The 10 Best Lightest Gaming Mice for Effortless Aiming

Written by Azzief Khaliq
Last updated Oct 11, 2021

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Switching to a lighter mouse might not be the most obvious way to improve your game, but you’d be surprised what the lightest gaming mice can do for your aim. The reduced weight makes aiming in FPS games feel particularly responsive and precise. It’s a significant enough improvement that we’d argue a lightweight mouse is a must-try if you’re serious about FPS gaming.

There’s a lightweight gaming mouse out there for everyone. Whether it’s from a household name like Logitech or a niche manufacturer like G-Wolves, we’re confident you’ll find at least one mouse on our list that’s right for you. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

The Best Light Gaming Mice

1. Glorious Model O

Weight67 grams (2.36 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)5.03 x 2.59 x 1.47 inches
SensorPixart PMW3360
DPI Range400 - 12,000
Polling Rate1,000 Hz
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical

Finalmouse kicked off the honeycomb mouse trend with its exclusive range of lightweight gaming mice. But it’s arguably Glorious that made it mainstream with the Glorious Model O. It’s not the newest or lightest mouse here, but it’s a classic that deserves to be mentioned when discussing the lightest gaming mice.

Beyond its weight, the Glorious Model O’s standout features are the excellent “Ascended Cord” and super-smooth “virgin PTFE” mouse feet. The cable is one of our favorites, and the feet are smoother than some of the competition, including Razer’s Viper. These make the Glorious Model O a great out-of-the-box performer.

The rest of the mouse is relatively no-frills, and it’s definitely not the most interesting mouse here. Still, it’s a safe choice for anyone looking to buy their first lightweight gaming mouse.

The Model O comes in white and black, with matte and gloss finishes for each color. Glorious also makes the Model O Wireless for fans of cable-free gaming. And if you have small hands, the Model O- shrinks the Model O down and drops the weight to 58 grams, making it one of the lightest mice on the market.

It’s worth noting that while Glorious markets the Model O and Model O- as ambidextrous mice, both only have right-handed thumb buttons. So while the shape is ambidextrous, the lack of left-handed thumb buttons means lefties won’t enjoy the Model O as much. The same goes for all of the symmetrical mice on our list, unfortunately.

2. Glorious Model D

Weight69 grams (2.43 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)5.04 x 2.32 x 1.65 inches
SensorPixart PMW3360
Max DPI400 - 12,000
ButtonsSix
ShapeErgonomic
LightingRGB

Like the look of the Glorious Model O but not keen on the ambidextrous shape? Then you want the Glorious Model D. It has all the standout features of the Model O in a larger and more ergonomically-shaped shell. So you get the same brilliant cable, smooth PTFE feet, and top-of-the-line Pixart PMW-3360 sensor, just in a form factor that might suit you better.

The larger ergonomic shell does add a bit of weight, but 69 grams is still significantly lighter than your average mouse. If you have large hands or use a palm grip, the Glorious Model D might be a bit more suitable for you than the smaller Model O.

Beyond the slightly higher weight, the Glorious Model D also has a higher lift-off distance than the Model O at 2.0 mm vs. 0.7 mm. It’s not a huge issue, but you should bear the difference in mind if you lift your mouse a lot when gaming.

The Glorious Model D comes in white and black, with the requisite gloss and matte finishes for each. There’s also the Model D-, which shaves off 0.3 inches in length and around 0.07 inches in height and width. It’s not that much smaller, but the reduced dimensions could make the difference depending on your hand size.

3. Razer Viper 8KHz

Weight69 grams (2.43 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.99 x 2.27 x 1.49 inches
SensorRazer Focus+
DPI Range400 - 20,000
Polling Rate8,000 Hz
ButtonsEight
ShapeAmbidextrous

Your options are pretty limited if you want a lightweight mouse without the honeycomb pattern that defines the category. Maybe you have concerns about durability and cleanliness, or you just don’t like the look. Well, if you’re in the “no holes” camp, Razer’s Viper is one of the few lightweight mice that will fit the bill.

