In the world of PC gaming peripherals, few components are as crucial as the mouse. It‘s the primary tool with which you interact with the game, and the difference between a good and bad mouse can be the difference between victory and defeat. In recent years, ultra-lightweight mice have taken the gaming world by storm, offering unparalleled speed and agility. And one of the most exciting entrants in this category is the HyperX Pulsefire Haste.
As a digital technology expert and avid gamer, I‘ve had the pleasure of extensively testing the Pulsefire Haste, and I‘m here to provide an in-depth review to help you decide if it‘s the right gaming mouse for you.
About HyperX
Before we dive into the specifics of the Pulsefire Haste, let‘s take a moment to discuss the company behind it. HyperX was founded in 2002 as a high-performance product division of Kingston Technology, one of the world‘s largest and most respected independent memory manufacturers. In 2017, HyperX became a standalone brand, though still a subsidiary of Kingston.
Over the past two decades, HyperX has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, performance-driven products at competitive prices. Their product lineup includes gaming headsets, keyboards, mousepads, microphones, and of course, mice. Some of their most popular mice include:
- Pulsefire Surge: RGB gaming mouse with PMW3389 sensor
- Pulsefire Dart: Wireless gaming mouse with Qi charging
- Pulsefire Raid: Ergonomic gaming mouse with 11 programmable buttons
The Pulsefire Haste, released in September 2020, is HyperX‘s first foray into the ultra-lightweight mouse market. And as we‘ll see, it‘s an impressive debut.
Specifications and Features
Let‘s start with the hard facts. Here are the key specifications of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | PixArt PAW3335 |
| DPI | Up to 16,000 |
| IPS | 450 |
| Acceleration | 40G |
| Buttons | 6 |
| Switch Type | TTC Golden Micro Dustproof |
| Switch Lifespan | 60 million clicks |
| Onboard Memory | 1 profile |
| Lighting | RGB (scroll wheel) |
| Cable | 1.8m HyperFlex cable |
| Dimensions | 124.2 x 66.8 x 38.2 mm |
| Weight | 59g |
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the PixArt PAW3335 optical sensor. This is a high-performance sensor capable of up to 16,000 DPI, 450 IPS, and 40G acceleration. For the non-technicians out there, DPI (dots per inch) refers to the resolution or sensitivity of the mouse, IPS (inches per second) is the maximum speed at which the sensor can still accurately track, and acceleration is the maximum rate of velocity change the sensor can handle.
To put those numbers in context, the PAW3335 is comparable to top optical sensors like the PixArt PMW3360 and PMW3389 found in many premium gaming mice. It offers flawless 1:1 tracking with no smoothing, acceleration, or angle snapping. Basically, it‘s about as good as it gets in terms of raw sensor performance.
The PAW3335 is also incredibly power efficient, which is key for a lightweight wireless mouse like the upcoming Pulsefire Haste Wireless. HyperX has confirmed that the wireless version will feature the same sensor.
Another standout feature of the Pulsefire Haste is its weight, or rather, lack thereof. At just 59 grams, it‘s one of the lightest gaming mice on the market. To achieve this featherweight design, HyperX employed a honeycomb shell that substantially reduces weight without compromising structural integrity.
This is a design we‘ve seen from several other lightweight mice like the Glorious Model O and Cooler Master MM710. It not only reduces weight, but also improves ventilation to keep your hand cool and dry during intense gaming sessions.
But why is light weight so important for a gaming mouse? It comes down to speed and precision. A lighter mouse is easier to quickly stop and start, change directions, and make micro-adjustments to your aim. This is particularly advantageous in fast-paced games like first-person shooters where every millisecond counts. As professional Fortnite player Myth explained in his review of the Pulsefire Haste, "The lighter the mouse, the quicker and easier you can aim."
Of course, there‘s more to a great gaming mouse than just sensor and weight. The Pulsefire Haste also excels in terms of build quality, shape, and features.
The main buttons use TTC Golden micro dustproof switches rated for 60 million clicks. These are some of the highest quality switches available, offering a crisp, tactile click with minimal travel. The side buttons, while a bit small and mushy, are well-positioned for easy access.
The scroll wheel has a soft rubber finish with well-defined steps. It‘s nearly silent when scrolling, which is a plus for those late-night gaming sessions. However, some may prefer a louder, more tactile scroll wheel.
In terms of shape, the Pulsefire Haste has a medium profile ambidextrous design that should accommodate most grip styles and hand sizes. The mouse measures 124.2mm long, 66.8mm wide, and 38.2mm tall. It‘s suitable for both palm and claw grips, though those with very large hands may find it a bit small for a full palm grip.
The matte black plastic shell features a subtle HyperX logo and the company‘s signature hexagonal pattern on the sides for added grip. In the box, HyperX includes grip tape for the main buttons and sides. This is a thoughtful inclusion that provides additional texture and control for those who need it.
