The Best Budget Gaming Mouse of 2018 – Your Complete Guide

PC gaming wouldn’t be complete without a good gaming mouse. The mouse acts as your extended hand in games and the importance of having a good mouse cannot be understated.

Gamers doesn’t usually boast about how great their mouse is, but rather about how good their PC is built. Along with the inspiration of my peers and my curiosity, this motivated me to create an extensive and in-depth discussion about the right gaming mouse.

I hope that you will find this useful in choosing the right mouse for you.

All gamers, whether pro or not, will agree with me on one thing: choosing what the best gaming mouse is TOUGH. Different users have different preferences.

As subjective as choosing the mouse gets, there are a quite few considerations in choosing the right gaming mouse for you.

First, the budget. Can you afford it? Second, the product design. Is it too heavy? Too light? Is it stylish enough? Is it aesthetically pleasing? And lastly, the specifications. Can I max out the DPI? How many programmable buttons does it have?

Choosing the right gaming mouse will be time consuming and can be frustrating. So, we created this section to illustrate the seven most important factors before opting the gaming mouse of your choice are.

What Should I consider Before Buying A Budget Gaming Mouse?

1. Specificity

In this review, you’ll probably read a lot of DPIs. DPI there and DPI here. But what is a DPI, really? The DPI (dots per inch) is also known as CPI (characters per inch). It denotes the number of pixels of movement across the screen per inch of mouse movement. Most e-games rely on quick reflexes and, to complement that, you’ll need a mouse that can provide the mouse movement that will suit your preferences. Though, an extremely high DPI could be unrealistically important.

Sometimes, it’s best to consider the DPI settings that will fit your gaming needs. Check for the recommended DPI setting for your games. The DPI settings for each game is highly variable. Not always, but most of the time, DPI settings can be dependent on your PC build and software compatibility.

3. Weight

Different gaming mice have different weights: some are lighter and some are heavier. It is a matter of personal preference.

4. Ergonomics

Majority of the gaming mice available are designed for right-handed players only, but you can also get a gaming mice that are specifically designed for left-handed players. Also, there are ambidextrous mouse designs that could support either left- or right-handed players at any time. Gaming mice are built to provide comfort. Mice built from different materials will provide different means of comfort. Not all, but a majority of gaming mouse have symmetrical design and are typically made with plastic or a hard material that drastically reduces comfort.

5. Buttons

The difference between a gaming mouse and a regular mouse is mainly due to the buttons present. These programmable buttons are ofgreat use to almost every PC gamer, especially in competitive gaming, in which a split-second decision is crucial, which means the more buttons, the more efficient you are.

6. Profiles

Most of the gaming mice come with a software you can either download on a disc or online (although you can still use the gaming mouse if the software is not installed). The software basically allows you to save each of your customized profiles with one click. Each profile can have a custom DPI and custom binds or even custom LED light patterns depending on the gaming mouse. If you play multiple types of game genres, this is convenience as you can have one setting profile for FPS, another for RTS, and one for web browsing. If you are playing CSGO you may like to check out our review on Best Mouse For CS–GO.

7. Types of Grips 

Lastly, you might want to consider the different types of grips in choosing a gaming mouse. Here are the 3 common grips for gamers:

Palm Grip – in this grip, your entire hand rests on the mouse as you’re using it

Claw Grip – in this grip, your index finger and middle finger are arched backward to make a perpendicular angle for clicking

Finger-tip Grip – in this grip, your fingers and thumb are only touching the mouse and your hand stays in the air entirely

How Did We Come Up with the List?

Searching for the best gaming mouse is no easy task, especially with the many options available. Considering the cost, you may probably ask “Is this worth it?” Hence, we decided to make a list of the best gaming mice that is affordable.

we began with a list of 58 gaming mice, which was the result of hours of consulting with friends, extensive research from numerous gaming forums, and browsing through various online sources.

