Battle royale games are all the craze nowadays. Fortnite is leading the charge with 250 million players as of early 2019. Players battle in spectacular fashion with each other, with dexterity, quick reflexes, and strategy to outwit and outshoot their enemies.
While skills are undoubtedly important, pro gamers know that you need the right hardware to match. For a game like Fortnite that requires players to be responsive and agile on the battlefield, that means that you’ll need the right tools to allow your gamer skills to shine through. Without the right gaming peripherals to keep up, you won’t be able to unleash your full potential.
That’s why your mouse is of utmost priority with a shooting game like Fortnite.
Sure, you can stick with a common consumer mouse, but that would be a significant hindrance to your skills. A gamer like you will need a proper gaming mouse that can accommodate the demands of a real gamer.
The difference will be night and day. Getting a bona fide gaming mouse will have a huge impact on your precision and responsiveness, as well as your hand and wrist fatigue. These improvements translate into a better overall gaming experience.
So, if you really want to dominate in Fortnite, you’ll need the right gaming mouse.
We’ve created this complete guide to help you when it comes to choosing the best mouse for your gaming needs and budget.
Best Value
Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
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Best Overall
Logitech G502 Lightspeed
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Best for Competitive play
Razer Deathadder Elite
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Logitech G300s
Best Budget
“It’s the strongest contender for budget mouse options precisely because it hits most of the important criteria at a solid price point.”
There is one mouse that stands out above the rest of the budget competition: the Logitech G300s. It’s the strongest contender for budget mouse options precisely because it hits most of the important criteria at a solid price point.
It’s low pricing now is possible because the G300s was released back in 2011. But don’t let its age fool you. This mouse is just as capable as most recently released gaming mice. The fact that it’s still held in high regard even now should prove that it’s a reliable and durable gaming mouse. While Fortnite wasn’t around in 2011, this mouse certainly feels like it’s perfect for the more budget-conscious Fortnite player.
- DPI: 200 – 2,500
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- IPS: 60
- Acceleration: 20g
- Connectivity: USB cable
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 114 x 71 x 36 mm
- Weight: 82 g
- Button lifespan: 10 million clicks
The G300s has a maximum DPI of 2,500, which isn’t as flashy as many high-end gaming mice, but it will get the job done for almost all Fortnite gamers. It’s also able to change DPI settings on-the-fly. Just download Logitech’s software so you can access all the features the mouse has to offer.
There are six buttons that you can map for custom functions, which is probably enough for most players. It also sports an ambidextrous design, so leftie players should also put this mouse at the top of their list.
The mouse doesn’t have those flashy lighting and high-tech features that higher-end mouse hype up. But its cost and what it offers — a no-nonsense mouse that sports solid specs with a durable and comfortable build that is for both left and right-handed gamers — it does the job superbly.
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VicTsing Wireless Gaming Mouse
Most Comfortable
“At this price, you get a sleek, ergonomic, and comfortable design complete with LED lights that will appeal to most gamers.”
A strict budget shouldn’t prevent you from getting a solid wireless gaming mouse. That’s where the VicTsing Wireless Gaming Mouse comes in. At this price, you get a sleek, ergonomic, and comfortable design complete with LED lights that will appeal to most gamers. Its bluetooth transmitter can stay connected up to 15m away with no dropouts or delays, so you can game without any interruption.
- DPI: 800 – 2,400
- Polling Rate: 250Hz
- Acceleration: 40g
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Programmable buttons: 3
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 76 x 127 x 102 mm
- Weight: 113 g
- Button lifespan: 5 million clicks
One of its extra buttons is used to change between DPI settings instantly. It has five profiles you can switch to: 800, 1,200, 1,600, 2,000, and 2,400 DPI. This is convenient if you want to customize your DPI settings during your gaming. The two other buttons can be programmed according to your needs. The mouse also boasts a quiet click feature, so you’re welcome to use this discreetly in an office or library.
Battery life lasts up to 12 months or more, so you won’t have to worry about your battery dying on you anytime soon. Its excellent battery life is aided by its power-saving technology. If it detects no activity after 8 minutes, it will automatically shut down to prevent any unnecessary battery usage. If you turn off its LED lights, then the battery will last even longer.
