So you are in the market for a new mouse but with such a wide range to choose from how do you know which is best?
This is our list of the best claw grip mice which is updated to consider any new mice that are released.
As a claw grip player you want to look for a mouse that has a low profile hump. This provides the most flexibility in terms of movement. Each of these mice on the list have been hand selected and tested to ensure they meet all the necessary criteria.
If you want the quick answer the Razer Viper V2 Pro is our number 1 pick. It is the perfect mouse for a claw grip player but at a steep price. If you are on a budget, however, you should check out the Glorious Model O which provides many of the features of the Razer Viper V2 Pro at a reduced price.
For more help on selecting the best mouse for you, check out our ‘Choose My Mouse’ tool below!
If you are a claw-palm hybrid then you should also check out my article on the best palm grip gaming mouse or best fingertip grip mouse list. Some mice are applicable to palm and claw grip styles so it is worth checking out each of the lists!
Table of Contents
What Is The Claw Grip?
The claw grip is where the player arches their hand and contacts the mouse across the upper part of their fingers.
This is different from the fingertip grip which involves a more distinct arch and the use of the very tips of the fingers to position the mouse.
For more information on the different mouse grips check out our article on the different mouse grips here.
Features to Consider
When selecting a mouse there are wide array of features that you should be looking for. Here is a list of the ones I think are most important when selecting a mouse for your claw grip.
Size
The size and shape of the mouse are important and you should consider it based off of your own hand size. The size will effect how the mouse fits into your hand and whether or not it is comfortable for your claw grip.
Optic & DPI (Dots Per Inch)
It is essential for a mouse to have a high-quality optic to ensure accurate and consistent aiming. If you are an FPS player this is clearly more important.
Buttons
Whether you require buttons on your mouse or not may be a deciding factor as to which one you pick. Buttons are generally sought after for RPG or MMORPG games but can prove useful in FPS titles too for the likes of grenades and more.
Lift-off Distance (LOD)
Lift off distance is the amount of distance between the mouse and the surface before it stops registering movement. Generally speaking, a high LOD is considered bad since it can create unpredictable movements.
Weight
A lighter mouse is recommended for claw grip users since they contact the mouse less and often aim with the wrist. This provides easier more nimble movement.
Cable
The cable often goes unaddressed in mouse discussions but has been the reason I have returned mice in the past. This is usually personal preference but depending on the type of cable it may cause friction or vibrations.
Durability & Texture
Durability and texture go hand in hand since some mice might have a cheaper build quality which can affect both of these factors. This is mostly personal preference but can have an effect on comfort and whether or not your hand sweats on certain materials.
What Is The Best Claw Grip Mouse?
Let’s get into the list of recommendations. Each mouse will be listed with their features and how they apply to the claw grip. I will try to outline each of their pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you.
#1. Razer Viper V2 Pro (New Entry)
- Focus Pro 30k Sensor
- Extremely lightweight
- Wireless with 80 hrs battery life
- Sturdy shell with minimal flex
- Tactile primary clicks
- Solid scroll wheel
- PTFE smooth feet
- 4k wireless dongle sold separately
- Expensive
The Razer Viper V2 Pro is the successor to the Razer Viper Ultimate which was previously the number 1 mouse on this list. Razer has raised the bar yet again and continues their reign of providing the best claw grip mouse.
The Viper V2 Pro shares much of its shape with the likes of the Zowie FK series & Glorious Model O. But it does so with better clicks, side buttons, mice feet & and even a better sensor.
Features:
- Sensor: Razer Focus Pro 30k
- CPI: 100-30,000
- Buttons: 6 (12 Programmable)
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz (upgrade available)
- Connectivity: Wireless
Size & Dimensions:
- Length: 12.7cm / 127mm
- Width: 6.60cm / 66mm
- Height: 3.80cm / 38mm
- Weight: 58.5g
- Ambidextrous: Shape Only
The Viper V2 Pro features the Razer Focus Pro 30k sensor, with a lift-off distance of 1.2mm and a max polling rate of 1000hz. You can select polling rates of 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz on the mouse, but it supports up to 4000Hz with the 4k dongle (sold separately). The CPI is adjustable between 100 and 30,000 in 50-step increments.
