Want a great PC mouse? Understand these terms

Many people think of the mouse as one of the most basic PC peripherals. Point, click, and that's it. But modern mice have come a long way, and if you're looking for a more advanced mouse, you may be confused by some of the marketing terminology.

Below, we'll give quick breakdowns of some of the most common terms you'll see when looking for a feature-packed mouse. If you're paying $50 (or even $150 or more) for a mouse, you should know exactly what you're getting.

Optical sensor

Modern mice use optical sensors, which leverage LEDs, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors (like in a camera), and a digital signal processor (DSP) to convert your arm movements into pointer movements. The DSP, as explained by How Stuff Works, "is able to detect patterns in the images and see how those patterns have moved since the previous image. Based on the change in patterns over a sequence of images, the DSP determines how far the mouse has moved and sends the corresponding coordinates to the computer." A bit less common are laser sensors, like the Logitech Darkfield sensor used in Logitech MX Master 3.

An optical or laser sensor also means you don't need a mousepad for the mouse to work well. Mice makers, like those behind the MX Master 3, sometimes brag about this as if it were an exclusive feature. But even a cheaper optical or laser mouse (this $20 Microsoft mouse we just pulled out of a dusty closet, for example) should work sans mousepad.

Just because you can use a mouse without a mousepad doesn't mean you'll actually want to. Skipping a mousepad can make movements feel and sound scratchy, especially if the mouse lacks feet on its underside to help it glide more smoothly. And working on some surfaces feels better than others.

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Some brands, including Logitech and Razer, make their own sensors. PixArt, meanwhile, is the most common third-party brand for optical sensors.

But not all advanced mouse sensors are made equal. If you're going to invest money in a good PC mouse, it's a good idea to check out the sensor's performance specs.

DPI or CPI

Dots per inch (DPI) and counts per inch (CPI) are used interchangeably around the mouse world. What's the difference? Basically, DPI came from the print world and is taken from the display's perspective, while CPI comes from the mouse sensor's perspective. Either way, the acronyms are indicative of the mouse's sensitivity, or how many pixels your pointer will move when you physically move the mouse.

When using a mouse with a low DPI or PCI setting, the cursor will move very slowly across the screen. A mouse with a high CPI setting will move much more rapidly across the screen with the same movement. Without getting too technical, for every inch a mouse with 1,000 CPI moves, your cursor will (generally) move 1,000 pixels. (That's according to PC gaming peripherals maker SteelSeries.) Many high-end mice let you specify the mouse's CPI. Their software may let you use a slider or enter a specific number or numbers. Some mice also have a dedicated button, called a CPI or DPI switch, for toggling across saved CPI or DPI settings. And there are some gaming mice with a sniper button, or a button that instantly drops the mouse's CPI when held down, in order to home in on a target, like in a first-person shooter.

Low CPIs aren't just about headshots though. Some users may prefer a low CPI for precise movements for general gaming. A low CPI can also come in handy for creative work, like when you're trying to get the right color down to the last pixel.

A high CPI, on the other hand, can accommodate a large or high-resolution PC monitor. A high CPI also lets you zip across your favorite games or apps with minimal physical effort. Some mice can, with the help of their software, achieve CPI counts as high as 36,000, like the upcoming ROG Chakram X gaming mouse that Asus announced earlier this month. But that's an extreme spec.

You can find plenty of good mice for gaming or productivity with CPI ranges of about 200–3,000. Logitech's MX Master 3 is one of the most advanced productivity mice, and it's specced for 200–4,000 CPI. But for users who want their pointer to zip across the screen with just a brush of the mouse, there are options, too.

Best wireless mouse deals for January 2023

Touchpads are “good enough” when you’re using your laptop on the go (although just barely), but let’s be honest: They’re not pleasant to use for an extended length of time. Let’s not even talk about Lenovo’s little red dot “trackpoint” thing. When you’re spending hours on a laptop, you’re going to wish you had a proper mouse for the job — even better if it’s wireless, as you can just toss it into your bag and take it with you when you’re out and about. The good news is that you don’t have to spend much to upgrade your work setup with one of these handy little peripherals, and we’ve got all of this month’s best wireless mouse deals right here.

Need some more gear for your work setup? Check out these home office deals, wireless keyboard deals, headphone deals, and laptop deals for even more savings.

Today’s best wireless mouse deals

Logitech M325 wireless optical ambidextrous mouse — $15, was $20

Simple, affordable, and reliable describes this Logitech mouse that supports ambidextrous use. The laser offers fast and precise tracking on just about any surface, unlike the old-school trackball mice of yore. A contoured design fits nicely in your hand, and it features programmable controls, side-to-side scrolling, back and forward buttons, and a smart sleep mode — with up to 2 years of battery life.