With a mouse like the VicTsing, going wireless on a budget without sacrificing quality and features has never been easier.
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Razer Deathadder Elite
Best for Competitive play
“The Deathadder is an iconic mouse in the world of gaming, especially since often been seen used in esports competitions.”
The Deathadder is an iconic mouse in the world of gaming, especially since often been seen used in esports competitions. Its first iteration was released back in 2006, and since then it has been updated to keep up with the pro gamers’ needs. The design, however, has remained the same, and with good reason. Its easily recognizable ergonomic design will satisfy the veteran and newbie shooting gamers alike, particularly those who use the claw and fingertip grip.
- DPI: Up to 16,000
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- IPS: 450
- Acceleration: 50g
- Connectivity: USB cable
- Programmable buttons: 7
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 70 x 127 x 44 mm
- Weight: 96 g
- Button lifespan: 50 million clicks
When it comes to features, the Deathadder brings the big guns to the playing field. With a maximum DPI of 16,000, you’ll have a lot of room to fine-tune your preferred DPI settings. Its polling rate is at a whopping responsive 1000Hz, guaranteed to close the gap between input lag. More importantly, it houses a top-of-the-line sensor by Pixart, which is known to produce the best mouse sensors. This sensor is capable of 450 IPS at 50g acceleration, which translates to supreme tracking ability — perfect for aiming with utmost accuracy.
The Deathadder is an absolute beast. And now that you can get for less than $50, it absolutely won’t disappoint. Its well-deserved reputation has made it a staple for the gaming community, and it won’t be going away from the list of top best gaming mice anytime soon.
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Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
Best Value
“The Corsair Harpoon is a strong sell with solid features at a compelling price point.”
The Corsair Harpoon is a strong sell with solid features at a compelling price point. It has an understated minimalist design that feels very solid in the hand. The sides have a rubber texture for better grip, and its shape lends itself well to all grip styles. There’s an RGB backlight that you can customize to your preference as well.
- DPI: Up to 10,000
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- IPS: 100
- Acceleration: 20g
- Connectivity: 2.4Ghz Corsair Slipstream Wireless / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB cable
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 60 x 115 x 40 mm
- Weight: 99 g
- Battery life: 40 – 60 hours
- Button lifespan: 50 million clicks
The Harpoon features the Corsair Slipstream Wireless technology. It uses a 2.4Ghz connection that boasts a sub-1ms input time and a distance of up to 10m. If it detects any interference, the Intelligent Frequency Shift kicks in and the mouse automatically changes frequencies so you’ll always have a strong, uninterrupted signal. The mouse also provides the option of switching to bluetooth or wired connectivity with a provided USB cable, which doubles as its charger. You won’t have to install batteries anymore since it uses its built-in battery which can last up to 60 hours, depending on if you use the RGB backlight often.
For its price, the performance it offers is also superb with a 10,000 DPI, a 1000Hz polling rate, and 100 IPS tracking speed, so you’re assured that your shots will be accurate and precise. Even the build quality makes it feel like it belongs to a more expensive price range. Gamers will not be left wanting more. And they can feel good knowing they didn’t have to break the bank to get an excellent wireless mouse like the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless.
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Steelseries Rival 710
Best Customizable
“The best selling point of this model is its modular capabilities.”
The Steelseries Rival 710 packs in premium features and a couple of tricks that make its high price point worth it.
- DPI: 100 – 12,000
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- IPS: 350
- Acceleration: 50g
- Connectivity: USB cable
- Programmable buttons: 7
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 72 x 124 x 42 mm
- Weight: 135 g
- Button lifespan: 60 million clicks
The best selling point of this model is its modular capabilities. The sensor, rear grip, sides buttons, and cable are all removable. This makes customizing the mouse a cinch. You can easily attach different and newer parts to suit your personal preferences or to improve mouse performance. It also means that your mouse is future-proofed and ready for new technology that Steelseries will dish out.
