Gaming on Mac hasn't always been the best experience. Thankfully, that seems to be changing over the last couple of years. More and more games are being made with native support for macOS, like No Man's Sky. With the latest M2 Pro chip, gaming has become much more accessible and satisfactory on Mac devices.
The Fastest Gaming Mice in 2024
Discover the top picks for the fastest mice for gaming. This guide helps gamers find the ideal mouse for unbeatable speed and performance.
So, for Mac users looking to get into gaming, picking up some gaming peripherals like a mouse and keyboard is a great place to start. Whether gamers want lightweight mice that are perfect for FPS games or an ergonomic mouse that makes it comfortable to game for hours, there is an option for everyone.
Key Factors For Choosing The Best Gaming Mice For Mac
Buyers should be aware of several key factors when considering a potential mouse for Mac:
- Compatibility: Unlike when choosing a gaming mouse for a Windows PC, macOS tends to be a bit harder to find fully compatible mice. Most mice can connect and use the essential functions, but things like programmable buttons and RGB lighting are not always compatible with macOS. Make sure to look for full macOS support in the specs list for the best results.
- Performance: A mouse's overall performance is essential for an excellent gaming experience. Specs like the DPI range, latency, and polling rate are a great way to quickly overview the mouse's performance.
- Comfort: No mouse is worth the best performance in the world if it is uncomfortable. Look for the suggested grip type and size of the mouse to see if it will fit and feel comfortable to game with.
- Connectivity: A wired mouse will have no input delay, but managing the cable is surely a hassle on its own. On the other hand, wireless mice can be operated from a distance but introduce some input lag.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Gaming Mice for Mac in 2024
SteelSeries Prime Wireless
The SteelSeries Prime Wireless gaming mouse takes advantage of unique Prestige Optical Magnetic Switches which can endure up to 100 million clicks. Meanwhile, low-latency Quantum 2.0 Wireless technology ensures that competitive gamers don't regret ditching cords. The SteelSeries Prime's TrueMove Air Gaming Sensor makes tilt tracking possible and recognizes unwanted mouse movements to avoid costly mistakes.
- Weight
- 80g
- Sensor and DPI
- SteelSeries TrueMove Air 18K DPI
- Switches
- Prestige OM mechanical switches
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- Yes
- Connectivity
- 2.4GHz / Wireless
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- 100 Hours
- Compatibility
- Windows, Mac, Xbox, and Linux.
- DPI
- 100–18,000 DPI
- IPS
- 400
- Polling Rate
- 1,000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 40G
- Supports 1-to-1 tracking
- Grippy coating
- Wireless connectivity
- Not many programmable buttons
SteelSeries has proven itself over and over again as a brand that competitive gamers can rely on for solid gaming peripherals, and the SteelSeries Prime Wireless is an excellent example of why gamers consistently turn to them. This mouse is perfect for players looking for a sleek mouse designed for competitive gaming, but it also excels as an all-around mouse.
The Prime Wireless is not the most ergonomic mouse out there, but despite its sleek and low-profile design, this mouse is surprisingly comfortable. The shape of the mouse allows for most hand sizes to fall over the mouse naturally, with no need to squeeze with the pinky or thumb to get a good grip on it. Plus, the matte surface acts kind of like a textured grip all over the mouse.
Under the hood, Prime Wireless starts to show why it got the best overall ranking. The TrueMove Air sensor, while not best-in-class, offers excellent gaming performance across the board. Whether flicking this mouse around at max speed or moving slowly across the desk, every movement feels accurate and responsive.
Most importantly for Mac users, SteelSeries' customization software, Good Game, is not yet available on macOS, but there is still support for their older SteelSeries Engine app. While it would be nice to have access to the newest version of their software, SteelSeries Engine still allows for complete customization of the mouse.
