The Best Mouse for Graphic Designers in 2024

Are you looking for the best mouse for graphic design? Here’s our top pick right off the bat:

 

Frequently Bought Together

When you start your career as a graphic designer, you tend to concentrate on making a big first impression on any potential clients and delivering more than you promise.

However, if the tech you’re using to create those works of art is out of date, it will affect the quality of your work. You’ll know it and your client might know it too.

While it’s always a good idea to upgrade the monitor that comes with the computer you just bought, don’t forget about the little guy most people just ignore. The mouse.

Much like the headphones that come with your new smartphone, they work just fine, but you know there is a better option out there. The mouse is more often than not, the one thing you use more than anything else related to your computer.

So why would you use the generic piece of wire and plastic that comes with your computer when there are so many options out there?

Maybe you don’t know where to start or you’re worried you might pick the wrong one. It’s fine, we understand, you’re busy, which is a good thing. That’s why we’re here to show you what are the Best Mice for Graphic Designers on the market today.

You should know what to look for when choosing the best mouse for your job. See the bottom of this article for a guide if you need it.

 

You may also be interested in my feature on the best left-handed mouse or the best mouse for Mac.

 

What is the Best Mouse for Graphic Design in 2024?

Logitech MX Master 3S is the best mouse for graphic designers. Although each user has different needs, I believe the best mouse for graphic design for each category is as follows:

For maximum comfort when using your mouse, ensure you get a comfortable mousepad. Check out my list of the best ergonomic mousepads.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Mouses

These are the three best-selling mouses on Amazon right now:

 

10+ Best Mice for Graphic Designers in 2024

1. Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse (Editor’s Choice)

The best mouse for graphic designers overall (Best for productivity and comfort)

DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 7 | Type: Right-handed

While it’s not the most affordable mouse on the list, it is the best mouse out there, especially if you do any kind of creative or productive work during your day.

With customizable buttons, an ergonomic build, and a thumbwheel, it is truly a creative’s best friend. All in all, the MX Master 3S is the best mouse out there for graphic designers and it comes in black or light grey.

And if that isn’t enough to tout its pedigree, it’s also the mouse of my choice – I used the same model series for over a decade. If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is. The previous model, the Logitech MX Master 2S is still available and is slightly cheaper than the newer MX Master 3S if you’re wanting to save a few bucks.

What’s the difference between the Logitech MX Master 3S and the Logitech MX Master 3?

Yes, there are two slightly different model names. Both are visually identical Bluetooth mice however the MX Master 3S is newer and has several improvements such as quieter clicks, and an upgraded sensor that has a wider CPI range making it more sensitive. It also has a new “Bolt Receiver”, while the Master 3 uses an older Unifying USB Receiver.

Make sure you grab an ergonomic mouse pad as well. I recommend the 3M Ergonomic Precise Mouse Pad. You may also want to consider a palm rest, such as the Logitech MX Palm Rest.

Pros	Cons
➕ Ergonomic and comfortable design	➖ A bit expensive
➕ Great battery life	➖ Slightly heavy
➕ Amazing customization	➖ Not suitable for left-handed individuals
➕ Does not require batteries as it can be charged

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Ergonomic Mouse Pad on Amazon:

Combine your Logitech MX Master 3S mouse with this ergonomic mouse pad.

 

Ergonomic Palm Rest on Amazon:

Combine your Logitech MX Master 3S mouse with this ergonomic palm rest.

 

Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse Video Review

Want a closer look at this fine mouse? Check out this Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse review video:

Video Credit: Techkhamun/YouTube

 

2. Apple Magic Mouse 2

The best mouse for your Apple iMac Pro

DPI: 1300 | Interface: Bluetooth | Buttons: 0 | Type: Ambidextrous

These days, by the other products that they release, you’d think Apple only makes phones and watches, but the Magic Mouse 2 shows that isn’t the case with an effective and ambidextrous mouse.

With no buttons on the mouse, we understand that it may at first cause some confusion on how exactly you use it.

Controlled by the gestures you make with your fingers, the mouse combines a trackpad and a mouse into a single package with the benefits of both. You may be also interested in my feature on the best mouse for Mac.

Another option that graphic designers like are the Apple Magic Trackpad 2 as it brings Apple’s Force Touch pressure-sensitive technology (like found on the screen of the Apple Watch and Mac trackpads). See my feature on the best trackpads.