The mouse also has a cool feature in the form of an OLED screen on its left side. This screen can display various custom designs or useful in-game information such as your bullet count or health bar. Gamers might think of this as a gimmick, and they’d be right. But it’s a feature that is neat to have without sacrificing anything else from the mouse’s functionality. Another welcome feature it has is haptic feedback. You can also customize this to activate at certain in-game cues. While this may be unnecessary for many gamers, it’s another additional feature that enhances your overall gaming experience.
Along with all those quality of gaming improvements, the SteelSeries delivers on performance. The 710 houses the Pixart-developed TrueMove 3 sensor. No matter what DPI settings you have, the mouse will boast 1:1 tracking that is exquisitely smooth and responsive.
If you’ve got the budget for it, the SteelSeries 710 is the best gaming mouse at $100. It’s premium performance, high customizability, and stylish design are unparalleled, leaving its competitors in the dust.
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Logitech G703
Best Minimalist Design
“The Logitech G703 isn’t as loud or flashy as its competition with its simple, minimalist design.”
The Logitech G703 isn’t as loud or flashy as its competition with its simple, minimalist design. Inside, however, the G703 packs in all the performance you’ll need from a wireless gaming mouse.
- DPI: Up to 10,000
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- IPS: 400
- Acceleration: 40g
- Connectivity: Logitech Lightspeed wireless technology
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 68 x 124 x 43 mm
- Weight: 107 g
- Battery life: 24 – 32 hours
- Button lifespan: 50 million clicks
The G703 uses the Logitech Lightspeed wireless technology with a 1ms response time. Logitech claims that it refined all of its components to ensure that you get the best possible wireless experience. And with its performance, there’s no reason not to believe it. Its Pixart-developed optical sensor delivers excellent smoothness and responsiveness.
The simple design is very comfortable and ergonomic to use. There are rubber grips located on the sides to give you better control and comfort, whatever your grip style is. There’s also the option of adding or removing weights to the mouse, so you can further tailor it to your preferences. The bright, customizable RGB lighting complements the understated design well.
While it may have a shorter average battery life, it charges fast with the provided USB cable. However, if you’re willing to shell out another $100, there’s an option to make it an even truly wireless mouse that no longer needs plugging to charge. Enter the Logitech Powerplay, a mouse pad that charges your mouse as long as you leave it on top, so you will never have to worry about plugging your mouse ever again. If you’re invested in the Logitech peripheral ecosystem, the Powerplay will be a welcome addition to your arsenal.
The comfortable and minimalist design, top performance, and premium wireless capabilities of the Logitech G703 make it the best wireless gaming mouse at this price point, hands down.
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Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Best Overall
“If money is not an issue to get the best possible gaming mouse, then for the best price and best performance ratio look no further than the Logitech G502 Lightspeed.”
If money is not an issue to get the best possible gaming mouse, then for the best price and best performance ratio look no further than the Logitech G502 Lightspeed.
- DPI: 100 – 16,000
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- IPS: 400
- Acceleration: 40g
- Connectivity: Logitech Lightspeed wireless technology
- Programmable buttons: 7
- Sensor: Optical
- Size: 75 x 132 x 40 mm
- Weight: 114 g
- Battery life: 48 – 60 hours
- Button lifespan: 50 million clicks
The G502 has long been a fan favorite, with its first and second iteration appearing in 2014 and 2017. Because of its comfortable design and top-notch performance, veterans and newbies have sworn by this mouse to deliver an excellent gaming experience. Since then, they’ve been clamoring for a wireless version.
Logitech granted their wish with the G502 Lightspeed, which has now become another favorite for a superior wireless gaming mouse. Like the G703, the G502 uses the Lightspeed wireless technology which guarantees a strong wireless connection. The sensor has been updated from its previous generation as well. Now, it’s using Logitech’s most advanced mouse sensor, the HERO 16K, which is built to meet the most rigorous demands of professional gamers.
The sensor is also designed with power efficiency in mind, so the mouse can last up to 60 hours. But if you want an even more convenient experience, the G502 is compatible with the Logitech Powerplay wireless charging mouse pad. Underneath the mouse, you’ll find the Powercore module. If paired with the Powerplay pad, your mouse’s charge will always be topped up. It’s a perfect pair: an advanced wireless charger for a wireless mouse.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything to nitpick about this mouse. Its design remains sleek and futuristic even now. The ergonomic shape is comfortable for any grip style, so you can game for hours without hand fatigue. The RGB lighting can be customized to your liking with a wide spectrum of colors.
