Different mice will suit you better or worse, depending on your hand size and the type of grip you use. A claw grip is a mixture of palm and fingertip grips. It's used for faster gliding movement and is great for flick shots. It generally offers better speed than a palm grip but is worse for smooth and slow tracking. A claw grip can also be better if you prefer higher CPI settings since it encourages snappier movements in smaller arcs using the wrist and fingers rather than the forearm and shoulder. However, because it often relies on a tense hand posture, it's more tiring than your run-of-the-mill palm grip.
We've tested over 335 mice, and our recommendations for the best mice for claw grip are listed below. If you're uncertain what grip type might work best for you, check out our article on ergonomics and grip types. For other recommendations, check out our picks for the best gaming mice, the best wireless gaming mice, and the best cheap gaming mice.
The Pulsar X2V2 is the best claw grip mouse we've tested. It has a clean, simple design and a premium feel. It has fairly straight sides with a raised hump in the center and a wide rear end that nicely supports your palm when using a relaxed or more aggressive claw grip. We tested the medium-sized X2V2, but there's also the small-sized X2V2 Mini and the X2H and X2H Mini, which have a higher hump that's further towards the back of the mouse.
The X2V2 offers top-tier performance as well. It has excellent click and sensor latency for a super snappy gaming experience. It also supports up to a 4000Hz polling rate if you buy the 4K Dongle, which is sold separately. It weighs 54g, making it extremely easy to flick and aim quickly and precisely. One unusual element of this mouse is that it has an open-style bottom plate. While this design helps cut down on the overall weight, it leaves the interior of the mouse more open to collecting dust and debris. Overall, the X2V2 delivers an excellent gaming experience, serving claw grippers well.
If you're considering options at a mid-range price point, we recommend the Endgame Gear XM1r. It has a highly prized shape among claw grippers, with a cinched middle, a raised centered hump, and a wide, rounded back end to support your palm when using a relaxed or more aggressive claw. Its medium size also puts it right in the sweet spot for providing a comfortable claw grip position for most hand sizes. Additionally, this mouse is available in a range of different body coatings that aren't just cosmetic but offer a chalky, glossy, or rubberized feel to suit your preferences.
The downsides of this mouse are that it's heavier than our top pick, the Pulsar X2V2, and, of course, it lacks wireless connectivity. That said, the cable on this mouse is extremely lightweight and flexible, so if you don't mind a cable or even prefer using a wired mouse, this is a better option if you want to save some money.
The best mouse for claw grip we've tested in the budget category is the Cooler Master MM720. This wired model has an unusual right-handed shape that's relatively short and wide, and it features a small ledge on the right that supports your ring and pinky finger. This shape is ideal for a claw grip, especially for those who prefer a knuckle claw grip with minimal or no palm contact. The body's honeycomb perforations make it the lightest model on this list, weighing in at just over 50g, so it's a great option if you prefer the movement speed advantage of an ultra-lightweight mouse. It also delivers high-end sensor performance and click latency, which is surprising given its price point.
Build quality is its biggest weakness. It feels cheaper and more fragile than most gaming mice, especially compared to premium options like the Endgame Gear XM1r or the Pulsar X2V2 above. Its side buttons feel mushy, and the body squeaks, feeling like it may crack with enough force. It's fine for most people during regular use but can be an issue if you're rougher with your devices. Ultimately, its price, unique claw grip shape, and impressive performance make it a standout option if you're shopping on a budget.
Sep 03, 2024: We've audited this article to ensure all picks are relevant and haven't made any changes.
Jun 05, 2024: Verified that all picks are still valid and available. Updated the Notable Mentions section to include the newly-released Endgame Gear OP1 8k.
Apr 08, 2024: We haven't changed our picks with this update but confirmed the pricing and availability of all current recommendations.
Feb 09, 2024: We've replaced the LAMZU Atlantis with its smaller and newer sibling, the LAMZU Atlantis Mini 4K, in our Notable Mentions because the original Atlantis has been discontinued. We've also made some minor changes for clarity and accuracy.
Dec 13, 2023: We've replaced the Endgame Gear XM2we with the newly-reviewed Pulsar X2V2 as our pick for the 'Best Claw Grip Mouse' because the Pulsar is lighter and supports a higher maximum polling rate.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best claw grip mice for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper mouse wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no mice that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing the best mouse for claw grip yourself, here is the list of all our reviews of mice. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no mouse is perfect for every use, most mice are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.