Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming mouse: a guide to DPI, weight, buttons and connectivity

A gaming mouse needs to offer more than a high DPI or eye-catching RGB lighting. What matters is whether the sensor, shape, weight, connection and software suit the way you play. PC gamers, power users and aspiring esports players therefore look for different features.

It’s easy to spend more than you need to on marketing promises that offer little benefit in everyday use. Three common pitfalls are worth looking out for:

  • Assuming a high DPI means greater precision: A 44,000 DPI sensor isn’t automatically more accurate than one rated at 8,500 or 12,000 DPI. Many people use much lower sensitivity settings.
  • Choosing a polling rate your hardware can’t support: 8,000 Hz can increase how often the mouse reports its position, but it requires a compatible USB port, suitable software and enough system resources.
  • Only considering ergonomics after you’ve bought it: A mouse can be technically impressive and still not suit your hand size, grip style or preferred hand.

Which gaming mouse specifications matter?

DPI, sensor and tracking

DPI describes a mouse’s sensitivity. A higher setting lets you move the cursor further with smaller hand movements, but it doesn’t tell you much about real-world precision on its own. An optical sensor, consistent tracking and adjustable DPI settings matter more.

When choosing a high-DPI gaming mouse, check:

  • Which DPI settings you can actually select
  • Whether you can adjust the sensitivity in small increments
  • Whether acceleration, smoothing or filtering is enabled by default
  • Whether you can save profiles directly to the mouse

According to product specifications, the Razer Basilisk V3 reaches up to 26,000 DPI, while the Logitech G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE LIGHTSPEED supports up to 44,000 DPI. Treat these figures as technical maximums, not recommendations for every use.

Polling rate and connectivity

The polling rate tells you how often the mouse reports its position to your computer. 1,000 Hz means one report every millisecond. Higher rates can be useful for fast movements and competitive gaming, but they also increase power consumption and can use more system resources.

A wired gaming mouse doesn’t need a battery and connects directly via USB. However, the cable can get in the way if it’s routed low or you’re using a small mouse mat. A wireless gaming mouse gives you more freedom to move, but needs charging. Check:

  1. The connection type, such as 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth
  2. Whether you can use it wired while it’s charging
  3. The position and size of the wireless receiver
  4. The stated battery life under realistic settings

Weight, shape and buttons

A lightweight gaming mouse can feel comfortable if you make frequent, fast movements. Models weighing around 50 to 65 grams feel quite different from ergonomic mice weighing 90 to 105 grams. You may prefer a heavier mouse for slower, more controlled movements or a more substantial palm rest.

The number of buttons should also suit how you use the mouse. Five or six buttons are often enough for FPS games. For MMORPGs, productivity or complex macros, a gaming mouse with programmable buttons may be a better choice. Check whether the software is available for Windows or macOS and whether you can save profiles to the mouse’s onboard memory.

An ergonomic gaming mouse isn’t necessarily suitable for both hands. Many models are designed specifically for right-handed users. Symmetrical designs can be more versatile, but they also differ in their side shape and thumb buttons.

Our picks for different users

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
ET Wired Gaming Mouse, Breathing RGB LED, Plug-and-Play, Adjustable 7200 DPI, 7 Programmable Buttons, Ergonomic Mouse for PC Laptop

ET Wired Gaming Mouse with RGB Lighting

Why this product suits this profile: This wired, plug-and-play mouse is for anyone looking for essential gaming features and RGB lighting without needing a battery.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications state an adjustable range of 1,200 to 7,200 DPI and a polling rate of up to 1,000 Hz. This makes the key figures clear without making an unnecessarily high maximum the focus.

Key benefits and strengths

Seven programmable buttons, RGB lighting and USB connectivity; button customisation requires software.

Ideal for: Buyers who expect high quality
Logitech G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse

Logitech G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE LIGHTSPEED

Why this product suits this profile: This wireless mouse combines a weight of 61 g with a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz and a built-in battery.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product specifications, you can connect via LIGHTSPEED or USB-C. This means you can still use the mouse when the battery is flat, provided you connect it by cable.

Key benefits and strengths

HERO 2 sensor with up to 44,000 DPI, five programmable buttons and a stated battery life of up to 90 hours at 1,000 Hz.

Ideal for: Specialist uses and frequent users
Razer Basilisk V3 Wired RGB Gaming Mouse

Razer Basilisk V3 Wired RGB Gaming Mouse

Why this product suits this profile: This right-handed mouse is for anyone who wants to control commands, macros and desktop functions using an ergonomic design.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications clearly state that it uses USB, is designed for right-handed users and requires Razer software. This makes it easier to check compatibility and desk space before buying.

Key benefits and strengths

Eleven programmable buttons, four-way scrolling, five profiles stored onboard and eleven RGB lighting zones.

Ideal for: Competitive players who prioritise low weight
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse

Why this product suits this profile: This wired esports mouse combines a stated weight of around 52 to 53 g with an optical sensor and a polling rate of 8,000 Hz.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fixed USB cable means you don’t need a battery. The specifications also state that NGENUITY software is required for compatible settings.

Key benefits and strengths

HyperX 26K sensor, six buttons, PTFE skates and a stated switch rating of up to 100 million clicks.

Things to check before you buy

  • Hand size and grip: Compare the length, width and height with your current mouse. Palm, claw and fingertip grips each suit different shapes.
  • Software: Check whether you can save DPI settings, button assignments, macros and RGB effects without keeping the software running.
  • RGB lighting: For an RGB gaming mouse, check whether you can switch off the lighting and synchronise it with other hardware.
  • Your setup: Cable routing, receiver position and mouse mat size can affect your experience more than a maximum DPI figure.
  • Compatibility: Check support for Windows or macOS, USB ports and the manufacturer’s software requirements.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Frequently asked questions about gaming mice

What DPI should a gaming mouse have?

For many PC games, mid-range settings of around 800 to 3,200 DPI are enough. What matters is being able to fine-tune the sensitivity and having a sensor that tracks movement consistently. Very high DPI settings simply give you more room to customise.

Is a wireless or wired gaming mouse better?

A wired mouse doesn’t need a battery and is ready to use straight away. A wireless model gives you more freedom to move, but needs regular charging and a compatible receiver. Models that support USB-C wired use offer both options.

How long does a gaming mouse last?

Its lifespan depends on the switches, cable, scroll wheel, skates and how much you use it each day. Manufacturer claims such as ‘up to 70 million clicks’ or ‘up to 100 million clicks’ refer to specific components and don’t guarantee the lifespan of the entire device.