A new feature for the Razer Focus Pro 30k over Razer’s previous sensor in the Viper Ultimate is the ‘Asymmetric Cut-Off‘, allowing individual settings for lift-off and landing distances. This allows you to customise how you want the sensor to track specifically to your needs.
The Viper V2 Pro new sensor also supports tracking on glass surfaces, however as always its recommended to use a mouse pad. As expected with Razer’s sensors the mouse tracks flawlessly and is very consistent.
At just 58.5g the Viper V2 Pro is one of the lightest gaming mice available. Despite its lightweight design, there is no noticeable flex or rattling. If weight is important to then the V2 Pro is one of your best bets.
The primary clicks use Razer’s Optical Mouse Switches (Gen-3) which are rated for 90 million clicks. They feel very crisp and tactile one of my favourites at the moment alongside the Logitech G Pro Superlight series.
The side buttons have also been improved over the older Viper Ultimate’s. They protrude more from the shell which makes them easier to press. They also have less travel time allowing the clicks to actuate sooner.
There are 6 buttons on the mouse that can be configured via Razer’s Synapse software. Each of these can be set as keyboard functions, launch shortcuts or to switch between profiles. The hypershift button allows a second layer to be configured effectively doubling the amount of programmable buttons to 12.
The scroll wheel is a notched 24-step scroll wheel. There is no tilt function available but the wheel itself feels tactile and the textured cover provides better grip.
The stock feet on the V2 Pro provide a very smooth tracking experience. They are smooth virgin PTFE pads which are typical of most mice today.
The Razer Viper V2 Pro offers wireless connectivity through its USB receiver, a departure from the dock provided with the Viper Ultimate.
Today’s wireless gaming mice, including the Razer Viper V2 Pro, generally don’t face issues like disconnections or tracking disruptions. While there’s an option to upgrade to a 4000Hz polling rate dongle, I don’t recommend upgrading unless you want the absolute best performance possible.
Razer improved the battery life over the Viper Ultimate, now promising up to 80 hours of gameplay – a 10-hour increase. Charging takes about 2.5 hours.
You can use the mouse while it’s charging with its USB C cable however despite the cable being of excellent quality, it’s not the lightest. It doesn’t snag easily, but the mouse is primarily designed for wireless use. Given its quick charge, frequent cable use is unlikely anyway.
If you want to read more about the Razer Viper V2 Pro check out our in-depth review here.
#2. Logitech G Pro X Superlight
- Hero Sensor
- Lightweight
- 95 hours battery life and fast charge
- Tactile primary clicks
- Great side buttons
- PTFE smooth feet
- Expensive
Logitech are Razer’s top competitor and the only reason the G Pro X Superlight is sitting at #2 spot is because of its higher hump compared to the V2 Pro. Overall the G Pro Superlight (GPX) feels more premium than the V2 Pro but its higher hump might be a problem for some claw grippers.
This is the successor to the highly successful G Pro Wireless (also featured on this list).
There are two versions of the G Pro X Superlight available the GPX1 and GPX2. For an in-depth comparison of both check out our G Pro X Superlight vs G Pro X Superlight 2 review. We recommend the GPX1 unless you can get the GPX2 at a similar price and prefer heavier clicks.
Alternatively here is a comparison help:
The G Pro Superlight uses Logitech’s HERO sensor which offers between 100-25,600 dpi. It also offers up to 400 IPS tracking speed. It is a top of the line sensor and provides accurate tracking. It is comparable to Razer’s own Focus sensor, we couldn’t find any noticeable performance differences.
Weighing in at 62g for the GPX1 or 60g for the GPX2 this is another extremely lightweight gaming mouse. The GPX series is slightly heavier than the Viper V2 Pro but its not noticeable so this should not be a deciding factor.
Logitech offers Omron switches in the GPX1 which provide a very lightweight click but still maintains a tactile and crisp feel. Alternatively the GPX2 offers their new ‘lightforce hybrid optical switches’ which are louder and require slightly more pressure to actuate.
