Staff’s Choice
Introduction
These days, wireless mice are the norm in the professional gaming scene. However, top tier wireless mice tend to be very expensive. On top of that, they need to be charged regularly, especially if you’re playing on higher polling rates. As such, there are plenty of reasons to go for a wired mouse over a wireless one, even in this day and age. Luckily, some brands are still putting out wired mice with top tier specs. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best options to help you find your own personal best wired gaming mouse.
You can check out our database of over 250 analyzed gaming mice in our gaming mouse spec list.
Endgame Gear OP1 8K
Endgame Gear is a brand with a very good reputation. Their XM line of mice is known for excellent build quality and great specs, and the OP1 line carries on that tradition.
As the same suggests, the OP1 8K is 8000Hz compatible thanks to its 3395 sensor. In addition to that, it weighs just 50 grams and houses exclusive (mechanical) Kailh GX switches which are hotswappable. The same goes for the skates: in the package, you get smaller skates as well as a pair of large skates.
Due to the fact that the OP1 8K uses a wire instead of a wireless connection, there’s no need for any power-saving measures in regards to the sensor. The 3395 can run at full force, giving you excellent gaming performances with no compromises.
When it comes to specs and performances, the OP1 8K is one of your best bets out there. It’s on the expensive side for a wired mouse, and not everyone will love the shape with the rather thin front section, but if you can deal with that then this is a fantastic option.
Endgame Gear OP1 8k
Used by 4 players ()-
isak
-
mitch
-
Dizzy
-
sarah
The Endgame Gear OP1 8K is a premium wired gaming mouse with a focus on competitive gamers. It’s a wired alternative to today’s top-specced wireless gaming mice.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Fantastic gaming performances
Cons
- On the expensive side for a wired mouse
Specs
| Sensor | PMW 3395 |
|---|---|
| Polling Rate | 1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 8000 Hz |
| Button Switches | Kailh |
| Connection | Wired |
| Shape | Ambidextrous |
| Length | 11.8cm |
| Height | 3.7cm |
| Weight | 51g |
| Width | 60.5cm |
NZXT Lift 2
The NZXT Lift 2 proves that gamers on a budget don’t have to be doomed to only shop for mice with lower tier specs. With a 3395 sensor and optical switches, this Lift 2 Ergo has everything you expect from today’s top tier gaming mice without the price tag that’s usually attached to those products.
There are two Lift 2 versions available: an Ergo and a Symm version, so enjoyers of both design styles can get one if they want. Do bear in mind that the Ergo version is on the larger side: if you have smaller hands it can feel awkward to hold.
What you’re getting here is a super solid mouse for a super solid price. The cable is nice, the feet feel fine, and the build quality is up to par as well. If you’re on a budget and you want to get yourself a great gaming mouse, this should be very high on your list.
NZXT Lift 2 Ergo
If it’s value you’re looking for, the NZXT Lift 2 Ergo is difficult to beat. It’s got all of today’s bells and whistles (such as a 3395 sensor and optical switches) packed inside a well-built 61 gram package.
Pros
- Pro-level specs for a budget price
- Good build quality
- Nicely implemented (optical) switches
Cons
- Large shape might not suit everyone
- Exterior parts of the shell can grind on softer mousepads or when applying a lot of pressure on the mouse
Specs
| Sensor | PMW 3395 |
|---|---|
| Polling Rate | 125 / 250 / 500 / 1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 8000 Hz |
| Button Switches | Optical Switches |
| Connection | Wired |
| Shape | Ergonomic |
| Length | 12.84cm |
| Height | 4.14cm |
| Weight | 61g |
| Width | 6.51cm |
Razer DeathAdder V3
Razer’s DeathAdder V3 Pro is one of the most used gaming mice in the professional scene right now, but many people don’t know that there is also a wired version of the mouse available. This has all of the same specs as the Pro version, it just comes with a wire attached to it. This makes it friendlier on the wallet, which is a nice bonus.
Under the hood, you’ll find all of Razer’s cutting edge mouse tech. This includes their Focus Pro 30K sensor (which goes up to 8000Hz) as well as their third-gen optical mouse switches.
Razer has been at the forefront of mouse technology for a while now, so if you want to experience their tech in a wired package, this DeathAdder V3 is a fantastic option.
If you’re interested, do note that the DeathAdder V3 has a much different shape than previous DeathAdders. The long, flat-feeling shape has been replaced by a boxier and more compact design. It’s a change that seems to sit well with the majority of gamers (the V3 is a lot more popular on ProSettings.net than the V2) but it’s still good to know in case you’re a fan of the older design.
Razer DeathAdder V3
The Razer DeathAdder V3 is the wired version of Razer’s famous DeathAdder V3 Pro. It has all of the same specs, but comes in a wired (and cheaper) package.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Top notch gaming performances
- Optical switches feel good to use
Cons
- Side buttons can feel a bit flimsy
- Cable isn’t great
Specs
| Sensor | Focus Pro 30K |
|---|---|
| Polling Rate | 125 / 500 / 1000 / 4000 / 8000 Hz |
| Button Switches | Razer Optical |
| Connection | Wired |
| Shape | Ergonomic |
| Length | 12.8cm |
| Height | 4.4cm |
| Weight | 59g |
| Width | 6.8cm |
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2
HyperX’s original Pulsefire mouse was one that kind of came out of the blue back when it released in 2020. Back then, it was a super solid mouse that did a lot of things right without being revolutionary. You can say more or less the same about the Haste 2.
This is a lightweight (53 grams) mouse with a max polling rate of 8000Hz, good build quality, a good cable, and decent skates. All of this comes in at a friendly price of $59.99.
