Photoshop Precision: Top 8 Mice for Artistry Unveiled

You’ve spent time and effort getting to know Photoshop inside out, and you’ve got a powerful computer. But is your mouse holding you back from getting the most out of Photoshop?

The best mouse for Photoshop will streamline your work and ensure your comfort! 

I used to use a regular mouse, but I found it just wasn’t good enough. So, I spent a lot of time comparing the top mouses and put together this guide. I want to help you find the right mouse for your needs.

It’s easy to overlook your computer mouse. But when you work with Photoshop, it’s worth investing in a great mouse. 

If you use your mouse for photo editing, drawing, or animation, you’ll need something specialized. The right mouse will help to uplevel your Photoshop game and get the most out of this software.

But there are hundreds of different models on the market and all sorts of specs to compare. It can get pretty confusing! So, I’ll walk you through the crucial features of a mouse. Then, I’ll share my reviews of the best products out there. 

So, let’s get into it!

How to Choose the Best Mouse for Photo Editing: Buyers Guide

There are loads of great mouses out there. But a good mouse should have specific features for the best experience. The best mouse is smooth, responsive, and provides excellent control over your work. 

Here’s what you should look out for when choosing a mouse for editing and Photoshop:

Precision & Sensitivity

For graphic design or photo editing, you need a highly sensitive and precise mouse. That will allow you to make those tiny and intricate tweaks to your designs. 

The mouse’s sensitivity is measured in DPI (or Dots Per Inch). The general rule is that the higher the DPI, the better – to a certain point. 

A mouse with a high DPI is very responsive to your movements. So, it should respond quickly without you moving the mouse much at all. The cursor will react instantly, making it easier to achieve greater accuracy.

But if your mouse is too sensitive, it could overreact and make your cursor jump around too much. So, you want to find a mouse in that sweet spot in the middle.

Many modern mouses have adjustable DPI, which is helpful. You can select the DPI you need depending on what you’re doing. If you’re editing some tricky shots, you can increase the DPI and drop it back down for simpler tasks.

In a mouse, I recommend going for 1200 DPI at the very least. That will ensure the mouse is sensitive, precise, and responsive enough for your needs.

Ergonomy 

Next up, you want to make sure that the mouse is comfortable to use for long periods. If you’re anything like me, that means marathon editing sessions (especially when you’re on a deadline!) 

A basic mouse isn’t the best design for long-term comfort. It causes you to twist your arm in an awkward position that can cause strain or even injuries.

One option is to go for a vertical mouse. It holds your hand in a better position with a handshake grip and uses the whole arm for movement. So, there’s less pressure on your wrist.

The mouse should also fit your hand well, but not all mouses will suit everyone. It depends on your hand and personal preference. Ideally, you should try the mouse out before you buy, or make sure to read the reviews carefully.

Buttons & Other Features

If we’re looking beyond the most basic mouses, you may find some cool extra features. For example, gaming mice often have a lot of buttons that you can program. These are handy as you can set up shortcuts to tools you frequently use in Photoshop. 

But too many buttons can become overwhelming. You may end up fumbling and pressing the wrong one, for starters. So consider how many buttons would be useful for you. 

It’s not just the number of buttons that is important too. Consider the placement of the buttons and how easily you can access them.

So don’t opt for the mouse with the most buttons if you won’t need or use them. A simple design has benefits, too. 

If you work on more than one device, you may want a mouse that can switch between them. Many mouses offer this feature, and it can come in handy, so look out for it! 

Response Speed

The response speed of a mouse is also known as the polling rate. It’s measured in Hz and tells you how often the mouse talks to the computer. 

The higher the response speed, the more accurate and responsive the mouse is. So, look for a fast response speed when choosing a mouse for photo editing.

Wired mouse vs. Wireless mouse?

You’ll find both wireless and wired mice on the market, and both types have pros and cons.

If you’re looking for the most responsive mouse around, then a wired mouse is probably the best option. While wireless mouses have come a long way, you can still get a little lag time between the mouse and the computer.

But if you need a portable mouse for working on the go, a wireless mouse is the obvious choice. It provides more freedom of movement and allows you to work from anywhere. Many wireless mouses are compact for this reason. Plus, it will also keep your desk tidy and clutter-free. 

Price

You don’t need to spend hundreds to get a great Photoshop mouse. There are some excellent mouses out there for an affordable price.

