


Likewise, some vendors market branded versions of sensors that track, say, on glass or reflective surfaces. That said, we wouldn't let one kind or the other be the main reason you choose a mouse. Laser sensors, on the other hand, map onto the same or more kinds of surfaces (including some smooth or glossy ones that may give optical sensors fits), but they can be more finicky about rough surface textures. Less-expensive mice tend to have optical sensors, which offer good tracking sensitivity and tend to map well on a variety of surfaces, including textured ones such as cloth. Your best bet is to try out a mouse in person, or to rely on formal reviews like ours, as well as online forums, for the skinny on how a mouse feels in specific play situations. The two key sensor types are "optical" and "laser" sensors, but you can't apply absolutes when judging them. But to narrow your search, it helps to start by deciding on which type of sensor you need. Nailing down a high-quality gaming mouse is tricky without getting hands-on time with a given model. Here are our top picks, followed by what to look for in a right-fit gaming mouse.īuying Guide: The Best Gaming Mice for 2023

And the right supporting software can power simple or complex shortcuts that decide defeat or victory. An extra button in the right spot can speed up switching modes or weapons, saving you life-or-death fractions of a second. So, what makes the difference? Comfort and accuracy come more naturally to some models than others. Those are the table stakes-it takes much more to elevate a "good" gaming mouse to "great." Nowadays, you should expect reliable connectivity, smooth and responsive tracking, and crisp click and scroll functions. Today, though, the quality bar is high for all but the cheapest gaming mice, so you can afford to be picky. Targeting, slashing, hacking, attacking: The key actions you take in any PC game happen at the click of your mouse, so you can't skimp on your weapon if you want to win. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.
