Buying Guide
The Best Programmable Mice
Five gaming mice ranked on button count and battery life, where the Naga V2 HyperSpeed has the longest battery life; the Redragon wired MMO is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
More buttons mean more macros under your fingers. Every pick has eight or more buttons, ordered by button count.
We ranked these gaming mice on programmable buttons, max DPI and battery life using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out battery life, we say 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 Redragon wireless MMO on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Redragon wireless MMO.
Check price for Redragon Wired MMO Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed Wireless MMO Gaming MouseThe longest battery life here (250 hours).
Best for: Buyers who put battery life first.
Check price for Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse16 macro-programmable buttons.
Best for: Buyers who want 16 macro-programmable buttons.
Check price for Redragon Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB WirelessThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 16-button MMO layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a 16-button MMO layout and can spend more than the Darkstar costs.
Check price for Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Corsair Darkstar Wireless MMO MouseA six-button thumb cluster.
Best for: Buyers who want six-button thumb cluster.
Check price for Corsair Darkstar Wireless MMO Mouse 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 Redragon wireless MMO.
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).
A wired connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Scimitar Elite Wireless uses a slipstream wireless connection. It also offers no battery to charge. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Redragon wireless MMO was closest.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 19
- Max DPI
- 12,400
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- 19 programmable buttons
- No battery to charge
- 12400 DPI sensor
- Undercutting the Redragon wireless MMO on price when we checked
The catch
If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the Naga V2 HyperSpeed instead: it runs for 250 hours, while this one gives no figure.
Longest Battery Life2 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 put battery life first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Redragon wired MMO cost less when we checked.
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). On battery life it leads this guide at 250 hours, ahead of the Scimitar Elite Wireless (150 hours). 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. When we checked, only the Redragon wireless MMO and cheaper picks cost less, and the Darkstar cost more.
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
The catch
If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the Scimitar Elite Wireless instead: it offers 2,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Also Consider3 of 5
Redragon Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse
Redragon's wireless MMO mouse has 16 programmable buttons and offers up to 70 hours per charge.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16 macro-programmable buttons.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when shorter 70-hour battery is a problem.
Why we like it
The shape is right-handed. DPI adjusts from 100 to 16,000 and polling from 125Hz to 1,000Hz, and its 12 side buttons take macros. Four lighting modes can be switched on the fly.
Sixteen buttons can be remapped with macros, and five memory profiles store setups. A 1000mAh battery lasts over 70 hours with RGB off, and DPI adjusts from 100 to 16,000. It matches the Scimitar Elite Wireless on button count (16).
Its 70 hours battery life is the shortest in this group; the Naga V2 HyperSpeed leads at 250 hours. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. When we checked, only the Redragon wired MMO cost less, and the Naga V2 HyperSpeed cost more.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 16
- Max DPI
- 16,000
- Battery life
- 70 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, wired
Pros
- 16 programmable buttons
- Up to 70 hours per charge
- Ergonomic right-handed shape
Cons
- Shorter 70-hour battery
- Battery life trails the Naga V2 HyperSpeed (250 hours)
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
The catch
Battery life is its weakest area, and the Naga V2 HyperSpeed covers it better at 250 hours.
Premium Pick4 of 5
Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB Wireless
The Scimitar Elite Wireless is built around a 16-button MMO layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 16-button MMO layout and can spend more than the Darkstar costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Redragon wired MMO cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16 button count and offers a 26,000 max DPI. It matches the Redragon wireless MMO on button count (16). Its 150 hours battery life ranks second of 4 here, behind the Naga V2 HyperSpeed (250 hours) and ahead of the Redragon wireless MMO (70 hours).
You get a slipstream wireless connection here, which sets it apart from the Redragon wired MMO and its a wired connection. The Scimitar Elite Wireless'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. Only the Darkstar came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 16
- Max DPI
- 26,000
- Battery life
- 150 hours
- Polling rate
- 2,000Hz
- Connection
- Slipstream wireless
Pros
- 16 programmable buttons
- Up to 150 hours per charge
- 16-button MMO layout
- Slipstream wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Corsair Darkstar Wireless MMO Mouse
The Darkstar is Corsair's wireless MMO mouse, with a six-button thumb cluster, 2,000Hz polling and Bluetooth.
Best for
- Buyers who want six-button thumb cluster.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: shorter 80-hour battery.
Why we like it
Its 80-hour battery is the shortest here. Its 15 programmable buttons include scroll-wheel tilt, and the MARKSMAN sensor reaches 26,000 DPI. iCUE saves up to five onboard profiles. Its 15 button count is the fewest in this group; the Redragon wired MMO leads at 19.
