When you are looking for the best mouse for your computer games performance, you want to be sure you have the best hardware to help you achieve your top performance. While you may know what to do to get a high score, you still need the proper tools to earn it. The best place to start in your pursuit of perfection is with a claw grip mouse for gamers. But what is the difference between a standard and a claw grip mouse for gaming?
Claw grip mice are a variety of computer gaming mice that call for a claw-like position of the hand so that the index and ring fingers sit on the hardware like a claw. This position allows for a greater sense of precision for the user, which can be especially helpful in first-person shooter games. Knowing which claw grip mouse is right for your gaming needs is not easy, but we did the legwork for you and put a list of the top 10 claw grip mice on the market. We looked at several specs before adding a gaming mouse to our list, so let’s take a closer look at what to consider in your next best gaming tool.
- The 10 Best Claw Grip Mouse
- Razer DeathAdder v2 Gaming Mouse
- Logitech G502 Lightspeed HERO Gaming Mouse
- SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse
- Logitech G403 Hero 16K Gaming Mouse
- Razer Viper Wireless Gaming Mouse
- Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
- Cooler Master mm711 60G Gaming Mouse
- Glorious Model O (Minus) Gaming Mouse
- Razer Basilisk v2 Wired Gaming Mouse
- Corsair Nightsword Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
- What to look for in a Claw Grip Mouse:
- FAQs
- What are the Standard Hand Positions for Holding a Mouse?
- Is a Claw Grip Position Actually Good for Gaming?
- What is the Best kind of Mouse Sensor?
- What is Relaxed Claw Grip Gaming?
- Is a Wired or Wireless Mouse the Best?
The 10 Best Claw Grip Mouse
| Award | Design | Computing | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| One of the best functioning sensors with an attractive design |  | Check Price | |
| A wireless option with low latency |  | Check Price | |
| High customization options for a small price |  | Check Price | |
| Low cost paired with exceptional performance |  | Check Price | |
| One of the best durable wireless mice with an ambidextrous design |  | Check Price | |
| The Logitech G Pro meets the gold standard in a wireless gaming mouse |  | Check Price | |
| A lightweight computer mouse with a unique design |  | Check Price | |
| An ultra-light gaming mouse that is suited for ambidextrous users |  | Check Price | |
| One of the highest customizations possibilities in a claw grip mouse |  | Check Price | |
| One of the most comfortable mice for claw grip gaming |  | Check Price |
Razer DeathAdder v2 Gaming Mouse
One of the best functioning sensors with an attractive design
When looking for high-performance gaming mice, you want to find equipment that was built with the same goal in mind. The Razer DeathAdder v2 comes with an excellent optical sensor, sleek mouse wheel spin, and many programmable buttons. In addition to great performance capabilities, the Razer DeathAdder is also comfortable. Claw grip mice don’t all have to be uncomfortable, and the Razer DeathAdder proves it.
The cord that connects the Razer DeathAdder to the computer is also durable, without inhibiting communication. The mouse wheel glides when you spin it, but you can also tell when you hit every new notch on the wheel. The mouse also comes with 5 memory profiles, so you can save specific button layouts for 5 different needs at once.
The Razer DeathAdder offers a lot, but it isn’t without its own flaws. The buttons on the Razer DeathAdder can be fragile and can result in either sticking, delayed inputs, or no input at all. This is a shame considering that it also holds one of the highest price tags on this list. It also experiences a common issue of not fitting all hand sizes. Mouse size is something that will come up a lot on this list, so it should be something to consider when shopping for a mouse
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | Focus+ Optical |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 8 |
| DPI | 20,000 |
| Weight | 82g |
Pros
- Best-in-class sensors
- Designed for comfort
- Chroma RGB lighting
Cons
- One of the more expensive gaming mice
- Buttons can be fragile
- May not fit smaller hands
Logitech G502 Lightspeed HERO Gaming Mouse
A wireless option with low latency
Cordless controllers can have a bit of a bad reputation, as they can take longer to communicate with a computer since there is no wire to relay information. As a result, the polling rate of a wireless mouse is generally lower than a wired counterpart. The Logitech G502 Lightspeed HERO Wireless Gaming Mouse is the exception to that rule. This mouse does more than account for any latency issues, though.
