Buying Guide
The Best Palm Grip Gaming Mice by Price
From the M612 to the DeathAdder V3 Pro: five gaming mice ranked on weight and button count, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Palm grip mice have a raised back that supports your palm. Every pick has a right-handed ergonomic shape, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by weight, programmable buttons and max DPI, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips weight, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon M612 Wired RGB Gaming Mouse
The cheapest way into this group, below the DeathAdder Essential.
Best for: Getting remappable buttons through Redragon software for the least money.
Our take Check price for Redragon M612 Wired RGB Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse
Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Best for: Buyers who want mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Our take Check price for Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed Wireless
A Focus Pro 30K sensor.
Best for: Buyers who want Focus Pro 30K sensor.
Our take Check price for Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Most Buttons
Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed
The most button count here (9).
Best for: Macros and editing shortcuts.
Our take Check price for Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed (opens in a new tab)
Lightest Mouse
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Wireless
The lightest weight here (63g).
Best for: Fast flick aiming.
Our take Check price for Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Redragon M612 Wired RGB Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's M612 is a right-handed wired mouse with remappable buttons and RGB lighting.
Best for
- Getting remappable buttons through Redragon software for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It is among the cheapest mice here. All 11 buttons can be reassigned, including a rapid-fire key, and five DPI levels run up to 4,000. The frosted coating helps grip.
Its frosted coating resists sweat, and the streamlined shape suits a claw grip. Five RGB modes can be turned off. Like the DeathAdder Essential, it has a wired connection, while the Viper V3 HyperSpeed uses a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection.
It also comes with RGB backlighting. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the DeathAdder Essential was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the DeathAdder V3 Pro, which weighs 63g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 8,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Remappable buttons through Redragon software
- RGB backlighting
- Low price even among budget wired mice
Also Consider2 of 5
Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's DeathAdder Essential keeps the long right-handed DeathAdder shape in a five-button wired mouse.
Best for
- Buyers who want mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the M612 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its switches are rated for 10 million clicks and DPI buttons sit on top. Its 6,400 DPI sensor and mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks suit everyday gaming. Five buttons are programmable, and the ridged wheel gives controlled scrolling.
Like the M612, it has a wired connection, while the Viper V3 HyperSpeed uses a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection. It also comes with dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes and macro assignment through Razer Synapse. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper M612 and the pricier Viper V3 HyperSpeed, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the DeathAdder V3 Pro weighs 63g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 5
- Max DPI: 6,400
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks
- Dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes
- Macro assignment through Razer Synapse
Cons
- Costs more than the M612 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Viper V3 HyperSpeed runs on one AA battery for up to 280 hours with a Focus Pro 30K sensor.
Best for
- Buyers who want Focus Pro 30K sensor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the M612 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It weighs 82g and costs less than the Viper V3 Pro. At 82g with a centralized mass, it swipes evenly in fast aim. Its 280 hours battery life ranks second of 3 here, behind the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed (285 hours) and ahead of the DeathAdder V3 Pro (90 hours).
It shares a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection with the DeathAdder V3 Pro; the DeathAdder Essential goes with a wired connection. The Viper V3 HyperSpeed's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. It was priced above the DeathAdder Essential and below the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed at the time of writing. There is no published button count figure, whereas the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed offers 9.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 82g
- Max DPI: 30,000
- Battery life: 280 hours
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- Up to 280 hours per charge
- Focus Pro 30K sensor
- Runs on a single AA battery
- Lower price than the Viper V3 Pro
Cons
- Costs more than the M612 at the time of writing
Most Buttons4 of 5
Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed runs on one AA battery with up to 535 hours on Bluetooth.
Best for
- Macros and editing shortcuts.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the M612 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It keeps the thumb-rest shape. Chroma RGB reacts to hundreds of integrated games, and Synapse tunes performance. Its 285 hours battery life is the longest here; the Viper V3 HyperSpeed comes next at 280 hours.
Keep the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. It also brings most button count of the picks (9). Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the M612 at the time of writing.
It was priced above the Viper V3 HyperSpeed and below the DeathAdder V3 Pro at the time of writing. There is no published weight figure, whereas the DeathAdder V3 Pro weighs 63g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 9
- Max DPI: 18,000
- Battery life: 285 hours
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic with thumb rest
Pros
- Up to 285 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Up to 535 hours on Bluetooth
- Runs on a single AA battery
Cons
- Costs more than the M612 at the time of writing
Lightest Mouse5 of 5
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's DeathAdder V3 Pro is a 63g right-handed wireless mouse with a Focus Pro 30K sensor.
Best for
- Fast flick aiming.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed offers 285 hours.
