Best ultra-light mouse 2025: lightweight gaming mice for FPS gaming

Ultra-light mice have quickly become the gold standard for FPS, as they offer a noticeable competitive edge over older and heavier mouse designs in fast-paced PC games. These lightweight mice use clever internal designs, a stripped-back feature set and sometimes honeycomb pattern exteriors to cut mass wherever possible, and the result is a more manoeuvrable mouse that's easier to aim. Our current favourite is the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (see at Amazon UK/Amazon US), which is a pro favourite with a good mix of features and performance.

Beyond our top pick, we've spent years testing literally hundreds of ultra-light mice in FPS titles like Counter-Strike 2, Battlefield 6 and Valorant to come up 20 solid recommendations to suit different grip styles, hand sizes and budgets. It's common for mice these days to come in different variants to hit different price points, and we've linked to these where appropriate.

80 grams is our arbitrary cutoff for an ultra-light mouse, with many models in this list under 50g. Both honeycomb and traditional solid body gaming mice are eligible for inclusion, with solid body options having become increasingly commonplace. For context, most standard mice weigh at least 100 grams; the popular Logitech G502 Hero weighs over 120 grams.

Best ultra-light mouse 2025

1. Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro: the new king
2. Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2: the professional's choice
3. Endgame Gear OP1 8K: the best wired ultra-light
4. Fnatic x Lamzu Maya X 8K: symmetric wireless super-hero
5. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini: the best ultra-light for smaller hands
6. Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8K: a solid platform with many variants
7. Zaopin Z2 Mini: the best cheap wireless ultra-light
8. Glorious Model I 2: ultra-light nine-button alternative to the Logitech G502
9. Epomaker Click 8K: the cheapest wireless 8K ultra-light?
10. Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: extremely light and excellent value
11. Endgame Gear XM2we: reliable wireless domination
12. Edifier Hecate G5M Pro: discount option with hot-swap switches
13. Mchose Ultra K7: budget price, premium performance
14. Cherry Xtrfy M64 Pro: novel design and top-notch specs
15. NZXT Lift 2 Symm: stylish and good value in the US
16. Fnatic Bolt: competition-ready wireless at a discount
17. Corsair M75 Air: excellent for large hands
18. Fantech Aria 2 Pro: cute egg meets gaming rodent
19. Redragon M916 Pro: anime girl design, surprisingly good performance
20. Lofree Hypace: all hail the space egg

For more on ultra-light gaming mice, check out our article on why ultra-light honeycomb mice are the next big thing in PC gaming gear. We also have some frequently asked questions at the end of the article and a table of the most important specs. And if ultra-light isn't for you yet, check out our full list of contenders for the title of best gaming mouse 2025.

1. Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro

The new king

• 56 grams, 45K Focus Pro Gen 2 sensor, solid ergonomic design, 122x65x41mm, up to 8KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro looks similar to 2022's V3 Pro, with only minor tweaks to its medium-large size and ergnomic right-handed shape, but the shell, scroll wheel, sensor and wireless have all seen significant improvements that make it our top overall ultra-light recommendation, despite its high price.

Most critically, the DeathAdder V4 Pro debuts Razer's second-gen Hyperspeed wireless, bringing with it up to 8KHz polling via the included dongle (or wired) and up to 150 hours of battery life at 1KHz. The scroll wheel encoder has been replaced with an optical alternative to prevent accidental inputs, and switches below the primary buttons require less force to actuate.

Meanwhile, the 45K Focus Pro Gen 2 optical sensor promises greater precision, and the new shell has been made lighter, stiffer and from a greater percentage of renewable sources - at 56g, the V4 Pro is extremely lightweight for a mouse of this size and design. Larger mouse skates, a smoother soft touch surface texture and seperated side buttons round out the hardware changes to the mouse itself, and the dongle has also seen a redesign - to a dome shape, with coloured LEDs on the front that can indicate current battery life, sensitivity level or polling rate.

There are some interesting software tweaks, too. There's a mouse rotation feature that aims to straighten you out if you hold your mouse at a slight angle, a dynamic sensitivity feature that is essentially customisable mouse acceleration, and a sensitivity matcher feature that sets up the DeathAdder V4 Pro to feel just like the mouse you're used to. I discovered I had a rotation of around 0.5 degrees, but Razer representatives claimed that famed CS2 player Niko was unaware he was playing with a rotation of two degrees - so perhaps he won't miss any important shots with this compensation in place.