There are 5 buttons on the GPX series which can all be reprogrammed in Logitech’s GHUB software.The side buttons are tactile and have comparable travel time to the V2 Pro’s.
The scroll wheel feels durable and premium compared to the V2 Pros however the texture is less grippy.
The GPX mice use PTFE mice feet which feel smooth out the box. The aperture door is also offered with the PTFE skin on top which is an upgrade over the older brother the G Pro Wireless. There is no noticeable difference in performance from our testing with the aperture door so this is more personal preference.
As for battery life, the G Pro Series can last up to 95 hours on a full charge which is more than the Viper V2 Pro. The battery also charges faster at around 90 minutes. Similar to the Viper V2 Pro the mouse can be used while charging
The Logitech G Pro Superlight is one of the best gaming mice available at the moment. It lends itself to palm, claw, and fingertip players and offers top of the line performance. The only reason its not sitting in the #1 spot is because the Viper V2 Pro’s shape is better for claw grip players.
If you want to read more about the G Pro X Superlight series check out our GPX1 vs GPX2 comparison review here.
#3. Razer Viper Ultimate
- Focus+ sensor
- Lightweight wireless mouse
- Tactile mouse 1 and mouse 2 (Razer's own switches)
- Great side buttons
- PTFE smooth feet
- Ambidextrous (support for left hand players)
- 70 hours battery life
- RGB drains battery
- Rubber grips
Despite it being superceded by its new younger brother the Razer Viper Ultimate is still on the list. It is still a solid mouse with great tech and you can likely find it for a much cheaper price now. It also has side buttons on both sides whereas the new V2 Pro does not. Therefore it is better suited for left-handed players who still want side buttons.
There are two versions of the Razer Viper. The ‘Razer Viper’ which is the wired version & doesn’t have PTFE feet & the ‘Razer Viper Ultimate’ which is wireless & does have PTFE feet. I will be referring to the Viper Ultimate but everything still applies to the standard ‘Razer Viper’ too.
The Viper Ultimate borrows much of its shape from the likes of the Zowie FK series & Glorious Model O.
Features:
- Sensor: Razer Focus+
- CPI: 26,000
- Buttons: 8
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- Connectivity: Wireless
Size & Dimensions:
- Length: 12.5cm / 125mm
- Width: 5.70cm / 57mm
- Height: 3.80cm / 38mm
- Weight: 69g
- Ambidextrous: Yes
The Viper Ultimate uses the Focus+ sensor which boasts CPI values up to 20,000. The sensor also has 650 IPS tracking which is the maximum distance a mouse can cover per second before its ability to continue tracking is surpassed.
This allows you to swipe quickly without the sensor spinning out. The sensor is faultless and from our testing showed zero spin-outs or skipping.
At 125mm it is an average size mouse but its very low profile (38mm) which makes it the perfect claw grip mouse. The arch is low allowing for more space for your hand to position it easier. A high arch can get in the way for claw grip players so its always important to look more towards low profile shapes.
The Viper Ultimate has 8 buttons consisting of a mouse 1, mouse 2, scroll wheel, two side buttons on each side of the mouse and a DPI button on the bottom. Thanks to Razer’s own optical switches (rated at 70 million clicks) the primary clicks are tactile and lightweight.
The side buttons are decent but the Viper V2 Pro’s are better. They are perfectly placed, not too high and not too far forward, they are right above your thumb for easy access.
The side buttons can be turned off using Razer Synapse for those of you who want to disable the side you don’t use.
I can’t fault the primary clicks & side buttons here which is one of the primary reasons for it being the best mouse available at the moment.
As for the scroll wheel, it is lightly weighted and each step is balanced. It feels perfect for every day use & for gaming but the G Pro Wireless scroll wheel is better.
The battery life of the Viper Ultimate lasts up to 70 hours but I found that the RGB really drains it. However, the mouse only takes a couple of hours to charge & you can play with the cable plugged in. The mouse can also be charged using the charging dock which looks great on any desk.
The charging dock is also RGB and can be configured to match the rest of your set up. It also shows the battery level of the mouse through colours to notify you of low battery. The mouse is charged by placing it onto the two prongs. A stylish touch by Razer here.
