Wired vs. Wireless Mouse: Which Is Better For Gaming? (2024)

While using a PC, the mouse is what gamers use to interact with the digital world. During gaming, the mouse can fire at a target with button clicks, change a player's viewpoint, and scroll through equipped weapons and other items. It's one of the most critical pieces of gaming gear.

As a result of this importance, gamers must carefully select a mouse. The constantly updated Game Rant selection of the best gaming mice is naturally a great place to start. Discussions of a mouse's number of programmable buttons, overall comfort, and DPI will all occur. However, something much more important must be decided before any of this becomes relevant. In a head-on battle of wired versus wireless mice, which one wins?

There are more factors involved in determining the victor than might be expected. In order of most to least obvious, here are the primary factors affecting the decision to choose a wired versus wireless mouse.

Updated May 27th, 2024 by Marc Storch: The latest prices have been updated for all of these fantastic mice options with the latest update to this guide. More context has also been added, so that you can better determine which style of gaming mouse you'd prefer.

Lag, Latency, and Interference

DPI is the most common way to measure the difference in performance among gaming mice. However, devices that can quickly move cursors across high-resolution screens are available in corded and cordless forms. Polling rate is more critical to a mouse's reliable tracking, and here, there are some differences between wired and wireless mice.

When a mouse (or any other digital device) uses a wire to connect to the computer, it "talks" more or less directly to the machine. On the other hand, wireless connections travel through the air to communicate with a PC.

What sorts of problems can this cause? In human terms, a wired connection is like hand-delivering a letter to somebody. It's not flawless; the letter writer could have poor handwriting (broken mouse buttons), or they may have fallen on the road (broken cords or USB ports). However, most of the time, things just work quickly and without a hitch. Meanwhile, a wireless connection is more akin to ultra-fast and precise smoke signals. Interference, for example, can be caused by a "neighbor" using a similar color of smoke (frequency) to transmit messages.

As a result of these issues, wired mice give faster, more consistent communication with the computer. Most gaming mice max out at a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is higher than gamers need, considering the refresh rate of the fastest monitors sits at 240 Hz. Underpowered PCs can also struggle to continuously report a mouse's position at higher polling rates, causing stuttering in games. Typically, wired mice offer higher polling rates because they don't have to contend with added wireless latency. The best example is the Razer Viper 8KHz, which broke new barriers for performance when it was released in 2021.

Best High Polling Rate Wired Mouse

Razer Viper 8KHz

$55 $80 Save $25

The Razer Viper 8KHz is a powerful wired gaming mouse packed with specs built for competitive play. The simple, ambidextrous design and budget-friendly price tag make this Razer gaming mouse make it easy to see how it's one of the best wired mice on the market.

It features20K DPI optical sensor, switches that are rated for 70 million clicks, onboard profiles, and more in a lightweight shell that weighs only 71 grams.

Weight

71g

Sensor and DPI

Focus+ 20K DPI Optical Sensor

Switches

Optical

RGB Lighting

1 Zone

Programmable Buttons

8

Connectivity

Wired - Razer™ Speedflex Cable (USB-A)

Wireless

No

Sensor

Focus+ 20K DPI Optical Sensor

Pros

• Record setting 8000 Hz polling rate
• Rapid and accurate inputs
• Ambidextrous design suits many gamers

Cons

• Polling rate can overtax some PCs

$55 at Amazon

All this being said, in the modern world, issues like lag, latency, and interference are becoming less and less of a problem. The majority of wireless mice work just fine and — unless used by superhuman pros — feel the same as wired mice. Razer was even able to achieve an 8,000 Hz polling rate on several of its wireless mice, like the DeathAdder V3 Pro, but it requires purchasing a separate HyperPolling wireless dongle. Consequently, an already expensive mouse becomes more costly for a performance gain most buyers won't notice.