Behind the many updates and feature additions, the DeathAdder V4 Pro simply feels great to use, with zero compromises evident anywhere - in build quality, in sensor precision, in tactile feedback, in wireless reliability. You'll still sap the battery quicker gaming in 8KHz mode, but at over 20 hours the V4 Pro lasted longer at 8KHz than any other mouse I've tested. That's great if you feel you need it for ultra-competitive play, and I've never felt more connected to a mouse when playing Counter-Strike 2 than I have the DAV4Pro. If you have medium to large hands and prefer an ergnomic right-handed mouse, it doesn't get better than this.

2. Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2

The professional's choice

• 60 grams, Hero 25K sensor, solid symmetric design, 125x64x40mm, up to 4KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

Our runner-up ultra-light recommendation is the popular Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, a premium wireless mouse that delivers excellent competitive FPS performance. Critically, Logitech's Lightspeed wireless is reliable and just as fast as a wired connection, a low weight of 60g is easy to maneouvre and the streamlined shapes suit a wide range of hand sizes. These mice are ferocious competitors that are still comfortable to use in slower-paced games or when noodling around online.

It's not surprising that Logitech takes our top pick - after all, the firm kicked off the trend for wireless ultra-light mice with the 2018 release of the G Pro Wireless, combining an efficient optical sensor with a small, safe shape and Lightspeed wireless at just 80g. The G Pro X Superlight in 2020 represented an evolution of that concept, removing RGB and movable side buttons to cut weight substantially, to 63g. Now, the Superlight 2 is the current gold standard for esports players, with 28 percent of some 2,000 pros tracked by prosettings.net using a first or second-gen Superlight as of summer 2025.

This latest model features two key upgrades for lower input latency - up to 4KHz wireless polling and hybrid mechanical/optical switches - plus modern niceties like USB-C charging and longer battery life. You can read our full Superlight 2 review for more details - including a few small nitpicks - but suffice it to say that Logitech hasn't missed with this design. The only thing we don't like here is the price, which is enough to make the earlier G Pro Wireless and the original Superlight better value options - so you'll find links to these variants below.

Variants:

• Superlight 2 Dex (2024) - a right-handed ergonomic version of the Superlight 2 available at a similar price. See the Dex at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• G Pro 2 Lightspeed (2024) - G Pro shell with side buttons on the left or right, upgraded with Superlight 2 internals. See the upgraded GPW at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• Superlight (2020) - second-gen design that dropped RGB and right-side buttons to cut weight to 63g. See the first Superlight at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• G Pro Wireless (2018) - original fully ambidextrous 80g design with side buttons on the left and right. See the OG at Amazon UK/Amazon US.

3. Endgame Gear OP1 8K

The best wired ultra-light

• 51 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 118x61x37mm, up to 8KHz (wired)
• Buy: check price at Overclockers UK, check price at Amazon US

The Endgame Gear OP1 8K ticks a lot of boxes for FPS enthusiasts: a streamlined design without holes, a flagship-grade PixArt 3395 sensor and up to an 8KHz polling rate that equals the highest-spec mice on the market. That high polling rate is impressive for the price and translates into class-leading latency figures and the symmetric design works beautifully for gaming, particularly with claw and fingertip grips that suit the relatively low shape.

Beyond the headline features, the OP1 8K comes with some nice extra features, including a deliberately accessible design that lets you swap out switches using the included tiny screwdriver. You can find a wide range of switches from Endgame Gear themselves at £6/$7 a pop, which is awesome for anyone with specific tastes or just the drive to experiment. With the default switches, you can also change between multiple debouncing modes in the relatively streamlined software. You'll also find grip tape, replacement skates and a cable tidy in the box, which is again unexpected given the reasonable price.

Endgame Gear isn't the best-known brand, and that's a shame - they consistently deliver exactly what it says on the tin: esports-grade peripherals with no useless frills, genuinely end-game gear. The OP1 8K is a proud continuation of that tradition and well worth your consideration.

Variant:

• Endgamegear OP1we - the standard version of the OP1 is cheaper and tops out at 1KHz polling versus the 8KHz offered by the top-spec model. That's still more more than enough for most use cases. See the 1K model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.