Logitech MX Anywhere 2S wireless laser mouse — $40, was $60

Made for travel, and seamless interconnectivity with up to three devices, this Windows and Mac-enabled wireless mouse has a seven-button layout. It’s a laser mouse, so it has fast and accurate tracking. It also uses 2.4GHz wireless with a nano receiver that connects via USB.

Razer Viper Ultimate wireless optical gaming mouse with charging dock — $55, was $150

Offering up to 70 hours of continuous use on a single charge, this gaming mouse and dock combo is ready for action. It’s lightweight, has eight programmable buttons, Razer Chrome RGB with 16.8 million colors, and a Focus+ 20K DPI optical sensor for optimal precision. The HyperSpeed wireless connection offers faster response times than comparable wired mice with low latency.

Razer Basilisk Ultimate wireless optical gaming mouse with charging dock — $68, was $170

With this mouse, you get eleven programmable buttons, a customizable scroll wheel resistance, Razer Chroma RGB, 110 hours of battery life on a single charge, Razer Focus+ 20K optical sensor technology, and HyperSpeed wireless. It’s perfect for gaming, media editing, graphic arts, and a whole lot more.

Logitech MX Master 2S wireless business mouse — $70, was $100

Built specifically for professionals, including analysts, coders, and creatives, this mouse espouses precision and performance. Logitech’s Darkfield Tracking means it can be used on virtually any surface, even glass. It has seven buttons total, with up to 4,000 DPI max. It will also charge up for a full day of use in just three minutes. It syncs via Bluetooth Low Energy or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver.

A beginner’s guide to wireless mice

The best wireless mice have evolved in a lot of ways and have caught up with wired counterparts. This means going cordless these days no longer entails compromising precision or restriction in reliability and responsiveness. And while all mice are simple, not all of them are created equal. That’s why it’s important to choose a mouse that will deliver the most comfort and flexibility depending on your needs, especially since it’s one of the most hands-on aspects of a computer.

Every mouse has a certain type of sensor inside. Optical types use LED lights and are ideal for fabric mouse pads and other non-glossy materials. Laser options, on the other hand, are more sensitive and cause more variation in tracking, but they work on just about any type of surface. Most mouse models utilize their own tech to ensure easy tracking on various surfaces such as metal, glass, and cloth.

Physical features like size, ergonomics, and grip are key factors as well in picking the right wireless mouse. A portable mouse is smaller and is perfect for travel, while a mouse meant for desktop usage is typically larger. Those who will be using a mouse for long periods of time and want to reduce hand and wrist strain will want to stick to an ergonomic mouse. This type conforms to the hand and enables users to hold their fingers, hands, and wrists at angles that are more comfortable. Grip comes in three types and choosing the best for you all boils down on whether you want to designate mouse movement on your palm, fingers, or your entire hand.

For most users, a standard mouse — consisting of left and right buttons plus a scroll wheel — will do the trick. Most operating systems assign primary functions to the left button, such as clicking on-screen items and selecting objects, while secondary actions including opening menus are all designated to the right button. The scroll wheel usually sits in between the buttons, allowing users to easily navigate through websites and documents by scrolling up and down.

Mice made for more complex or specific functions, such as gaming, have additional buttons built into them. These extra top and side buttons are designed for quick access to various special actions. In most cases, a multi-button mouse has a software that allows the customization and remapping of the buttons. This brings in a wide range of individualized functionality that promotes maximizing productivity and ease of usage.

LED lights are another extra feature and are mostly present in gaming mice. They offer a nice touch of flair, especially on in-game effects. A mouse with LED lights also normally comes with software for customizing the lighting. Other things to look out for when shopping for a wireless mouse include extra conveniences and productivity-focused features such as noise-free clicks, micro-precise and hyper-fast scrolling, the ability to connect to up to several devices at once, and the capacity to be converted into a remote (perfect for presentations).

Do wireless mice need to be charged?

Some wireless mice use rechargeable batteries and need to be plugged in via a cable to juice up. There are also some models that use traditional replaceable batteries. Regardless of whether you prefer a mouse with rechargeable or replaceable batteries, the battery life depends on the model and the usage.

Are wireless mice waterproof?

Some are, some aren’t — most consumer-grade wireless mice are not waterproof. There are models with sealed housings that can effectively block moisture and liquids from penetrating to protect the internal components from getting damaged. Mice specially designed for medical, marine, and factory applications are also usually waterproof and chemical-resistant for easier cleaning and disinfection.