Pros	Cons
➕ Ambidextrous design	➖ Does not fully fit your hand
➕ Great design and multi-touch surface	➖ Only suitable for Apple operating systems
➕ Rechargeable with Lightning to USB cable which comes included

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Logitech MX Ergo

The best trackball mouse for Mac

Dpi: 440 | Interface: Logitech Unifying USB receiver / Bluetooth | Buttons: 9 | Type: Right-handed

When you’re on the computer all day, designing great projects, carpal tunnel can be a real worry. The MX Ergo from Logitech is a great answer.

With its wrist-friendly tilt and trackball, you can keep your wrist from damage. The mouse has a dual connectivity system and a rechargeable battery.

The adjustable hinge allows the users to control or customize the trackball angle from 0 to 20 degrees. If you’ve never used a trackball mouse, it can take some time to get used to but when your health is being considered, it might be worth taking the time.

Pros	Cons
➕ The best trackball performance	➖ Not easy to learn
➕ Quick sensitivity switching
➕ Comfortable design

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse

A classic mouse that still holds up

DPI: 3200 | Interface: Wired | Buttons: 5 | Type: Right-handed

These days, it seems like every new mouse released either comes in some shape you’ve never seen before or adds enough lighting to be classified as a Christmas decoration. Sometimes, getting back to basics is the best option and this is never truer than with the Classic Intellimouse from Microsoft.

With a classic design and non-distracting, while lighting, the mouse has a beefed-up sensor, with a DPI of up to 3,200. While being a wired mouse may keep some away if you’re looking for a regular mouse without a ton of flash that helps you get your work done then meet your new best friend.

Pros	Cons
➕ Ergonomic and comfortable design	➖ No wireless connectivity
➕ Affordable price
➕ Solid, tactile build

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. Logitech MX Anywhere 2S

A small but powerful mouse

DPI: 200 to 4000 | Interface: Bluetooth and Unifying Receiver | Buttons: 7 | Type: Right-handed

Due to its small size, it can be easy to ignore the benefits that the MX Anywhere 2S from Logitech can offer. Anywhere 2S is the best mouse for productivity on the go featuring a seamless workflow that allows you to switch between computers while not having any tracking problems.

The mouse has cross-computer control features and can be used for multiple devices. It is also known for its rechargeable battery.

The 2S is also incredibly efficient with a full day’s charge after only three minutes of charging. If its size is keeping you from considering it, you should reconsider as you may just find a great travel mouse.

Pros	Cons
➕ Can function well across multiple operating systems	➖ Slightly expensive
➕ Can be used across multiple  devices	➖ Not suitable for left-handed individuals
➕ Easily portable	➖ Slightly small
➕ Amazing battery life
➕ Comes with good customization features — has 7 buttons

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse

An unusual but great ergonomic design

DPI: 1000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 5 | Type: Vertical

Sure, the look that the mouse from Anker comes with is sure to get some looks when you put it on your desk for the first time but don’t let that keep you from seeing it for what it is – a great mouse that can help save your joints.

When compared to other ergonomic mice, the build quality may feel a little cheap, but you can’t beat its price point when it comes to preventing repetitive strain injuries.

Pros	Cons
➕ Solid build and ergonomic design	➖ No Bluetooth connectivity
➕ Good pricing	➖ The surface could use more grip
➕ Multiple sensitivity options

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Logitech MX Vertical

A mouse with a great combination of comfort and navigation

DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth (pairs with up to three devices); USB-C | Buttons: 6 | Type: Right-handed

For many people, repetitive strain injuries can be a very real thing but that shouldn’t mean that they should suffer from a standard mouse. Thankfully, the MX Vertical from Logitech with an ergonomic design that helps it feel more natural in your hand.

One of the great features of the MX Vertical is a button on top of the mouse that allows you to swap between different computers seamlessly without hurting productivity.

Pros	Cons
➕ Ergonomic design	➖ Difficult to get used to initially
➕ Good Bluetooth and wireless connectivity	➖ A bit too light
➕ Can switch the DPI mid-task

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. Razer DeathAdder Chroma

A great gaming mouse that’s even better for creatives

DPI: 10,000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 5 | Type: Right-handed

Razer isn’t typically known as a manufacturer that markets its products to creatives, tending to have more of a gamer slant to their products. However, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t suitable for the needs of designers and creatives.

While the lighting effect of the DeathAdder Chroma may not be exactly what some are looking for, the sensor is incredibly accurate at 10,000 DPI making it one of the most responsive mice on the list, and also our pick for the best budget gaming mouse!

