Which Wired Gaming Mouse Has the Best Sensor?

15 minutes read

The choice of the best wired gaming mouse with the most advanced sensor can depend on both the advancements in technology and personal preference. Generally speaking, many gaming enthusiasts and experts often regard sensors like the PixArt PMW3360, PMW3389, and the newer PAW3395 as top-tier options due to their high accuracy, precision, and responsiveness.


Mice equipped with these sensors are known for their exceptional performance with low latency and high DPI capabilities, making them ideal for competitive gaming. Brands such as Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries frequently incorporate these high-end sensors into their flagship models, offering features like adjustable DPI settings, low lift-off distance, and reliable tracking on a variety of surfaces.


Ultimately, while the sensor is a critical factor in a gaming mouse's performance, other aspects such as ergonomics, build quality, button placement, and additional features like customizable weights or RGB lighting can also play significant roles in determining which mouse might be the best fit for an individual's gaming setup.

Best Wired Gaming Mouse of March 2025

1
CORSAIR NIGHTSWORD RGB Gaming Mouse For FPS, MOBA - 18,000 DPI - 10 Programmable Buttons - Weight System - iCUE Compatible - Black

Rating is 5 out of 5

CORSAIR NIGHTSWORD RGB Gaming Mouse For FPS, MOBA - 18,000 DPI - 10 Programmable Buttons - Weight System - iCUE Compatible - Black

  • Smart Tunable Weight System: CORSAIR-exclusive software automatically detects the mouse’s center of gravity in real time, allowing you to adjust weight between 119g and 141g and fine-tune balance to perfectly fit your grip.
  • CORSAIR’S Most Advanced Optical Sensor Yet: A custom Pixart PMW3391 native 18,000 DPI optical sensor, adjustable in 1 DPI resolution steps, gives you total sensitivity customization and ultra-accurate tracking.
  • Professional Comfort: Built with a contoured shape that naturally fits your hand, with high-performance rubber grips inspired by pro sports equipment.
  • Ten Fully Programmable Buttons: Customize your gaming with the in-game advantage of powerful macros and key remaps.
2
Razer DeathAdder V3 Wired Gaming Mouse: 59g Ultra Lightweight - Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor - Fast Optical Switches Gen-3-8K Hz HyperPolling-6 Programmable Buttons -Ergonomic -Speedflex Cable- Black

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Razer DeathAdder V3 Wired Gaming Mouse: 59g Ultra Lightweight - Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor - Fast Optical Switches Gen-3-8K Hz HyperPolling-6 Programmable Buttons -Ergonomic -Speedflex Cable- Black

  • 59G ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN — Enjoy a level of speed and control favored by the world’s top players with one of the lightest ergonomic esports mice ever created
  • FOCUS PRO 30K OPTICAL SENSOR — Flawless tracking performance on a wider variety of surfaces including glass—supported by intelligent functions for enhanced aim and control
  • OPTICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN-3 — From an improved 90-million click lifecycle with zero double-clicking issues, to a blistering 0.2ms actuation with no debounce delay, the mouse has the reliability and speed built for esports
  • 8K HZ HYPERPOLLING TECHNOLOGY — The mouse can communicate its position and clicks to your PC at up to 8000 times a second for near-zero input latency
3
Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Wired Gaming Mouse, HERO 25K Sensor, 25,600 DPI, RGB, Adjustable Weights, 11 Programmable Buttons, On-Board Memory, PC / Mac

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Wired Gaming Mouse, HERO 25K Sensor, 25,600 DPI, RGB, Adjustable Weights, 11 Programmable Buttons, On-Board Memory, PC / Mac

  • Hero 25K sensor through a software update from G HUB, this upgrade is free to all players: Our most advanced, with 1:1 tracking, 400-plus ips, and 100 - 25,600 max dpi sensitivity plus zero smoothing, filtering, or acceleration
  • 11 customizable buttons and onboard memory: Assign custom commands to the buttons and save up to five ready to play profiles directly to the mouse
  • Adjustable weight system: Arrange up to five removable 3.6 grams weights inside the mouse for personalized weight and balance tuning
  • Programmable RGB Lighting and Lightsync technology: Customize lighting from nearly 16.8 million colors to match your team's colors, sport your own or sync colors with other Logitech G gear
4
Razer Basilisk V3 Customizable Ergonomic Gaming Mouse: Fastest Gaming Mouse Switch - Chroma RGB Lighting - 26K DPI Optical Sensor - 11 Programmable Buttons - HyperScroll Tilt Wheel - Classic Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Razer Basilisk V3 Customizable Ergonomic Gaming Mouse: Fastest Gaming Mouse Switch - Chroma RGB Lighting - 26K DPI Optical Sensor - 11 Programmable Buttons - HyperScroll Tilt Wheel - Classic Black

