How We Test

Our goal is simple: turn marketing claims into measurable results you can trust. Every mouse we review goes through the same repeatable protocol so scores are comparable across gaming, productivity, and ergonomic categories.

Lab Framework

We test on controlled surfaces with standardized environmental conditions. Each unit is updated to the latest stable firmware, factory reset, and evaluated across multiple hosts/OS to check driver parity and multi-device behavior. We run at least two sessions per test to verify repeatability.

Core Performance Metrics

Click latency: measured with a hardware latency rig and high-speed capture to isolate switch travel and debounce behavior.
Polling stability: evaluated at 125/500/1000 Hz and, where supported, 2–8 kHz receivers; we log report interval variance and microstutter events.
Sensor accuracy and tracking: measured against known-motion paths to detect acceleration, angle snapping, CPI deviation, and motion delay.
Lift-off distance (LOD): measured in 0.1–0.2 mm steps across common pads; we report min/max and stability.
Glide and control: friction sled tests for static/dynamic coefficients and edge snagging; we note feet material, rounding, and pad compatibility.
Weight and balance: total mass verified on precision scale; balance index maps front/rear and lateral distribution for flick control.
Switch and scroll quality: force and travel consistency, pre/post-travel, rattle, and dB(A) at a fixed distance for noise-sensitive environments.
Wireless and battery: range, wake-to-click, reconnection time, interference tolerance, charging speed, and real-world battery life by polling rate.

Fit-First Evaluation

We standardize hand length/width and classify grip (palm/claw/fingertip). Each mouse receives:

Shape Index: summarizes shell geometry, hump position, and taper for reference and hand size matching.
Grip Compatibility: probability bands for comfort per grip type and hand size.
Control Envelope: how shape and coating affect micro-adjustments and click stability.

Workflow and Game Mapping

We build ready-to-use button maps:

FPS: DPI steps, polling targets, wheel behavior, and utility binds that minimize accidental presses.
MMO/MOBA: layered macros, cooldown grouping, and radial-menu setups.
Productivity/creative: horizontal scroll, zoom, layer/track navigation, and app-specific macros. We validate that software supports OS-agnostic operation and profile portability.

Scoring and Transparency

Each category (Fit, Performance, Build, Wireless, Software, Value) receives a weighted score. We publish test notes, known issues, and firmware caveats. If a manufacturer updates hardware or software, we retest affected metrics and update scores with a visible changelog.

Quality Control and Bias Prevention

We purchase retail units when possible; loaned samples are tagged and held to the same protocol. Affiliate revenue never changes our findings or rankings. Multiple editors review data before publication, and we invite reader replication with our methodology overview and settings presets.

Long-Term Testing

We revisit top picks to monitor switch wear, battery health, and coating durability. If reliability shifts, our recommendations change accordingly—no exceptions.