Finally, the mouse feet are PTFE which are the best you can get and the Viper Ultimate glides silky smooth over all the mouse pads I tested. These feet are much better than the G Pro Wireless stock feet.
Overall Razer has created something special here considering they have been out of the top gaming mice list at GamingGem for a long time. The Razer Viper Ultimate is the best claw grip mouse you can get right now even though the price is a little steep. It has the best clicks, side buttons, shape, feet and sensor so it has earned the #1 spot.
If the Viper Ultimate is outside of your budget (around $150 check latest price here) then definitely consider the regular wired Viper. As an alternative check out the Glorious Model O coming up next in the list which is the best budget mouse available.
#4. Glorious Model O
- 3360 Sensor
- Extremely lightweight
- Paracord light cable
- Tactile mouse 1 and mouse 2
- Solid scroll wheel
- G-Skate Feet
- Easy to use software
- Unbeatable value for the price
- Side buttons could be crisper
GloriousPCGamingRace have entered the gaming mice market with a bang. This was previously the number 1 on its release. Despite its age its still a solid budget gaming mouse.
The mouse takes much of its design and shape from the infamous Zowie FK1. They both have a very low lying hump and are comparable in length and width.
It offers the PMW3360 sensor which isn’t the best sensor available but still performs fine. It offers DPI anywhere between 400-12,000 and can be configured within the Model O software.
Features:
- Sensor: PMW3360
- CPI: 12,000
- Buttons: 6
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- Connectivity: Wireless
Size & Dimensions:
- Length: 12.8cm / 128mm
- Width: 6.60cm / 66mm
- Height: 3.80cm / 38mm
- Weight: 67g
- Ambidextrous: Yes
The Model O has became popular thanks to its lightweight honeycomb design. At 67g its still lightweight despite the recent improvements in the gaming mouse market.
The mouse is suited towards claw and fingertip players with medium to large hands. If you have smaller hands (less than 17.5cm) then I would recommend the Model O- which is the Model O’s little brother.
The hump on the mouse is very gradual and flat compared to the G Pro Wireless/Superlight. This is perfect for any claw grip or fingertip player as having a large hump can make it difficult to claw a mouse effectively.
The mouse features 6 buttons which are the primary mouse 1 and 2, scroll wheel, dpi button and two side buttons. The mouse 1 and 2 are separate from the shell much like the G Pro Wireless. They feel very tactile and have a light actuation force but still slightly higher compared to the G Pro Wireless.
The side buttons are only on one side of the mouse so it is not suitable for left-handed players unless you don’t use the buttons. Each side of the mouse is symmetrical so you could technically use it if you are left-handed.
The buttons themselves have a very short travel time but feel less tactile compared to others on the list.
The cable is one of the greatest aspects of this mouse. The Model O uses a paracord which is a very lightweight alternative to your typical Zowie or Logitech rubber or braided cable. It has also been improved and updated compared to the pictures you see above. It helps reduce drag and makes the mouse feel almost wireless particularly when using a bungee.
It is great to see mice manufacturers going the extra mile with their design and there are already other manufacturers that have started to incorporate paracords into their stock mice. Once you go paracord or wireless you can’t go back to a stock cable.
Glorious didn’t cheap out on the mouse feet either. These are not your average stock mice feet but in fact G-Skate feet. Glorious’ own skates provide higher quality, smoother PTFE mice feet that glide smoother over your pad. Usually you have to buy these separate and apply them yourself to your mouse. Now you can get them off the shelf with the Model O.
The mouse feet and cable add to the Model O’s quality and considering the price it is currently the only mouse that provides this level of quality in this price range.
Due to the honeycomb design and weight of the Model O I had concerns over its durability before testing. However this was my main mouse for over 6 months and it held its own.
It is hard to fault the mouse itself and even harder to fault the software. Glorious have managed to develop software that does what it’s supposed to do without any of the extra fluff. No bloatware features, no complicated over the top UI. The software allows you to configure everything you need from the DPI to the colour settings and latency.