Somehow, they’ve even made it lighter than the original G502, despite the Lightspeed is a wireless mouse. And if you want to adjust its weight, it has optional add-on weights you can attach at the base. Perhaps the only thing we can complain about is that if you’ll opt to use the add-on weight, you’ll have to place it where the Powercore module should be. This means that you won’t be able to use Powerplay. But that’s extreme nitpicking already.
All in all, the G502 Lightspeed has everything you’ll want. Comfortable ergonomics, great design unparalleled wireless performance, customizable buttons, and Powerplay compatibility. With those in mind, this mouse easily grabs our top spot for the best gaming mouse for Fortnite.
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DPI
One of the sought after specifications of any gaming mouse is its DPI or “Dots Per Inch.” Some also refer to it as “Counts Per Inch.” It’s one of the most loudly marketed features of a gaming mouse, which gives off the impression that this magic value is a huge factor when it comes to choosing a mouse. So you’ll have to be familiar with what this is and how it affects your gameplay.
Simply put, DPI determines mouse sensitivity. DPI measures how many pixels across your screen the cursor will move per inch that you move your mouse. It basically indicates how much distance you’ll have to move your mouse to register the same amount of cursor movement cursor on your screen.
This means that a lower mouse DPI setting requires you to physically move the mouse more to get the cursor to move a certain distance. But if you set your mouse DPI higher, then you’ll have to physically move the mouse less to get the same amount of cursor movement.
Gaming mice typically have a DPI of 12,000, and the higher-end and more expensive ones can reach up to 16,000. The Razer Deathadder Elite is a good example of a budget gaming mouse that can have a maximum of 16,000 DPI. Now, you might be wondering: how necessary is it for you to get the gaming mouse that has a high DPI?
To answer this, you need to ask yourself how you plan to use your mouse as a gamer. Do you prefer to use your hand over a larger area with fast and broader sweeping movements? Or do would you rather use your hand over a smaller area with more precise, short mouse movements? It boils down to the kind of gamer you are and which will help you achieve your personal optimal hand-eye coordination.
So how can DPI affect your precision and aiming in a game like Fortnite?
If you want to be more conservative with your hand movements, then it’s better to set your DPI higher. You’ll be able to aim and look around without needing to move your hand around too much, which also means that your wrist may be less fatigued. However, this means that you’ll need steadier hand control, especially in situations that require you to aim accurately. In a frantic close-quarters combat situation, you might benefit more from a higher DPI since you can turn and look faster.
Meanwhile, most players will get better aiming precision with a lower DPI, since there’s a lot of room to move your hand around and make small movements to adjust your aim. For example, using a sniper rifle would benefit from lower DPI since you’re less prone to accidentally moving the reticle too much, which translates to more precise aiming.
There’s a lot of marketing hype directed at mouse DPI, which can pressure some aspiring buyers to get a mouse with a high DPI. However, it is what it is: hype. Pro gamers will only fall around 2000 DPI. And some even set it lower than 1,000. That’s a far cry when it comes to the hyped 10,000 and above DPI capabilities of high-end gaming mice. Why would anyone want to buy those?
Those mice capable of high DPI have adjustable settings. So the obvious benefit is that you’ll have a lot of room to experiment. Other than that, if the pros don’t even need to crank it up to those absurdly high DPIs, then chances are you won’t even need to as well. But at least you know you have the option to if you decide to get a high DPI mouse. Certain mice have the option to change your DPI settings instantly during gameplay, which can be useful if you want variable DPI settings for different scenarios.
Polling rate
The mouse reports its position to the computer at certain intervals, which is indicated by the polling rate measured in Hz. A mouse that has a polling rate of 500Hz means that it reports to the computer 500 times every second. In milliseconds, a mouse that has 500Hz polling rate reports every 2ms.
Having a high polling rate means that you’ll reduce the lag between your physical mouse movement and the time it takes for the computer to recognize your movement. This is especially useful if you’re playing a game like Fortnite where you’ll need to react as fast as you can.
