Introduction
After building the gaming PC of your dreams, the next logical step is to pick up some gaming peripherals to go alongside it. But with so many combinations of mice, headsets, and keyboards to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect choices for your setup.
With gaming mice in particular, the market is filled with an abundance of designs coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes. On top of this, there are a number of factors that can influence the price and performance of these models, including connectivity and weight. As a result, gamers looking to get the perfect gaming mouse without having to sacrifice any key features should be willing to pay a pretty penny for the privilege.
Suggested Article: Best Gaming Mice Under $50
In this buyers guide, we’ll be taking a look at the best gaming mice for under $100, with a range of designs tailored towards specific types of gamers. Along with these recommendations, we’ll be offering some advice on how to pick the perfect gaming mouse for your setup.
Our Recommendations
1. Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Champion Series
👑 The best ergonomic gaming mouse under $100.
Corsair are more renown for their plethora of PC components, but they also offer a wide range of gaming peripherals as well. One such design is their Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Champion Series, a high-end design that looks to offer an ideal blend of comfort and performance. With an ergonomic shape that is fairly lightweight, this wireless gaming mouse is a great choice for anyone that plans on playing games for an extended period of time. On top of this, the multiple connectivity options allows gamers to take this mouse wherever they go, with the hint of custom RGB lighting on the base acting as a way to synch this design up with the rest of your gaming setup.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Champion Series |
|---|---|
| Weight | 86g |
| Max DPI | 26,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 2000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 7 |
| Connectivity | USB, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | Right-handed, palm, claw |
Things We Like
Wireless connectivity: With the ability to connect via Corsair’s Slipstream 2.4GHz USB receiver or Bluetooth, this design will have no issues hooking up to multiple devices at once. Plus, there’s always the option to attach a wired USB cable for those wanting a more traditional gaming experience.
Very comfortable shape: The Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Champion Series has clearly prioritised comfort with its ergonomic shape and easy to locate programmable buttons. And honestly, it’s nice to see a premium design based that doesn’t focus on just comfort.
Things We Don’t Like
Only ideal for right-handed gamers: Due to the asymmetrical shape used to improve ergonomics, this mouse will be very uncomfortable for left-handers. Instead, any lefties should look for a symmetrical design.
Can be quite pricey: Whilst this mouse can frequently be found on sale, the MSRP is very close to the $100 mark, making it less than ideal for gamers on a tight budget.
Summary
For gaming enthusiasts that are looking to play games day and night, then a comfortable design such as Corsair’s Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Champion Series should be at the top of your Wishlist. But don’t be fooled by its easy-going design, as this mouse still filled with high-end specs, including a 26K DPI sensor and 2000Hz polling rate, leading to incredible accuracy in all the latest Esports titles.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- Comfortable & ergonomic design
- Flexible connectivity options
- High-end performance
Cons
- Not suitable for left-handed gamers
- Fairly pricey for a gaming mouse
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Champion Series on:
2. Logitech G G502 X Wired
👑 The best wired gaming mouse under $100.
If you’re looking to stick to a wired gaming mouse for the more reliable connectivity and performance, then Logitech’s G502 X is one of the best options available. Acting as a new iteration of the vastly popular G502, as well as wired version of their latest high-end wireless gaming mice, the G502 X provides all the benefits of these designs for a fraction of the price. The main benefit to Logitech’s G502 series is the abundance of programmable buttons that are crammed into the fairly refined form factor. With a whopping 13 programmable buttons, this mouse gives gamers plenty of ways to streamline their inputs in the hopes of picking up some extra XP points in their favourite titles. This extensive set of shortcuts pairs well with the strong performance capabilities found within this design, with Logitech’s 25K HERO sensor and 1000Hz polling rate allowing for swift and responsive cursor movements for greater control when gaming.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Logitech G G502 X Wired |
|---|---|
| Weight | 89g |
| Max DPI | 25,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 13 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| RGB | No |
| Recommended Grip Style | Right-handed, palm, fingertip |
Things We Like
Excellent gaming performance: Logitech have long been renown for their top-notch gaming peripherals, with their G502 gaming mice acting as their magnum opus. The G502 X certainly wasn’t going to be the first to buck that trend, as the 25K DPI rating and 1000Hz polling rate contribute to exceptional gaming performance.
Lots of programmable buttons: One of the biggest advantages to picking up this design is the 13 programmable buttons dotted around the shell. With such a wide range of programmable inputs, its a great way to make complicated gaming tasks much easier.
Things We Don’t Like
Only offers wired connectivity: Whilst there are wireless versions of the G502 X available, they sit well above the $100 price point, making them exempt from this roundup. As a result, those wanting the benefits of this design on a restricted budget will have to deal with the attached cable.
Lack of RGB lighting: There is a small LED indicator on this design to indicate DPI settings, but other than that, the design is fairly monotone.