Regardless of polling rate, wireless interference can ruin the performance of any mouse. Fortunately, manufacturers have refined wireless protocols to the point that any delays in tracking are negligible. For example, many of the best Logitech gaming mice use Lightspeed technology. This wireless protocol sends out signals constantly to "check in on" neighboring devices. When it detects a signal that hums to a beat similar to its own, it changes signals, practically eliminating interference.

The Game Rant-reviewed Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a superb example of an affordable gaming mouse with lag-free wireless tracking.

Best Low-Interference Logitech Mouse

Logitech G305 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse

$40 $50 Save $10

TheLogitech G305 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse is the perfect example of a gaming mouse that can be stylish, colorful, portable, sleek, and, most importantly, affordable. With up to 250 hours of battery life, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse will outlast almost any wireless mouse. At the same time, the mouse's HERO sensor is rated at up to 12,000 DPI, so gamers sacrifice little when opting for this more portable, budget-friendly mouse.

Weight

3.49 oz (99 g)

Sensor and DPI

HERO 200 – 12,000 DPI

Switches

Mechanical

Programmable Buttons

Yes

Connectivity

1000Hz (1ms)

Wireless

Yes

See Also

Das ist die Zukunft der PC-Maus: Die Logitech Powerplay im TestLogitech G PowerPlay Mouse Pad ReviewLogitech Support + DownloadPresentation Equipment| Logitech | Official Online Store

Battery Life

250 Hours

Battery Type

AA

RGB Lighting

No

Pros

• Uses Lightspeed tech to lower interference
• Highly affordable
• Super long battery life

Cons

• Uses AA batteries instead of recharging

$40 at Amazon$40 at Best Buy$40 at Walmart$40 at Logitech$43 at Newegg

Winner: Wired, but only because they don't have any chance of many of the issues discussed above. Still, in 2024, this is more like a 100% versus 99% to-hit roll than in previous years.

Freedom of Movement

Fans of classic cartoons might remember scenes of a character, bored in prison, stuck with a ball and chain handcuffed (footcuffed?) to their leg. They couldn't move anywhere.

What does this have to do with comparing a wired vs wireless mouse? Only the wireless mouse knows true freedom. A wired mouse can only go as far from its computer as the wire length allows. The mouse is the ball, and the wire is the chain.

As a result, it's essential to get a wired mouse with a long enough wire. However, length isn't the only issue with the cords of wired gaming mice. Snags on desktop speakers and the edge of a keyboard are enough to drive someone more than a bit batty. Problems can arise when aligning a mouse to carefully read one of those finicky Age of Wonders 4 tooltips. The weight of the wire hanging off the back of an awesome gaming desk is bound to move the mouse just enough to be unable to read it.

For this reason, one of the first accessory upgrades a PC gamer with a wired mouse should consider buying is a mouse bungee. Mouse bungees, like the Cougar Bunker, raise the wire and reduce some of the struggle.

Best Mouse Bungee for Wired Mouse Gamers

Cougar Bunker RGB Mouse Bungee

TheCougar Bunker RGB Mouse Bungee comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports, an excellent RGB lighting schema that can be changed at the push of a button.

Brand

Cougar

Color

RGB, button-swappable

Weight

105 grams

Dimensions

4.33 x 2.75 x 4.52 inches

Connectivity

USB 2.0

Capacity

2 USB ports

Power Supply

USB-Powered (Passthrough)

Pros

• Keeps wire off the ground
• Reduces snags
• Bonus USB ports

Cons

• Still won't extend a short mouse wire

$35 at Newegg$42 at Amazon

Can wireless mice for gaming be used from anywhere? No, but the recommended usable distance is around 30 feet for most mice. In fact, Bluetooth can communicate long distances (greater than a kilometer) on simple enough devices. On the other hand, Bluetooth introduces more latency compared to high-speed RF connections. In the current lack of a best games to play with binoculars category, 30 feet will likely be all the average gamer needs anyhow.

Winner: Wireless mice come out on top here. Even modern wired mice employing flexible snag-resistant cords can't match their competitors, who dispose of wires entirely.