But if you can stretch your budget a bit further, you can get a bit more for your money. The cheapest mouses won’t be as fast or responsive. They will also lack extra features and tend not to be ergonomic. 

So, work out your budget and priorities. Do you need a vertical mouse to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome? Or do you value speed and precision above everything else?

Once you know what you’re after, browse through the reviews above. I’ve selected the best mouses around, with something for every budget. You’ll find great affordable options as well as some premium choices. So, take your pick! 

The Top 3 Mouses for Photoshop: A Quick Comparison

If you’re short on time, here are my 3 top choices for mouses for photo editing. Each of these will meet a specific need and are excellent options for Photoshop users.

Razer Naga TrinityJelly CombJelly Comb

Razer Naga Trinity

Logitech MX Ergo

Jelly Comb
DPI16,000Adjustable from 512 – 2,048Adjustable from 1,000 – 2,400 
InterfaceWired2.4 GHz USB receiver & BluetoothBluetooth; 2.4 GHz Wireless; USB
ErgonomicRight-handedRight-handedRight-handed
Number of Buttons1986

The Best Mices for Photoshop

Logitech M500 Mice

Best Basic Mouse

Logitech M500

(Image credit: Logitech)

If you’re looking for a simple, low-cost mouse, you won’t go wrong with the Logitech M500. 

It’s very affordable but comes with the quality you’d expect from a Logitech mouse. This brand has been making computer mouses for decades, and they know what they’re doing.  

The DPI is 1000, which isn’t bad for such a low-cost mouse. It isn’t as accurate as a gaming mouse, but you shouldn’t have any major issues with it.

The M500 is wired, which reduces any lag between the mouse and the computer. That means it should be very responsive at all times. But it’s not ideal if you prefer more freedom of movement and a clutter-free desk. If that sounds like you, check out the wireless options on this list instead. 

It feels solid and durable and has a contoured shape designed to fit your hand neatly. The side grips and unique build make it comfortable to use. 

As for features, they are a bit limited on this model. It has two buttons, a scroll wheel, and a Back/Forward button on the side. But you won’t get the customizability of any programmable buttons for your shortcuts.

If you’re short on cash and need a dependable mouse, the Logitech M500 won’t let you down. It’s not a specialized mouse for photo editing, but it is hard-wearing with a nice shape. It provides plenty of support for your hand and tracks smoothly. 

  • DPI: 1000
  • Interface: Wired
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed
  • Number of buttons: 2 buttons & Back/Forward Button

Pros:

  • It’s a very affordable mouse
  • It’s durable and hardwearing with a comfortable design
  • You can use the fast-scrolling wheel to scan through documents 
  • It’s wired which prevents lags but can get in the way at times

Cons:

  • The DPI isn’t very high
  • It only has 4 buttons, so it’s a bit limited with very little customizability

Check price on

Amazon

Logitech MX Master Mouse

Best Minimalist Mouse

Logitech MX Master Mouse

(Image credit: Logitech)

This mid-range mouse is sleek and minimalist yet comfortable. It has a stylish, simple design with a few nice touches and is a good option if you don’t need lots of buttons. 

The MX Master doesn’t differ a lot from your standard mouse design. But it has a nice textured rubber material that feels tactile and provides just the right amount of grip. 

The designers had your comfort in mind when creating this product. It has a thumb cradle to provide more support and fits most hands well. 

This mouse feels solid and robust yet is very responsive and moves smoothly. So, it’s ideal for light photo editing or design work. 

Logitech MX master mouse for Photoshop tested

(Image credit: Proactive Creative)

But if you rely on programmable buttons, check out the Logitech G602 instead. This model only has five buttons with pre-defined uses.

One big bonus of the MX Master is the rechargeable battery, which can last for up to 40 days. No need to stock up on batteries with this mouse! And when you do need to charge it, it powers up fast. 

You can switch the scroll wheel to fast-scrolling, but it’s not an essential feature for photo editing. Unless you have some long documents to read, you may not need to use it at all.

This Logitech mouse has good connectivity options and precise laser tracking. There are very few lags, and you can switch easily between different devices.

All these features make it a great choice for general use and occasional photo editing or design. It offers good value for money and should last a long time. 

But if you spend hours in Photoshop every day, you may want something more advanced and versatile. 