Beyond the solid body, another selling point of the Viper is the proprietary Razer switches. The company claims these will last 70 million clicks and offer an “industry-leading” response time of 0.2 milliseconds. It sounds great on paper, but I personally couldn’t tell the difference in real-world usage.

Beyond that, the Razer Viper has the features you might expect from a high-end lightweight mouse. You get smooth PTFE feet and Razer’s Speedflex cable to reduce friction and cable drag. Unfortunately, in my experience, neither the feet nor the cord is quite as good as those on Glorious’ mice. This makes the increased cost of the Viper a bit hard to swallow.

You do get an industry-first 8,000 Hz polling rate with the updated Viper 8KHz, at least. But it’s more of a future-proofing feature since not all games support the new Viper’s 8,000 Hz polling rate. So you’re better off setting the polling rate to 1,000 Hz in Razer Synapse for the time being.

Unlike most of the mice on our list, Razer Viper is a “true” ambidextrous design with thumb buttons on both sides of the mouse. So if you’re a lefty, this is the lightweight mouse to get.

Razer also makes the wireless Viper Ultimate and the miniature Viper Mini. Neither of these features the new 8,000 Hz polling rate. The old Razer Viper is also still available at the time of writing but is being phased out in favor of the new Viper 8KHz.

4. Logitech G Pro X Superlight

Weight63 grams (2.22 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.92 x 2.32 x 1.57 inches
SensorLogitech HERO 25K
DPI Range100 - 25,600
Buttons5
ShapeSymmetrical
LightingNone
Battery Life70 hours

Logitech is synonymous with high-quality gaming mice. But until recently, the company was missing a lightweight mouse in its stable to compete with Razer, Glorious, and Cooler Master. Enter the Logitech G Pro X Superlight.

There are a few impressive things about the G Pro X Superlight. For one, Logitech’s managed to squeeze in a 70-hour battery into the G Pro X and still make it lighter than almost all of its rivals. This is without having to go down the honeycomb mouse route either, which is impressive. The combination of wireless operation while weighing only 63 grams is really the mouse’s biggest selling point.

That said, it’s also worth highlighting Logitech’s new HERO 25K sensor, which it claims is the “world’s first sub-micron level mouse sensor.” That’s likely not going to matter for most gamers, but it’s a sign of the sensor’s fundamental quality. The G Pro X Superlight also lets you set DPI in steps of 50, enabling you to really fine-tune your sensitivity.

There are a few downsides, though. First, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight doesn’t have a dedicated DPI switching button. So you’ll have to switch DPI in software or with a macro. Depending on your habits, that might be a bit too big of a sacrifice. Logitech’s also still using a micro-USB port for the cable, which is disappointing on a mouse this pricey. We would have preferred to see a more reliable USB-C connector.

The price and those drawbacks make the Logitech G Pro X Superlight a bit of a niche recommendation. If you already like the Logitech G Pro shape and want an ultralight version, this is it. But there are cheaper options if you’re just looking for a lightweight wireless mouse and aren’t wedded to this specific shape.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight comes in black and white and is refreshingly RGB-free. We think the design does all the talking here, especially in white.

5. Endgame Gear XM1

Weight70 grams (2.47 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.81 x 2.59 x 1.50 inches
SensorPixart PMW3389
DPI Range50 - 16,000
Polling Rate1,000 Hz
ButtonsFive
ShapeSymmetrical

The Endgame Gear XM1 is one of those rare beasts: a lightweight mouse without honeycomb holes. The XM1 joins the Razer Viper and Logitech G Pro X Wireless in this relatively exclusive club and is a surprisingly compelling option despite going up against much more storied competition.

Endgame Gear uses an analog switch contact mechanism in the XM1, which results in a response time of “less than 1 millisecond.” What’s impressive about this is that Endgame Gear has achieved this low response time without using optical switches as Razer did with the Viper. Instead, the company uses Omron switches that have been “pre-selected” for consistency and quality.

