Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Mice for Mac
Five gaming mice compared, from the Orochi V2 to the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Many Macs have few free USB ports for a 2.4GHz dongle, so Bluetooth is the easy route. Every pick supports Bluetooth, ordered by listed battery life.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: weight, max DPI and battery life come from each maker's published specs; a missing weight is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lightest Mouse
ASUS ROG Strix Impact III Wireless
The lightest weight here (57g).
Best for: Fast flick aiming.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Impact III Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Razer Orochi V2 Wireless
The lowest price among these gaming mice at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Razer Orochi V2 Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K Wireless
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 13 programmable controls.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Corsair Sabre v2 PRO Wireless Mouse
The Sabre v2 PRO is built around polling rate: 8,000Hz, a 33,000 DPI sensor and dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 120 hours per charge.
Our take Check price for Corsair Sabre v2 PRO Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Corsair Katar Elite Wireless Gaming Mouse
Up to 60 hours over Bluetooth.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 60 hours over Bluetooth.
Our take Check price for Corsair Katar Elite Wireless Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lightest Mouse1 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Impact III Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's ROG Strix Impact III Wireless is a 57g ambidextrous mouse with replaceable switches.
Best for
- Fast flick aiming.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Orochi V2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has 618 hours of battery life. It weighs 57g without the battery, and the ROG Omni Receiver connects several devices through one dongle. Its 618 hours battery life is the longest here; the Orochi V2 comes next at 425 hours.
It also comes with a 36K ROG AimPoint sensor. Keep the Strix Impact III Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. It was priced above the Katar Elite Wireless and below the Sabre v2 PRO at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 57g
- Max DPI: 36,000
- Battery life: 618 hours
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Shape: Ambidextrous
Pros
- Light 57g body
- Up to 618 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Ambidextrous shape
Cons
- Costs more than the Orochi V2 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
Razer Orochi V2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Orochi V2 is a compact mobile mouse that takes one AA or AAA battery.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: battery life of 425 hours, behind the Strix Impact III Wireless (618 hours).
Why we like it
It has up to 950 hours on Bluetooth. It runs up to 950 hours on one battery, weighs under 60g without it, and its mechanical switches are rated for 60 million clicks. It lists up to 950 hours of battery over Bluetooth, 425 hours over HyperSpeed, and a weight under 60g without the battery.
On battery life it sits mid-pack at 425 hours: the Strix Impact III Wireless runs for 618 hours, and the Katar Elite Wireless comes in at 110 hours. Keep the Orochi V2 on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Katar Elite Wireless was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the Strix Impact III Wireless, which weighs 57g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 18,000
- Battery life: 425 hours
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- Up to 425 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Up to 950 hours on Bluetooth
- Hybrid slot for one AA or AAA battery
Cons
- Battery life of 425 hours, behind the Strix Impact III Wireless (618 hours)
Premium Pick3 of 5
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Basilisk V3 Pro 35K is a 13-control thumb-rest mouse with 8000Hz wireless polling.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Orochi V2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over HyperSpeed, Bluetooth or a cable. Its 13 controls include a multi-function trigger, and 13-zone Chroma lighting includes an underglow. The HyperScroll wheel switches modes automatically.
On battery life it sits mid-pack at 140 hours: the Strix Impact III Wireless runs for 618 hours, and the Katar Elite Wireless comes in at 110 hours. Keep the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom.
Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Sabre v2 PRO and the rest. The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the Strix Impact III Wireless weighs 57g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 13
- Max DPI: 35,000
- Battery life: 140 hours
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic with thumb rest
Pros
- 13 programmable buttons
- Up to 140 hours per charge
- 8,000Hz polling
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
Cons
- Costs more than the Orochi V2 at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 5
Corsair Sabre v2 PRO Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Sabre v2 PRO is built around polling rate: 8,000Hz, a 33,000 DPI sensor and dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 120 hours per charge.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Orochi V2, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its magnesium alloy shell keeps weight down, and 8,000Hz polling works both wired and over SLIPSTREAM wireless. The sensor tracks at up to 750 IPS with 50G acceleration, well beyond most players' swipes. Its 120 hours battery life ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Strix Impact III Wireless (618 hours) and ahead of the Katar Elite Wireless (110 hours).
Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. It was priced above the Strix Impact III Wireless and below the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K at the time of writing. There is no published weight figure, whereas the Strix Impact III Wireless weighs 57g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 33,000
- Battery life: 120 hours
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Connection: Slipstream 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Up to 120 hours per charge
- 8,000Hz polling
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
Cons
- Costs more than the Orochi V2 at the time of writing
Also Consider5 of 5
Corsair Katar Elite Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Katar Elite Wireless is small and light at 69g, and it covers dongle, Bluetooth and wired use with a 110 hours on 2.4GHz.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 60 hours over Bluetooth.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Strix Impact III Wireless offers 618 hours.