  • DPI: Adjustable from 400 to 1600
  • Interface: 2.4 GHz Wireless
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed
  • Number of buttons: 5

Pros:

  • Good tracking with very little lagging
  • A solid and durable build with a nice grip and sleek design
  • The rechargeable battery can last over a month

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have programmable buttons
  • It’s not as ergonomic as it could be 

Check price on

Amazon

Logitech MX ERGO Wireless Graphite Mouse

Best Trackball Mouse

Logitech MX ERGO Wireless Graphite

(Image credit: Logitech)

A trackball mouse is an excellent option if you want to reduce the pressure on your wrist. With the trackball design, you don’t need to move your hand at all. Instead, you can use your thumb to control the mouse’s movements.

That makes it ideal if you experience discomfort with a regular mouse. It can easily happen if you spend hours each day editing in Photoshop! So, the Logitech MX Ergo could be just what you need.

This mouse allows you to switch to a 20-degree angle. That can improve your hand position and puts your forearm in a better position to grip the mouse. This more natural orientation can prevent carpal tunnel from developing.

Logitech MX ERGO

(Image credit: Proactive Creative)

But it’s pretty heavy due to the mechanics and metal parts that elevate the mouse. So, it’s not great for commuting or traveling regularly. 

The MX Ergo is also ideal for anyone with a small desk or compact workspace. As you don’t move the mouse itself, you don’t need much space at all. 

This mouse has eight buttons, which you can customize to create shortcuts to tools. You can also adjust the tracking speed, so it’s very versatile. In particular, the fast-tracking button can come in handy when working in Photoshop.

As with most Logitech mouses, the MX Ergo has a super-long battery life and speedy charging. Plus, you can use it with two computers and even use it to transfer files between them. 

There are a couple of minor drawbacks to this mouse. First of all, the metal scroll wheel is sometimes noisy and doesn’t provide any feedback as you scroll. 

Logitech MX ERGO

(Image credit: Proactive Creative)

You should also factor in the maintenance a trackball mouse will need. It can get gunked up over time as dust builds up, so you will need to clean it regularly. 

The MX Ergo is a little expensive. But the sturdy build, ergonomic design, and programmable buttons are worth the price. Photoshop pros will appreciate the efficiency and comfort this mouse provides.

  • DPI: Adjustable between 512 – 2048 
  • Interface: 2.4 GHz USB receiver & Bluetooth
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed Trackball
  • Number of buttons: 8

Pros:

  • This ergonomic trackball mouse reduces pressure on your wrist and boosts your comfort
  • It’s sturdy and durable if a little heavy
  • It has 8 customizable buttons and a fast-scroll wheel function
  • This mouse is ideal for small desks as you don’t need to move it

Cons:

  • It’s quite expensive for what you get
  • The trackball needs regular cleaning

Check price on

Amazon

Logitech G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse

Best Wireless Mouse for Photo Editing

Logitech G602

(Image credit: Logitech)

The Logitech G602 isn’t a budget option, but it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for features to improve your editing flow.

This wireless gaming mouse has 11 programmable buttons, with six on the thumb rest. Most of these buttons are very easy to reach, although a couple are a little awkward. 

With these buttons, you can create customized shortcuts to tools within Photoshop. Factor in the super-accurate optical sensor, and the G602 will speed up your editing and save you time. 

(Image credit: Logitech)

The DPI is adjustable up to 2500 DPI, which is suitable for almost all editing tasks. While you can find more sensitive mouses, you may not even notice the difference. 

This mouse also has a long battery life, running for up to 250 hours. It isn’t rechargeable, though, and instead takes regular AA batteries. You’ll need to make sure you have a supply handy, so you’re not caught out!

The Logitech G602 is ideal for photo editing and will keep you comfy in those marathon sessions. You get all the benefits of a wireless mouse but no noticeable lag. The speed can rival most wired mouses! 

If you’re a Photoshop pro, you’ll love the buttons that make it easy to streamline your workflow. The main drawback is that it’s not ergonomic and doesn’t come cheap. But otherwise, you’re sure to love the Logitech G602.

  • DPI: 2500
  • Interface: 2.4 GHz Wireless
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed 
  • Number of buttons: 11 programmable buttons

Pros:

  • It has a sensitive optical sensor and adjustable DPI
  • You get loads of programmable buttons for optimal control and speed as you edit
  • It has a comfortable shape with a thumb rest and a nice grip

Cons:

  • This mouse is one of the most expensive on this list
  • It’s a little heavy and isn’t ergonomic

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Amazon

Apple Magic Mouse 2

Best Compact Mac Mouse for Photo Editing on the Go

Apple Magic Mouse 2

(Image credit: Apple)

The Apple Magic Mouse 2 needs no introduction. This unique little mouse stands out for its gorgeous yet minimal design. 