Battery Life

It's a bit obvious, but still worth pointing out. Wired mice don't require batteries since the signal travels through the wire. Wireless mice need batteries. Sometimes, these batteries come in the form of AA or AAA, and other times, they're rechargeable, like the kind in a phone or laptop.

Is it as much of a problem as it seems?

For rechargeable mice, plugging in things when not in use is becoming the norm globally anyhow. Going to bed? Plug in the phone. Done with the laptop? Plug it in to charge. Furthermore, battery life is getting quite long, and most mice start to glow red to warn they're about to be out of charge. While 80 to 120 hours seems to be a good average, some "super agers" out there have battery lives that far exceed expectations. For example, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless has a life of over 400 hours.

Best Battery Life Wireless Gaming Mouse

SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse

$40 $50 Save $10

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless offers a year-long battery life, providing over 400 hours of continuous use. It has been optimized to deliver ultra-low latency performance akin to wired devices, with the versatility of two connectivity options. This multi-purpose functionality is perfect for users who switch between gaming, school, work, travel, or have limited USB space.

The Rival 3 Wireless features the TrueMove Air Optical Gaming Sensor, ensuring true 1-to-1 tracking with an 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS, and 40G. Its smart and durable construction includes a compartment for the dongle, as well as 60 million click mechanical switches, which provide six times the durability of standard switches.

Battery Life

400+ Hours

Weight

106g (two batteries), 96g (one battery)

Sensor and DPI

Optical 18,000 DPI

Switches

SteelSeries mechanical switches

RGB Lighting

Yes

Connectivity

2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.0

Wireless

Yes

DPI

100–18,000 in 100 DPI Increments

IPS

400

Polling Rate

1,000 Hz

Acceleration

40G

Pros

• Ultra-low latency performance
• Dual connectivity options
• Unbelievable battery life

Cons

• Not many extra buttons

$44 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$40 at SteelSeries

Wireless productivity mice designed to withstand many consecutive weeks of office work are unmatched in battery life. Still, while the Logitech MX Master 3S can last over two months without recharging, it doesn't have the ultra-high polling rate and low latency tracking of gaming mice. Higher-performance cordless mice can drain a battery more quickly, but it's a reality most gamers need to accept.

Wireless mice running on AA or AAA batteries can perform excellently, but the highest-end gaming mice use internal rechargeable batteries. However, if you are willing to use a mouse without a rechargeable battery, the aforementioned Logitech G305 is a great way to get incredible battery life for quite an affordable price. Using a single AA battery, the G305 can get a stunning 250 hours of battery life. When paired with a couple of rechargeable AA batteries, this mouse can easily be reloaded with a new battery when needed and keep you gaming with no wire ever needed.

Best Battery Life High-End Gaming Mouse

Logitech G903 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse

$90 $150 Save $60

Logitech’s G903 wireless gaming mouse takes customization to another level. This unique gaming mouse includes an additional weight that can be easily added or removed and, most notably, the G903 can be used as either an ambidextrous mouse or a fully left-handed mouse. Players can handle this mouse through all types of games, but with a max DPI of 25,600, competitive shooters will benefit the most from the G903’s specs. This wireless gaming mouse also has an impressive battery life of up to 180 hours, and when that starts to wane, the charging cord can provide power even while the mouse is still in use.

Battery Life

Up To 180 Hours

Weight

110g + optional extra weight 10g

Sensor and DPI

HERO 25K

Switches

Mechanical

RGB Lighting

Yes

Programmable Buttons

7-11

Connectivity

LIGHTSPEED Wireless USB

Wireless

Yes

Battery Type

Rechargeable

Multi-Device Pairing

Yes

Pros

• Up to 180 hour battery life
• PowerPlay wireless charging mat compatible
• Lag-free wireless tracking

Cons

• RGB lighting reduces battery life somewhat

$90 at Amazon$130 at Best Buy$130 at Logitech$100 at Newegg$95 at Walmart

The Logitech G903 can last up to 180 hours on a single charge, reducing the hassle of having to regularly top up its power levels. As with most wireless mice, having RGB lighting activated on the G903 reduces its battery life somewhat but far less than much of its competition. To make recharging a complete non-issue, buyers can also purchase the PowerPlay Wireless Charging Mat, which continuously recharges the G903.

