• Logitech unveils a brand new folding mouse
• The Mobil Fold is small and durable
• It promises more than a month of battery life

I’ve had all manner of computer mice over the years, but by far my favorite is a travel mouse. They come in so many different shapes, sizes, and configurations. I fondly remember a promotional USB travel mouse, perhaps no bigger than my thumb, that featured a spring-loaded retractable cable. When that died after multiple road trips, I switched to a Microsoft Surface Arc Bluetooth travel mouse. It was darn near perfect. In travel mode, it was flat, and when you wanted to use it, you bent it to a perfect, palm-hugging curve. That one died after years of business travel.

So you can imagine my excitement when Logitech showed me its new Mobi Fold ($79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95). As the name suggests, it is a truly foldable Bluetooth travel mouse.

The company claims that while roughly 76% of us own mice, only 26% take them on the road. The palm-sized Mobi Fold is small enough to slip into almost any pocket and join you in your wanderlust.

When folded, the Logitech Mobile Fold resembles in size and shape a screenless Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. It unfolds to a roughly 60-degree curve that neatly fits under your palm. It has a pair of silent clickers — all the better to not annoy your fellow passengers — and between them is a wide touch-sensitive button that you can use to scroll through on-screen content quickly or a line at a time.

The body is covered in a soft rubber material that feels good against your skin, and Logitech claims that Mobi Fold is durable and ready to accompany you on the road for up to 15 years.

In the near-term, battery life is rated for 33 days on a charge, but if you’re in a pinch, a minute of charge can net you 22 hours of operation. You also don’t have to worry about the battery running down when the mouse is folded up in your backpack or pocket. It automatically powers on when unfolded and shuts off when folded up.

If you regularly switch between, say, a desktop, laptop, and tablet, you’ll be pleased with the Mobi Fold’s quick-switch capabilities for up to three devices. There's also the Logitech Plus companion app that you can use to customize buttons to open certain apps, take screenshots, copy and paste, and perform other operations.

I got a chance to try the mouse with a few different systems and apps. It doesn’t need a special surface or mouse pad to work, and I found it comfortable and responsive. I folded and unfolded it repeatedly and noticed that the fold feels firm, not flimsy. There’s enough tension that you won’t worry about the two halves flopping about.

Yes, I even accidentally dropped the ultra-portable mouse, and it survived without issue.

Mobi Fold comes in four colors: Graphite, Off-white, Lilac, and Sand, and should start shipping this week.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Two-minute review

I should probably preface this review by saying that I've long been a fan of Logitech's mice, having used a G502 Lightspeed Wireless as my daily driver for more than five years. In fact, I love it so much that when mine finally gave up the ghost back in 2024, I literally just bought another identical model.

If you're familiar with my work, you might suspect a slight degree of bias in this review – and I'm sure that the coveted five-star rating above won't assuage those suspicions.

But honestly? I wasn't expecting much from the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike. The design is pretty simple, just a near-symmetrical chassis with two thumb buttons and a basic scroll wheel, plus a mildly futuristic aesthetic that you'll either find appealing or obnoxious. I've seen a hundred mice like this before, I thought upon unboxing it for the first time.

That was before I knew about HITS. The 'haptic inductive trigger system' is the main selling point of the Pro X2 Superstrike, and it's really something special: user-tunable actuation for the two main mouse buttons, with rapid trigger reset points to minimize latency. In other words, you can personally tweak the tactility of these clickers to exactly how you want them to feel, and it's frankly awesome. It's reminiscent of the satisfying feedback of hall effect buttons, and the mechanics behind it are similar as well, but I'll get into that later on in this review.

HITS aside (but really, these buttons absolutely rock), the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is just a staggeringly competent piece of hardware design. The rounded, symmetrical shape is very comfortable in the hand, and the total package weight of just 61g combined with smooth-gliding UHMWPE feet makes it feel great to use even on lower sensitivities. But with a 44,000 DPI sensor and 8K polling rate mode, it's well-equipped for fans of twitchy online shooters.

I'm just gonna say it: this is straight up one of the best gaming mice money can buy right now. Speaking of money...

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$299.95
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available globally

Yeah, this hurts a little. Clocking in at $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$299.95, there's no avoiding the fact that a lot of PC gamers will be priced out of enjoying the perfect clicks of the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike.

It's similarly priced to the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro, which we featured in our list of the best mice, and is a comparable premium esports-focused mouse with a simple, lightweight design – though it uses optical switches instead, which are durable and responsive but a lot noisier.

However – and it's not often that I say this – I do actually think this is a product that manages to fully justify its price tag. The Superstrike is something entirely new, but even aside from that, it's simply an excellent product in almost every way.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Design

• Simple but comfortable design
• Robust build quality
• No left-handed version

I suspect that the ultra-modern design of the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike will be a turn-off for some potential buyers, but I like it. No rainbow RGB here, just a lone LED indicating your DPI preset. Stamping the product name all over the device makes it feel like something out of a utilitarian corporate dystopia – a vibe I'm fine with for my hardware aesthetic, though I'd rather steer clear from a societal standpoint.

Aesthetics aside, the chassis design isn't anything particularly earth-shattering, but you don't mess with a proven winner. The shape is essentially the same as Logitech G's previous Pro X Superlight 2, a symmetrical design with a gentle curve across it that fits comfortably in the palm. I've got pretty big hands, so I asked my (smaller-handed) partner to give it a try, and he reported that it felt very comfortable to use as well. I might say that the shape is somewhat better suited to claw- and fingertip-style grips, but as a palm-grip user, I found it comfortable even during extended gaming sessions.

Despite weighing barely more than 60 grams, the Pro X2 Superstrike doesn't feel flimsy in the slightest. The whole thing feels well-constructed, with a physical power switch and magnetic cover on the underside that conceals a slot to store the USB dongle. The feet are UHMWPE, tough and low-friction, and a small cutout at the front of the mouse houses the USB-C port for charging or wired use.

The main buttons have a weighty, tactile feel to them, while the scroll wheel offers firm rotation and a quiet but robust click. The side buttons are a bit softer, but still have a decent level of physical feedback and are well-spaced – I often like to map actions to these thumb buttons in shooters, and I didn't experience any misclicks. The mouse is very slightly front-heavy, presumably due to the HITS switch assembly underneath the two main buttons, and while I didn't have any issues with this, users who regularly lift their mouse clear of the mat may find that it requires a bit of getting used to.

The sensor is the Logitech G HERO 2 sensor, found in a wide range of the brand's premium gaming mice. It supports up to 44,000 DPI with up to 88G acceleration registration, and I can attest from using other mice with the same sensor that it's very reliable. For those seeking the absolute best low-latency performance, the box includes an adapter for you to connect the dongle to the power cable and place it directly on your desk, but it worked fine just plugged into the back of my PC, too.

The matte plastic shell does a good job of repelling fingerprint smudges (even from my sweaty hands during a heatwave that hit the UK while I was reviewing the Pro X2 Superstrike), and the casing is generally sturdy. It feels like a product that was built to last. Honestly, my only criticism here is the lack of a left-handed model; I'm a southpaw myself, and while I've adapted to using a mouse with my right hand, the same can't be said of every left-hander out there.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Performance

• HITS switches are truly phenomenal
• Fast and smooth movement is great for shooters
• Logitech G Hub software works well

Alright, let me talk about these switches properly for a moment. The way HITS works is essentially the same principle as hall effect keyboard switches, using metal plates and copper coils carrying an electromagnetic current with an analog sensor that precisely measures the click input.

Now, this means that you get incredibly fast input response, on par with the optical switches that are becoming more popular in gaming mice, but the real takeaway here is the adjustable actuation. Because you're not pressing a physical switch but rather moving a bit of metal up and down, you can use Logitech's G Hub software to manually adjust the actuation point. If you want hair-trigger actuation, it's yours. Prefer only firm, deep clicks to register? It can do that too, and everything in between.

The HITS design also allows you to adjust the trigger reset points (put simply, how soon the button can register another input when you start to lift your finger after clicking), and with no physical switch involved, the Pro X2 Superstrike allows for ultra-rapid-fire inputs. If you're using a semi-automatic gun, the only limit on fire rate is whatever the game itself imposes.

Without an actual switch to click underneath these buttons, there's no tactile feedback. In fact, when I first received the Pro X2 Superstrike and clicked the buttons before turning it on, I was immediately worried that it would feel horrible to use. That's where the 'haptic' part of 'haptic inductive trigger system' comes in: when you click, the button releases a tiny vibration that mimics the click input of a traditional mouse. It sounds silly, but it genuinely works - and like the actuation and trigger resets, you can adjust this too, or even turn it off if you're so inclined. But I wouldn't – it's really quite good once you get used to it.

The best part? They're ridiculously quiet. If you're noise-sensitive or you're a late-night gamer like me, a near-silent mouse is a genuine boon. In fact, Logitech, if you're reading this: please make a G502 with HITS (and then send it directly to my home address). I adore the Superstrike, but I do miss my thumb rest for everyday work.

Alright, enough about the HITS. Overall, the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike feels excellent for gaming, gliding smoothly across my mouse mat and delivering precise, latency-free inputs thanks to the Logitech Lightspeed dongle.

The G Hub software gives you plenty of sliders to slide, letting you adjust the usual settings like sensitivity and polling rate, as well as create profiles for individual games depending on your preferences. The 8K polling mode is something of a gimmick that likely won't make much of a difference to all but the sweatiest esports lovers, but it's there if you want it (though it's oddly not available in wired mode; you have to use the included dongle).

I stuck with the defaults for most of the games I tested, but I did make custom profiles for Valorant and Marathon to make the most of the super-reactive HERO 2 sensor. You can also map button input combos as macros, which was particularly useful for adjusting the DPI manually, as there's no dedicated DPI button here.

Did it make me better at shooting? No, my aim is still aggressively mid, but I certainly felt better playing with the Pro X2 Superstrike. After tweaking the HITS actuation to accept feather-touch inputs with an equally low reset point and strong haptic feedback, plinking hostile players at range with a precision rifle in Marathon felt gratifying.

The battery life is also solid, with Logitech claiming 90 hours of use on a single charge. I found this held up; I charged the mouse to full after unboxing it, and it was still kicking after a week of work and gaming.

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike?

Buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike if…

Don’t buy it if…

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

I traded out my usual Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless for the Pro X2 Superstrike for a total of eight days while putting together this review, and guess what... I'm still using it. Not for everyday work (I value a thumb rest too much for that), but it's currently perched on the corner of my desk for whenever I load up Marathon or Warframe.

During my eight-day testing period, I used the Superstrike for both my regular day-to-day work for TechRadar (which, in mouse-specific terms, mostly involves a lot of clicking on links and highlighting text) and for everything I use my PC for during my off hours. This is mostly gaming, with a bit of mucking about in Discord and Scrivener for personal projects. Aside from the games I've already mentioned in this review, I also tested the Pro X2 Superstrike in Overwatch, Apex Legends, and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (yes, I know I'm late to that particular party – I'll get around to Borderlands 4 eventually).

First reviewed May 2026

Razer Viper V4 Pro: Two-minute review

Razer is a good brand for PC gaming hardware, but I have noticed a tendency over the years to make its generational hardware upgrades... iterative might be the kind way to put it, but if I were feeling uncharitable, I might call them rudimentary – improving something, but sometimes not to a sufficient degree that an entirely new product release feels worthwhile.

I feared this might be the case with the Razer Viper V4 Pro. That wouldn't have been a disaster by any means; we gave the previous Viper V3 Pro a four-star score when we reviewed it back in 2024, which is perfectly respectable. But when I saw the V4 Pro for the first time, my first thought was that it didn't look any different from the V3 Pro whatsoever, and my heart sank.

Once I got my hands on the new model, though, I was pleased to be proven wrong. Despite looking virtually identical to the previous model, the Viper V4 Pro has undergone extensive improvements where it counts – on the inside.

For starters, Razer has managed to shave off another five grams from the already-low package weight, bringing this mouse down to a staggeringly lightweight 49g. The battery life has been almost doubled, and the buttons (and scroll wheel) have been updated with new optical switches, which provide better durability without compromising on tactile feedback.

The sensor has been upgraded, too, with the Viper V4 Pro packing Razer's third-generation Focus Pro 50K optical sensor. 50,000 DPI is far more than 99% of people will ever need, but it helps cement this as a peripheral for serious, hardcore competitive gamers. The 8K polling rate (returning from the V3 Pro) also aligns with this; the average gamer won't need it, but for pros, it's a must-have.

Really, it's genuinely difficult for me to find anything I don't like about this mouse. It's comfortable in the hand and feels supremely responsive even in high-stakes virtual shootouts. The lack of a left-handed version is a shame (although I imagine many of my fellow southpaws have adapted to life in a right-handed world and use their mouse on the right out of habit), and it's admittedly pretty expensive, but these feel like minor issues – bugs on the windshield of an extremely nice car. From my time with it, I'm very confident in saying that the Razer Viper V4 Pro deserves a place among the best gaming mice on the market.

Razer Viper V4 Pro: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $159.99 / £159.99 / AU$279.95
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available globally

Anyone familiar with Razer's hardware will be aware of the 'gamer tax' on the brand's products, but even taking Razer's often-steep pricing, this is one very expensive mouse.

At $159.99 / £159.99 / AU$279.95, it's very slightly cheaper than the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro, which we featured in our list of the best mice, and is fundamentally very similar to the Viper V4 Pro beyond its right-handed grip shape.

Don't get me wrong: this is an extremely high-quality mouse, but there's no getting around the fact that it'll simply be out of reach for many PC gamers at this price point. It's arguably also quite feature-light for such an expensive mouse; some potential buyers might feel shortchanged here, especially if they're looking for a mouse with more customization options.

Razer Viper V4 Pro: Design

• Incredibly lightweight design
• Sturdy, tactile optical switches
• No version for left-handed users

Compared to the Logitech G502 Lightspeed I use daily for work and gaming, the Razer Viper V4 Pro feels like I'm holding nothing at all (nothing at all...)

Seriously, I almost can't believe the Viper V4 Pro even weighs the 49g listed on the spec sheet; this thing is phenomenally lightweight, to the point where I actually busted out the kitchen scales to make sure I wasn't going crazy. Sure enough, it weighed exactly the listed 49g.

It's also just a generally very comfortable mouse to use. The exterior casing is almost entirely symmetrical and lacks a thumbrest, which would generally mean that it's best suited for claw and fingertip mouse grippers, but as someone who tends to shift between claw and palm grip styles, I can attest that the latter feels comfortable with the Viper V4 Pro as well. As I noted further up in this review, despite the mostly symmetrical design, the Viper only comes in one right-handed model, so lefties are out of luck.

The buttons and scroll wheel have a pleasing amount of tactile feedback, updated to shiny new optical switches underneath the matte plastic buttons. They feel robust, with the main two mouse buttons rated for 100 million clicks, though I would note that they have a fairly loud 'click' to them – something to bear in mind if you prefer a quieter mouse.

The underside of the mouse features only the sensor, a DPI/power button, and two wide PTFE feet that offer a good amount of smoothness on a variety of surfaces (more on that down in the performance section). I'm personally not a huge fan of DPI buttons being inaccessible during use, but it's unlikely to bother the majority of users.

Overall, it's a pleasingly straightforward design; considering that the Razer name is sometimes considered synonymous with bright RGB lighting, I like how stripped-back and purpose-built the Viper V4 Pro feels.

In fact, the only LEDs to be found here are a single white power indicator above the scroll wheel, and three RGB LEDs on the wireless dongle – which rather helpfully display the mouse's connection status, battery life, and polling rate mode via color-coding.

This dongle was recently redesigned from a rather blocky shape to a far more aesthetically pleasing mini dome with the Razer logo emblazoned on the top, and it connects to your PC via an included USB-C to USB-A cable. This cable can also be used to charge the mouse itself or connect it for fully wired play, but there's no Bluetooth support here, so laptop gamers with limited ports should bear that in mind.

Razer Viper V4 Pro: Performance

• Snappy, satisfying performance in shooters
• Razer Synapse is better than ever
• 8K polling rate is probably unnecessary for most PC gamers

Simply put, this is one hell of a gaming mouse for first-person shooters. I used the Viper V4 Pro to play Valorant, Marathon, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike 2 – and while I'm not sure if it actually made me better at clicking heads, I certainly felt like it was a better fit for fast-paced, twitchy shooting than my usual Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless.

Razer was kind enough to send me some mouse mats to test the Viper V4 Pro on, and I found that it offered a good amount of glide on practically any surface. From the moderate friction of the Razer Gigantus V2 Pro (featured in the photography for this review) to the silky-smooth tempered glass Atlas Pro mat, the Viper felt swift and easy to use regardless of surface. In fact (sorry Razer), I'd even say that you barely need a fancy mouse mat for this mouse; it worked perfectly even just on the bare wooden surface of my desk.

The Razer Synapse app has come a long way – no longer the annoying bloatware I used to heckle in every Razer product review, but now a sleeker and more effective (and, importantly, less intrusive) piece of tweaking software. Even better, it's now available as a web app, letting you tweak settings in your browser without needing to download the main app itself.

There isn't a vast amount of customization options here, which is unsurprising given the minimalist nature of the Viper V4 Pro, but the options you do get come with a great amount of granularity. Most importantly, the mouse sensitivity can be adjusted right down to 1-DPI increments to get you the exact right amount, and you can also adjust the sensor's tracking angle to ensure that the mouse input from fast horizontal movements stays level, which I actually did find helped with landing repeated shots on strafing targets. As you'd expect from a premium gaming mouse, you can also set up macros, but you'll need to download the full-fat version of Synapse for that.

One feature that didn't actually help at all was the 8,000Hz polling rate mode. This feature is becoming increasingly common as a selling point for both mice and keyboards, but I remain dubious; in my recent review of the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K gaming keyboard, I called it a gimmick – and I stand by that assessment.

See, an 8K polling rate helps minimize input latency from your peripherals (the standard is usually 1K, which the Viper V4 Pro is set to by default unless you turn on the 8K mode in Razer Synapse), which is undeniably a good thing, but 1K polling is frankly already good enough for the vast majority of users in the vast majority of use cases. The average gamer likely won't even notice the difference – I feel like there was a very slight, almost imperceptible increase in reactivity, but not enough to actually make me hit my shots more consistently.

Still, I won't knock the Viper V4 Pro down a point for this, because it's something every gaming mouse manufacturer is also doing, and because this is a mouse marketed towards esports gamers. I'm sure the Valorant and League of Legends masters Razer quotes on its website actually can tell the difference in a high-stakes tournament match, I'm just too much of a filthy casual to really reap the benefits. It also doesn't make me any better at Slay the Spire 2. Seriously, the Waterfall Giant can sod off.

One nifty feature that I did appreciate was an adaptive polling mode, which can be toggled on with Synapse (though it's not yet available in the web app version). This switches on the 8K polling rate for gaming, but automatically returns to 1K mode for other activities on your PC, which helps preserve the battery life of the mouse. And on that topic: the battery life is great. Razer advertises up to 180 hours, almost double the 95-hour battery of the last-gen Viper V3 Pro, and I can confirm that I didn't need to charge the mouse even once during the week I spent testing it.

Should you buy the Razer Viper V4 Pro?

Buy the Razer Viper V4 Pro if…

Don’t buy it if…

Razer Viper V4 Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Viper V4 Pro

As is standard for my mouse reviews, I swapped out my ever-reliable Logitech G502 Lightspeed for the Razer Viper V4 Pro for one week, using it for both my day-to-day tasks and gaming during my off hours.

I downloaded the Razer Synapse app and spent a while tweaking the mouse settings to my liking, then dived straight into my current addiction (Marathon, which truly does not deserve the hate it's been getting online). I also played a selection of other games, mostly online shooters like Valorant and Apex Legends, plus a spot of solo RPG gaming in the rather excellent Esoteric Ebb.

First reviewed May 2026

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review

The MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K is a gaming mouse with a pro level spec and some useful features. Despite this, it also has a pretty competitive price.

There's nothing spectacular or gamerish about the way it looks, maintaining as it does a relatively understated aesthetic. There’s only a small logo that allows some subtle RGB lighting to pass through.

In the hand, I found the Versa 300 more bulbous than I’m accustomed to, with a more prominent hump in the middle. However, I adjusted quickly to the shape and found it comfortable thereafter. In fact, it actually fitted my palm as well as the best gaming mouse shapes.

This fit also helps to impart a secure feeling, making me confident in performing lift-offs. This is further aided by the concave side walls and their diamond grip pattern. It’s a shame, though, that this grip area isn’t made from a soft touch material like silicone or rubber; it merely adopts the same smooth plastic as the rest of the unit. Regardless, I still found it provided sufficient grip and feedback.

The Versa 300 is quite a light mouse, weighing just 66g, which makes it easy to maneuver. However, there are certainly lighter mice around, and what’s more the weight doesn’t feel evenly distributed. Most of its mass seems to be concentrated near the rear, which can cause the whole unit to tilt backwards when lifting off. At least the Versa 300 feels solid and durable, which is always a positive. The body material feels smooth and upmarket, too, belying its budget price tag.

In action, the Versa 300 is quite impressive. The first aspect I noticed was just how smoothly it glided. This surprised me, given the PTFE skates are quite small compared to those on more premium gaming mice.

The included USB cable is braided and quite long, which makes it amenable to a wide variety of setups. It’s also quite light, although it still adds a small but noticeable element of drag to movements. The connection to the USB-C port is as solid as I could’ve wished for, so I wasn’t concerned about accidentally yanking it out.

The Omron mechanical switches feel satisfying enough, but they’re a little heavier and travel a little further than those on more elite gaming mice. This makes them feel less snappy. I still found them just about light enough for competitive play, but more serious head clickers might find them too sluggish for their needs.

The scroll wheel is somewhat unusual, due to its prominent, spiky finish. Far from being uncomfortable, though, I found this texture pleasing and it provided good feedback.

The middle click is also very satisfying, feeling more like a true button press than many others, thanks to its long travel and definitive thud when actuated. It’s probably one of the best middle clicks I’ve experienced.

However, the notching of the wheel is a little too light for my tastes, making it somewhat harder to judge single flicks compared to others. There’s no free scroll or tilt scroll feature, either, which some premium gaming mice get.

MSI Center, the brand’s peripheral software, is simple to use and laid out clearly. There is a reasonable amount of adjustments here, including five customizable levels for the DPI selector, ranging from 100 to 26,000, as well as rebinding options.

These are quite limited, though. You can only swap inputs around, assign media playback controls, and trigger macros (a fairly basic macro recording facility is included). It’s a shame you can’t customize the RGB lighting from here; for that, you’ll need to download another app, Portal X, which just creates more inefficiency.

You can enable more advanced features, such as Motion Sync and Angle Snapping, as well as alter the debounce time between 0ms and 30ms (in increments of 1ms). You can also adjust the lift-off distance, but this only has two settings: low and high.

Battery life is also excellent. After using the mouse consistently for several days, in both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, it only dropped around 10-15%. I didn’t experience any connectivity issues, either, with the two wireless modes maintaining a stable, lag-free signal.

Other gaming mice may have a greater selection of advanced performance based features, but it’s hard to complain about their absence in the Versa 300, given its competitive pricing. There aren’t many in this sector that offer a top-draw spec for so little, making it a compelling pick for those on a budget.

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review: Price & availability

• $99.99 / £59.99 (about AU$140)
• Available now
• Well-priced for its spec

The MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K costs $99.99 / £59.99 (about AU$140) and is available now in black only. It comes with a braided USB cable but no grip tape or spare skates.

Considering its spec, the Versa 300 is well-priced. There aren’t many gaming mice at this price point offering dual wireless connectivity modes, an 8K polling rate, and advanced tweaks.

It’s significantly cheaper than the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, which is one of our current favorites in the sector. But the Razer has more advanced software, granting you access to more adjustments and functions. We also loved its snappy mouse clicks, an area where the Versa 300 falls short.

However, if you’re after a truly budget gaming mouse, it’s hard to beat the Cooler Master MM311. We found it performed much better than it had any right to. It may lack multiple connectivity modes and a rechargeable battery, but you can’t really get better performance for less.

Should I buy the MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K?

Scorecard

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review: Also consider

How I tested the MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K

• Tested for several days
• Used for a variety of games and tasks
• Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Versa 300 for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general productivity. I used all of its connectivity methods with two different Windows PCs.

I played a variety of games, from fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, where speed and precision matter most, to games requiring a more considered and versatile and more encompassing mouse functionality, such as Subnautica 2.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have experienced many gaming mice in that time. I’ve also reviewed a large number of them, from budget offerings to pro-level and feature-packed premium models.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: May 2026

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: One-minute review

In an effort to shake up the gaming mouse market, Logitech has introduced the Pro X2 Superstrike, featuring unique haptic clicks that can be customized to suit individual preferences.

It doesn’t look particularly spectacular, with its simple symmetrical shape and lack of accoutrements, such as RGB lighting. Its two-tone design is quite striking, though.

I found the Pro X2 Superstrike comfortable to hold, although those with smaller hands might find it a bit too cumbersome. Build quality is exceptional, on par with the best gaming mouse constructions. The chassis feels smooth and durable, while every button and the scroll wheel operate with a satisfying solidity.

At 61g, the Pro X2 Superstrike isn’t heavy, either. It’s a shame, though, that most of the weight is concentrated towards the front. This can make lift-offs a little awkward as the mouse has a tendency to tilt every time you do so.

The Pro X2 Superstrike can be customized using Logitech’s G HUB software. Numerous aspects can be configured, from the DPI to bindings, and there are various adjustments for the Pro X2 Superstrike’s Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS). There’s also a Bunny Hop (BHOP) mode for preventing accidental scroll wheel flicks.

In action, the Pro X2 Superstrike performs well. It glides smoothly, albeit with slightly more friction than some other gaming mice, and all buttons operate easily and trigger consistently. I didn’t experience any miscrolls when using the middle click, even with the BHOP mode disabled.

The headline HITS feature allows for meaningful changes to click feel, with the actuation point and haptic feedback being adjustable. You can make presses very fast and light, or slow and heavy.

However, there’s no analog functionality or controller emulation, which means neither modular inputs nor dual binding is possible. This feels like a missed opportunity, given there are analog keyboards that offer these abilities.

Rapid Trigger isn’t as pronounced as you get from such keyboards, either. There are only five settings to choose from, and the difference between the slowest and fastest isn’t huge. Quite how useful pros will think an RT mouse is remains to be seen, but it’s at least nice to see a gaming mouse trying something different.

I experienced no wireless connectivity issues during my time with the Pro X2 Superstrike. However, it’s a shame there’s no Bluetooth support, since many other similarly-priced gaming mice feature this. Battery life is impressive, though: in my experience, Logitech’s claimed 90-hour endurance seemed to hold true.

Ultimately, the Pro X2 Superstrike feels like a promising proof-of-concept; until more can be extracted from that haptic system, it remains something of a gimmick. The price-to-features ratio also means that it doesn’t offer the best value for money. It's certainly an excellent performer, but the Pro X2 Superstrike is perhaps best suited to the elites.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Price & availability

• $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$$299.95
• Available now
• High-end of the market

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike costs $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$$299.95 and is available now in one colorway: a black and white finish known as Lunar Eclipse.

