Buying Guide
The Best RGB Gaming Mice
We weighed five gaming mice on button count and programmable buttons; the Basilisk V3 has the most button count, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
RGB mice match a lit desk, often with zones under the shell. Every pick has RGB lighting, ordered by DPI.
The order reflects programmable buttons, max DPI and connection from maker specifications; we did not test these gaming mice ourselves, and a missing programmable buttons is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Most Buttons
Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse
The most button count here (11).
Best for: MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Our take Check price for Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Ambidextrous Shape
Corsair M75 Wired Gaming Mouse
An ambidextrous shape.
Best for: Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape.
Our take Check price for Corsair M75 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Wired MMO Mouse
A sliding side-button panel.
Best for: Buyers who want sliding side-button panel.
Our take Check price for Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Wired MMO Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse
A large palm-grip shape at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB Wired
Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks.
Best for: Buyers who want Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks.
Our take Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB Wired (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Most Buttons1 of 5
Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's wired Basilisk V3 has a thumb rest built into the shell and a HyperScroll tilt wheel.
Best for
- MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It has 11 buttons. Its 11 programmable buttons and thumb rest suit games with many binds. The HyperScroll wheel free-spins through long pages or switches to tactile steps for weapon swaps.
Razer Chroma lighting has 11 zones for effects that follow the scroll wheel and sides. A sculpted thumb rest supports the hand, and 11 programmable buttons take macros such as push-to-talk. Nothing else here matches its 11 button count; the Ironclaw RGB Wireless comes closest at 10.
It also brings no battery to charge. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Pulsefire Surge was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 11
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic with thumb rest
Pros
- 11 programmable buttons
- No battery to charge
- Thumb rest built into the shell
- HyperScroll tilt wheel
Ambidextrous Shape2 of 5
Corsair M75 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Corsair's wired M75 is ambidextrous with swappable side buttons for either hand.
Best for
- Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape.
Skip if
- The maker gives no button count, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It weighs 74g with a 26K sensor. It weighs 74g, and optical switches rated for 100 million clicks remove debounce delay. Its MARKSMAN sensor tracks at 650 IPS with 50G acceleration.
At 74g it stays light, and the ambidextrous shell takes swappable side buttons for left- or right-hand use. It also comes with RGB lighting. It also brings no battery to charge.
Worth noting too: ambidextrous shape. Its price falls between the Scimitar RGB Elite and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed button count should compare it with the Basilisk V3, which offers 11.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 74g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Ambidextrous
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Ambidextrous shape
- Swappable side buttons for left or right hands
- 26K optical sensor
Cons
- No published button count
- Costs more than the Basilisk V3 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Wired MMO Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Scimitar RGB Elite lets you slide the side-button panel forward or back to fit your thumb, a feature none of the other picks list.
Best for
- Buyers who want sliding side-button panel.
Skip if
- Its button count is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Its 17 programmable buttons include a 12-button side panel for MMO hotbars, and Omron switches are rated for 50 million clicks. A right-side finger rest and braided cable add comfort and durability. Its PixArt PMW3391 sensor adjusts in single-DPI steps up to 18,000.
Seventeen buttons are programmable, and the key slider moves the 12-button side panel to fit your grip. It also brings no battery to charge. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Pulsefire Surge and the pricier M75 Wired, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its button count; if that figure matters, the Basilisk V3 offers 11.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 18,000
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Sliding side-button panel
- 18,000 DPI optical sensor
Cons
- No published button count
- Costs more than the Basilisk V3 at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ironclaw RGB Wireless is the large palm-grip option, with 10 buttons and three connection modes.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Basilisk V3 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its PixArt PMW3391 sensor adjusts in single-DPI steps up to 18,000, and Omron switches are rated for over 50 million clicks. Ten buttons can be programmed with macros. It connects over sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM wireless, Bluetooth or USB.
Its 10 button count ranks second of 3 here, behind the Basilisk V3 (11) and ahead of the Pulsefire Surge (6). Keep the Ironclaw RGB Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Basilisk V3 at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the M75 Wired the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 10
- Max DPI: 18,000
- Connection: Slipstream 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- 10 programmable buttons
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Large palm-grip shape
- A large palm-grip shape at the highest price in the group
Cons
- Costs more than the Basilisk V3 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's Pulsefire Surge is a six-button wired mouse with a 360-degree RGB ring and Omron switches.
