High-performance gaming doesn't always require a high-price setup. When it comes to essential accessories like your trusty gaming mouse, scoring top-notch quality within a budget is achievable. Whether you are an experienced gamer looking for an affordable mouse to upgrade or someone who is new to gaming, finding a cheap budget gaming mouse doesn't need to be tedious.
With our hands-on testing and expert review, we can help you navigate the budget gaming mouse options and snag the perfect one that complements your gameplay style and wallet. We'll explore various budget-friendly mouses, considering factors like sensor performance, design, weight, and additional features, all within your budget.
The 5 best affordable gaming mouses – shortlist
- 1. Logitech G502 X – best ergonomic design
- 2. SteelSeries Aerox 3 – best lightweight design
- 3. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – best wireless
- 4. Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite – best for comfortable grip
- 5. Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – best for high-speed tracking
How to choose a good budget mouse for gaming
It can be a challenge to find a good budget mouse for gaming, but there are plenty of great choices. And we’ve done the research for you, so let's delve into the essential aspects you should consider before clicking Buy.
- DPI (Dots Per Inch). It measures your mouse's sensitivity, translating hand movements into on-screen cursor travel. A high DPI (above 3,000) offers precision for fast-paced games, but consider your personal preference and monitor resolution. A lower DPI might be more comfortable for casual gameplay.
- Ergonomics. Choose a mouse that fits your hand size and grip style (palm, claw, fingertip) to avoid fatigue and strain during extended gaming sessions. Ergonomic mouses prioritize comfort, while lightweight options offer maneuverability.
- Wired vs. wireless. Wired mouses offer lower latency and consistent performance, which is ideal for competitive gamers. Wireless mouses provide freedom of movement but can introduce latency or require battery changes. Decide if the convenience of wireless outweighs potential performance trade-offs.
- Build quality. Opt for mouses with durable materials and construction to withstand intense gaming sessions. Look for sturdy buttons, a solid scroll wheel, and flexible cables (for wired mouses). A low quality build can affect your performance and lead to quick wear and tear.
- Programmable buttons. Extra buttons offer quick access to in-game actions, which is especially valuable for MMOs and RTS games. Evaluate how many buttons you'll utilize and their placement for optimal convenience.
- Sensor quality. A high-quality sensor ensures accurate tracking and responsiveness, which is crucial for precise game aiming and movements.
7 Best budget gaming mouses – our detailed list
Our list of the best budget gaming mouses is based on extensive research and hands-on testing of features. Each mouse has been carefully selected to provide gamers with reliable performance and value for money.
1. Logitech G502 X – best overall budget option
| Speed | Excellent |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent |
| Weight | 89 g |
The G502 is rereleased to cater to the needs of gaming enthusiasts on the budget side. The Logitech G502X is known for customization and affordability.
Design and sensor. This ultralight 89-gram mouse (60% lighter than its predecessor) moves swiftly and offers ease of control. Experience tracking accuracy with the industry-leading HERO 25K sensor, boasting sub-micron precision and zero smoothing up to 25,600 DPI.
Wireless or wired. Logitech G502 X offers amazing wireless connectivity with a 68% faster response.
Switches and buttons. Logitech's innovative hybrid optical-mechanical switches combine optical actuation speed with a mechanical switch's satisfying click, ensuring responsiveness and reliability. Take command with 11 programmable buttons, including the G-shift button for macro customization, tailoring your setup for all games.
2. SteelSeries Aerox 3 – best lightweight gaming mouse
| Speed | Great |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent |
| Weight | 59 g |
Ultralight and durable are the desirable qualities of the SteelSeries Aerox 3. Thus, it is an excellent choice for those players who demand precision and speed.
Design and sensor. Weighing only 59 grams, this mouse almost glides across your mouse pad reducing strain and providing better precision. The TrueMove Core sensor was tailor-made for competitive performance, so it gives pixel-perfect tracking with blinding speed, guaranteeing that your hits are 100% perfect.
Wireless or wired. Features an amazing wireless design and top-notch connectivity.
RGB lights and durability. The RGB lighting provides the mouse with a touch of style for your gaming hardware so you can customize it according to your taste. Furthermore, the AquaBarrier cover protects the mouse from dust, water, and other potential damage.
3. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – best wireless gaming mouse
| Speed | Great |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent |
| Weight | 61 g |
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless is a top gaming accessory for gamers who seek wireless connectivity with great performance.
Design and sensor. Keep lightning-fast reflexes and fluid control with its ultra-lightweight design (61 g). Experience tracking accuracy and responsiveness with the HyperX 26K sensor.
Wireless or wired. Switch seamlessly between lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless for competitive gaming and Bluetooth connectivity for everyday tasks with a single button press.
Switches and battery life. Made of solid HyperX switches and rated for 60 million clicks. Take advantage of 100 hours of playtime without interruptions with a sophisticated battery life. Charge quickly using the USB-C cable that comes with the device.
4. Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite – best gaming mouse with customizable buttons
| Speed | Excellent |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent |
| Weight | 122 g |
The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite earns its place as a top gaming mouse with its variety of customizable buttons, catering to gamers who prioritize versatility.
Design and sensor. Adjust the side button panel to fit your hand size and grip style perfectly, ensuring ergonomic comfort and optimal button reach. Also, enjoy reliable tracking and precision targeting with the industry-proven PixArt PMW3391 sensor, capable of up to 18,000 DPI for pixel-perfect control.
Wireless or wired. Offer both wired and wireless options to cater to the gaming needs and budgets of diverse gamers.