This places the mouse at the top end of the market. It’s about the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, a similarly pro-focused symmetrical wireless gaming mouse. We were very impressed with this model, thanks to its lightweight build and lightning-quick performance – not to mention its phenomenal 150-hour battery life and superb optical scroll wheel.

For something cheaper but more versatile, there’s the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro. Unlike the Pro X2 Superstrike, it features a DPI selector button and multiple wireless connectivity options (2.4GHz and Bluetooth). It games very well, too, although the prominent slope of the mouse buttons mightn’t be for everyone.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Design

• Superb build quality
• No DPI button
• Numerous customizations via G HUB

Logitech hasn’t exactly pushed the envelope in terms of looks, but nevertheless, the Pro X2 Superstrike is still a pleasing piece of design. Its soft form is antithetical to the more angular and aggressive gaming mice – and it’s all the better for it.

The two-tone design also makes it look less anonymous than it otherwise would be. The black buttons contrast starkly with the white finish, while the small logo and various bits of text add interest.

The symmetrical shape is neat and ergonomic, although those with smaller hands might have a hard time gripping it fully, since it’s quite large. It’s not heavy, though, as it weighs just 61g, with most of that mass concentrated at the front end.

The Pro X2 Superstrike bear’s Logitech’s typical high levels of build quality. The plastic chassis feels solid and super smooth, which is certainly welcome but doesn’t offer much purchase. Fortunately, optional grip tape is included for the sidewalls and mouse buttons.

Underneath the Pro X2 Superstrike are two skates: the front one is quite large, while the back one is thin and runs around the bottom curve. If these skates don’t provide enough glide for your liking, you can replace the stock lid for the dongle compartment with one that has a skate on it (included in the box).

All buttons operate sufficiently, although the scroll wheel isn’t the sturdiest: there’s a fair amount of lateral play, but thankfully this didn’t pose an issue during normal use. A bigger issue for some might be the lack of buttons, especially those for cycling DPI or a sniper button.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of scope to customize the buttons that are present using Logitech’s G HUB software. All inputs can be remapped to a multitude of alternatives, from system and mouse adjustments to individual keys and recorded macros.

The Pro X2 Superstrike can also make use of the brand’s ubiquitous G-Shift function, which allows you to assign any button as a ‘shift’ to access a second layer of binds. With this, I managed to create my own DPI button by designating the middle click as the G-Shift and setting the G-Shift layer of the rear side button as the DPI cycler. I kept the middle click functionality present by assigning it to the G-Shift layer of the right mouse button.

G HUB’s most notable adjustments for the Pro X2 Superstrike, though, concern its Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS). You can alter the actuation point, Rapid Trigger setting, and haptic feedback of both mouse buttons – either in tandem or individually.

There are 10 actuation points to choose from, which is quite a generous range, given the relatively short travel of the buttons. There’s also a visualizer that moves in real time with the pressure you exert, allowing you to see precisely where your chosen actuation point is.

Unfortunately, however, there’s no such visualizer for the Rapid Trigger; a setting where it’s more important to see how your adjustments work, I’d argue. Another disappointing aspect of the Pro X2 Superstrike’s Rapid Trigger implementation is that there are only five levels to choose from. This contrasts starkly to some of the best gaming keyboards, which offer far more scope in their settings. Haptic feedback for the Pro X2 Superstrike also has five levels, but I feel this is an appropriate number for this particular parameter.

G HUB also lets you toggle the Bunny Hop (BHOP) mode of the Pro X2 Superstrike, which is designed to prevent accidental flicks of the scroll wheel. It does this by preventing a single notch from registering; only the second will, so long as it’s within a certain amount of time of the first. This timeframe is adjustable between 100ms and a full second.

As is standard on pretty much all peripheral software, G HUB provides DPI adjustments, too. This includes five customizable presets, where you can set DPI values between 100 and 44,000. Each of these also has its own lift-off distance setting, although pros might be disappointed with the lack of metrics: the three options to choose from are low, medium, or high, with no measurement in millimeters given.

Overall, though, G HUB is clearly laid out and easy to navigate. I didn’t experience any technical hitches or bugs during my time with it, either.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Performance

• Great-feeling clicks
• Limited usage for haptic buttons
• Front-heavy design not for everyone

The performance of the Pro X2 Superstrike should meet the expectations of elite gamers. With its 8K polling rate, aiming is fast and accurate, while gliding is smooth – although there’s a little more friction than what the smoothest pointers provide. However, the skate-lined dongle lid certainly improved matters, and I can’t say my aiming was adversely affected when playing fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2.

That front-heavy design proved more of an issue, though. Whenever I lifted the Pro X2 Superstrike before swipes, the whole unit wanted to swing backwards, which forced me to grip harder than I would’ve liked to. I managed to acclimatize to this way of playing to a degree, but it remained a grievance I held with the Pro X2 Superstrike, albeit a minor one.

The middle click is very stable and easy to operate, while the prominent notching of the scroll wheel meant I never felt the need to enable BHOP mode.

The HITS buttons, though, are the standout feature of the Pro X2 Superstrike. The adjustments you make here can translate to radical differences in feel, from light and fast to heavy and slow. When you find the sweet spot, clicks manage to be snappy, impactful, and comfortable all at the same time, which is quite the feat. They always feel very nicely damped, more so than those of other gaming mice – unless you have the haptic feedback on its lowest setting, in which case there's virtually no sensation at all.

Logitech also claims the haptic clicks in the Pro X2 Superstrike reduce latency by up to 30ms compared to traditional microswitches. I can’t say I honestly noticed an increased responsiveness over other gaming mice I’ve tried, but they’re certainly not any slower.

The effect of the Rapid Trigger function is also hard to discern. The difference between the slowest and fastest settings is subtle; pro players may well be more attuned to them, but I don’t think the implementation of RT in the Pro X2 Superstrike is anywhere near as drastic as that of analog keyboards.

The haptic buttons also fall short of such boards in other ways. For instance, you can’t dual bind by making use of partway clicks, as you can with partway presses of analog keys.

Also, the Pro X2 Superstrike can’t emulate the graduated control of gamepad triggers and joysticks, as some analog keyboards can. Granted, the functionality doesn’t always work as well as you might hope, but I still think such emulation on the mouse would be useful for certain games.

What’s more, PC games don’t make use of intricate haptic feedback (at least currently). One of the great things about the PS5 is the haptic triggers of its DualSense. This really does add immersion by imparting an impressive array of sensations, corresponding with the type of game being played and the gameplay context. This aspect is a large part of why it’s one of the best PS5 controllers around.

While it’s nice to be able to adjust the haptics of the Pro X2 Superstrike, the system is limited by comparison. Once you’ve found your ideal setting, you’ll have little incentive to change it, and you’ll find clicks don’t necessarily feel any better than those of best gaming mice with conventional switches.

I have fewer complaints about the connectivity of the Pro X2 Superstrike. The 2.4GHz USB dongle provides a fast and stable connection, and I didn’t experience any drop-outs or lag. One odd glitch, though, was that my last selected DPI setting took a while to kick in whenever the mouse awoke from its sleep. It’s also a shame a mouse this expensive doesn’t have additional Bluetooth support to allow for hot-swapping between multiple devices.

The battery life of the Pro X2 Superstrike is very impressive. After several days of use, it only declined by about 20%, and it seems that Logitech’s 90-hour claim holds water.

Should I buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike?

Scorecard

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and general use
• Experience reviewing gaming mice

I tested the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike for several days. I used it for gaming as well as general browsing and light productivity.

I mainly played Counter-Strike 2 – a great test for gaming mice, given its reliance on fast and accurate shooting.

I’ve reviewed plenty of gaming mice previously, from a broad range of brands and varying greatly in their form-factors, feature-sets, and price points. I brought this experience to bear when reviewing the Pro X2 Superstrike, by keeping in mind some of the best I’ve experienced as points of comparison.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed March 2026

Logitech MX Master 4: Two-minute review

Logitech’s MX Master is one of the best-known mice in the business, and the last iteration – the MX Master 3S – has long been seen as one of the best mice you can buy. That means the new MX Master 4 has big shoes to fill – and it doesn’t disappoint.

The main new addition is a haptic touch panel for your thumb, and this provides physical bumps when it’s activated and in use. While I’m happy to see it here, it’s actually far from the mouse’s best feature. That accolade goes to the MagSpeed scroll wheel, which automatically adjusts between precise clicks and freewheeling spinning. It’s a brilliant inclusion.

Elsewhere, the gesture button is a helpful, customizable tool that can be adapted to your needs, as can many of the other buttons, with a range of presets and programmable adjustments that help you make the mouse your own. And it’s on this software side where the MX Master 4 really excels, with the superb Logitech Flow making it a breeze to use the mouse across multiple computers and the Options+ app serving as your customization hub.

This is not a perfect mouse, though. It’s weighty and bulky, meaning it’s not ideal for travel or for gaming, while the thumb wheel doesn’t feel anywhere near as responsive or premium as the MagSpeed wheel. Those points aside, though, there’s very little else to be dissatisfied with.

Logitech MX Master 4: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $119.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.95
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available globally

The Logitech MX Master 4 is not a cheap mouse, either in terms of its price or its quality. Its cost is on the high side for a mouse, but it comes with a raft of top tools and touches that enhance both your productivity and your overall computing experience. It’s not for everyone (especially gamers and those who want a lightweight mouse), but if you find yourself in its target audience, you’ll likely be very happy with it.

Logitech MX Master 4: Design

This mouse comes with the familiar sculpted design used by previous MX Master mice. That includes a wide, arched body and a cut-out thumb area with a curved lip for your digit to rest on. The mouse fits snugly in your hand and should be suitable for all grip types, particularly palm and claw.

That large form factor contributes to the mouse’s weight, which clocked in at 152g on my scales. It’s noticeably heavy, and whether that’s a good or bad thing really depends on your preferences. I’m used to featherweight mice (the 60g Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is my daily driver), so the MX Master 4 took a bit of getting used to, and even after almost two weeks of usage, it felt a touch imprecise due to its heft. That might not be ideal if you’re a frequent gamer and want something fast and light.

On the top are two large left- and right-click buttons. These come with incredibly soft, quiet clicks, which are both satisfying to use and subtle enough not to annoy your coworkers. While the mouse’s other buttons are by no means loud, it’s a shame that they aren’t quite so noiseless.

Nestled between the two main buttons is Logitech’s renowned MagSpeed scroll wheel. This ratchets when turned slowly and spins freely if you flick it with a bit more force. It’s a brilliant way to skim through websites and spreadsheets, and as small as it sounds, it’s one of the mouse’s best features.

The switching is automatic, but you can settle for one mode or the other using the button located just behind the wheel. Also note that you can click the scroll wheel in, but there are no side-to-side clicks of the type that you might find on rival devices.

The MX Master 4’s real power features are mostly assigned to your thumb. First up is the horizontal scroll wheel, which is handy if you need to pan side-to-side in an app like Microsoft Excel or when viewing a large image. Unfortunately, it lacks the ratchet/free spin abilities of the MagSpeed wheel, and it’s quite heavy and imprecise in use. It’s also loud and scratchy when turned, making it feel much cheaper than the rest of the mouse.

Below this wheel are three thumb buttons. The first two are grouped together, while the third stands a short distance away. The buttons aren’t particularly well defined – there’s no gap between the first two – which makes them a little tricky to separate by touch alone. The third is Logitech’s gesture button, which we’ll cover in the Performance section, but note that all three can be customized to perform different functions.

The main part of the thumb rest is occupied by a dimpled gesture button, which is a new addition to the MX Master 4. This is large and spacious, taking up nearly the entire thumb rest area, and its textured surface makes it easy to grip. Pushing it in brings up Logitech’s Actions Ring, and there’s a haptic bump every time you mouse over one of the ring’s icons. We’ll get to its features in more depth further down, but it’s a useful and thoughtful way to add more functionality to this section of the mouse.

On the underside is a quick-switch button for moving between connected PCs, allowing the MX Master 4 to pair with up to three computers at once (including Windows, macOS and Linux machines). There are also three black pads to help the mouse glide smoothly over surfaces.

Logitech MX Master 4: Performance

The first thing I want to cover in terms of performance is the mouse’s battery life, which is absolutely phenomenal. The Logi Options+ app only measures battery in 5% increments, but even so, it took over 20 hours before I saw the first drop from 100% to 95%. After close to 35 hours the mouse was still sitting pretty at 95%. Logitech rates it for 70 hours on one charge, but it felt like it could go on for decades.

The MX Master 4 is not a gaming mouse, but plenty of people are likely to blend work and play throughout their daily usage. Unfortunately, its substantial weight means it’s not well optimized for fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or other titles where agility and speed are required. Slower games like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Stardew Valley didn’t present many problems, although I still prefer a lighter mouse for gaming regardless.

You get the same 8K polling rate as the MX Master 3S, which might be attractive for top-end pros looking for high sensitivity, but is probably lower down the list of priorities for average users. What is likely to be more applicable to regular folk is the mouse’s ability to work on a variety of tabletops – Logitech says it’ll track properly on “any surface,” and while I can’t 100% guarantee it’ll stand up to anything it encounters, it at least performed admirably on every surface material I tested it on (including a mouse mat, wood, paper, fabric and glass).

One of the MX Master 4’s key strengths is its customizability, and most of this is achieved through the Logi Options+ app. Here, you can change the functionality of seven of the mouse’s physical features, including five buttons and both wheels. It’s quick and intuitive to assign new functions or create your own.

The adjustability doesn’t end there. You can also tweak the strength of the new haptic feedback feature, the press sensitivity of the thumb button, mouse pointer speed, scroll force and direction, and more. Don’t like how slowly the thumb wheel moves or how hard the haptic engine taps? You can change it all up in the software.

Options+ is also where you set up Logi Flow, which lets you use one mouse and software pointer for multiple computers and copy and paste files between them. It even works between Windows and macOS. Moving the mouse from a Microsoft PC onto a Mac and back again feels both wondrous and surreal, and it’s a fantastic weapon in your arsenal if you use more than one computer at once. It’s a little clunky – there’s a slight bit of lag when going from one computer to another, you can’t drag files directly across platforms, and copying and pasting items was hit and miss – but the MX Master 4 is better for its inclusion.

Tucked away near your thumb’s resting spot is a small gesture button. The idea here is that you hold it down, then move the mouse left, right, forward or back to activate various gestures. By default, holding it and moving your mouse forward opens the Start menu in Windows, for example. These actions are customizable, with various presets available to try. It’s a handy feature and can save you time, particularly if you set it up in a way that suits your workflow.

Press in the dimpled thumb button and an “Actions Ring” appears, with eight buttons arranged in a wheel around your mouse pointer. These serve as quick shortcuts – change the volume, lock your PC, and more – and can be customized in the Logi Options+ app. Mouse over each one and you feel a solid haptic bump, although you can change the force in Logitech’s app.

The thumb button is a bit clunky and heavy to press, and the Actions Ring can be laggy – I found that it didn’t always appear when I pressed the thumb button, for example. It also ended up having limited utility during my time with the mouse, perhaps because I’m so ingrained in my ways of working. But if you’re tired of keyboard shortcuts and want a fast way of working solely with your mouse, it might be a tempting feature.

Should you buy the Logitech MX Master 4?

Buy the Logitech MX Master 4 if…

Don’t buy it if…

Logitech MX Master 4: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech MX Master 4

I spent just under a fortnight using the Logitech MX Master 4, putting it through its paces both during and after work hours. That involved writing articles, browsing the web and playing games. I tested it on both Windows and macOS and tried it out on a variety of surfaces.

First reviewed November 2025

Razer DeathAdder v4 Pro: Two-minute review

How does one elevate something already flawless? Razer has answered that question through the latest iteration of their flagship wireless mouse, the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro.

We loved the previous iteration for the otherworldly balance of ergonomics, performance and long lasting battery life, which is why we named it the best mouse for first-person shooters in our best gaming mouse round-up. For the DeathAdder V4 Pro, Razer takes things even further, adding more features that feel like a generational leap.

Starting with the design that feels even more refined in its sleekness and pure functionality. Not only is the gaming mouse lighter than ever but more comfortable for palm and thumb placement as well.

That’s not even counting the redesigned wireless dongle, which now features a sleek dome-shaped design accented by three customizable LED lights that display key info like battery life and polling rate.

Beyond just looking great on any desk, it’s a major upgrade from the previous add-on dongle used with the last DeathAdder Pro. This new version isn’t just more stylish—it delivers a true 8000 Hz polling rate with 37% lower latency, making it significantly more efficient.

Whether you’re browsing the web or diving into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, cursor movement feels noticeably smoother thanks to the upgraded optical sensor, now capable of up to 45,000 DPI, 900 IPS, and 85G acceleration.

It also offers precise, customizable control through the Razer Synapse app, giving users pitch-perfect personalization for any task or playstyle.

Beyond movement smoothness, the smaller yet much improved mouse clicks not only feel even more responsive and crisp but lighter and more durable with a click lifecycle of over 100 million clicks.

The scroll wheel even sees the most interesting improvement thanks to using an optical sensor instead of a traditional mechanical rotary encoder.

This makes scrolling down webpages and weapons while playing shooters feel better than ever. When it comes to competitive gaming at an optimal level, the DeathAdder V4 Pro manages to do the most.

Adding to all of that greatness is a 150-hour battery life, which means players will go a long time between charges.

Though this device excels its job, some potential buyers may have a few problems. For the colorful gamers who like RGB on everything, the DeathAdder V4 Pro continues the line’s black and green colorway without any customizable lighting options.

Meanwhile, the retail price of $169.99 / £169.99 / AU$299.95 makes this slightly more expensive than the previous V3 Pro, though the v3 Pro required a special dongle attachment, which was sold seperately, to reach an 8K Polling rate.

Eventually, Razer would sell a $159 edition V3 Pro that featured both. However, the DeathAdder V4 Pro costing $10 bucks more could rub folks the wrong way.

From my perspective, the price is more than worth it as the added features on the DeathAdder V4 Pro offer a fantastic nice bang for the buck.

That said, it's not the cheapest mouse on the market, so buyers on a budget might want to look elsewhere (like our best cheap mouse guide) as this is a premium product with premium price.

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro builds on an already exceptional foundation, delivering meaningful upgrades in precision, comfort and performance that make it a true standout for serious gamers. While its premium price and lack of RGB may give some pause, those seeking top-tier functionality will find this mouse more than earns its place at the top.

Razer DeathAdder v4 Pro: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $169.99 / £169.99 / AU$299.95
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia from Razer’s online store and other retailers

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is available now in the US, UK, and Australia for $169.99 / £169.99 / AU$299.95.

Outside of Razer’s online store, it’ll also be available at major retailers including Best Buy, Amazon and the like. While the price may feel a bit extreme, there is value in paying for the best wireless gaming mouse for esports that money can buy.

Most importantly, the mouse and wireless dongle come packed in together, which means that buyers won’t have to pay extra. For anyone who just wants to compete at a high level, the price won’t matter much.

Casual or even aspiring competitive gamers with a limited budget still have options for quality wireless gaming mice. This includes at the lowest, the Cooler Master MM311, which has a 1,000Hz max polling rate and can reach as high as 10,000 DPI.

Those who treat the price point as a drop in the bucket but can’t get past the lack of customizable lighting on the DeathAdder V4 Pro may appreciate the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K. Though it lacks the lightweightness of the DeathAdder, its performance and battery life is admirable when it comes to high-level competitive play.

Should you buy the Razer DeathAdder v4 Pro?

Buy the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro

• I spent about two weeks with the mouse
• I used it to play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, FBC: Firebreak, Splitgate 2, and Marvel Rivals

Given that the previous generation of the Razer DeathAdder Pro earned our top pick for best FPS mouse in our gaming mouse roundup, I put its successor through the wringer with a heavy dose of first-person shooters.

My test lineup included Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, FBC: Firebreak, Splitgate 2, and Marvel Rivals, offering a solid understanding of speed, precision, and reaction-based capabilities.

Beyond the battlefield, I also assessed how the mouse handled everyday tasks—browsing the web, managing playlists on music streaming platforms, and navigating between applications—to get a full picture of its performance in both gaming and daily use.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed August 2025

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse: two-minute review

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is an attractive, affordable alternative to more expensive options from brands like Logitech, making it a compelling option for those seeking ergonomic benefits without the price tag.

In contrast to traditional mice that often compel the wrist into a pronated (or palm-down) position, this model boasts a 57º near-vertical angle to it's 'sail'. This design encourages a neutral, handshake-like wrist position that I found significantly more comfortable when using a mouse for extended periods.

While the Logitech Lift is considered the best vertical mouse on the market, this Ugreen model offers a key point of differentiation – its size. Many vertical mice, including the Lift, have a small frame. I have bigger mitts, and my pinky finger is often sliding around on the desk with the mouse, rather than resting on it.

The Ugreen M571 offers a much wider base and larger frame overall, very reminiscent to the Logitech MX Vertical. This allows for stable movement across a wider range of hand sizes, as your entire hand, including your little finger, remains on the pointer. This Ugreen model's overall larger size doesn't make it unsuitable for smaller hands, though, as the main grip area is shaped to accommodate almost any hand size.

From unboxing (where you'll find little more than the mouse itself and a warranty booklet) to daily use, the experience with using this mouse is simple and straightforward. For me, that was a good thing. However, for those that do require more advanced functions, like the ability to customize their mouse for keyboard-free use, this will be a significant downside.

When I'm not tapping away on the keyboard, I generally only need my mouse for the most basic of uses and I found the M571 to be fantastic for my needs. Ugreen boasts that the mouse offers "99% silent click and scroll" and, while neither the clicks nor the scroller are truly silent, they are heavily subdued. It’s also incredibly easy to scroll and left or right click without changing the position of your hand or fingers, maintaining that ergonomic posture.

One key negative regarding its design is its cheap feel. Made entirely of hard plastic, this is most noticeable in its palm grip, which features only a rippled design instead of the rubberized grips found on some more expensive competitors. While it's not slippery, it's the same material as the rest of the mouse and I found this grip area could become greasy after long periods of use. I imagine this would become even more of an issue for those living in warmer climates.

Beyond its core ergonomic feel, the particular model of M571 I tested for this review (SKU number 55916) is a slightly cheaper option that only connects via the wireless USB dongle. Spending a bit more can get you a version with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, which could be a must-have for anyone planning on using it with a laptop – particularly MacBook owners, which no longer have the necessary USB-A port you’d need to use the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

Convenience aside, I found the 2.4GHz connection to be reliable and, even in a busy tech-focused office space filled with dozens of wireless devices, I didn’t experience any interference with connectivity.

The mouse is powered by a single AA battery and after using it for several hours a few days a week for two months, I've seen no signs of depletion. This suggests the mouse should last for months of daily use before the battery will need to be replaced.

A slightly confusing design choice with the Ugreen Vertical Mouse is that it offers a dedicated mode for both Windows and Mac systems. This is toggled via a switch on the bottom of the device, and the changes affect the two side buttons that sit above the thumb rest. In Windows mode, those buttons control your browser’s forward and backward functions, but on Mac they switch applications. I tested exclusively on a Mac and found this feature quite useful for quickly switching to Slack to reply to teammates, though it still seems like a potentially unnecessary addition.

When it comes to the feel of the buttons, I found the main left and right clicks were soft and quite sensitive, although I could still lift and move the mouse without accidentally clicking. I personally liked their feel, despite them not providing a lot of tactile feedback.

The two thumb-side buttons are similar; they offer a satisfyingly deep press without feeling mushy. The scroll wheel is also slightly notched, rather than completely smooth, making it both harder to slip off and easier to control when making shorter scrolls that require a touch more accuracy.

The M571’s optical sensor offers up to 4,000 DPI tracking, making it suitable for any regular application and even arguably providing high enough sensitivity for fast-twitch gaming. You can also reduce the DPI to three levels (1,000, 1,600 or 2,000) for times when different levels of accuracy are required. This is easily done with one press of the middle button that sits below the scroller.

While I had no issues during my review period, the M571’s all-plastic construction and light weight do suggest that heavy daily users might see wear and tear sooner than with a more robust, pricier alternative. Witnessing the minimal wear on my colleagues' more expensive Logitech Lift, it’s clear that high-quality materials can be more important for a mouse than one might think. The M571’s finish could also get grimy after intense work or play sessions that result in sweaty fingers.

However, given its affordable price, it's hard to complain too much about these shortcomings. The M571 is an excellent option for those looking to try a vertical mouse for the first time without spending three or four times its price on a top-tier option. Costing just a fraction of the Logitech Lift, it offers fantastic value for some small concessions.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse review: Price & availability

• Cheapest model: AU$34.99 for the 2.4GHz wireless via USB dongle
• £22.99 / AU$39.99 for the more advanced dual-connectivity model
• Similar model available in the US for $29.99

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is an incredibly affordable option, making it an excellent entry-level choice for those new to vertical mice. I personally prefer its feel compared to a regular mouse, though it won't be for everyone.

Its affordability makes it an even more attractive prospect, allowing users to try a vertical mouse before committing to a more expensive alternative. And, it's available to users across the world thanks to its wide availability on Amazon.

However, do note that the $29.99 model available in the US differs slightly from the model I tested, the Bluetooth-enabled version of which is available in both the UK and Australia. While it boasts the same specs – with both Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz connectivity – it features ridges in the thumb area that the others lack.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse review: Specs

Should you buy the Ugreen M571 Wireless Vertical Mouse?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Glorious Model I 2: Two-minute review

The Glorious Model I 2 is a wired gaming mouse with some useful features and pro-level tweaks, making it ideal for all kinds of play styles and genres.

There’s no mistaking the Model I 2 for anything other than a gaming mouse, thanks to its brash but tasteful design. Its profile is sleek, while the honeycomb back portion allows for the RGB lighting underneath to shine through in all its glory. The thin RGB strips on both edges are also a nice touch.

It has quite a long profile, longer than many of the best gaming mice. It also slopes away to the side, adopting a slightly ergonomic form. The thumb slot has a prominent floor, which fitted my thumb rather well – although I can well imagine some users not finding it to their liking – while the central hump was ideally placed for my palm. What’s more, that aforementioned honeycomb texture is pleasant to grip on to.

The scroll wheel on the Model I 2 has prominent spikes and a soft rubber material, both of which make it very tactile. However, it’s placed further forward than usual compared to other gaming mice, making it slightly more of a stretch for me than usual.

Another untypical feature of the Model I 2 is the DPI selector, which is split across two topside buttons rather than one. This makes adjusting the sensitivity much more convenient.

It also has three side buttons, all of which are conveniently placed; I found them easy to actuate with the various parts of my thumb. Additional button caps are included for the side button closest to the back: one has a more prominent poke, while the other is a blank to block off the switch altogether if you don’t plan on using it.

The Model I 2 features a sniper button as well, which is likewise well-positioned and can be swapped out for other caps included in the box, each of which have varying profiles.

The construction of these buttons – and the rest of the mouse for that matter – is quite solid. However, I found the skates a weak point in this regard, as, on my unit at least, they weren’t installed with as much care as I would’ve liked. Some of the corners weren’t adhered to the underside fully, resulting in them spiking upwards. Thankfully, this was my only grievance in terms of build quality.

The Model I 2 comes with customization software, called Glorious Core. Here you’ll find many of the usual gaming mice tweaks. There are a few performance-related settings to tinker with, including lift-off distances and debounce times, as well as a Motion Sync toggle.

