USB Mice

The Bottom Line: The Orochi, Razer's first gaming mouse designed for notebooks, combines a small size and Bluetooth connectivity with a feature set normally seen only on larger gaming mice.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Wireless, Laser, Black

The Bottom Line: There's quite a lot to like about Logitech's new Gaming Mouse G500, but with a competing mouse from Microsoft offering its own set of features, gamers now have some choices to make. The G500 will appeal to performance-driven shooter fans. The choice is less clear for other kinds of PC gamers.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 5700 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser

The Bottom Line: Even semicompetitive PC gamers can get away with a less expensive mouse, but for the most dedicated, the Razer Mamba provides unmatched precision whether it's connected directly to your PC or set free in wireless mode. If Razer fixed a few design and features issues, we'd feel better about the price.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 5600 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Wireless, Laser, Black

The Bottom Line: Microsoft's pared-down SideWinder X5 Mouse is supposed to offer PC gamers a lower-cost version of its award-winning higher-end model. Instead, it comes across as flimsy and overly stripped down. Other mice deliver better control for the same price.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 2000 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser, Black

The Bottom Line: Macally's otherwise unremarkable Turtle laptop mouse at least has the good sense to keep its USB cable out of sight, thanks to a retractable cord.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, USB, 800 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser

The Bottom Line: We like the idea of a travel mouse slim enough to fit into a tight pocket or a space-challenged laptop bag, but the Macally Accuglide's wired connection has limited appeal.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, USB, 800 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Opto-mechanical

The Bottom Line: The Evoluent Left-Handed Vertical Mouse is worth a try for southpaws suffering from RSI-related pain. We just wish it were designed a little better.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, Mouse, USB, 1200 dpi, 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired

The Bottom Line: Usually we're fans of Logitech's gaming mice, but its highest-end G9 Laser Mouse is expensive, overly complex, and lacks the ergonomic thought we've come to expect. If you like to brag about dot-per-inch limits, perhaps the G9's 3,200dpi laser will be enough to sell you, but for the price, we expect the design to match.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 3200 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser

The Bottom Line: Microsoft took almost every popular feature of various high-end gaming mice and wrapped it into one highly customizable product. The design could use a little refinement, but otherwise the new Sidewinder Gaming Mouse would be a worthy addition to your PC gaming arsenal.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 2000 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser

The Bottom Line: The Kensington Ci75m Wireless Notebook Mouse is a fine choice for when a laptop touch pad just won't do, with a USB receiver and USB cable stuffed into its slim body.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AAA type, USB, 1000 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Wireless, Optical, Black