As a graphic designer, using the right tech gear can make or break your work. Spending hours clicking, scrolling, copying, and pasting can be a tiring task, especially if you don’t have a good ergonomic mouse.
Although some people prefer using one of these best tablets for Photoshop and other graphical tasks, using a mouse will give you a special level of control and functionality that you otherwise wouldn’t have.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best mouses for graphic design, whether for Photoshop, Illustrator, or 3D modeling. There’s also a guide on choosing the most specialized mouse that will suit your design needs.
Keep reading for a round-up of the most excellent and advanced mouses on the market.
TLDR
Best Computer Mouse (High Ratings)
Looking for the overall best computer mouse with high ratings? These three Logitech and one Apple mouse are all-rounders when it comes to having a high DPI, response rate, and precision rate.
- Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse
- Apple Magic Mouse 2
- Logitech M330 Silent Plus Wireless Mouse
- Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Mouse
Best Mouses Under 50USD
A good-quality mouse with cool features doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are the top three mice under 50 USD.
Best Mouses With High DPI
The higher the DPI (Dots Per Inch), the higher the mouse’s sensitivity and response rate. As graphic designers, a mouse with a high DPI will be your most valuable asset. Listed below are the best mice with a DPI ranging between 4,000 and 10,000.
- Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 2S Mouse
- Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
- Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Ergonomically Best Mouse for Graphics Design
An ergonomically designed mouse will allow you to work without straining your hand muscles or damaging your joints. Refer to the Buyer’s Guide below to find out more on why you should consider buying an ergonomic mouse.
- Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 2S Mouse
- Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
- Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Optical Mouse
- Microsoft Classic Intellimouse
- Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Graphics Mouse Comparison Table
This table gives a quick overview of mouses that are good for graphic design, but there are more in-depth reviews further down this page.
9 Best Mouse for Designers Reviews
Listed below are the nine best mouses for graphic design. All of these options are of superior quality. To help make your decision easier, you can find a list of pros, cons, and specifications with each review.
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Review
The Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced is the best overall mouse on the market. With its innovative design, the mouse promotes creativity and productivity without sabotaging your comfort.
The mouse has a steeper angle/slope, and the side buttons are easy to reach, so it’s more ergonomic. It’s also faster, boasts a 4,000 DPI resolution, features a USB-C charging port, and is available in black and grey colors.
As if Logitech’s MX Master 3 isn’t impressive enough already, it has one more special feature. The mouse can run for up to 70 days on a full charge and an astounding three hours on just a swift one-minute charge.
- DPI: 4,000 max
- Thumbwheel: Yes
- Gesture button: Yes
- Sensor: Darkfield High Precision
- Scroll wheel: Yes, with smart-shift
- Hardware platform: PC, Linux, Mac
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Unifying Dongle
- Buttons: seven – Left/Right-click, Back/Forward, App-Switch, Wheel mode-shift, Middle-click
- The Logitech MX Master 2 Advanced is the best overall mouse on the market.
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Logitech MX Master 2S Review
If you’re looking for a more affordable version of the Logitech MX Master 3, then the 2S is a perfect alternative. The 2S features cross-computer control with up to three devices and enables copying and pasting elements from one to the other using Logitech flow. The mouse can be used with either a unifying receiver or Bluetooth Smart wireless connection.
To not harm your joints and muscles, the Master 2S takes the shape of an advanced ergonomic design that supports your hand and wrist to rest in a natural position while working. If scrolling through endless pages of text frustrates you, the Master 2S has a scroll wheel that enables hyper-fast scrolling.
The battery of the Master 2S might not be as good as some of the other mouses on this list, but it’s not the worst either with up to seven days of power on a single charge.
- Buttons: seven
- Auto-shift scrolling: Yes
- Hardware platform: Laptop, PC
- Connectivity technology: Wireless
- Sensor technology: Darkfield high precision
- Battery: rechargeable Li-Po (500 mAh) battery
- Unifying receiver or Bluetooth Smart wireless technology
- Cross-computer control: seamlessly navigate on three computers
- While the Logitech MX Master 3 may have more advanced features, the Master 2S can still give the Master 3 a run for its money with its hyper-fast scrolling and high precision.
Apple Magic Mouse 2 Review
The Apple Magic 2 is perhaps the coolest mouse when it comes to design. With no visual buttons, it has a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic.
It’s a stunning laser mouse with multi-use technology, so you can scroll or click on any part of the mouse for easy access and convenience. Moreover, it’s highly responsive, sensitive, and rechargeable.