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Editors' Recommendations

Best wireless mouse 2023: Top performers rated

Gone are the days when wireless mice were laggy, battery-sucking substitutes for a real mouse. Wireless mice have improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years, with mouse manufacturers having largely solved the problems that blighted these devices in the past. Stability, practically lag-free connections, and long battery lives are now the norm. In fact, with none of the issues that held them back in the past, wireless mice have become the go-to mice of choice for most people.

Wireless mice come with two rather obvious benefits: they eliminate the tether to your computer and they are travel friendly for when you need a mouse on the go—no one objects to carrying around one less cord. While you might pay a bit more for a wireless mouse than a wired one, the value of this kind of convenience is well worth it.

Want to pair your wireless mouse with a wireless keyboard? We’ve got you covered—see PCWorld’s roundup of the best wireless keyboards. Looking for a wireless mouse specific to gaming? Take a look at our best wireless gaming mice.

Our picks for best wireless mice include innovative designs, ergonomic features, and multiple connectivity options. They also cover both casual and gaming uses, so you should be able to find at least one that suits your needs. You’ll find our tips on what to look for in a wireless mouse below our recommendations. Read on to learn more.

Microsoft Arc Mouse – Most portable wireless mouse Pros Travel-friendly size

Comfortable design

Good productivity performance Cons Limited customization options

Needs two AAA batteries

Might be small for bigger hands Best Prices Today: If we had a “most unusual mouse design” category, the Arc Mouse would win that as well. It lays flat until you bend it into an arc that conforms to the shape of your mouse-ing hand. It uses a single click pad for left and right buttons and scrolling, and the default settings can be changed in Windows device settings. At just 5.17 x 2.17 x 0.56 inches, the Arc Mouse is easily the most portable mouse we tested. We also like that there is no USB receiver to worry about misplacing—the Arc Mouse connects via Bluetooth 4.0. Folks with extra-large hands might find it a little small, but for most people it will be a welcome addition to their gear bag. Logitech MX Ergo – Best wireless mouse with a trackball Pros Comfortable ergonomic tilt

Solid build

Highly customizable Cons Right-handed only

Expensive Best Prices Today: Trackball mice are an acquired taste, but the MX Ergo’s innovative design may have wider appeal. Its width and shape can accommodate most hand sizes and its responsive thumb-side trackball is easy to use and control. A removable metal plate on the bottom serves a dual purpose. Its weight keeps the mouse perfectly still on your desk as you rotate the scroll wheel. And it can also be adjusted to tilt the mouse 20 degrees, an angle that puts your arm in a more natural, rested position. The mouse has eight buttons—including a dedicated precision button that slows the cursor speed so you can make more accurate movements with the trackball—all of which can be customized using Logitech Options software. The mouse connects via an accompanying USB dongle or Bluetooth, and Logitech claims its battery can go four months on a single full charge. The only downer is it’s not ambidextrous, so southpaws will have to look elsewhere. Logitech MX Vertical – Best ergonomic wireless mouse Pros Comfortable ergonomic design

Can cross-control multiple devices

Customizable button mapping Cons Has a bit of a learning curve

Expensive Best Prices Today: If you have a history of mouse-related hand and arm discomfort, the MX vertical is a great option. Its upright position and contoured body puts your arm at about a 57-degree vertical angle, reducing the pressure on your wrist and creating a comfortable thumb rest. Despite the unconventional design, the mouse still offers familiar controls with split mouse buttons, a scroll wheel aligned to your first two fingers, and a pair of thumb buttons on the adjascent side. The mouse supports Logitech’s Unified Receiver and Bluetooth connections. You can also wire it to your computer using the USB-C charging cable. You can use it with Logitech Options to customize button settings and with Logitech Flow to seamlessly control multiple computers with a single mouse. The MX Veritcal is a high-performing productivity tool once you get acclimated to the vertical design, and one that may prevent pain and strain as well as ease them. Logitech Lift – Best ergonomic wireless mouse for lefties Pros Comfortable vertical grip

Left-hand option

Highly customizable buttons

Smooth tracking

Affordable Cons Angle of mouse better suited for people preventing or reducing mild wrist and elbow discomfort Best Prices Today: Logitech does it again with the Lift. What sets this ergonomic offering apart from the excellent MX Vertical is that this mouse is smaller, thus suited for small-to-medium hands, it can be had in a left-handed version, and it comes in fun duo-tone colors. It’s comfortable in the hand and can connect via Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The buttons can be customized using the Logi Options+ software, so this mouse will meet your work-process demands as well as your demands for physical comfort. Read our full Review Logitech Lift Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse – Best budget wireless mouse Pros Compact, ambidextrous design

