The Best Wired Mouse - Fall 2024 Mice Reviews

The best wired mouse we've tested is the Logitech G502 X, a versatile pick that combines comfort, high-end gaming performance, and productivity features. It has an ergonomic right-handed shape, comfortable enough for long gaming sessions or full work days. It also has plenty of programmable buttons that you can change along with other settings using the customization software. The scroll wheel has a precise notched scrolling mode and a faster free-scrolling mode you can activate by flicking the wheel quickly. This free-scrolling mode is a helpful feature for quickly scanning websites or long documents and is more commonly found on premium work mice.

It has exceptionally low click latency, and its sensor performs as well as or better than most mice in its price range. Its left- and right-click buttons also use extremely quiet optical switches, which are typically more reliable and long-lasting than standard mechanical switches. Unfortunately, all these features come at a cost; this mouse is fairly heavy compared to most gaming options, so it's not ideal if you only play fast-paced titles like FPS games, which require quick movements.

The Razer Basilisk V3 is our mid-range pick. It's typically available for less than the Logitech G502 X above; both mice tend to go on sale regularly and can sometimes be found for similar prices. Design and performance-wise, this mouse trades blows with the Logitech. It has virtually the same ergonomic shape, a scroll wheel with both a notched scrolling and faster scrolling mode, and high-end raw performance for gaming in any genre.

The major differences come down to features and build quality. The Logitech has two extra programmable buttons on the outside edge of the left click button, feels sturdier overall, and has quieter optical switches than the Razer's. On the other hand, the Razer has a slightly more flexible cable, and its feet have better gliding performance. The only other differences are cosmetic. The Razer's design is less angular, and this mouse has programmable RGB lighting, which the Logitech lacks. There are a total of three lighting zones: one in the scroll wheel, one in the Razer logo on the palm rest, and one that wraps around the bottom edge of the mouse, casting an underglow effect on your mousepad. This mouse is an easy choice if you're an RGB lighting fan.

If you're on a budget, we recommend the SteelSeries Prime. This mouse is a straightforward model with two side buttons and a generous right-handed shape. It's a more well-balanced and affordable pick over the Logitech G502 X or the Razer Basilisk V3 above. While both those higher-end models use optical switches, the SteelSeries has unusual hybrid optical-mechanical switches. One benefit to these switches is they produce a crisper, more pronounced click feeling; however, they're noticeably louder and may bother those around you in a noise-sensitive environment.

Another consideration is the mouse wheel's subtle RGB lighting zone. You can turn this off using the configuration software. This mouse is best suited for medium- or larger-sized hands, but a mini version called the SteelSeries Prime Mini is well-suited for smaller hands. Glancing under the hood, this mouse offers high-end raw performance if you have gaming in mind. It's a great option if you don't need extra programmable buttons, productivity features like free scrolling, or multiple RGB lighting zones.

If you're looking for something cheaper and simpler, we recommend the Logitech M100. It's inexpensive but not flimsy; however, the plastic doesn't feel very high-quality. There are two primary click buttons and a simple scroll wheel. Unfortunately, it has a stiff rubber cable and tiny mouse feet that don't glide as smoothly as other picks on this list. This mouse isn't cut out for gaming in any genre, but its sensor performance is suitable for the everyday browsing and productivity tasks it's designed for.

Besides that, it's fairly small. Its shape is well-suited for using a palm grip if you have small or medium-sized hands. The fingertip grip works great for larger hands, but it may not be very comfortable if you want to use this mouse for a full eight-hour work shift. When shopping for this mouse, you might also see the similar-looking Logitech B100, which is the same as the M100 but comes in black instead of gray and has different packaging for a business clientele. If you want to purchase a large number of mice or something even cheaper, check out the AmazonBasics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse. While the build quality is worse than the Logitech, and its sensor doesn't perform as well, its lower price tag can be helpful if you buy bulk to equip an entire office.