The release date for The Elder Scrolls Online is fast approaching, and April 4 will be here before you know it. Gamers looking forward to playing the next title in The Elders Scrolls series are already placing pre-orders for ESO (for more information on pre-ordering the game click here). Not only are pre-orders being placed, but players are making certain their gaming rigs meet the minimum system requirements for the game. Basically, Elder Scrolls fans are preparing beforehand so they can take full advantage of everything ESO has to offer as soon as the game hits the street.
While console players will be content to play ESO with their next-gen PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controllers, PC and Mac players will need to use a gaming mouse to adventure in Tamriel. If you don’t already have a decent gaming mouse, or are looking to upgrade your current mouse, now is probably a good time to buy one.
The Elder Scrolls Online is a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) that promises to have lots of features. If you’re going to play the game on PC or Mac, you’ll do yourself a disservice if you don’t use a good gaming mouse, preferably one that allows you to program and customize buttons to your liking. A good gaming mouse will enhance your playing experience by allowing you to stay focused on the game. The best Elder Scrolls Online gaming mouse doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are several on the market for any budget.
Mazer E-3lue
The Mazer E-3lue gaming mouse is ridiculously cheap and offers six buttons with a scroll wheel (left, middle, right, forward, back, DPI button). While not designed for MMOs, the Mazer E-3lue should get you where you need to go in Tamriel. The mouse is made in China, and the “Mazer” name is suspiciously close to the better know “Razer” name. Despite this, the Mazer E-3lue has solid reviews on both Amazon and Newegg.
Pros: Inexpensive.
Cons: Bare bones. Lacks features of more expensive dice.
Best Price We’ve Seen: $16.50
Anker 8200
The Anker 8200 features 9 programmable buttons, more than enough for The Elder Scrolls Online skills/abilities. The mouse can be personalized in several ways, including changing the LED colors and tuning the weight to make the Anker 8200 either light or heavy depending on your gaming style (weight can be added or removed via a small compartment). A nice, affordable mouse with good features.
Pros: Good price. Lots of programming options and features.
Cons: Build quality may not be on par with more expensive mice.
Best Price We’ve Seen: $39.99
Razer Naga Hex
Razer has a good reputation in the gaming community, and the company is know for their quality mice. The Naga Hex is made for action games, and offers 6 optimized thumb buttons designed for high performance and quick action. The mouse is available in red, green, and a special League of Legends edition.
Pros: Easy to access thumb buttons for quick action.
Cons: Mouse has a glossy finish that may cause your hand to slip depending on your grip.
Best price we’ve seen: $59.99
Corsair Vengeance M95
The Corsair Vengeance M95 is built for MMO gaming and features 15 programmable buttons. The Vengeance design is different from the numbered thumb panels on the Razer mice. Corsair claims the buttons are intelligently positioned to make it easier to play MMO games.
Pros: Unique button configuration may work better than thumb panels for some gamers.
Cons: Button configuration may take some getting use to.
Best price we’ve seen: $69.99
Razer Naga 2014
The Razer Naga is the best-selling MMO gaming mouse of all time. The mouse features a completely customizable, 12-button thumb grid that offers plenty of programming options. The Naga has been a favorite gaming mouse for World of Warcraft players for years, and will more than suit the needs of ESO players looking to enhance their game.
Pros: Best selling MMO gaming mouse of all time. 12-button thumb grid offers many programmable options.
Cons: Might be overkill for Elder Scrolls Online. Some of the buttons may be difficult to access.
Best Price We’ve Seen: $69.99
Logitech G700
The Logitech G700 is a rechargeable gaming mouse for players looking to go wireless. The mouse offers 13 programmable, individually sculpted buttons so you can play by touch. It has a rechargeable NiMH AA battery that charges over a detachable USB cable. If you happen to be low on juice simply plug the mouse in and charge the battery while you’re playing — no worries about loss of game time.
Pros: Wireless and rechargeable.
Cons: Button interface not as straightforward as numbered thumb-grid.
