Buying Guide
The Best Mice with Side Buttons
Five gaming mice ranked on button count and polling rate; the Redragon wired MMO is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Side buttons put reload, push-to-talk or browser back within thumb reach. Every pick has six or more buttons, ordered by button count.
Rankings weigh programmable buttons, max DPI and polling rate as the makers state them; if a maker skips max DPI, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon Wired MMO Gaming MouseUndercutting the M913 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the M913.
Check price for Redragon Wired MMO Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed Wireless MMO Gaming MouseUp to 400 hours on Bluetooth.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 400 hours on Bluetooth.
Check price for Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Redragon M908 Impact RGB MMO MouseA 12-button side panel at a budget price.
Best for: Buyers who want 12-button side panel at a budget price.
Check price for Redragon M908 Impact RGB MMO Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Redragon M913 Impact Elite Wireless MMO Mouse12 side buttons.
Best for: Buyers who want 12 side buttons.
Check price for Redragon M913 Impact Elite Wireless MMO Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SEThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Stream Deck integration.
Best for: Buyers who want Stream Deck integration and can spend more than the Naga V2 HyperSpeed costs.
Check price for Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Redragon Wired MMO Gaming Mouse
Redragon's wired MMO mouse has 19 programmable buttons and a 12400 DPI sensor.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the M913.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It never needs charging. Its 19 buttons can be remapped with macros and saved to five memory profiles. DPI adjusts from 100 to 12,400 and polling from 125Hz to 1,000Hz, and weights let you tune the balance.
Up to eight removable 2.4g weights tune the balance, and the sensor lists 40G acceleration. RGB offers four lighting modes, and twelve of the 19 buttons sit on the side. It matches the Naga V2 HyperSpeed on button count (19).
It shares a wired connection with the M908; the Scimitar Elite SE goes with a wireless connection. It also offers no battery to charge. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the M913 the next step up.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 19
- Max DPI
- 12,400
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- 19 programmable buttons
- No battery to charge
- 12400 DPI sensor
- Undercutting the M913 on price when we checked
The catch
There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the M908 offers 1,000Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse
The Naga V2 HyperSpeed has the most buttons and the longest battery here, with dongle and Bluetooth modes, which makes it the easiest recommendation.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 400 hours on Bluetooth.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Redragon wired MMO was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 19 programmable buttons suit MMO hotbars, and it connects over HyperSpeed 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. The side plate layout keeps abilities under your thumb. Razer Synapse tunes the sensor, and turning off Windows pointer precision improves accuracy.
It matches the Redragon wired MMO on button count (19). It also comes with a HyperScroll wheel with free-spin and tactile modes and Gen-2 mechanical switches rated for up to 60 million clicks. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows.
It was priced above the M908 and below the Scimitar Elite SE at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the M908 offers 1,000Hz.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 19
- Max DPI
- 30,000
- Battery life
- 250 hours
- Connection
- HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- 19 programmable buttons
- Up to 250 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Up to 400 hours on Bluetooth
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Redragon M908 Impact RGB MMO Mouse
The M908 is the budget way into MMO mice: 18 buttons and a wired connection for around $30.
Best for
- Buyers who want 12-button side panel at a budget price.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Redragon wired MMO cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 18 programmable buttons and five memory profiles suit MMO key binds, and DPI reaches 12,400. RGB lighting can be switched off. Its 12 side buttons sit alongside six standard buttons, and Teflon feet glide smoothly.
The aggressive shape suits a palm grip. On button count it sits mid-pack at 18: the Redragon wired MMO offers 19, and the Scimitar Elite SE comes in at 16. Like the Redragon wired MMO, it has a wired connection, while the Scimitar Elite SE uses a wireless connection.
It also comes with a 12-button side panel at a budget price. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. Its price falls between the M913 and the Naga V2 HyperSpeed, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 18
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- 18 programmable buttons
- No battery to charge
- 12-button side panel at a budget price
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Redragon M913 Impact Elite Wireless MMO Mouse
Redragon's M913 is a 16-button wireless MMO mouse with 12 side buttons and a rechargeable battery.
Best for
- Buyers who want 12 side buttons.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Redragon wired MMO cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a low-cost wireless MMO option. It switches between 2.4GHz wireless and a USB-C cable, and its 12 side buttons suit MMO hotbars. The PixArt 3335 sensor handles the tracking.
Five onboard DPI steps run from 1,000 to 16,000, and all 16 buttons can be remapped. A low-power chip stretches battery life. A PixArt 3335 sensor handles tracking, and an eco mode stretches battery life.
Eco mode raises battery life from 45 hours with the backlight on to 80 hours, and the PixArt 3335 sensor registers clicks within 1ms. On button count it ties with the Scimitar Elite SE at 16. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Redragon wired MMO and the pricier M908, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 16
- Max DPI
- 16,000
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, wired
Pros
- 16 programmable buttons
- 12 side buttons
- Rechargeable battery
- Budget price for a wireless MMO mouse
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the M908 offers 1,000Hz.
