# Top Wired Gaming Mice for 2024: Affordable Performance Options
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Chapter 1: My Favorite Wired Mouse
In the world of gaming peripherals, it's common to feel the pinch on your wallet. The market is overflowing with premium gadgets and eye-catching advertisements that encourage you to upgrade, especially after you've already invested significantly in your current setup.
While wireless mice have gained immense popularity due to their improved technology, I remember the days when they were notorious for lag and poor performance. Fortunately, those times are behind us. Nowadays, leading brands provide wireless options that rival wired performance—so much so that the differences are negligible unless assessed with precise measuring tools.
However, the focus on wireless technology has also led to escalating prices. For instance, Razer recently released a high-end mouse priced at an astounding $280, which sold out within minutes. Currently, a decent flagship wireless mouse will typically cost around $140, and with the success of products like the Viper Mini Signature, this trend seems likely to continue.
If you're not keen on spending over $100 but still desire an exceptional gaming mouse experience, you might be surprised to learn that excellent options exist—especially if you don’t mind a wired connection.
In this review, I’ll share my favorite wired gaming mouse, along with a solid backup option and a budget-friendly choice that features an outstanding cable.
Section 1.1: The Top Choice: Razer Basilisk V3 – $69
Razer, known for both its premium products and high price points, also offers my top pick for a wired mouse: the Basilisk V3. It delivers the same level of performance as their top-tier wireless models but at half the price.
Launched ahead of other flagship models like the Viper V2 Pro and the DeathAdder V3 Pro, the wired Basilisk V3 shares nearly identical specifications with its more expensive wireless counterpart. Although its sensor is slightly less advanced, it still provides excellent tracking accuracy, coupled with Razer's custom firmware enhancements.
You can expect all the fantastic features of the wired V3, including Motion Sync for flawless tracking, customizable lift-off distance, lightning-fast optical switches, and a smart scroll wheel that adapts based on your usage.
If RGB lighting is your thing, the Basilisk V3 stands out with a remarkable number of customizable lighting zones, which can be synced with compatible games for dynamic effects. Plus, with a wired connection, you don't have to worry about battery drain affecting your lighting effects.
While the price difference for a wireless version of similar products used to be around $50, Razer has now positioned it at $90 for the Basilisk V3. Unless you specifically need the wireless feature, opting for the wired model is a no-brainer, providing top-notch performance that showcases cutting-edge gaming technology.
The Basilisk V3 was my primary mouse upon its release, and its comprehensive feature set keeps drawing me back. Currently, it's the main mouse on my desk, while more expensive wireless options remain unused in my closet. I find myself missing its smart scroll wheel whenever I switch to another mouse. I was initially excited for the wireless version but hesitated due to its high price and reports of faulty dongles from the first shipment. I believe it should have been priced a bit lower to align better with Razer's other Pro models.
If you’re seeking something lighter, keep an eye out for a rumored wired version of the DeathAdder V3. Recent leaks suggest it could offer a value proposition similar to the Basilisk.
The first video highlights the top wired gaming mice in 2024, showcasing their features and performance.
Section 1.2: The Runner-Up: Roccat Kone Pro – $79
When the Roccat Kone Pro debuted in 2021, I labeled it the best gaming mouse available, and my opinion hasn’t changed. Its lightweight yet sturdy design, exceptional tracking capabilities, responsive buttons, and durable aluminum scroll wheel make it a standout.
However, it narrowly misses out to the Basilisk V3, which incorporates newer technologies and a more advanced scroll wheel at a slightly lower price.
The Kone Pro's lightness might sway your decision, as it embraces the current trend of minimizing weight in gaming mice. While its tracking performance is comparable to the Basilisk, its louder "titan click" buttons may not appeal to everyone, though I personally enjoy them.
Another advantage of the Kone Pro is its frequent discounts, often bringing it down to a more budget-friendly price. Roccat also offers a more RGB-rich variant called the Kone XP, but it comes with a higher price tag of $90, which diminishes its value.
The second video reviews the best gaming mice, including the Roccat Kone Pro and its competitors.
Subsection 1.2.1: A Secret Budget Option: HyperX Pulsefire Haste – $49
While the Pulsefire Haste may lack the high-end sensors or optical switches of the aforementioned mice, it boasts the best cable I've encountered in a mainstream mouse. Its flexibility is remarkable, making it virtually disappear in most gaming setups. If I were to compare the wired Pulsefire Haste with a wireless model, I doubt I could discern a difference.
The good news is that HyperX intends to upgrade this mouse with flagship-level internals soon without a significant price increase. I'm optimistic that the updated version will make it onto my list of top picks in the coming months.