Summary
As long as you don’t mind being stuck with a wired USB connection, then the Logitech G502 X is an excellent choice for a gaming mouse under $100. Along with solid gaming performance, the 13 programmable buttons gives gamers plenty of customisation options to create a tailor-made set of controls. This is more than enough to provide an advantage in most competitive titles.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- 13 programmable buttons
- Solid gaming performance
- Ergonomic layout
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- Lack of RGB lighting
Where to Buy
Buy the Logitech G G502 X Wired on:
3. Glorious Model O Wireless
👑 The best wireless gaming mouse under $100.
In contrast to the previous entry on our list, the Glorious Model O Wireless is the ideal choice for gamers that are looking the ditch the wires and enjoy less restricted movement. As a company that purely focusses on producing high-quality gaming peripherals, Glorious have become well-known by PC gaming enthusiasts, with the Model O being the product which arguably put them on the map. Whilst their latest renditions of the Model O haven’t gone down particularly well, this design is still a reliable choice that is fairly affordable for a wireless option. Though the performance specs on this mouse may not look as impressive as other options on the market, the 19K DPI and 1ms report rate is more than enough for high-precision gaming. Additionally, this mouse is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 69 grams, mainly thanks to the honeycomb shell – which also lets lots of RGB shine through! This light and balanced design makes the Model O Wireless an ideal choice for gamers who like to move their mouse around a lot.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Glorious Model O Wireless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 69g |
| Max DPI | 19,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | USB, 2.4GHz Wireless |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | Palm, claw, fingertip |
Things We Like
Lightweight & wireless: With this mouse being very lightweight for a wireless option, gamers are given an expansive range of movement. Because of this, the Model O Wireless is an ideal choice for gamers that like to use lots of sweeping motions when gaming.
Symmetrical shape: Though the side buttons might be in an awkward position, this is the first design that could be used by left-handed gamers. Buttons aside, this mouse has an identical shape on both sides, allowing all gamers to establish a comfortable grip with this design.
Things We Don’t Like
Design not for everyone: One of the most divisive design choices on modern gaming mice is the honeycomb shell. Whilst it’s essential for reducing the weight of this design, the exposed exterior does raise concerns with dust and liquid causing damage to the internal elements of this design.
Lack of programmable buttons: Due to the lightweight nature of this design, there are a lack of programmable buttons included. The 6 inputs on offer is enough for some shortcuts, but the previous offerings will be better equipped to provide custom prompts.
Summary
The Model O Wireless from Glorious has been widely praised since it first emerged on the scene, and rightly so. Despite not having a fairly outlandish price tag for a wireless design, this mouse is incredibly lightweight while including plenty of performance and aesthetic features. This results in a wireless gaming mouse that looks stunning and offers top-tier movement and precision in even the most competitive games.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Value for Money: 4.3/5
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Affordable wireless connectivity
- Lots of RGB lighting
Cons
- Divisive honeycomb shell
- Low number of programmable buttons
Where to Buy
Buy the Glorious Model O Wireless on:
4. Razer Viper 8KHz
👑 The best gaming mouse under $100 for Esports.
Ending our recommendations on a high note, we have the Razer Viper 8KHz, a wired gaming mouse that offers incredibly responsive performance that is perfect for those wanting to keep up with the pros. As the name suggests, this mouse achieves a polling rate of 8000Hz, allowing it to send data to your system 8x faster than the standard gaming mouse. Combining this with a 20K DPI senor and a lightweight 71g body, the Viper 8KHz’s on-screen movement is very smooth and responsive when compared to other devices. To keep this optimised performance consistent, this mouse is limited to a strictly wired connection, but gamers will be getting a worthwhile upgrades for this sacrifice. In terms of design, this is one of the only gaming mice on the market to boast a completely identical shape on both sides, making it the perfect pick for left-handers.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Razer Viper 8KHz |
|---|---|
| Weight | 71g |
| Max DPI | 20,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 8000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 8 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | Palm, claw, fingertip |
Things We Like
Excellent gaming performance: As this gaming mouse is packed with a 20K sensor and reaches a polling rate of 8000Hz, this is a great pick for high-end gamers looking to pair their peripherals with a high refresh rate gaming monitor.
Truly ambidextrous design: With programmable buttons on either side of the symmetrical outer shell, this is only of the few designs on the market that offers an identical grip to both right and left-handed gamers.
Things We Don’t Like
Only offers wired connectivity: The major sacrifice that has been made in this design is with the wireless connectivity. Though it seems a worthy sacrifice for competitive gamers, other may declare the increased versatility that comes with a wireless design to be more beneficial.
No white variant: This particular mouse from Razer only comes in black and a limited edition ESL colourway. Because of this, it won’t be an ideal fit within a white-themed setup.
