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The best cheap gaming mice: Top picks under $60
Gaming mice do not have to cost a fortune for you to obtain all the features you need to play your favorite games. Big brands such as Logitech, Corsair, and even Razer offer budget-friendly gaming mice so that you can upgrade your setup without having to skip bills. Additionally, there are plenty of third-party brands available with similarly high-quality gaming mice for even lower prices.
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Most of the inexpensive gaming mice you will find will be wired, as the technology is cheaper to produce. However, it is becoming easier to find wireless gaming mice with price tags that sit comfortably under $100. To help you find the best cheap gaming mouse for your rig, I have compiled a list of the five best options available to purchase. I have broken down their features, button configurations, and price points to assist you in determining which is the best fit for your budget and needs.
Also:
- The best gaming PCs
- The best game consoles
- The best gaming CPUs
- The best gaming TVs
- The best gaming laptops
- 11 programmable buttons
- 25,600 max DPI
- Adjustable weight
- Under $50
- Right-hand configuration only
- Not well-suited for claw-style grips
- No on-board memory for button layout profiles
Logitech G502 features: Connectivity: USB | Max DPI: 25,600 | Buttons: 11 | Programmable: Yes | RGB: Yes
The Logitech G502 is one of the best gaming mice on the market, period. But it's also the best choice for anyone looking to upgrade their setup on a budget. With a price tag under $50, you'll still get tons of features that modern PC gamers shouldn't have to live without; like 11 programmable buttons to create custom layouts for your most-played games as well as an optical sensor with a max DPI of over 25,000. This means that you'll be able to create custom DPI levels to suit different applications from web browsing and office work to first-person shooters and RPGs.
It also comes with five, 3.6g weights that allow you to fully customize the feel of the G502, which is great news for anyone who likes a heavier mouse for some games and lighter for others. With plug-and-play support for Windows, macOS, and even ChromeOS, the G502 can be used across your whole device network so you don't have to worry about keeping multiple mice on-hand for different computers.
- 59 grams
- Programmable buttons
- 16,000 DPI optical sensor
- Grip tape included
- RGB in scroll wheel only
- No on-board memory for button profiles
HyperX Pulsefire Haste features: Connectivity: USB | Max DPI: 16,000 | Buttons: 6 | Programmable: Yes | RGB: Yes
A lightweight mouse is a great option for gamers who tend to play for long periods of time, or who use their computer for work during the day and gaming in their off time. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is one of the lightest gaming mice on the market, coming in at just 59 grams, and is my everyday mouse for work and play. The incredibly lightweight construction, combined with the ultra-smooth skates, gives you the ability to move very quickly for precision aiming or quickly changing camera angles.
The optical sensor also has a max DPI of 16,000, and you can create multiple DPI levels to cycle through for use in different programs. The 6 buttons are placed within easy reach, making the Pulsefire Haste great for all grip types, and you can program custom layouts for your most-played games. It even features customizable RGB lighting in the scroll wheel, letting you show off your personal style or sync with other RGB peripherals without annoying anyone you may share a work or gaming space with.
If you want to know more about the Pulsefire Haste, you can check out our full review.
- Under $100
- Programmable buttons
- Dual connectivity
- Excellent battery life
- Not rechargeable
- No RGB
- No on-board memory for button profiles
Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeeed features: Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Max DPI: 16,000 | Buttons: 6 | Programmable: Yes | RGB: No
If you prefer wireless mice, the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed lets you have the freedom of movement and other premium features you need at about half the price of other wireless gaming mice. It connects to your computer via 2.4GHz dongle for better reliability and less input lag or Bluetooth for better battery life. With the Razer Synapse desktop app, you can configure the 6 programmable buttons and create 5 different DPI stages to streamline controls in your most-played games.
The Basilisk X Hyperspeed is powered by a single AA battery for up to 450 hours of use before you need to even think about buying new batteries. It even has support for macOS and Linux computers, so you can work and play games on almost any device. The mouse is built to last, with the main button switches rated for a 50 million click lifecycle. This means that the Basilisk X Hyperspeed can handle every solo mission, tournament, and late-night raid you take on for years to come.
- Antibacterial surface
- IPX6 water resistance
- Lightweight design
- Great sensor
- No RGB lighting
- No on-board memory for button profiles
Asus TUF M4 Air features: Connectivity: USB | Max DPI: 16,000 | Buttons: 6 | Programmable: Yes | RGB: No
If you share a gaming or mixed-use computer with other people, you may want to pick up the Asus TUF M4 Air. This lightweight gaming mouse has been treated with ionic silver to create an antibacterial surface. This means that you're less likely to pass germs between users, though you should still regularly clean and sanitize your mouse (even if you don't share). It also features an IPX6 water resistance rating, which protects the mouse from everything from spilled soda to sweaty palms. The body of the mouse also features a hollow, triangular design to reduce weight and enhance airflow without sacrificing durability. The 6 programmable buttons and 16,000 DPI optical sensor also give you better control over your most-played games with custom configurations and sensor speeds.
- 17 programmable buttons
- On-board profile memory
- Durable switches
- Thumb button panel can move for ergonomic grip styles
- Not suited for casual gaming or daily work
- Button configuration takes some getting used to
- On the high side of "affordable"
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite features: Connectivity: USB | Max DPI: 18,000 | Buttons: 17 | Programmable: Yes | RGB: Yes
You may look at the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite and think, "Who in the world needs that many buttons?" And if you have to ask, you probably don't. But if you mainly play MMOs or RPGs, having 17 programmable buttons can go a long way towards streamlining gameplay. The thumb buttons are perfectly placed for firing off spells, using healing items, or performing quick-actions without having to memorize a NASA-eque keyboard input blueprint just to use a minor healing potion or equip a weapon. And if you need to adjust your grip style, the entire 12-button thumb panel can be moved around for perfect placement to suit palm, claw, or fingertip grip styles.