It’s very compact and lightweight, which makes it perfect for travel or commuting. The Magic Mouse 2 is sleek and stylish and will look amazing on your desk.

It tracks well and moves smoothly across your desk. It’s also ambidextrous, which is good news for any left-handed users. 

Unless you look for a left-handed mouse, most are designed for right-handed people. But with this mouse, you can use it with either hand. 

(Image credit: Apple)

Another reason it stands out is the Multi-Touch function. The entire surface of the mouse is responsive, so you can click, scroll or touch anywhere. It makes edits very easy but can be too reactive at times.

One downside is that you can’t use this mouse while it charges. You’ll need to plan ahead and charge it when it’s not in use. 

It’s also not a great choice if you suffer from wrist pain or RSI, as it’s not at all ergonomic. Not everyone will like the shallow design of the Magic Mouse.


But if you’re an Apple fan and love the brand’s product quality, you’ll adore the Magic Mouse 2!

  • DPI:  1300
  • Interface: Bluetooth
  • Ergonomic: Ambidextrous
  • Number of buttons: 0

Pros:

  • The Magic Mouse 2 is wireless and rechargeable
  • It’s super compact, lightweight, and takes up hardly any space for travel
  • The multi-touch function allows you to touch anywhere on the mouse and scroll easily
  • Right-handed and left-handed people can use this mouse

Cons:

  • It can be over-responsive
  • The shape isn’t ergonomic and could get uncomfortable
  • You can’t use it when it’s charging

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Amazon

Razer Naga Trinity

Best Premium Gaming Mouse 

 Razer Naga Trinity

(Image credit: Razer)

If you’re looking for a mouse that impresses you in every way, check out the Razer Naga Trinity. You won’t be disappointed.

You get this amazing gaming mouse for the same price as many of the Logitech models. Although it was designed for gamers, it works wonders for photo editors, too.

The Razer Naga Trinity is outstanding when it comes to accuracy and responsivity. With 16,000 DPI and a 5G optical sensor, this mouse is hard to beat. The sensitivity is insane, but you can also adjust the DPI as you work.

It comes with three interchangeable side panels for the ultimate customizability. You can choose between 2, 7, or buttons. Need all the shortcuts? Go for 12 buttons. Prefer a minimalist approach? You can use the 2-button panel for your most frequent functions and forget the rest.

The side panels attach magnetically and stay firmly in place when using the mouse. Each piece of the Naga Trinity feels solid and built to last.

A fun feature is the programmable color profiles. While it may not improve your photo editing, it looks cool! 

This mouse is wired, which not all users will like. But if you can get over that factor, it’s well worth your money. This responsive and versatile mouse can speed up your workflow and take you to the next level in your edits.

While it’s not cheap, the Naga Trinity offers excellent value for money. It compares well against other models on the market and even comes with a 2-year warranty. You won’t regret investing in this superb gaming mouse.

  • DPI: 16000
  • Interface: Wired
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed
  • Number of buttons: 19

Pros:

  • Outstanding speed and sensitivity with 16000 DPI
  • You can customize this mouse entirely to meet your needs
  • It has 19 programmable buttons and three side panels to choose from
  • It’s durable and comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • It’s quite bulky and heavy, so not recommended for travel
  • It’s not wireless, and the design isn’t very ergonomic

Check price on

Amazon

Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse

Best Ergonomic Mouse

Logitech MX

(Image credit: Logitech)

If you value comfort and precision above all else, you’ll love the Logitech MX mouse. It looks a little unusual due to its vertical design, but with good reason.

You’ll hold this mouse in a handshake grip, which prevents any awkward twisting of the forearm. If you’ve ever suffered from wrist pain or computer elbow, this is the mouse you need! It will ensure your comfort even for the longest photo editing sessions. 

As with any Logitech mouse, it’s also very high-quality and offers some great features and specs. 

It has excellent laser-grading tracking that is very responsive. While it’s not quite up there with the best gaming mice, 4000 DPI is more than accurate enough for Photoshop.

(Image credit: Proactive Creative)

The battery life is also impressive, as it can last up to four months on a full charge. And if you’re ever running low, you can charge it for just one minute. Then, you’re good to go for another three hours! So, you shouldn’t ever get caught with a dead battery, and there’s no need to stock up on replacement batteries either.