4. Fnatic x Lamzu Maya X 8K

Symmetric wireless super-hero

• 47 grams, PAW3950 sensor, solid symmetric design, 124x65x40mm, up to 8KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The Fnatic x Lamzu Maya X 8K is a high-tier symmetric mouse that weighs just 47 grams and comes in a striking orange colourway. The shape, sensor and skates are all perfect, and I found the mouse perfect for high-pressure games like CS2, Delta Force and Escape from Tarkov.

The Maya X 8K comes with esports-grade specs, including a 2.4GHz wireless dongle capable of up to 8000Hz polling - excellent for high refresh rate gaming - plus PixArt's flagship 3950 sensor and Omron low-latency optical switches. The shape here is similar to something like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, and should suit a wide range of hand sizes - with the 124x65x40 design being a good choice for medium and larger hands versus the smaller "non-X" variant (see below). An ergonomic design, the Thorn, is also available.

Whichever design you choose, you get a lot for your money, with a nice cloth bag, a soft and flexible mouse cable, replacement mouse skates, grip tape and an optional plastic cover to better safeguard the open bottom.

Variants:

• Fnatic x Lamzu Maya - the smaller non-X Maya measures 119x62x38mm, weighs 45g and is a better choice for smaller hands. See the smaller Maya at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• Fnatic x Lamzu Thorn - the ergo version of the Maya is called the Thorn, bringing with it up to 4KHz polling and a 52g kerb weight. I adore the relatively tall rear hump and generously sized right side, which makes for a comfortable palm or claw grip. See the Thorn 4K at Fnatic UK/Amazon US.

5. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini

The best ultra-light for smaller hands

• 59 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 117x62x37mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is a brilliant wireless mouse for those with smaller to mid-sized hands, with excellent specs and a comfortable design.

This is a solid 59g mouse with a symmetric shape, with diminuitive dimensions that nonetheless flare towards the back of the mouse. Combined with the top-end PixArt 3395 sensor, matte coating and optional grip tape, this makes for an easy mouse to use with precision and accuracy, and I found myself choosing it over rivals from Logitech and Turtle Beach when grinding through the levels in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Usability is also strong, with both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, a long rated battery life of 100 hours and easy-to-press primary buttons with deep comfort curves and Kailh 8.0 switches. The side buttons are large and conveniently placed, while the scroll wheel is also excellent with clearly differentiated steps.

The only minor criticism I have here is for the software, which works reliably but is perhaps a little on the basic side versus the likes of Razer's Synapse or Corsair's iCUE. Still, that means little system overhead too, and overall performance is remarkably good.

The overall value here is strong, especially in the US where the mouse has been discounted post-launch, with a paracord charging cable, 2.4GHz dongle, simple cloth cover, aforementioned grip tape and replacement feet all included in the box.

6. Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8K

A solid platform with many variants

• 59 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 128x66x38mm, up to 8KHz (wired), up to 4KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8K is a strong all-around wireless mouse from PC specialists Glorious. Its comfortable, symmetric shape weighs in at an impressive 59g, despite not sporting a honeycomb design, while its 4KHz (wireless) and 8KHz (wired) max polling rates and lightning-fast optical switches offer a small advantage at the high refresh rates preferred for competitive FPS.

The experience out of the box is impressive, with options for palm, claw and fingertip grips well-supported for most hand sizes. No software is required to access most functionality, such as changing DPI settings, but you have the option of the Glorious Core 2.0 software to access advanced settings or bind hotkeys if you like.

Variants:

• Glorious Model D 2 Pro 4K/8K - same internals but with an ergonomic, right-handed design. See the D2 Pro 4K/8K at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• Glorious Model O 2 Pro - the standard version of the O 2 Pro is cheaper and tops out at 1KHz polling, which is fine for most people. See the 1K model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• Glorious Model O Eternal - the cheapest Model O variant, this option comes with a simpler PAW3311 sensor, a hard-wired rubber cable, dual-zone RGB lighting, 1000Hz polling and a lighter 55g design. It's well worth considering if it's cheaper than the standard Model O in your region, though the cable downgrade is a bit of a bummer. See at Amazon UK/Glorious US - with US availability expected later in 2025.

7. Zaopin Z2 Mini

The best cheap wireless ultra-light

• 56 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid ergonomic design, 117x62x38mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Mechkeys

The Zaopin Z2 Mini is another strong modern wireless gaming mouse from a smaller Chinese brand. This one comes with 1KHz polling out of the box - with 4KHz and 8KHz models also available - alongside the now-standard PAW3395 sensor, a non-ventilated design, optical switches and somewhat rare Bluetooth connectivity.