Pros	Cons
➕ Ergonomic design	➖ Not suitable for left-handed use
➕ Good price
➕ Comfortable rubber texture grip
➕ Comes with a very responsive sensor

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Logitech M330 Silent Plus

The best mouse for travelers

DPI: 1,000 | Interface: 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 3 | Type: Right-handed

The problem with many mice is that no matter how gently you press the buttons, the noise they make can become a distraction, especially to those around you. The M330 Silent Plus from Logitech is a great solution to those problems.

With a design that provides you with not only a compact mouse but a silent one as well, it is a great choice for airplane rides or even if you’re working in a quiet library. The diminutive size makes it a great choice to toss in your laptop bag and with reported two-year battery life, you may never buy another mouse.

Pros	Cons
➕ Minimalistic design	➖ Requires batteries
➕ Good battery life	➖ A bit expensive
➕ Wireless
➕ Noiseless

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

10. Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600

The best backup mouse for all of your needs

DPI: 1000 | Interface: Bluetooth | Buttons: 2 | Type: Ambidextrous

At the end of the day, all the bells and whistles that many other mice offer can’t do much to replace a good, reliable mouse at a very affordable price. The Mobile Mouse 3600 from Microsoft is a great example of this.

Whether it’s your backup during a long business trip or your primary mouse, the Mobile Mouse 3600 is one of the most dependable wireless mice available today and the best part is, it’s from a company that you can trust.

Pros	Cons
➕ 4-way scroll wheel	➖ Slightly small
➕ Compact design
➕ Suitable for both right and left-handed users

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

11. Logitech G903

The best mouse for left-handers (Best ambidextrous mouse)

DPI: 200–12,000 | Interface: Lightspeed wireless | Buttons: 11 | Type: Ambidextrous

Logitech is a brand known for its high-quality products and the G903 is no different. With 11 programmable buttons and up to 12,000 DPI of accuracy, the mouse provides you with more features than you could even really need.

Built-in mechanical button tensioning, which provides you with physical feedback when you click, can be personalized for your preferences. The 32-hour battery life isn’t a worry either as you can charge the mouse wirelessly using the PowerPlay mat. This is the Swiss army knife of computer mice and also our top pick for the best wireless gaming mouse.

You can see all the best left-handed mouses here.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good build	➖ A bit expensive
➕ Great overall performance
➕ Ambidextrous design
➕ Good customizability

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

12. Redragon M908

Best mouse with great battery life

DPI: 12,400 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 8 | Type: Right-handed

If you’re a graphic designer, the Redragon M908 is an excellent option because it has an incredible battery life and can sustain your creativity for hours. This mouse is made with a maximum DPI of 12400 and 5 movable DPI settings (500/1000/2000/3000/6200 DPI) to accommodate your various needs, whether for graphic designing or gaming.

This mouse comes with 18 customizable buttons, 16.8 million RGB LED color possibilities, and 5 memory profiles, each of which has a unique light color for easy identification. This mouse is appropriate for more than just designers because it has an 8-piece weight tuning kit that makes it simple to adjust the weight to fit your activities. It has a high-end design and is made with sturdy, smooth TEFLON foot pads for maximum comfort.

Pros	Cons
➕ RGB backlight and programmable buttons	➖ It is not wireless
➕ High-precision sensor
➕ Customizable color option

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

13. Logitech M525

Best compact mouse 

DPI: 1000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 3 | Type: Ambidextrous

If you’re looking for a small mouse, the Logitech M525 is a great choice. It is comfortable to use anywhere thanks to its ergonomic shape, soft rubber grips, and portable, carry-anywhere design.

A mouse’s ability to respond quickly is crucial for graphic designers, and the Logitech M525 has back and forward buttons that are easy to access. It has a brand-new scroll wheel that provides the best possible navigational experience.

Additionally, the device has a 3-year battery life, and the smart sleep mode extends the time between battery changes. The Logitech Unifying receiver connects a number of compatible wireless devices, making plug-and-play easy.

Pros	Cons
➕ Micro-precise scroll wheel	➖ No easy switching
➕ Convenient controls
➕ Long-lasting battery life

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

How to Choose the Right Mouse for Graphic Design

Before you decide to hand over your money for a new mouse for your needs as a graphic designer, there are a few details about the mouse you need to consider:

• Wired or Wireless
• Laser or Optical
• Ergonomics
• Full-size or Travel-size
• Programmable Buttons

Wired or Wireless

Whether you choose a mouse that is connected to your computer with a wire or through the computer’s USB port generally comes down to personal preference. After years of struggling and hating all the cords on their desk, some people opt to use a wireless mouse, which avoids the problem of tangled cords, but you do run out at the wrong time.