  • ICONIC ERGONOMIC DESIGN WITH THUMB REST — PC gaming mouse favored by millions worldwide with a form factor that perfectly supports the hand while its buttons are optimally positioned for quick and easy access
  • 11 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Assign macros and secondary functions across 11 programmable buttons to execute essential actions like push-to-talk, ping, and more
  • HYPERSCROLL TILT WHEEL — Speed through content with a scroll wheel that free-spins until its stopped or switch to tactile mode for more precision and satisfying feedback that’s ideal for cycling through weapons or skills
  • 11 RAZER CHROMA RGB LIGHTING ZONES — Customize each zone from over 16.8 million colors and countless lighting effects, all while it reacts dynamically with over 150 Chroma integrated games
  • OPTICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN 2 — With zero unintended misclicks these switches provide crisp, responsive execution at a blistering 0.2ms actuation speed for up to 70 million clicks
5
Redragon M908 Impact RGB LED MMO Gaming Mouse with 12 Side Buttons, Optical Wired Ergonomic Mouse with Max 12,400DPI, High Precision, 18 Programmable Macro Shortcuts, Comfort Grip

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Redragon M908 Impact RGB LED MMO Gaming Mouse with 12 Side Buttons, Optical Wired Ergonomic Mouse with Max 12,400DPI, High Precision, 18 Programmable Macro Shortcuts, Comfort Grip

  • RGB Backlight & Programmable Buttons - 16.8 million RGB LED color options (LED Backlight can be disabled). 18 programmable buttons, 5 memory profiles each with a dedicated light color for quick identification. Comes with 8-piece weight tuning set (2.4g x8), easy to change the weight to suit your games.
  • Comfort & Precision At Your Hands - Redragon M908 gaming mouse is an essential computer accessory for die-hard with its aggressive design for hands! You will be amazed by the unmatched comfort, lethal accuracy and killer precision of our durable, desktop and laptop pro gaming mouse!
  • High-end Design - Redragon M908 Mouse features 8 buttons and 12 MMO programmable side buttons. Durable smooth TEFLON feet pads for ultimate gaming control. 6ft braided-fiber cable with gold-plated USB connector ensures greater durability.
6
Razer DeathAdder Essential Gaming Mouse: 6400 DPI Optical Sensor - 5 Programmable Buttons - Mechanical Switches - Rubber Side Grips - Classic Black

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Razer DeathAdder Essential Gaming Mouse: 6400 DPI Optical Sensor - 5 Programmable Buttons - Mechanical Switches - Rubber Side Grips - Classic Black

  • HIGH-PRECISION 6,400 DPI OPTICAL SENSOR — Offers on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment through dedicated DPI buttons (reprogrammable) for gaming and creative work
  • DURABLE MECHANICAL SWITCHES — Supports up to 10 million clicks, backed by a 2 year warranty
  • RIDGED, RUBBERIZED SCROLL WHEEL FOR MAXIMUM ACCURACY — Small, tactile bumps increases grip and allows for more controlled scrolling in high-stakes gaming situations
  • 5 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Allows for button remapping and assignment of complex macro functions through Razer Synapse


How to compare different gaming mouse sensors?

When comparing gaming mouse sensors, there are several key factors and specifications to consider that can significantly affect performance and suitability for different gaming needs. Here's a guide to help you evaluate and compare gaming mouse sensors:

  1. DPI/CPI (Dots per Inch/Counts per Inch): This measures the sensitivity of the mouse sensor. A higher DPI means that the cursor will move further on the screen for each inch the mouse is moved. Look for a sensor that provides a DPI range that matches your preference and gaming style.
  2. Polling Rate: This is the rate at which the mouse sends data to your computer, measured in Hz. Common polling rates are 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. A higher polling rate can lead to more responsive tracking.
  3. IPS (Inches Per Second): This measures the maximum tracking speed of the sensor. A higher IPS means the mouse can accurately track faster movements, which is important for fast-paced games.
  4. Acceleration: This denotes the maximum acceleration that the mouse sensor can handle in g-forces. Ideally, a sensor should have 0 acceleration to ensure predictable, 1:1 tracking.
  5. Sensor Type: Sensors can be optical or laser. Optical sensors generally perform better on cloth pads, while laser sensors can work on a wider range of surfaces. However, optical sensors are often preferred for gaming due to lower latency and less acceleration.
  6. Lift-Off Distance: This is the height at which the sensor stops tracking when lifted off the surface. A lower lift-off distance is preferred to avoid unwanted cursor movement when repositioning the mouse.
  7. Jitter: Jitter occurs when the sensor inaccurately tracks movement and introduces unwanted cursor movement. Look for sensors that have minimal jitter, especially at high DPI settings.
  8. Angle Snapping/Prediction: This is a feature that attempts to smooth out your movements, which can be undesirable in gaming as it alters your intended movement path. Most gamers prefer sensors without angle snapping.
  9. Input Lag: Although not determined solely by the sensor, input lag should be minimized for faster response times. Look for reviews or tests that discuss the latency performance of the mouse.
  10. Tracking Accuracy and Precision: Read reviews and tests where the sensor's tracking performance is evaluated under various conditions, such as speed, surface type, and movement pattern.
  11. Popular Sensors: Familiarize yourself with common sensor models like the PixArt PMW3360, PMW3389, HERO, and Razer’s Focus+ sensors, among others, as these are often found in high-performance gaming mice.