Manufacturers also have turned to the newer USB-C standard in wireless mice for faster charging over cables. Wireless mice like the Asus ROG Chakram X Origin can replenish their high-capacity batteries for hours more of playtime in just minutes of charging.

Winner: Despite wireless mice becoming more power-efficient, they still can't compete with wired mice in this category. The fact is that a wired gaming mouse can stay connected to a USB port indefinitely without any effort needed to keep it running.

Price

For this round of the wired versus wireless mouse for gaming debate, the classic deciding factor of nearly every shopping decision comes into play: dollars. A common theme emerges quickly when looking at the best budget gaming mice. Wired gaming miceare consistently cheaper than their wireless counterparts. The tech is just simpler and cheaper to build.

Best Value Gaming Mouse

Cooler Master MM720 Gaming mouse

$27 $30 Save $3

The Cooler Master MM720 is one of the lightest gaming mice on the market, offering an optical PixArt sensor with 16000 DPI. The honeycomb shell on the MM720 reduces the weight of the mouse while adding to its impressive facade.
The MM720 gaming mouse's durability is further bolstered by an ultralight cable that resists snagging and tough PTFE feet, which let the mouse skate smoothly around mouse pads and surfaces. RGB lighting ties everything together for a distinctive piece of gear.

Weight

49 grams

See Also

Logitech G PowerPlay Wireless Charging System - Australia

Sensor and DPI

Optical, 16K DPI

Switches

Optical

RGB Lighting

Yes

Programmable Buttons

6

Connectivity

Wired, USB

Wireless

No

DPI

400

IPS

50 G

Pros

• Only weighs 49 grams
• Excellent sensor performance for low price
• Impressive click latency

Cons

• Limited button layout
• Too small for some larger hands

$43 at Amazon$43 at Walmart$27 at Newegg

Perhaps the best example of the impressive performance buyers can experience with an inexpensive wired gaming mouse is the Cooler Master MM720. Even some esports pros rely on it because it's exceedingly lightweight and agile on a gaming mousepad. However, the MM720 also features a 16000 DPI optical sensor that can be upgraded using software. Combined with durable optical switches that respond instantly to presses, the MM720 remains one of the top values among all gaming gear.

Best Performance Wired Mouse

Razer DeathAdder V3 Wired Gaming Mouse

$60 $70 Save $10

The Razer DeathAdder V3 is a lightweight wired gaming mouse in an unconventional shape. Longer with a more pronounced hump than most Esports FPS mice, the DeathAdder V3 is accommodating to medium and large hands. With a 30K optical sensor, the mouse flies around mousepads at a 750 IPS max speed. Using Smart Tracking, the mouse can calculate lift-off distances more accurately on any surface type. Gen 3 Optical Switches respond instantly while lasting 90 million satisfying clicks.

Weight

59 grams

Programmable Buttons

6

Sensor

Optical, 30K DPI

Wireless?

No

Brand

Razer

Pros

• Very flexible cord
• Top-end specs in a lightweight form factor
• Responsive clicks

Cons

• Still not as maneuverable as a wireless mouse

$60 at Amazon$60 at Newegg$60 at Best Buy$70 at GameStop$70 at Razer

Choosing a wired version of a mouse can save considerable money, especially with higher-end models. Thanks to its lightweight shell and foolproof tracking, the wired Razer DeathAdder V3 is a dream for competitive and casual gamers. Unfortunately for buyers who prefer wireless gear, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is often more than twice the cost of its wired cousin. Even worse, buyers actually lose some potential performance gains with the DeathAdder V3 Pro. Razer's wired mouse is slightly lighter despite its flexible cord and also offers an 8,000 Hz polling rate without purchasing an additional wireless dongle.