While there are some wireless mice out there that come with docks to charge them so you’re not hoarding AAA batteries, you’ll still need to remember to dock the mouse so it can charge. Some mice come with an on/off switch that will help extend the life of the battery you’re using, but again, that’s only useful if you remember to switch it off at the end of the day.

Wireless mice come with a receiver that lets your computer and the mouse “talk” to each other. Some mice come with what’s known as a nano receiver that can sit flush with your computer’s USB port. Some come with a larger wireless receiver that sticks out from the USB port a couple of inches.

Those with nano receivers tend to be more expensive than their counterpart but might be worth checking out, especially if you travel a lot for work. While a wired mouse doesn’t have to worry about batteries or charging because they are plugged into your USB or PS2 port, the downside is that you a tied to your computer. You have a limited length of cord to work with which can be troublesome as well as having to deal with tangled cords that may damage the wire.

Laser or Optical

When you use your mouse, it operates by tracking in dpi, otherwise known as dots per inch. Optical mice typically track between 400 and 800 dpi which is perfectly fine for your regular everyday-use mouse. However, a laser mouse will generally be about to track 2,000 or more dpi.

While this number is pretty high and not necessary for consumers using a mouse for basic functions, such precise tracking can be overkill, even becoming annoying. For those who work in graphic design or those who may be pretty big into gaming, the preciseness and sensitivity that comes with such a high dpi can be a welcome feature.

Ergonomics

As using computers and mice has become the norm in society, so have the issues with hand and wrist pain that come from the odd angles we keep our hands in while we work. This is why the ergonomics of the mouse you choose is the most important thing to consider before you buy not only a mouse but any peripheral.

For mice, in particular, correct ergonomics is important because it can help prevent repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Unfortunately, the ergonomics of a mouse aren’t one-size-fits-all, no matter what the manufacturer’s marketing department might tell you.

The only way to know if you’re going to feel comfortable using a mouse for hours on end is the same way you know if your shoes fit at the store, which is to try them on. Now with computer peripherals, a lot of times products will be boxed up so you cannot “try before you buy” or anything like that so your best option is to make sure that you do your research first, like reading this article. Good Job!

When you buy the mouse, be sure that you can return it and how long you have it, so you aren’t stuck with a mouse you can’t use. When you get home try it for that amount of time to see if it’s comfortable and doesn’t cause any pain in your arm or wrist.

Many people will choose a mouse based on its look which is fine. For graphic designers, however, you will want to focus more on comfort than aesthetics in this case.

Full-size or Travel-size

Most manufacturers make mice in both full-size and travel-size options. Which size you choose can come down to one singular piece of criteria: comfort. Many people who may never take their mouse off their desk will feel more comfortable using a travel-sized mouse because of the comfort that it provides for them, especially if they happen to have smaller hands.

Likewise, many people who primarily travel for work will choose a full-size mouse because of the comfort it provides their hand, while a travel mouse may cause them discomfort.

Programmable Buttons

Your standard mouse comes with two buttons and a scroll wheel in the middle. However, there are many mice on the market, tailored for those who may work in specialized fields like graphic design, that come with additional buttons on the side of the mouse.

These buttons are there so that you can program them, otherwise known as “mapping” them for certain functions. One such example is to set one of the buttons to be a back button when you’re on the internet.

These additional buttons can be very handy, especially if you use the same programs over and over. Mapping these buttons to a specific function isn’t very difficult and you should be able to learn how either with the mouse’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Final Thoughts

Part of being successful is having the best tools at your disposal to help you succeed. The right mouse is part of this; having it for your needs can make a difference, no matter what you do. 

We hope our list of the Best Computer Mouse for Designers in 2024 helps you ditch your old mouse and pick the best upgrade to help you succeed. If you found the mouse among our selections, let us know in the comments below!

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More Top Gear for Graphic Designers

If you’re a graphic designer looking for some new tech, you might also want to check out these articles:

• Best monitors for designers
• Best ergonomic mousepads
• Best tablets for designers
• Best printers for designers
• Best laptops for designers
• Best computers for designers
• Best cameras for designers
• Best earphones for designers
• Best microphones for designers
• Best scanners for designers

 

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