The polling rate can be increased up to 1K, while there are five stages of DPI to configure, with a range between 100 and 26,000. There are also some rebinding options available, although these lack the selection of system and media shortcuts of other software. I also found the UI too small for optimal viewing, which made it harder to use.

In action, though, the Model I 2 performs better. The clicks are snappy but have a relatively long travel, as well as a little more dampening than usual, which provides more cushioning than I was expecting.

Glides are a little rougher compared to other gaming mice I’ve tried, though. This is perhaps at least partly due to the aforementioned installation issue with the skates. However, I still found them smooth enough to be usable, helped by the fact that there are quite a lot of them, so they cover a wide surface area.

At 66g, the Model I 2 is hardly the lightest gaming mouse around, but the weight is distributed so evenly that you don’t really feel it ever weighing you down. The integrated USB cable is also light and malleable enough to not cause any dragging issues.

I was also quite fond of the scroll wheel, as I found its notching provided plenty of security and precision when moving it slowly, yet was quick and light when performing fast flicks. The scroll click is also very satisfying, providing plenty of dampening and feedback with an incredibly sturdy feel, so I had no concerns about triggering misscrolls.

For the outlay, however, I’m not sure the Model I 2 performs significantly better than its cheaper rivals, such as the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air and the Cooler Master MM311. It’s a solid choice, and it has some unique features that make it more practical, but ultimately there are better value alternatives if you can live without these.

Glorious Model I 2 review: Price & availability

• $64.99 / £59.99 (about AU$101)
• Available now in black and white
• Expensive for wired gaming mouse

The Model I 2 costs $64.99 / £59.99 (about AU$101) and is available now in two colorways: black and white. It comes with various spare caps for the sniper and rear-most side buttons. A wireless variant is also available.

This is reasonably expensive for a wired gaming mouse. It’s more expensive than the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air, for instance, which we reckon is the best lightweight wired mouse for gaming at the moment. This does lack the feature set of the Model I 2; it doesn’t even have RGB lighting. However, at just 50g, it's quite a bit lighter than the Model I 2.

The Model I 2 is also more expensive than the Cooler Master MM311, which even has the added benefit of being wireless, and that's partly why we rate it as the best budget gaming mouse around. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, though, nor does it have as many buttons as the Model I 2.

Glorious Model I 2 review: Specs

Should I buy the Glorious Model I 2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Glorious Model I 2 review: Also consider

How I tested the Glorious Model I 2

• Tested for a full day
• Used for gaming and working
• Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Model I 2 for a full day, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, a good test for gaming mice given the demands it places on quick and accurate movement and aiming.

I’ve been gaming on PC for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a large number of mice. I’ve also reviewed a broad range of models from multiple brands, with varying price points, designs, and feature-sets.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read more about how we test

Razer Basilisk Mobile: Two-minute review

The Basilisk Mobile is a wireless gaming mouse in Razer’s line of ergonomically focused peripherals, but with a smaller form factor than usual. Its looks stay true to the brand’s current design language, with minimal gamer stylings, appearing more understated than its past peripherals. There’s a small and subtle logo at the back that allows the RGB lighting to shine through, which is quite inconspicuous compared to other examples.

It has a sleek form that is aided by the matte finish of its soft-touch material, which also makes it pleasant to hold, thanks to the slightly grainy texture it provides. There’s a more prominent texture on the sides, although this doesn’t provide as much traction as some of the best gaming mouse grips.

Although it’s quite short, the Basilisk Mobile is still reasonably wide and tall, especially at the rear, which makes it more of a satisfying handful than I was expecting. This somewhat calls into question its portability credentials, as in reality I didn’t find it any easier to transport than your typical gaming mouse. Still, its smaller profile may well be a boon for those with smaller hands.

It also features a fairly sharp hump at the rear end, which forces a V-shaped grip from your hand, as the mouse buttons rake downwards at a steep angle as well. This may or may not be to your liking; personally, I found it comfortable for my play style.

The Basilisk Mobile can be customized using Razer’s Synapse 4 software. Here you’ll find plenty of tweaks and options to play around with, from RGB settings to button remapping, the latter of which contains an inordinate selection of shortcut functions and features. Unfortunately, there’s little in the way of performance-related settings, which will disappoint those after elite-level tinkering.

In action, though, the Basilisk Mobile performs with aplomb. It glides effortlessly and smoothly, while clicks are snappy and precise, offering plenty of speed and feedback. They’re also slightly more damped than your typical gaming mouse, resulting in a more satisfying thud when you hammer down on them.

The Basilisk Mobile also has three side buttons, all of which have a surprising amount of dampening and travel to them, which makes them more tactile and therefore better to use than those adorning other gaming mice.

The scroll wheel is similarly proficient. The notching is smooth, which makes it easy to use, although it might be a little too loose for those after more controlled flicks. It also features a button to release the notching altogether and allow for unimpeded spinning, useful when navigating large menus and the like. There’s also a scroll tilt function, but this is a little awkward to use given the minimal protrusion of the wheel itself between the two mouse buttons.

However, it has an excellent middle click, offering plenty of depth and dampening, while at the same time being quick and effortless to actuate. It’s also stable enough to prevent misscrolling.

Connecting via both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz proved easy, and hot-switching between them is quick thanks to the underside selector. I had no issues in terms of responsiveness or lag in either mode.

The battery dropped to 70% after two days of varied use between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, which isn’t a particularly impressive figure, and seems to undermine Razer’s claimed figure of 105 hours. Still, it’s enough to make wireless play practical.

With a sub-$100 price tag, the Basilisk Mobile is well-priced when stacked up next to its rivals, many of which exceed this threshold. It’s about the same as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which arguably has better gaming performance, but lacks features and Bluetooth capability.

Considering its button selection, build quality, customization options, performance and wireless connectivity modes, the Basilisk Mobile makes a compelling argument for your next pointer. Just ignore the portability aspect and it makes more sense.

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: Price & availability

• $89.99 / £89.99 / AU$169.95
• Available now in black only
• Cheaper than rivals

The Basilisk Mobile costs $89.99 / £89.99 / AU$169.95 and is available now in black only. It comes with a 2.4GHz USB dongle and a USB cable, but no spare skates.

This is cheaper than many other gaming mice with multiple wireless options. It’s close to the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which is a full-size mouse that’s more basic and focused on gaming performance rather than features, but in the former department, it excels.

If you’re looking for a considerably more budget offering, though, the Cooler Master MM311 is just about the best wireless gaming mouse in this category. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery or Bluetooth, but in all other regards it's an incredible pointer for the money.

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: Specs

Should I buy the Razer Basilisk Mobile?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Basilisk Mobile

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and working
• Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Basilisk Mobile for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played games such as Counter-Strike 2, which provides the ideal environment for putting peripherals through their paces, as it reveals just how fast and accurate they truly are in battle.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I’ve gained experience of using a great number of mice. I’ve also reviewed many across a broad spectrum of brands, form factors, features, and price points.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read more about how we test

Contour Design Unimouse: Two-minute review

The Contour Design Unimouse is an ergonomic mouse with an adjustable design, allowing users to get the right fit to match their personal preferences.

It has a functional appearance, although it's sleek and inoffensive enough to fit in any environment, whether that’s the office of the home. The materials also feel premium, from the plastic chassis to the texturized padding on outside edge.

The form factor is large: bigger than many of the best mouse options around. This means those with smaller hands may struggle to use it, although I can say that I found it to be the right size for me, and my hands aren’t particularly large.

The split-folding design of the Unimouse means you can adjust the angle of the contact surface between 35 and 70 degrees, which I found to be enough for providing meaningful differences in grip style. However, those looking for a flatter, more traditional position might not find this to their liking; although it might be argued that such users wouldn’t be in the market for an ergonomic mouse in the first place.

The hinge mechanism for adjusting this angle can be quite stiff, meaning it doesn’t operate all that smoothly. Still, it remains completely stable while in place, and I experienced no wobbling at all while using it.

These two points can also be made of the thumb grip. It rotates on a ball to allow for multiple planes of adjustment, resulting in a wide range of available positions. It also allows you to hold the Unimouse loosely – a feature all the best ergonomic mice share, and results in a more relaxed, strain-free experience.

The mouse buttons are large, and are easy to use as a result. There are three of them, with the one in the center acting as a middle click (the scroll wheel also has this function), although this default binding can be changed in the customization software.

The Unimouse also features two side buttons, although these are placed too far back, which means you can’t easily and quickly navigate between web pages, for example. The placement of the DPI button is also inconvenient, being inaccessible while your hand is on the mouse, since it’s tucked away on the bottom portion of the body.

The Unimouse can be customized using the Contour Design’s software tool, available for Windows and macOS, which allows for a pleasing number of productivity-based tweaks. You can change the DPI setting from here as well, in addition to the cursor acceleration and scroll speed.

There are a generous amount of remapping options too, with a few media and system functions available for assignment, including the ability to run applications of your choosing. You can also create application-specific profiles for your rebinds.

Additionally, keystrokes are assignable, with the option to map multiple keys in combination with modifiers to a single button. Unfortunately, though, the scroll function of the wheel can only be reassigned to control volume.

There are other issues with the software, too. I experienced crashes on a few occasions, and the firmware update for the wireless dongle was plagued with failed attempts and frustrating pop-up notifications.

Thankfully, the overall performance of the Unimouse is much more pleasant. It glides smoothly despite its relative heft, as it’s lighter than it appears. The buttons are easy to actuate and provide enough feedback, although scrolling is a little too notched for my liking, lacking the precision and effortless action of other mouse wheels I’ve experienced.

It also lacks a free-spin function, so you’re locked in at the rate its notches provide. Even though, as previously mentioned, the software does allow you to alter the scrolling speed, this still doesn’t make it any smoother.

Setting up a wireless connection wasn’t the most seamless experience, either. Having tested it on two separate devices, one Windows 10 and the other Windows 11, the Unimouse failed to connect on first attempt.

To get it working, I had to toggle the power button underneath off and on. I'll admit this is a minor issue, but it’s more bothersome if you plan on using the Unimouse with multiple devices.

On that note, it’s also a shame that there’s no Bluetooth option, which would have made hot-switching between devices all the more amenable. However, I have to say that once I established a connection between the Unimouse and my devices I didn’t experience any lag or issues with responsiveness.

After a full day of use, the Unimouse dropped a single LED on its battery life indicator, meaning it had between 61-80% left (I suspect it was much closer to the latter figure). Losing 20% after a day isn’t terribly impressive, but at least the Unimouse comes with a USB cable for wired connectivity, allowing you to charge and work simultaneously.

At £87, the Unimouse is more expensive than many other ergonomic mice. They may have higher list prices, but can often be found with discounts, so here’s hoping that will also be the case with the Unimouse.

But the ace up the Unimouse’s sleeve is its physical adjustability, which even the best ergonomic mice lack, such as the Lift and the MX Master 3S, for instance. Combined with its software customizations, this elevates the Unimouse to a better value proposition than it otherwise would be, and may make sense for those craving an adjustable mouse. Just make sure you can fit your hand around it.

Contour Design Unimouse review: Price & availability

• £87 (about $100 / AU$170)
• Available now for left and right-handers
• Expensive compared to rivals

In the UK the Unimouse is available now direct from Contour Design for £87, although we have seen it slightly cheaper on Amazon. In the US and Australia it's available from Amazon for around $100 / AU$170. There are right and left-handed variants, and a wired model also exists, but this is only marginally less expensive.

This makes the Unimouse quite expensive relative to other ergonomic mice. It faces plenty of competition, chiefly from Logitech’s various lines of ergonomic mice, such as the MX and the Lift.

While some of these may have a higher list price, they can often be found with strong discounts. However, these lack the physical adjustability of the Unimouse, which might swing it for you depending on how much you value this quality.

Contour Design Unimouse review: Specs

Should I buy the Razer Contour Design Unimouse?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Contour Design Unimouse review: Also consider

How I tested the Contour Design Unimouse

• Tested for a full day
• Used for work and general browsing
• Plentiful mouse reviewing experience

I tested the Unimouse for a full day, during which time I used it for working and for general browsing. I made sure to try out all of its available adjustments, and also used as many functions and features present in its customization software.

I have experience reviewing mice, ranging in size, purpose, and price point. I have used all kinds of mice throughout my life, for work as well as play.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: May 2025

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed: Two-minute review

The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a wireless gaming mouse in Razer’s asymmetrical range with pro-level play in mind. It adopts a small and sleek form, with an offset shape that slopes away to the right, giving it a more ergonomic feel. It’s relatively small too, especially across its width, although it’s the same length as a typical full-size pointer.

At a mere 55g, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is very light – but it’s far from flimsy: Razer’s typically high standards are adhered to, and it feels robust.

The chassis material feels premium too, and although it’s not textured, the finish offers just enough grip on its own without requiring grip tape – which is convenient since none is included.

The buttons and scroll wheel also feel solid yet are as easy to operate as any of the best gaming mice, providing satisfying feedback. The texturing on the latter is a particular highlight, with its dotted design appealing to me more than the linear grooves you typically find on many other gaming mice.

Underneath the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed are two large PTFE skates (no spares are included), which cover a large surface area and offer very smooth glides. They aren’t thick enough to use on hard surfaces – but stick to using it on pads and you’ll be rewarded with effortless movements.

The USB-C cable included with the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is of a similarly high quality, although it isn’t braided like those included with some elite gaming mice. It’s also not long enough to be practical for wired play; and even if your setup allows for it, it’s not light enough to prevent drag, although admittedly the effect isn’t as severe as with other non-braided cables.

The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed can be customized using Razer Synapse, the brand’s peripheral software. Here you’ll find many of the usual tweaks, with plenty of rebinding options for nearly every button, including the power and DPI selector underneath.

The left click isn’t rebindable unless you activate Razer’s Hypershift function, which allows you to designate one button as a modifier to give you access to a second layer of bindings.

Synapse also has some unique features for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, such as Dynamic Sensitivity, which lets you customize the curve for cursor acceleration based on the speed of your flicks. There’s also a setting for rotating the mouse’s angle to match the natural way you hold it, in order to help straighten horizontal movements.

Both of these will be useful to certain gamers I’m sure, but it’s a shame other advanced tweaks for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed are missing, such as a slam click filter, lift-off distance adjustments, and an angle-snapping toggle.

Regardless of these omissions, however, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is still a joy to play with. It feels sharp and responsive, which combined with its smooth-as-silk gliding ability, allow for accurate aiming and frantic swipes equally.

I found the ergonomic shape comfortable as well, which I was pleasantly surprised by – I haven’t always gelled with mice of this ilk in the past, but the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed proved a natural fit for my hand and fingers.

What’s more, the mouse buttons were light enough for rapid clicks, yet stable enough to prevent misclicks. The side buttons were easy to access and actuate, while the scroll wheel felt easy yet secure to operate; I could middle click confidently without worrying about accidental flicks.

However, I did have an issue with the middle click, which felt a little awkward to press, failing to provide as much feedback as I would’ve liked. This resulted in inconsistent actuation, especially in the heat of the moment.

Thankfully, connectivity was consistent, and true to the HyperSpeed name, I experienced no issues with lag. It’s a shame, however, that there’s no Bluetooth option in addition to the 2.4GHz USB dongle, which would’ve improved its versatility for multi-device setups.

Razer claims the battery of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed can last up to 100 hours when set to the maximum 1K polling rate (although 8K is possible with the optional HyperPolling dongle). Based on my tests, I can well believe this figure, as after several days, the battery dipped by only a few percentage points.

There’s no question the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is an expensive gaming mouse, but its build quality and gaming prowess are excellent, and while the shape might not suit everyone, others will find it comfortable. A Pro version is available, which has a few upgraded specs, but the same basic form. Naturally, it’s more expensive.

If you want an even lighter gaming mouse, the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air is about the best in this regard. It’s a great performer and considerably cheaper than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed – although it lacks wireless connectivity.

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Price & availability

• $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95
• Available now in black only
• Competitively priced

The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed costs $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95 and is available now in one colorway: black. It comes with a 2.4GHz HyperSpeed USB dongle and a USB-C-to-A cable. Razer’s HyperPolling dongle can be purchased separately to boost the maximum polling rate all the way up to 8K.

For a wireless gaming mouse, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed veers towards the top-end of the market, but considering the quality on offer, it remains competitive. A Pro version is also available, which we rate as the best wireless gaming mouse overall, thanks to its performance and ergonomics – the latter of which it shares with the V3 HyperSpeed. It’s more expensive, though, and slightly heavier.

If you’re looking for an even lighter pointer than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air is a great alternative, as it tips the scales at a mere 50g. It’s also much cheaper than, but lacks wireless connectivity. Still, you can’t do much better than the M4 Air if you want powerhouse performance in a featherweight package.

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Specs

Should I buy the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Also consider

How I tested the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed

• Tested for several days
• Played games and browsed
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed for several days, during which time I used it for gaming and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a stern test for any mouse, given it requires incredibly fast movements yet pinpoint accuracy when aiming.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a great deal of mice ranging in price, size, and features. I have reviewed numerous models as well, including other Razer products.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: April 2025

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro: Two-minute review

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is the latest iteration of the brand’s line of elite gaming mice, promising stellar performance and design. It adopts a sleek form fairly typical for a gaming mouse, and it looks the part. The Slate Grey finish, which is the only available, doesn’t inject the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro with much vibrancy, but it’s inoffensive enough, and the black accents side buttons and scroll wheel add some interest.

One aspect that sets it apart from many others is the prominent central hump, as the mouse buttons rake downwards sharply, creating a unique feel. In my hand this descent began almost flush with the second knuckles of my two forefingers, which was ideal as I could easily flex to click. However, there will no doubt be gamers who won’t find this quite so ergonomically sound.

I was also surprised by how much of a handful it is, with its width looking narrower than it feels. The subtle side bulges mean your thumb and ring finger are spaced further apart than you might imagine, and again I found this suited my grip style quite well.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is solidly constructed too, and is on par with some of the best gaming mice out there. I also liked the subtle texture of its body, which feels smooth but provides just enough natural grip, although optional grip tape is included in the box.

The mouse buttons themselves feel engineered to equally high standards, as do the side buttons and scroll wheel. I was also glad to see the DPI button positioned topside, rather than hidden underneath.

At only 61g, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is on the lighter end of the spectrum. There are certainly gaming mice out there that tip the scales even less, but it’s still very easy to maneuver, which is also aided by how evenly the weight is distributed.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro can be customized using HyperX NGENUITY, the brand’s peripheral tool. Here you’ll find the usual RGB lighting and DPI tweaks, along with rebinding options. However, I was a little disappointed at the lack of shortcuts available for assignment, paling in comparison with other peripheral software. It also lacks multiple rebinding layers, which is a shame.

Despite the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro being a mouse designed for elite gamers, there’s a distinct lack of advanced tweaks too, with slam click filters, angle snapping, and the like absent. You can at least alter the lift-off distance, although only 1mm and 2mm options are offered.

You can also adjust the polling rate in NGENUITY (which can also be accomplished on board via a button combination), with a maximum of 4K available. This will please pro players, although those who obsess over such numbers might wish for 8K instead, as other elite gaming mice are capable of.

Regardless, I still found the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro very accurate when gaming. Tracking is smooth and precise, and while it might not glide as effortlessly as some others (the skates are quite thin, after all), it’s still easy enough to swipe with.

The clicks are snappy and actuation is light, with just enough damping to make them satisfying. Both buttons have a deeper travel than you might expect, but I didn’t find this negatively impacted their responsiveness. I was also fond of their indentations, which helped to keep my fingers secure.

The side buttons are similarly responsive and offer more feedback and travel than I was expecting. However, they are a little narrow, which might not suit certain play styles. The scroll wheel has some quite pronounced notching, but it’s still swift enough in action, while the middle click is easy to actuate and provides enough stability to avoid mis-flicks.

I experienced no connectivity issues with the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro during my time with it, and it switched easily between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes. The light, braided USB cable that’s included created only a minimal amount of drag during wired play.

HyperX claims the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro can last up to 90 hours on a single charge, and based on my testing, I’m inclined to believe this figure. After a few days of testing, it only depleted by several percentage points.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro acquits itself well in the main, thanks to its capable performance and design, although I’m not sure every gamer will like the shape. The multiple connectivity modes are certainly welcome at this price point too, which gives it an advantage over the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, one of its closest competitors. While that mouse has more customization options and slightly better performance, the difference between them isn’t huge, which means the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is a solid choice if you’re after a gaming mouse with plenty of prowess.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Price & availability

• $119.99 / £99.98 (about AU$188)
• Available now in one colorway
• Well-priced compared to rivals

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro costs $119.99 / £99.98 (about AU$188) and is available now in one colorway: Slate Grey. It comes with a 2.4GHz USB dongle, an extension adapter, a braided USB cable, a spare set of skates, and optional grip tape for the sides and mouse buttons.

It’s a similar price to the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which is a little lighter than the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro, and offers many more customization options via Razer’s Synapse software. However, it lacks Bluetooth and its maximum default polling rate is 1K. This can be upgraded to 8K, but an optional dongle needs to be purchased to achieve this.

If you really want to save money on a wireless gaming mouse, the Cooler Master MM311 is a great pick. You will have to sacrifice a rechargeable battery and some other features, but the performance-to-price ratio is strong in this one.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Specs

Should I buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Also consider

How I tested the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro

• Tested for a few days
• Played FPS titles
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, productivity, and general browsing. I used its Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired modes on Windows 10 and 11 systems.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a stern test for mice given it requires quick movements, precise aiming, and rapid clicks. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which is less frantic but makes wider use of a mouse’s functionality.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced a great deal of mice. I have also reviewed numerous models ranging in price, features, and shape. I previously reviewed the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini as well.

• First reviewed: April 2025
• Read more about how we test

Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex: Two-minute review

The Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is a striped-back gaming mouse focused on performance above all else. Its looks are understated, and one could easily mistake it for a productivity mouse rather than one designed for gaming, especially given its lack of RGB lighting. However, the white and pink colorways do add an element of vibrancy.

It has a long profile, and the side walls curve inwards sharply. The mouse buttons also feel quite short, and have a steeper downwards rake than some rivals I’ve experienced, which emphasizes more contact with the finger tips. Coupled with the aforementioned concave figure, the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex encourages a claw-style grip.

True to many of Logitech’s gaming hardware, the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex feels well built, with premium materials that are put together in a sturdy fashion that rivals many of the best gaming mice. This extends to the buttons, which have next to no wobble, making for tight, satisfying presses.

Oddly, though, the scroll wheel can be moved sideways when pressed on its right side, almost as if it has tilt functionality, which it doesn’t. But despite this lapse in build quality, it gave me no issue when using it.

There are large PTFE skates underneath, and there’s even a spare cover for the dongle compartment that features another PTFE layer to increase coverage, further improving the smoothness of glides. However, the skates are quite thin, so the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is definitely at its best on padded surfaces.

You can customize the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex using Logitech’s G HUB software. This allows you to set the DPI between 100 and 44,000, with five slots you can cycle between. Although there’s no dedicated DPI selector button on the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex – a strange omission since even spartan gaming mice usually include one – you can remap the inputs to make one.

There’s also the option to split the DPI adjustments for the X and Y axis, which not every peripheral tool offers. You can set the lift-off distance for each of the five slots as well, with low, medium, and high options. They lack measurements in millimeters, though, which some might find disappointing.

There are also various remapping options: not only can key inputs be assigned, but so too can numerous system functions and shortcuts. These include launching applications of your choosing and cycling audio inputs and outputs, among others. You can also set a button to be the G-Shift modifier, which gives you access to another layer of assignments when held. A macro creator is available too.

For gaming, the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex delivers a mixed performance. The 8K polling rate is welcome, and there’s no denying that aiming feels smooth and precise. However, I didn’t find the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex particularly conducive to my playing style.

The weight feels concentrated towards the rear, which means that when lifting off, it tends to tilt backwards, which isn’t ideal. Also, the acute side indentations made it hard for me to hold the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex securely, forcing me to grip tighter than usual, which in turn made swiping harder to achieve.

The mouse button clicks are also not as snappy as I would’ve liked. I also struggled to hit the side buttons easily, again due to the pinched sides. They are well damped, though, which makes them satisfying to hit, as is the middle click, although I would’ve liked a tad more feedback from it. The scroll wheel is lightly notched yet offers enough control and security, preventing accidental scrolls when clicking in.

The battery life of the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex seems fairly reasonable. I wasn’t able to test it to exhaustion, but after a day’s worth of varied use, it dipped by 6%, which seems in-line with Logitech’s claim of 95 hours. Charging takes about two hours and forty minutes, which is less impressive.

At $149, the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is an expensive gaming mouse. While it does offer wireless connectivity and an 8K polling rate, it’s the same price as rivals such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and the Logitech G502 X Plus. Both these mice are at the top of their class, with the former having excellent performance and the latter being great for features.

Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex: Price & availability

• $159 / £149 / AU$299
• Available now
• Same price as more feature-filled rivals

The Pro X Superlight 2 Dex costs $159 / £149 / AU$299 and is available now in black, white, and pink colorways. It comes with a braided USB-C-to-A cable and a 2.4GHz USB dongle with an extension adapter.

For an 8K wireless gaming mouse, the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is quite expensive, considering its lack of features. The best gaming mouse in our view, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, is the same price. This too has an 8K polling rate, but we found it had better ergonomics.

The Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is also the same price as the Logitech G502 X Plus, which we thought was already quite expensive. However, it’s our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse for features, thanks to the extra buttons providing more scope for configuring inputs to your exact needs. Its maximum polling rate is only 1K, though, and at 106g, it’s considerably heavier as well.

Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex: Specs

Should I buy the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex

• Tested for a few days
• Used for gaming, working, browsing
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the Pro X Superlight 2 Dex for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, productivity, and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, a good test for peripherals given it demands quick and accurate movements and button presses.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade and have used a myriad of pointers from a variety of brands, including Logitech. I have reviewed a large amount of gaming mice too.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: January 2025

By the title alone, I know some of you are questioning my technical knowledge and gaming prowess. But hear me out: wireless peripherals aren't what they used to be. They're much better.

Wireless keyboards, mice, and other accessories like gaming headsets have come a very long way in the last few years. Despite a massive market share in favor of wired hardware, wireless is slowly but surely creeping up to become king of the PC accessory hill.

I used to swear by the benefits of a wired mouse and keyboard - what about the battery life? And that awful latency? But the more I used them, the more I see wireless peripherals for their upsides.

Here's why I trust them to get the job done, and why you should too.

Battery life really isn't that big of a deal

Whenever this debate comes up, there are a few main drawbacks of wireless peripherals people tend to point to. Chief among them is usually battery life - and it makes sense, because wired peripherals have literally infinite battery life.

But what if I told you wireless peripherals today have essentially the same thing?

First off, the vast majority of wireless mice and keyboards sync up with customization software like Razer Synapse and Logitech G HUB. These apps have built-in reminder notifications that alert you when it's time to charge up.

And on top of that, many peripherals that have RGB will also give you a visual indication, like red flashing lights, when you're running low on juice. Going one step further, most of the best wireless gaming mice have auto-off functions, which power the mouse down after a certain period of inactivity.

