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Best Computer Mouse for Gaming from HP®
Linsey Knerl
|
May 11, 2019
If you’re an avid gamer, a good computer mouse for gaming is just one of the must-have accessories to help you take your gameplay to the next level.
The best computer mouse for gaming embraces a balance of features for quick gameplay and precision.
Our top choices include:
- HP OMEN 600 gaming mouse
- HP OMEN 400 gaming mouse
- HP OMEN Reactor optical mouse
- HP Spectre 500 Bluetooth mouse
- HP X3000 wireless mouse
Things to look for in a gaming mouse
Since there are many things to consider as you research the gaming mice, when you’re choosing one for your set up keep the following features in mind.
1. Ergonomics
Gamers spend hours and hours at their laptops or workstations, and it’s important that everything from your chair to your keyboard is set up to help support your back and neck in a healthy way.
Not taking the time to ensure that your accessories are optimized for ergonomic design can potentially lead to nagging health issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury.
That’s why the best gaming mouse is one that fits your hand, palm, and thumb comfortably and can be adjusted for both left- and right-handed gamers.
If possible, look for a gaming mouse that offers different button controls so that you can alternate between configurations to give your hand, wrist, and forearm a break during long gaming sessions. If nothing else, consider a mouse that is made of comfortable materials that feel firm but smooth in your hand.
2. Size
Many of the best wired mouse options on the market are one-size-fits-all. Instead, look for a mouse that comes in different sizes.
Even a difference of a half-inch in width or length can make a big impact on how comfortable the mouse is to use for long periods of time. A narrower or broader mouse design may be available to suit your needs.
3. Responsiveness
When you click, scroll, or drag with your mouse, the computer should respond with little to no lag. While many of the responsiveness issues you may be having with your gaming computer could be caused by processor or graphics card instability, it may also be an issue with your mouse.
Computer mice use a measurement called DPI (dots per inch) to determine how responsive they are. Lowering the DPI gives you a slower drag and less precision than a higher one.
Most gaming mice today give you the option to switch this setting mid-game so that you can have better accuracy at various points in gameplay. Look for higher DPI numbers when choosing the mouse that will give you the best experience.
4. Optical vs mechanical
While the modern mouse is moving away from mechanical trackball designs, there is still a need for them in certain situations. A precise mechanical mouse can make a difference in gameplay, especially when you have an optimal surface to work on, like a gaming mouse pad.
However, most gaming mouse products feature an optical sensor that uses light and a sensor to determine the surface. You can use these on any flat area, and there’s no need to worry about lint or debris, which can clog up a traditional mechanical mouse.
5. Connectivity
How does your mouse connect to your laptop or PC? Gaming mouse products come in wired and wireless choices. If you don’t want to use one of your ports for a USB receiver, a Bluetooth mouse is an ideal choice. Just be certain that your PC is equipped with an updated Bluetooth receiver that won’t require using a USB port for the Bluetooth dongle.
Wireless mouse tips
The best wireless mouse for desktop computers has switches that lets it connect to up three different devices without reprogramming. And most of these high-end mice let you toggle between devices to use the same mouse on a laptop, desktop, or another wirelessly-connected device.
Go corded for best results
If you have free USB slots and want the speed and reliability that comes with a corded gaming mouse, this is often a better choice. You won’t experience any lag or dropped connections with a wired mouse, something that’s possible with a wireless or Bluetooth model.
Just make sure your wired mouse has a long enough cord to accommodate your workspace and gaming needs.
6. Battery life
If you use a wireless or Bluetooth mouse, you know that battery life is important. Whether you’re playing for a few minutes or a few days, you need the confidence that your mouse will let you know when it needs a recharge and that there is an option to connect to power in the meantime.
Most wireless mouse products use rechargeable batteries, AAA batteries (you’ll find a few that take AA batteries), or a charging pad. Find out what your next mouse will need to power up when you’re on-the-go, and pack your bag with extra batteries before you leave.
7. Compatibility
It’s safe to assume that most of today’s gaming mouse products will easily install on your HP laptop or desktop running the latest version of Windows, but it’s smart to check the product packaging first to be sure. Today’s mouse doesn’t need fancy installation software and should be plug and play for the most part.
In the instance of having a very detailed thumb button configuration or added precision controls, you should be able to set these from your mouse itself without opening up another software window.
Gamers don’t have time to be fiddling with programmable buttons mid-game, so look for a product that’s easy to adjust on the fly.
8. USB requirements
Wired gaming mouse products use a USB slot to install and operate the mouse, while wireless mouse products use Bluetooth technology or a USB dongle. Not all computers have the technology to connect wirelessly to a mouse, however, especially if there is no Bluetooth adapter inside the computer.
In that case, you’ll need to use a USB dongle or receiver to connect the laptop or desktop to the wireless mouse. Remember that it takes up a USB slot, so be aware of this when you make your purchase. Some gaming laptops may not have many extra ports to spare.
9. Price
Not everyone has hundreds to spend on gaming accessories, and for that reason a wired mouse really delivers. You can usually find many of the same features on a corded mouse as you can on a wireless option - but for about half the price in many instances.
If you have more to invest, a top-of-the-line Bluetooth mouse offers freedom of movement and is often the choice for pro players and eSports champions.
The 5 best gaming computer mouse models from HP®
Here are our top picks for the best gaming mice from HP®:
1. HP OMEN 600 gaming mouse
Part of the HP OMEN gaming accessories line, this mouse has a sleek design, brilliant red accents, and a comfy grip for hours and hours of gaming.