The Omron switches in the XM1 are also higher grade than most other mice, with a rated lifetime of 50 million clicks instead of 20 million clicks.

endgame xm1 lightweight mouse

Source: u/zhandri

Endgame Gear has also utilized the Pixart PMW3389 sensor to its fullest, unlocking the sensor’s lowest DPI settings and allowing you to adjust the DPI in steps of 50. So if you’re very picky about your DPI settings, the Endgame Gear XM1 is a great option.

Beyond the performance features, we also like Endgame Gear XM1 for its looks. Its clean, simple lines look especially great in white. Of course, the XM1 is also available in black, but we think you’ll agree that white is the way to go here.

6. Cooler Master MM710

Weight53 grams (1.87 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.59 x 2.15 x 1.50 inches
SensorPixArt PMW 3389
DPI Range400 - 16,000
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical
RGB?None

Cooler Master’s MM710 is one of the smallest lightweight mice you can buy right now, with a svelte 53-gram weight to match. Its size and weight make it perfect for those with small hands and gamers with a fingertip grip.

Cooler Master has coated the MM710’s PCB with a “dust and water-resistant coating.” The company claims this coating will prevent “accidental spills, annoying dust bunnies, or overly sweaty palms” from damaging the mouse. While the dangers of a honeycomb mouse are perhaps overstated by naysayers, it’s nice to have that extra bit of reassurance with the MM710.

cooler master mm710

Source: u/tailslol

Cooler Master uses Omron switches in the MM710, rated for 20 million keypresses. As has become standard for modern gaming mice, the MM710 has a flexible, low-drag cable to complement the PTFE feet and reduced weight.

One significant omission on the Cooler Master MM710 is its lack of RGB lighting. However, if you’re after an exceptionally light mouse that’s readily available (no Finalmouse-style drop-based shenanigans here), the Cooler Master MM710 has to be at the top of your list.

If you do want RGB, check out Cooler Master’s MM711. It’s the MM710 with RGB and a bit more weight to it. At 60 grams, though, it’s still incredibly light. Both the MM710 and MM711 come in black and white, with a matte or glossy finish option.

7. Xtrfy M42

Weight59 grams (2.08 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.64 x 2.48 x 1.49 inches
SensorPixart PMW3389
DPI Range400 - 16,000
Polling Rate1,000 Hz
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical

Xtrfy might not be a household name like Logitech or Razer, but the Swedish company’s been making a solid name for itself with its gaming peripherals over the past few years. The M42 is the company’s symmetrical honeycomb mouse and looks like a solid choice with one standout feature.

On the surface, there’s nothing about the Xtrfy M42 that sets it apart from the competition. It has the same high-quality Pixart sensor as the Cooler Master M710 and the same PTFE feet and flexible cable as the rest of the pack. But the M42 has one trick up its sleeve: it’s a modular mouse.

Admittedly, it’s only the back part of the shell that’s modular. But it’s still a unique feature amongst the sea of lightweight honeycomb mice. The Xtrfy M42 comes with two shells in the package; both have the same height, but the main “hump” is located differently on each.

You can swap between the two to find the right shape for you. Or, if neither feels right, you can even 3D print your own shell by modifying the 3D models available on the Xtrfy website.

xtrfy m42 shell

Source: Xtrfy

Like colorful mice? The Xtrfy M42 is the one for you. Most of the mice on our list only come in black or white, but the M42 is also available in Miami Blue, pink, and a red-and-white color scheme the company calls Retro.

8. SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless

Weight66 grams (2.01 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.75 x 2.64 x 1.50 inches
SensorSteelSeries TrueMove Air
DPI Range100 - 18,000
Polling Rate1,000 Hz
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical

SteelSeries has a long and storied history of making well-loved gaming mice. So, it’s no surprise that the Aerox 3 Wireless has several features that make it a strong contender in the honeycomb mouse field.

SteelSeries claims “up to 200 hours” of battery life, which is incredibly impressive when rivals like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight top out at around 70 hours. It also has 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, so you’ll be able to use it even without the dongle. You’ll be limited to a 125 Hz polling rate with Bluetooth 5.0, but it’s better than nothing if you’re in a bind (or want to use the Aerox 3 on the go).

