Introduction
For a long time, my gamer friend’s were always trying to buy the most high end gaming mice they could. It’s easy to assume that just because professional esports gamers like Squishy and Seagull use high end gaming mice that means everyone else should try to get the best gear.
But after doing hours of research and being an amateur Halo Infinite and Arma III competitive gamer for the last 5 years, I’ve found that things like DPI, ergonomics, and mouse build quality are only slightly related to how much you should pay for a high quality mouse.
So why isn’t an expensive mouse always better?
While high-priced mice may tout advanced features like ultra-high DPI and premium build materials, cheaper options often offer comparable performance. Factors such as brand reputation, user needs, and build quality play significant roles in determining a mouse’s value, regardless of its price tag.
Factors that effect the price of a gaming mouse
Some of the factors that effect the price of a mouse are:
- Sensors: High-quality sensors with precise tracking capabilities
- DPI (Dots per inch): Higher DPI for increased sensitivity and accuracy
- Ergonomics: Comfortable design with customizable grips and buttons
- Build Quality: Durable materials, such as metal or high-grade plastic
- Switches: High-quality switches for buttons with tactile feedback
- Surface Material: Specialized coatings for improved grip and durability
“Using the Razer DeathAdder Elite has good precision. Its textured rubberized surface not only enhances grip but also comfort during long gaming sessions.”
-Juan M, amateur gamer friend
4 Reasons a Gaming Mouse Can Be Overpriced
1. Brand reputation and marketing
Most well-known companies charge more for their products, even though the cost to build the material is relatively cheap or the same as budget companies.
Cheaper gaming mice often come from brands that may not have the same level of brand recognition or marketing budget as larger companies like Razer or Logitech. As a result, they can offer their products at lower prices to remain competitive in the market.
2. Cheaper mice are built with more economic materials
Cheaper gaming mice may use more cost-effective materials in their construction, such as plastic instead of metal, which can help reduce manufacturing costs.
While this may impact the overall durability and feel of the mouse, it allows manufacturers to offer them at lower prices.
“I’ve been gaming with my RedDragon gaming mouse for years, paid $20 for it, and haven’t notice any decline in performance or durability.”
– Nikhil Singh, gamer and blogger of EntertainmentDen
3. Some gaming mice have irrelevant features or customization options
Cheaper mice may have fewer programmable buttons, less advanced sensor technology, or simpler RGB lighting systems.
By stripping away some of these features, manufacturers can lower production costs and pass on the savings to consumers.
I wrote an in depth article on deciding how many programmable buttons you really need for gaming which you can check out in the link. Most gamers find that they don’t need as many as they think they do and can save money as a result.
Gaming mice usually have 5 to 12 buttons. For multiplayer games like MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), more buttons (10+) can provide an advantage, while action RPGs or shooters may benefit from fewer, well-placed buttons (5-8), ensuring precision without distraction. Your choice ultimately depends on your gaming style and genre preferences.
4. Some gaming companies have better distribution channels
An example of distribution and retail markup affecting the price of gaming mice can be seen with a mouse like the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC.
While it’s available at major online retailers like Amazon or Best Buy at a relatively affordable price point, the same mouse might be sold at a higher price in specialty gaming stores or boutique shops due to additional markup and overhead costs.
This is why gamers should shop for their products online instead of in-store
Is a gaming mouse’s DPI related to price?
A gaming mouse’s DPI (dots per inch) is often related to its price, as mice with higher DPI sensors typically come with a higher price tag.
This has been the most important factor that contributes to why a gaming mouse costs more than an average cheap mouse from my experience.
The table below lists some budget level gaming mice:
| Product | Maximum DPI | Price (Approx.) |
| Redragon M602 RGB | Up to 7,200 DPI | $19.99 |
| Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless | Up to 10,000 DPI | $49.99 |
| PICTEK Gaming Mouse | Up to 7,200 DPI | $15.99 |
Now take a look at the next table of mice that have almost 2x-3x the DPI:
| Product | Maximum DPI | Price (Approx.) |
| Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro | Up to 20,000 DPI | $129.99 |
| Logitech G502 HERO | Up to 25,600 DPI | $79.99 |
| SteelSeries Rival 650 Wireless | Up to 12,000 CPI (approx. 16,000 DPI) | $119.99 |
At first glance, you would think that higher DPI is better right? However, as a competitive gamer and being in the industry for years, you don’t need as much DPI as you think you do.
How much DPI do you really need for gaming?
The optimal DPI for gaming typically ranges from 800 to 1600 for most players, as this provides a good balance between accuracy and cursor speed without sacrificing precision or control. Check out my article on how much DPI do you actually need?
However, some gamers may prefer higher DPI settings up to 3200 or even 4000 for faster cursor movement, especially in fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
This means you don’t need to buy a gaming mouse with a DPI of over 5,000, which puts you in the budget price range without having a performance disadvantage.
“Brands like Razer and Steelseries boast about how high their DPI sensors can get which is made to just sound better than the rest of the gaming mice out there. However, I’ve never met a gamer, professional or amatuer, that uses DPI of more than 5,000.”
— Nikhil S, amateur competitive gamer
The video below really does a good job depicting the difference in DPI when gaming.
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Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out at entertainmentden.ns@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to respond!