
33’s country of origin is not the only thing that makes him unique, since his use of micro-heroes in the game is the envy of other players. Although undeniably talented, Shapira is not immune to controversy, as he was accused ofalt-tabbing during DreamLeague Season 21.
Logitech G403 Hero Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G403 Hero is a wired gaming mouse that’s a proven winner in the esports world. Much of this mouse’s success is due to its Hero 25K optical sensor which offers the most accurate tracking possible. 6 programmable buttons are enough for FPS and MOBA players to execute a variety of commands during a match. Gamers will also make no critical mistakes when press on the G403 Hero’s two main buttons since they feature spring button tensioning for satisfying clicking responses.
Neta Shapira’s uniqueDOTA 2playstyle calls for a mouse that can handle the chaotic micromanagement of several units at a time. The Logitech G403 Hero is arelatively affordable wired mousethat’s a veteran of the esports world. Featuring six programmable buttons, its layout provides Shapira with enough flexibility to control the furiousDOTA 2action. Meanwhile, the tension of the metal spring button makes the two main buttons require minimal force to press.
The Logitech G403 Hero is in the lightweight category at 87 grams, but only barely, since it’s bulkier than many FPS mice. Gamers will find that the mouse has a fairly pronounced hump to accommodate palm grippers with medium-sized hands. Build quality is excellent with the G403 Hero, which is why it has survived so manyDOTA 2tournaments with Neta Shapira. The braided cable attached to the mouse is also surprisingly flexible, so when competitors whip it aroundmousepadsthere is minimal resistance.
In what’s essentially a corded version of the wireless G403 Prodigy, the G403 Hero offers the same low latency performance thanks to its 25,000 DPI Hero optical sensor. This gaming mouse was originally launched with a 16,000 DPi sensor. Even so, in a testament to Logitech’s belief in the longevity of the G403 Hero, the device has seen consistent upgrades.
Sebastien “Ceb” Debs - SteelSeries Sensei Ten
FewDOTA 2players have taken on as many esports roles as Sebastien “Ceb” Debs. The French competitor began his career in 2011 with Team Shakira and saw some initial success before leaving the squad. Ceb struggled to find consistency in his performances until he joined team OG as a coach. OG experienced a series of successes in majors, but when Debs became a competitor again, he achieved one of the most historic esports achievements. Ceb won back-to-back The International tournaments in 2018 and 2019, an accomplishment never seen before in theDOTA 2world.
Debs would announce his retirement from competitive action in 2021, but it wouldn’t be long before he made hiscomeback in the 2022 Stockholm Major. Cebs is one of the most successful DOTA 2 players of all time, earning more than $11 million, and has continued to find success, including a 1st place finish in the ESL One Stockholm 2022. It’s not surprising that Debs, who has molded the careers of young competitors as a coach, is known for his strategicDOTA 2skills, including drafting the perfect team.
SteelSeries Sensei Ten
A simple but sleek design, the SteelSeries Sensei Ten balances cost and performance, becoming one of the closest things to a middle-ground that left-handed gamers will find. Just two RGB lighting zones give creative freedom to users, but the smooth, curved shape promises a comfortable grip. Featuring two buttons on each side, this ambidextrous mouse offers a total of eight programmable buttons to prospective gamers. Backed by a powerful sensor and a good handful of customization options, this left-handed gaming mouse is perfect for players who enjoy a wide variety of genres - from FPS to MMOs.
SteelSeries is no stranger to the competitive gaming world, with numerousbattle-tested keyboardsand mice. In some ways, the Sensei Ten is the successor to the Sensei 310, another ambidextrous mouse relied on by Syed “SumaiL” Hassan. With a higher maximum DPI of 18,000 and a better-performing TrueMove Pro optical sensor, most competitors won’t complain about making the change. To suit left and right-handed gamers, the Sensei Ten has a pair of buttons on both sides of the mouse and eight programmable buttons in total. The mouse has a carefully crafted shape, allowing it to excel with not only palm grips but also the claw and fingertip grips that many skilled esports stars employ.
Sebastien “Ceb” Debs often takes a methodical approach toDOTA 2matches, but that doesn’t mean he can’t benefit from a fast, accurate mouse. The Sensei Ten constantly monitors for tilting and is ready to adjust its tracking before it results in critical mistakes. With the Sensei Ten, the SteelSeries brand lives up to its name since the mouse is built from a premium polymer material that resists wear and tear. Accordingly, the mechanical switches in the Sensei Ten are rated to last for 60 million clicks.
How To Choose the Right Gaming Mouse
Ultimately, the best mouse for a particular favorite esports pro may not be the right choice for a buyer. However, each of the above mice shares identical characteristics that allow them to excel during frantic competitive gaming tournaments. The key qualities aspiring esports stars should consider include form factor, build quality, sensor accuracy, and whether a wireless mouse is preferable.
Lightweight devices like theRazer Viper V2 Pro HyperSpeedcan move at incredibly fast speeds to find new targets while maintaining sensor accuracy. For gamers who prefer larger and heavier mice, theLogitech G402compensates for a lack of agility by offering more programmable buttons while still capable of moving at blistering fast rates.
Thankfully, regardless of whether a gamer prefers a small or large mouse to use with a palm, claw, or fingertip grip, there is an ideal candidate among the many esports mice. While in the past, competitive gamers avoided wireless peripherals, cord-free mice like theLogitech G Pro X Superlightnow offer the same performance and reliable connection as traditional wired alternatives.
Today, gamers looking to enter the world of competitive gaming have more choices than ever and rarely have to make compromises when selecting their ideal mouse.
If a buyer has already spent serious money on assembling a new gaming rig and is low on funds, check out ourguide to the best budget mice.
FAQ
Q: How should I choose a gaming mouse?
First and foremost, define the purpose of the mouse: will it be used exclusively for gaming? Will a specific genre be prioritized? After that, establish a budget, and research the market to get a thorough idea of the available candidates. It is advised to stick to well-known brands like Razer, Logitech, and SteelSeries. Important decision criteria are comfort, features such as extra buttons for versatility in gaming and accurate scrolling, sensor quality and the software that accompanies it, as well as build quality.
Q: What is the best way to hold a gaming mouse?
There is no singular best way to hold a gaming mouse. Palm, Claw, and Tip grips all have their uses.