Switches and buttons. Enjoy durability and satisfying clicks with Omron switches, rated for 50 million clicks, ensuring dependable performance. Also enjoy 12 programmable side buttons grid, strategically positioned for intuitive thumb access.
5. Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – best wireless gaming mouse for speed
| Speed | Very good |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent |
| Weight | 71 g |
The Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is the most efficient wireless gaming mouse for speed lovers and has a very sensitive operation.
Design and sensor. Maintain agility and effortless control with the incredibly lightweight design (71 g), minimizing fatigue and maximizing reaction speed. The symmetrical design also provides equally high performance for left-handed and right-handed players. Using pixel-perfect precision coupled with a high-performance Razer 5G optical sensor, the mouse can also go up to 50,000 DPI.
Wireless or wired. Achieve unbeatable performance times without lagging with Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless technology, which is 25% faster than regular wireless mouses.
Switches. Enjoy lightning-fast clicks and a durable lifespan of 70 million clicks with these innovative optical switches, minimizing actuation delay.
6. Razer Orochi V2 – best portable gaming mouse
| Speed | Amazing |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent |
| Weight | 66 g |
The Razer Orochi V2, a perfect portable gaming mouse, provides gamers the freedom to play anywhere without sacrificing performance.
Design and sensor. Its small and lightweight design (66 g) makes it extremely portable and takes up very little space. It also lets you track precisely with razor-edge accuracy and speed with the next-generation Sienna 4D WiFi sensor from Razer.
Wireless or wired. Switch seamlessly between lag-free 2.4 GHz Dual Wireless for competitive gaming and Bluetooth Low Energy for extended battery life and multi-device pairing.
Switches. Enjoy durability and satisfying clicks with Omron switches, rated for 50 million clicks, ensuring dependable performance.
7. Keychron M3 – best wireless gaming mouse for typists
| Speed | Great |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Sensor | Great |
| Weight | 79 g |
The Keychron M3 stands out as a unique wireless gaming mouse tailored for typists.
Design and sensor. Enjoy lightning-fast reflexes with the featherweight design (79 g), minimizing fatigue and maximizing maneuverability during intense gaming sessions. You can also track movement with pixel-perfect precision thanks to the PAW3395 sensor, which boasts up to 26,000 DPI for responsiveness and accuracy.
Wireless or wired. Cut the cord and enjoy a lag-free performance with dual wireless modes – 2.4 GHz for competitive gaming and Bluetooth 5.1 for multi-device pairing.
Switches and battery life. Enjoy satisfying clicks and a lifespan of 80 million clicks with these durable switches, ensuring reliable performance. Play for up to 70 hours without interruptions, thanks to the 600mAh battery and quick USB-C charging.
Comparison of top 3 cheap gaming mouses
Let's take a look at our top 3 affordable gaming mouses offering great value for money.
| Model | Logitech G502 X | SteelSeries Aerox 3 | HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless |
| Speed | Excellent | Great | Great |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weight | 89 g | 59 g | 61 g |
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How we selected these budget mouses for gaming
Sifting through countless budget gaming mouses can be challenging. To help you, we meticulously selected these contenders through rigorous testing, prioritizing factors crucial for gaming.
- Ergonomics and comfort. We tested these mouses during extended gaming sessions, analyzing their hand feel, grip styles accommodated, and overall wrist comfort.
- Performance and responsiveness. From lightning-fast FPS action to pixel-perfect accuracy in RTS games, we have tested these mouses for all. Sensor performance, tracking speed, and response times were also tested to ensure you enjoy a perfect gaming session.
- Build quality and durability. These mouses weren't just clicked and scrolled—they were put through the paces of daily use. We assessed materials, button feel, and overall construction, guaranteeing they withstand intense gaming.
- Price. We evaluated options across various price ranges, ensuring optimal value for every penny spent.
Benefits of using a budget gaming mouse
Budget gaming mouses offer several benefits that shouldn't be overlooked:
- Affordability. Budget mouses offer incredible value, making high-quality gaming accessories accessible to everyone.
- Performance. There’s no need to sacrifice anything in terms of performance when you’re looking for a cheap gaming mouse. Many budget mouses boast high-precision sensors, responsive buttons, and lightweight designs, rivaling their pricier counterparts.
- Easy to upgrade. If your gaming passion evolves, transitioning to a more advanced mouse is easier on your wallet.
- Ideal for beginners. Budget mouses are ideal for exploring different genres and discovering your playstyle without a hefty investment.
FAQ
Does a cheap mouse affect gaming
It can! While expensive mouses offer great performance, budget options can have surprisingly good sensors and performance. However, build quality, comfort, and features might be limited. Choose wisely based on your needs and priorities.
What is the best gaming mouse for $50 dollars?
It depends! Each mouse scores higher in a separate area. For the perfect mix of many features, see the Logitech G502 X; for a lightweight speed option, try the SteelSeries Aerox 3; and for wireless convenience, go for the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – all at under $50.
Which is better? A wired or wireless mouse for gaming?
Wireless mouses have lower latency (i.e., higher performance for competitive gaming), and wired ones offer both freedom and convenience. Choose based on your preferences and setup. Both options can have great performance in various price ranges.
What mouse DPI is high?
High DPI (Dots Per Inch) translates to faster cursor movement. While some mouses boast over 20,000 DPI, it's not just about the number. Sensor quality and personal preference matter more. Find a DPI range comfortable for your gameplay and monitor resolution.
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