Its 80 hours battery life ranks third of 4 here, behind the Naga V2 HyperSpeed (250 hours) and ahead of the Redragon wireless MMO (70 hours). Keep the Darkstar on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. Side-button mapping is done in the maker's software, which runs on Windows. It was priced above the Naga V2 HyperSpeed and below the Scimitar Elite Wireless at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Programmable buttons
- 15
- Max DPI
- 26,000
- Battery life
- 80 hours
- Polling rate
- 2,000Hz
- Connection
- Slipstream 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- 15 programmable buttons
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Six-button thumb cluster
- Battery life of 80 hours, ahead of the Redragon wireless MMO
Cons
- Shorter 80-hour battery
- Button count trails the Redragon wired MMO (19)
- Costs more than the Redragon wired MMO at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on button count, where the Redragon wired MMO offers 19.
How We Chose These Programmable Mice
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five mice on button count, max DPI, battery life and polling rate, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and battery life 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 Darkstar, state button count, max DPI and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Redragon wired MMO gives no battery life; the Redragon wired MMO, the Naga V2 HyperSpeed and the Redragon wireless MMO give no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Redragon wired MMO (under $50) to the Scimitar Elite Wireless ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Programmable Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much button count you need
The Redragon wired MMO tops button count at 19 and the Darkstar sits lowest at 15; 2 picks share the top figure. The Redragon wired MMO is the pick for button count.
Battery life
Here battery life runs from 70 hours on the Redragon wireless MMO to 250 hours on the Naga V2 HyperSpeed, a 257% spread. Start with the Naga V2 HyperSpeed if battery life decides it. The Redragon wired MMO gives no battery life figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad Setup checks
Keep the Naga V2 HyperSpeed on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. The Scimitar Elite Wireless's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse.
Extras that separate them
The Redragon wireless MMO: up to 70 hours per charge. The Scimitar Elite Wireless: a 16-button MMO layout. The Darkstar: a six-button thumb cluster.
A hand holding a light-blue mouse on a red mousepad How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Redragon wired MMO and the Redragon wireless MMO; $50 to $100 buys the Naga V2 HyperSpeed and the Darkstar; $100 to $150 buys the Scimitar Elite Wireless at our last check.
How to Choose a Programmable Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Redragon wireless MMO | Redragon wired MMO | Undercutting the Redragon wireless MMO on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put battery life first | Naga V2 HyperSpeed | The longest battery life here (250 hours) |
| Buyers who want 16 macro-programmable buttons | Redragon wireless MMO | 16 macro-programmable buttons |
| Buyers who want a 16-button MMO layout and can spend more than the Darkstar costs | Scimitar Elite Wireless | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 16-button MMO layout |
| Buyers who want six-button thumb cluster | Darkstar | A six-button thumb cluster |
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 battery life where the Redragon wired MMO leaves the figure out.
| Mice | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Battery life | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redragon wired MMO | 19 | 12,400 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Naga V2 HyperSpeed | 19 | 30,000 | 250 hours | Not listed |
| Redragon wireless MMO | 16 | 16,000 | 70 hours | Not listed |
| Scimitar Elite Wireless | 16 | 26,000 | 150 hours | 2,000Hz |
| Darkstar | 15 | 26,000 | 80 hours | 2,000Hz |
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 Wireless the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Redragon wired MMO, Redragon wireless MMO |
| About $50 to $100 | Naga V2 HyperSpeed, Darkstar |
| About $100 to $150 | Scimitar Elite Wireless |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Scimitar Elite Wireless compare with the Naga V2 HyperSpeed on battery life?
Between the top two, it is 250 hours on the Naga V2 HyperSpeed against 150 hours on the Scimitar Elite Wireless, a 67% difference. The spread runs down to the Redragon wireless MMO at 70 hours. The Redragon wired MMO doesn't state a battery life figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Scimitar Elite Wireless add over the Redragon wired MMO?
The Scimitar Elite Wireless 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 Wireless in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them.
Why is the Naga V2 HyperSpeed our Longest Battery Life pick?
It earns the label for the longest battery life here (250 hours). On battery life it leads the Scimitar Elite Wireless, 250 hours against 150 hours, a 67% margin. The Redragon wired MMO, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts battery life first.
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, as our Longest Battery Life pick, 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 Redragon wireless MMO: 16 macro-programmable buttons.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Redragon wired MMO, chosen for undercutting the Redragon wireless MMO on price when we checked. Look at the Naga V2 HyperSpeed for the longest battery life here (250 hours), the Redragon wireless MMO for 16 macro-programmable buttons and the Scimitar Elite Wireless for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 16-button MMO layout if those matter more to you.
Store profiles on the mouse to use them without software.
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 Mice Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best RGB 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 Quiet 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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