The value and quality you get for the Model O’s price is the reason it still sits on this list.
#5. Logitech G Pro Wireless
- HERO Sensor
- Side buttons are amazing
- Extremely light
- Ambidextrous
- Modular side buttons
- Great battery life
- Scroll wheel is the best
- The price will make you flinch
Logitech have nailed it when they brought in over 50 professional esports players to help them in their design of the G Pro Wireless. The feedback from the players has definitely helped Logitech create something special and that is why the G Pro Wireless has been used by a staggering amount of pros. It has since been superseded by the G Pro X Superlight but stays on the list because not everyone likes lightweight mice.
Features:
- Sensor: HERO 25K
- CPI: 25,600
- Buttons: 6
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- Connectivity: Wireless
Size & Dimensions:
- Length: 12.5cm / 125mm
- Width: 6.35cm / 63.5mm
- Height: 4.00cm / 40mm
- Weight: 80g
- Ambidextrous: Yes
Lets talk about what the G Pro Wireless has to offer. The G Pro Wireless uses the HERO 25k sensor which offers up to 25,600 DPI in 50 increments the same as the G Pro Superlight 1. We have already discussed how good this sensor performs earlier.
The G Pro Wireless is very lightweight at 80g, not quite as light as the Razer Viper Ultimate however (74g).
This is thanks to its super thin 1mm shell walls that Logitech said were the most difficult part about the design of the mouse. The weight balance is evenly spread across the entire mouse.
The mouse features 8 buttons which includes a mouse 1, mouse 2, scroll wheel, two side buttons either side of the mouse and a DPI button on the bottom.
The mouse 1 and mouse 2 are responsive and tactile as you can expect from Logitech. The side buttons feel slightly less tactile compared to the new GPX and Viper V2 Pro. However, the buttons are modular so left handed players can use the GPW unlike the G Pro Superlight OR Viper v2 Pro.
The scroll wheel is perfect which is something I have always thought Logitech consistently gets right. The wheel click is fairly resistant and the notches are noticeable but not too overbearing. Note the scroll wheel doesn’t have a free wheel scroll.
The battery life is lasts up to 48 hours with RGB turned on and 60+ hours without RGB. The battery also fully charges in 60 minutes.
As for grip styles, claw grip players should have hands no larger than around 22cm and fingertip players have much more legroom thanks to the style of the grip.
The G Pro Wireless still offers great tech despite its age. Its heavier than the other mice on this list but offers better support for left handed players.
If you are eager to pick one up then you can check availability here.
#6. Zowie FK1
- Very Comfortable
- Anti-sweat texture
- Tactile mouse 1 and mouse 2
- Ambidextrous
- Great cable
- Poor scroll wheel
- Awkward to change polling rate
The Zowie FK series all range in size from the FK2 being the smallest, FK1 the middle child and FK1+ the largest. The series is powered by the Avago ADNS-3310 optical sensor, the FK1 is a great ambidextrous solution for any claw grip user.
Supporting DPI increments of 400, 800, 1600 and 3600, it does not provide the same flexibility as some of the other mice on the list. However, this is not a determining factor since these increments provided are usually the recommended ones. The DPI can be changed on the bottom of the mouse with a LED for indication.
DPI Colours:
- 400 – Red
- 800 – Purple
- 1600 – Blue
- 3600 – Green
Due to the low height, it is a great fit for the claw grip. The arch is very gentle meaning it provides great support if you like to rest the base of your hand across the mouse like I do. Weighing in at 89g it is around the same as the G403 but it is narrower.
The mouse has 8 buttons, a left and right click, scroll wheel, DPI button and two side buttons either side of the mouse. I was concerned about clicking these side buttons with my ring finger but it sits comfortably below and it has never been an issue. Clicks on the side and main buttons are quite loud and have an average travel time. The scroll wheel feels a little clunky but is still more than adequate.
As for lift-off distance, the FK1 is around 1.5 to 1.8 mm. The FK1 has an adjustable report rate of 125/500/1000Hz which can be changed through combinations of buttons on the mouse so no need for software. The cable sits at 6.6 feet or 2 metres long and is made of smooth flexible rubber.