The HP OMEN 600 mouse makes our list of the best laptop mouse options for its unique removable weight system, which lets you make the mouse lighter or heavier to feel perfect in your hand.
This mouse is incredibly personalized and offers an impressive range of DPI levels so you can adjust the sensitivity based on the game you’re playing. Choose between 800 to 12,000 DPI to find the level that works for you.
The mouse also has a finely-tuned optical sensor that’s made with eSports players in mind. Adjust the settings on your mouse as you game to change what each button does without the need to pause or wait for a new round of gameplay.
This mouse is our pick for the best wired mouse, and it’s priced right, too. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get a versatile, pro-level mouse at a budget-friendly entry point.
Additional features:
- 3 weights included in box
- 6 buttons
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10
2. HP OMEN 400 gaming mouse
Another brilliant member of the HP OMEN series, the HP OMEN 400 gaming mouse is a performer that hits the sweet middle spot between value and finesse.
It’s easily identifiable as part of the HP OMEN team, sporting that signature black and red design and offering slim profiles for hands of all shapes and sizes.
It also features Omron mechanical switches that have been tested to provide at least 10 million clicks over the mouse’s lifetime.
It’s easy to adjust, too, and you have the freedom to switch your DPI or your polling rate at any time. There’s no software to install or control, either, so just switch, click, and go.
A favorite feature is definitely the “Sniper Mode,” which lets your thumb have all the control with a lower DPI and more accurate aiming. It’s ideal for rapid, repeating fire situations and first-person shooter (FPS) games.
Additional features:
- Dimensions: 5.04 x 2.92 x 1.62 inches
- Weight: 0.26 lbs
- Uses a USB port
3. HP OMEN Reactor optical mouse
Another wired mouse that’s built specifically for the gaming community is the HP OMEN Reactor optical mouse. It features an optical-mechanical switch that uses a light beam detector to generate 1.2 ms click response times.
It’s up to three times faster than a traditional mouse and offers a 50-million-click lifespan to provide years of use.
It’s super comfy and can be used in a variety of grip positions to fit hands of all sizes and shapes, too, so it’s our pick for the best ergonomic mouse for gaming. This mouse features the same sleek black and red design associated with the HP OMEN gaming computer line.
Additional features:
- Multiple palm rest positions
- Compatible with Windows 10 operating system
- Weight: 0.35 lbs
4. HP Spectre 500 Bluetooth mouse
While not marketed as a gaming mouse specifically, this elegantly styled wireless mouse has perks that are hard for any gamer to ignore.
In addition to offering a smooth, brushed-metal surface that looks great in any light, the HP Spectre 500 Bluetooth mouse has amazing accuracy at a resolution threshold of 1,600 DPI.
It operates with the reliability of the latest Bluetooth 3.0 technology. You don’t need to concern yourself with dropped connections, lag, or network issues. It’s precise, comfortable, and easy to control.
Let the Blue LED optics get you exactly where you want to be in your next game with an accuracy that gets you to the finish line faster.
It’s no wonder the HP Spectre mouse remains a best Bluetooth mouse pick for anyone in a competitive gaming environment.
Additional features:
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, macOS, ChromeOS
- Light at 0.22 lbs
- Multipurpose for gaming and business use
5. HP X3000 wireless mouse
If you want a mouse that’s simple to connect and start using in minutes, you’ll love the HP X3000 wireless mouse. It features black and blue styling with a curved, thin profile so you can hold it in your hand without cramping or straining.
It boasts a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, so it’s a good choice for laptops that don’t use Bluetooth or for older desktop PCs with lots of gaming life left in them.
The 12-month battery life and super-responsive optical sensor give it the ability to work anywhere with a smooth surface, not just on mousepads. Snag this mouse with a fluid-moving scroll wheel and use it for office and school duties, too.
While not specifically made for gaming, it’s a reliable mouse to keep in your accessories kit for when you need precision and comfort. With its multi-use features, this could be your best wireless computer mouse.
Additional features:
- Featherweight at 0.18 lbs
- 3 buttons and a scroll wheel
- 27 MHz wireless technology
Additional gaming mouse accessories
Cloth surface gaming mouse pad
A computer mouse is only responsive if you pair it with a high-quality mouse pad. That’s why many gamers bring their own when they compete, like the HP OMEN 300 gaming mouse pad. It features a stunning and simple black design with a sturdy surface so that you can get hours of shots, kills, and missions done without any drag on your mouse.
The non-slick rubber underneath keeps it in place, while the top cloth surface is smoothly finished to help your movements glide better under all amounts of pressure. It’s been tested to withstand over 250 km of mouse movement and can handle even the lowest DPI settings.
Hard surface gaming mouse pad
If you’re looking for a hard-surface mouse pad, consider the HP OMEN 200 gaming mouse pad. It has a more solid surface to keep your mouse moving quickly without unneeded friction.
In summary
While there isn’t a clear agreement on whether the best gameplay occurs with a wireless or corded mouse, there are many features available to give both options equal play.
To know if you’ve selected the right mouse for your gaming needs, make sure to review the features, try one out, and get to know the settings and personalization possibilities before your next big tournament.
Adjusting to a new gaming mouse can take time, so give yourself a chance to familiarize yourself with the feel and format of your new device before your (online) life depends on it.
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solution.