Best for
- Buyers who want Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks.
Skip if
- Skip it if button count matters most to you; the Basilisk V3 offers 11.
Why we like it
Settings save to onboard memory. A 360-degree RGB light ring surrounds the shell, and Omron switches are rated for 50 million clicks. Large mouse skates help it glide smoothly on cloth pads.
Its HyperX NGenuity software customises lighting and DPI, and onboard memory saves settings. Onboard memory stores settings, and the PixArt 3389 sensor reaches 16,000 DPI. Onboard memory stores your settings, so they follow the mouse to another PC without software.
On button count it trails the group at 6, while the Basilisk V3 offers 11. Its price falls between the Basilisk V3 and the Scimitar RGB Elite, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Max DPI: 16,000
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks
- 360-degree RGB ring
- Onboard memory for settings
Cons
- Button count trails the Basilisk V3 (11)
- Costs more than the Basilisk V3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These RGB Gaming Mice
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five mice on button count, max DPI, connection and shape from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Basilisk V3 to the Pulsefire Surge, state max DPI and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite give no button count; the Scimitar RGB Elite, the Ironclaw RGB Wireless and the Pulsefire Surge give no shape.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Basilisk V3 (under $50) to the Ironclaw RGB Wireless ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in an RGB Gaming Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much button count you need
Here button count runs from 6 on the Pulsefire Surge to 11 on the Basilisk V3. Start with the Basilisk V3 if button count decides it. No figure for the M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite.
Extras that separate them
The Scimitar RGB Elite: an 18,000 DPI optical sensor. The Ironclaw RGB Wireless: a large palm-grip shape. The Pulsefire Surge: a 360-degree RGB ring.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Basilisk V3 and the Pulsefire Surge; $50 to $100 buys the Scimitar RGB Elite, the M75 Wired and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless at our last check.
Start from what matters most
MMO hotbars on the thumb: the Basilisk V3. Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape: the M75 Wired. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor: the Ironclaw RGB Wireless.
Weight changes how aim feels
Mice around 60g are easy to flick and lift. Heavier mice feel steadier for tracking. A difference of 10g is noticeable over a long session.
How to Choose an RGB Gaming Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| MMO hotbars on the thumb | Basilisk V3 | The most button count here (11) |
| Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape | M75 Wired | An ambidextrous shape |
| Buyers who want sliding side-button panel | Scimitar RGB Elite | A sliding side-button panel |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Ironclaw RGB Wireless | A large palm-grip shape at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks | Pulsefire Surge | Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Basilisk V3 leads on button count at 11, ahead of the Ironclaw RGB Wireless at 10. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Mice | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Connection | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basilisk V3 | 11 | 26,000 | Wired | Right-handed ergonomic with thumb rest |
| M75 Wired | Not listed | 26,000 | Wired | Ambidextrous |
| Scimitar RGB Elite | Not listed | 18,000 | Wired | Not listed |
| Ironclaw RGB Wireless | 10 | 18,000 | Slipstream 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| Pulsefire Surge | 6 | 16,000 | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Basilisk V3 was the lowest-priced pick and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Basilisk V3, Pulsefire Surge |
| About $50 to $100 | Scimitar RGB Elite, M75 Wired, Ironclaw RGB Wireless |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Basilisk V3 ahead of the Ironclaw RGB Wireless on button count?
The Basilisk V3 leads at 11, with the Ironclaw RGB Wireless at 10. The Pulsefire Surge is at the other end of this group with 6. The M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the Ironclaw RGB Wireless add over the Basilisk V3?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Basilisk V3 still leads on button count (11). The Basilisk V3 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the M75 Wired our Ambidextrous Shape pick?
It earns the label for an ambidextrous shape. It suits anyone who wants an ambidextrous shape.
Will the Ironclaw RGB Wireless work with my setup?
Keep the Ironclaw RGB Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
What extras do the Basilisk V3 and the M75 Wired include?
The Basilisk V3: a thumb rest built into the shell. The M75 Wired: swappable side buttons for left or right hands. The Scimitar RGB Elite: a sliding side-button panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Basilisk V3. Look at the M75 Wired for an ambidextrous shape, the Scimitar RGB Elite for a sliding side-button panel and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless for a large palm-grip shape at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Turn lighting off on wireless mice to save battery.