The best mouse of 2017: 10 top computer mice compared

There’s been tons of processor news lately, what with AMD having recently launched Ryzen 3 and Intel’s earnings on the rise, but this has resulted in other imperative PC components such as the mouse going overlooked.

In the forty years that have passed since the mouse was simply a wooden block with a small red knob it its far-right corner, the mouse has begun to take many forms. Nowadays, you have the choice between wired and wireless, stationary and travel-sized and so much more.

Whatever your preference, we’ve gathered the top mice in every category – from the gesture-wielded Apple Magic Mouse 2 to the U-shaped Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse. Now take notes as we venture out to find you the best mouse of 2017.

The MX Anywhere 2 is smaller than Logitech's flagship MX Master, making it a more travel-friendly option. It connects with up to three devices using Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz wireless, can connect with up to three devices and sports excellent low-latency tracking. Plus, its non-rechargeable battery lasts up to 60 days, making it our top pick for the best mouse.

After finding a great mouse, get the best keyboard

Logitech MX Master

Logitech's flagship is a mighty mouse indeed. Hand-sculpted for comfort, the MX Master connects via Bluetooth or USB dongle and it can pair to up to three devices. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 40 days and goes from flat to a day of power in four minutes, and you can even use it while it's charging.

Anker Vertical Mouse

As the name suggests, Anker's mouse sits vertically, so you hold it as if you're shaking hands with someone. It feels strange until suddenly it doesn't. The price means a few corners have been cut – where other mice are a collection of curves the Anker has a couple of sharp bits to jab the unwary – but it's a good and inexpensive choice for anyone who has or fears RSI.

Apple Magic Mouse 2

It has its critics, but the Magic Mouse has plenty of fans and the second version is a big improvement over the first generation. It boasts a trackpad-like multi-touch surface and moves more smoothly around your desk than the first version, and it doesn't require normal batteries thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery.

Triathlon

Like the MX Master, the Triathlon M270 can pair with up to three devices using Bluetooth. It also gets the Master's free-spinning scroll wheel, letting you zip through documents or webpages. Logitech promises up to 24 months of use before the Triathlon gives up the ghost on one AA battery. The only drawback? Bluetooth makes for lower latency than a wired mouse.

Though it isn’t chock-full of buttons like most gaming mice in its price range, the Asus ROG Gladius II still shines. With only six buttons, the Asus ROG Gladius II is versatile yet discrete. Plus you can change the switches on the bottom of the mouse and, better yet, the lighting style and color can be personalized to your liking.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Gladius II

Logitech Marathon Mouse M705

The Logitech M330 Silent Plus features left and right buttons that barely squeak – ahem – click, when pressed. Using it for the first time is like booting up a fanless laptop for the first time – quiet, inconspicuous and curiously satisfying. With only three buttons, its silent and compact nature, comfortable design and leggy battery life make it a great choice.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600

Running for up to a year on a single battery and is that rare thing, a mouse that's designed for both left and right handed use. It doesn't have 32 billion buttons, a sensor capable of tracking atoms or the ability to turn into a car and save the universe, but if you want a good, comfortable, reliable mouse to take wherever you go the 3600 is a winner.

Razer DeathAdder Chroma

Offering high-end performance for a pretty reasonable price, the Razer DeathAdder Chroma's USP is its 16.8 million-colour lighting effects coupled with a 10,000 dpi optical sensor. It's blazingly fast, exceptionally accurate, offers on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment and looks fantastic, which is probably why it's so popular among e-sports athletes.

Read the full review: Razer DeathAdder Chroma

Better known for its mechanical keyboard switches, Cherry has made a no-frills mouse in the MC 4000 Precision. Featuring an ambidextrous symmetrical design, the MC 4000 lights up red or blue to indicate whether it's in 2,000 DPI mode (the former) or 1,000 (the latter), with the higher value modes being useful when using 4K and other high-resolution displays.