The texture is the same across the mouse and has prevented my hands from sweating which is something I have struggled to find. It has a plastic finish but feels durable.
The Zowie FK1 has been a classic claw grip mouse for years now. The shape and feel of the mouse is perfect. It might not have the newest sensor on the block but that really doesn’t matter.
#7. Logitech G403 HERO / G703 HERO
- NEW HERO Sensor
- Very Comfortable
- High quality grips
- Adjustable weight
- Tactile mouse 1 and mouse 2
- Easy to use software
- Side buttons sometimes squeak when pressed with sweaty hands
- Thick braided cable
The Logitech G403 & G703 have been updated to feature Logitech’s HERO sensor. There is also a wireless variant of the G403 but it still uses the older PMW3366 sensor.
The G703 and G403 are very similar in shape and size, the main difference is that the G703 is wireless. These two often get confused so I have written a detailed guide on how to choose between them.
Across both these mice, the DPI can range from 100 -16,000. They are of similar size to the Zowie EC1-A and feel similar to a Razer DeathAdder. It is perfect for all hand sizes but even more so for those of you with larger hands above 17.5cm x 9cm.
Dimensions:
- Length: 124mm
- Width: 68mm
- Height: 43mm
- Weight: 88g
The wired version is of average weight at 88g. The wireless is a little on the heavier side at 106g. The wired version is slightly more applicable for the claw grip since it is lighter. The mouse also ships with an optional 10g weight which can be added to the bottom of the mouse. This is great if you find the mouse too light however it is not recommended if you are an FPS player.
There are 6 buttons including a right and left click clickable scroll, DPI button and two side buttons. The side buttons are quite large so can potentially be pressed accidentally if you have larger thumbs. The buttons are quoted to have a 20 million click lifespan. However, some have stated the buttons are not as good as the G Pro.
The lift-off distance for the G403 is under 1 DVD thick so no issues there. Cable length for the G403 sits at 6.6 feet or 2 metres and is smoothly braided. It is quite chunky however but glides nicely.
The sides are slightly textured with a rubber finish. This may be susceptible to scratches and grooves but generally seems durable. The wireless version has a battery life of around 20 hours per charge.
All of the DPI options and colours can be configured through the Logitech mouse software. Profiles can be created per game if required or you can stick with a single profile.
Overall a fantastic mouse and there is a reason it sits near the top of most lists. It is the perfect all rounder.
Related: G403 vs G903 Review
Conclusion
So there you have it, my list of the best claw grip gaming mice on the market. Gaming mice are getting better and better each year so it is getting increasingly difficult to pick.
Overall the Razer Viper V2 is the best choice. If the price is outside your budget however I would recommend the Glorious Model O instead.
Changelog
October 2023 – Razer Viper V2 Pro & Logitech G Pro X Superlight added. Ninox Venator and Steelseries 310 were removed.
Dec 2019 – Razer Viper Ultimate becomes the new number 1 claw grip mouse for 2019.
July 2019 – Added Glorious Model O to number one spot, knocking G Pro Wireless down to number 2.
July 2019 – Updated G403 section to show it has been updated with the HERO sensor.
November 2018 – Added G Pro Wireless to the top of the list.
Last Price Update on 2024-07-02 / Data taken from the Amazon Product API
5 thoughts on “7 Best Claw Grip Gaming Mice In 2023”
Hey, I was wondering , what would you consider a Palm-Claw hybrid? Im like claw, but not too much, would you consider that a hybrid? and what mouse would you recommend for a palm-claw hybrid ? 18×9 hands
Hi there, you could be palm claw hybrid yeah or ‘relaxed claw’. At 18×9 cm you can pretty much get any of the mice on this list. G Pro Wireless would be fine, skoll, hati.
Hey i was wondering if you could give me a top 5 for my hand size and grip? If you don’t mind 🙂
Any top 5’s for Palm-Claw [Relaxed claw] Hybrid? 🙂
Hey, I think you should have a look on the XM1 from EndGame (the updated version). Several youtubers are considering it the best claw grip on the market