The main button switches are designed with durability in mind, boasting a 50 million click lifecycle, so you can expect reliable input for years to come. With the iCUE desktop app, you can configure the button layout to your needs as well as set custom DPI levels and RGB lighting schemes. And with on-board memory, you can store a few of your most-used button configurations and have them with you while traveling on vacation or for eSports tournaments.
What is the best cheap gaming mouse?
My pick for the best cheap gaming mouse is the Logitech G502. It has 11 programmable buttons to let you create custom configurations for your most-played games as well as an optical sensor with a max DPI of 25,600 for ultra-precise aiming and camera controls. It also comes with five weights so you can adjust the overall feel of the mouse to your liking. It even works with macOS and ChromeOS devices, so you can game on just about anything.
| Cheap Gaming Mouse | Price | Where to Buy | Connectivity | Max DPI | Buttons | Programmable | RGB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G502 | Under $50 | Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop | USB | 25,600 | 11 | Yes | Yes |
| HyperX Pulsefire Haste | Under $40 | Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart | USB | 16,000 | 6 | Yes | Yes (scroll wheel only) |
| Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeed | Under $50 | Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | 16,000 | 6 | Yes | No |
| Asus TUF M4 Air | Under $50 | Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo | USB | 16,000 | 6 | Yes | No |
| Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite | Under $60 | Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg | USB | 18,000 | 17 | Yes | Yes |
Which is the right cheap gaming mouse for you?
Once you've nailed down a definite budget, the next thing you should take into consideration is the types of games you play most frequently. Not all gaming mice are created equal, and something like the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite isn't going to be as effective in an FPS as it would be in a game like WoW or Starcraft. If shooters are your main genre of choice, you'll want a gaming mouse with adjustable DPI settings so you can create different sensitivity levels for precision sniper aiming as well as twitchy, on-the-ground firefights. And for gamers who also use their PC for work will want to opt for a simplified gaming mouse with fewer buttons and a lightweight design to better transition between spreadsheets and saving the galaxy as well as to prevent fatigue from all-day use.
Choose this cheap gaming mouse... | If you need... |
Logitech G502 | A well-rounded gaming mouse that won't break the bank. With a price tag under $50, the Logitech G502 offers excellent value for its price. |
HyperX Pulsefire Haste | A lightweight, budget-friendly gaming mouse. Weighing in at just 59 grams, it's one of the lightest gaming mice on the market. |
Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed | A wireless mouse. The Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed is an affordable option with dual connectivity. |
Asus TUF M4 Air | An antibacterial mouse for use with shared gaming computers. The Asus TUF features a surface that's been treated with ionic silver. |
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite | A cheap gaming mouse made specifically for MMOs and RPGs. |
How did I choose these cheap gaming mice?
When choosing the best cheap gaming mouse, I considered these factors:
- DPI: Standing for dots per inch, the DPI of a gaming mouse lets you know the type of sensitivity you can expect when scrolling and moving across the screen. The higher the DPI, the higher the sensitivity.
- Connectivity: While some gaming mice are wired, others may use Bluetooth connectivity. Consider how and where you use your computer, so you know what kind of cheap gaming mouse is most appropriate.
- Fit: Ergonomics are of huge importance when you spend a lot of time using a mouse. Consider the fit and feel of your gaming mouse before making a final decision.
- Buttons: Some mice offer just a few buttons, while others allow for whole interchangeable sides. Consider what kind of controls you would like for your mouse.
- Price: Budget is something we keep at the forefront when choosing the best cheap gaming mouse, looking for affordable options that don't skimp on quality.
Do wireless mice have lag?
Whether your wireless mouse uses Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connectivity, there is going to be some level of lag between your button presses and on-screen reactions. But you also get a bit of lag from wired mice because your computer has to translate electrical signals into actions. However, both situations have negligible lag (as low as 1ms) that won't be noticeable even in the middle of heated matches. Unless you're hyper-picky about how fast your mouse clicks translate to popping off rounds or launching spells.
What is DPI?
It stands for "dots per linear inch." What this means is that the optical or laser sensor can detect a certain number of points (the dots) per inch of movement on the mousepad. The more dots per inch it can detect, the more accurate and speedy the cursor can move. High DPI sensors are great for twitchy shooters and action platformers where you need fast reactions to the environment and other players. Lower DPI sensors are great for RPGs and strategy games where precision isn't as important.
Wired or wireless, which is better?
There are as many answers to this as there are gamers. Wired mice are great if you don't want to have to worry about either changing or charging batteries, since the USB cable provides a steady, reliable connection for both input and power. Wireless mice are for gamers who absolutely hate the feel of cable drag as they play and need something that isn't going to get tangled or caught on anything during critical moments. Wired mice also tend to be more affordable than wireless mice, so if you're working with a strict budget, you'll have to go with a more traditional mouse.
Are there alternative cheap gaming mice worth considering?
All of the big gaming brands offer some form of budget-friendly mouse, and there are plenty of third-party brands offering similar quality products for even lower prices. And while in the end, it all comes down to personal preference, it still takes a bit of research to find the gaming mouse that perfectly fits your budget as well as your needs. To help you consider as many options as possible, I've curated a short list of alternative options that didn't quite make the cut for the main list for various reasons. But they're still great options for budget-conscious gamers.
For other options, check out our picks for the best wireless mouse, best silent mouse, and best ergonomic mouse!