Here's the real kicker though: almost all wireless mice today can also be used in a 'wired' configuration, because you can simply continue using them while you work or play.

That "battery anxiety" I felt right around the time I switched pretty much disappeared completely once I came to this realization.

If my mouse battery is running low, I take a few seconds to plug it in and keep it pushing. Once the battery is full, I unplug and enjoy the freedom of a wireless setup.

No cable drag making my setup feel "off," no worrying about the wire being the right length or turning into cable cobwebs, just my wireless companion and the task at hand.

Plus, nowadays you can even get a fancy mouse pad that charges your wireless mouse as you use it (like the Logitech PowerPlay), which is honestly just as much of a flex as it is a brilliant idea.

Is wireless latency still a problem in 2025?

I would argue that for the vast majority of gamers, and for nearly every productivity user, the latency of modern-day wireless peripherals isn't noticeable.

You won't jump from the bottom of the leaderboard to the top because you went from a 1ms response time on a wired keyboard to 2ms response time on a wireless board.

To put it in perspective, it takes a single frame just under 7ms to render on a 144Hz monitor.

I thought the latency would be a total nonstarter for wireless peripherals, but as I kept testing them, I honestly can't say I felt any hint of difference between mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed and wired competitors like the Razer Viper Ultralight (which, while a few years older, was my daily go-to wired option) while playing competitive online titles like Counter-Strike 2.

Connectivity may be more of an issue

OK, if you're looking for a "gotcha," this is where you could get one over on me. Some wireless peripherals are just plain bad in the connectivity department.

Getting a spotty mouse or keyboard can certainly leave a bad first impression. It's no fun dealing with random connection drops while you're trying your best to win.

I find this usually crops up when dealing with Bluetooth or shoddy software (and is sometimes fixed with a simple firmware update, but we shouldn't have to wait around on that after spending our hard-earned money.)

This is almost never a problem with wired mice, and it is something to consider. But if you go with one of our wireless picks for the best gaming keyboards, which we've gone hands-on with and can attest to each of their connectivity reliability, you won't have that problem. Check out our other roundups too, like the best wireless gaming headsets for more ideas.

And where possible, I would use a 2.4GHz receiver over Bluetooth for the best connection. That said, a solid suite of Bluetooth accessories can free up a ton of USB ports, which are stretched thin nowadays on even the best gaming laptops.

The benefits of going wireless

As I've touched on throughout this article, there's a number of upsides to going wireless. Here are the main benefits I've seen:

• A cleaner desk setup (no cable clutter)
• Better freedom of movement
• No cable drag
• Easy portability
• Bluetooth Multipoint functionality
• Access to the latest sensors and switches
• More free USB ports

And there are even a few more niche benefits like long-range capabilities if you like to connect a mouse or keyboard to your console for easy browsing.

The biggest upsides I've seen are definitely the cleaner desk aesthetics and eliminating cable drag (which also goes hand in hand with better freedom of movement). I don't have to tug on my mouse cord to get it to the right length or take my headphones off when I get up to grab a drink.

It's also pretty convenient to just toss your wireless gear straight into a backpack without having to worry about spooling up wires and fretting about the USB connection getting damaged in transit.

Plus, as more companies focus on making wireless gear, the latest sensors, switches, and software are centered around this form factor, meaning some wireless gear is actually more efficient than wired counterparts in the latency and durability departments.

Now, I'm not saying you have to throw your entire setup in the dumpster just because it has a few wires hanging off of it. But if you've been avoiding the switch because "wireless is worse," I think it's time to reevaluate.

The benefits outweigh the few downsides for me, and since making the switch to a cordless cleaner setup, I haven't looked back.

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Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Two-minute review

The G703 Lightspeed is a wireless gaming mouse with a thick body and an offset sloping design that aims to improve ergonomics.

It looks more understated than your typical gaming peripheral, adopting Logitech’s muted aesthetic, with just enough concessions made to the gaming crowd thanks to its sleek form and RGB lighting (although this is relatively subtle, confined to the small Logitech G logo and a thin bar along the scroll wheel).

The G703 Lightspeed also stays true to the brand’s high build quality standards. The chassis and button materials feel premium to the touch, as do the rubberized side grips, which have a smoother texture than most and mercifully don’t collect as much detritus as others. The overall construction is solid and matches that of the best gaming mouse offerings.

Underneath you’ll find a small compartment with a magnetic lid. Numerous Logitech mice have such a compartment to store USB wireless dongles, but here it’s used to house the optional weight included in the box, which adds 10g to the 95g default. This stock weight is quite heavy compared to its rivals, but the G703 Lightspeed does an admirable job of hiding this heft thanks to the even distribution.

Another nice touch is the USB cable with its trident design, featuring two extra prongs either side of the jack for added security. Indeed, I found this to be the case when using the G703 Lightspeed in wired mode. The cable itself isn’t braided, but it’s still very thin and light, so I didn’t experience any drag.

The G703 Lightspeed can be customized using Logitech’s G HUB software. You’ll find a generous selection of button mapping options here, with plenty of common shortcuts alongside more obscure system functions available for assignment, such cycling audio input and output devices.

G HUB also lets you assign keyboard keys and macros, as well as customize the RGB lighting. However, you won’t find the more advanced tweaks present in pro-level gaming mice software, such as slam click filters or angle snapping. The most you can alter on the performance front are the DPI sensitivities for cycling (from 100 to 25,600) and the polling rate, which has a 1K maximum.

When gaming, the G703 Lightspeed acquits itself reasonably well. The mouse buttons are quite snappy, although they rebound a little slower than I would’ve liked. What’s more, the rightward slope of the body made it harder for me to tap the buttons quickly, as I couldn’t push them downwards as directly as usual.

The bulging front right side also gave me grief, as it resulted in an unnatural middle finger placement that led to discomfort after only a short while. The G703 Lightspeed isn’t a mouse you can hold loosely; it’s at its best when you envelope your entire palm around it and grip tightly on the sides. This makes controlling the G703 Lightspeed much easier, but if you’re not a fan of this grip style, then the G703 Lightspeed might not be for you.

The other buttons perform well enough: I appreciated the large side buttons, which makes them easy to use, and they provide extremely snappy actuation too. However, the scroll wheel is a little too eager, as I occasionally flicked it accidentally when pressing middle click.

I experienced no connectivity issues, with the G703 Lightspeed performing flawlessly via the 2.4GHz Lightspeed dongle. Battery life is fine, although it’s not the best, dropping about 15% after several days of use, which seems roughly in line with the quoted 35-hour lifespan (although Logitech claims it can last up to 60 hours with the RGB turned off).

The G703 Lightspeed costs $99.99 / £94.99 / AU$199.95, although you can usually find it for cheaper than that if you shop around. Still, it’s a fair price for a wireless gaming mouse with a rechargeable battery. However, it’s the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which boasts a much better battery life, as well as a much lighter weight.

There’s also the Cooler Master MM311, which is considerably cheaper and the best budget gaming mouse to our mind, thanks to its smooth and fast performance. With competition like this, the various foibles of the G703 Lightspeed make it harder to recommend over its rivals.

Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Price & availability

• $99.99 / £94.99 / AU$199.95
• Available now in black
• Middle of the market

The G703 Lightspeed costs $99.99 / £94.99 / AU$199.95 and is available now in one colorway: black. It comes with a USB cable and a wireless Lightspeed USB dongle with an extension adapter. There’s also an optional insertable 10g weight, although this has to be removed if you want compatibility with Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging mats.

For a wireless gaming mouse, it sits somewhere in the middle of the market – and Logitech’s lineup. It’s the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which lasts much longer than the G703 Lightspeed on a single charge, is much lighter, and can be upgraded to have an 8K polling rate.

There are also some great picks that are even cheaper than the G703 Lightspeed. If you want something seriously light on your wallet, the Cooler Master MM311 is one of the best on this front, offering capable performance for a fraction of the price of many wireless gaming mice. Again, though, It requires an AA battery.

Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Specs

Should I buy the Logitech G703 Lightspeed?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G703 Lightspeed

• Tested for several days
• Played various games
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the G703 Lightspeed for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, productivity, and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, a good litmus test for peripherals, as it requires quick and accurate movements and aiming. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which similarly requires precision.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a large number of mice, reviewing numerous models in the process, including those made by Logitech.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: March 2025

• Asus is making a Fragrance Mouse with an essential oil compartment
• No pricing has been announced, but it’s expected in April or May
• Asus last year announced a laptop with a scent dispenser

If you’ve ever wanted to improve the aroma of your workspace, Asus could have the answer: it’s working on a wireless computer mouse with a refillable fragrance compartment.

The idea is that you’ll fill the perfumed peripheral with an aromatherapy oil of your choice. As you use the mouse, it will passively scent your desktop.

Not an early April Fools’ joke – in fact, it's really quite a genius idea – the MD101 is very real and very much in development. Asus hasn’t confirmed pricing or a release date, but a company spokesperson has been quoted by The Verge as saying that the mouse will hit US shelves in “late April, early May.”

It follows last year’s announcement of the Asus Adol Book 14, a laptop with a built-in fragrance dispenser. Whether other Asus product lines are due to receive a scented upgrade remains to be seen, the company did also recently announce three new air-purifying monitors – so it's very much into the idea of melding homeware with computing tech. And we reckon it's onto something.

The scent of a good idea

When choosing one of the best computer mice, most users go for physical ergonomics over the smell of a given model. Yet there could be an argument for scented accessories.

While oils can naturally give your workspace a nicer aroma, they could also have soothing benefits for different health conditions. Many people find aromatherapy oils soothing for headaches and stress, for example.

There’s an argument, then, that the olfactory characteristics of accessories do have a role to play in making workspaces more ergonomic. That certainly seems to be what Asus is suggesting with the MD101. How many people will buy into that thinking is another matter.

It’s worth noting that 100% pure essential oils can’t be used with the Fragrance Mouse. In the small (smell?) print of the product listing, Asus instructs users to only fill the vial with “essential oils for reed diffusers, ultrasonic diffusers, and aroma stones.” While that means you can’t mix up your own blend of pure essential oils, it still gives you plenty of scents to choose from.

Unlike powered diffusers, it seems the MD101 won’t actively distribute whatever oil you choose to fill it with. Instead, it appears to be a passive diffuser. While this approach will be beneficial for battery life, only real-world testing will determine how effective the mouse actually is at scenting an area.

Besides the refillable vial, the Fragrance Mouse MD101 is otherwise a pretty standard wireless mouse. Available in Iridescent White or Rose Clay finishes, it can connect to Windows, macOS and Chromebook devices via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless. DPI is adjustable up to 2400, while PTFE feet promise to glide easy on different surfaces.

A single AA battery is expected to deliver up to a year of usage, although that may vary depending on how much you make use of the MD101’s “delicate underglow lighting”. Together with the fragrance compartment, Asus reckons it will add “a dash of elegance” to your work surface.

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Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini: two-minute review

The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini doesn’t contain any new tech, but it does fulfil a sentiment among enthusiasts – what if Asus took its top-end sensors and switches and put them into a smaller pointer?

The company’s latest high-end mouse tech, including its ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor (capable of an impressive 42,000-dpi) and its ROG 100M Optical Micro Switches, were previously exclusive to the ludicrously expensive Harpe Ace Extreme and the comparatively reasonably priced Keris II Ace – both aimed at competitive gamers with deep pockets.

The Harpe Ace Mini adopts the new tech, making it another top-end mouse in the Asus arsenal, putting it on par with the Ace Extreme at a price that’s not terrible – though still is out of reach of many gamers, even without the 8,000Hz Polling Rate Booster dongle that’s sold separately.

Without the additional dongle, the mouse is capable of a standard 1,000Hz polling rate, which is fairly average among performance mice. What’s not average is the low weight – at only 1.72oz (49g), it's a number I’ve only seen bested by a handful of rivals.

The aforementioned AimPoint Pro sensor and Asus' ROG SpeedNova 2.4Ghz tech makes the mouse satisfyingly precise, which the low weight no doubt helps with. Hitting my shots in shooting games and navigating programs with small icons was a breeze, and at no time did I notice it being any less reliable than other high-spec mice that I've reviewed.

The maximum acceleration of 50g is less than that of the Razer Deathadder V3 (70g), but it felt sufficiently up to scratch for a casual gamer or PC user who might, at most, want to quickly flick the mouse to hit their shots in a shooting game. Additionally, the mouse can track on almost any surface without the need for a mouse pad – I've used it on wood, plastic, glass and metallic surfaces and had no trouble (though I prefer the feeling of a mouse pad).

The RGB is minimalist, housed entirely within the scroll wheel. The Asus Armory Crate software allows you to tweak its animation, color and brightness to your liking, and the lights will pulse red when it’s at low battery. It’ll also pulse green when charging.

The battery life, which maxes out at 139 hours when RGB is disabled and Bluetooth is used, is impressive, as is the neutral design that I prefer my peripherals to have. You’ll likely be using the mouse with the 2.4GHz dongle for its greater performance, bringing maximum mouse battery life to 105 hours with lighting off and 79 hours with lighting on. Don’t get the wrong idea though – that’s still a fairly impressive number among RGB-touting rivals.

Flipping the mouse over, you’ll find a button that changes the DPI among your presets, cycling through them with every click, along with a pairing button. There’s also a slider that switches between wired (also ‘off’), Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle options.

There’s genuinely not a lot of bad things to say about the Harpe Ace Mini. It’s comfortable, it glides across a mousepad easily, and the only things I could even say critically about this pointer feel quite tepid.

The high price is obviously a drawback, and the small size isn’t for everyone. The scroll wheel is a bit stiff, though this might be preferential for some users. The mouse is designed for right hands with its side buttons aligned on the left, though this would be a non-issue for many. The DPI switch is on the bottom, meaning you can’t quickly switch between presets, but this isn't unique to the Harpe Ace Mini and is the case on many high-end mice.

Asus’ Armory Crate software is a bit difficult to navigate, but is fine if you’re only going to make small tweaks here and there like I did (changing up the DPI, the actions of the side buttons and the mouse RGB).

There’s not much more I would have liked the mouse to have, given that it’s sporting much of the great tech found in the pricey ROG Harpe Extreme – though the carbon fiber shell from the Extreme would have been awesome (but understandably would have raised the price).

The ROG Harpe Ace Mini feels masterful. There’s very little room for improvement here, and it’s certainly a contender among the best gaming mice.

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini review: price & availability

• $129.99/£129.99/AU$229
• Available in white and black
• Polling Rate Booster dongle solder separately

Available now in black and white, the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini comes with a set of mouse grip tape, replaceable mouse feet and a 2-meter USB-C cord, along with a 2.4GHz dongle and USB-C to USB-A converter. That dongle shouldn’t be confused with the Polling Rate Booster, which takes the report rate from 1,000Hz to a whopping 8,000Hz but is sold separately.

At this price, the ROG Harpe Ace Mini is competing with other high performance but fairly discreet mice, and is punching well above its price point. The now two-year-old Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is a considerable contender, as it launched three years ago and can often be found with attractive discounts. The same can be said for the impressive Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2.

These mice launched at higher prices than the ROG Harpe Ace Mini, which in my mind puts Asus’ tiny gaming mouse on the winning track, especially considering that it’s much smaller than either of these rivals. On size, we’d look to the Razer Cobra Pro as the closest contender, though it has a much lower DPI (30,000) and greater weight (77g).

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini review: specs

Should I buy the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini: Also consider

How I tested the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini

• Used primarily on a Windows 11 gaming PC
• Multiple tweaks made in Armory Crate
• Tested alongside other new Asus ROG products

I tested the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini over the course of a month, mostly using it to play games like Avowed, Marvel Rivals and The Headliners. I also used it regularly when browsing the internet and when writing things up at my home computer.

I made good use of Asus’ Armory Crate software, using it to tweak the RGB color and animation, along with changing my DPI presets and tweaking the actions of the side buttons. I used it primarily with the 2.4GHz dongle, but also over Bluetooth and while wired.

I also used the mouse alongside a slew of new Asus products to get the best unified experience, swapping out my all-Logitech setup for an all Asus arrangement.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed in March 2025

Logitech POP Mouse: Two-minute review

The Logitech POP Mouse is a small and simple wireless mouse for productivity and general browsing, with its versatile Bluetooth connectivity and customization options pitched at modern workers.

It sports a stylish design courtesy of its pebble-like shape, front slope and one-piece unit for the mouse buttons. This is extended further by the multiple colorways, which utilize a soft, light palette, with some two-tone schemes thrown in for good measure.

Although it’s quite small and thin compared to the best mouse options around, the POP Mouse fitted my hand and fingers well. The body is thick enough to get a good grip, and the rear weight bias means it’s easy to tilt backwards for lift-offs between swipes. The completely symmetrical design also makes it suitable for left and right handers alike.

There’s a distinct lack of buttons on the POP Mouse, with the only topside additions being a scroll wheel and a button below it. Underneath you’ll find the power slider and the Easy Switching button used for pairing and toggling between three different Bluetooth devices.

The aforementioned one-piece unit for the mouse buttons also doubles as the battery compartment cover. It’s attached magnetically to the mouse’s body, and the robust plastic achieves the ideal balance between easy removal and secure fastening.

Even better, though, are the switches for mouse buttons. They’re very tactile and heavily damped, so much so that they barely make a sound in use. This makes for a satisfyingly padded sensation, and more pleasurable to use than I was expecting for a mouse of this kind. Those who prefer the loud, sharp clicks of traditional switches may not find the POP Mouse provides enough feel or feedback, but personally, I enjoyed using them for general and productivity purposes.

The scroll wheel is also damped nicely, as well as being lightly notched. When you flick quickly, it enters into a free-wheeling state to some degree, which is a handy feature; I only wish this triggered more readily, as it didn’t make navigating long documents and web pages as easy as I was hoping.

However, it does feel well-made and the rubber material on top is smooth to the touch. The scroll click is secure and tactile as well, while the button below – which opens an Emoji menu by default – is more snappy but still premium-feeling.

Using Logitech’s Options Plus software, you can customize the POP Mouse, with a surprising amount of tweaks available. The right and left click can’t be altered, but the scroll button and Emoji menu button can be remapped to perform a variety of actions. These include keyboard shortcuts via the recording of your own combinations, and a variety of system-level functions, which include media playback controls, opening apps, taking screenshots, and opening the Windows Action Center. There’s even an option to open ChatGPT in a pop-up window.

You can also map these buttons to gestures: by holding them and making certain mouse movements, you can perform a variety of navigational and cycling actions, such as switching app windows or selecting the next or previous tracks.

Logitech also has a feature called Smart Actions, a more advanced form of macros. There are various presets already included in Options Plus, such as Meeting Mode, which opens Zoom (if already installed) and Notepad at the same time, and Social Media Break, which opens Instagram’s website in a new Chrome tab. These can be edited as you see fit.

You can also create your own Smart Actions from scratch, by adding certain conditions and layers of actions to automate any number of processes you can conceive of. You’re given some basic building blocks, which are: opening applications, performing keystrokes, writing blocks of text, and performing system functions. You can also set delay times between each action.

Options Plus also has a feature called Logi Flow, which is supposed to make device switching even more seamless by letting you simply drag the cursor from one device to another, although I was unable to get this working on numerous machines, as a connection failed to establish.

Additionally, Options Plus lets you invert the scroll wheel direction, and toggle something called Smart Scrolling, which is supposed to make scrolling web pages smoother. While I did find this to be the case, it was also slower, so I didn’t find it particularly useful.

Logitech claims a staggering 24-month battery life for the POP Mouse. Naturally, I wasn’t able to exhaust it, but I can say that after about a week’s worth of use across numerous devices, the battery remained at 100%, so it certainly seems to have plenty of endurance.

At this price, the POP Mouse represents good value thanks to its performance and in-depth customization options via the Options Plus software. However, the lack of side buttons and additional connectivity methods is a shame, omissions that could deter those who demand high productivity credentials.

The wireless mouse sector is a hotly contested one, and there are plenty of great value options to choose from. The Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse is an equally capable performer, although it costs more than the POP Mouse and lacks customization software. If you’re prepared to spend a little bit more, you could go for the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which has better scrolling capabilities as well as side buttons.

Logitech POP Mouse review: Price & availability

• $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$59.95
• Available now in multiple colors

The Logitech POP Mouse costs $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$$59.95 and is available now in multiple and vibrant colorways, some with two-tone schemes. It comes with a AA battery preinstalled.

The best wireless mouse for those on a budget, as far as we’re concerned, is the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse. This similarly has a slim and light form factor, although it adopts a square shape rather than a round one. It also requires two AAA batteries rather than one AA battery. While we found its performance to be great for a mouse of this price, it doesn’t have many features, with no native software for customization. At 78g, it weighs slightly less than the POP Mouse, which sits at 82g.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could get the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which is the best portable mouse in our view, and a great mid-range buy thanks to its excellent scrolling abilities and overall accuracy – plus it can be customized using Options, Logitech’s last-gen peripheral tool.

Logitech POP Mouse review: Specs

Should I buy the Logitech POP Mouse?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Logitech POP Mouse: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech POP Mouse

• Used with multiple devices
• Used with Options Plus software
• Plentiful peripheral testing experience

I tested the POP Mouse for about a week, using it for working and general browsing. I used it with multiple devices, including Windows 10 laptop and desktop, a MacBook Pro, and a Chromebook.

I also made as many tweaks and customizations as possible using Logitech’s Options Plus software, rebinding the scroll click and Emoji button to the various functions available.

I have experience reviewing a myriad of peripherals, including mice and keyboards for both productivity and for gaming, across a range of price points.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2024

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Two-minute review

The Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air is a large gaming mouse with some useful features aimed at improving the user experience for players. It stands out due to that size and its shape, with its concave sides, the left of which juts out at the bottom to accommodate the Easy Shift button. The body is very smooth with no texturing.

The white colorway features some subtle gray accents on the buttons and scroll wheel, and overall it looks relatively mature compared to other gaming peripherals, although it still isn’t exactly elegant.

Compared to the best gaming mouse out there, the RGB lighting on the Kone 2 Air is relatively large, with two stripes running along the top, as well as the usual LED on the scroll wheel.

The Kone 2 Air adopts a wide, squat stance and features a relatively flat top, so those with larger hands will likely find this fills their palms more substantially than other gaming mice do. With that large size, though, comes a heavy 110g weight.

By contrast, the clicks are light and snappy, yet well damped, and the same is true of the two side buttons and the DPI cycle button on top. The scroll wheel feels smooth to the touch and features 4D scrolling, allowing you to tilt it left and right for horizontal navigation. It also has a free spin function, activated by pressing the button above the DPI cycle. This allows you to disengage the notching to scroll much faster, yet it still feels reassuringly weighty and smooth.

However, without free spin activated, there’s a little too much play in the wheel, making it hard to get a feel for single flicks. The scroll click, however, is reassuringly solid and easy to press in the heat of the moment, as well as providing satisfying feedback and a clearly audible click.

The included USB cable is braided and light, so there’s next to no drag when using it. However, it doesn’t seem as thick or as durable as those on other gaming mice. It’s also quite short, so you’ll need your machine relatively close by if you want to play in wired mode.

Turtle Beach’s peripheral software, Swarm 2, allows for numerous adjustments and customizations. There are numerous rebinding options, such as keyboard keys (including in combination with modifiers) and media controls, but there’s only two system level shortcuts available: one for shutdown and one for sleep. There’s also a wholly separate layer for assigning secondary inputs courtesy of Easy Shift, and naturally, you can also customize the RGB lighting in Swarm 2.

Swarm 2 features some useful adjustments for gaming too, such as Motion Sync and Angle Snapping, as well as a debounce time slider between 0-10 (no unit is given here).

However, there’s no setting labeled lift-off distance; instead, there’s what Swarm 2 calls DCU Calibration. You have settings for low and very low, as well as a custom setting which takes you to a calibrator, asks you to make circular movements with the cursor, and automatically selects an appropriate lift-off distance for you – although it doesn’t tell you what this distance is.

There’s also the typical DPI settings, with five predefined points for you to adjust for cycling. There’s a DPI calibrator too, which asks you to hit a series of targets in order to automatically pick what it thinks is the best DPI setting for you.

Macro recording is possible, and Swarm 2 even includes a range of default macros for a number of popular games and productivity software, including Microsoft Office and Photoshop.

Gaming with the Kone 2 Air is a mixed experience. All buttons are responsive and satisfying to use, but the overall form isn’t the most ergonomic, as the sides don’t offer enough grip, even if you apply the included grip tape.

The indentation of each side only occurs towards the rear, and flattens out immediately, which meant my thumb and fingers couldn’t set in place for greater security. As a result, I had to squeeze tighter than I normally would for, which naturally compromises movement speed; I never truly felt comfortable holding the Kone 2 Air.

That hefty weight the Kone 2 Air is saddled with only adds to the problem. It prevents glides from being smooth and seamless. The weight is also concentrated towards the rear, which makes the mouse feel unbalanced as it has a tendency to tilt backwards when lifting off.

Thankfully, the Easy Shift button is easy to reach and hit with your thumb. The RGB lighting also changes color when held, which is a useful indicator that I was just able to make out in my peripheral vision, without it being distracting.

When it comes to connectivity, using the Kone 2 Air via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz is as quick and easy as can be, and switching between two devices on the fly works pretty much flawlessly, merely requiring a flick of the switch underneath.

Turtle Beach states a very long battery life for the Kone 2 Air: 350 hours via Bluetooth and 150 via the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Although I wasn’t able to test its limits during my time with it, I can say that after several days of varied use, it only dropped a few percentage points, so its claims would seem to hold water.

The Kone 2 Air is a divisive gaming mouse, then. Those with larger hands may prefer it more, thanks to its size and weight. However, those after speed and comfort will be better served by lighter, higher-performing mice, such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro – and, if saving money is a top priority, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed and Cooler Master MM311 are better alternatives.

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Price & availability

• $119 / £119 (about AU$182)
• Available now in black and white colorways
• Undercuts some popular brands

The Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air costs $119 / £119 (about AU$182) and comes in two colorways: black and white. A wired only version is also available for considerably less, at $59 / £59 (about AU$90).

Compared to the best wireless gaming mice, it sits towards the lower end of the market. It’s cheaper than popular offerings from Razer, including the DeathAdder V3 Pro. That mouse, though, is capable of polling at 8K (albeit requiring an additional adapter).

There are some that undercut it, including mice in Logitech’s Lightspeed range, such as the G305 Lightspeed and G309 Lightspeed. However, the former can only connect wirelessly via the Lightspeed USB dongle (there’s no Bluetooth), and both have no rechargeable battery, requiring a AA each instead.

Then there’s the Cooler Master MM311, our pick as the best gaming mouse for those on a budget. It massively undercuts the competition, and although this too has no rechargeable battery or Bluetooth connectivity, it still offers brilliant gaming performance with wireless capability.

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Specs

Should I buy the Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Also consider

How I tested the Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air

• Tested for several days
• Played FPS titles
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Kone 2 Air for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

I played Counter-Strike 2, the litmus test for gaming mice, as well as Black Mesa. I made sure to try as many features and functions as possible on both the mouse and in the GG software.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced a variety of mice. I have also reviewed numerous units, ranging in size, weight, performance and price.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: November 2024

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Two-minute review

The Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless is a lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a small size and a unique form factor for improved ergonomics and handling.

