Introduction
When it comes to gaming peripherals, a mouse arguably has the most impact on gaming performance. Therefore, it is crucial to find a gaming mouse that will cater to your needs when gaming. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to distinguish what is the ideal choice to go alongside your gaming PC.
Luckily for you, the GeekaWhat team has been scouring through the archives to find the best gaming mice for various types of gamers on a budget. In this buyers guide, we’ll be looking at the best gaming mice for under $75, including a range of different designs to cover the needs of all kinds of gamers.
Suggested Article: Best Gaming Mice to Buy Under $50
Our Recommendations
1. Corsair M65 RGB Ultra
👑 The best competitive gaming mouse under $75.
Introduction
To start things off, we have a premium wired option from Corsair, introducing the M65 RGB Ultra. Boasting a 26K DPI sensor and a revolutionary 8GHz polling rate, this design is built for competing at the highest level. Because of this, fans of first person-shooters, battle royales, and arena battles will benefit from the sharper and broader movements possible with this design. To make responses to gameplay even quicker, M65 RGB Ultra users can use the 8 programmable buttons to create shortcuts.
The most exciting design feature on this mouse has to be the tuneable weights. Packaged with 6 optional weights, the M65 RGB Ultra can be lighter or heavier to suit user preference, allowing gamers to control the accuracy and ease of mouse movements. In addition, this gaming mouse includes texturised grips on both sides, making longer gaming sessions feel a lot more comfortable.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair M65 RGB Ultra |
|---|---|
| Weight | 97-115g |
| Max DPI | 26,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 8000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 8 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | Right-handed, claw |
Things We Like
Great for competitive gamers: With top-tier performance and the ability to fine-tune the weight to your liking, this mouse is a great choice for anyone that takes their gaming seriously.
Corsair iCUE Support: Those familiar with Corsair products won’t be surprised to see that this mouse is compatible with iCUE, the industry-leading software that offers a range of customisation and performance adjustments.
Things We Don’t Like
Strictly wired connection: Whilst there is a wireless alternative of this mouse available, it is above our $75 limit, meaning those on a tight budget will have to stick to this model.
Not very lightweight: Despite being a mouse with competitive gaming in mind, the M65 RGB Ultra is quite heavy, even when all the tuneable weights are removed. Because of this, gamers worried about fatigue may want a lighter option.
Summary
Corsair’s M65 RGB Ultra is a versatile design that gives competitive gamers plenty of ways to customise their gaming mouse. With tuneable weights and stellar gaming performance thanks to a 26K DPI sensor and the innovative AXON hyper-processing technology, users can expect this design to be incredibly responsive. Whilst it is priced very close to the $75 budget, this gaming mouse seems like a worthwhile investment.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- 8000Hz polling rate
- Corsair iCUE compatible
- Tuneable weights
Cons
- Lighter designs available
- Lack of wireless connectivity
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra on:
2. Logitech G502 HERO
👑 The best all-rounder gaming mouse under $75.
Introduction
For gamers looking for a more versatile design, then the Logitech G502 HERO is an ideal companion for your gaming PC. This wired gaming mouse has been a popular choice amongst gamers for years due to it’s efficient design and stellar performance. Whilst Logitech have since released new iterations to the G502 series, this model remains the best choice in terms of value, as it provides all the performance benefits at a reduced price.
Using Logitech’s HERO sensor, this mouse possesses a maximum DPI above 25000, allowing users to scan the area and locate enemies at a blistering pace. On top of this, the G502 HERO includes a staggering 11 programmable buttons, which can be assigned using the Logitech G Hub software. This balance of top-tier performance and practicality makes this a great all-in-one design for gamers that like to compete at their best in a number of different games and genres.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Logitech G502 Hero |
|---|---|
| Weight | 121g |
| Max DPI | 25,600 |
| Max Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 11 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | Right-handed, palm, claw, fingertip |
Things We Like
Well-rounded ergonomic design: With a asymmetrical design that includes an array of programmable buttons that are easy to access for all types of grips, this gaming mouse will let you game comfortably for hours on end.
Lots of programmable buttons: As far as the programmable buttons go, this design does a great job at including lots of options whilst ensuring that they don’t intrude on the natural resting position, which stops accidental presses from ruining your in-game momentum.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of wireless connectivity: Like the vast majority of high-quality offerings within this price range, the G502 HERO doesn’t include a wireless connectivity, making it less than ideal for gamers looking to take their mouse with them on their travels.
Improved versions available: Whilst they sit well above the $75 limit, Logitech have introduced multiple variations of this design to the market, such as the G502 LIGHTSPEED and G502 X Plus, all of which possess a revamped design that’s lighter and extra features like wireless connectivity.