I dig the shape too, which is a rather moderate ergonomic design that looks almost symmetric at a glance; it seems to work well in a claw grip but could be used with a palm grip too, depending on your hand size. The mouse skates are nice and big, there are simple controls to change connectivity modes and DPI on the underside, dongle storage is provided, and the coating is pleasantly easy to grasp. Build quality is also excellent here for the money, with no flex evident whatsoever. At 56g, the Z2 Mini is right in the ideal range for a mouse of this size - if not quite class-leading.

You also get some nice add-ons in the box, including grip tape, replacement mouse skates and a nice little cloth bag for the mouse. Overall, a great value choice for smaller to medium hands, and even my relatively large mitts found this quite comfortable - which is why I accidentally used it for months before writing up this review.

Variant:

• Zaopin Z2 - the larger original, measuring 123x64x40mm, with 1KHz and 4KHz versions available. See larger Z2 at Mechkeys/AliExpress.

8. Glorious Model I 2

Ultra-light nine-button alternative to the Logitech G502

• 75 grams, PAW3395 sensor, honeycomb ergonomic design, 129x72x42mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The Glorious Model I 2 is a superb wireless mouse in the same comfy, high-button count vein as the popular Logitech G502 Hero and Razer Basilisk V3. The difference, of course, is the ultra-light design, wireless connectivity, and high-grade mouse skates. You can also pop off the side buttons to replace them with ones of a different shape, or flat panels if you don't need them and just want a smooth surface to grip. These characteristics make the Model I 2 a much better choice for FPS gaming, without sacrificing the comfort that made these heavier mice so strong. The only thing it's really lacking from these alternatives is a fancy scroll wheel; the Model I 2's is serviceable but doesn't offer an 'infinite scroll' mode. That's hardly a dealbreaker personally, and I'm glad to see some proper competition in this popular space.

Variant:

• Glorious Model I - the original wired Model I is substantially cheaper and uses an older PAW3370 sensor, but it still performs excellently and has a lower 69g weight (nice). See the original wired model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.

9. Epomaker Click

The cheapest wireless 8K ultra-light?

• 58 grams, PAW3950 sensor, solid symmetric design, 121x64x39mm, up to 8KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon US, check price at Epomaker Store

The Epomaker Click is the cheapest 8K-capable wireless ultra-lights we've ever tested, but it doesn't seem to offer many compromises elsewhere either - a 58g symmetric solid design, PAW3950 flagship-class sensor, Bluetooth support for mobile use and light Omron D2LS mechanical switches are all solid inclusions for a sub-$70 mouse. You also get some neat-looking grip tape in the box to push the value further, though this scuffed quickly for me.

The Click's matte coating is grippy enough to make the tape purely optional, and the Lamzu Maya style shape worked well with a palm/claw grip in my 20x10cm hands. Responsiveness with the mouse set to its 8KHz maximum is discernibly excellent on a 360Hz+ monitor, and the Click worked extremely well in faster-paced games like Delta Force and CS2.

The only real weakness I found during testing was the Epomaker Driver software. This is the same hub that's used for many of the firm's excellent mechanical keyboards, but the mouse section feels a little underbaked. Many parameters are given overly technical descriptions, the tab for downloading settings and macros from other users produces irrelevant results and the DPI buttons on top can't be rebound. You can still make the most critical settings tweaks and the software works reliably, but further development would be welcomed by this reviewer.

Given the overall excellence of this mouse and its low price for an 8K-capable model, it's an easy recommendation if you dig the shape of the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya but want something more affordable.

10. Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air

Extremely light and excellent value

• 47 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 122x67x39mm, up to 1KHz
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

I believe the Burst 2 Air is technically Turtle Beach's first gaming mouse, as the company has now absorbed the long-running Roccat brand into its own. The Burst 2 Air is more than a historical oddity though, as its low, fat-bottomed shape is extremely comfortable - and at 47g, it's one of the lightest wireless mice we've ever tested.

The other specs here are strong, including a PixArt PAW3395 optical sensor and Turtle Beach's own Titan optical switches, but polling rate is limited to 1KHz - not an issue for 99 percent of players, to be honest. Surprisingly given the low weight, Turtle Beach has opted to include Bluetooth connectivity, making this a useful mouse in a much wider range of scenarios, though RGB lighting has been excised as is tradition with many ultra-light mice. Battery life is reasonable too, at a rated 40 hours for 2.4GHz and 120 hours for Bluetooth. Finally, grip tape and replacement mouse skates are included in the box, which is a nice value-add.