Aesthetically, the M64 Wireless keeps things rather simple. The black colorway with mint green accents that I tested looked sharp and understated. White and blue variants with green and orange accents respectively are also available. No model has any RGB lighting, though, which is something of a rarity in this sector.

The asymmetrical shape of the M64 Wireless fit my hand and grip style very well. It’s among the best gaming mouse in terms of ergonomics, with the long indentations of the side walls and downwards rake of the mouse buttons accommodating my thumb and fingers perfectly.

What may prove contentious, however, is the location of the USB-C port. It’s on the rear right side, which, depending on your particular gaming setup, may put play-and-charge beyond your reach – literally.

Thankfully, the included USB cable is very light and causes next to no drag at all. It’s also very long, so even if your PC is to your left, you still might be able to find some way to route it adequately. The recess of the port on the mouse body is also very deep, so I had no concern about accidentally knocking it out either.

The M64 Wireless has no accompanying software; rather, all adjustments are made via the power slider and selector buttons underneath, as well as a few combinations of the topside buttons. The power slider has three positions for selecting the CPI, polling rate, and debounce time. With one of these selected, the selector button cycles through the various settings for each of these parameters.

Despite not being able to fine-tune these settings via any software, I found the available presets to be sufficient. There are eight CPI settings, ranging from 400 to 26,000, four polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, and four debounce times ranging from 2ms to 12ms. A small LED light flashes certain colors to indicate the setting selected, with the key detailed in the manual.

On paper, it’s a clever solution given the lack of software, but it can be quite fiddly, as it involves referring back to the manual to check what color indicates what setting, although it could be argued that after initial setup, you probably won’t be changing them regularly. Still, a software tool would’ve made on-the-fly adjustments simpler and quicker.

Various topside button combinations can be used to alter the lift-off distance between 1mm and 2mm, as well as toggle Motion Sync on or off. There’s also a combination for checking the battery level, with four different colors indicating the percentage range. Personally, I would’ve liked the more precise readout that software provides. Also, these button combinations are again quite fiddly and inconvenient to use quickly.

To game with, however, I found little fault with the M64 Wireless’ performance. The aforementioned form factor made it easy to grip and maneuver, further helped by the light 53g weight and ultrasmooth PTFE skates – although these are quite thin, so aren’t the best for unpadded surfaces. The precision and speed of the Pixart 3395 sensor is also great for a 1K mouse.

The Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot switches in the main mouse buttons are snappy yet controlled, and the same goes for the two side buttons. The scroll wheel is also notched just right, allowing for quick yet secure flicks. The scroll click strikes a similar balance, being responsive without causing accidental spins.

Cherry claims the M64 Wireless can last 75 hours on a single charge, and I’m inclined to believe this figure. After several days of use, I was still in the green, indicating a level between 76-100%.

Considering its price, the M64 Wireless sits a little too close to the M68 Pro, which offers a similar shape and performance, yet has an 8K polling rate for maximum pro-level performance, although only serious gamers will likely notice the difference.

It’s also about the same as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which has the benefit of integrating with Synapse, Razer’s in-depth peripheral software, offering numerous tweaks and customizations, including button rebinds and HyperShift functionality.

So while the M64 Wireless is a great feeling and excellent performing wireless gaming mouse, there are equally capable pointers at this price point, yet offer more in the way of features and functionality.

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Price & availability

• $92 / £99 / AU$133
• Available now in various colors
• Same price as better-equipped rivals

The M64 Wireless costs $92 / £99 / AU$133 and is available now in black, white, and blue colorways. It comes with a USB-A-to-C cable for charging and wired play.

It sits a little too close to the M68 Pro Wireless, which is only about $30 more, yet has an upgraded polling rate of 8K. The ergonomic form is very similar too, although the mouse buttons slope even more, which might deter some.

The Cooler Master MM311 is one of the best wireless gaming mouse picks for those on a budget, thanks to its ultra-low price and great performance. It’s heavier than the M64 Wireless at 77g and requires a AA battery, but if you can live with these facts, it’s hard to beat for sheer value.

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Specs

Should I buy the Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Also consider

How I tested the Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming, working, and browsing
• Over 10 years of PC gaming experience

I tested the M64 Wireless for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

To assess its performance, I played Counter-Strike 2 - a stern test for the speed and accuracy of gaming mice, as well as featuring certain settings that can reveal a pointer’s true potential. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, another FPS title but one that involves more variation to the pace and range of mouse movements.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and in that time I have experienced plenty of gaming mice. I have also reviewed a number of them, including another offering from Cherry XTRFY, the M68 Pro Wireless.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2024

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Two-minute review

The GM41 Lightweight is a super simple wired gaming mouse appealing to serious gamers with its light weight and laser-like focus on gaming over extravagant features.

This even extends to its looks. It sports a sleek, low-slung design with little in the way of adornments, or anything to offset the total black colorway. A large RGB light on the body is the only element that brightens up proceedings, which can be customized by holding the DPI button and pressing other buttons or moving the scroll wheel to adjust aspects such as the brightness, mode, speed, and color.

The thin, long shape will likely suit those with long hands, although it might not be wide enough for some. As it’s flat and lower to the ground than many of the best gaming mice, your hand is barely raised from your desktop, which again, some may prefer and some may not. The mouse buttons are relatively flat too, meaning claw grippers might not find them to their liking.

Its texture is smooth all over, save for the rubberized sides that help with grip, but they’re not as sticky as some others are, which I prefer.

The DPI switch is located on the bottom, which isn’t the most convenient, although this does help to keep the GM41 Lightweight as minimal as possible, and prevents mispresses from occurring.

There’s no removing the braided cable as it's hardwired. It also feels more durable than other braided cables, although it’s not as soft to touch. And while it’s light, it’s not as light as some of those adorning its rivals.

In order to tweak the GM41 Lightweight further, the MSI Center software can be downloaded for free. However, compared to other peripheral software, it’s disappointingly basic.

There are only a handful of rebinding options, including other mouse buttons and a few multimedia functions, but there are no keyboard assignments or system-level functions available. The same is true of performance enhancements. While you can select the increments for DPI cycling, the only other adjustments are for the polling rate, angle snapping, and lift-off distance – the latter of which only features two settings with no distance unit given. Those who like to tinker with their debounce time or toggle motion sync will be left out here.

When it comes to actual gaming, the GM41 Lightweight acquits itself reasonably well. The lightness makes for easy maneuverability, while the mouse clicks are snappy, thanks to their lack of travel. However, this lack of travel also reduces feedback somewhat. This makes spamming clicks harder, as does the relative heaviness of the clicks themselves and that aforementioned flat shape of the buttons. On a more positive note, however, I did find the mouse buttons to be also pleasingly resistant to slam clicks.

The scroll wheel, however, is very fast yet still provides enough notching to make for controlled flicks when needed. The scroll click is a little heavy, however, making it hard to actuate at times, but thankfully, it’s secure enough to prevent accidental mis-scrolls.

The side buttons are very thin, but light enough to use with ease. They offer slightly more travel than you might expect, but they are satisfyingly damped, making them more enjoyable to use than you might expect.

However, while the cable is light, I found it did create drag when making large swipes. The issue seems to stem from the lack of angle on the strain relief, as it did little to elevate the first portion of the cable from my desktop surface. Depending on the layout of your setup, this might not be an issue, but you may benefit from using the GM41 Lightweight with a mouse bungee.

Thankfully, the PTFE skates allow for smooth gliding on hard and soft surfaces, although they are quite thin, and there’s no spare set included in the box. But if you stick to mouse pads, then you should have no problem moving the GM41 Lightweight around.

If you’re looking for a basic gaming mouse with no extra buttons or features, then the GM41 Lightweight is a solid choice. Its main rivals boast similar prices, such as BenQ’s range of EC mice. However, there are others, such as the Cooler Master MM311 and the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, that are cheaper and offer brilliant gaming performance, all without requiring a cable.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Price & availability

• $54 / £29 (about AU$85)
• Available now
• Black only

The GM41 Lightweight costs $54 / £29 (about AU$85) and is available in one colorway: black. It doesn’t come with any replaceable parts, such as grip tape or a spare set of skates.

Its price is in line with other 1K wired gaming mice. The BenQ Zowie EC2-C, which is our pick as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2, costs about the same. However, that mouse is heavier at 73g, and that’s excluding the cable, but we still found its performance to be excellent.

There are wireless gaming mice for less. The Cooler Master MM311, for instance, is our budget champion and also features a 1K polling rate, although it has no rechargeable battery. Likewise, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is only marginally cheaper than the GM41 Lightweight, and is our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Specs

Should you buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Also consider

How I tested the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2

• Tested for several days
• Played various games
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the GM41 Lightweight for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

In order to push the GM41 Lightweight to its limits, I played fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, which is the ultimate test for any gaming mouse.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have used a large number of mice during that time. I have also reviewed many of them, from budget picks to high-end offerings, all with various shapes, sizes, weights, and feature sets.

• First reviewed: November 2024
• Read more about how we test

Logitech G309 Lightspeed review

The Logitech G309 Lightspeed is a mid-range wireless gaming mouse, aimed towards the more casual gamer who doesn’t need the elite features or performance of more premium offerings.

In terms of appearance, the G309 Lightspeed keeps things simple. There’s no gaming imagery or designs present (there’s not even any RGB lighting), looking more akin to a productivity mouse than anything else. Only a small Logitech G logo offers any sort of contrast to the monochrome colorway.

The overall shape is sleek, as the bulbous rear thins out towards the front. It’s not as wide or as long as the G502 Lightspeed, one of the best gaming mice around. But the mouse buttons do feel long, and their relatively flat profile means your fingers are more horizontal than you might expect; claw-grippers, therefore, might not find the G309 Lightspeed to their liking.

Build quality is also good. The plastic shell feels reasonably thin but sturdy nonetheless, and thankfully the large lid for the battery compartment feels secure yet easy enough to open when needed. The mouse buttons are snappy and light, but with enough solidity to inspire confidence.

The scroll wheel is notched tightly enough to prevent misfires, yet loose enough for speedy performance. The scroll wheel button puts up too much resistance, though, and is awkward to press at times. The side buttons, however, are light and responsive yet solid.

The PTFE skates are quite thin, making the G309 Lightspeed a mouse I would recommend using on padded surfaces only. There’s no replacement skates included in the box either, as some other gaming mice do.

Weighing in at 86g, the G309 Lightspeed does make itself felt in the hand. The weight is mostly concentrated in the center-rear, which helps it feel balanced, but those who set a low DPI may struggle to perform big swipes. This isn’t helped by the lack of grip: the sides aren’t indented to allow your thumb and fingers to get a proper hold of the body, and the smooth-textured plastic material fails to offer much traction. However, grip tape is included for both the sides and the mouse buttons, which does help to improve the situation.

If you use the G309 Lightspeed with the Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging mat, the weight drops to 68g as you shed the AA battery. This makes the G309 Lightspeed much more amenable to large sweeps. However, Powerplay is an additional extra that adds to the overall price of the mouse.

Logitech claims the Lightspeed Hybrid switches feel mechanical despite being optical. I have to say that these claims hold water. They are light enough for ultra-fast clicking, yet provide enough feedback to feel what’s going on, all of which makes the G309 Lightspeed very satisfying to game with.

The G309 Lightspeed is also smooth and precise when gliding and aiming, although the 1K maximum polling rate might not be enough for those after the absolute best FPS performance. However, the G309 Lightspeed still performs on this front.

The Lightspeed Wireless connection also gave me no trouble when gaming. Switching between two devices, one connected via Bluetooth and the other the Lightspeed USB dongle, was also quick and hassle-free.

Via Logitech’s G Hub software, various tweaks and customizations to the G309 Lightspeed are possible. There are profiles available for a whole host of popular games, and DPI presets for various genres and use cases, including productivity, first-person, MMORPG, simulation and strategy. You can also tweak the sensitivity of each of the five DPI increments yourself, from 100 up to 25,600.

Along with the DPI settings, you can also reassign the mouse buttons. Options include rebinding buttons to other buttons and keys, as well as common shortcuts and system-level functions, such as cycling audio devices, copying and pasting, launching apps, and controlling media playback. There are also configurable actions specific to Discord, Streamlabs, Overwolf and OBS.

You can change the poll rate too, as well as the switch-type from hybrid to mechanical. However, the G309 Lightspeed lacks some of the more advanced tweaks seen on other gaming mice. For instance, there’s no motion sync toggle, or lift-off and debounce time adjustments.

Battery life is quoted as being up to 300 hours when using the Lightspeed wireless connection, or 600 when using Bluetooth. Although I wasn’t able to spend this much time with the G309 Lightspeed, I can say that over almost a week’s worth of use via both Bluetooth and the Lightspeed wireless USB dongle, the battery life dipped by around 5%, so Logitech’s claims do seem reasonably accurate.

At this price point, the G309 Lightspeed represents good value, considering its performance and specs. The multiple wireless connectivity options, as well as the integration with Logitech’s G Hub software, are welcome features and work as intended. However, the 1K poll rate may not be enough for some, and there are other gaming mice out there, such as the Cooler Master MM311 and Logitech’s own G305, that may prove to be better value depending on what you want from a gaming mouse.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed: Price & availability

• $79 / £79 / AU$149
• Available now
• Cheaper alternatives available

The G309 Lightspeed costs $79 / £79 / AU$149 and is available now. It comes in two colorways, black and white. There’s also a Kamisato Ayaka Special Edition available in certain territories, such as the US.

Despite the AA battery, the G309 Lightspeed can be used with Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging mat, with the brand currently offering a 30% saving on it in a bundle deal.

The G309 Lightspeed sits somewhere towards the lower end of Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless range of gaming mice. The G502 and G903 sit above it in terms of spec, with their upgraded hardware and additional features. However, the G502 is only marginally more expensive, although it does have an inbuilt battery and many additional buttons.

Meanwhile, the G305 is even cheaper, although this only has one onboard memory profile slot, as opposed to five on the G309 Lightspeed. There’s also no Bluetooth connectivity, but it does have an inbuilt battery and a USB-C port.

If you’re really on a budget, the Cooler Master MM311 is even cheaper and about the best wireless gaming mouse around in terms of value for money. Like the G309 Lightspeed, the MM311 also has a 1K polling rate and requires a AA battery.

Logitech G309 Lightspeed: Specs

Should you buy the Logitech G309 Lightspeed?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Logitech G309 Lightspeed review: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G309 Lightspeed

• Tested for about a week
• Used for gaming and productivity
• 10+ years gaming experience

I tested the G309 Lightspeed for about a week. During that time, I used the G309 Lightspeed for gaming, as well as for productivity and general use.

I played games that put the G309 Lightspeed through its paces, including Counter-Strike 2 and I Am Your Beast. I also used as many features and made as many tweaks as possible via the G Hub software, in order to test its usability and effectiveness.

I have over 10 years of PC gaming experience, and during that time I have used multiple gaming mice, including those made by Logitech. I have also reviewed numerous gaming mice with varying specs and price points, from budget offerings to esport-grade devices.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: January 2025

GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro: two-minute review

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro is made for pro-level players with its advanced features and looks aimed squarely at the gaming market. But its design will be divisive, to say the least.

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro's industrial spiderweb body with its faux scuffs and scratches (on the Battle Worn Edition) would’ve looked dated 20 years ago. The dull gray color of this variant only adds to the dourness. The center of the mouse features a large RGB light, which certainly makes it stand out even more. However, I struggle to imagine anyone who would find the Mercury M1 Pro to their taste.

You might think the pitted design would help keep the weight down, but the metal frame and center mass of the Mercury M1 Pro makes itself felt; at 88g, it’s certainly heavier than the best gaming mouse around.

Its long shape and webbing also make for bad ergonomics. The metallic material doesn’t offer the best grip, and the mouse buttons are quite short and feel like a stretch to reach – those with smaller hands may struggle in particular with this aspect.

The concave side walls also fail to offer much support or grip when lifting off before swipes. Optional grip tape is included for the sides and the mouse buttons, but this didn’t improve matters for me, and the padding material feels cheap and too slippery to be of much use.

On top of this, the mouse buttons feel too weighty to allow for quickfire clicks despite their cheap-feeling plastic construction, and simply don’t feel comfortable under the fingertips. However, the scroll wheel and side buttons do feel solid and secure enough to use.

The thin skates seemed quite scratchy at first, even on padded surfaces, until I realized they were covered by imperceptibly thin peel-away sheets - so make sure to take these off before using the Mercury M1 Pro. Afterward, the scratchiness was gone and gliding felt a lot smoother. Replacement skates are also included, but these don’t offer any additional padding.

Via the GravaStar software, you can make various customizations and tweaks. All the standard options are present, such as the ability to rebind five of the six buttons on the Mercury M1 Pro (the main left button cannot be altered).

These include some useful system-level shortcuts and functions, including custom keystroke combinations (with or without modifier keys), media playback controls, and both vertical and horizontal scrolling. However, the selection is a little sparse compared to those offered by some other peripheral software.

Other rebinds include a fire mode, which lets you assign a button to rapid-fire left click up to three times (or infinitely until the button is released) in intervals of between 10 and 255 ( I presume milliseconds, as the software doesn’t actually specify the unit). There’s a DPI lock mode to set the sensitivity of the Mercury M1 Pro to a fixed amount rather than cycling through the six available increments (although these increments can be set yourself in the software too).

There’s also a macro recording feature, and – of course – multiple patterns and color options to choose from for the RGB lighting.

Catering to the elite, there are also tweaks for the lift-off distance (between 1 and 2mm) and debounce times (between 4ms and 8ms). You can also toggle motion sync, ripple control, and angle snapping on or off.

However, what won’t suffice for many pro-level gamers is the 4K polling rate. This is achieved using the other USB dongle included in the box of the Battle Worn Edition, which is much larger than the default bundled 1K dongle and looks like something that might birth a xenomorph (though why you'd want that on your desk, I have no idea). Many high-end gaming mice offer an 8K polling rate, which makes for a more noticeable improvement in precision and smoothness. Here, though, I struggled to discern a performance increase between 1K and 4K, which begs the question: if you’re going to include a separate dongle to allow for higher polling rates, then why stop short of 8K?

When it comes to actually playing games, the Mercury M1 Pro fails to impress in this regard either. The aforementioned ergonomic issues make gliding and clicking awkward; there’s just not enough snappiness or ease of movement to make it viable for pro-level play in competitive online games. It’s precise enough for more casual sessions, but the feel in the hand doesn’t make the Mercury M1 Pro much fun to use.

As for battery life, GravaStar's website merely states that it’s “prolonged”, whatever that means. During my tests, in which I used a mixture of power and connectivity modes, it only dropped by 5% after a day's worth of use, which is admittedly solid performance.

The various connectivity methods worked well, although switching between the 1K and 4K dongles isn’t straightforward, requiring re-pairing every time, which only adds to the inconvenience. However, the process is relatively quick and easy, and you likely won’t be switching much between these modes on the same machine anyway.

It’s hard to find much to commend in the Mercury M1 Pro, especially since it commands a high-end price. For the same money, you could have a Cherry XTRFY M68 PRO, which offers a higher 8K polling rate and much better design and performance, though it lacks any tweaking software. Various Razer offerings, such as the DeathAdder V3 Pro, roundly beat it in every regard.

GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro: Price & availability

• $129 / £101 / AU$198
• Battle Worn Edition includes 4K dongle
• Top end of the market

The Mercury M1 Pro costs $129 / £101 / AU$198 and is available now. It comes in two colorways: Gunmetal Gray and Silver Mist, the latter of which is the Battle Worn Edition. This features the aforementioned faux wearing and comes with the 4K dongle, hence its price hike over the Gunmetal Gray variant, which costs $99 / £78 / AU$152.

It’s cheaper than some of the best wireless gaming mouse options in our view, including the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. However, that mouse can achieve an 8K polling rate (albeit requiring an additional adapter to do so). It also integrates with Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software that offers many advanced customizations.

For about the same price as the Mercury M1 Pro, you could also get the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro. Again, this mouse has an 8K polling rate, which is supported right out of the box. At 55g, it’s also a lot lighter than the Mercury M1 Pro. However, it doesn’t have any peripheral software, so all adjustments must be made via some rather cumbersome button combinations.

GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro: Specs

Should you buy the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro: Also consider

How I tested the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and productivity
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Mercury M1 Pro for several days, and used it for gaming, productivity, and general use.

I played titles such as Counter-Strike 2 and I Am Your Beast – fast-paced shooters that are the perfect testing grounds for gaming mice. I also used as many features present in the GravaStar software as possible, and used all connectivity modes, including the 4K dongle.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years and during that time, I have used a number of gaming mice. I have also reviewed a wide variety of products in this segment, spanning various sizes, feature sets, and prices, from big-name brands and lesser-known manufacturers.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed: November 2024

Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: two-minute review

At first glance, the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro is rather restrained in its appearance as gaming mice go. Its straightfoward design is rather inconspicuous, and the white model I've reviewed here is only offset by black side buttons and accents on the scroll wheel. The logo is inconspicuous and there’s no RGB lighting either. So far, so conventional.

However, the design of the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro's front end is less so. The mouse buttons are raised steeply at the back, and curve down sharply before cutting short, which means the contact point is biased towards your fingertips, more so than I’ve experienced with many other gaming mice.

The M68 Pro weighs just 55g, and there aren’t too many full-size wireless gaming mice lighter than this. It undercuts the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse, by eight grams. The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air is one of the rare few that’s even leaner, tipping the scales at just 47g.

The two primary buttons on the M68 Pro feel solid yet easy to fully depress, and the same is true of the side buttons. The scroll wheel is notched well, making for smooth yet controlled spins, and the rubber layer offers plenty of grip, helping to make clicks feel secure. Overall, the M68 Pro seems to be a well-constructed gaming mouse.

The skates are quite thin, so you do feel hard desktop surfaces a little when maneuvering. Despite this, the M68 Pro doesn’t scratch or bottom out, as other gaming mice with insufficient padding do. This is impressive, especially considering there are only two skates on the top and bottom (although the included spare set features a piece for the sensor too). This is still a mouse I would recommend only using with a mouse pad, though, in order to get the best out of it.

The USB port is also located on the right rear side of the M68 Pro, a placement that will no doubt prove contentious, bucking the typical front-end trend (perhaps the snub-nose design leaves no internal room for this placement).

However, it does have the advantage of eliminating drag, although the included braided cable for wired play is light enough to make this no concern regardless. The port is also deeply recessed, so there’s no fear of accidental disconnection. The one major proviso, though, is that you’re right-handed and have your desktop on the right; if it’s on your left, then the cable is liable to get in the way.

Pressing the bottom button, which toggles between various settings and modes, can be awkward, as it sits flush with the underside surface. This is especially the case when pressing in combination with the two side buttons to toggle between the sensor modes, and I struggled to activate it consistently.

In fact, altering most of the settings on the M68 Pro is very awkward, since many require various odd button combinations. Worst of all, the buttons still register normal input when you're trying to activate the combinations, which means you have to be very careful about what window you’re on and where the cursor is.

These combinations are a necessary compromise given the lack of buttons and software, but keeping them active when holding them down is a serious misstep. Another gripe I have is that selected parameters are only indicated via different colors displayed on the small side LED, so you’ll likely have to keep referring back to the manual til they’re ingrained in your memory.

Once you get your head around these button combinations, though, there’s a wide selection of adjustments present on the M68 Pro. Despite having no software, there are eight onboard CPI settings to choose from, offering enough scope to dial in levels precise enough for most gamers. There are also four debounce time increments, ranging from 2ms to 12ms, which again should be more than enough to meet individual preferences.

There are only two lift-off distances (1mm and 2mm) to choose from, although this isn’t out of the ordinary, and while there are six polling rates to choose from (or four when wired, topping out at 1K), I can’t see many people wanting more than three for low (125Hz), mid (1K), and high (8K) values. There’s also an option to toggle motion sync on and off.

Once you start gaming, though, the M68 Pro starts to shine. That aforementioned fingertip emphasis encouraged by sloping mouse buttons makes for a more tactile experience. It meant I could get a better grip when lifting off before swipes, and somehow gave me a greater sense of connection to the on-screen action, especially when aiming. The different sensor modes are also effective, with Pro Gaming mode being remarkably snappy and precise, perfect for FPS titles.

Cherry claims the M68 Pro’s battery can last up to 90 hours on a single charge. Although I wasn’t able to get an exact measurement, I can say that after several days of testing, the LED was still green, indicating a percentage of between 75-100%.

To show the battery level, you have to hold down both side buttons and the left mouse button for three seconds, another inconvenient method if you’re still connected to your machine, since again the buttons will still operate. There are four colors representing the 25% increments, and since there’s no software, there’s no way to get a more accurate assessment than this.

All things considered, the M68 Pro is a high-caliber wireless gaming mouse with a few design quirks that may please some but deter others. It’s not what you’d call cheap, but it does beat perhaps its closest rival, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, when it comes to pricing.

The DeathAdder can be tweaked with Razer’s in-depth Synapse software, though, which is more convenient. And if you can live without an 8K polling rate and an inbuilt battery, the Cooler Master MM311 is a viable alternative with exceptional value, given it’s still wireless.

Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: price & availability

• $129 / £139 / AU$214
• Black, white, and Team Vitality editions
• Mid-range value

The M68 Pro costs $129 / £139 / AU$214. There’s one white colorway and two black variants: one with gray accents and another with yellow that also sports the logo of esports organization Team Vitality in place of Cherry XTRFY’s.

It’s cheaper than our pick for the best wireless gaming mouse, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, yet still competes with it spec-for-spec, as both have an 8K polling rate and the M68 Pro is even lighter.

However, there are more budget-friendly wireless options around, such as the Cooler Master MM311, which is the best gaming mouse for those on a budget – it’s massively cheaper than the M68 Pro and many other wireless gaming mice for that matter. However, its polling rate tops out at 1K, and it requires a single AA battery. Still, if you’re not after eSport-level performance, this may be a better alternative.

Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: specs

Should I buy the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: also consider

How I tested the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro

• Tested for several days
• Played various games
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the M68 Pro for several days. During this time, I used it for gaming, working, and casual tasking.

I played titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version, and Fear the Spotlight, in order to cover a variety of genres.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have experienced many mice during that time. I have also reviewed numerous gaming mice, all with various connectivity options, sizes, polling rates, and features.

First reviewed: October 2024

Read more about how we test

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: Two-minute review

Razer’s latest addition to its Basilisk range of gaming mice is the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, but compared to the (now discontinued) Basilisk V3 Pro, you might think that Razer has simply added a new higher-DPI sensor, stuck “35K” on the name, and called it a day. Yet in actuality, there’s much more to its new mouse than that.

Sure, the sensor is part of it – Razer has increased the DPI from 30,000 to 35,000 – and if you’re an esports pro, you might be enticed by that. But there are changes for everyday gamers too, from longer battery life to a “Smart-Reel mode” that changes how the scroll wheel works on the fly.

Aside from the new additions, this is just an excellent mouse, plain and simple. Its clicks are quiet and satisfying, it skims smoothly across your mouse mat, and its HyperSpeed wireless 2.4GHz receiver provides reliable connectivity. These features might not grab the headlines, but they’re just as important as those that do. Combined, these features all make this a really solid gaming mouse.