Summary
With many gaming mice looking to focus on specific types of games, it can be hard to find a design which caters to the needs of gamers who like to mix things up, especially at a reasonable price. However, the combination of performance and practicality provided by the Logitech G502 HERO manages to provide gaming enthusiasts with the perfect all-rounder. With a 25K DPI sensor and a whopping 11 programmable buttons, it’s easy to tune this mouse to get the best results out of whatever game you decide to play.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4.3/5
Pros
- 11 programmable buttons
- Top-tier performance
- Suitable for a variety of games
Cons
- Lack of wireless connectivity
- New models available
Where to Buy
Buy the Logitech G502 HERO on:
3. MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless
👑 The best wireless gaming mouse under $75.
Introduction
Whilst the previous entries have all proven their worth, there is one key feature that has been lacking, wireless connectivity. Luckily, MSI have managed to address the lack of strong wireless offerings within this price point by designing the Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless, a mouse that looks to make gaming on the go easier and more accessible. With the ability to connect via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle or through a wired USB cable, this design is more versatile than most at this price.
But that’s not all, as the Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless weighs in at just 74g, which is – as indicated in the name- very light for a wireless offering. To ensure that users get the most of its wireless capabilities, this mouse boasts a battery life of 80 hours, which should be more than enough to handle multiple gaming sessions at once. In addition, the Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless comes packaged with a charging stand, making it very easy to keep it charged up in anticipation for an unexpected gaming session.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 74g |
| Max DPI | 20,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz wireless, USB |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | palm, claw |
Things We Like
Wireless connectivity: Some gamers may have their concerns about wireless gaming mice, especially when it comes to performance and latency. However, there’s no denying that the prospect of having a free range of movement and ability to easily take a mouse with you isn’t a tempting prospect.
Lightweight and symmetrical: With a slender and lightweight design that isn’t tailored towards ergonomics, this mouse is a great choice for left-handed gamers, as there are no ways in which this design will inhibit usability, and therefore performance.
Things We Don’t Like
Design is less ergonomic: A lot of competitive and lightweight gaming mice possess a symmetrical design to ensure that weight distribution remains in equilibrium, which often makes them less ergonomic. Whilst design feels comfortable enough, right-handed gamers may be better off with a more moulded shape for longer game sessions.
Limited programmable buttons: Another sacrifice made to keep this design lightweight and symmetrical comes in the form of programmable buttons. The 6 buttons included are enough to provide some customisation, but will cause fans of strategy-based games to struggle for ways to streamline their gameplay.
Summary
Now more than ever, gamers are looking for ways to make it easier to play their favourite titles wherever they are, which it what makes the MSI GM41 Clutch Wireless such a tantalising prospect. As one of the few options within the $75 price point to offer wireless connectivity, this mouse also boasts the performance capabilities to keep up with many of its wired counterparts, leading to the best of both worlds for consumers.
Features: 4.2/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Pros
- Wireless connectivity
- Design caters for left-handers
- Good for competitive gaming
Cons
- Less ergonomic design
- 6 programmable buttons
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless on:
4. Razer Basilisk V3
👑 The best value gaming mouse under $75.
Introduction
Moving back to wired options for the final pick in this list, we have the Razer Basilisk V3, another affordable design that offers solid performance and comfort. Razer have become renown for their gaming peripherals and accessories, with this variation of the Basilisk acting as one of their many success stories over recent times. Featuring a 26K DPI sensor with a 1000Hz polling rate, this design has the firepower needed to compete with any other gaming mice available, allowing users to experience responsive and precise movements in the midst of the action.
On top of this, the Basilisk V3 comes with 11 programmable buttons, which provides plenty of shortcuts to make it easier to access crucial controls on the fly for a mote autonomous gaming experience. To support this increased versatility, custom profiles can be stored to the mouse and accessed whenever you need with by pressing a button underneath the base of the design.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Razer Basilisk V3 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 101g |
| Max DPI | 26,000 |
| Max Polling Rate | 1000Hz |
| Programmable Buttons | 11 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| RGB | Yes |
| Recommended Grip Style | palm, claw |
Things We Like
Ergonomic shape & button layout: When there are so many programmable buttons included in a design, it’s important for all of them to be easily accessible. Razer understood this assignment, as all the buttons are located in areas that are easy to reach from the typical resting position when using this mouse.
Good price to performance: Considering this mouse is one of the only options on this list to sit comfortably below the $75 mark, it’s impressive that it manages to provides a similar, if not better, set of performance-based features.