Overall, an excellent option that has become cheaper over time, which is a good thing: more people ought to consider this surprise package.

11. Endgame Gear XM2we

Reliable wireless domination

• 63 grams, PAW3370 sensor, solid symmetric design, 122x66x39mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Overclockers UK, check price at Amazon US

The Endgame Gear XM2WE is my platonic ideal of a competition-focused gaming mouse - lightweight, wireless, comfortable, reliable. Its clean design suits a wide range of hand types and grip styles, but more importantly it felt immediately natural to use. A 63g design and good adhesion on the glossy side grips allow for rapid readjustment, which is crucial for flicking around in Counter-Strike 2, but the quality of the primary and side buttons, scroll wheel and build quality didn't let me down in regular use either.

There's a flexible USB-C cable in the box for recharging, but you'll get a comfortable 50 hours of battery life thanks to a lack of RGB, an ordinary 1KHz polling rate and the efficient PAW3370 sensor. The base of the mouse features big PTFE skates to help it glide, but there's no place to stash the 2.4GHz dongle - so keep a good eye on it. As with other competitively-minded mice, Bluetooth has been jettisoned to keep the weight down and design simple.

You can read our full Endgame Gear XM2we review for more details, but the short version is that we like this mouse a whole lot.

12. Edifier Hecate G5M Pro

Discount 4KHz option with hot-swap switches

• 65 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 125x63x40mm, up to 4KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Mechkeys

The Edifier Hecate G5M Pro is the first mouse worth recommending from the Beijing-based audio giant, with hot-swap optical switches, a large, symmetric shape (nearly identical to the original Logitech G Pro Wireless) and tri-mode connectivity. The primary way you'll want to use the G5M Pro is via 2.4GHz, with polling rates up to 1KHz or 4KHz depending on model, but there's also Bluetooth and the mouse can also be used wired.

The hot-swap switches are the most unique feature, with the entire top mouse skate popping off to allow the left and right buttons (and the PCB they sit on!) to drop out of the chassis. There are three switch options included (one in the mouse, two in the box), giving you the ability to tune exactly how you want your mouse clicks to sound and feel. These include Omron red dots, Huanuo small pink dot silent and my favourite, Huanuo blue transparent pink dot.

The G5M Pro 4K also includes a neat magnetic charging option, where you can mate the end of the USB dongle to a small connector placed into the mouse's USB port. They clink together magnetically to recharge, which is a bit more convenient than plugging the mouse in manually, but you can't use it while charging this way and the connector is a bit fiddly to remove if you want to recharge normally. Still, an interesting idea.

13. Mchose Ultra K7

Budget price, premium performance

• 59 grams, PAW3950 sensor, solid symmetric design, 127x64x40mm, up to 8KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Mchose Store w/ code EUROGAMER, check price at Amazon US

The Mchose Ultra K7 is a top-tier high-performance gaming mouse and a great option for those that prefer symmetric designs - all without the extreme price point of the Razer Viper V3 Pro that "inspires" it. The Razer mouse is probably the better-built gaming rodent, as it's lighter and is supported by more powerful software, but the Ultra K7 comes extremely close which costing one-half to one-third (!) of the price.

The Mchose mouse even has some advantages over its Razer counterpart, with web-based software, nicer colour options and an included charging dock - the latter of which accounts for the slightly heavier kerb weight. Inside, there's a flagship-grade PixArt 3950 sensor, Omron optical mouse clicks for reduced latency, a TTC gold scroll wheel and a wireless solution for up to 8KHz polling. The side buttons feel great, and the symmetric Viper V3 Pro shape works as well as it ever did on the original mouse.

I played a lot of Battlefield 2042 using this mouse in the run-up to BF6's release, and found it exceptionally performant in my medium-large hands, with reliable wireless, excellent responsiveness and plenty of grip in both in hotter and colder ambient temperatures (by British standards, anyway). If you want high-end performance and like a symmetric shape, this is by far the best value option I've tested.