In order to combat the common battery fears of wireless mice, this mouse comes with great battery life and also benefits from a wireless charging mousepad. When the pad charges the mouse, it can be easy to forget that the mouse needs batteries at all. As great as the wireless performance is in this mouse, it also comes with the option for wired performance.
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed HERO can come with a mousepad that can also charge these mice, but it can cost a good amount more to obtain. This is another one that may not fit all hands, and the RGB lighting on this mouse may be a bit tricky to use. If budget is not something you can really play with, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed HERO may not be for you; but worry not, there are plenty of other mice that can meet your needs and your price range.
| Connectivity | Wired and Wireless |
| Sensor | HERO 25K |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 11 |
| DPI | 25,600 |
| Weight | 403g |
Pros
- High-grade assembly
- Low latency
- Programmable interface
Cons
- Can be hard on small hands
- Expensive, and the mousepad can cost extra
- Picky lighting features
SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse
High customization options for a small price
With a simple, elegant design that takes a minimalist approach to high-performance hardware, the SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse is not able to brag the highest-end of specs, but don’t write this mouse off as not being a contender. While a mouse with many buttons is suitable for MMOs, it excels for the first-person shooter community.
This claw grip mouse reports a low click latency, as well as a few extra buttons. In addition to strong specs and a sleek design, it is also one of the more affordable entries on our list so far. Because this is a claw grip mouse that was not designed with an ergonomic form, it can be uncomfortable for those who are used to palm grip mice. This mouse is also on the smaller side, especially compared to what has been on our list of the best claw grip mice so far. As an additional bonus, it can match any room decor with its 10 independently controlled RGB zones.
This mouse may certainly look good, but some features on it can be a bit lacking. The side buttons are known to be a bit difficult to press for some gamers using a claw grip, and the surface tends to retain heat moisture pretty easily. The surface area may also be somewhat larger for some users.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | TrueMove Air |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 9 |
| DPI | 18,000 |
| Weight | 111g |
Pros
- Lightweight for fast reflexes
- Affordable
- Programmable interface
Cons
- May not feel comfortable for smaller hands
- Surface builds up heat and moisture easily
- Sometimes known to rattle slightly
Logitech G403 Hero 16K Gaming Mouse
Low cost paired with exceptional performance
It can feel like a safe bet to buy an expensive mouse and expect expensive performance. In some cases, however, it’s also possible to find an affordable mouse with higher-tier performance. This is one of those cases. The Logitech G403 Hero 16K Gaming Mouse offers gamers high-performance for less than the cost of a new game.
This lightweight mouse is still built with durable components to keep it lasting for years. Its design is also crafted with the user’s comfort in mind. It comes with six programmable buttons to allow users to customize their gaming performance capabilities, as well as a DPI shifter to allow for easy switching between sensitivities. In order to grant more customization, you can also set a variety of colors in the RGB lighting.
Comfort is a common necessity for most gamers, but the Logitech G403 Hero 16K may have dropped the ball a bit in that field. It does not have a good reputation for comfort, and it has no accommodations for left-handed gamers. While most of this may be a non-issue for some, it also experiences its share of unintentional double-clicking. Not everyone experiences these issues, but it may be something to come to terms with before purchasing this product.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | HERO 25K |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 6 |
| DPI | 26,500 |
| Weight | 87.3g |
Pros
- Designed for comfort grip
- High durability build
- Excellent sensor
Cons
- Reported issue of inadvertent double-clicking
- May be uncomfortable for some users
- Only made for right-handed users
Razer Viper Wireless Gaming Mouse
One of the best durable wireless mice with an ambidextrous design
Too many computer mice are built with just right-handed people in mind. The Razer Viper Wireless Gaming Mouse, however, offers a mouse for left and right-handed users. This claw-grip mouse is an ambidextrous mouse that offers 8 buttons to assist in advanced gaming and a polling rate that will nearly eliminate any delay between the mouse and computer.