Best price we’ve seen: $79.41
Razer Naga Epic
The Razer Naga Epic is another gaming mouse designed specifically for MMO players. The Naga Epic is expensive, but with the increased price comes advanced features not available with most other mice: namely that the mouse has duo mode wired/wireless functionality and is rechargeable. If you need to go wireless, simply detach the 7-foot braided cord and you’re good-to-go. It should also be noted that Naga Epic can also be customized to your grip via three interchangeable side panels. The Naga Epic packs a lot of bells and whistles.
Pros: Wireless functionality; rechargeable. Can be customized to your hand grip via interchangeable side panels.
Cons: Expensive. Advanced features may not be needed for some gamers.
Best price we’ve seen: $113.17
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this article will give you a starting point in your quest for the best Elder Scrolls Online gaming mouse. No matter your budget, there are many gaming mice available, and you should find one that will help you enjoy ESO to its fullest. You still have time to do research and shop around, but remember: April 4, 2014 is coming fast…
If you have an opinion on the best Elder Scrolls Online gaming mouse, please share your thoughts in the Speak Your Mind section below. We’d love to hear what you have to say. Until next time, fellow travelers! And remember — keep your eyes to the sky.
Most of these mice are terrible for ESO – if you v got 7 skills on bar, why buy mouse with 20 buttons? For action-based combat buy mouse suited for ation, not 9 * 12 WoW skillsbars!
Hi Wondra, thanks for commenting. Your opinion is much appreciated, and you do make a point. Are some of these gaming mice overkill for ESO? Perhaps, but then again perhaps not. In my opinion it depends on playing style/personal preference. The purpose of the article was to present a variety of quality gaming mice in different price ranges. During the beta testing I’ve been using a Razer Naga, and wouldn’t classify the mouse as terrible by any means for ESO (true, I don’t have all 12-buttons mapped, but this doesn’t make the mouse bad at all for the game in my experience).
Hmm how come ye haven’t talk about Mad Catz/Saiteks MMO 7 Rat?
Hi Viperion,
Thanks for your comment. Actually, I wasn’t familiar with the Mad Catz MMO 7, so thanks for bringing it up. I did a little research, and man that mouse is a beast 🙂 I could totally see how hardcore gamers would fall in love with all the customizeable features: http://www.cyborggaming.com/prod/mmo.htm
The 90 programmable commands are probably overkill for most games (ESO included), but it definitely looks sweet and would get the job done in style.
I’m really liking the Leetgion El’Druin. The 5 button thumbstick is good for assigning situational moves that would take your fingers across the keyboard away from your 1-6 skills bar. ie: dodge rolls or jump and stealth, potions etc. I have big hands so my fingers are too big for other MMO Mice..tiny side buttons and big thumb = whoops! Most people don’t know about the El’Druin though.
Hey chazz, thanks for the heads up on the El’Druin. I have to admit that I’m unfamiliar with the gaming mouse, but I checked out the manufacturer’s page, and this mouse looks sick! http://www.leetgion.com/product-eldruin.php
hey dudes very nice article!! well i have some of em , end ill share my expirience, i have corsair venegance its a nice mouse, awsome software ,easy to use, record macros but all that stuff dissapear coz side buttons so much terrible they aint clicking, just doin some lil noise ,ull never remember what did u pressed so ultra close to each other , side buttons awfull on venegance, i have Mad Catz MMO 7 and its ok kinda, but weird, dunno its just not for me it feel akward, and finally the winner is naga hex, quick side buttons fast macros combo, and repeatedly pressing some skill “poison arrow” dat mouse siuts much more better then others, farest side btn for me its a horse mount so i can collect resurses quicker ,one downside razer synapse, online-driver, dat fact i dont like it, the only pros as for me personally
Hi Vlad,
Thanks for your comments and recommendation! The Naga Hex is absolutely a fantastic mouse for ESO. Like you said though, the online driver is a downside, and I know a lot of gamers don’t like the mouse for that very reason.