This mouse is the perfect option if you travel often since it’s slim, lightweight, and portable. Apple Magic 2 connects to your device via Bluetooth with connectivity from as far as 32 feet away. You can use it for presentations in the office or from the other end of your room.
However, Magic 2 falls short when it comes to an ergonomic design. If you often find your hand cramping after a day of clicking and scrolling, maybe opt for a different mouse from this list.
- Bluetooth
- Lightning port
- Multi-touch surface
- Hardware platform: Mac
- If you’re a loyal Apple consumer and are looking for an eye-catching winner, this is the best computer mouse for you.
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse Review
Known as one of the best vertical mouses on the market, the MX Vertical combines an ergonomic design with smooth navigation. Just one button on top of the mouse lets you bounce between different computers to save time and energy.
The MX’s unusual, odd design can be attributed to its ergonomic properties that allow you to accomplish various tasks without putting your hand muscles at risk of injuries or discomfort.
Although the natural palm-grip design is comfortable for most people, those with small hands may struggle to reach the gadget’s end buttons. Also, take note that the notched scroll wheel doesn’t permit infinite scrolling. Unless endless scrolling is a requirement for you, this shouldn’t bother you.
- Buttons: six
- Hardware platform: Laptop, PC
- Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB
- Cross-computer control: up to three different Windows and Apple computers
- The mouse doesn’t have a sleek aesthetic, but the price and quality make up for its odd look.
Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Optical Mouse Review
Looking for a budget-friendly but good-quality mouse? The Anker 2.4G Vertical is the best optical mouse for graphic designers seeking comfort.
Not to be underestimated because it’s an optical mouse, the device comes with three DPI options to choose from (800, 1,200, or 1,600). Shaped in an angled vertical form, the unique handshake-like shape allows you to rest your hand in a natural position to prevent discomfort and pain.
The wireless design saves space on the desk and has a power-saving feature that switches the device off after eight minutes of inactivity. The mouse also has a small slot that can store the USB receiver (a useful feature many mice lack).
- Interface: USB
- Sensor: Optical
- Thumbwheel: No
- Scroll wheel: Yes
- Gesture button: No
- DPI: 800, 1200, 1600
- Ergonomic design: vertical
- Connection type: wireless only
- Buttons: five – left/right-click, app-switch, side buttons
- It might not be the prettiest design, but the Anker 2.4G packs a punch even as an optical mouse. For easy navigation and accurate precision, this mouse is a great option.
Logitech M330 Silent Plus Wireless Mouse Review
When it comes to the Logitech M330 Silent Plus Mouse, the name speaks for itself. For those who find the loud sound of clicking annoying or embarrassing, this mouse is a silent doer with 90% less noise. With the M330, you can work as quietly as a mouse without distracting yourself and those around you.
The mouse has a small compact design, perfect for small desks or frequent travelers. The device’s side has a rubberized area to help with gripping for those who have medium to large-sized hands.
- DPI: 1,000
- Thumbwheel: No
- Scroll wheel: Yes
- Gesture button: No
- Sensor: Mechanical
- Interface:4GHz wireless
- Buttons: three – left/right-click, middle-click
- Get the same work done but in silence and peace with the Logitech M330 Silent Plus.
Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Mouse Review
With a compact build, the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S is the perfect mouse for traveling because of its super-portable design. It may not be highly ergonomic, but it facilitates fast scrolling, smooth navigation, dual connectivity and can be used by ambidextrous users.
The sturdy surface and sleek shades of black and grey make the mouse look expensive. It can be used on any surface, including glass. The size is suitable for those with small hands but it also may be too small for users with large hands. The battery is rechargeable and long-lasting.
If you’re constantly on the move, consider the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S for its compact design and easy functionality that’s compatible for Windows and Mac.
- DPI: 200 to 4,000
- Scroll wheel: Yes
- Thumbwheel: No
- Sensor: Darkfield (Laser)
- Gesture button: Scroll wheel (default)
- Connectivity type: Wireless and Bluetooth
- Buttons: seven – left/right-click and side buttons
- The name speaks for itself, the Logitech MX “Anywhere” 2S is perfect for travelers.
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse Review
Sometimes, the traditional design is a safe option. If you’re on the lookout for a wired mouse that gets the work done without being excessively complicated, then the Classic Intellimouse by Microsoft is the one for you. This affordable mouse has a DPI of up to 3,200 and is voted by many as one of the best-wired computer mice out there.