While the cord is praised as being both durable and efficient, it can be a bit stiff, which may impact gaming performance. Because the Razer Viper Wireless Gaming Mouse was built for either dominant hand, left-handed gamers will love the comfort they experience from it, while right-handed users may find it only okay. Also, because of the dual-handed goal in its construction, the Razer Viper Wireless Gaming Mouse also has some buttons that may be a bit awkward to reach, depending on which hand you use. The Viper Ultimate model also comes with a charging dock with RGB lighting.
The extra buttons on the Razer Viper Wireless may be an issue for some, as their position may not sit well for some users. The inflexible cable can result in dragging issues while using it, which may cause you to make errors in-game. Because this mouse is focused on a claw grip position, palm grip users may not find it suitable for them.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | Optical (LED) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 8 |
| DPI | 16,000 |
| Weight | 102g |
Pros
- Very customizable
- Durable build
- Usable in either hand
Cons
- The cable may not be very flexible
- Some buttons are in odd positions
- Not large enough for a good palm grip
Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G Pro meets the gold standard in a wireless gaming mouse
Computer mice that come with too many bells and whistles can be intimidating for inexperienced gamers. The Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse is a welcoming piece of hardware that comes with everything an experienced gamer needs while still not overwhelming newcomers.
While the Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse is wireless, you can also use it through its charging cord, which prevents the chance of running out of battery mid-game. The 8 buttons on the Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse are easily programmable to create individualized playability for any game, and the buttons are within easy reach of a comfortable resting position.
Like many other mice on this list, it’s worth noting that the Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse is more suited for larger hands than smaller ones. The charging cord is also coated with rubber, which can result in it tugging against your movements. For first-person shooter games especially, holding the right mouse button and clicking the left mouse button has been known to cause unintended inputs in-game. This may make it harder to line up the perfect shot.
| Connectivity | Wireless and Wired |
| Sensor | Optical (LED) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 8 |
| DPI | 16,000 |
| Weight | 117g |
Pros
- Superb latency for a wireless mouse
- Low price does not sacrifice quality
- Suitable for new and old gamers alike
Cons
- Clicking both the left and right buttons at once may not work
- Not well-suited for smaller hands
- Rubber-coated cable can pull against you
Cooler Master mm711 60G Gaming Mouse
A lightweight computer mouse with a unique design
The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” is especially true for our next mouse. While the Cooler Master mm711 60G Gaming Mouse may remind you of some of the old third-party controllers from your childhood, it certainly does not perform that way.
The honeycomb design in the casing of the mouse actually comes with an added benefit. The holes in the case allow for more airflow underneath the palm, which prevents sweaty hands in critical gaming moments. Because the design does not directly expose any internal components, it also doesn’t risk any crumbs or dust interfering with them.
As great as the Cooler Master mm711 60G Gaming Mouse looks, it isn’t without its flaws. The skates on the bottom of the mouse don’t always allow for smooth maneuvering. It is also one of many mice that only accommodate right-handed gamers, and it doesn’t have any wireless options.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | PixArt PMW3389 |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 6 |
| DPI | 16,000 |
| Weight | 60g |
Pros
- “Ultraweave” cord prevents fraying
- Amazing sensor capabilities
- Designed with comfort in mind
Cons
- May not glide very well
- No wireless option
- Right-handed users only
Glorious Model O (Minus) Gaming Mouse
An ultra-light gaming mouse that is suited for ambidextrous users
While the honeycomb design is inspired, our last mouse is not the only one with this fresh appearance. The Glorious Model O (Minus) Gaming Mouse also sports the honeycomb appearance without sacrificing any structural durability in the process. This claw grip mouse also doesn’t lose any comfort in the hands with its ergonomic design. This mouse offers both aesthetics and comfort in equal measures, and it still has an excellent performance.