Things We Don’t Like
Not suitable for left-handers: Due to this design’s focus on ergonomics, the asymmetrical shape is very comfortable for right-handers, but leaves left-handers with no choice but to look at alternative options.
Heavy for a competitive gaming: For what has been a surprisingly common theme within this roundup, the Basilisk V3 weighs just over 100 grams, making it significantly heavier than most competitive gaming mice, which can weigh as little as 50 grams.
Summary
For those looking for a solid gaming mouse that won’t break the bank, or even teeter on the edge of our $75 limit, then the Razer Basilisk V3 is a worthy candidate to enhance your gaming setup. With a stellar 26K DPI sensor and 11 programmable buttons, this mouse has the versatility needed to provide a fast and responsive experience in all the latest titles. On top of this, the ergonomic shape with texturised grips means that all-day gaming sessions shouldn’t be a problem with this design.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Pros
- Great value design
- Lots of programmable buttons
- Comfortable for all-day gaming
Cons
- Not for left-handed gamers
- Weighs over 100 grams
Where to Buy
Buy the Razer Basilisk V3 on:
What Makes a Mouse Good for Gaming?
There are wide range of mice on the market, but not all of them are cut out for gaming. But what does a PC mouse need in order to provide the performance you’re looking for? Well, there are a lot of factors that determine whether a mouse will be good for gaming.
One of the most important aspects is latency, as gaming mice should strive to reduce delays as much as possible to allow gamers to react to gameplay without hesitation.
In a similar fashion, gaming mice tend to have significant higher polling rates and DPI ratings, as this allows the mouse to move across the screen fast enough to keep up with the action.
In terms of design, models specifically created with gaming in mind are generally a lot lighter, with less of focus on ergonomics. Whilst there plenty of heavy and ergonomic gaming mice available, productivity-based mice are more likely to weigh more and possess an ergonomic shape. And of course, no gaming mouse is complete without a hint of RGB, something that is less desirable within a workplace.
Are Wireless Gaming Mice Worth It?
For anyone interested in picking up a gaming mouse for their setup, one of the first things to consider is whether a wired or wireless gaming mouse would be more beneficial. Generally, wireless devices have been considered more versatile while wired options offer more reliable gaming performance. However, the decision isn’t as black and white anymore, mainly due to the development of wireless technology.
Nowadays, premium wireless gaming mice are packed with high-end connectivity that can rival the performance of their wired counterparts. As a result, users can enjoy a responsive gaming experience, whilst also taking advantage of the increased portability and seamless switching between multiple devices.
But the main reason that not all gamers are picking up a wireless gaming mouse is money, as these devices are quite expensive. Considering that most wired options provide a cheaper way to access top-tier performance and a greater range of features, gamers sticking to a tight budget will be better off picking a wired design if a wireless connection isn’t required.
Why You Can Trust Us
When searching for the perfect gaming mice, our team of passionate PC hardware and gaming enthusiasts work incredibly hard to evaluate and recommend a wide range of products. Along with gaming benchmarks and other testing methods, we’ll analyse the usability of a product to forge a general overview of its quality and value. These findings are then passed onto our audience through YouTube videos and written content.
Interested in learning more about our team or editorial promise? Head over to the ‘About Us’ section.
How We Tested the Best Gaming Mice Under $75
In order to test and evaluate the best gaming mice under $75, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Performance
- Connectivity
- Design & form factor
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Conclusion
Best Gaming Mouse Under $75: MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless
Whilst the other choices on our list have their benefits, mainly in terms of performance and customisation, the wireless connectivity and symmetrical design on the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless makes it our overall winner for a gaming mouse under $75.
Read our full MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless review, or Buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming Mouse?
Generally speaking, gaming mice are priced anywhere between $30-$150, with a wide range of options available at varying price points.
Is DPI Important for Gaming?
Yes. A higher DPI reduces the effort needed to move the cursor, resulting in a greater range of movement while gaming. However, the max DPI on most gamin mice is excessive, making a way to adjust DPI a necessary inclusion.
Are Lightweight Mice Better for Gaming?
Not exactly. Whilst a lighter gaming mouse does make it easier to move a mouse across a desk without feeling fatigue, some gamers will prefer a heavier mouse for greater control.
What is 2.4GHz Wireless?
2.4GHz Wireless is a form of connectivity used for wireless gaming peripherals, mainly to provide improved wireless performance compared to Bluetooth thanks to its reduced latency. These devices use a wireless USB dongle plugged into the hosting device in order to receive signals, leading to a faster response to movements or inputs.
