A mouse is an essential hardware component in a computer. In most cases, the standard ones won’t cost a fortune unless you need a specialized one to use for your console. Since the best gaming mice are usually pricey, I dug deeper to determine why and whether they are worth the investment.
So, are expensive gaming mice worth it? Expensive and high-end gaming mice are worth investing in since they are usually durable, have quality sensors, premium build, and impressive designs and aesthetics. Compared to some cheap gadgets, these mice are more cost-effective because you don’t need to keep replacing them due to malfunctions. Additionally, most look great, and you will get a device with incredible features such as software upgrades and allowance for customization.
Gaming mice come in various types, designs, and price tags depending on the features and quality. Let’s open our discussion by looking at some top-notch gaming mice that you are likely to find in the market to help enhance your gaming experience.
Generally, mice fall into two major groups: regular and customizable. However, the best ones can be all-purpose, MMO, FPS, customizable, or RTS. Unfortunately, most of these devices are usually expensive depending on their sensitivity, durability, additional features like buttons, and customizability; therefore, if you want a gaming mouse with these qualities, you may have to part with some extra cash since they are more expensive than ordinary PC mice.
The pricy gadgets can introduce you to the best of gaming, especially if you are an enthusiast or professional player who needs a competitive advantage over opponents. Fortunately, some all-purpose quality mice are cheaper, play various titles, and cost you about $60 to $90. In addition, these options are usually more straightforward, with some having only three basic buttons. However, one compromise with these mice is slow speeds when playing certain games, thereby reducing the gaming quality.
Secondly, a unique FPS (Frames Per Second) mouse with one button lowers DPI (Dots per Inch) for more accuracy to help you maneuver difficult hurdles. Similarly, MMO/MOBA (massively multiplayer online games/ multiplayer online battle arena) mice have many buttons, which are ideal for games requiring a lot of experience. Generally, FPS and MMO mice prices range from $70 to $130. Additionally, the RTS (real-time strategy) costs around $80, allowing you to play in real-time and, in turn, improve your gaming.
Finally, the most expensive mice are the customizable designs, which can be ambidextrous or hybrid. While the hybrid mice are more flexible to incorporate every game genre, the ambidextrous design allows both left and right-handed players to play. The best features about these mice are high functionality, customizability, and aesthetics. Due to their remarkable properties, these gadgets can set you back more than a whopping $150.
What Are the Price Ranges of Gaming Mice?
The deciding factor before settling on a mouse is your budget. The more you are willing to spend on a gaming mouse, the most likely you will land on a high-quality product. Therefore, I went into the gaming market to find out the price ranges and their reasons.
Typically, there are three categories of gaming mice; those that cost less than $50, $50-$100, and more than $100. Generally, the quality increases with rises in pricing, but you may be lucky to find a great device at a lower cost. However, these figures may vary depending on the brand, retailer’s rate, or whether it is on a sale or it has a discount. The rule of the thumb is that the more you are willing to spend, the better the gaming device. Ultimately, an expensive mouse means cool features, a great look, and a long-lasting machine.
You can still get a practical gaming mouse for less than $50 if you are on a tight budget. Great brands are manufacturing these affordable products, but you will have to compromise on some features. First, these mice may not be as durable as other pricier products, and they may not have a great look or great aesthetics. Moreover, they may not function the same way since they won’t have customizable properties. Lastly, you may have to settle for limited DPI and fewer software capabilities.
The second tier ($50-$100) is more favorable for avid gamers, and most people can afford the devices at this price range. Major gaming companies understand their customers’ needs; hence, most will target buyers at this level. I can advocate for these mice because, unlike the cheaper alternatives, they come in better designs and have potent capabilities, sensitive sensors, and practical functionalities. When you settle for these mice, you get quality products, and it helps that you won’t have to spend a fortune while at it.
The last group is for the players who want only the best that the gaming market has to offer. It means customization, lightning speeds, firm and secure software, and high performance. If you have no issue spending more than $100 for the best gaming, these mice are the ones for you. You will have a durable product with the most incredible features, but you will dig deeper into your pocket.
However, before you settle on an expensive gaming mouse, there are a few concerns to consider. First, it will only be a worthy investment if you are an avid or pro gamer and if the price is considerable compared to your gaming PC. For instance, it is best not to go for a high-end mouse at more than $200 if your entire setup costs around $800 or less. Moreover, if you can find all the features you are looking for in a mouse at $50-$100, it will save you the cash and serve its purpose.
Why Are Gaming Mice Expensive?
If you are new to the gaming world, you may have realized that gaming mice are quite expensive. Therefore, what makes them expensive?
Generally, gaming mice are pretty expensive since the manufacturing uses durable materials and they have increased functionalities. Additionally, there is more attention to the design, and they have excellent sensor quality. Most devices also have a higher polling rate, and there are more accessories for the gamer, such as additional buttons, lighting, and other incredible features due to the advanced software. Lastly, the best device creators heavily invest in advertisements giving the products higher pricing as the companies aim for profits.