14. Cherry Xtrfy M64 Pro

Novel design and top-notch specs

• 55 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid ergonomic design, 120x65x40mm, up to 8KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The Cherry Xtrfy M64 Pro is a powerful but expensive esports-focused mouse that offers 8KHz wireless polling, extremely good click latency and a light weight of 55g, making it a good performer for fast-paced gaming genres like FPS or MOBA. Its design is unusual too, with an extremely low front that allows for some interesting grip styles - but relegates the charging port to the right side, hidden behind a rubber stopper. The esports focus is also visible in its no-software approach to customisation, allowing for all settings such as DPI, polling rate and button debounce time to be changed via a switch and button on the underside of the mouse. Battery life is surprisingly good too, at a rated 90 hours - an estimate which felt accurate in our testing. If you're considering a 4KHz or 8KHz mouse for esports, this is an interesting option that ought to be on your shortlist.

Variants:

• Cherry Xtrfy M68 Pro - exactly the same mouse, but in a symmetric shape that measures a more modest 123x61x40mm. See the symm model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• Cherry Xtrfy M68 - a cheaper version of the symmetric M68, limited to 1KHz polling rates - more than enough outside of esports. See the vanilla model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• Cherry Xtrfy M64 - the cheaper 1KHz version of the ergo M64 that features as our lead recommendation. See the "amateur" model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.

15. NZXT Lift 2 Symm

Stylish and good value in the US

• 58 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 127x67x38mm, up to 8KHz (wired)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

NZXT is best known for their imaginative PC cases and performant water coolers, but the company also has a modest lineup of peripherals with mice, keyboards and audio gear. Their latest mouse is the wired NZXT Lift 2 Symm. Like the first-gen Lift, the Lift 2 is an attractive mouse equipped with high-end components, available in white or black to match your setup.

High-end in this case means a PixArt PAW3395 sensor, 8KHz polling rate, TTC optical switches and (slightly too-stiff) paracord cable. Sadly, the fun additional colour options offered with the first Lift haven't made their return with the Lift 2, but the relatively mediocre side buttons have also been replaced and the overall feel is much improved as a result. NZXT's CAM software also continues to evolve, and once you've set the mouse to your desired polling rate and DPI level then you don't need to use it anyway as neither variant comes with RGB or indeed any lighting.

Given the reasonable pricing, especially in NZXT's native USA, these clean-looking and performant Lift 2 mice are a great value introduction to the ultra-light category - and without the rough edges sometimes present on mice from smaller brands.

Variant:

• NZXT Lift 2 Ergo - exactly the same mouse, but in an ergonomic shape for right-handed players. This model is longer and slimmer than its counterpart, with a rearwards hump ideal for claw gripping with larger hands. See the ergo model at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
• NZXT Lift Elite Wireless - this revamp features a smaller, more rounded design, 8000Hz wireless polling and a higher (but still competitive) price. I welcome most of the design changes, including the larger side buttons and better textured grips, but the lack of a DPI button up top and only a single multi-function button on the underside and no dongle storage feels backwards. See the Lift Elite at Amazon UK/Amazon US.

16. Fnatic Bolt

Competition-ready wireless at a discount

• 67 grams, PMW3370 sensor, symmetric honeycomb design, 121x55x39mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The Fnatic Bolt is the first ultra-light mouse we've seen from the London-based esports club, yet it gets a lot right. The 67g weight is low for a wireless mouse of this size, especially as the Bolt doesn't rely on a honeycomb design that turns off some consumers.

The Bolt also comes with highly-regarded Kailh 8.0 switches and a solid optical sensor, the PixArt 3370; the design is comfortable and ambidextrous albeit without side buttons on each side, meaning it's not truly suitable for left-handers. Battery life is also reasonable, thanks to the modest RGB lighting in the scroll wheel, with a quoted 110 hours for 2.4GHz and 210 hours on Bluetooth; USB-C charging is via a provided paracord cable. The one annoyance is that there's no place to insert the 2.4GHz wireless dongle into the mouse itself, making this better for use at home than on the go.

The weight, shape, build quality and sensor are all good, so the Bolt deserves a recommendation.

17. Corsair M75 Air

Excellent for large hands

• 60 grams, PAW3393 sensor, solid symmetric design, 128x65x42mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Amazon UK, check price at Amazon US

The first in a new breed of Corsair mice, the Corsair M75 Air is a comfortable ultra-light mouse for larger hands that weighs in at just 60g despite its non-ventilated design. The matte coating and shape of the M75's sides are quite easy to grasp, but Corsair does sell grip tape separately - other brands are also available.