Summary
For gamers wanting to maximise their performance in all the major competitive titles, the Razer Viper 8KHz will provide all the tools need to do exactly that. Possessing a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, along with a lightweight design and 20K DPI rating, this mouse will have no issues keeping up with the action, no matter how intense it gets!
Features: 4.2/5
Design: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.7/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- High-end performance
- Ambidextrous layout
- Ideal for Esports
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- Only available in black
Where to Buy
Buy the Razer Viper 8KHz on:
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Mouse?
Honestly, the amount of money you should spend on a gaming mouse for your setup depends on how much you are willing to shell out. Like most PC gaming parts, the pricing spectrum for gaming mice is quite broad, with a range of different designs available at certain price points. Generally, gaming mice worth considering sit anywhere between $30-$150, which is significantly less than most components. However, the increments between price points are a lot slimmer, meaning there can be significant differences between mice that are priced $10 or $20 apart.
Because of this, it’s important to look at multiple products before committing to the perfect mouse for your gaming PC, as you could be missing out on a better deal elsewhere. But from our experience, wired gaming mice are a good option for those looking to spend around $50 to $75, with wireless gaming mice being a little pricier at $100 to $150. It is possible to find options for cheaper than this, either in sales or with some sacrifice to performance, but gamers should be willing to invest if they want to ensure the best build quality and performance possible.
What are the Mouse Grip Styles? Why are They Important When Gaming?
One consideration that can often go under-the-radar when looking for gaming mice is the importance of grip styles. For those buying their first gaming mouse, or for those less knowledgeable on the differences in form factors, it can be difficult to determine whether a gaming mouse will feel comfortable in the hand when browsing the web.
That’s where the different styles of mouse grip come in handy, as knowing which grip you prefer provides a good indication of whether a certain design will be a good fit for you. Some manufacturers will even state which grip styles are best suited for a particular design, but you can always find articles and forums that will help identify this too.
Mouse grip styles can be separated into 3 distinct categories: palm, claw, and fingertip. You may not always sit flush into one category, but you will usually lean towards one style more than the others. For example, I naturally sit somewhere between a claw and fingertip style, but verge closer to a claw grip. The styles are fairly self-explanatory, but is worth elaborating on them for clarity.
The palm grip is more of a relaxed style where gamers rest their palm on the base of the mouse, which is better suited to ergonomic gaming mice. Alternatively, the fingertip grip is a more physically demanding style that is often preferred by competitive gamers due to it being more beneficial when conducting lots of sharp movements. Because of this, lightweight and competitive gaming mice are the best options for gamers using this grip style. Finally, the claw grip acts as a middle-ground between the two, which is also suited to a more symmetrical design.
No grip is the superior choice, it’s all down to personal preference. However, some styles will suit certain playstyles more than others. When looking to pick up a gaming mouse, it’s worth experimenting with each of these styles to find the option that best suits your style of play, as it could have a significant impact on both comfort and performance.
Why You Can Trust Us
When searching for an ideal gaming mouse, our team of passionate PC hardware and gaming enthusiasts are always on hand to test and evaluate a wide range of products. Along with gaming benchmarks and other testing methods, we’ll analyse all aspects of a product to forge a general overview of its quality and value. The results are then relayed onto our audience through YouTube videos and written content.
If you’re keen to learn more about our team or editorial promise, head over to the ‘About Us’ section.
How We Tested the Best Gaming Mice Under $100
In order to test and evaluate the best gaming mice under $100, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Performance
- Connectivity
- Ergonomics & Form Factor
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Conclusion
Best Gaming Mouse Under $100:
Whilst there are plenty of great options on the market when it comes to gaming mice under this price point, the best all-round pick is the Glorious Model O Wireless. This lightweight design has a stunning appearance to match its strong gaming performance. In addition, the wireless connectivity and symmetrical shape offers gamers with the freedom to game however they want.
Read our full coverage on gaming mice, or Buy the Glorious Model O Wireless on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DPI Important for Gaming Mice?
Yes. Standing for Dots Per Inch, this measurement refers to how far the cursor will travel in relation to mouse movements. In other words, the DPI of a mouse will dictate the sensitivity of the movements on-screen.
Are Wired Mice Better for Gaming?
Traditionally, gamers have preferred wired gaming mice due to their reduced latency and reliable connectivity. However, advancements in wireless technology has made the differences in performance almost non-existent in recent years.
What is Polling Rate?
Polling rate refers to the amount of time it takes for a mouse to send data on its location and movement to the devices it’s connected to. For example, 1000Hz polling rate means a mouse can send data to your gaming PC every 1ms.
Is the Weight of Gaming Mice Important?
Yes, the weight of a gaming mouse will dictate how easy it is to move around a desk. The desired weight is up to personal preference, but most gamers lean towards lighter gaming mice to reduce fatigue during extended sessions.