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $159.99 / £159.99 / $279.95 AUD
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available globally

Razer doesn’t price the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K cheap – at $159.99 / £159.99 / $279.95 AUD, it’s a serious investment. There’s an awful lot of excellent tech included, so you do get what you pay for, but you’ll need to think about whether it’s right for you before pulling the trigger.

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: Design

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K is one of Razer’s chunkier gaming mice, and much of this is due to its sculpted, ergonomic form factor. There’s a concave cutout for your thumb that’s covered in textured dimples for extra grip, while the mouse has an asymmetrical profile when viewed from the front, with the left-click button rising higher than its right-click sibling. Put together, it’s a very comfortable design.

At the same time, that extra bulk means it’s quite a heavy mouse. Weighing in at 115g, there are many lighter gaming mice out there. If you play fast-paced games where rapidly moving your pointer around the screen is a key element, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K might not be quite right for you. Part of that is compensated for by the 35,000 DPI sensor (more on that later), but it doesn’t make the weight irrelevant.

Razer’s mouse comes with 11 programmable buttons, including right click (you can’t change left click), a scroll wheel that can be pushed in, moved up and down, and tilted left and right, two customizable buttons behind the scroll wheel, and three thumb buttons on the left-hand side (including one that’s set to lower the mouse sensitivity when held, which is useful for precise aiming during gameplay). Getting your thumb to that last one is a bit of a stretch, but otherwise all the buttons are easily reachable.

The scroll wheel is worth diving into a little more. It can be set to either ratchet or spin freely when you move it – or it can do both thanks to Razer’s Smart-Reel feature, ratcheting when moved normally and spinning when you flick it quickly. While this is potentially very useful, the wheel makes a loud, disconcerting slicing sound every time it switches modes. Nothing is actually breaking, but it’s a bit distracting. Still, when set to ratchet, the wheel is firm without being too rigid, making it ideal for use in fast-paced gameplay.

This wouldn’t be a Razer product if you couldn’t set all kinds of intricate RGB effects, and the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K impresses here. While the scroll wheel and Razer logo on the back of the mouse can light up, the real head-turner is the underside lighting, which gives a pleasant, subtle effect in use. Unfortunately, you won’t see much of it, as most of the RGB is covered by your hand (plus you’ll mainly be staring at your screen anyway). It can also speed up the mouse’s battery drain – I turned it off in the end.

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: Performance

The mouse’s new optical sensor ramps all the way up to 35,000 DPI, which is frankly far more than I need (and it probably is for you too). Still, Razer boasts that it offers “best-in-class tracking performance on a wider variety of surfaces,” and I found it to be very accurate in use for both everyday work and gaming.

I connected the mouse to my PC using Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless 2.4GHz receiver, which was solid and reliable. If you have a compatible Razer keyboard, you can use a single HyperSpeed dongle for both your peripherals. The Basilisk V3 Pro 35K also offers wired and Bluetooth connectivity.

Paired with Synapse, there are a lot more controls for adjusting the mouse to your liking; you can customize the DPI down to the single-digit level, should you so desire. Not only can you set the scroll wheel’s spin mode (ratchet, free spin or Smart-Reel), but you can also tell Synapse how fast you need to spin the wheel before free spin mode kicks in.

There’s also Razer’s smart tracking feature, which enables the mouse to set a consistent lift-off distance across different surfaces, and set separate lift-off and landing distances, too. As well as that, you’ll find a DPI sensitivity matcher that ports your DPI settings from other mice, scroll acceleration configuration, and more. In other words, you get a lot of control over the way your mouse works.

One of the other changes that came with the 35K model of the Basilisk V3 Pro is improved battery life. Razer says you’ll get up to 140 hours of juice out of it, and this seems about right. My review unit arrived with about 80% battery life, and I probably tested it for close to 100 hours in total. By the end, it was down to 15%. That was with RGB turned off and while using the HyperSpeed wireless 2.4GHz receiver, so your mileage may vary if you do things differently.

Should you buy the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K?

Buy the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K if…

Don’t buy it if…

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K

I spent a week using the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, including both gaming and work tasks. I also tried its Synapse companion app to see how easy it is to customize the mouse, set macros, change settings, and more.

First reviewed December 2024

New computer mice come out left and right, seemingly almost as quickly as actual mice pop up. Each attempts to bring fresh features, a new trendy design, or top-of-the-line performance for that extra edge over the competition.

And somewhere along the way in pursuit of paramount performance, mice manufacturers began kicking DPI ("dots per inch," or the internal sensitivity of the mouse) into hyper-ultra-overdrive.

Seriously, who are these 30,000+ DPI mice for?

Gamers don't play with 30K DPI

The most obvious choice for those who could possibly make use of these extreme DPI numbers is the gaming crowd. But if you enjoy the pastime yourself, you already know that just isn't the case.

I've had a passion for games and PC peripherals for as long as I can remember – seriously. Some of my earliest memories are of me sitting behind my sister, watching her navigate the golden era of online gaming, clicking heads in Counter-Strike: Source, and escaping Black Mesa in the 1998 bombshell that shook the world of PC gaming.

So, it's fair to say that I've gone through my fair share of gaming mice (not to mention I review them for a living). Never once have I gone beyond 3,200 DPI for any purpose other than smirking at how incredibly fast the mouse cursor can get. Typically, I hang out between 800 and 1,600, with 1,200 as my base setting, which SteelSeries says is right in the average range. Browse the Steam Forums on the topic, and you'll see plenty of actual players say the same thing.

Granted, I have seen a very small number of users mention DPI settings as high as 8,000. I can potentially see a high DPI like this, combined with low Windows cursor sensitivity settings, making sense for an ultrawide display like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 where you have so much ground to cover that it doesn't make sense to have a low DPI. But these users are the exception.

What about esports pros?

So the vast majority of casual gamers aren't going anywhere near 10,000 DPI, let alone 30,000. Maybe these extreme DPI mice are made for the pros instead.

But no, they're not.

I scoured website after website, interview after interview, and there are only a handful of esports professionals who use a DPI over 3,200. According to ProSettings.net, only 5% of Counter-Strike 2 professionals, who rely on their gaming mice more than anyone else in the world to perform at the best of their ability, play at 1,600 DPI or higher. 66% use just 400 DPI.

The two single highest DPI settings in all of CS2's professional scene are Jame of Virtus.Pro at 3,200 and El1an, who is currently a free agent, at 3,200 as well.

You could argue that many Counter-Strike 2 professionals got their start in competitive shooters on an old trackball mouse that wasn't capable of going any higher than 400 DPI, and have since stuck with what feels comfortable for them. There may be some merit to that, but as the scene evolves and new players enter the ranks, the average DPI settings remain largely the same.

Plus, when you move to other, newer games like Valorant or PUBG, you see a lot of the same settings there, too.

ProSettings mentions "Another important thing to note is that pretty much no pro VALORANT player uses a DPI that’s higher than 1600. Around half of all players are on 800 DPI, while around 40% are using 400 DPI."

So even professional esports players won't care if a mouse has ridiculously high DPI settings. They tend to stay right in line with casual gamers in the 400 to 1,600 range.

Maybe a high DPI is for work...if you want to be less productive

Lastly, I just don't think there are any real arguments to be made for DPI in the quintuple digits when it comes to work or school.

Again, if you have one of the widest monitors on the market, maybe approaching the 10K mark makes sense. But you're not going anywhere close to 30,000.

DPI is a measure of how far the mouse cursor travels based on every inch of real-world movement you make. So at a DPI of 1,200, moving the mouse one inch will translate to 1,200 dots (pixels) of movement. If you set your mouse to 4,000 DPI, you would jump across a 3840x2160 in less than an inch of movement.

Go ahead, try to adjust the volume on a YouTube video with a sensitivity like that. It's going to be a struggle.

You can accommodate this by adjusting the cursor sensitivity settings in Windows, but...why? What's the point? How accurately do you need to click on File Explorer?

I have no idea who these mice are meant for

Picking the best gaming mouse for you has almost nothing to do with DPI. As long as it covers the setting you're comfortable using, and perhaps a bit above, you should be more worried about comfortability, reliability, and reasonable pricing.

Ultimately, I think ultra-high DPI settings boil down to marketing ploys. If a manufacturer can come out with a headline that has a bigger, bolder number than their competitors, they'll do it. Even if no one asked for it.

And we didn't.

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Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Two-minute review

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air is the brand’s new ultralight gaming mouse promising top-tier performance, which it hopes to achieve with its ergonomic design, quality hardware, and in-depth tweakability. 

Considering the Burst 2 Air is a full-size gaming mouse, it’s remarkable that it only tips the scales at 47g, undercutting many gaming mice in the lightweight category. Rather than sporting an all-over honeycomb design to shed the weight, it has just two small cutouts underneath that expose the underside to the PCB within. Despite this absence of material, Turtle Beach has managed to include a handy slot to store the 2.4GHz USB receiver. As an exercise in cutting weight, it’s impressive. 

With its understated appearance, the Burst 2 Air cuts a rather unremarkable figure, especially compared to the audacious looks of some of the best gaming mice. The white colorway I tested does look more vibrant than its black counterpart, and the light gray accents on the logo, side buttons, and scroll wheel are a nice touch. There are two small LEDs, one between the mouse buttons and another under the scroll wheel, but these are relatively subtle. The finish is smooth with a slight texture that I found suitable for my palm and fingers, although grip tape is included in the box for those who prefer something more substantial. 

The Burst 2 Air fits nicely in the hand, with an even curve all around, although there’s slightly more bulk towards the back end. There isn’t much of a forward rake either, so it doesn’t feel like your fingers are falling away. Turtle Beach doesn’t recommend specific grip styles but it seems ideal for most, though it may be too bulky for those who prefer the claw type. My only real complaint about the shape of the Burst 2 Air is that the sides cinch inwards a little too much for my liking, making it harder to squeeze during those clutch moments.

The mouse wheel is softly notched but still provides enough security to prevent mis-scrolls. It’s tight and secure when pressed, while still being easy to actuate. The side buttons are very clicky, and their angle and protrusion make them easy to use. Rather than being situated on top or underneath, as is typical for many gaming mice, the DPI cycle button is located on the left front side. It’s small and pressing it can be awkward, given it’s quite close to the bottom, meaning your thumb ends up pressing into your desktop. This is a small grievance, though, and the button operates smoothly.

When it comes to the business of gaming, the Burst 2 Air is a joy to use. Maneuverability is exceptional, gliding effortlessly on almost any surface, thanks to the thick PTFE skates. The pre-tensioned optical switches can be activated with light clicks, and although they travel further than I expected, this only adds to their satisfaction. There is the slightest indentation on the buttons themselves, just enough to guide your fingers to the optimal position.

Coupled with the ultra-light total weight, this makes the Burst 2 Air very precise. Of course, what weight, shape, and size is best for a gaming mouse comes down to personal preference, but for me, I found the Burst 2 Air ideal for my hands and swipes. Using it with the included USB cable does add more resistance to movements, but I adapted to it quickly, and I wouldn’t go so far as to call it drag, with all the negative connotations that word brings. As with many braided cables, durability can be an issue, but during my time using it I didn’t notice any fraying. 

For customizing and adjusting settings, you’ll need Swarm 2, Turtle Beach’s peripheral software. As soon as you open it, you’re greeted with jagged fonts that are hard to read and fail to inspire much confidence. I have previous experience using this software with a Turtle Beach keyboard, and in that case, I found it to be obtuse in places and not the most user-friendly. Some of my concerns remain in place in the case of the Burst 2 Air, although I do think mice settings are more clearly laid out. 

The software allows for all the typical tweaks you'd expect, including adjustments for the DPI. However, this has a clunky implementation, requiring you to drag dots across the screen for each of the five predefined settings. In theory, this interface is a good idea, but it’s poorly executed here, with bugs and glitches occurring until I updated the mouse’s firmware. The update also fixed the battery level readout, which was previously stuck at 18%, even when charging.

There are also adjustments for the poll rate, with five settings ranging from 125Hz to 1000Hz, and a debounce time slider in a nondescript unit between 0 and 10 (a lot of other software I’ve tested measure this in milliseconds). There’s also DCU calibration, which is equivalent to lift-off distance. There are two predefined settings, very low and low, as well as a custom mode that automatically sets the distance based on a few test movements. Again, though, there is no indication in any setting as to what the exact distance you’ve set is.

Other settings include angle snapping, which smooths cursor movements by making them more linear, and motion sync, which aligns the mouse’s polling rate to that of your PC, so only the latest polling data is read. In theory, this improves accuracy as tracking becomes more seamless, but in reality, only hardcore pro players will likely notice or care about this. During my tests, I failed to notice much difference when activated.

It’s also compatible with Nvidia Reflex, which claims to reduce input latency even further when gaming. It requires an Nvidia GPU and a monitor compatible with Nvidia G-Sync (although my FreeSync monitor worked with this too). It’s only currently supported by a handful of games, and again it’s a feature that only pro players will likely notice in action.

Switching between the different connectivity modes worked fairly seamlessly in my experience, letting me switch between two devices on the fly with a flick of the switch underneath. Note, however, that when connected via USB cable, this overrides your other connectivity options, so device switching effectively becomes unavailable until you pull the plug.

The claimed battery life of the Burst 2 Air is 120 hours in Bluetooth mode, and 40 when using the 2.4GHz receiver. According to my tests, this seems accurate, as the battery barely dipped below 90% over several days of use, even when set to the maximum 1k poll rate.

The Burst 2 Air is a solid wireless gaming mouse for those who are after a comfortable yet speedy performer. The overall shape, low package weight, connectivity options, and smooth glides are its standout aspects. However, Swarm 2 isn’t the most intuitive peripheral software to use, and the fact is there are better value gaming mice that match the Burst 2 Air for performance, such as the Cooler Master MM311. It’s by no means a bad pointer to plump for, but there are plenty of other great options around for less money.

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Price & availability

• $99 / £99 (about AU$147)
• Black and White colorways

The Burst 2 Air is priced at $99 / £99 (about AU$147) and is available now. It comes in either Black or White colorways.

For a gaming mouse of this spec, the Burst 2 Air represents pretty average value for money. It competes with other wireless mice such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which offers similar features and functionality. It also supports an 8k poll rate, although this does require Razer’s HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, which costs an extra $29 / £29 / AU$54.

If you’re after a wireless gaming mouse with an 8k poll rate straight out of the box, then be prepared to part with more cash. Offerings in this category can set you back considerably more: the Razer Viper V3 Pro, for example, is over $100 / £150 / AU$275.

However, if you’re happy with 1k, there are more wireless budget picks than ever. For instance, there’s the Cooler Master MM311, which is our current pick as the best gaming mouse for those on a budget – it’s heavier than the Burst 2 Air and runs on AA batteries, though. If you want a rechargeable battery, then the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 could fit the bill; although it weighs 61g, it’s slightly cheaper than the Burst 2 Air. There’s also a wired variant with an 8k poll rate for even less.

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Specs

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Also consider

How I tested the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air

• Tested for two weeks
• Played FPS and strategy games
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Burst 2 Air for around two weeks. During that time, I used it with a variety of games, as well as for general use and productivity.

I played FPS titles including Counter-Strike 2, the evergreen peripheral tester, as well as strategy games that almost exclusively use mouse inputs, such as Tactical Breach Wizards. 

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have tried a variety of gaming mice of all shapes and sizes from the likes of Razer, Logitech, Alienware, and HyperX, to name a few. I generally prefer full-size mice over miniature ones and prefer a light to medium weight. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: September 2024

Sometimes, you get your hands on a piece of hardware that just feels right. For me, that was the Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless – and now that mouse is reaching the end of its life, and while I won't be hosting an actual Viking funeral for it, I genuinely am a little upset.

A fairly high-end gaming mouse with a comfortable ergonomic design and understated RGB lighting, the G502 Lightspeed Wireless has been my trusty desktop companion for more than five years, and is only just starting to show its age; specifically, the left-click switch is giving out, still registering most clicks but rendering click-and-drag operations almost impossible.

It's fair to say that I've definitely put this mouse through the wringer over the past half-decade. Not only have I used it to put literally thousands of hours into all manner of games, but it's also been my daily driver for work ever since the pandemic shifted me into working from home. It's survived countless hours of frantic clicking, scrolling, and at-desk lunches (no, I'm not a 'tidy desk, tidy mind' sort of person).

It's not an exaggeration to say that I love this mouse. It's incredibly comfy under the hand thanks to the curved shape and thumb rest, and the underside features two magnetic panels that can be removed to add tiny metal weights to the interior – in other words, a little tweaking can create the perfect weight distribution for any user. 

It's also just a good gaming mouse in general: a 25,600 DPI sensor, long battery life, 1ms latency thanks to the proprietary Lightspeed USB dongle, and 11 remappable buttons all make it a stellar choice for any genre of PC game.

Consistency above all else

As heartbroken as I might be that my reliable gaming companion is beginning to fade from glory, there's a definite silver lining here.

See, Logitech does something that I wish more PC hardware companies would do: a certain 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach to product design, meaning that I can still buy the exact same G502 Lightspeed Wireless mouse that I originally purchased over five years ago. Plenty of companies would've made the original product redundant in that time period, replacing it twice or three times over with new models (looking at you, Razer).

Hell, Logitech has been using the same design for its mainstream 1080p webcam – the Logitech C920 – for more than a decade, with only some minor generational improvements over the years. There's a reason that cam still sits in the top spot of our best webcams ranking, is what I'm saying.

The G502 Lightspeed has been replaced in our best gaming mouse list by the newer, shinier Logitech G502 X Plus, but it's still the same excellent mouse at heart – and gamers on a budget can always pick up the G502 Hero, which packs a lot of the great design and features found in my favorite mouse into a more wallet-friendly package.

But you can't have too much of a good thing, so while I'm currently rocking a temporary replacement from NZXT, I can't wait to take my paycheck to the Logitech G Store to pick up an identical replacement for my beloved G502 Lightspeed Wireless. There's only one problem, and that's the price: $99.99 / £139.99 (around AU$150, but it's no longer available from Logitech in Australia). Why's it so expensive in the UK, Logitech?

I guess I'll be waiting for a Black Friday deal… unless the kind folks at Logitech read this and take pity on a poor tech journalist. Keep your fingers crossed for me, readers!

Whether you’re a gamer or designer, understanding how to change mouse DPI is essential for optimizing your computer's cursor speed and precision.

Mouse DPI (dots per inch) refers to the sensitivity of your mouse, determining how much the cursor moves on the screen relative to the physical movement of the mouse. A higher DPI means more cursor movement with minimal mouse movement (speedy), while a lower DPI results in low cursor movement despite greater mouse movement (slow). 

In this article, we'll explain how to change your mouse DPI using Windows, Mac, and relevant third-party apps. And if you want a mouse with an impressive DPI range, don’t miss our ranking of the best mice for work and play. 

Tools and requirements

• A Windows computer
• A mouse (obviously!)

Steps for how to change mouse DPI on Windows

• Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
• Adjust the slider beside Mouse pointer speed.

Step by step guide to change mouse DPI on Windows

Tools and requirements

• A Mac or MacBook
• A mouse (again, obviously!)

Steps for how to change mouse DPI on Mac

• Click the Apple icon in the top left corner. 
• Select System Settings > Mouse. 
• Adjust the slider beside Tracking speed.

Step by step guide to change mouse DPI on Mac

Tools and Requirements

• Third-party mouse app

Steps for how to change mouse DPI using third-party software

• Launch the app (we’re using Logitech Options). 
• Point & Scroll > Adjust slider under Pointer Speed. 

Step by step guide to change mouse DPI using third-party software

We’ve demonstrated the steps below using the Logitech Options app, which is compatible with Logitech mice.

Final thoughts

Adjusting your mouse DPI tailors it for your specific needs and enhances precision and productivity. Whether you’re navigating through large documents, designing, or playing FPS games, using the right DPI setting is vital for optimal performance.

It's worth bearing in mind that some mice - especially the best gaming mice - will come with a dedicated button (usually on the underside or top center of the mouse) for switching between DPI presets without the need for software. Some even have a 'sniper button' which can be held down to lower your mouse sensitivity temporarily for careful shots in first-person shooters.

For more tips on computer mice, read how to control two computers with a single mouse, how to change your mouse cursor, and how to power up your mouse with Mouse Utilities.

Endgame Gear OP1 8k review

The Endgame Gear OP1 8k is the German gaming peripheral specialist’s enhanced version of its OP1 wired mouse, which is capable of polling rates of up to 8,000Hz, hence the '8k' appendage to the model name. Users can also open it up and swap out the switches, which will appeal to the subset of gamers who are very particular about their clicks.

However, what might divide that group is the form factor of the OP1 8k. The small size, combined with the pronounced hump, might make it difficult for some to achieve a secure grip – although Endgame Gear does specify that the mouse only supports a claw grip, making it a suitable option for those who prefer this style. The super-lightweight, which Endgame Gear approximates to be about 50.5g, also helps rapid movement. 

Everyone will welcome the lack of drag, though. The USB cable is light and flexible, and the cable base stress-relief is angled upwards – a smart design choice that helps to further reduce surface contact, acting like an ersatz mouse bungee. However, the cloth material surrounding the cable is very thin; during my time with the OP1 8k, it already began to fray slightly, spelling trouble for its long-term durability.

Although the lack of cable drag helps the mouse to perform at its best, the same can’t be said for the PTFE skates. They cover a small surface area, so glides aren’t as smooth as they are with the best gaming mouse options. Thankfully, larger PTFE skates are included in the box, which helps to reduce friction. What’s worse, though, is that using the OP1 8k on hard surfaces can cause the middle to grate unbearably, and even the optional skate that goes around the optical sensor doesn’t fix the problem. But if you’re using the OP1 8k exclusively on padded surfaces, this will be a moot point.

Another disappointing aspect of the OP1 8k is the button quality. The mouse clicks aren’t as snappy as I would have liked, taking too long to rebound. Endgame Gear claims that its Kailh GX switches that come preinstalled have a short internal travel and good “spamability”; I found they couldn’t be actuated quickly enough to make them suitable for such quickfire pressing.

The side buttons also feel harsh since they aren’t dampened at all, while the scroll wheel is a little too notchy for my preferences, and the middle button doesn’t feel as solid or as secure as it should be. I didn’t have enough confidence to use it in the heat of battle, worrying that I’d trigger the scroll function by mistake. Admittedly, this is an issue I tend to find with many gaming mice.

On the surface, the free configuration tool is as basic as it gets; it wouldn’t look out of place on a Windows 95 machine. The argument could be made that the barebones interface makes it an extremely lightweight application, therefore saving precious computing power. However, during my time with it, it did crash on one occasion, when I was switching back and forth between it and a game window to change settings on the fly. On other occasions when switching, the “Apply” button for confirming adjustments failed to appear. It could well be the case that such problems may not be experienced on setups beyond my own, but it’s an issue worth noting all the same.

There are various settings that can be adjusted using the tool – but, unfortunately, none of them is explained, so unless you’re au fait with the terminology, you’ll likely have some googling to do.

First, it measures sensitivity in the less common unit of counts per inch (CPI) rather than dots per inch (DPI), but essentially they amount to the same thing. Between one and four quick settings are available, which can be cycled through using the mode button on the underside of the OP1 8k. There’s also the ability to adjust the sensitivities of the X and Y axes independently.

The lift-off distance (LOD) can be altered to between 1mm and 2mm, which are increments so small that I could barely discern the difference during gameplay. Of course, I’m far from being an esports pro. For most gamers, though, this won’t be a setting worth adjusting given its limited range. 

There are also toggle boxes for angle snapping and ripple control, which aren’t settings you always see in peripheral software. There’s no explanation as to what these settings do within the app. So, for those who aren’t familiar with the terms, angle snapping is an aid to help keep your cursor movements along a straight path, whereas ripple control is meant to help smooth mouse movements.

Angle snapping does indeed work as intended; however, I also found that it increases the acceleration of cursor movements, which is jarring. As for ripple control, its aim of reducing mouse jitter comes at the expense of “a few frames of added motion delay,” as Endgame Gear explains on its website, which is anathema to competitive gamers and not worth the cost of activating. Regardless, in practice, I found it made little difference to the smoothing of my movements. 

Under the advanced settings tab, you’ll find adjustments for the polling rate, with options between 1,000Hz and 8,000Hz. The aforementioned mode button can cycle through four different poll rates within this range. 

There’s a Motion Sync checkbox as well; but yet again, there’s no explanation on what this does. Endgame Gear explains on a Reddit post that the polling events and sensor data become synchronized when enabled, in order to make data more consistent, but at the cost of adding a 1ms input lag. Again, this is something that will probably make some players wince, and during my tests I failed to notice any real difference with this setting turned on.

One feature that certainly is noticeable is the slam click filter, which prevents accidental mouse button activation when vigorously swiping, as you might when using low DPI/ CPI settings in FPS games, for instance. This is a setting that definitely works as intended, and will likely be one you’ll want to have enabled permanently.

Another set of adjustable (and not always seen) parameters are the multiclick filters. These determine how many button presses can be registered in quick succession – more commonly known as debouncing. Those who play Minecraft PvP will be among those most interested in these settings, as rapid-fire clicks are a core part of that game.

There are multi-click filter adjustments for every button on the OP1 8k (barring the underside mode switcher), ranging from 0-25. Lower values increase the number of clicks registered when spamming the given button; but misclicks are more likely, too, so you’ll want to find the setting that works best for you.

The right and left mouse buttons also have an optional dropdown box next to their respective multi-click filter settings, labeled SPDT (single pole, double throw). This refers to the type of switches the mouse buttons use, which allow for greater debouncing adjustments. You’re given three modes to choose between: GX Speed Mode, GX Safe Mode, or off. 

The former lowers click latency, while the latter increases it. If off is selected, then you can use the standard 0-25 multi-click filter sliding scale instead. I noticed no real difference between these GX modes and the sliding scale, so it ultimately seems like a wasted addition.

Aside from these tweaks, the software also allows you to remap the buttons on the OP1 8k. This doesn’t merely involve swapping them around: you can also assign them to trigger a keyboard key, cycle the CPI, or perform certain media-based functions, such as play, pause, open Windows Explorer or even a web browser – although the latter didn’t work on my PC.

It isn’t just the software that’s customizable; one of the biggest draws of the OP1 8k is that the hardware is customizable, too. A small screwdriver is included, so you can open up the base and swap out the main button switches (and the USB cable) if you so choose. 

Endgame Gear offers a variety of different switches, which can be installed without soldering; it’s merely a case of inserting terminals. Endgame Gear even has a universal switch set, so you can use the OP1 8k with any mechanical switches you like, again without soldering. You can also take out the side button switches, although Endgame Gear offers no replacements for these.

I wasn’t able to test out these various switch options for myself, but having opened up the OP1 8k and removed the switches, I can say that it’s a fairly straightforward process. However, I did find that the right mouse button terminal wasn’t as easy to detach as the left. Also, make sure you have the terminal the correct way around when inserting it into the right mouse button slot – I found this was easy to get wrong.

While the OP1 8k aims high in its pursuit of being a high-end gaming mouse, featuring some useful software and hardware customization options, ultimately, it’s let down by its build quality and overall feel, failing to live up to its relatively high asking price.