Inside, you'll find the same performant PixArt PAW3393 optical sensor and reliable wireless connectivity as the Katar Elite Wireless, with both 2.4GHz Slipstream up to 2000Hz and Bluetooth options allowing you to minimise latency or maximise battery life (up to 35 hours with 2.4GHz or 100 hours with Bluetooth). The mouse can also be used in wired mode, and a flexible cable is provided for this purpose (and charging). While there is room for the wireless dongle to be stowed, making this a good choice for laptop use, switching between modes requires repeated button presses rather than a conceptually simpler switch - likely for weight-saving reasons. Build quality is still excellent though, with no flex or give evident anywhere on the mouse apart from the scroll wheel which can be nudged side to side.

I'm a big fan of the new design philosophy Corsair is pursuing here, including the decision to drop all RGB lighting for the mouse in favour of an all-black design save for the Corsair-yellow scroll wheel internals. This makes sense for a performance-focused peripheral and ironically makes the mouse stand out against most of its peers from Razer, SteelSeries and Logitech. However, dropping the DPI button is a bit off despite allowing for a sleeker design, and I'd have preferred to see this on the underside of the mouse if nowhere else.

If you have medium to large hands, this is definitely the way to go - otherwise, we'd recommend checking out the smaller and more affordable - but slightly heavier - Katar Elite Wireless.

18. Fantech Aria 2 Pro

Cute egg meets gaming rodent

• 53 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid symmetric design, 114x65x38mm, up to 8KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Fantech Store

The Fantech Aria 2 Pro is an inexpensive egg-shaped mouse in the tradition of the Logitech G309, Razer Orochi V2 and Corsair Katar Pro XT. This was a popular shape for mice in the 90s and 00s, especially the sort of mice you might find in schools and libraries, and so a certain segment of the popular has a true fondness for them. I get the appeal, with the small rounded shape providing plenty of purchase for smaller hands, and the Aria 2 is a lot better-equipped than the rivals listed above while being much cheaper than you might expect.

Everything here (apart from the shape) is familiar reading for anyone that's seen the prior entries on this page: a high-end PixArt 3395 sensor, 2.4GHz wireless with polling rates up to 8KHz selectable, Huano transparent blue shell pink dot mechanical switches and a low weight of just 53 grams. These specs contribute to good performance in-game, aided by a relatively grippy glossy surface that's easy to hold in a claw (or palm grip for smaller hands).

Battery life is the only real limitation, with around 30 hours at 1KHz polling and substantially less as you ramp up from there. For most people, that means the cheaper Aria 2 is a better choice - and happily, this costs half the price of the 8K model. However, I can't confirm if the non-Pro Aria 2 comes with the same replacement full/dot skates and grip tape of the Pro model, and the MCU is downgraded too but still should perform well.

Either way, the Aria 2 is an eggceptionally good value and the Aria 2 Pro is the best egg mouse I've ever tested. Both get a solid recommendation.

19. Redragon M916 Pro

Anime girl design, surprisingly good performance

• 49 grams, PAW3395 sensor, solid ergonomic design, 121x64x38mm, up to 1KHz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Redragon Shop, check price at Amazon US

The Redragon M916 Pro is a surprisingly excellent ultra-light from the budget mechanical keyboard makers, offering excellent specs and a comfortable shape at a very low price point indeed for a wireless ultra-light. Also, it's got an anime girl on it.

The shape here is symmetrical and reminds me a bit of the SteelSeries Rival 3, with a minimal hump and gentle comfort grooves in the left and right mouse buttons. There's a high-end PAW3395 sensor and Huano blue dot switches inside, with 1000Hz polling as standard and 4000Hz variants available on the plain-colour variants. The 2.4GHz wireless dongle works reliably enough, and Bluetooth is also available for non-gaming use cases. The skates are a little lacking, but easily replaced if you desire a higher-performance option.

Honestly, if you like the aesthetic, this is a very slick wireless ultra-light for the price.

20. Lofree Hypace

All hail the space egg

• 47 grams, PAW3950 sensor, honeycomb symmetric design, 121x63x38mm, up to 8000Hz (wireless)
• Buy: check price at Lofree Store

The Lofree Hypace looks like a cross between an egg and a bicycle helmet, but it's actually a nice palm grip choice for larger hands that still tips the scales under 50g. The Hypace hits the usual high notes when it comes to modern ultra-lights, including up to 8000Hz wireless, a top-end 3950 sensor and Kailh white blade switches, but the design and its web-based software set it apart.