You can also customize some of the mouse’s buttons to your preference through the Mouse and Keyboard Center app. This app can also be used to manage and control other Microsoft devices (like a keyboard). So if you’re an ardent Microsoft fan and own many of the company’s tech products, pick Intellimouse as your next purchase.
- DPI: 3200
- Interface: Wired
- Scroll wheel: Yes
- Thumbwheel: Yes
- Gesture button: Yes
- Sensor: Laser precision (Blue Track Technology)
- Buttons: five – left/right-click, app-switch, side buttons
- Hardware platform: Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 S, 10 Home, and 10 Pro
Razer DeathAdder Chroma Mouse Review
Are you an enthusiastic gamer? If yes, the Razer DeathAdder Chroma mouse is the perfect fit for your graphic designing and gaming needs. With a 10,000 DPI and high precision rate, it’s a surprise that the DeathAdder is affordable too!
Whether you work or game for long periods of time, the DeathAdder is perfect because of its highly ergonomic design which offers a comfortable palm-gripping feel. The mouse also has a Z-axis tracking system and works fine on thin glass surfaces.
- Interface: USB
- Sensor: Optical
- Scroll wheel: Yes
- Thumbwheel: No
- Gesture button: No
- Buttons: five – left/right-click, middle-click, side buttons
- Finish first in games and design first-rate graphics with the Razer DeathAdder Chroma.
Graphic Design Mouse Buyers Guide
Before buying the perfect mouse for graphic designing, you’ll need to know about all the different features that go into making a mouse the best one on the market.
These are the most important features and elements to look out for when choosing the ultimate mouse as a graphic artist.
Wired vs. Wireless
Choosing between a wired and wireless mouse boils down to two factors: do you travel often, and do you like a clutter-free desk? If your schedule requires you to be constantly on the go instead of being seated at one desk, a wireless mouse is the one for you. On the other hand, if you mainly work at the office or from home, you’re free to choose a wired mouse.
A wireless mouse is excellent because it makes the table look clutter-free and is excellent for traveling. However, most wireless mouses live on batteries, so you’ll need to ensure you always have spare batteries with you – which is why many people prefer a wired mouse.
Laser vs. Optical
An optical mouse has no moving parts, reducing the risk of failure and dirt getting inside the mouse. Although optical mice are more affordable and accurate, they only have a resolution of about 500 DPI.
Laser mice are more sensitive, more responsive, and can be used on any surface. Most laser mice will offer more than 2,000 DPI, making them better for graphic designing. They can target those minuscule design spots and curb the lags to get the work done faster.
Design – Ergonomy or a Vertical Mouse
The hours of work that go into clicking, typing, and scrolling can be pretty strenuous on your wrist and forearm. Continuous pressure on the hand muscles and unnatural flexing can lead to injuries like Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). To dodge these physical health scares, switch your regular mouse for an ergonomic or vertical one.
There are many health benefits of an ergonomic mouse. It’s designed to align your hands, wrists, and arms in a natural position while using it. This prevents injuries and reduces straining.
A vertical mouse is a modern mouse design that enables a handshake-type grip which prevents your forearm bones from twisting. The buttons are also located near your grip, so you don’t have to strain your hand to click them.
It may take some time to get used to it, but the reduced pressure will decrease discomfort and irritability. Experiencing less pain will also improve productivity and work quality.
Top Mouse Brands
Five out of nine mice on the list above are by Logitech. And rightly so, because Logitech is one of the most reputable brands for computer gadgets worldwide.
The company has consistently dished out top-tier mouses since 1982 and always makes an effort to improve its products with newer, more advanced versions. Other well-respected mouse brands include Razer and Microsoft.
Final Thoughts on Graphic Design Mouses
Choosing an advanced mouse is almost as important as choosing the right laptop for graphic designers. There are so many functions and features to consider that it can be quite a daunting task. From wireless vs. wired mouses to other elements like laser vs optical, ergonomic designs, and DPI levels.
But hopefully, this article simplified the technicalities that make a mouse a game-changer, and now you can pick one for your desk. Remember, a good mouse will be fast, precise, and responsive. If you experience hand pain or cramps while working, make sure your mouse has an ergonomic design.
Place your order today to receive it in time for your next design assignment!
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Matt is about 80% nerd, 10% writer, 10% animal lover. His love for PC’s started at the tender age of 4 and his love for animation and motion graphics fairly soon after. You can normally find him behind a computer screen or playing with his dog Rusty.