Why we like it
It weighs 69g and connects over sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM wireless or Bluetooth, with up to 110 hours per charge. The small shape suits claw and fingertip grips. Its small, light shell makes quick flicks easy over long sessions.
Battery life is 110 hours over Bluetooth and 60 hours over SLIPSTREAM wireless, and a USB wired mode is also available. On battery life it trails the group at 110 hours, while the Strix Impact III Wireless runs for 618 hours. Its price falls between the Orochi V2 and the Strix Impact III Wireless, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 69g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Battery life: 110 hours
- Connection: Slipstream 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Up to 110 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Up to 60 hours over Bluetooth
Cons
- Battery life trails the Strix Impact III Wireless (618 hours)
- Costs more than the Orochi V2 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Mice for Mac
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five mice on weight, max DPI, battery life and polling rate as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Strix Impact III Wireless to the Katar Elite Wireless, state max DPI, battery life and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Orochi V2, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K and the Sabre v2 PRO give no weight; the Strix Impact III Wireless, the Orochi V2 and the Katar Elite Wireless give no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Orochi V2 (under $50) to the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse for Mac
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much battery life you need
Here battery life runs from 110 hours on the Katar Elite Wireless to 618 hours on the Strix Impact III Wireless. For less, the Orochi V2 is the runner-up at 425 hours.
Weight across these picks
Here weight runs from 69g on the Katar Elite Wireless to 57g on the Strix Impact III Wireless. Start with the Strix Impact III Wireless if weight decides it. No figure for the Orochi V2, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K and the Sabre v2 PRO.
Setup checks
Keep the Strix Impact III Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
Features beyond the spec table
The Orochi V2: a hybrid slot for one AA or AAA battery. The Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: a HyperScroll tilt wheel. The Katar Elite Wireless: up to 60 hours over Bluetooth.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Orochi V2 and the Katar Elite Wireless; $50 to $100 buys the Strix Impact III Wireless and the Sabre v2 PRO; $100 to $150 buys the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K at our last check.
How to Choose a Gaming Mouse for Mac
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast flick aiming | Strix Impact III Wireless | The lightest weight here (57g) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Orochi V2 | The lowest price among these gaming mice at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Basilisk V3 Pro 35K | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 13 programmable controls |
| Buyers who want up to 60 hours over Bluetooth | Katar Elite Wireless | Up to 60 hours over Bluetooth |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Strix Impact III Wireless leads on battery life at 618 hours, ahead of the Orochi V2 at 425 hours. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Mice | Weight | Max DPI | Battery life | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix Impact III Wireless | 57g | 36,000 | 618 hours | Not listed |
| Orochi V2 | Not listed | 18,000 | 425 hours | Not listed |
| Basilisk V3 Pro 35K | Not listed | 35,000 | 140 hours | 8,000Hz |
| Sabre v2 PRO | Not listed | 33,000 | 120 hours | 8,000Hz |
| Katar Elite Wireless | 69g | 26,000 | 110 hours | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Orochi V2 was the lowest-priced pick and the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Orochi V2, Katar Elite Wireless |
| About $50 to $100 | Strix Impact III Wireless, Sabre v2 PRO |
| About $100 to $150 | Basilisk V3 Pro 35K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Strix Impact III Wireless ahead of the Orochi V2 on battery life?
The Strix Impact III Wireless leads at 618 hours, with the Orochi V2 at 425 hours. The Katar Elite Wireless is at the other end of this group with 110 hours.
Which has the lightest weight: the Strix Impact III Wireless or the Katar Elite Wireless?
The Strix Impact III Wireless comes out best at 57g, with the Katar Elite Wireless at 69g. The Orochi V2, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K and the Sabre v2 PRO don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K worth paying more than the Orochi V2?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Orochi V2 still leads on battery life (425 hours). The Orochi V2 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the Strix Impact III Wireless the Lightest Mouse?
It earns the label for the lightest weight here (57g). It suits fast flick aiming.
What should I check before buying the Katar Elite Wireless?
Keep the Katar Elite Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Strix Impact III Wireless and the Orochi V2 apart?
The Strix Impact III Wireless: a 36K ROG AimPoint sensor. The Orochi V2: up to 950 hours on Bluetooth. The Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: 13 programmable controls.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Strix Impact III Wireless. Look at the Orochi V2 for the lowest price among these gaming mice at the time of writing, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 13 programmable controls and the Katar Elite Wireless for up to 60 hours over Bluetooth if those matter more to you.
Check whether the maker's software runs on macOS before relying on custom buttons.