It was still difficult to choose from this long list. So, we decided to narrow down it to 10. And to narrow it down it further with our basic criteria. It was pretty straightforward then, we looked into weight, popularity, specifications and cost.

We bought some of the mouse for testing. The gaming mice are assessed based on the material they are built from. We don’t to want to select a gaming mouse that is easily disposable. We have to ensure that even with the affordable cost, the build quality isn’t compromised. Along with the assessment that we did, we checked what the gaming mouse had to offer and what makes the gaming mouse stand out from the rest. Lastly, the design. The design adds flavor and appeal to gamer like you.

At first, you’ll probably think that this is a Chinese Razer knock-off, and I don’t blame you.

Who wouldn’t?

A little company background: E-Blue is relatively new in the industry and was created by Japanese and Hong Kong gamers, but if you are familiar with the company, you’ll know that they are known for their e-sports gaming chairs.

Being relatively new to the industry, they a lot of ground to cover to prove themselves to the gaming community. It wouldn’t make sense if they will make average to mediocre gaming gear.

This 2.4 GHz wireless mouse that can receive transmissions within a 30 feet radius provides stable connections and with virtually no interference. The rubberized scroll wheel is LED illuminated, which makes the gear look sleek. The DPI can be adjusted to 500/1200/1800/2500. This mouse is built with OMRON Micro Switch that could withstand up to 5 million clicks and “Air Wing” concept and ergonomic that is built for right-handed gamers. Yes, this mouse is only designed for right handed gamers.

Again, this mouse is wireless and there’s nothing wrong with that, but you’ll probably change the battery more often if you leave the LED lights turned on. Also, our reviewers notice that the scroll button may take a longer scroll to arrive at the same point compared to other gaming mice. I should also point out that the mouse is click to wake rather than the much common shake to wake. The DPI setting resets every time you turn it off. Not a big problem, except the instructions in the box is in Chinese.

Overall, the mouse is great, especially from not a well-known company. If you plan to use this mouse on a desktop or a laptop that doesn’t need to be disconnected from time to time.

The Corsair Harpoon is quite a steal.

Equipped with a high-accuracy 6000 DPI optical gaming sensor with advanced tracking and high speed motion detection for that much-needed precise control game reflexes, especially in FPS games.

A contoured design and textured rubber sides grips aim to provide comfortable and slip-free grip control.

This gaming mouse doesn’t need drivers or additional software to be updated or installed. Along with these, six fully-programmable buttons will help you enable simple remaps to complex macros with a built-in onboard memory will allow you to save your custom DPI settings on the mouse itself, which makes it effectively portable.

If you are gamer that is always on the go, you might want to consider this. At a 1000 Hz polling rate, this mouse right here will give you a lag-free experience. (So no lag excuses for this one). It comes with smart lighting that allows you to personalize your light preference.

Our testers complained that it will take time before you’ll get used to the mouse shape design and may stress your fingers due to prolonged usage. However, gaming grip and shape preference are always subjective.

Overall, this mouse is sleek and compact gaming hardware by Corsair. The built-in onboard memory makes this gaming mouse a suitable match if you are a gamer on the go.

The SteelSeries Rival 100is a member of the SteelSeries Rival series.

Of its series installment, this is the cheapest of the bunch. The SteelSeries Rival 100 offers less features and is the most basic compared to its next gen brothers, but this doesn’t mean you’ll skip this one.

It is designed ergonomically for claw/finger-tip users. Built to last with 30 million clicks – that’s a whole lot of clicking.

With a gaming standard, 6 programmable mouse buttons, and RGB illumination and a customizable CPI up to 4000 DPI. Its weight is average, not too heavy and not too light. If you have relatively bigger hands, this gaming mouse right here will probably suit you.

However, the side buttons produce loud clicking noise but nonetheless, it doesn’t affect its functionality. Even though it can provide a 4000 DPI setting, its adjustable increment is per 250 DPI.

Cougar, the computer hardware brand is making a statement in the gaming industry.

