Best mice for AAA games: Extra buttons vs Lightweight (2025)

The Great Debate: Speed or Control?

Launching a massive open-world RPG or the latest high-fidelity shooter feels incredible, but is your gear holding you back? South African gamers often ask: should I prioritise speed or functionality? In the battle of the best mice for AAA games, the choice between extra buttons and lightweight designs isn't just about specs... it’s about how you play. Let’s settle the "Extra buttons vs Lightweight" debate for 2025.

The Case for Lightweight Mice 🪶

In 2025, the trend toward "superlight" peripherals hasn't slowed down. If your AAA library consists mostly of fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or competitive hybrids like Apex Legends, weight is your enemy. A lighter mouse reduces wrist fatigue during marathon sessions and allows for micro-adjustments that heavier bricks just can't match.

However, a fast mouse is only half the equation. To truly benefit from a sub-60g pointer, you need a display that can keep up with your flick shots. Pairing a lightweight mouse with high-refresh PC monitors ensures that the cursor movement feels as instant on-screen as it does in your hand.

If you prefer a minimalist setup, you are likely relying heavily on your left hand for inputs. This means your keyboard needs to be responsive and durable. It is often wise to buy the cheapest gaming keyboard in South Africa that still offers mechanical switches, ensuring you get the tactile feedback needed to compensate for the fewer buttons on your mouse.

When Extra Buttons Reign Supreme 🎛️

On the other side of the spectrum, we have the multi-button heavyweights. If you are diving into complex AAA titles like Baldur's Gate 3 or Final Fantasy XIV, a lightweight mouse might actually limit you. Having 6 to 12 programmable side buttons allows you to map potions, inventory screens, and distinct abilities directly to your thumb.

This setup is ideal for players who want to keep their movement keys free while executing complex commands. You can browse our extensive collection of gaming mice to find models that offer that perfect MMO side-grid layout.

Of course, some genres just don't feel right on a mouse and keyboard, no matter how many buttons you have. For driving simulators or third-person action games like Elden Ring, many locals prefer to switch gears entirely and buy gaming controllers for that analogue precision.

Performance and Immersion Factors 🚀

Choosing the best mice for AAA games is pointless if your rig can't load the textures fast enough. Modern titles are storage-hungry beasts, often demanding over 100GB of space. To ensure your mouse movements don't stutter due to asset loading, you should buy solid state drives with high read/write speeds. Smooth gameplay makes mouse tracking feel significantly more consistent.

Immersion goes beyond touch; it requires stellar audio. Whether you choose a lightweight mouse for stealth or a heavy mouse for strategy, hearing footsteps or ambient world sounds is crucial. High-quality headphone headsets complete the sensory experience, allowing you to react to audio cues before you even see the enemy.

Sharing Your Gameplay

In 2025, playing the game is often just the start; sharing it is the next step. If you are showing off your high-skill gameplay with a lightweight mouse, or your tactical prowess with a multi-button mouse, you need the right gear to broadcast it.

To get your feed live without impacting your frame rate, you should look to buy streaming essentials like capture cards and stream decks. And remember, nobody wants to watch a stream with bad audio. Even if your mouse clicks are silent, your voice needs to be crisp, so be sure to buy microphones that filter out background noise.