Clickable scroll wheel

Inexpensive Cons No programmable buttons

No ergonomic features Best Prices Today: For a no-nonsense, go-anywhere mouse, the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse is hard to beat. As its name makes clear, it connects over Bluetooth so there’s no USB dongle to keep track of. Split buttons and a clickable scroll wheel let you precisely navigate web pages and large documents, and it tracks easily over most surfaces. The Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse runs on a single AA battery but since it uses Bluetooth Low Energy, you can expect up to 12 months of battery life. It’s available in five colors. SteelSeries Rival 650 – Best wireless mouse for gaming Pros Fast charging

Comfortable and attractive design

Removable weight system provides plenty of options Cons Heavier than some might like

Expensive

Third thumb button is small and awkwardly placed Best Prices Today: Wireless gaming mice offer a critical advantage—no cord resistance to slow down your movements or mess with the precision of your aim. Our top pick is the the SteelSeries Rival 650. It features an eye-catching design, smart button placement, and a wealth of customization options. It also uses a unique dual-sensor system, pairing SteelSeries’ exclusive TrueMove3 with a dedicated depth sensor that keeps your aim steady when you lift up and adjust the mouse. The SteelSeries Rival 650 uses quick-charging tech similar to what you find in phones, giving you about 10 hours of charge from a mere 15 minutes plugged in. Best of all, you get all this for about half the price of its competitors. To learn more read our full review of the SteelSeries Rival 650. Logitech G603 – Best budget wireless mouse for gaming Pros Adopts Logitech’s comfortable G703 scooped shape

500 hours of high-performance gaming off two AA batteries

Flashy one-piece battery cover and button design Cons Heavy, thanks to the dual batteries

Hard to say how durable the buttons will be over time Best Prices Today: You can use your main mouse for gaming on the road. But Logitech’s G603 is a better choice. This dedicated wireless gaming mouse features six programmable buttons, including the scroll wheel and a comfortable scoop shape that conforms to right-handers’ thumbs. Two AA batteries power up to 500 hours of gaming thanks to Logitech’s proprietary HERO sensor, which provides accurate performance with no smoothing, no acceleration, and no interference up to 12,000 DPI. To learn more, read our full review of the Logitech G603.

What to look for in a wireless mouse

Connectivity

In lieu of a cord, wireless mice connect in one of two ways: via Bluetooth or radio frequencies. Most modern computers ship with Bluetooth support, so if you purchase a Bluetooth-compatible mouse, you’ll just need to pair the two devices to get up and running.

Wireless mice that connect using radio frequencies come with a USB-RF receiver that plugs into a USB port on your computer. This is a plug-and-play process and the mouse should talk to the receiver—often called a “dongle”—as soon as you plug it in. If you don’t or can’t keep the dongle plugged into your computer at all times—you only have so many USB ports, after all—you’ll have to vigilantly keep track of it. If you lose it, your mouse won’t be good for anything but a paper weight. For this reason, some mice come with a small compartment in which you can store the receiver when it’s not in use.

The main concern with wireless connectivity is latency. If your input doesn’t register onscreen nearly instantly, you productivity will quickly take a hit. A mouse’s responsiveness is even more critical when gaming, where quick reflexes can be the difference between virtual life and death.

Unfortunately, there’s little agreement around which connectivity method is faster. Gaming companies like Razer and SteelSeries claim RF connections have the advantage, and that is likely true for gaming. But the latency difference between Bluetooth and RF, which is measured in tenths of a millisecond, is probably negligible for productivity. In our tests, we saw little difference between the two types of connectivity during basic work tasks.

Ergonomics

Mouse use has been implicated in repetitive stress injuries for years, and manufacturers have responded with all kinds of quirky designs they claim will prevent or relieve wrist and arm pain. They have tweaked the mouse’s sculpt, button position, and shape seemingly every which way to facilitate a more natural angle for your arm when it’s moving and at rest. But just because the box says a mouse is ergonomic doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to reduce your discomfort. The only way to tell for sure is to use it for a period of time, and unfortunately retailers don’t typically allow test drives.

Still, for designers, PC gamers, and others who who spend continuous hours using a mouse, prioritizing an ergonomic model is probably worth it. Just remember, the type of mouse you use is only one factor in minimizing RSIs, and your habits may be an even more important factor.

Programmable buttons

While the functions of left and right buttons and the scroll wheel are clear, many mice include additional buttons on the side and/or top of the mouse that you can configure for custom tasks. Mapping these buttons to things like the back button of your browser, “cut” and “paste” commands, or other repetitive tasks can save you a lot of time in the long run. Typically, if a mouse comes with a half-dozen buttons, it will also include the manufacturer’s software for programming them.