You can also pair this mouse with up to three different devices. Switching between them is as simple as pressing the button on top of the mouse.

This mouse isn’t for you if you need a lot of different shortcut buttons. There are only four buttons on this model, plus the scroll wheel that functions as a middle button.

(Image credit: Proactive Creative)

As mouses go, this model is quite large. If your hands are small, I’d recommend testing it to make sure you can easily reach the buttons.

The Logitech MX Vertical is for you if you need a reliable, ergonomic mouse for those long workdays. It’s precise, efficient, and responsive and will allow you to work for longer in comfort.

  • DPI: 4000
  • Interface: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wireless, USB
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed
  • Number of buttons: 4

Pros:

  • This mouse has an ergonomic design that ensures long-term comfort
  • You hold the mouse in a handshake position which places less strain on the wrist and forearm
  • It’s very precise and reacts quickly to movements, thanks to 4000 DPI

Cons:

  • It only has four buttons, but you can customize them
  • There’s no fast-scrolling option like with the MX Master
  • This mouse is very big, so it’s best for people with large hands

Check price on

Amazon

Jelly Comb Wireless Vertical Mice

Best Budget Ergonomic Mouse for Photo Editing

Jelly Comb

(Image credit: Jelly Comb)

Next up, we have another excellent ergonomic mouse. Of the two vertical mouses on this list, the Jelly Comb is the cheaper and has a lower DPI. But it’s well worth your consideration!

This affordable mouse offers fantastic value for money. It’s a real bargain, yet it has an ergonomic design and feels very durable in hand. If you need more support but can’t afford an expensive mouse, the Jelly Comb is the perfect solution.

It has a nice finish that feels rubbery and soft. As a vertical mouse, it encourages you to hold your arm in an ergonomic position. It’s easy to get a firm grip on this mouse, and your hand shouldn’t slide off while you work. 

(Image credit: Jelly Comb)

As this mouse is wireless, your desk will stay clean and tidy. It connects to your computer via 2.4 G wireless technology or Bluetooth.

If you need to switch between devices, the Jelly Comb mouse is ideal. You can connect to three different devices and switch seamlessly between them. And as this mouse is rechargeable, you won’t ever need to buy extra batteries for it. 

You also have the option to adjust the DPI to suit your needs. You can set it at 1000, 1600, or 2400, depending on your tasks. That can come in handy, as you can boost the DPI for editing and drop it back down for general use.

You get six responsive buttons on this mouse. They are responsive and very quiet, which is ideal if you work in a shared office. But you don’t get a lot of feedback from them, so you may miss the audible click. It comes down to personal preference.

(Image credit: Jelly Comb)

One thing to note is that this mouse goes into auto-sleep mode when you’ve not used it for around 20 minutes. That’s great for saving battery, but there is a slight delay when you move the mouse again.

For users with small to medium hands, the good news is that this mouse is smaller than the MX Vertical. It’s not always straightforward to find an ergonomic mouse for small hands, but this one fits the bill.

Overall, the Jelly Comb mouse provides an outstanding user experience. At this price, it’s an accessible vertical mouse that is ideal for photo editing.

  • DPI: Adjustable from 1000 – 2400
  • Interface: 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
  • Ergonomic: Right-handed
  • Number of buttons: 6

Pros:

  • It offers excellent value for money and is very affordable
  • You can adjust the DPI to suit your needs
  • It’s rechargeable, lightweight, and ergonomic
  • This mouse is great for anyone with small to medium hands

Cons:

  • It can take a few seconds to wake up from sleep mode

Check price on

Amazon

Tip: save the image below to your Pinterest to re-read this article later!

The Wrap Up

So there you have the ultimate guide to the best mouse for Photoshop! Each of these models is high-quality and would make an excellent choice for Photoshop. They are responsive, accurate, and offer features to streamline your photo editing.

But it comes down to personal choice when deciding which one is the best mouse for your needs! 

You should think about how you will use it – do you need the mouse for photo editing, drawing, or animation? How much time do you spend in Photoshop each day, and what’s your budget?

With this in mind, you can work out your priorities and find the right mouse for you.

For example, you might prefer a minimalist wireless mouse for commuting. Or, you could go for an ergonomic design that will support your hand as you work. And if you’re after flexibility, consider getting a gaming mouse with customizable buttons.

Either way, you’re sure to find the best mouse for photo editing on this list. So, take your pick, and let me know in the comments which one you choose!

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This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Proactive Creative may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Author

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.


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