Top 5 gaming mice for every low-cost

The low-cost mouse of the X7 Gaming gaming line of the Taiwanese A4 Tech brand is very popular with fans of computer games.

It is made in a symmetrical design that will suit both right-handed and left-handed people. It has a simple, non-aggressive appearance with matte surfaces that do not leave finger marks, and rubberized anti-slip inserts on the sidewalls. There are 4 plastic legs at the bottom, and replacement parts are included.

A4 Tech X-710BK is equipped with an Agilent sensor with a maximum resolution of 2000 DPI. It provides clear and fast cursor movements in multiplayer shooters. Perhaps, for owners of high-resolution monitors, this sensitivity indicator will not be enough in strategies and RPGs. As an alternative, they can consider another popular model of the manufacturer — A4 Tech Bloody V7 with a sensor resolution of 3200 DPI.

Note that the total weight of the mouse (135 grams) is also more focused on high accuracy of movements, rather than speed.

The minimum resolution value of the A4 Tech X-710BK sensor is 400 DPI, plus there are three intermediate options (800/1200/1600). A special button is provided to select the mode, and a multi-coloured scroll wheel backlight acts as an indication of the current cursor speed.

The model received 6 buttons, for each of which, using macros and convenient Oscar software, you can set your own usage scenarios. 16 KB of internal memory will allow you to use the programmed settings even on someone else's PC. Next to the main left switch is the "triple click" button. By default, it allows you to make a series of three shots in shooters or a triple tap in various applications. Two additional buttons are located on the left side of the case in the thumb area.

Omron from Japan is the manufacturer of microswitches for A4 Tech X-710BK. It claims a key life of 8 million clicks.

The shortcomings of the model include an inflexible wire and rather loud clicks. But given the low price, A4 Tech X-710BK can be recommended to all gamers with a limited low-cost and considered the best choice as the first gaming mouse.

The mouse of the Danish company SteelSeries is available in different colours. For example, in addition to the classic all-black version, there are models with yellow and red sidewalls. The yellow-toned version has a scroll wheel, all buttons and a wire in a similar colour. There are also modifications with a white and golden "back" and a black base.

Rival 100 is made in a symmetrical form factor. The pleasant to the touch matte upper part (soft-touch coating) made of plastic is complemented by embossed sidewalls made of the same material. The mouse is conveniently fixed in the hand of various sizes, does not slip out, but gets dirty quickly enough, which can be considered a minus.

The logo and scroll wheel have RGB illumination. The user in the proprietary SteelSeries Engine 3 software can adjust the brightness, colours in a wide range and various effects, but both glow zones are adjusted only jointly.

SteelSeries Rival 100 has 5 buttons (two main ones, a pair of side ones on the left and one for changing DPI over scrolling) and a wheel. For them, you can programme the necessary game commands (for shooters and strategies) or actions in various applications.

The main keys received branded SteelSeries switches. According to the stated service life, they surpass the most popular Omron analogues (30 million clicks on the background of 20). The buttons work softly, do not play, are moderately noisy.

The Rival 100 uses an entry-level PixArt 3059-SS sensor. This is a modified version of Avago ADNS-3050. Its physical resolution is 2000 DPI, but programmatically it is doubled. Positioning at high sensitivity values slightly deteriorates, but in the same shooters, usually, 500 or 1000 DPI is enough. In this case, an acceptable cursor movement speed is provided (which is facilitated by the small mouse weight of 92 grams) and maximum accuracy.

The sensor shows itself well on various surfaces: the cursor does not break even on glossy tables. The only drawback is the lack of a fairly popular value of 750 DPI, while the adjustment step is 250 (immediately after 500, for some reason, 1000 DPI goes).

SteelSeries Rival 100 is a hit of sales in its price category. The mouse has been on the market for a long time and has earned the recognition of computer game fans. But if you want a newer and faster model, then you can take a closer look at the 2018 novelty, which is the direct heir to the 100th version — Rival 110. It has a maximum sensor resolution of 7000 DPI.

The Logitech mouse is designed exclusively for right-handers. The upper part of the case is made of matte plastic, and the sides are made of rubber, which provides a tenacious and pleasant grip. On the base there are Teflon legs, which are responsible for smooth sliding on the mat or table.

The Logitech G403 Prodigy form is simple and convenient. The "back" is devoid of humps or bending. Thanks to this, the mouse immediately fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, fits almost everyone, regardless of the size of the brush.

There are two illuminated elements on the case: a wheel and a logo. RGB illumination of 16.8 million colours with various modes of operation, including pulsation, is provided for them.

The PixArt PMW3366 optical sensor is responsible for positioning in the Logitech G403 Prodigy. It allows you to adjust the sensitivity in the range from 200 to 12000 DPI. The sensor is considered one of the best, guaranteeing excellent responsiveness and accuracy, which is especially important in shooters. At the height and speed of the cursor movement: without delays, tremors and disruptions.