Endgame Gear OP1 8k: Price and availability

• $74 / £69 / AU$125
• Available now
• Black and white colorways

The OP1 8k is priced at $74 / £69 / AU$125 and is available in the US, UK, and parts of Europe. Despite it having an Australian list price on Endgame Gear’s website, it isn’t currently available in the territory.

Compared to other wired gaming mice on the market, the OP1 8k doesn’t fare well against the competition. Razer is currently offering its DeathAdder V3 wired mouse for less than the current price of the OP1 8k, and although it’s a few years old at this point, it offers a similar spec, including an 8kHz poll rate and an only slightly heavier weight of 59g. 

However, the click filtering and movement smoothing parameters that the OP1 8k’s configuration tool offers stand in its favor. Razer’s equivalent software, Synapse, doesn’t provide these same tweaks; but it does offer a whole host of other customizable options with which you can experiment. 

Unlike many other gaming mice, you can open up the OP1 8k and change out the switches. However, buying new switches is of course an extra expense, and there’s no option to spec the OP1 8k with the switches of your choice from the outset. 

Endgame Gear OP1 8k: Specs

Should you buy the Endgame Gear OP1 8k?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Endgame Gear OP1 8k: Also consider

How I tested the Endgame Gear OP1 8k

• Tested for two weeks
• Used for FPS titles and general PC use
• Over a decade of PC gaming experience

To test out the OP1 8k, I played FPS titles Ultrakill and Day of Infamy, which cover both the fast-paced and tactical ends of the genre. I also played strategy, action and adventure games, as well as using it for general PC use, such as web browsing. 

I have a decade of PC gaming experience, and my mouse of choice for most of that time has been the evergreen Logitech G502 Lightspeed wireless mouse, which was my main point of comparison alongside the Razer Viper V3 Pro.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: June 2024

Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse: Two-minute review

While there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the best gaming mouse, Corsair’s new M75 Wireless looks like it has all the goodies necessary to make that shortlist.

This mouse has the speedy and accurate performance that gamers need, the lightness that makes whipping it around furiously on a mousepad (or appropriate surface) effortless, and the kind of connectivity that lets one not only go cord-free, but allows for use with a second source without having to move the wireless dongle.

Whether it’s the best mouse for you will depend on a few factors. While there is a dedicated DPI button, it’s located underneath, which will deter some, especially if you still need all the other buttons for whatever hotkeys and shortcuts you like to have at your fingertips. More importantly, it’s expensive for a mouse. There are plenty of capable mice for much less, especially if you don’t care so much about wireless connectivity.

With that in mind, you’ll see regular comparisons to the non-wireless Corsair M75 that the company also provided for review. Since they’re very similar mice, with the main differences being connectivity and weight (the non-wireless version is quite a bit lighter), you can decide if you want to spend more for wireless connectivity or not.

Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$203.08
• When is it available? It's out now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

If you were to categorize gaming mice into budget, mid-range, and premium brackets, the Corsair M75 Wireless fits into the latter category. While there are some more expensive options out there, the Corsair M75 Wireless is plenty pricey at $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$203.08.

If you want to spend a little less and don’t care about wireless connectivity, the Corsair M75 non-wireless version goes for a somewhat more palatable $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$141.08. That’s still somewhat expensive, but you’re partially paying for its ambidextrous quality, not to mention its top-notch components.

You can certainly spend much more on a gaming mouse as the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro shows us with its $159 / £159 / AU$289 price tag. It does have 10+1 buttons (the +1 is a profile button underneath) and the ability to upgrade to wireless charging capabilities. But all that’s rather overkill for most people.

If you want something that’s competent and works for both righties and lefties but at a significant discount, the Cooler Master MM311 might be a better fit. It still has a solid 10k DPI and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, and while it doesn’t have Bluetooth onboard, it is way more affordable at $39.99 (about £34, AU$59).

Value: 4 / 5

Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse: Specs

Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse: design and features

First off, let’s dive into the design of the Corsair M75 Wireless. The most striking thing to me is not the two zones of RGB lighting on the palm rest and underneath, which are plenty bright, or the M75’s very smooth exterior. What strikes me most is its symmetrical design.

This mouse was made for both righties and lefties. In fact, it has identical side buttons on both sides that are magnetically held in place. Corsair included raised buttons that can be substituted for easier pressing no matter which orientation you prefer. This is also the case for the non-wireless version.

On top, you have the normal left and right buttons, and center wheel. What’s different compared to a lot of other gaming mice is the fact that the DPI button is nestling underneath. This is always a pain (again, also true for the non-wireless version).

Luckily, you can easily reprogram any but the dominant main button (left click in regular mode, right click in left-handed mode) however you like, including setting as the DPI toggle, DPI up, DPI down, and Sniper. Unfortunately, if you want to use all those buttons for other hotkeys, you’re going to have to find a compromise somewhere.

Also worth noting is how light this mouse is at just 89 grams. That’s very good for a wireless mouse as it needs to hold a battery, something that you don’t have to worry about with wired mice. The wired Corsair M75 is even lighter at 75 grams. While you can find some even lighter mice that hover in the 50 gram range, these feel balanced and lightweight enough to not cause any fatigue.

Before we dive into the performance, I also want to mention the connectivity on hand. While the wired version just connects via USB, the wireless M75 also adds in 2.4G Wireless (it also comes with a wireless dongle) and Bluetooth. Due to this, you can switch between your gaming PC with the wireless connection and a work computer on Bluetooth with just the press of a button. That button also happens to be the power button, which sits opposite the DPI button underneath.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse: performance

When it comes to performance, there’s only one complaint about the Corsair M75 and that’s the placement of the DPI button. You either lose another button for that purpose (by remapping it), or you live with your DPI setting as it is, with no ability to switch on-the-fly (as changing involves messing about with turning over the mouse, of course).

Beyond that, its 2,000Hz polling rate when used in wireless mode and 26,000 DPI provided via Corsair’s own Marksman sensor, not to mention speedy optical switches for all the buttons, all make for a mouse that will have no trouble keeping up.

I used it in firefights when playing Cyberpunk 2077 and Battlefield 2042, and also in RTS games like Iron Harvest, as well as in Rocket League. All I can say is that if there was a bottleneck in doing better in any of those games, that bottleneck was me.

Lastly, I want to quickly mention the iCue software used to remap buttons, change RGB lighting, or adjust settings like putting the mouse in left-handed mode or enabling all side buttons. I’ve used the software for a long time in the course of testing Corsair products and have gotten used to it. Once you get iCue, it’s easy to use, but it does have a little bit of a learning curve. Be patient and you’ll be able to unlock just as much from the Corsair M75 Wireless as any other mouse.

Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse?

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Corsair M75 Wireless Mouse

• Used regularly for a week
• Tested with different genres of games
• Fully tested all features

I used the Corsair M75 Wireless as well as its non-wired sibling regularly for a week, playing fast-paced games like Battlefield 2042 and Rocket League, as well as RTS games like Iron Harvest, not to mention less demanding titles like Starfield.

I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course. I played with the M75’s programmable features, including remapping and adjusting RGB, and also looked at how easy it was to remove and replace the side buttons.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and mice, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

• First reviewed June 2024

Razer Viper V3 Pro review

The Razer Viper V3 Pro, as the name implies, is touted as a gaming mouse fit for professionals, with endorsements and development feedback from various esports stars. A follow-up to the Viper V2 Pro, the V3 is even lighter and has a new optical sensor for purportedly greater precision and control.

For a gaming peripheral, the Razer Viper V3 Pro's styling isn’t as brash as you might expect. It seems that Razer has toned down its adolescent designs for the most part, and the Viper V3 Pro continues in this newly established tradition. It's very minimal and sleek, with just a single instance of the Razer logo, positioned toward the back. It's barely visible on the black variant, as the outline is almost the same shade as the finish. On the white model, the logo remains black, but it’s still pleasantly restrained.

At just 54g (55g for the white variant), it’s very easy to maneuver, helped by the wide PTFE feet that make for frictionless gliding across multiple surfaces, including glass at least 4mm thick.

The low overall weight means acceleration is very fast – ideal for rapid swipes with low DPI settings – so it can hold its own against many of the best gaming mice when playing tactical shooters and the like. I did find the sharp cursor movement quite jarring at first, though. 

To help with this issue, you can adjust the tracking cut-off height in the free Razer Synapse software, which offers to install itself as soon as you connect the Viper V3 Pro. Synapse is a historically wonky piece of software, but it does the job well here. Higher settings reduce the snappiness of cursor movements, and you can even toggle asymmetric cut-off values, letting you set different height values for lift-off and landing. The V3 has 26 height adjustment values, whereas the V2 only had three, courtesy of the second-generation Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor.

The Viper V3 Pro feels slender in the hand and the overall shape seems to accommodate various grip styles. It also comes with optional grip tape you can adhere to the sides and mouse buttons, should you prefer that extra level of tactility. However, the hump in the middle is quite pronounced, which made me curl my hand more than I’m accustomed to, and forced me away from a fuller grip in the palm, so those who prefer this may want to take note.

The mouse buttons feel snappy and only require a light press, yet they are well-dampened and lubed, with a satisfying click that provides good feedback for your actions. There are indentations on both buttons to keep your fingers in position, which I found improved comfort during long sessions.

A pair of side buttons and a scroll wheel are the only extra topside features, but they perform excellently. The buttons are easy to use in the heat of the moment, being large and responsive enough to be found and pressed easily with the thumb. The scroll wheel is tightly notched while still being smooth, making for quick and accurate selections every time. The lack of a fast-scrolling mode, however, was a minor gripe of mine away from gaming, as navigating web pages and documents can feel too slow at times. 

Pressing down on the scroll wheel button is incisive and tactile, and like the main mouse buttons, it's pre-lubed for smoother actuation. It gave me the confidence to use it without fear of accidentally scrolling the wheel. There's no side tilt input function, but for most gamers, this would've been an unnecessary inclusion.

The Viper V3 Pro is capable of DPI resolutions all the way up to 35,000, an increase over the V2, which peaked at 30,000. Settings this high, though, will frankly be unusable in most cases. If you’re using an 8K monitor, it may prove useful, but these remain rare, especially in the competitive gaming world, where 1080p and 1440p resolutions still reign supreme. The lowest possible DPI setting is 100, and the adjustments are available in single increments using Synapse software – another improvement over the V2 – meaning any gamer will be able to dial in the perfect amount of precision. The X and Y axes can also be adjusted independently. 

The DPI/power switch is on the underside of the mouse, which some may find inconvenient. But if you're a pro-level player, you want your mouse to be as utilitarian as possible, without any unnecessary accouterments that might interfere with gameplay. I was also able to wrap my middle finger underneath if I needed to adjust it since it's positioned to the right-hand side, making for easier access.

The Viper V3 Pro can be connected wirelessly or with the included USB-C cable. However, due to the thickness of the cable, I found it caused a noticeable amount of drag, which is particularly bothersome given the extremely light weight of the mouse itself. 

Using the Viper V3 Pro wirelessly is certainly a better experience. The included dongle (there’s no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity) can elevate the poll rate all the way up to 8,000Hz (which Razer dubs “HyperPolling”), whereas a wired connection maxes out at 1,000Hz. This isn't a case where the dongle is a tiny USB attachment; here, it's a full-length cable with a transmitter on one end that needs to be placed near the mouse. Thankfully, due to the length of the USB cable, the dongle can be positioned comfortably within a desktop setup for minimal interference. During my time in this mode, I had nothing but flawless connectivity, with no dropouts or noticeable lag whatsoever.

Razer claims that the Viper V3 Pro battery life can last up to 95 hours, and I have to say that during my tests, this figure seemed to hold true. After just over an hour of continuous gaming from a full charge, the Viper V3 Pro only dropped a single percentage. Charging is also fast, and I managed to go from 28% to 72% in around 50 minutes. It's worth noting that the higher poll rates will drain the battery faster, however.

Despite the relative dearth of physical buttons on the Viper V3 Pro, the number of customization options via the Synapse software is mind-boggling. All buttons can be remapped to perform other functions besides their usual defaults – even the left click can be modified to have a secondary function when activating Hypershift mode. Multiple profiles can also be created to easily switch between your desired set of customizations. 

Customizable functions range from simple Windows system-level actions – macOS isn’t supported – such as opening an app or putting your PC to sleep to creating a sniper button or cycling DPI resolutions (which rectifies the inaccessibility of the DPI button). You can also record keyboard shortcuts, activate individual keys, and write blocks of text with the press of a single button. The text option even features a full character list with virtually every possible symbol, including those in other languages, and emojis. It’s hard to imagine who would make use of all these functions with their mouse alone, but the fact that Synapse offers this much scope is impressive nonetheless. 

There's also the ability to record your own macros and assign them to a mouse button of your choice. (Adding the Macros menu to your instance of Synapse may mean installing the add-on in the Modules menu). It lets you record any input from your mouse and keyboard (even non-Razer ones), adjust their delay times, and set up loops. You can also run commands, and even run macros within other macros. 

All of this, in addition to the calibration and setup tools, make Synapse an extremely involved piece of peripheral software with an incredible amount of tweakability. It is the ideal companion for the Viper V3 Pro, which similarly aims for top-level performance – and for the most part, it hits the target. 

Razer Viper V3 Pro: Price and availability

• $159 / £159 / AU$279
• Black and White options
• Available now

The Razer Viper V3 Pro is priced at $159 / £159 / AU$279 and comes in two color schemes: black or white. Thanks to the symmetrical design, both right- and left-handers are catered for. It was released on April 23, 2024. 

This is Razer’s lightest full-size gaming mouse. The next lightest full-size mouse in its esports line, the DeathAdder V3 Pro, is almost 10g heavier. There is, however, a smaller version – the Viper Mini Signature Edition – which tips the scales at a mere 1.72oz / 49g. This is priced much higher, though, at $279 / £279 / AU$449.

Other lightweight contenders include the ASUS TUF Gaming M4 Air, which comes in at 1.76oz / 50g and is much lower in price ($49 / £39 / AU$69), but it has no wireless option.  

Razer Viper V3 Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Viper V3 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Viper V3 Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Viper V3 Pro

• Tested for gaming and general use
• Played competitive FPS and strategy games
• Over a decade of PC gaming experience

I used the Viper V3 Pro for over a week in various scenarios, from gaming to productivity and general use.

I played FPS games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Black Mesa, as well as strategy games like XCOM 2, to cover each end of the gaming spectrum.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade and for the most part, I measured the Viper V3 Pro against my erstwhile companion, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

Well, that’s a wrap on another Apple showcase – the ‘Let Loose’ live event gave us a host of new tech to look forward to, from a shiny new Apple Pencil Pro to the iPad Pro 13-inch, now equipped with the powerful M4 chip.

The event also gave us a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad, which was a welcome inclusion, but there’s still one Apple accessory that I absolutely hate, and wish Apple would show some love to. Of course, I’m talking about the Magic Mouse.

The iconic Magic Mouse has remained virtually unchanged in terms of design since its release in 2009, and while it feels good to use thanks to its clean design and multi-touch gesture support, it’s frankly not a great mouse. Not only is it expensive, but it also lacks any side buttons, doesn’t utilize its multi-touch capabilities enough, and worst of all: the charging port is on the bottom!

Time for a redesign

With Apple making waves in the AI space as well as forging ahead with new silicon in the M4 chip, it’s about time that the humble Magic Mouse got a redesign. It doesn’t need to be anything huge; just accept that convenience is better than aesthetics and no mouse should be unusable while charging. I personally use a trusty Logitech G502 Lightspeed as my day-to-day mouse at home, which I can plug in and keep using whenever it runs low on battery.

Apple has something of a history of prioritizing form over function, from the lack of buttons on the 3rd-generation iPod Shuffle to the ridiculous charging method for the original Apple Pencil. The Magic Mouse is probably the most egregious example of this – having to flip the mouse upside down to charge it is just absurd, reducing its functionality for the sake of a ‘more perfect’ appearance. The long battery life is no excuse, Apple.

I’m hoping we’ll see an overhaul for the Magic Mouse – and possibly the Magic Keyboard for Mac, another (admittedly far superior) accessory that could also use a fresh look – at Apple’s WWDC 2024 event in June. With the M4 chip now officially revealed, we’re likely to see predictions of a new M4 Mac and MacBook lineup come true – so hopefully Mac accessories won’t be left behind.

You might also like...

• New iPad prices explained: how much do Apple's new Air and Pro models cost?
• A maxed-out iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) costs more than a base MacBook Pro – and that's a dilemma
• The Apple M4 chip’s AI performance just leaked – and it might not be what you expected

BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Two-minute review

The BenQ Zowie EC2-CW is a no-frills wireless gaming mouse intended for high-level esports play. It trades flashy specs and extraneous features for supremely reliable performance and comfortable ergonomics, making it easy to recommend if you’re searching for a plug-and-play mouse specifically for use in competitive first-person shooter (FPS) titles like Counter-Strike 2. For everyone outside of that niche, however, the high asking price and plain design mean that you’re likely to be better served by more mainstream options.

A wireless version of the existing Zowie EC2-C, which is a popular pick for professional FPS players, the Zowie EC2-CW sports a highly ergonomic right-handed asymmetrical factor that fits in your palm like a glove. It remains impressively comfortable over extended periods of use, which is especially important if you’re going to be undertaking lengthy practice sessions.

While I personally experienced the highest level of comfort with the medium-sized EC2-CW, there are also two additional models available: the EC1-CW and the EC3-CW. The EC1-CW is longer and wider and the EC3-CW is a little shorter. Each version differs by a few grams in weight but is otherwise identical in terms of features. I suspect that the EC2-CW is going to be the best option for the majority of players, but it's still excellent to see alternatives for those with bigger or smaller hands. That said, there isn’t a single model that is suitable for left-handed users at the moment which is a disappointment.

Although manufacturer BenQ declined to offer any exact details regarding the construction materials and components used in the mouse, making them seem like some kind of closely guarded trade secret, it’s safe to say that the exterior is made of a smooth black matt plastic. This means that I also can’t say for sure what kind of micro switches are used for the main buttons, but can vouch for their satisfying level of actuation depth and ability to provide accurate, clean inputs. The mouse also features two additional buttons on its left side, which are both generously sized and fit well under the thumb thanks to their slightly curved shape. 

The scroll wheel is made of a rubberized material, with pronounced ribs. Scrolling uses a careful notched motion that requires a fair amount of force to turn, which took me a little while to get used to. In the long run, however, the more precise controls proved extremely beneficial and helped prevent any unfortunate accidental weapon-switches in even the most high-intensity moments of ranked Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Hidden just below the scroll wheel are three miniscule white LED lights. These illuminate while the mouse is receiving power, denoting the current charge level on a scale of one to three. It's a useful way to keep track of your remaining battery life which is quoted to last roughly 70 hours - a figure that I found was generally accurate no matter my choice of settings. On the underside of the mouse, you will find the mode switch (which alternates between wired and wireless mode), a report rate switch button, and a DPI switch button. LED lights positioned alongside intuitive labels show your current report rate, which can be switched between 125 Hz, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz. 

There is also an RGB LED denoting your current sensitivity, which can be raised to a limit of 3,200 DPI. This is quite a modest figure, ten times lower than the 32,000 DPI of other premium mice like the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2. While this might be a dealbreaker for some, most professional Counter-Strike 2 players actually tend to favor a sensitivity as low as 400 DPI or 800 DPI. Handily, both a 400 DPI and 800 DPI mode are built-in - an essential addition when there is no available companion software meaning the mouse is restricted to its range of out-of-the-box presets. 

Another area where the Zowie EC2-CW appears to be behind the competition is in its relatively hefty weight of 2.79oz (79g). This is higher than many other wireless gaming mice at this price range, but seems to be a considered choice rather than an oversight. Playing at 800 DPI, the weight lends a fantastic level of precision that would simply wouldn’t be able to achieve otherwise. Accidental movement is almost impossible, helping you keep your sights on target in titles where one pixel of inaccuracy can cost your team the win. A replacement set of adhesive skates is also provided in the box, ensuring that you can keep the level of friction consistent if the set that comes preinstalled begins to wear out.

Even though the mouse can be charged through a front USB-C port using the lengthy cable packed in the box, which is also used for wired play, it comes packed with its own compact charging dock. The mouse connects to the dock through two metal contacts on its underside, easily slotting into place. In addition to providing easy charging, the dock doubles as a wireless receiver, reducing the potential for signal interference by drastically cutting down the distance that would be present with a traditional wireless dongle. I've suffered from the occasional signal dropout or odd moment latency using other wireless mice via a wireless dongle, but did not experience anything of the kind with the Zowie EC2-CW with its wireless receiver. 

It’s a fantastic inclusion on the whole, especially when you consider that it’s quite compact and easy to fit into your setup. Although using the wireless receiver is definitely the way to go, a more conventional USB receiver and dongle extender are also included here giving you plenty of options. 

If you have the budget to spend and truly value reliability and performance in competitive FPS titles above leading specs and a flashy design, it’s easy to recommend the Zowie EC2-CW. If that’s not you, however, be sure to check out some of the top alternatives listed later on.

BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $119.99 / £129.99 / AU$179
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Zowie EC2-CW costs $119.99 / £129.99 / AU$179. It is readily available in the US, UK, and Australia either directly from BenQ or via third-party retailers like Amazon. Although this is very much a high-end price tag, it comes in slightly cheaper than some of the leading alternatives such as the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition, which costs $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$189.

Given the more modest specs of this mouse, you’re definitely paying a large premium for the ergonomic shape and wireless receiver. If you’re willing to compromise on the wireless connectivity, you can pick up the wired Zowie EC2 for just $44.99 / £64.99 / AU$99 which boasts the same fantastic design. If you are set on a wireless gaming mouse, however, the comfort offered by the Zowie EC2-CW definitely makes it worth considering even at this lofty price.

BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Specs

Should you buy the BenQ Zowie EC2-CW?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Also consider

How I tested the BenQ Zowie EC2-CW

• Tested for three months
• Tested with top esports titles
• Used daily for both work and gaming

I spent three whole months using the Zowie EC2-CW as my main mouse. This meant daily use for productivity tasks and internet browsing, plus a lot of gaming.

While I predominantly focused on PC esports FPS titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, I also played plenty of other games. This included lots of nefarious scheming in Evil Genius 2, a playthrough of The Caligula Effect: Overdose, some Team Fortress 2 with friends, and more. I made sure to test the mouse using its wireless receiver, in addition to its wireless dongle and a wired USB-C connection.

As a hardware writer at TechRadar covering gaming hardware, I have no shortage of hands-on experience with gaming peripherals. In addition to maintaining our guide to the best mice for CS:GO and CS2, I’m a dedicated FPS player with an almost embarrassing number of hours spent in all the latest and greatest titles.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2024

Apple has a real knack for designing great products, which makes the awkward choices evident in the Magic Mouse even more obvious. Yet Apple seems to be hard at work on ways to improve the device, and while we can’t say whether it will fix the upside-down charging fiasco, there are encouraging signs pointing towards some interesting new features on the horizon.

That’s because a fresh patent from Apple has revealed a few of the company’s ideas for improving the Magic Mouse and expanding it into new areas. There’s no guarantee we’ll see any of these ideas put into action, but they at least show that Apple is not happy to rest on its laurels.

In the patent, Apple talks a lot about mouse sensors and how they could be used to detect when a user is tilting the mouse. The idea is that this new action could give you another way to interact with on-screen content, beyond the usual clicking and moving of the mouse.

For instance, the patent says that “the desired function can be any function carried out by the computing device, whether visibly apparent on a display screen of the computing device or not.” In other words, you might use this function to zoom in or out, adjust the brightness or volume, change a brush size, or something else.

Rotating, rolling and more

Apple doesn’t just focus on tilting a mouse in its patent – it also discusses how you might be able to rotate a mouse to carry out other actions. 

In its accompanying illustrations, Apple depicts a variety of circular-shaped mice that are quite unlike anything the company currently produces. If anything, they are reminiscent of the infamous “hockey puck” mouse that came with the iMac G3 and may well send shivers up the spine of anyone who remembers struggling with that particular pointer.

Interestingly, while Apple says that a mouse’s tilted position could unlock extra functionality, the transition into that new position could itself be useful. For instance, Apple says that rolling a curved mouse could be used to adjust inputs “in a similar manner to rotating a dial or spinning a sphere of a thumb ball mouse.”

There are a lot of ideas discussed in the patent, and some of them sound more practical than others. But what’s clear is that Apple is interested in new ways of using a very familiar device. If the company can pull off a new and interesting way to use the Magic Mouse, it might go some way to restoring that product’s reputation to the place Apple would like it to be.

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It's happening with astonishing speed: the end of the line for Lightning ports on virtually all Apple devices. Now, with Apple's Scary Fast event just days away, rumors say Apple will transform its key Mac peripherals and pound the final nail in the decade-plus-old interface's coffin.

Yes, I read through Bloomberg Mark Gurman's extensive "preview": of everything Apple might launch on October 30th at 8pm ET. It's mostly what's accepted as general wisdom on the topic: M3 chips (possible multiple Apple silicon reveals), 24-inch iMac (maybe a 27-incher, too), M3 MacBooks (possibly of the Pro variant), and maybe even an M3 iPad Pro or two. I know, a lot for a late October event no one saw coming.

But nestled in there was this bit:

"As part of a broader shift to USB-C connectors, the company will likely roll out updated versions of accessories – including its trackpad, mouse and keyboard – that ditch the old Lightning ports"

That's a bigger deal than you might think.

The shift from lightning to USB-C started slowly but, in recent years and months has accelerated. Most believe that the uptick in pace is due to the newly stringent European Union requirements for compatibility over proprietary port and charge formats. Apple pushed back initially, but soon accelerated plans that were likely already in place to walk away from its, in the Apple ecosystems at least, ubiquitous port and cable system. It hasn't been that hard. Apple has considerable experience migrating a pair of product categories (iPods and iPhones) from 30-pin to lightning in 2012.

This is the end

I've watched as Macs walked away from USB-3 ports years ago in favor of USB-C; iPads soon followed suit, giving up both USB-3 and then swapping all their Lightning ports for USB-C connections too. Just a month ago, Apple introduced USB-C on all iPhone 15 phones.

In the mop-up of remaining port outliers, Apple has even scrubbed Lightning plugs from the Apple Pencil, introducing a new low-cost model that has its own USB-C port: Apple Pencil (USB-C).

What's left? As far as I can tell, just those accessories. Apple's three elegant Mac peripherals are exemplars of the Apple aesthetic, from the glass, and aluminum materials and sleek lines right down to the enduring and bizarre decision to place the Magic Mouse lightning charge port on the bottom of the mouse instead of the back. At least on the keyboard and trackpad, Apple had the good sense to put the port on the back.

With that in mind, I doubt that if Apple does make this the last Lightning port execution, it will do much to change the look and feel of its thin and light keyboard or glass-surfaced Trackpad 2.

Also an opportunity

The Magic Mouse is another matter, of course. I hope that Apple does take this opportunity to rethink that design. A USB-C port on the back of the touch-surface mouse should be no big deal. Apple has already shown its willingness to put a port almost anywhere with the new Apple Pencil (USB-C).

If Apple does that and says goodbye to these remaining Lightning ports, it may finally be the end of this venerable port technology.