The Glorious Model O (Minus) Gaming Mouse is a triple threat, but it is not perfect. It suffers from being too big for smaller hands, and the cord has been reported to break or fray where it connects to the mouse. Because of how the cord also connects to this claw grip mouse, it doesn’t do too well for people who do their gaming on the road.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | Optical (LED) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 6 |
| DPI | 12,000 |
| Weight | 67g |
Pros
- Durable build despite honeycomb design
- Fast input response times
- Very comfortable ergonomic design
Cons
- May not feel comfortable for smaller hands
- The cord can fray at the connecting joint
- Not suited for gaming on the go
Razer Basilisk v2 Wired Gaming Mouse
One of the highest customizations possibilities in a claw grip mouse
If you’re looking for the best claw grip mouse, this may be it. Some gamers have a wide variety of games that they regularly play. From first-person shooters to MMORPGs, they need a mouse that can adapt to whatever they play on a particular day. The Razer Basilisk v2 Wired Gaming Mouse may just have the highest chances of meeting anyone’s needs on this list.
The Razer Basilisk v2 Wired Gaming Mouse comes with 11 programmable buttons that you can set for custom inputs. Match that with the 5 memory profiles that this claw grip mouse comes with, and you should be able to play just about anything without having to reformat your mouse settings.
This claw grip mouse offers a lot but still falls short in a few areas. In addition to it not fitting all sizes of hands, it may be uncomfortable for some hands that it does fit. One of the 11 programmable buttons also has a reputation for sticking, but not everyone may have the same experience. Despite these minor issues, it is still one of the best claw grip mice on the list.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | Optical (LED) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 11 |
| DPI | 20,000 |
| Weight | 127g |
Pros
- Speedflex cable for minimal drag during use
- 5 memory profiles
- Cutting-edge sensor
Cons
- May not feel comfortable for larger hands
- The clutch button may have some sticking issues
- Doesn’t have a very ergonomic design
Corsair Nightsword Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
One of the most comfortable mice for claw grip gaming
Low latency, high DPI, and customization are all admirable features to have on the best claw grip mouse. The Corsair Nightsword Ergonomic Gaming Mouse comes with all of this as well as exceptional comfort. For a claw grip mouse that comes with one of the largest numbers of side buttons on this list, it also comes with some of the highest levels of comfort.
Gaming mice are rarely perfect, but the top ones often come pretty close. The Corsair Nightsword Ergonomic Gaming Mouse does have a few shortcomings. This claw grip mouse’s cord is rather stiff, and it may catch on to things while you are trying to move it. The touchy DPI settings can also make you feel like your cursor is moving too fast or too slow at times.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensor | Optical (LED) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 10 |
| DPI | 18,000 |
| Weight | 174g |
Pros
- Low latency results in fast inputs
- Ergonomic design for comfort while claw grip gaming
- Plenty of customizable buttons
Cons
- Frequent software updates can inhibit gaming
- Unstable DPI settings
- The stiff cable may restrict hand movement
What to look for in a Claw Grip Mouse:
The specs of a mouse all add up to how well it can perform for your gaming needs. When you are looking for a mouse for gaming, it pays to gauge all of the specs when it comes to how well it can help you play games. these are the specs we considered, and what they’ll mean for you:
- Connectivity: how the hardware connects to the computer, most commonly either wired or Bluetooth.
- Sensor: the mouse sensor is the part of the computer hardware that detects movements. The better the sensor, the more accurate your movements will be.
- Polling Rate: how often your mouse communicates with your computer per second. These communications are measured in Hertz (Hz). The low end of Hz is in the 100s, and the high end is in the 1000s.