SteelSeries has also one-upped Cooler Master and other companies by getting the Aerox 3 Wireless IP54 certified. This means the Aerox 3 isn’t just water-resistant; it’s also protected from “dust, dirt, oil, fur, and more.”

steelseries aerox 3 wireless

Source: u/DrearyR6

SteelSeries also opted to use TTC golden micro switches instead of the more common Omron units. These also have an IP54 rating and are rated for 80 million clicks, significantly higher than the 20 million-click Omron switches that most of the other mice on our list use.

SteelSeries also has a wired version called the Aerox 3, which comes in at 57 grams. Beyond the weight, the only significant difference between the two is the sensor. The wired Aerox 3 uses SteelSeries’ TrueMove Core sensor, which has a less-desirable DPI range of 200 to 8,500.

9. G-Wolves Hati S STS Stardust

Weight49 grams (1.73 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.45 x 2.15 x 1.57 inches
SensorPixart PMW3389
DPI Range400 - 16,000
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical
LightingNone

G-Wolves isn’t a name you’ll likely have heard of unless you’re a real mouse nerd. But the Chinese company makes some interesting mice, most notably the Hati series of lightweight honeycomb mice. They come in a few different variants, but the one we like the look of the most is the Hati S STS Stardust.

The G-Wolves Hati S STS Stardust’s selling point is its remarkable 49-gram weight. G-Wolves achieves this by making the Hati S even smaller than the already-minuscule Cooler Master MM710. It has a more prominent hump than the MM710, but it’s shorter and narrower; these dimensions make the Hati S Stardust something of a niche choice even by this list’s standards.

The G-Wolves Hati S STS Stardust is also one of the best-looking mice on our list. The combination of blue highlights and white flecks on a black body make for a striking visual impression that we like a lot.

hati s stardust

Source: u/takasta

The G-Wolves Hati S STS Stardust has a detachable paracord cable, with an extra cord included in the packaging as a backup. The package on Amazon that we’ve linked also contains some nice extras including a couple of replacement switches, a cleaning brush, and anti-slip tape that you can apply to the buttons and sides. That’s not a bad package and helps justify the slightly higher price.

G-Wolves also sells a wireless version of the Hati S called the Hati S HTS Wireless. There’s also a larger Hati without the “S” branding that weighs in at a still-respectable 58 grams.

The range is a bit confusing, so we suggest you spend a bit of time looking at the G-Wolves catalogue to make sure you’ve got the mouse you want.

10. HyperX Pulsefire Haste

Weight59 grams (2.08 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.88 x 2.39 x 1.50 inches
SensorPixart PAW3335
DPI Range100 - 16000
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical
LightingRGB

Last but not least on our list is the HyperX Pulsefire Haste, the company’s only honeycomb mouse. Most of the Pulsefire Haste’s features will be familiar to lightweight mouse enthusiasts, such as “virgin PTFE” mouse feet and a flexible braided cable.

HyperX has tried to differentiate its offering by opting for TTC’s golden micro switches. HyperX claims a 60 million click lifespan instead of the 80 million SteelSeries claims for the same switches. We’re unsure if these are different grades of the same switch or if HyperX is just being conservative with its claims.

Either way, the switches on the HyperX Pulsefire Haste should last a lot longer than many competing mice with Omron switches. You’ll probably get bored of the mouse before you start encountering any double-clicking issues.

hyperx pulsefire honeycomb mouse

Source: u/AyayaDesu

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste also has a split-button design that “gives the entire button consistent feel wherever you click.” Speaking of buttons, the Pulsefire Haste has deeper finger grooves than most other mice on this list. If you prefer flatter buttons, that’s something to be aware of before you buy one.

HyperX includes grip tape with the Pulsefire Haste to apply to the sides and left mouse button. Unfortunately for color-matching fans, The HyperX Pulsefire Haste only comes in black.

Before You Buy a Lightweight Mouse

While you could head over to Amazon right now and buy a new mouse or two, we recommend you read through this section first to help you make the best possible decision.