Why we like it
It charges over USB-C. Turning off Windows pointer precision and tuning it in Synapse improves accuracy. Its 90 hours battery life is the shortest in this group; the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed leads at 285 hours.
It shares a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection with the Viper V3 HyperSpeed; the DeathAdder Essential goes with a wired connection. You also get the DeathAdder shape refined with esports players and USB-C charging. The DeathAdder V3 Pro's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed button count, look to the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed instead: it offers 9, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 63g
- Max DPI: 30,000
- Battery life: 90 hours
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- Light 63g body
- Focus Pro 30K sensor
- The DeathAdder shape refined with esports players
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Battery life trails the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed (285 hours)
- Costs more than the M612 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Palm Grip Gaming Mice by Price
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five mice on weight, button count, max DPI and battery life from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the M612 to the DeathAdder V3 Pro, state max DPI, connection and shape.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The M612, the DeathAdder Essential and the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed give no weight; the M612, the Viper V3 HyperSpeed and the DeathAdder V3 Pro give no button count.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the M612 (under $50) to the DeathAdder V3 Pro ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Palm Grip Gaming Mouse by Price
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life across these picks
Here battery life runs from 90 hours on the DeathAdder V3 Pro to 285 hours on the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed. For less, the Viper V3 HyperSpeed is the runner-up at 280 hours. No figure for the M612 and the DeathAdder Essential.
Weight
Here weight runs from 82g on the Viper V3 HyperSpeed to 63g on the DeathAdder V3 Pro. Start with the DeathAdder V3 Pro if weight decides it. No figure for the M612, the DeathAdder Essential and the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed.
Button count
Here button count runs from 5 on the DeathAdder Essential to 9 on the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed. The Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is the pick for button count. No figure for the M612, the Viper V3 HyperSpeed and the DeathAdder V3 Pro.
Fit and compatibility
The Viper V3 HyperSpeed's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. Keep the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
Features beyond the spec table
The DeathAdder Essential: dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes. The Viper V3 HyperSpeed: runs on a single AA battery. The DeathAdder V3 Pro: the DeathAdder shape refined with esports players.
How to Choose a Palm Grip Gaming Mouse by Price
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting remappable buttons through Redragon software for the least money | M612 | The cheapest way into this group, below the DeathAdder Essential |
| Buyers who want mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks | DeathAdder Essential | Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks |
| Buyers who want Focus Pro 30K sensor | Viper V3 HyperSpeed | A Focus Pro 30K sensor |
| Macros and editing shortcuts | Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed | The most button count here (9) |
| Fast flick aiming | DeathAdder V3 Pro | The lightest weight here (63g) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed leads on battery life at 285 hours, ahead of the Viper V3 HyperSpeed at 280 hours. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Mice | Weight | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Battery life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M612 | Not listed | Not listed | 8,000 | Not listed |
| DeathAdder Essential | Not listed | 5 | 6,400 | Not listed |
| Viper V3 HyperSpeed | 82g | Not listed | 30,000 | 280 hours |
| Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed | Not listed | 9 | 18,000 | 285 hours |
| DeathAdder V3 Pro | 63g | Not listed | 30,000 | 90 hours |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The M612 was the lowest-priced pick and the DeathAdder V3 Pro the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | M612, DeathAdder Essential |
| About $50 to $100 | Viper V3 HyperSpeed, Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed, DeathAdder V3 Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest battery life: the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed or the Viper V3 HyperSpeed?
The Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed leads at 285 hours, with the Viper V3 HyperSpeed at 280 hours. The DeathAdder V3 Pro is at the other end of this group with 90 hours. The M612 and the DeathAdder Essential don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
How does the Viper V3 HyperSpeed compare with the DeathAdder V3 Pro on weight?
The DeathAdder V3 Pro comes out best at 63g, with the Viper V3 HyperSpeed at 82g. The M612, the DeathAdder Essential and the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed ahead of the DeathAdder Essential on button count?
The Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed leads at 9, with the DeathAdder Essential at 5. The M612, the Viper V3 HyperSpeed and the DeathAdder V3 Pro don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What makes the Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed the Most Buttons?
It earns the label for the most button count here (9). It suits macros and editing shortcuts.
What should I check before buying the Viper V3 HyperSpeed?
The Viper V3 HyperSpeed's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the M612 and the DeathAdder Essential apart?
The M612: remappable buttons through Redragon software. The DeathAdder Essential: mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks. The Viper V3 HyperSpeed: a Focus Pro 30K sensor.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the M612, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the DeathAdder Essential. Look at the DeathAdder Essential for mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks and the Viper V3 HyperSpeed for a Focus Pro 30K sensor if those matter more to you.
Check the length; a mouse that is too short forces a claw grip.