- Buttons: The number of buttons on mice can vary. Standard gaming devices commonly have left and right-click buttons and even a wheel button. More buttons can come with more functions.
- DPI: Dots Per Linear Inch (DPI) is what measures mouse sensitivity. The higher the DPI, the faster and farther the cursor moves with the same movement.
- Weight: the heavier a mouse weighs, the more effort it can take to move, resulting in slower movements and reactions. The standard weight for mice sits at around 100 grams.
These are the specs that we will address for all the hardware on our list, but they are not the only ones. If you have certain features you know you need on a mouse, be sure to try and look for them. It is possible that the hardware on our list has what you are looking for, even if it is not directly mentioned. In the same sense, we may address features that you never considered, so be sure to keep an open mind when weighing the options for these mice.
FAQs
What are the Standard Hand Positions for Holding a Mouse?
There are three main hand positions for holding a gaming mouse: the palm grip, the fingertip grip, and the claw grip. The palm grip involves resting the entire hand on the mouse. The fingertip grip is where only your fingertips are holding the mouse. The claw grip style involves resting the heel of your palm of your mouse, and only the part of your fingers that touch the mouse are the tips.
Is a Claw Grip Position Actually Good for Gaming?
It is best to consider what each position offers a gamer. For instance:
- The palm grip may limit access to some of the additional buttons on the mice on this list. When the base of your thumb rests too close to other buttons, it can also result in some embarrassing misplays mid-game.
- The fingertip grip can offer fast reflexes, but it comes at a cost. Heavier mice can bog down your speed when you don’t have your wrist to help move the mouse. It can also be uncomfortable to rest your weight on your fingertips.
- The claw grip allows your wrist to help control the mouse while still keeping the agility that your fingertips can offer. The best claw grip positionings result in the best of both of the other two positions.
What is the Best kind of Mouse Sensor?
It can be hard to decide which comes out on top between laser sensors and optical sensors. Both a laser sensor and optical sensor have a lot in common, such as having similar or identical image sensors, but there are a few differences. Laser sensors can work directly on clear glass, or any other surface, while an optical sensor almost always needs a mouse pad or something similar to move on. Laser sensors are generally more expensive, but not always worth the price increase for minimal differences.
What is Relaxed Claw Grip Gaming?
The relaxed claw grip position is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a claw grip position, but the gamer keeps their hands relaxed while playing. This position is more difficult to achieve than it sounds. While someone may be able to start their gaming session in a relaxed position, too much stress or excitement may cause the hands to tense. Those who are able to master this position will enjoy the benefits of reduced cramping and greater endurance while playing.
Is a Wired or Wireless Mouse the Best?
One of the biggest differences between a wired mouse and a wireless mouse is the latency. While it’s true that wired mice have lower latency, the difference is almost unnoticeable. Gaming mice of all kinds perform extremely well in pro gaming communities, and either option will perform just as well as the other. The real difference in which type of gaming mouse is best comes down to personal preference.
Conclusion
Which is the best claw grip mouse? Sadly, there may never be a definitive answer for all because everyone has different preferences and expectations from their gaming mouse. Some people may have a preference between Logitech mice and Razer gaming mice, while some may want one with programmable buttons for diverse gaming.
In some cases, a gamer may not need a high DPI for the type of game they play. Higher DPI is normally suited for first-person shooter games, so if you mainly play MMOs, you may never need a DPI higher than a few hundred. You may also find lights on a mouse distracting while gaming, so you want to be sure that the RGB lighting on your mouse can be disabled, or that it simply doesn’t have any.
There are so many things to consider when looking for the perfect mouse for gaming. The truth is that if you are looking for the best claw grip mouse for gaming that you can use to become the next pro gamer, take a moment to consider your play style, your preferred games, and what you want from a mouse. Pro gamers use a wide variety of tools to get them to the top; it’s just a matter of choosing the best mouse for you.
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