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
The world's most popular esports mouse has only gotten better with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. The latest version of this wireless mouse boasts a more advanced Hero 2 optical sensor with over 500 IPS and a maximum DPI of 32,000. Capable of a polling rate of 2000 Hz, the Superlight 2 detects the smallest movements and adjusts as soon as the mouse is lifted off a surface. In addition, the Superlight 2 comes loaded with a 95-hour battery life, fast USB-C charging, and Powerplay mat compatibility.
- Weight
- 60 grams
- Sensor and DPI
- Optical, 32,000
- Switches
- Optical-mechanical
- RGB Lighting
- No
- Programmable Buttons
- 5
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Battery Life
- 95 hours
- IPS
- 500+
- Polling Rate
- 2000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 40 G
- Customizable DPI up to 32,000
- 4000Hz polling rate
- Low-latency wireless connection
- No DPI button
- Not much of a difference from previous version
Logitech easily has some of the best wireless gaming products. From mice to headsets, the Lightspeed technology Logitech introduced a couple of years ago has raised the bar for wireless gaming peripherals. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is the new version of the very popular Logitech G Pro X Superlight. Despite the few upgrades, this mouse is an excellent choice for Mac gamers, as long as they don't already have the first version.
In Game ZXC's full review of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, we found that its no-frills lightweight design made it both precise and comfortable, offering gamers, casual users, and esports professionals a perfect option for daily use. While it's not revolutionary, the Superlight 2 does a lot of things right, like the updated sensor that supports a 2,000Hz polling rate. That is relatively high for most wireless mice like the SteelSeries Prime, which tops out at 1,000 Hz.
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While the Logitech G Hub software is not the most intuitive, it is fully compatible with macOS and works with all of Logitech's gaming products. Luckily, the DPI setting is relatively easy to access and change because, like the first-generation Superlight, there is no physical DPI button.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is one of the lightest gaming mice on the market but packs the performance of a full-sized mouse. Weighing only 53 grams, the Pulsefire Haste 2 is still comfortable for medium-sized hands. Compared to the original Pulsefire Haste, performance is better than ever with a 26,000 DPI and a maximum tracking speed of 650 IPS. Custom HyperX switches are more durable than any gaming mouse switches, rated to last up to 100 million clicks.
- Weight
- 53 grams
- Sensor and DPI
- Optical, 26,000 DPI
- Switches
- Custom HyperX
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- 6
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Wireless
- No
- IPS
- 650
- Polling Rate
- 8000 Hz
- Extremely lightweight
- Incredibly accurate sensor with ultra low latency
- 8,000 Hz polling rate
- Only one on-board profile
- Limited programmability
Speaking of lightweight mice, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 cuts even more weight than the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, coming in at an incredibly low 53 grams. But the impressive features list doesn't end at the lightweight. With a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz and an excellent sensor, this mouse is perfect for Mac gamers looking for a wired mouse that is also pretty affordable.
With its lightweight and high-performance sensor, this mouse is intended for competitive FPS gaming, and it is an absolute joy to play with. But the switches on the left and right clicks have a bit more resistance than most mouse switches, so when first using this mouse, it might feel like the clicks are not responding, but it just needs a bit more pressure to make it register. That can be polarizing, but after getting used to it, the extra weight behind the click feels kind of nice.
Besides removing the holes, the Pulsefire Haste 2 doesn't look that different from the first-generation Haste. But that's okay because this mouse is very comfortable for most hand sizes, and the lower profile design is excellent for fingertip or claw grip users. Most of the mouse is not textured, which can get slippery, especially for gamers who get sweaty, but thankfully, HyperX has those sweaty gamers covered with included pre-cut grip tape.
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
The Logitech G305 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse is a bold budget offering perfect for personalizing a desk. It weighs just under 100g and uses a AA battery that is said to last 250 hours. It boasts 6 programmable buttons, including a DPI button on the top. The HERO sensor has a DPI of up to 12,000 and a max acceleration is 40g, like most of Logitech’s mice, and the report rate is the industry standard of 1ms.