The model received 5 buttons (two main ones, a DPI switch and two side buttons on the left). With the help of proprietary Gaming Software, you can "hang" the necessary commands and actions on each of them. The switches of the main keys were developed by Omron: they do not play and do not rattle, they are designed for 20 million clicks.

Logitech G403 Prodigy is a mouse with weight adjustment. On the back side of the case there is a special compartment with magnets for a 10-gram weight. It allows you to increase the base weight of the model in 87 grams, thereby finding the optimal balance between accuracy and speed of cursor pointing.

The disadvantage of the model can be considered a wire. It is elastic and with a high-quality braid that prevents bending, but it is too heavy and thick. The wire pulls the mouse behind it. The solution to the problem can be a special holder or a wireless "relative" — G403 Prodigy Wireless, which, however, costs significantly more.

In general, the Logitech G403 Prodigy impresses with its overall quality, excellent ergonomics and a high-end gaming sensor. And if you don't need an abundance of buttons and a colorful design, then it will be difficult to find a more worthwhile solution among optical models.

In 2017, Asus updated its flagship gaming mouse. Unlike the first generation ROG Gladius, the model received RGB illumination along the contour of the case. There are different glow effects in addition to constant work: click activation, smooth colour change, various scenarios of flickering. For each of the illumination zones (contour, wheel and logo), you can set your own option.

Gladius II has a plastic top and rubberized sidewalls with a relief pattern. It fits comfortably in the right hand of medium size, does not slip out when moving quickly, which is necessary in games. The only drawback can be considered the markness, because both plastic and cracks in the rubber "collect" dirt well.

The "heart" of the Asus ROG Gladius II is the PixArt 3360 optical sensor with a resolution of up to 12,000 DPI. It is accurate and fast, it is impossible to disrupt, which makes it one of the best available on the market.

The model has 6 programmable buttons (excluding the scroll wheel). The two main ones on the "back" of the mouse are complemented by the sensor sensitivity switching key. And on the left side, another one has been added to the traditional pair of additional buttons below — by default, it allows you to temporarily reduce the DPI. For example, in shooters, this will allow you to aim more accurately when shooting. However, you need to get used to its location.

In the proprietary ROG Armoury utility, you can reassign the functionality of the buttons, adjust the speed of the sensor, and set different usage scenarios for three profiles.

The switches of the main keys are designed for a record 50 million clicks (Omron product, model D2FC-F-K). The user himself can easily replace them without loss of warranty. Screws are located on the bottom under special plugs, unscrewing which you can get the board and put other switches. An additional pair with a resource of 1 million clicks is already included in the delivery package.

A nice feature of the mouse is a removable cable. Moreover, two wires are included at once: a 2-metre in a fabric braid and a metre, rubberized (for connecting to a laptop). Both are light, flexible and soft. Also in the basic configuration there is a small carrying case, which will allow the gamer not to part with his gaming "assistant" outside the house.

The Asus ROG Gladius II is a direct competitor to the Logitech G403 Prodigy, having a more interesting appearance (due to contour illumination) and the ability to quickly replace switches. And the need to pay extra for this looks quite reasonable.

As befits the flagship, the Mamba 16000 model of the American company Razer is offered in its original packaging — a stylish metal case. She received a Philips 5G laser sensor with a maximum resolution of 16,000 DPI, which is enough for any gaming scenarios using a mouse.

Razer Mamba 16000 is a large right—handed model with a slightly backward centre of gravity (due to the presence of a battery). It is made of practical matte plastic. Due to the rough structure, the case is convenient to control with different types of grip (palm or fingers).

The model belongs to the Chroma line, which means extensive options for adjusting the backlight with support for RGB format. You can highlight several elements: side stripes on both sides, a scroll wheel, as well as a complete docking station. The stripes on the sides are additionally divided into 7 more zones with the ability to adjust different glow effects for each.

The mouse received 6 keys and a wheel with support for horizontal scrolling (pressing left and right). A pair of switches has been added to the traditional pair of main and two side buttons (under the thumb) to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor. You can programme all the keys and the wheel using macros and the Razer Synapse proprietary application.

Additionally, the force of pressing the main keys is regulated in the Mamba 16000. So, there are a pair of slots on the bottom of the case. By rotating them with a small complete screwdriver, you can change the force (from 45 to 95 grams) required for pressing.

Razer Mamba 16000 supports dual connection. The mouse can be used both in wireless and wired mode (for example, during charging). You can replenish the capacity of a non-removable battery either using a docking station or directly via a USB wire. The battery life is from 10 to 20 hours (due to the backlight settings and the polling frequency).

The main disadvantage of the model is the high price. It can be leveled by purchasing a younger wired "brother" — Mamba Tournament Edition, which does not support the adjustment of the pressing force. Otherwise, the model has a good flagship set of features and potential for the future (due to a 16,000 DPI sensor), so even switching to a 4K monitor with a large diagonal will not force a gamer to change the manipulator.