When comparing sensors, also consider the overall build quality and ergonomic design of the mouse, as these factors can influence your comfort and performance during gaming sessions. Additionally, personal preference plays a role, so it is often helpful to try different mice to see what feels best for your gaming style.


How to select the right DPI setting for your gameplay?

Selecting the right DPI (dots per inch) setting for gameplay can significantly affect your gaming experience, especially in genres like first-person shooters where precision is crucial. Here are some steps to help you choose the right DPI setting:

  1. Understand DPI Basics: DPI refers to how sensitive your mouse is. Higher DPI means the pointer moves further on the screen for every inch you move the mouse.
  2. Consider Your Game Genre: First-Person Shooters (FPS): Typically benefit from lower DPI settings (400-800 DPI) to enhance precision and control. Real-Time Strategy (RTS)/MOBA: Might require faster movements, so medium settings (800-1200 DPI) can be more suitable. MMOs/RPGs: Higher DPI settings (1000-1600 DPI) may be convenient for navigating large screens and macro execution.
  3. Monitor Resolution: Higher resolutions might require higher DPI settings to allow quick screen coverage, but this is balanced by needing accuracy.
  4. Personal Comfort and Playstyle: Experiment with different settings to find what feels most natural. Consider how much desk space you have to move the mouse. Some players prefer "arm aiming" with lower DPI, while others like "wrist aiming" with higher DPI.
  5. In-Game Sensitivity Settings: Adjust in-game sensitivity to complement your DPI setting. A lower DPI with higher in-game sensitivity, or vice-versa, can often achieve balance.
  6. Test and Adjust: Use practice ranges or aim trainers to test different settings. Gradually adjust DPI and in-game settings until you find a sweet spot.
  7. Professional Player Recommendations: Consider looking at the DPI settings used by professional players in your game. They often provide a good baseline.
  8. Hardware Features: Some mice come with adjustable DPI settings via buttons. Utilize these to quickly switch between settings for different scenarios. Ensure that your mouse has a good sensor to avoid issues like acceleration that impact precision.
  9. Take Breaks and Reassess: Your sensitivity preference might change over time, so periodically reassess your settings after breaks or across different gaming sessions.


By considering these factors, you can determine the best DPI setting that enhances your gameplay experience, providing both comfort and precision for your specific needs.


How does sensor type influence a gaming mouse's price?

The type of sensor in a gaming mouse significantly influences its price due to the impact it has on performance, precision, and overall gaming experience. Here's how different sensor types can affect the price:

  1. Optical Sensors: Generally more affordable than laser sensors. Provide accurate tracking, especially on opaque, non-reflective surfaces. Tend to have fewer issues with acceleration and are preferred for FPS (first-person shooter) games. Prices can vary within optical mice depending on the DPI (dots per inch) and technology used. Higher DPI and advanced features increase the cost.
  2. Laser Sensors: Typically more expensive than optical sensors. Can work on a wider range of surfaces, including glossy or reflective ones. Generally, offer higher DPI settings, which can be advantageous for certain gaming scenarios. Due to their broad compatibility and versatility, they often command a higher price.
  3. Hybrid Sensors: Combining features of both optical and laser sensors. Often include sophisticated tracking capabilities and increased precision. Offer high performance and are usually priced at the higher end of the spectrum.
  4. Advanced Optical & Proprietary Sensors: Some gaming mice feature highly specialized sensors developed in collaboration with sensor manufacturers, offering unique capabilities and superior performance. These sensors can significantly drive up the price due to their state-of-the-art technology.
  5. Additional Features Influencing Price: Higher-end sensors often come with additional features like customizable DPI settings, polling rates, and lift-off distances. Mice with advanced sensor technology might also incorporate other premium components such as ergonomic designs, customizable weights, and programmable buttons, all contributing to higher costs.


In summary, while the sensor type is a key determinant of a gaming mouse's price, it's important to consider how it fits into the overall feature set and performance profile of the mouse. Gamers typically choose based on their preferred game types and surface preferences, balancing between price and performance requirements.

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