There’s nothing revolutionary about the mouse, but you do get a lot of bang for your buck with HyperX’s mice, and this is a logical and much improved successor to the already well-liked Pulsefire 1.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is the successor to the original Haste. It packs a new sensor and comes with a solid shell rather than a honeycomb shell.
Pros
- 8000Hz polling rate
- Great gaming performance
Cons
- Limited on-board storage
Specs
| Sensor | HyperX 26K |
|---|---|
| Polling Rate | 125 / 250 / 500 / 1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 8000 Hz |
| Button Switches | HyperX Mouse Switches |
| Connection | Wired |
| Shape | Ambidextrous |
| Length | 12.4cm |
| Height | 3.8cm |
| Weight | 53g |
| Width | 6.5cm |
Razer Viper 8KHz
The Razer Viper 8KHz was one of the very first high polling rate mice to ever come out. Specs-wise, it was so far ahead of its time that it is still relevant today. The cable isn’t the best, and the weight of 71 grams is definitely on the high side in this day and age, but other than that this is still a very capable gaming mouse.
Do note that recent Viper models have had a shape change, so if you want to get your hands on the original Viper shape you’ll have to go for this one or the Viper V2 Pro. Later models (V3 and on) have changed from a long and flat shape to a boxier shape, which is similar to what happened with the DeathAdder shape.
Razer Viper 8KHz
Used by 5 players ()-
Cloakzy
-
volx
Even if we leave the whole 8000Hz polling rate thing out of the equation, the Razer Viper 8KHz is a fantastic gaming mouse. It has a safe shape (though be wary of how flat and long it is), great clicks, a flawless sensor, and it’s built nicely, making this a really solid choice for people who are into this kind of shape and like the features.
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Good build quality
- 8000Hz polling rate
Cons
- Cable is rather thick and rigid
Specs
| Sensor | Focus+ |
|---|---|
| Polling Rate | 1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 8000 Hz |
| Button Switches | Razer Optical |
| Connection | Wired |
| Shape | Ambidextrous |
| Length | 12.7cm |
| Height | 3.8cm |
| Weight | 71g |
| Width | 5.8cm |
ZOWIE Wired Mice
People have long known ZOWIE for their rock-solid mice. Many professionals kept using their (technically) outdated wired mice long after wireless mice became a mainstay in the pro gaming scene, which is a testament to their quality and the amount of trust pros place in the brand.
Today, ZOWIE offers wireless mice themselves (though not all of their mice lines are wireless yet) so many pros who carry a torch for ZOWIE have switched over to those, but their wired models are still for sale.
Looking at the specs, ZOWIE’s wired mice are somewhat outdated these days, but sensors have been flawless for years so in reality it’ll be difficult to notice a difference between a wired ZOWIE C model and a technologically more advanced wired mouse.
If you want a mouse from a brand known for its LAN and tournament-tested build quality and reliability, you can consider a wired ZOWIE mouse. Especially if you can snag it on a sale somewhere.
ZOWIE EC3-C
Used by 3 players ()-
TMB
-
SLOWLY
-
BORKUM
For me, Zowie has managed to find a perfect middle ground between following the latest innovations in the mouse world and sticking to their own principles. The EC3-C is a very capable mouse with a great cable, improved (but still loud) 24-step scroll wheel, smooth feet, and of course that signature EC shape. Speaking of the shape: this isn’t a shrunken down EC2, it’s a shorter and slightly lower version of the EC2.
Pros
- Nice addition to the EC lineup (the EC3 is shorter and lower-humped, so not just a shrunken down EC2)
- Great build quality
- Good cable
- Fantastic shape
Cons
- LOD of 1.2mm isn’t annoying for most, but can’t be changed
- Feet are a tad slow
- Scroll wheel is very loud
Specs
| Sensor | PMW 3360 |
|---|---|
| DPI | 400, 800, 1600, 3200 |
| Polling Rate | 125 / 500 / 1000 Hz |
| Button Switches | Huano |
| Button Force | 101.5g |
| Connection | Wired |
| Shape | Ergonomic |
| Length | 11.92cm |
| Height | 4.03cm |
| Weight | 70g |
| Width | 5.96cm |
Why Choose a Wired Gaming Mouse?
Budget
Wired gaming mice are always going to be more affordable than wireless mice with the same specs. As such, a wired gaming mouse is a perfect option for players who are on a budget. Since the market for wired mice is shrinking, not all brands are putting out wired alternatives of their top tier mice these days. However, there are still brands that put out wired mice that don’t have budget-oriented components, and those represent great value offers.
Convenience
In an ever-more digital world, it’s not uncommon to be charging multiple devices every single day. Having to also plug in a wireless gaming mouse can be an inconvenience. When playing on higher polling rates, your wireless mouse might require charging every two days. With a wired mouse, you obviously don’t have this issue. Going with a wired mouse also ensures that you’ll never run out of battery in the middle of a game.
Durability
Almost all wireless mice use a rechargeable battery. And every single rechargeable battery has a certain lifespan. There’s a finite amount of charge cycles, and after that it’s pretty much done. Granted, it’ll take a long time before the battery on a gaming mouse degrades enough for it to become noticeable, but it’s still something to consider. A wired mouse is, by definition, going to be more durable than a wireless mouse. If you’re on a budget and you want your mouse to last your for years and years, this is important to take into account.
Conclusion
Now that wireless mice are so incredibly common, many brands only think about wired mice as budget versions. Luckily, there are still some companies out there that are making top-quality wired mice. There are wired products out there that have the same specs as today’s flagship wireless options. As an added bonus, you can usually get those for much better prices.
Yes, the market for wired gaming mice is thinning out, but luckily there are still plenty of options. We’ve listed the best ones in this article, so hopefully this helps you find the wired gaming mouse of your dreams!