While it isn't impossible to find an affordable mouse on sale using either configuration, all other factors being equal, the wired mouse will typically be cheaper.

Winner: Wired, hands down.

Convenience

In the wired versus wireless mouse debate, buyers should consider whether a potential purchase could save time or cause more aggravation than it's worth. Wireless mice are easier to travel with, lacking a cord that can snag on other belongings. Even so, wired gaming mice have their strong points when it comes to simplifying the lives of gamers.

Best Mobile Wireless Mouse

Razer Orochi V2

$45 $70 Save $25

The Razer Orochi V2 is an ultra-lightweight gaming mouse designed for both portability and gamers who demand maximum agility. Weighing just 2.2 ounces, the Orochi V2 has dual connection modes with Bluetooth or Razer HyperSpeed wireless. The Orochi V2 is a marathon of a mouse on Bluetooth connections, lasting up to 950 hours on a single AA or AAA battery.

Weight

59.82 g

Sensor and DPI

Optical, 18000 DPI

Switches

Mechanical

RGB Lighting

No

Programmable Buttons

6

Connectivity

HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth

Wireless

Yes

IPS

450

Battery Life

425-950 hours

Acceleration

40 G

Dimensions

4.25" 2.46" 1.50"

Pros

• Simple switching between Bluetooth and RF
• Portable and perfect match for gaming laptops
• Accurate tracking

Cons

• Requires AA or AAA batteries

$45 at Best Buy$54 at Walmart$70 at Razer$45 at Amazon

The most versatile wireless gaming mice have multiple ways to connect to PCs and tablets. Once properly set up, a user can seamlessly switch between paired devices faster than unplugging and replugging a USB cord. For example, the Razer Orochi V2 includes a switch underneath its shell to toggle between RF and Bluetooth connectivity instantly. Consequently, the lightweight Orochi V2 is a popular laptop mouse and appeals to gamers with multiple PCs.

One disadvantage of a wireless mouse's portability is the possibility that gamers will forget their USB RF receivers. Many mice include storage compartments for these dongles, but this remains a concern nonetheless. Fortunately, Bluetooth can act as a safety net on some wireless mice since PCs and mobile devices commonly support it.

Driverless wired mice that require no software are often the choice of esports pros who travel to tournaments. Many mice need software for advanced customization, but options like the BenQ Zowie EC2-C provide championship-level tracking after simply plugging in its USB cord. It's not uncommon for a wireless mouse to have basic functionality in the Windows OS without installing drivers, but that doesn't remove the need for regular recharging.

Best Driverless Wired Mouse

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.

Weight

73 g

Sensor and DPI

Optical, 3200

RGB Lighting

No

Programmable Buttons

5 (requires 3rd party software)

Connectivity

Wired

Polling Rate

Up to 1000 Hz

Pros

• Excellent performance without installing drivers
• MacOS compatible
• Comfortable ergonomic shape

Cons

• No software for easier customization

$45 at Amazon

Winner: Wireless gaming mice narrowly win for convenience due to their more portable form factor. However, wired mice won't leave gamers out to dry with a depleted battery and can be easier to install.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics may not be the first thing buyers consider when comparing wireless and wired mice. Nevertheless, cords can make assembling an ergonomically friendly gaming setup more difficult.

With carefully crafted shapes, mice can encourage fingers and wrists to stay in healthy positions, avoiding joint pain. The top ergonomic mice usually provide ample support for palms, while fingers relax on platforms to reduce strain during long workdays or gaming sessions. Larger mice have more surface area for resting places and excel in durability rather than speed and precision. One way productivity mice like the Logitech MX Master 3S can regain some mobility is with wireless connectivity. Since they aren't as concerned with high DPIs, polling rates, or RGB effects, these mice are much more power efficient.