- Weight
- 99 g
- Sensor and DPI
- HERO 12,000 DPI
- Switches
- 6
- RGB Lighting
- No
- Programmable Buttons
- Yes
- Connectivity
- LIGHTSPEED wireless technology
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- 250 Hours
- Battery Type
- AA
- Multi-Device Pairing
- Yes
- Onboard memory for saving profiles
- Long battery life of 200+ hours
- Wide DPI range
- Scroll wheel has a short range
- Runs on AA battery instead of built-in battery
The Logitech G305 is one of those mice that look like they are supposed to cost way more than they do. The sleek and minimal design is rare at this price point, especially with this excellent performance and solid build quality. The G305 is perfect for gamers looking to get the most bang for their buck.
This mouse doesn't have a unique ergonomic design, but regardless of hand size or preferred grip style, this mouse is incredibly comfortable to game and even work with. In Game ZXC's full review of the Logitech G305, we found all the buttons easy to click from any hand position. This helps mitigate any issues with the smaller size, as even large hands will be able to click the buttons without having to adjust their grip.
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Regardless of what type of games users want to play, the G305 offers solid performance. This mouse is incredibly reliable for everything from competitive to casual games. There is no need to worry about misclicks or input lag. Plus, the battery life is unbeatable at up to 250 hours for a single AA battery. At this price point, it is an excellent option for Mac users who aren't sure about gaming, but still want a good mouse.
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
Made for speed, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is the best FPS gaming mouse from Razer. The design focuses on a lightweight build and an ergonomic grip, pairing with an industry-leading max DPI to deliver pro-level performance in every match.
- Weight
- 63 g
- Sensor and DPI
- Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor
- RGB Lighting
- None
- Programmable Buttons
- 5
- Connectivity
- Razer HyperSpeed Wireless
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- Up To 90 Hours
- Compatibility
- Windows, macOS
- DPI
- 30,000
- IPS
- 750
- Polling Rate
- 1,000 Hz to 8,000 Hz (with add-on dongle)
- Acceleration
- 70 g
- Fast optical switches for competitive gaming
- Lightweight construction for quick movements
- Lift-off distance can be customized
- Poor battery life when set at 8000Hz polling rate
The Razer DeathAdder lineup combines excellent comfort with a fantastic performance that gamers have come to love since its first introduction. But now the DeathAdder V3 Pro is starting to change things, making it lighter, more tactile, and more ergonomic to be comfortable for all grip types and hand sizes. This mouse is a perfect option for gamers looking for a lightweight, ergonomic wireless gaming mouse that is so accurate it feels like an extension of the user.
The rest of the DeathAdder lineup is more comfortable for users with bigger hands, but the DeathAdder V3 Pro feels comfortable regardless of hand size. This is probably because of the lighter weight and because the hump has been shifted to more naturally meet the user's palm. This shift in the shape doesn't affect the comfort for claw and fingertip grip users too much, but the lighter weight is much appreciated.
The Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical sensor is an absolute monster in fast-paced gaming. With a tracking speed of 750 IPS and up to 70g of acceleration, this mouse can be whipped around the desk at incredible speeds and still track accurately. For comparison, the top tracking speed of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is 650 IPS, and it is a wired mouse.
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE
The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is a high-performance gaming mouse that offers both flexibility and performance all in one aesthetically pleasing package. Get the most out of a wireless mouse with the SE's pinpoint accurate technology and precision with the PixArt PAW3392 DPI optical sensor. The SE charges with a versatile USB-C charger in less than two hours, offering a battery life of over 50 hours per charge.
- Weight
- 133g
- Sensor and DPI
- PixArt Paw3392, 18,000 DPI
- Switches
- Omron
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- 6
- Connectivity
- Wireless/USB
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- 50 hours
- DPI
- 1800
- IPS
- 450
- Polling Rate
- 2000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 50G
- Built-in dongle storage
- Good number of programmable buttons for both FPS and MOBA games
- Ergonomic design for long sessions
- Textured grip is a bit slippery
- A bit too big for gamers with smaller hands
Ergonomic mice are not always the best for gaming. They tend to be a bit more clunky, and most don't have performance that can keep up in fast-paced gaming situations, but the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is not one of those mice. The Dark Core RGB Pro SE is an incredibly comfortable mouse with excellent gaming performance and a fantastic wireless connection, and it is pretty affordable.