As I wrote in May 2022, "It’s time for Apple’s Lightning port to die. You know it, I know it, and Apple knows it." I counseled that you should not weep for the Lightning port. Sure, you are about to have a lot of useless USB-3 or USB-C-to-Lightning cables, but many of them are probably on their last legs anyway.

Not everyone agrees entirely with my prediction. Market analyst group Creative Strategies Chairman and long-time Apple watcher Tim Bajarin agrees there's a "distinct possibility" this could happen. However, he added in an email to me, that it might not happen "necessarily all at once. I do believe they are committed to a phased transition to USB-C but when they make the switch will be based on strategic objectives not because they feel pressure to do it."

Even if Apple chooses to update just the Magic Mouse, it will get to the trackpad and keyboard in due course. This transition is the way of the technology world. We innovate and introduce new ways of connecting. They come with new software and hardware, new cables, and finally, new ports and plugs. Then we speed up the components, rewrite the software, and look to remove bottlenecks by updating the port technology. That means new ports, new plugs, and new cables.

It's a tale written by dead serial, SCSI, parallel, and micro-USB ports and cables long before the first Lightning cable arrived. It's also one that will also be recounted, someday, by USB-C, as well. In our digital world, nothing lasts forever.

I'm oddly okay with that.

By the way, if you were thinking about buying one of these Mac accessories, now might be the time to wait for either the new stuff or steep Black Friday deals on remaining inventories of the old Lightning port versions.

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Microsoft has been trying to get users to switch to its Edge browser for quite some time now, but this brand-new feature that’s been released for it may tip the odds in its favor.

Microsoft Edge finally has mouse gesture support available for testing in its preview versions. According to Neowin, enabling support requires adding a command to Edge’s shortcut as Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the launch of this tool. It’s still available for anyone to use, though, unlike other preview features and changes that the tech giant pushed down in the past.

Mouse gestures work by letting you perform a variety of actions when you move the mouse while holding the right-click button. The browser then highlights those mouse tracks while showing a hint of what action your gesture will trigger. Though you can customize gestures by navigating through the Settings menu, then Appearances and Mouse Gestures, you can’t customize shortcuts just yet. Hopefully, Microsoft will fix that in a future update.

At present, mouse gestures are only available in Microsoft Edge 114 and later for Edge Beta, Dev, and Canary, though it should be coming to the Stable Channel soon. Deskmodder has instructions on how to enable mouse gestures for Edge right now, until Microsoft launches it officially:

1. Go to edge://settings/help and ensure you have Edge 114 or newer.
2. Right-click your Microsoft Edge shortcut and select Properties. You can also right-click Microsoft Edge on the taskbar, then right-click Microsoft Edge in the jump list, and then press Properties.
3. Click the Target field in the Properties window and place one space after the path, then paste the following command: --enable-features=msEdgeMouseGestureDefaultEnabled,msEdgeMouseGestureSupported
4. Click Ok to save the changes.
5. Launch Microsoft Edge using the modified shortcut.

Microsoft is the champion of accessibility 

Microsoft has a proven track record for incorporating convenience and accessibility features into its products and services. For instance, its Edge Collections system allows you to build folders of bookmarks to keep them organized, while Microsoft Edge for Business improves cyber security for workers by automatically separating work and personal browsing into dedicated browser windows. And it also has the tools selection, which has web capture, read-aloud accessibility features, and more built right into the browser.

There’s also the excellent Microsoft Adaptive Accessories that give those with disabilities a set of 3D-printed and customization mice to perform a wide range of tasks in an equally wide range of designs that work for all sorts of conditions. And these mice would be a perfect complement to the mouse gestures feature.

Now if only Microsoft could actually convince users to switch to its Edge browser without being so overbearing. A better method would be to instead showcase all the incredible features Edge has to offer.

Logitech is back with several new computer accessories aimed at the professional user to help improve workplace productivity.

Chief among them is the MX Anywhere 3S, a wireless mouse sporting a similar design as its predecessor, the Anywhere 3. Rather than changing how it looks, Logitech focused on improving the internal hardware by adding a new 8,000 DPI (dots per inch) optical sensor. According to the announcement, the upgraded sensor allows the Anywhere 3S to work “on virtually any surface”, most notably on glass. Optical mice typically don’t work well on glass surfaces since the laser goes through the material instead of reflecting back as it should. The fact that this device does work on glass makes it more versatile than the older model.

Speaking of improvements, the Anywhere 3S comes equipped with the company’s own Quiet Click technology to muffle button clicking. It’s a small change, but one your co-workers and cohabitators (hello, remote workers) will appreciate. Apart from these two inclusions, the Anywhere 3S shares a lot of the same features as the Anywhere 3, including compatibility with all major operating systems (OS) and a battery life of 70 days. We should mention there’s no accompanying dongle since it comes with Bluetooth already installed for “seamless connectivity” (it’s also one less thing to lose).

You can pre-order the MX Anywhere 3S right now for $79.99 USD in four different colors (Graphite, Pale Grey, Rose, and Black). In the UK and Australia, the mouse will retail for £89.99 and AU$139.95, respectively, in three individual colors (Black is omitted). The launch date is set for June 6.

Workplace keyboard

Alongside the Anywhere 3S, Logitech revealed the MX Keys S Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard. Quite the mouthful of a name, but it does hint at the main smart illumination feature. When the keyboard’s proximity sensors detect a pair of hands getting close, the keys automatically light up – useful when pulling an all-nighter. The brightness and duration of the backlights can be adjusted via the Logi Options Plus mobile app.

Other notable features include the Smart Actions to "automate repetitive tasks" via keyboard macros, plus a 10-day battery life with the backlights turned on. With the lights off, that battery can last you a whopping five months on a single charge. 

The MX Keys S is currently available for purchase internationally in three different forms. You have the standard keyboard in the same four colors mentioned earlier for $109.99 USD (£109.99/AU$229.95. Black remains exclusive to the United States. There’s the MX Keys Mini for $99.99 (£109.99/AU$179.95). This model is similar to the standard keyboard except it omits the number pad. Finally, you have the MX Keys S Combo which throws in an MX Master 3S mouse and Palm Rest. It retails for $199.99 (£199.99/AU$399.95).

If you want to further improve your workplace productivity, we recommend getting yourself a nice chair. After all, since you’re going to be spending most of your day sitting, you might as well be comfortable.

Be sure to check TechRadar’s list of the best office chairs. 

Cooler Master MM712: Two-minute review

Whenever a product gets overhauled, it better be worth it. And, that’s certainly the case with the Cooler Master MM712. This update of the MM711 eschews the honeycomb design meant to minimize its weight for a more conventional, and frankly better, looking mouse. Add to that an upgraded sensor and multiple forms of connectivity, and there’s little reason to go back to this model’s predecessor (except if you find it on a deep sale).

However, we have a lot of choices beyond just what Cooler Master happens to offer, so you still have to consider how the MM712 compares to the competition. Depending on your needs, you might consider this the best gaming mouse for you. There are plenty of people that won’t, chief among them competitive gamers. 

As we’ll talk about, the MM712 has some limitations that will hinder certain types of gaming where having quick access to DPI changes is a necessity. However, if you don’t need something like a Sniper button, and mostly play games like Death Stranding or Red Dead Redemption 2 like I do, then you’ll find little to fault. In fact, for my personal needs, I would rank it up there with the best wireless mice to use for both work and pleasure.

On the surface, the Cooler Master MM712 is somewhat basic and almost nondescript. Available in matte black and matte white, it has a symmetrical, ambidextrous design that may not stand out from the crowd but does make it perfectly usable for any lefties out there. The only bit of color, besides some gray accents on the white version, is an RGB outline on the palm rest in the shape of the Cooler Master logo.

While it’s not going to excite anyone the way something like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro will, the MM712 is still a well-designed mouse. Most notably, Cooler Master has managed to make it just 58g (0.13 lbs) without using that love-it-or-hate-it honeycomb shell that most lightweight mice like the MM711 use. Additionally, some very effective PTFE feet for frictionless gliding means using it requires very little effort.

Possibly my favorite part of what the MM712 has to offer is its multiple forms of connectivity as it has wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.1 connections available, making it easy to use with multiple sources. Additionally, if you need to use it in wired mode, the ultraweave cable is made so that you won’t feel it pull as you move your mouse around.

Where the mouse falls flat a little is in its button layout. The Cooler Master MM712 comes with the typical six buttons that you’ll find on the majority of standard gaming mice. However, the DPI button is not right behind the middle wheel as is normal. Instead, it’s underneath where you’ll find the dongle garage and power button. That means that you have to either remap one of your side buttons, losing them for other potential uses, or literally pick up the mouse every time you want to change the DPI.

But, at least it’s fast. While I can’t imagine anyone actually needing 19,000 DPI, the Cooler Master MM712 can reach those lofty heights thanks to its optical sensor. Yes, there are mice with even higher DPI on hand, but I found its DPI range far more than adequate, whether I was trying to take out counter-terrorists in CS:GO or secure a base in Battlefield 2042. 

To keep with the speedy performance, the MM712 also uses optical switches for near-instantaneous responses. Though the company doesn’t mention its actuation or debounce specs, even a light pressure will result in a press, so you should have no issue spamming enemies in your favorite games.

With a polling rate of 1,000Hz, performance is not only fast but smooth. Though it’s true that you’ll find some mice with even higher polling rates, this is just like the DPI where that extra bit of performance is, in my opinion, beyond what we can perceive so won’t make much difference to any but the most perceptive gamer.

However, there is one specific issue that registers all that fantastic performance moot for any gamer that needs a Sniper button. While the mouse can be customized in quite a few ways through the Master Plus app – you can remap every button including the DPI button underneath to all sorts of mouse, keyboard, and macro functions – you can’t create a Sniper button. It’s just not available in the software. So, if you need that, you’ll have to create a workaround by creating a Macro or giving up the two side buttons so that you can switch between two DPI settings. Considering this mouse is marketed towards gamers, this is quite the omission and one that should be easily fixed through a firmware update. But as it currently stands, you’ll have to live without the Sniper function ability or look for a different mouse to use when playing competitive games.

At least, the battery life is good. In 2.4GHz Wireless mode, the MM712 can reach up to 80 hours before needing to recharge, while Bluetooth mode will give 180 hours. If you keep the RGB on, that will bring those numbers down a bit. That said, in a week of constant use, switching between both wireless modes, I had to only charge once.

Having that solid battery life is especially nice for my needs as I have a multi-computer setup where I constantly switch between a MacBook Pro and a gaming computer. And, I can do all that with just this one mouse. I don’t need to worry about the battery or the performance. I only really need to adjust when it comes to messing with the DPI or playing without a Sniper button. It also helps that this mouse is fairly cheap.

Cooler Master MM712: Price & availability

• How much does it cost?  $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

At $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99, the Cooler Master MM712 is not quite budget-level. However, that’s still a pretty reasonable price for an incredibly lightweight mouse with superb gaming performance. When you take into account the multiple forms of connectivity, this model’s value far outweighs its cost.

For comparison, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, which does come with some additional features and more impressive performance stats, goes for over double the price at $159 / £159 / AU$289. Why am I comparing a mid-range mouse with a flagship one? Because I was using the Basilisk V3 Pro before switching to the MM712, and the MM712 has mostly kept up.

Even looking at more mid-range options, the Cooler Master MM712 looks like quite the deal. The Roccat Kain 202 Aimo is a pretty solid wireless mouse with some great performance but doesn’t have Bluetooth and comes in at a higher $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$218. 

•  Price: 5 / 5 

Cooler Master MM712: Specs

Should you buy the Cooler Master MM712?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Cooler Master MM712: Also consider

How I tested the Cooler Master MM712

• Tested over a week
• Tested with different and different kinds of games
• All included features were explored

To test the Cooler Master MM712, I spent a week with it, playing all sorts of games from fast-paced titles like Battefield 2042 and CS:GO to adventure and open-world titles like Control and Far Cry 6.

While testing, I spent plenty of time checking the feel and responsiveness of the mouse, specifically the buttons and sensor. I used all the different forms of connectivity and played around with the app to see everything it could do.

Having spent the last few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and otherwise, I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation. And, I’ve spent even longer playing computer games so I have an understanding of what gamers look for to get the most out of their titles.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

Microsoft is to stop manufacturing its own-branded peripherals - such as mice, keyboards, and webcams - for the first time since the 1980s, but there’s a catch.

The news follows a conversation between senior communications manager Dan Laycock and The Verge, which spelled out the end for Microsoft peripherals.

While it’s unlikely that they will become collectors’ items, Microsoft isn’t to stop selling peripherals altogether. Instead, it will build its existing Surface portfolio in an effort to try to appeal to more consumers.

Microsoft Surface only

The company’s Surface range of products currently includes a series of budget and high-end laptops and tablets, as well as a single all-in-one desktop targeted at professional users.

To match their Surface-branded hardware, buyers can opt for Surface-branded peripherals that include a variety of mice, keyboards, keyboard cases for tablets, styluses, and a selection of docks.

The company has also dabbled in the audio market with headphones and earphones, indicating a willingness to expand, which ties in with the latest announcement that it would indeed focus on its Surface brand.

Laycock explained to The Verge: “We will continue to offer a range of Surface branded PC Accessories - including mice, keyboards, pens, docks, adaptive accessories, and more.”

There are some areas currently untouched by the Surface brand, including webcams. TechRadar Pro has asked Microsoft about plans to expand its produce range.

As for Microsoft-branded accessories, they will remain on sale for as long as supplies last at their current price points, which are typically a fair chunk cheaper than their Surface counterparts, so if you’re after a bargain, act fast.

• Check out the best productivity apps to use on your Surface or other PC

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless: Two-minute review

If it seems like big-name brand gaming mice are getting pricey, then the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless should help ease your mind. It joins the growing lot of lightweight wireless gaming mice, which apparently is the new trend according to manufacturers, but instead of going the expensive route and charging you the wireless tax, it’s gone the other way, which should already endear it to the economizing set.

But, HyperX goes further than slapping a budget price tag on it. The Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless is also lighter, longer-lasting, and leans heavily on wireless connectivity by offering both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, beating out my previous favorite, the legendary Razer Deathadder V3 Pro, as well as other excellent offerings from Razer and Glorious. HyperX also throws in RGB lighting for good measure, because honestly, what is gaming without it?

This isn’t just one of the best wireless mice on the market today. It’s also among the best gaming mice, especially in terms of value.

With the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless, the brand is hoping to throw another hat into the fast-and-highly-accurate mouse ring. That hinges a lot on the mouse’s weight and sensor, which is why this one only weighs in at 61g, making it 2g lighter than the Deathadder V3 Pro, 7g lighter than the Glorious O2 Wireless, and only 3g heavier than the Razer Viper V2 Pro. 

Unlike the Deathadder V3 Pro, however, it takes on a more symmetrical form, which makes it leftie-friendly, without taking away support, especially from palm-grip gamers. I found that the nice bump on the palm rest smoothly leads to the nicely-indented left and right buttons that suit my hand well, providing the support it badly needs.

Neither side of the mouse is textured for better grippage, but I never found them necessary. My thumb, index, and pinkie fingers all sit comfortably without causing my wrist any fatigue, which is all I could ask for. If you do need a bit of extra help, however, grip tapes – as well as replacement PTFE skates or feet – come included in the box to give you options.

There are several things the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless does better than the competition, and design-wise, those include the lit-up scroll wheel, which also doubles as an indicator light (it turns red when it’s running low on juice), and the USB receiver garage located at the base. As someone who is constantly losing those pesky things, the latter is certainly much appreciated.

Another mention-worthy extra here is its wireless adapter, which I don’t think is all that necessary since you can plug the wireless receiver directly into your PC and it works just fine. You can also connect via Bluetooth as well as use wired connectivity if you need to charge and use it at the same time.

Back to the PTFE skates, some may find them too smooth and low-friction for your taste. That’s especially if you’re not using the right mouse pad or desk pad with the mouse. You understand where HyperX is going with this – the smoother the glide, the lower friction there is, the faster your movements are, and the less fatiguing it is for you. However, the key with these skates is to use the ideal surface. I tested it with two different desk pads, and I found that it’s better to use it on a soft pad with higher friction.

Performance-wise, I cannot complain. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless has the usual 1,000Hz polling rate, which is standard and more than enough for most gamers. But it also comes with a new HyperX 26K sensor and new HyperX switches, which are rated at 100M clicks. And gaming with it has been pretty fast and accurate, whether I’m in the middle of a Cyberpunk 2077 shootout or I’m battling supernatural enemies in Kena: Bridge of Spirits. 

I have found, however, that I need to exert a bit of effort for control when I’m not making fast movements – for example, when I’m playing Hogwarts Legacy or when I’m using it for work. Not too much that it ends up being fatiguing, but enough that I catch myself doing it every now and then. But, that happens more with my natural linoleum pad than my actual gaming mouse pad.

I found the switches on this mouse have a little more resistance to them than the ones on my Razer ones, but not to the point where they’re a little more fatiguing. In fact, most of the time, I don’t even notice that resistance. But, it is noticeable some of the time, especially when you’re gaming.

At least the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless beats others out in terms of battery life. At full charge, this delivers up to 100 hours of gameplay. While I didn’t exactly time it, I have more than once gone a week without charging it, using it for more or less 12 hours a day with RGB lighting on.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $89.99 / £94.99 / AU$149
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Much cheaper than its direct rivals, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless will set you back $89.99 / £94.99 / AU$149 in the US, UK, and Australia respectively, and it’s officially available now. That’s actually a very good price of entry for a lightweight wireless gaming mouse, especially considering that the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro and the Razer Viper V2 Pro are both almost twice that price at  $149 / £149 / AU$279. Even the Glorious O2 Wireless is a little pricier at $99 (about £80 / AU$150).

If you want even cheaper options, the Cooler Master MM311 may be a better choice at only $39.99 (about £34, AU$59). 

•  Value: 4 / 5 

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless: Specs

Should you buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless: Also consider

How I tested the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless

• I tested the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless for about three weeks
• I used it for gaming as well as productivity and creative workloads
• I tested it with a bunch of games, Lightroom, Photoshop, and my usual work apps

Using the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless as my main mouse for gaming, productivity, and photo editing on Lightroom and Photoshop for about three weeks, I was able to test it for different use cases. With it primarily being a gaming mouse, however, I did use it to play a bunch of titles, from fast-paced ones to open-world narratives.

I’ve been testing peripherals for years now, first as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing Editors for TechRadar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2023

Glorious O2 Wireless: Two-minute review

When Glorious reached out to me about its new Glorious O2 Wireless gaming mouse, it was hard not to jump at the chance. The brand may not be as widely known as the likes of Razer and Logitech, but it has nurtured a cult status among enthusiasts, especially with its keyboards, one of which I’m in the process of building; a prestigious stamp of approval, knowing how particular the enthusiast communities can be. And, it’s high time that I jump on the Glorious bandwagon. 

Expectations are high when it comes to the Glorious O2 Wireless, however, as its predecessor, the O Wireless, set a lofty standard, garnering top marks from publications and YouTubers alike. It’s got big shoes to fill, so it’s not just a matter of whether or not it’s a great gaming mouse in its own right but also if it’s good enough to carry on the legacy. 

In truth, I have not had the pleasure of testing the original O myself, and I cannot speak for other reviewers who have had that pleasure. But, what I can say is that the O2 Wireless is slightly (more specifically 1g) lighter and longer-lasting then its predecessor. And, it comes with a new and improved optical sensor as well as Bluetooth connectivity. 

Obviously, none of those improvements are necessarily going to automatically make it a better version, but I thought I’d list those anyway for anyone who’s wondering.

 In its own right, the Glorious O2 Wireless is, for lack of a better word, impressive. Though lightweight, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. On the contrary, the hard plastic case feels premium, and its holey design is well-executed, especially with the vivid RGB lighting that the brand thoughtfully lined inside.  

I’m not usually a big fan of lightweight gaming mice with holes on them, but I don’t mind them on this one. It does help that Glorious also lined its sides with more lighting zones, which are just as bright as the ones inside, and finished the design off with subtle and elegant branding. 

Could Glorious have made a lightweight mouse without putting all those holes (on both the palm rest and the bottom panel) that exposes its internals to dust and debris? Razer has proven that with the 64g Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, which is incidentally a personal favorite, and the 58g Razer Viper V2 Pro. But both are also pricier than this $99 (about £80 / AU$150) offering. And none have RGB lighting or as long of a battery life.

And, Glorious has on offer many of the features those other mice have, including app support. The Glorious Core app may not be as intricate as Razer’s software, but it lets you adjust lighting, set key binding, and change settings. 

You can remap all six of the Glorious O2 Wireless’ buttons to other mouse functions, keyboard functions, macros, multimedia shortcuts and more. And, you can customize its lighting and change settings like the DPI, polling rate, debounce time, and lift-off distance, as well as personalize three profiles, all of which you can save in the mouse’ onboard storage. Better yet, you can do all that in a much cleaner, much more user-friendly interface.

If you’re lazy like me and don’t want to bother with the app when changing your RGB lighting, you’ll also be pleased to know that RGB can be adjusted on-the-fly using physical button shortcuts. Press and hold the DPI and scroll wheel then press the right button for brightness, the left button for color, and the side buttons for the lighting effects.

 Just bear in mind that the Glorious O2 Wireless is a little front-heavy. It felt weird to me in the beginning as I’ve been using the extremely well-balanced DeathAdder V3 Pro, but I didn’t find that to get in the way of gaming. This really boils down to your preference – if you like a gaming mouse with just a little more heft for better control, you’ll appreciate this bit. If you’re like me and want your mouse well-balanced… well, you’ll get used to it. 

Speaking of control, while its glide pads work well on both mouse pads and desk surfaces, they do have less grippage, allowing them to glide easier, which in turn should increase your speed during sessions. Not that it needs it with that 26,000 DPI. I still maintain that anything above 1,600 DPI is a gimmick, but then again, I’m not really a pro gamer. 

If you are a pro gamer, by the way, it also works whether you’re connected wirelessly via the 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth or want to use the cable because you don’t want to take any chances during a competition. The cable that comes with the mouse is extremely flexible and easy to handle. Plus, you can always invest in the Glorious Mouse Bungee, $14.99 (about £12 / AU$22), which works well in lessening cable drag and essentially giving you that wireless gaming mouse experience while keeping you tethered.

That brand-new BAMF 2.0 optical sensor works flawlessly and is incredibly fast. I have not perceived any lags during gaming, and my presses and movements have been accurate even at faster speeds when playing Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits. 

I also very much enjoyed the clicky switches used here. All five buttons are satisfying and effortless to press, though the side and DPI buttons do have slightly more resistance than the left and right ones. Finally, the scroll wheel is easy to turn, offering good control without giving your index finger a proper workout.

The battery life is something to behold. While its rivals top out at around 90 to 100 hours, the Glorious O2 Wireless gives you up to 110 hours of gaming when connected to the 2.4GHz wireless receiver and up to 210 hours of gaming via Bluetooth. Yes, that’s on a single full charge.

Glorious O2 Wireless: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $99 (about £80 / AU$150)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Glorious O2 Wireless will set you back $99 (about £80 / AU$150), which may be slightly more expensive than its predecessor but is certainly more affordable than many of its lightweight rivals. That’s not the only thing that makes it a better value. It’s also got vibrant RGB lighting inside and out, as well as a longer battery life.

Now available for purchase at GloriousGaming.com, it’s available in the United States as well as the UK and Australia. International customers may, however, have to wait up to 20 days for delivery, depending on their location.

• Value: 5 / 5

Glorious O2 Wireless: Specs

Should you buy the Glorious O2 Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Glorious O2 Wireless: Also consider

How I tested the Glorious O2 Wireless

• Tested the Glorious O2 Wireless for a week
• Used it for gaming and productivity
• Tested it with faster-paced games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits

I spent a week handling the Glorious O2 Wireless, checking out its features, testing its shortcuts and app, and seeing what it’s made of in gaming. Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits were my games of choice during testing, the former due to its fast-paced moments and the latter being one of my favorite games to play right now.

I also used it for productivity, meaning I was using it for work just to see how it’ll fare as a dual-purpose mouse. After all, not many of us enjoy switching out our mice every time we switch gears from work to play or vice versa.

As a former freelance tech journalist and now an editor in the TechRadar Computing team, I’ve spent years testing computing peripherals including gaming mice. I also handle most of the buying guides on peripherals.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

Among the many gaming mice that stand out recently as especially high-quality are the Logitech G502 X Plus and the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro. Gamers understand that having a high-quality gaming mouse can not only enhance your gaming sessions but also protect your hands from permanent damage. That’s why choosing one with excellent specs and a great ergonomic design is so important, and why gamers are especially discerning when it comes to those features.

Office workers already understand the importance of having the best mouse to improve productivity and work performance, so it’s just as important for gamers to invest in the best gaming mouse that will enhance their sessions and all-around competitive performance.

Now the question remains: which is the best of these two gaming mice? We analyze each based on three criteria: price, design, and performance. From there we break down, based on said categories, which gaming mouse is the all-around best one to buy.

Logitech G502 X Plus VS Razer Basilisk V3 Pro: Price

• Both mice are priced the same in the US
• Same with the UK and Australia

In the US, both the Logitech G502 X Plus and the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro are identical prices, which is around $160. Of course, that’s pretty steep for a mouse period, but getting high-quality is an investment and more than worth the price of admission if you want a mouse that can play hard while supporting your hand and wrist.

The UK and Australia are in a similar predicament with pricing for both mice being around the same. The Logitech is £149.99 in the UK and AU$299.95 in Australia, while the Razer is £159.99 and AU$289. The price difference between them is literally ten, which means that no matter which mouse you choose there’s no real difference in cost. Of course, Australia suffers from an inflated retail price but that’s unfortunately common in the tech market.

And the fact that these gaming mice are readily available in any of these regions, as well as the pricing being so consistent across said regions, is impressive as well. They’re also available in many other countries.

• Winner: Tie

Logitech G502 X Plus VS Razer Basilisk V3 Pro: Design

• Both feature customizable buttons
• Logitech is better for claw grips, Razer for palm grips
• Logitech is lighter with a superior thumb rest support

The Logitech G502 X Plus and the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro are designed with excellent ergonomics in mind. They both are well-suited for those who use either a palm or claw grip, with middle bumps and deep valleys in all the right places to ensure that your fingers fit perfectly as well as textured side panels to keep your fingers in place.

Overall, the Logitech is better suited for claw grips, with the Razer being more comfortable for palm grips, thanks to the former having side buttons shifted slightly forward for easier and seamless access, while the latter has a better middle bump and deep valleys on both sides as well as a thinner body.

The Razer also has the Synapse software for customizing the RGB lighting as well as DPI presets, changing polling rates (125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz), and remapping or assigning a macro to the mouse buttons. The Logitech also has software to macro-program and remap all 13 programmable controls, which are hybrid optical-mechanical switches and only require a light touch to activate.

However, the Logitech elks out a win over the Razer mouse due to its much lighter weight, which means that during more intense gaming sessions you can move the mouse around much easier and with less strain on your hand and wrist. The Logitech also has great thumb rest support, with the button there having a customizable tail for those with a shorter thumb.

• Winner: Logitech G502 X Plus

Logitech G502 X Plus VS Razer Basilisk V3 Pro: Performance

• Both sport extremely high DPIs
• Great battery life on both fronts
• Razer has an issue with its feet dragging on leatherette surfaces