Best Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

Razer Pro Click

$86 $100 Save $14

Engineered with ergonomics as the main focus, the Razer Pro Click adds palm support, preventing gamers' wrists from anchoring onto work surfaces, alleviating strain, and promoting better arm posture. Its 16,000 DPI sensor ensures even the finest movement of the mouse is tracked, and the battery life is outstanding with up to 400 hours of use on Bluetooth and 200 hours on 2.4GHz.

Battery Life

Up to 400 hours (on BT), 200 hours (on 2.4 GHz)

Weight

106 grams

Switches

Mechanical

Programmable Buttons

8

Connectivity

2.4 GHz and Bluetooth

DPI

16000

Multi-Device Pairing

Up to 4 devices

IPS

450

Pros

• Encourages proper arm posture
• Solid build quality
• Good gaming performance for a productivity mouse

Cons

• A bit bulky for FPS games

$86 at Amazon$105 at Micro Center$100 at Razer

For buyers more focused on gaming, plenty of gaming mice balance ergonomics with performance. The wireless Razer Basilisk V3 Pro has a medium-sized build that suits any grip style, with a large thumb rest on its left side. Still, the Basilisk V3 Pro remains somewhat constrained by its gaming status and tries to remain agile on a mousepad. Consequently, Razer developed the Pro Click as the best compromise between productivity and gaming mice. This wireless mouse is no slouch with a capable optical sensor, while Razer's collaboration with Humanscale resulted in a universally comfortable shape.

Best Ergnomic Mouse For All Day Use

Logitech MX Master 3S

$86 $100 Save $14

The Logitech MX Master 3S is a high-performance productivity mouse that can make working quieter and more efficient. With an improved 8,000 DPI, the MX Master 3S's cursor can easily glide across the highest-resolution displays.Darkfield high-precision tracking allows the sensor to maintain accuracy over any surface. Clicks are nearly silent to keep workplaces less stressful, while a carefully crafted ergonomic design takes the pressure off of hands, wrists, and arms.

Weight

141 grams

Programmable Buttons

7

Connectivity

Bluetooth, RF

Sensor

Darkfield high precision

System Requirements

PC, Mac, Linux

Brand

Logitech

Dimensions

6.11 x 14.4 x 18.65 mm

Battery

70 days

Maximum DPI

8000

Pros

• Incredibly comfortable design
• Excellent battery life
• Easily customizable
• Precise scroll wheel

Cons

• No left-handed option
• No storage spot for USB dongle

$100 at Amazon$86 at Walmart$92 at Best Buy$100 at Logitech

If you are looking for more ergonomic support to help with a current injury or just hoping to prevent RSI (Repeated Stress Injury), ergonomic mice are a great way to take the harmful twist off your wrist that traditional mice cause. While most gamers might not want to use a vertical mouse for hardcore gaming, a mouse with more of a tilt can seriously help those long days not be as straining. The Logitech MX Master 3 is a nice blend of an ergonomic shape but not totally vertical, so there is not a ton as big of a learning curve when switching over.

Even wired mice with the most flexible cords can cause issues when organizing a standing gaming desk, which encourages users to maintain healthy circulation. Wires can snag on monitor stands or speakers, preventing buyers from devoting adequate space to keyboards and mice. Even so, other than posing cable management challenges, wired mice can also have ergonomically superior designs. The Corsair Nightsword RGB is a wired option that boasts extensive rubber grips and form fits medium and larger hands. Also, gamers can utilize its adjustable weight system to achieve the most customized feel.

Winner: Although both wired and wireless mice can reduce the chance of aches and pains, wireless mice score a narrow victory for ergonomics. Most top-rated ergonomic mice are wireless, partly because clutter-free setups promote good posture and healthy mouse grips.

Aesthetics

In recent years, how spectacular a gaming setup looks has become almost as important as how well components perform. RGB gaming mice and keyboards further elevate a PC case with illuminated fans. Another quality gamers aspire to in their gaming rooms is a clean appearance with as few dangling cords as possible. Both wired and wireless gaming mice have advantages and disadvantages when striving for maximum visual appeal.

