Number 5. All about the buttons
An increasing number of gaming mice are now utilizing optical switches instead of mechanical ones, offering greater durability and reduced chances of unwanted double-clicks over time due to fewer physical contact points. While mice with mechanical switches are still a viable option, they do come with a higher long-term risk.
Given that most users will also use their gaming mouse as their regular mouse, we favored models with buttons that have a softer feel when pressed and enough travel to minimize inadvertent clicks. However, the ideal button feel ultimately depends on personal preference, and some may prefer lighter buttons for games that require constant clicking. We also ensured that each mouse we recommend has a sufficiently low click latency, as per testing from sites such as Rtings, to ensure minimal delay between clicks and actions.
Apart from the primary click buttons, a good gaming mouse should feature programmable buttons for quick macros or shortcuts. For most games, having at least two extra buttons on the thumb side that are easy to reach but difficult to press accidentally is ideal. While some mice offer more buttons, it is not always an advantage if they require finger contortions to avoid accidental pressing. For MMO games, having at least 12 side buttons can help access numerous hotbar commands.
Regarding the scroll wheel, it should feature distinct, ratcheted steps that provide tactile feedback without being too resistant. The texture should be grippy, and the wheel should not produce distracting noise when in use. Additionally, the wheel should be clickable, providing another input option to customize for certain games.
Number 6. Software and optional onboard memory
It doesn’t take long to come across horror stories about bugs and other minor troubles created by gaming mouse software, therefore the perfect programme is one that doesn’t require you to use it all of the time. It should allow you to customise as many of the aforementioned characteristics as possible, ideally across many profiles. Ideally, you should be able to store your settings straight to the mouse, allowing you to pick up your changes on another device without having to redownload any software. All of this is most critical on Windows, although Mac compatibility is always a plus.
