Buying Guide
The Best RGB Gaming Mice
We weighed five gaming mice on button count and programmable buttons; the Scimitar Elite Wireless has the most button count, and the Basilisk V3 costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming MouseThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Scimitar RGB Elite the next step up.
Check price for Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Ambidextrous Shape
Corsair M75 Wired Gaming MouseAn ambidextrous shape.
Best for: Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape.
Check price for Corsair M75 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Buttons
Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB WirelessThe most button count here (16).
Best for: MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Check price for Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Wired MMO MouseA sliding side-button panel.
Best for: Buyers who want sliding side-button panel.
Check price for Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Wired MMO Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming MouseA large palm-grip shape.
Best for: Buyers who want large palm-grip shape.
Check price for Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse
Razer's wired Basilisk V3 has a thumb rest built into the shell and a HyperScroll tilt wheel.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Scimitar RGB Elite the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if button count of 11, behind the Scimitar Elite Wireless (16) rules it out for your setup.
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. On button count it sits mid-pack at 11: the Scimitar Elite Wireless offers 16, and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless comes in at 10.
Like the M75 Wired and Scimitar RGB Elite, it has a wired connection, while the Scimitar Elite Wireless uses a slipstream wireless connection. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Scimitar RGB Elite was the next step up.
Key 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
Cons
- Button count of 11, behind the Scimitar Elite Wireless (16)
The catch
The main gap: button count of 11, behind the Scimitar Elite Wireless (16). If that matters, the Scimitar Elite Wireless offers 16.
Ambidextrous Shape2 of 5
Corsair M75 Wired Gaming Mouse
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 skip it if that figure decides your choice.
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. Like the Basilisk V3 and Scimitar RGB Elite, it has a wired connection, while the Scimitar Elite Wireless uses a slipstream wireless connection. It also comes with RGB lighting.
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 Scimitar Elite Wireless, which offers 16.
Key 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
Most Buttons3 of 5
Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB Wireless
The Scimitar Elite Wireless is built around a 16-button MMO layout.
Best for
- MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Basilisk V3, which 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. On button count it leads this guide at 16, ahead of the Basilisk V3 (11). You get a slipstream wireless connection here, which sets it apart from the M75 Wired 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 Ironclaw RGB Wireless 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 Basilisk V3 at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Wired MMO Mouse
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. Like the Basilisk V3 and M75 Wired, it has a wired connection, while the Scimitar Elite Wireless uses a slipstream wireless connection. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Basilisk V3 and the pricier M75 Wired, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its button count; if that figure matters, the Scimitar Elite Wireless offers 16.
Key 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
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse
The Ironclaw RGB Wireless is the large palm-grip option, with 10 buttons and three connection modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want large palm-grip shape.
Skip if
- Skip it if button count matters most to you; the Scimitar Elite Wireless offers 16.
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 is the fewest in this group; the Scimitar Elite Wireless leads at 16. Keep the Ironclaw RGB Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. When we checked, only the M75 Wired and cheaper picks cost less, and the Scimitar Elite Wireless cost more.
Key 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
Cons
- Button count trails the Scimitar Elite Wireless (16)
- Costs more than the Basilisk V3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These RGB Gaming 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 set side by side five mice on button count, max DPI, connection and shape from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while button count and shape have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Basilisk V3 to the Ironclaw RGB Wireless, state max DPI and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite give no button count; the Scimitar Elite Wireless, the Scimitar RGB Elite and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless give no shape.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Basilisk V3 (under $50) to the Scimitar Elite Wireless ($100 to $150).
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 10 on the Ironclaw RGB Wireless to 16 on the Scimitar Elite Wireless, a 60% spread. The Basilisk V3 comes second at 11, in the under $50 tier against $100 to $150 for the Scimitar Elite Wireless. The M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite give no button count figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Setup checks
The Scimitar Elite Wireless's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. Keep the Ironclaw RGB Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
A hand holding a light-blue mouse on a red mousepad Extras that separate them
The Scimitar Elite Wireless: a 16-button MMO layout. The Scimitar RGB Elite: an 18,000 DPI optical sensor. The Ironclaw RGB Wireless: a large palm-grip shape.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Basilisk V3; $50 to $100 buys the Scimitar RGB Elite, the M75 Wired and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless; $100 to $150 buys the Scimitar Elite Wireless at our last check.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Start from what matters most
Spending as little as possible, with the Scimitar RGB Elite the next step up: the Basilisk V3. Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape: the M75 Wired. MMO hotbars on the thumb: the Scimitar Elite Wireless.
How to Choose an RGB Gaming Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the Scimitar RGB Elite the next step up | Basilisk V3 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape | M75 Wired | An ambidextrous shape |
| MMO hotbars on the thumb | Scimitar Elite Wireless | The most button count here (16) |
| Buyers who want sliding side-button panel | Scimitar RGB Elite | A sliding side-button panel |
| Buyers who want large palm-grip shape | Ironclaw RGB Wireless | A large palm-grip shape |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Scimitar Elite Wireless leads on button count at 16, ahead of the Basilisk V3 at 11. "Not listed" marks button count where the M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite leave the 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 Elite Wireless | 16 | 26,000 | Slipstream wireless | Not listed |
| Scimitar RGB Elite | Not listed | 18,000 | Wired | Not listed |
| Ironclaw RGB Wireless | 10 | 18,000 | Slipstream 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Basilisk V3 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 | Basilisk V3 |
| About $50 to $100 | Scimitar RGB Elite, M75 Wired, Ironclaw RGB Wireless |
| About $100 to $150 | Scimitar Elite Wireless |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Scimitar Elite Wireless ahead of the Basilisk V3 on button count?
The Scimitar Elite Wireless tops button count at 16; the Basilisk V3 follows at 11, 45% apart. The spread runs down to the Ironclaw RGB Wireless at 10. The M75 Wired and the Scimitar RGB Elite don't state a button count figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Scimitar Elite Wireless add over the Basilisk V3?
On paper it adds button count (16 against 11). On our last price check the Basilisk V3 was in the under $50 tier and the Scimitar Elite Wireless in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if button count decides your purchase.
Why is the Scimitar Elite Wireless our Most Buttons pick?
It earns the label for the most button count here (16). On button count it leads the Basilisk V3, 16 against 11, a 45% margin. The Basilisk V3, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Will the Scimitar Elite Wireless work with my setup?
The Scimitar Elite Wireless's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Most Buttons pick, and first of 3 on button count (16).
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 Elite Wireless: a 16-button MMO layout.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Basilisk V3, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. 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 if those matter more to you.
Turn lighting off on wireless mice to save battery.
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 Quiet 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 Mouse Bungees
- 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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