Cheap gaming mice compared: DPI, weight, wired or wireless

The shortlist, product by product

DPI: why the biggest number rarely matters

DPI (sometimes called CPI) is how far the pointer moves for each inch the mouse moves. Maximum figures here range from 6,400 to 44,000, but these are ceilings. Most players set a much lower value and fine-tune sensitivity in game, so the maximum is rarely used.

More useful sensor details are whether DPI can be adjusted in small steps (Razer quotes 50 DPI steps on the Cobra) and whether the maker states the sensor has no smoothing or acceleration (Logitech does for the G305). A high maximum DPI is not a reason on its own to pay more.

Weight, shape and grip style

Published weights in this comparison range from 58 g (Razer Cobra) to 121 g (G502 HERO). Lighter mice are easier to move quickly. Heavier mice can feel steadier, and the G502 lets you add up to 18 g of weights.

Shape is just as important, but harder to judge from specs. Razer describes the DeathAdder Essential as a right-handed ergonomic design. SteelSeries describes the Rival 3 Gen 2 as symmetrical and suited to claw or fingertip grips. If you can, compare the published length and width with a mouse you already find comfortable.

Wired or wireless on a budget

Wired mice are cheaper for the same sensor and never need charging, which is why five of the seven here are wired. Look for a light, flexible cable: SteelSeries and Razer both highlight theirs.

Wireless budget options such as the G305 use a USB receiver rather than Bluetooth for gaming, and Logitech quotes a 1000 Hz report rate. Battery type matters: the G305 claims up to 250 hours from one AA cell, while Logitech quotes up to 95 hours of constant motion for the Superlight 2.

Polling rate, switches and other spec-sheet extras

• Polling/report rate is how often the mouse reports its position. 1000 Hz is standard on every mouse here. The Superlight 2's 8000 Hz needs Logitech G HUB, and its benefit depends on your PC and monitor.
• Click ratings (10 million for the DeathAdder Essential, 60 million for the Rival 3 Gen 2, 90 million for the Cobra) are manufacturer figures measured in different ways. They are not directly comparable.
• RGB lighting is cosmetic and does not affect performance.

Software, drivers and onboard memory

Each brand uses its own app to remap buttons and change DPI: Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse and SteelSeries GG (listed for Windows 10+). Gaming mice generally work as a basic mouse without the app, but custom settings normally need it installed.

Onboard memory saves settings on the mouse itself, so they carry over to another computer. Logitech lists one onboard profile for the G305 and says the G502 HERO stores profiles on the mouse. If you move between a home PC and a school or work laptop where you cannot install software, check this spec.

Mouse budgets: £30, £50 and beyond

• About £30: wired mice such as the DeathAdder Essential (£29.99) and G203 (£30.99) with 6,400–8,000 DPI sensors and 5–6 buttons.
• £40–£50: lighter wired designs (Cobra, 58 g), button-heavy wired mice (G502 HERO, 11 buttons) or entry-level wireless (G305).
• £100+: lightweight wireless mice aimed at competitive play, such as the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 (£139.99). These are listed here for reference rather than as a budget recommendation.

A first gaming mouse for a child

For a first gaming mouse, size and simplicity matter most. A smaller, lighter mouse such as the Cobra (58 g) or G203 (85 g) may suit smaller hands better than a large ergonomic design, but none of these manufacturers publish hand-size guidance.

A wired mouse avoids lost receivers and flat batteries. If you choose wireless, the G305's single AA battery is easy to replace at home. Settings apps are optional for basic use, so you can decide whether to install them on a shared family PC.