Tracking speed and acceleration
Mice have a certain maximum speed that they can register your hand movements. Tracking speed is measured via IPS or “inches per second.” So a mouse with 50 IPS can register hand movement speed of up to 50 inches per second. If you go beyond the IPS capability, your cursor might get jerky since the mouse cannot keep up fast enough with your rapid hand movements. A higher tracking speed means that you don’t have to worry about moving the mouse too fast.
Your hand movements also depend on acceleration. If you accelerate the mouse too fast, the mouse might not be able to precisely register your movement. The maximum acceleration a mouse can handle is denoted by g, relating to gravitational acceleration. For reference, normal human arm movements can fall around 10 – 15g. Higher means that the mouse will still be able to function properly when with quick accelerated movements.
Optical and laser sensor
Mice function by reflecting light from its base. When you move your mouse, the sensor then detects the reflection to translate that into the motion that happens on your cursor. Both optical and laser mice work that way, so the difference between them is the illumination source they use. The optical mouse uses LED light, while the laser uses a laser.
The obvious distinction is that optical mice don’t work properly on a glossy or glass surface, because of the light it uses. A mouse pad or non-glossy surface is a must for optical mice. Laser mice can be used on transparent or glossy kinds of surfaces and more.
It’s necessary to note, however, that laser mice, due to the laser technology it uses, tend to pick up more information than optical mice. That might sound like a good thing, but it can lead to unwanted or jittery movements from time to time, which won’t be a good thing during intense firefights when your aiming needs utmost precision. Don’t worry, because those moments will be infrequent.
So which should you pick? Optical mice are tempting since they’re on the less expensive side. If you’ll be using your mouse on a pad or non-glossy surface, then it’s better to get an optical mouse. If you’ll be using your mouse on various kinds of surfaces, then a laser mouse is a more reliable option. But since you’re a gamer, it’s likely that you’ll have your own gaming station where a mouse pad is a must.
Wireless or Wired?
Choosing between a wireless and a wired mouse can be a difficult choice for some. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of getting a wireless mouse over a wired one. The most often-asked question being: does using a wireless mouse mean that the input lag will have a significant impact on my response time?
First of all, getting a wired mouse presents the problem of cords being a nuisance. If you’re thinking aesthetically, a wired mouse might contribute to making your gaming station look cluttered. Conversely, the wireless mouse looks much neater.
A wireless mouse also opens up mobility and portability. You’ll have more freedom of positioning your mouse, without ever having to worry about the cord limiting you or getting tangled somehow. However, a wireless mouse tends to be heavier, particularly because it needs a battery. So if having a lighter mouse is an absolute must for you, then a wired mouse would be a better choice.
What about battery life? While wired mice draw power via their cord, wireless mice will use batteries instead. The compromise in wireless mice is that you’ll need to buy and replace its battery every now and then. Fortunately, batteries can last long since a mouse doesn’t have to draw that much power from it, and they’re easily replaceable, so battery life is nothing to worry about. Just make sure that you always have a spare battery ready for a quick replacement. You don’t want to run out of batteries in the middle of your game — or worse, during a high stakes situation.
So it boils down to whether the wire will give you an advantage in terms of input lag, which is the amount of time it takes for the game to register your physical mouse movement or action. This is measured in milliseconds, and the average user will be hard-pressed to find a difference between a mouse and another with ever-so-slightly less input lag. For a gamer, though, the difference may be more crucial when the game demands a quick response time.
Because of physics, a wireless mouse will have more input lag than a wired mouse. A wire means that signals will travel faster and more reliably. Fortunately, a modern wireless mouse, even a non-gaming one, will have an almost imperceptible lag difference compared to a wired mouse. Wireless technology has become fast and reliable enough that gamers can be confident that the lag of wireless mice will have virtually no effect when it comes to intense gaming demands. However, if you still want the fastest possible response time for your mouse, then a wired mouse will be the way to go.
If you want the best of both worlds, then some gaming mice allow both wireless and wired connectivity. Those come with a detachable USB cable. With that, no compromise will be necessary, and you get almost all the benefits of both options. Those tend to be more expensive though, so your budget might limit this option.