While the Pulsefire Haste is an ambidextrous mouse, it has side buttons only on the left side, making it primarily suitable for right-handed use. This is fairly standard for ambidextrous mice, but it‘s something to keep in mind for left-handed gamers.
Another potential downside for some users is the limited RGB lighting. The Pulsefire Haste has a single RGB zone in the scroll wheel. It‘s bright and vibrant, but you don‘t get the full RGB light show that you do with some other gaming mice. Personally, I prefer the understated look, but RGB enthusiasts may be left wanting more.
Speaking of RGB, the Pulsefire Haste is compatible with HyperX‘s Ngenuity software. This allows you to customize the lighting effects, remap buttons, adjust DPI settings, and create macros. The software is straightforward and easy to use, though not as robust as some of the competition like Razer Synapse or Logitech G Hub.
The Pulsefire Haste has onboard memory for saving your custom profiles directly to the mouse. However, it‘s limited to just a single profile. This may be a drawback for gamers who like to have different profiles for different games.
In terms of price, the Pulsefire Haste is extremely competitive at $49.99 MSRP. That‘s significantly less expensive than premium lightweight options like the Razer Viper Ultimate ($129.99) and Logitech G Pro X Superlight ($149.99). In fact, it‘s one of the most affordable ultra-lightweight mice on the market.
Here‘s how it stacks up against some of its main competitors:
| Mouse | Weight | Sensor | Buttons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Pulsefire Haste | 59g | PAW3335 | 6 | $49.99 |
| Glorious Model O | 67g | PMW3360 | 6 | $49.99 |
| Razer Viper Mini | 61g | PMW3359 | 6 | $39.99 |
| Cooler Master MM710 | 53g | PMW3389 | 6 | $49.99 |
| SteelSeries Aerox 3 | 57g | TrueMove Core | 6 | $59.99 |
As you can see, the Pulsefire Haste is right in line with other budget-friendly lightweight options in terms of specs and price. Where it really stands out is in its sensor performance and overall build quality.
Real-World Performance
Of course, specs and features only tell part of the story. What really matters is how the mouse performs in actual gaming scenarios. And I‘m happy to report that the Pulsefire Haste absolutely delivers.
I‘ve spent the past few weeks using the Pulsefire Haste as my main mouse for both gaming and work. I‘ve played a variety of games including Valorant, Apex Legends, Overwatch, and Destiny 2. Across the board, the mouse has been a joy to use.
The light weight and PTFE skates make the mouse feel almost weightless as it glides across the mousepad. The sensor is incredibly responsive and precise, with no discernible latency or tracking issues. I was able to quickly and accurately snap onto targets, track moving enemies, and make subtle adjustments to my aim.
The shape of the mouse fit my hand perfectly (I use a relaxed claw grip), and the matte finish provided a sure grip even during extended play sessions. The grip tape is a nice touch, though I didn‘t find it necessary for my playstyle.
The main buttons have a satisfying click with minimal pre- and post-travel. I did occasionally mis-click the side buttons due to their small size, but this became less frequent as I got used to the mouse.
While I‘m not typically one for RGB lighting, I appreciated the subtle glow of the scroll wheel. It‘s not overbearing, but adds a nice aesthetic touch.
In terms of software, the Ngenuity app was straightforward to use. I was easily able to customize my DPI settings, remap buttons, and adjust the RGB lighting. However, I do wish there was support for multiple profiles.
Overall, the Pulsefire Haste exceeded my expectations in terms of real-world performance. It‘s a mouse that simply gets out of the way and lets you focus on the game.
Conclusion
So, is the HyperX Pulsefire Haste the ultimate lightweight gaming mouse? While that will depend on your specific needs and preferences, it‘s certainly a top contender.
The Pulsefire Haste offers flagship-level performance and build quality at a budget-friendly price point. The PAW3335 sensor is top-notch, the honeycomb design is both practical and stylish, and the overall build quality is excellent.
It‘s an especially compelling option for FPS players looking for a fast, precise mouse, or anyone wanting to reduce wrist and arm strain during extended gaming sessions. The main downsides are the small side buttons, limited onboard memory, and lack of left-handed ergonomics.
That said, the Pulsefire Haste faces stiff competition in the ultra-lightweight mouse market. Mice like the Glorious Model O and Razer Viper Mini offer similar features and performance at comparable prices.
Ultimately, the "best" mouse comes down to personal preference in terms of shape, features, and aesthetics. But the Pulsefire Haste absolutely deserves to be in the conversation. It‘s a fantastic option that showcases HyperX‘s commitment to delivering high-quality, performance-driven products at affordable prices.
If you‘re in the market for a lightweight gaming mouse and want top-notch performance without breaking the bank, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste should absolutely be on your radar. It‘s a mouse that has earned my strong recommendation.