First, design. The frame is built from plastics, polycarbonate and ABS, with a magnesium inner for strength. The shape is unique, with a low profile design that is both long and narrow, and cutout sections along the left (side buttons), centre (mouse wheel) and right (nothing). You can't feel these gaps when wielding the mouse, and the mouse still feels extremely robust under pressure. The bottom of the mouse has a 2.4GHz/BT/off switch, a DPI toggle button and four differently-sized mouse feet that you must install yourself - a first for me.

The web software is great, as it eliminates an extra download/install/run cycle and doesn't consume resources on your PC after you close the page. You can easily change settings like polling rates or DPI, record macros and set a lighting scheme for the circular USB wireless dongle.

In game, I found the Hypace a reasonable but not great performer, feeling a little slow on its stock feet even on a speed mouse pad - so upgrading to third-party mouse skates could be a good idea. Otherwise, the shape felt comfortable enough in a palm grip, the mechanical switches for the left and right clicks felt suitably responsive and only the scroll wheel felt a bit sub-par with a slightly rubbery and imprecise feel.

Ultimately, the Hypace doesn't outperform more traditionally-shaped ultra-lights, but if you want something on your desk that stands out while still performing well in-game, then this is a pretty cool option that also benefits from an install-free software experience.

Ultra-light mice: key specs

Here's how the mice we've recommended over the years rank in terms of weight alone, plus some other key specifications - such as the sensor on board and dimensions. We've classified the designs in two dimensions: "honeycomb" or "solid" based on whether they have external holes and "symmetric" or "ergonomic" based on whether the left and right sides of the mouse are similar shapes. Symmetric mice are the only viable option for left-handers, but many right-handers prefer this style as well. Annoyingly, most "ambidextrous" mice don't include side buttons on both sides, unnecessarily ruling out left-handed use.

*With optional dongle, sold separately

Frequently asked questions

How to measure hand size for a gaming mouse

Your hand size will determine how comfortable a given mouse is to use. Most ultra-light mice will be perfectly usable for the vast majority of hand sizes, but if you have particularly large or small hands then opting for a matching mouse may offer the best results. To find your hand size, keep your fingers together and measure from the tip of your longest finger to your wrist.

• Small hands: Less than 170mm (6.7")
• Medium hands: Between 170 and 195mm (6.7" - 7.7")
• Large hands: More than 195mm (7.7")

You can also measure your hand's width from the bottom of your hand, across your knuckles and past your thumb. You can compare these two hand measurements, length and width, with a mouse that you're considering. A mouse that is about 60 per cent in both dimensions should be suitable for your hand size.

For example, my hand size is 200mm x 100mm, so I personally look for mice that are around 120mm x 60mm. Different grip styles can also influence your ideal mouse size; claw and fingertip grips will hover around the 60 per cent mark, while palm grips are flatter and therefore mice that are closer to 70 per cent of your hand size will feel more comfortable.

Won't dirt get in the holes?

I don't think it matters. I've been testing ultra-light mice for over five years and I can't see any visible dust or dirt in even my oldest mice. I also haven't noticed any change in performance over time or unexplained failures that could be attributed to honeycomb designs.

Furthermore, there aren't really any components under the holes that would be affected by dirt - just a PCB and potentially RGB lighting, with moving elements like button switches generally covered up. I wouldn't advise eating messy foods or spilling drinks onto an ultra-light mouse, but I wouldn't recommend that with any other kind of computer peripheral either. If you're concerned about this, consider traditional full-body mice like the Roccat Kone Pure Ultra, Endgame Gear XM1 or Logitech G Pro Wireless.

Are ultra-light mice worth it?

Yes, I'd say so. You'll see the greatest benefits to a lighter mouse in fast-paced FPS and battle royale games where aiming quickly and accurately is of paramount importance. Outside of these games, all of the medium to large ultra-light mice I've tested have been perfectly comfortable for general computer use as well.

Most importantly, while there are very expensive ultra-light mice - think of the rare Finalmouse Ultralight 2 and premium Logitech G Pro Wireless - there are also plenty of more affordable options around the £45/$50 mark. Many retailers will accept returns within a certain time window if the mouse is in a saleable condition, so if this is the case for you then it's well worth trying out one of the ultra-lights we've highlighted just to see how you get on.

What do you think of the rankings and which ultra-light is your favourite? Let us know - and iIf there's an ultra-light mouse you think we missed, why not let me know on Bluesky @wsjudd?