There is no avoiding the fact that hiding cords on wired mice is difficult without storing them away. Wired keyboards can usually remain in one place, making it simpler to route their cords inconspicuously. Although it takes some effort, some wired mice, like the SteelSeries Aerox 3, utilize USB detachable cords to remain on display without their unsightly wires.

Both corded and cord-free mice can take advantage of dynamic RGB lighting. These devices sync their effects with other gaming gear and react to in-game events in titles supported by Razer Chroma or Corsair iCue. The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro boasts 13 customizable lighting zones, including underglow effects that aren't completely obscured by a user's hands.

Best Looking Gaming Mouse

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro

The Basilisk V3 Pro is one of the most advanced Razer gaming mice and sports all of its state-of-the-art tech. An ergonomic, attractive, and easy-to-use gaming mouse, the V3 features top-of-the-line specs while maintaining a versatility that supports all gaming needs. TheBasilisk V3 Pro features a HyperScroll tilt wheel with smooth, free spin, and tactile cycling modes.

Battery Life

Up To 90 Hours

Weight

112 g

Sensor and DPI

Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor

Switches

Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3

RGB Lighting

13 Zones

Programmable Buttons

11

Connectivity

Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C

Wireless

Yes

Compatibility

Charging Dock & Charging Puck

DPI

Focus Pro 30k Optical Sensor

Dimensions

5.1" x 2.96" x 1.67"

Sensor

Focus Pro 30k Optical Sensor

Pros

• Impressive 13-zone RGB lighting
• Compatible with wireless RGB charging dock
• Top-tier optical sensor technology

Cons

• RGB lighting significantly reduces battery life
• Pricey accessories

$154 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$160 at Best Buy$160 at GameStop$160 at Razer

Unfortunately, as mentioned previously, this illumination can dramatically impact battery life in wireless mice. The 90-hour battery capacity of the Basilisk V3 Pro is often cut in half or more if its RGB is kept on at full brightness.

Winner: Draw. Wireless mice are the logical choice for effective cable management when assembling the cleanest-looking gaming rig. On the other hand, wired mice have an advantage with RGB lighting since this added splendor doesn't accelerate the need for recharging.

Final decision?

At the end of the day, in the wired versus wireless mouse battle, which wins? It really depends on what a buyer values more. Even in stereotypically one-sided genres, the choices are mixed. For example, the best mice for FPS gaming have a nice blend of wired and wireless mice, as lag isn't much of an issue anymore.

Going with one of the best wired gaming mice gives access to a super reliable and responsive connection at a more affordable price. Wired mice are often still the first to experience the latest advancements in tracking and polling rates. Corded mice require no recharging, and gamers with flair can keep their RGB effects on without depleting batteries.

Meanwhile, wireless gaming mice have increased agility, and the most advanced models are bridging the latency gap quickly. Also, cordless mice are ideal for streamlined setups that allow gamers to stay in ergonomically sound positions. Finally, wireless mice with Bluetooth that support multiple platforms can be the simplest way to switch between gaming PCs and other devices.

Alternatively, gamers who dislike deciding can go with more "ambidextrous" mice, such as the well-reviewed Glorious Model O Wireless, which includes an optional wired insert, leaving the choice of using a wired vs wireless mouse entirely in the gamer's hands.

FAQ

Q: Do wireless mice last longer than wired mice?

Overall, wireless and wired mice have fairly equal life expectancies. Wireless mice may experience a gradual loss of battery life after many recharging cycles. With wired mice that use permanently attached cords, these wires could degrade to the point where a mouse stops functioning.

Q: Why do pros use wired mice?

Some esports pros now use wireless mice because their tracking accuracy equals wired alternatives. Still, there is the threat of wireless interference in tournament arenas and the risk of mice running out of power at critical moments.

Q: Why are wireless mice more expensive than wired?

Wireless mice contain more components than similar wired mice necessary for transmitting Bluetooth and RF signals. This technology adds to the difficulty of manufacturing a wireless mouse and its overall cost.