With our guide, we’ve made separate recommendations for both wired and wireless options.
Customizable buttons
Since competitive games require players to juggle a variety of commands and inputs, gaming mice have programmable buttons that you can map to a certain function. If you’re playing a battle royale game, you can map these buttons to the often-used actions. Instead of using your keyboard hand, you can easily just click the mapped mouse buttons.
Having these extra buttons at your disposal can make your gaming experience more streamlined and convenient. It might take some time getting used to, but when you do, it will give a competitive edge over other gamers who just use normal mice.
Left or right-handed use
The standard for mouse design, to the dismay of many left-handed users, is to accommodate the right hand. You can see this in the way that the mouse’s shape and curve fit perfectly for right-handed users. Being a left-handed gamer means that your options for gaming mice are more limited. After all, the market for gaming mice caters more to the needs of the right-handed.
Thankfully, brands have produced designs that are meant for ambidextrous use, like the Logitech G300s. If you want a purely left-handed gaming mouse, then the Razer Deathadder is your best and only option. So just remember to pick the correct design if you’re a leftie.
Grip style
If you haven’t really been conscious of the way you grip your mouse, then maybe the time is now. There are three ways that you can hold your mouse: the palm grip, claw grip, and the fingertip grip. Your grip style can be the basis for your mouse size.
Most gamers default to the palm grip since it’s the most common. This is when your hand — specifically the palm, index and middle fingers — rests completely on the surface of the mouse, while the thumb and pinky are relaxed on the sides. The best kind of mouse here would be a high-profile one, meaning your palm will have a wider area to rest on.
The claw grip involves your middle and index fingers being arched while your palm is still resting on the mouse. With this, your fingers can make faster, more precise actions. The best mouse here is one that has a high or medium profile.
The fingertip grip is like the claw grip, except your palm is raised from the mouse. This grip style allows for faster and more agile movements but is also the most tiring for your hand. A mouse with a smaller profile will complement this style since it’s light and nimble.
Whatever your style, the best way to find out if your mouse fits you well is by personally trying them out to determine which profile and design are the most comfortable for you.
Durability
Gamers need a mouse that can withstand everything you’ll throw at it. It goes without saying that the mouse should have a solid build quality. If your mouse feels cheap, that should be a warning sign of its durability.
You may want to check the click lifespan of the mouse as well. Manufacturers test the durability of the mouse buttons by seeing how many clicks they can take. While you’ll like never meet that many clicks, at least you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your mouse is designed with longevity in mind.
Design
First of all, you’ll need a design that can meet your comfort demands. If that’s out of the way, then you can choose between mice that have a more understated or aggressive design. Mice with simple designs are more inconspicuous and can blend in well with an office setup or professional environment. Mice with a more aggressively gamer design stand out more and look more like they’re meant for serious gaming. For example, the Logitech G703 has a minimalist design with conservative curves while the G502 has a more angular and sharper design that screams gamer.
Most gaming mice come with backlighting too. If you want more customizability, get a mouse that has customizable RGB lighting so you can color it to your taste.
While this has no direct impact on your gameplay, the design of the mouse should also inspire you. Wouldn’t it be better to get one that makes you feel more ready and pumped up to game it up? Since this is a matter of personal preference, just trust your sensibilities and choose which mouse design catches your eye.
What Is The Best Gaming Mouse For Your Budget?
Now, you’re aware of the necessary specifications to consider in choosing a gaming mouse. You now have an idea of what your perfect gaming mouse should be like. And it’s likely there’s one out there for you, although your budget will dictate your options.
Fortunately, gaming brands are thoughtful enough to make gaming mice for various budgets. That’s why we’ve determined the best gaming mice to suit your specific budget: under $25, $50, $100, and $200.
Conclusion
Now you know what makes a great gaming mouse and what your best options are. Whatever your budget allows, you’ll be able to get a great quality gaming mouse that will allow your battle royale skills to shine through. So what are you waiting for? With your skills and your new gaming mouse, you’ll be ready to take on every Fortnite match with confidence and skill.
