How we test gaming mice

Here we break down our review methodology for gaming mice

Updated: Jun 14, 2022 3:55 pm

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Gaming mice come in all different shapes, sizes, and budgets. What suits you may not suit the next gamer and that’s why give you the most detail possible in our reviews. We subject all our gaming mice to the most rigorous testing outlined below, so you can have total faith in our recommendations.

Design

We detail the set-up procedure. Is it easy to get started? Do you need to install software?
We objectively describe the visuals, any logos and the color scheme. We’ll present you with as many hi-res images as you need to make your own informed opinion.
What materials are the mouse made from? We detail texture and surface finish as well.
We detail the shape of the mouse (small/medium/large) and whether it’s for palm/claw/fingertip grip.
We detail the weight of the mouse (and cable if applicable) and compare it to mice within 3g either side.
We detail the dimensions of the mouse, with measurements superimposed over photos. We’ll show you the mouse in profile from both sides, from above, back and front.
We’ll detail the number of buttons and the layout.
What other features does it have? Does it come with a dongle, a charging dock and any extras? We’ll detail everything that’s in the box.

Build quality

We test the durability (squeeze/ shake test).
We detail the skate quality – does it need breaking in?
We detail any button wobble.
We test the flexibility of the cables (with gif).
We test trigger pre and post-travel and side play.
We conduct cable into bungee tests (how easy/hard it is to do, does it slide?).

Performance

We test sensor accuracy with DPI Analyzer.
We test click latency.
We test lift-off distance (point which the sensor stops tracking when the mouse is removed from the surface) using the CD test.
We record the sounds the mouse makes, testing every button.
We put connectivity claims to the test, including claimed range.
You got the mouse to improve your gaming so we test it with a round of KovaaK’s Aim Training. We also run an FPS test for a subjective opinion.
We test battery life and compare our experience with the manufacturer’s claims. We do this with full lighting.

How we score wired gaming mice

In an effort to create balanced and accurate scores, we’ve broken down the different characteristics of wired gaming mice and assigned writings that correspond with their importance.

Ergonomics/comfort (30%)

This concerns the shape of the mouse and how it feels in the hand. This affects what hand size any given mouse is most suited for Things like ambidexterity and thumb rests are also considered here.

Click latency/accuracy (15%)

Click latency is the delta between physically clicking the mouse, and the click being registered in-game. Latency and accuracy can have hug knock-on effects on the gaming experience.

Build quality (15%)

This is how well the mouse itself is put together, material quality and longevity are the big things to look for here.

Gaming performance (25%)

This is a subjective report of how the mouse in question is to play games with. This concerns how enjoyable the gaming experience is.

Value for money (15%)

Are the features, build quality, and performance enough given the price? This refers to whether or not the mouse is worth the price.

How we score wireless gaming mice

This is almost identical to the wired gaming mouse scoring system. However, the weightings have been adjusted to account for an additional and very critical aspect of wireless gaming mice, the battery.

Ergonomics/comfort (29%)

This concerns the shape of the mouse and how it feels in the hand. This affects what hand size any given mouse is most suited for Things like ambidexterity and thumb rests are also considered here.

Click latency/accuracy (14%)

Click latency is the delta between physically clicking the mouse, and the click being registered in-game. Latency and accuracy can have hug knock-on effects on the gaming experience.

Build quality (14%)

This is how well the mouse itself is put together, material quality and longevity are the big things to look for here.

Gaming performance (24%)

This is a subjective report of how the mouse in question is to play games with. This concerns how enjoyable the gaming experience is.

Value for money (14%)

Are the features, build quality, and performance enough given the price? This refers to whether or not the mouse is worth the price.

Battery (5%)

This concerns the battery life, charge time, and other associated features, for example, fast charging or wireless charging.

Test team

Our mouse man of choice is none other than the illustrious and very cool Ben Atkins Chafer. His interest in a good gaming mouse stems primarily from his lack of gaming skills, so he needs all the help he can get.

How a gaming mouse can appear in our best of guides

To win a place on the list, the mouse needs to exhibit excellent performance, ergonomics, and be good value for money for the price.

Recent gaming mouse reviews

Take a quick look at a couple of our more recent gaming mouse reviews below.

WePC guides to buying the best gaming mice

We put every gaming mice through a series of real-world tests to ensure you can buy with confidence. We’ll also give you as much information as possible so you can match the right gaming mouse to your individual hand size and grip. If you’re looking for the best gaming mice that money can buy you should check out our best mouse articles.