One of the best features of incredible gaming mice is the sensor; the more sensitive the mouse, the pricier it gets. An expensive sensor usually picks up more dots in an inch, making it more reactive and perfect for gaming. You will also find that most high-quality mice are wireless. Since they employ better technologies, they are usually pricier than the standard ones. The manufacturers also address lagging or slow speeds in gaming devices to improve the mice’ polling rates.
The polling rate is the frequency and accuracy that the mouse reports to the computer. The best and most high-quality mice are usually at 2000Hz or higher, meaning that a heftier price tag represents a faster polling rate. Another feature to look out for is the accessories accompanying the mouse. You will notice that gaming mice have a more enhanced look with extra buttons or RGB lighting. They can also have additional customizable features that you can install.
Lastly, mouse pricing tends to rise due to design and materials employed in creation. Unlike the ordinary PC mice, gaming gadgets focus more on aesthetics and functionality; hence, incorporate quality and durable materials while emphasizing aesthetics. The result is a mouse with a firm grip and fantastic look features requiring a high production cost resulting in a heavy price tag.
Are Expensive Gaming Mice Worth Buying?
The decision to buy a pricey mouse solely rests on you as long as you don’t mind digging deeper into your pockets. However, I usually discourage buying very cheap products for various reasons.
Buying an expensive gadget is worth it as long as it has all the features you need, and it isn’t unjustifiably overpriced. If you are a diehard gamer looking for the best quality, you will find an expensive quality gaming mouse your best bet. It means quality sensors with improved reaction speeds, a durable device of high-quality material, and you will have a cool-looking product with signature features of the most famous brands. It is also worth it because you won’t have to spend a lot on replacing a gadget that tends to break down.
There are several reasons why the best gaming mice have a higher price range than the standard ones. First and most importantly, these gadgets have the most responsive sensors. If you are a prolific gamer, you know how essential it is to be fast and accurate, and this is what you get with a high-quality mouse. You can identify any small motions, and you gain better control. Therefore, quality sensors significantly improve your gaming experience, which is worth investing in.
Secondly, expensive mice emphasize the build quality. If you are spending more than $100 on a device, you won’t have to replace it frequently, and you can tell by looking at the construction material. Makers of great mice heavily invest in premium material specifically meant to last long. Pro gamers who spend the better part of the day playing take a lot of clicks in hours; therefore, only a quality device will serve them best. Before selecting one, I usually advise looking at the product’s reviews first while focusing on brands synonymous with high quality.
Another worthy reason is design and aesthetics. First, a product with your interest in mind will minimize the strain of use. Secondly, it will have a great look, mainly through incorporating fantastic lighting. Finally, although functioning is more important than the product’s form, it is still a significant factor to consider for players who love aesthetics. Besides, if you are torn between two equally effective mice and would want a tiebreaker, you can always consider the one that looks better.
Are Cheap Gaming Mice Any Good?
If you are on a budget and want to go for a cheaper mouse, you may wonder whether it is worth the purchase or you’d instead save and buy a more expensive version. By focusing on mice under $25, I aim to determine whether they will still function effectively for you.
While the cheaper mice will still work on your gaming PC, there are primarily non-durable, have fewer features, and are generally slower than the pricier models. Furthermore, in most cases, mice under $25 are likely of low quality and may need replacing in few months. They may also fail to maximize your gaming experience and generally have a simple look. Therefore, I usually advocate that if you can hold off buying one for a while and instead save a bit, you can get a great product at around $50 or more.
Most great manufacturers price their mice at the $50-$100 range; therefore, you can always find a cool one with great features and a longer lifespan. If you are an avid gamer, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality mouse. You only need to add a few bucks to get one with the essential features and the aesthetics you love. Some extra cash can get you a long-lasting, sensitive sensor and a wireless product.
It is cheaper and more convenient to buy a mouse that lasts years instead of buying a cheaper alternative that will only serve you for a couple of months. Note that it is best to look beyond the mouse’s look, especially if it is cheap, and only judge by the functionality. If the manufacturer pays more attention to the mouse’s form when the mouse has a low price, there are high chances of compromising hardware or functionality.
In Conclusion
Generally, most pricey products are usually of impeccable quality, including gaming devices. It may seem unnecessary to spend more than $100 on a mouse, but it may be the essential gadget you need for an improved gaming experience. The investment is only worth it if the mouse has the most coveted features by every gamer.
Look for responsive sensors, durability, functionality, quality materials, and aesthetics. Pro gamers will benefit more since they will gain more accuracy, speed, and attention to detail. In addition, besides improved gaming, you will save a lot in the long run with a durable gadget, unlike buying cheaper alternatives but replacing them every few months.