In Game ZXC's full review of the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE, we found that the shape and size of this mouse made it easy to have longer gaming sessions without hand cramps. The thumb rest keeps thumbs comfortable and primed to press those two side buttons without much movement. However, gamers with smaller hands might have a hard time using the mouse.
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While the performance doesn't hold up to mice like the DeathAdder V3, the Dark Core RGB Pro SE is incredibly fun to game with. The sensor supports up to 18,000 DPI, and using the iCue software, which is fully compatible with macOS, gamers can adjust the DPI one unit at a time, allowing them to fine-tune the best settings. Of course, with the heavier weight, fast-paced FPS games can get tiring after a long session.
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite Gaming Mouse
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is the company's premium gaming mouse designed specifically for MOBA and MMO players, but also a great option for fans of sports games. The mouse's accurate optical sensor supports up to 18,000 DPI, and it comes with 50 million click-rated Omron switches and a durable scroll wheel.
For MOBA and MMO players the 17 fully programmable buttons make gaming a breeze. It allows the execution of various tasks simultaneously and complex macros with just one push of a button.
- Weight
- 122 g
- Sensor and DPI
- PixArt PMW3391 18,000
- RGB Lighting
- Yes
- Programmable Buttons
- 17
- Connectivity
- Wired
- DPI
- 18000
- IPS
- 250
- Polling Rate
- 1000 Hz
- Acceleration
- 50G
- 17 programmable buttons
- Slidable side button panel
- Highly customizable and great software support
- Somewhat heavy
- Wired connection
MMO games such as League of Legends and Dota 2 have hundreds of thousands of concurrent players and are fully compatible with macOS. The good news is that the Scimitar RGB Elite is also fully compatible with Mac devices and has excellent software support as well. Corsair's iCUE software works flawlessly on macOS and the Scimitar RGB Elite needs it as much as any other highly customizable gaming mouse.
With up to 17 programmable buttons, the customizations are endless. 12 of them are present on the thumb panel on the left that is slidable towards the front and back to make sure individual users can set their grip according to their fingers' natural position. The mouse features four different RGB LED zones, which are customizable via iCUE software and synchronizable with other Corsair devices.
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The mouse is a bit heavy compared to most gaming mice, particularly those that are aimed at FPS games. However, this generally comes as a result of more parts being used to support several additional buttons for MMO games. Apart from this, the mouse is excellent in customization and provides up to 18000 DPI through a custom PixArt PMW3391 sensor, which allows users to increase/decrease the DPI by 1 step.
Macs Can Game Too
Finding a gaming mouse for Mac is not always as simple as finding a gaming mouse for Windows. Not all mice are going to be fully supported on macOS. Most mice can connect and use the essential functions, but things like programmable buttons and RGB lighting are not always compatible with macOS. Then gamers have to factor in all the other points when looking for a gaming mouse.
To make it more straightforward, keep in mind the three key factors for choosing the best gaming mouse for Mac.
- Compatibility: Make sure to look for full macOS support in the specs list for the best results.
- Performance: Specs like the DPI range, latency, and polling rate are a great way to quickly overview the mouse's performance.
- Comfort: Look for the suggested type and size of the mouse to see if it will fit and feel comfortable to game with.
- Connectivity: Ensure the type of connectivity a gaming mouse boasts. Both wired and wireless gaming mice have advantages and limitations.
FAQ
Q: Is Mac recommended for gaming?
Macs are not the best option for gaming, but they are much better than a couple of years ago. The introduction of the M2 and now the M3 chips have made it much more possible to game on Macs than ever before.
Q: Do any mice work with Mac?
Just about any mouse will work with macOS, but not all mice are fully compatible. This means that the basic functions like the tracking movement, left/right click and the scroll wheel will all work, but extra features, especially gaming focused features, won't always work with macOS.