Premium Pick5 of 5
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE
The Scimitar Elite SE stands out for Stream Deck integration, and it adds a 16-button MMO layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want Stream Deck integration and can spend more than the Naga V2 HyperSpeed costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if button count matters most to you; the Redragon wired MMO offers 19.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16 button count and offers a 1,000Hz polling rate. It is the only pick here with a wireless connection; the Redragon wired MMO has a wired connection instead. The Scimitar Elite SE's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse.
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 Naga V2 HyperSpeed and the rest. The trade-off is button count; for more, the Redragon wired MMO offers 19.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 16
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
- Connection
- Wireless
Pros
- 16 programmable buttons
- Stream Deck integration
- 16-button MMO layout
- Wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- Button count trails the Redragon wired MMO (19)
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
How We Chose These Mice with Side Buttons
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five mice on button count, max DPI, polling rate and connection, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and max DPI and polling rate are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Redragon wired MMO to the Scimitar Elite SE, state button count and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The M908 and the Scimitar Elite SE give no max DPI; the Redragon wired MMO, the Naga V2 HyperSpeed and the M913 give no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Redragon wired MMO (under $50) to the Scimitar Elite SE ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Mouse with Side Buttons
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Button count across these picks
The Redragon wired MMO tops button count at 19 and the Scimitar Elite SE sits lowest at 16; 2 picks share the top figure. If button count is your first filter, the Redragon wired MMO sets the ceiling at 19.
Fit and compatibility
Keep the Naga V2 HyperSpeed on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. The Scimitar Elite SE's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Extras that separate them
The M908: a 12-button side panel at a budget price. The M913: a rechargeable battery. The Scimitar Elite SE: a 16-button MMO layout.
Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the Redragon wired MMO, the M913 and the M908; $50 to $100 buys the Naga V2 HyperSpeed and the Scimitar Elite SE at our last check.
A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad Start from what matters most
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the M913: the Redragon wired MMO. Buyers who want Stream Deck integration and can spend more than the Naga V2 HyperSpeed costs: the Scimitar Elite SE.
How to Choose a Mouse with Side Buttons
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the M913 | Redragon wired MMO | Undercutting the M913 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want up to 400 hours on Bluetooth | Naga V2 HyperSpeed | Up to 400 hours on Bluetooth |
| Buyers who want 12-button side panel at a budget price | M908 | A 12-button side panel at a budget price |
| Buyers who want 12 side buttons | M913 | 12 side buttons |
| Buyers who want Stream Deck integration and can spend more than the Naga V2 HyperSpeed costs | Scimitar Elite SE | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Stream Deck integration |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Redragon wired MMO leads on button count at 19, ahead of the Naga V2 HyperSpeed at 19. "Not listed" marks max DPI where the M908 and the Scimitar Elite SE leave the figure out.
| Mice | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Polling rate | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redragon wired MMO | 19 | 12,400 | Not listed | Wired |
| Naga V2 HyperSpeed | 19 | 30,000 | Not listed | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| M908 | 18 | Not listed | 1,000Hz | Wired |
| M913 | 16 | 16,000 | Not listed | 2.4GHz, wired |
| Scimitar Elite SE | 16 | Not listed | 1,000Hz | Wireless |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Redragon wired MMO was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Scimitar Elite SE the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Redragon wired MMO, M913, M908 |
| About $50 to $100 | Naga V2 HyperSpeed, Scimitar Elite SE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Scimitar Elite SE add over the Redragon wired MMO?
The Scimitar Elite SE matches or trails the Redragon wired MMO on button count, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The Redragon wired MMO leads on button count (19). On our last price check the Redragon wired MMO was in the under $50 tier and the Scimitar Elite SE in the $50 to $100 tier, with 3 other picks between them.
Why is the Scimitar Elite SE our Premium Pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Stream Deck integration. The price of that: the Redragon wired MMO, the cheapest pick, still beats it on button count (19 against 16). It is aimed at anyone who wants Stream Deck integration and can spend more than the Naga V2 HyperSpeed costs.
Will the Naga V2 HyperSpeed work with my setup?
Keep the Naga V2 HyperSpeed on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and second of 5 on button count (19).
What extras do the Redragon wired MMO and the Naga V2 HyperSpeed include?
The Redragon wired MMO: 19 macro-programmable buttons. The Naga V2 HyperSpeed: up to 400 hours on Bluetooth. The M908: a 12-button side panel at a budget price.
Who should choose the Redragon wired MMO?
The Redragon wired MMO carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the M913 on price when we checked. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the M913.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Redragon wired MMO, chosen for undercutting the M913 on price when we checked. Look at the Naga V2 HyperSpeed for up to 400 hours on Bluetooth, the M908 for a 12-button side panel at a budget price and the M913 for 12 side buttons if those matter more to you.
Remap side buttons in the maker's software; most default to back and forward.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Mice Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Mice for Every Grip and Budget
- Related guideThe Best FPS Gaming Mice
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Mice Under $20
- Similar guideThe Best MMO Gaming Mice
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Gaming Mouse
- ExplainerMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Also see: mouse pads and desk matsHow to Choose a Mouse Pad for Gaming and Work
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Mice
- Topic hubAll mice guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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