Figure Out Your Hand Size

The mice on our list come in various sizes, and not every mouse will be suitable for every hand. So you should measure the length and width of your hand before buying a mouse.

To get your hand length, measure from the tip of your longest finger to your wrist:

measure hand length

For width, measure across your palm, including your thumb:

measure hand width

Hand sizes are divided into small, medium, and large. This should give you a better idea of what manufacturers and reviewers mean when they say a mouse is made for “small” or “medium” hands.

LengthWidth
SmallLess than 6.7 inches2.9 - 3.3 inches
Medium6.7 - 7.9 inches3.3 - 3.9 inches
Large7.9 inches3.9 - 4.3 inches

You want to look for a mouse that’s around 60% of your hand size in both length and width. For example, my mouse hand is approximately 8 inches long and 4.1 inches wide. Therefore, the Endgame Gear XM1 should be perfect for me, as it’s almost exactly 60% of my hand.

Nothing beats trying a mouse in person, of course, but if you’re buying online, the 60% rule is probably your best bet.

What’s Your Grip Style?

Hand size is only one factor to consider. The other equally important variable is your mouse grip. There are three commonly accepted grip types: claw grip, fingertip grip, and palm grip.

mouse grip

Source: HyperX

There’s no right or wrong grip, and it all comes down to personal preference and comfort. However, some mouse shapes are definitely more suited to certain grip styles. So it’s vital to check product pages and forums to see whether the mouse you’re interested in is ideal for your grip style.

What About Dirt?

Honeycomb mice will inevitably let more dirt into the insides than solid-bodied mice. But in my experience, that’s not really a big deal. Mice like the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless and Cooler Master MM710 have dust-resistant PCBs designed to endure being exposed in a honeycomb shell. Some mice like the Aerox 3 even have dust-resistant switches to further ensure long-term reliability.

But what if your primary concern is aesthetics and not reliability? Indeed, the holes do get a bit dirtier than standard solid bodies. However, in our experience, it’s nothing a regular cleaning and dusting regimen can’t sort out.

The best advice we can give is to treat your mouse like you would (or should) treat your keyboard. Namely, clean it every month or two and make sure to wash your hands before sitting down in front of your PC. That should keep your mouse in good condition, even if it has a honeycomb shell. Regularly cleaning your mousepad also helps prevent grime from collecting around your mouse feet.

Wired or Wireless?

Wired mice used to be the standard for hardcore gaming due to the latency present in wireless mice. Wireless mice have improved a lot, though, and it’s no longer a straightforward choice. Yes, some mice have higher click latency than others. However, there’s no longer any real correlation between click latency and whether a mouse is wired or wireless.

mouse latency benchmark

Wireless mice in white, wired mice in blue. Source: Optimum Tech

Yes, the two slowest mice in the comparison are wireless. However, that goes for two of the top three too. So it’s more about the individual mouse itself instead of whether it’s wired or wireless.

Another factor to consider is the effect of the mouse’s cable on your gaming. All of the wired mice on our list come with the company’s own take on a lightweight and flexible cable. Some are better than others, and most do a solid job of getting out of the way of flicks and rapid movements.

They’re good on their own, but adding a mouse bungee will make most wired mice feel almost wireless. That said, nothing’s quite as liberating as using a wireless mouse. Sure, they cost and weigh more than their wired counterparts, but that might be worth it if you want to totally eliminate the risk of a cable getting in the way of your shot.

Closing Thoughts

We’re not going to claim that lightweight mice are for everyone. You may prefer the more reassuring feel of heavier mice, and that’s fine too. But we’re big fans of light mice and the positive effect they have on your aim. So we think that everyone should at least try one to see if they like it. Who knows, you might end up joining the lightweight mouse fan club.

If you’re set on getting a lightweight mouse but aren’t sure where to start, we’d recommend looking into the Glorious Model O and Model D first. Neither is the lightest gaming mouse around, but they’re affordable and don’t really have any deal-breaking quirks. Just make sure you get the correct version for your hand, and you should be set.

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