COUGAR Minos X3 is a plug-and-play gaming mouse specifically designed for gaming, which can be on par with the industry’s leading names.

Built with a Deadly Precisios Pro-Grade Optical Sensor to maximize its smoothness and precision, this mouse has six fully-programmable and on-the-fly DPI switching that allows you to change the DPI setting (400/800/1600/3200) to suit your gaming situation.

Ergonomic in design, with rubber coated flanks, this mouse is comfortable. It has a unique tapered designed for Claw Grip and Fingertip Grip users. With its three zone LED backlight features with eight-color breathing backlight with 10 effects, you’ll never go out of style with this one.

While using it, I noticed that the DPI and Polling setting is located at the bottom portion of the mouse so you might find it difficult to change during the game. Even though the switch is located at the bottom the mouse, the mouse itself isn’t affected when it comes to its smoothness and responsiveness.

Let me HAVIT. Get it? Get it? Yes, I am terrible at jokes but this gear right here is no joke: a gaming mouse that is specifically designed for MMO games.

If you are searching a gaming mouse that will complement your MMO gaming, look no further.

This is a plug-and-play gaming mouse that gives you the option of whether or not install its driver.

The Havit HV MS735 built with 19, yes - 19, programmable buttons, which is pretty convenient if you’re into MMO gaming. With a whopping 12000 DPI, (and 7 other DPI settings to choose from 500/1000 /1500/ 2000/4000/8000/12000 DPI), 12000 FPS, 250/500/1000 Hz polling rate, 50G acceleration and high speed motion detection with up to 250ips with more tweakable settings available in the software and a gaming grade optical sensor, the Pixart PMW 3360 could guarantee you having the most accurate and precise mouse control.

Color options and breathing light options are customizable via the driver. This mouse is ergonomic in design with rubberized painted surface to help you grip firmly during in-game. It come with a braided-fiber cable (1.8 meters) with gold-plated USB connector to ensure durable and fast use with no interference data transmission.

As good as this gaming mouse is, it is only designed for right-handed gamers. It is also important to point out that this gaming mouse may consume more power compared to the other gaming mice on this list. It may be better to use it with a more stable power supply (i.e. desktop) to provide you its maximum efficiency, which laptops or even older USB ports (2.0) cannot provide.

Practically speaking, this is a good mouse. You’ve got many settings to choose from, including macro and micro controls. This gaming mouse is built to serve the demands of MMO gaming and may not be recommend for casual usage because of its higher demands in terms of power.

Are you a fan of the Transformers?

Well, if you are, then you’ll immediately think that this gaming mouse right here is a Transformer with its mechanical-looking appeal due to its aluminum chassis build.

Personally, I can say it is visually stunning.

What does the Combaterwing Gaming Mouse really offer aside from its aesthetic design?

First off, this is not your ordinary plug-and-play gaming mouse for MAC OS X users. Before using this gaming mouse in a computer than runs on OS X, you’ll first need to configure the settings via a Windows computer to make this mouse work on a MAC. The Combaterwing Gaming Mouse offers 10 programmable buttons (the software needs to be installed for you to program it like many of the mice on this list), RGB Breathing light system, and a customizable DPI setting.

Pretty much, it delivers the expected performance of a good gaming mouse. The Combaterwing Gaming Mouse has an adopted Avago 3050 Chip, which makes this gaming mouse stable and fast and claiming that it could withstand up to 20 million clicks. Along with the chip, the switch is built by OMRON, which makes it durable.

The cord is braided which provides it sturdiness. As for the grip, it is fairly comfortable for either claw or finger-tip grip users. Some things that our reviewers noticed are that the Combaterwing Gaming Mouse feels very lightweight due to its light plastic build, aside from the chassis. However, this is not a problem if you’re into a lighter gaming mouse. After all, it’s all about user preference.

Overall, it is good mouse. It gives you that steam punk mechanical appeal and delivers performance like any gaming mouse. It’s a hassle, though, for MAC users.