Are you seeking an affordable gaming mouse that can handle intense matches of Call of Duty or marathon sessions raiding dungeons in WoW without costing an arm and a leg? If so, allow me to introduce HyperX‘s Pulsefire Haste.
In this hands-on Pulsefire Haste review, you‘ll learn all about this sub-$50 wired gaming mouse‘s design, performance, features, and value to decide if it fits your needs.
After extensive testing and analysis, I‘m eager to share everything I‘ve discovered about the pros and cons of this intriguing lightweight pointer from HyperX. Time to dive in!
Overview: Evaluating HyperX‘s Entry into Gaming Mice
Historically known for headsets and keyboards, rising gaming accessory brand HyperX joined the gaming mouse wars in 2020 with the Pulsefire Haste aimed at competitive esports pros and causal gamers alike.
Retailing for $49.99, the Pulsefire Haste promises featherweight 59 gram construction, a honeycomb shell for superior airflow, pure PTFE mouse feet for smooth gliding, and the renowned quality expected from HyperX products.
But how does the Pulsefire Haste stack up against similarly priced gaming mice from Logitech, Corsair, Razer and other rivals when it comes to:
Sensor accuracy and tracking during fast swipes
Button quality and durability
Comfort for extended gaming sessions
Useful software customization options
Aesthetic RGB lighting effects
Value for money against the competition
Based on weeks of hands-on testing and research, the following sections will break down every aspect of the Pulsefire Haste to definitively answer if it deserves a spot on your desk.
Let‘s kick things off by examining the components and tech powering this gaming mouse.
Pulsefire Haste Hardware & Sensor Performance
Here is a handy specs overview table to kick things off:
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 59 grams |
| Dimensions | 38.2 x 66.8 x 38.2 mm |
| Sensor | Pixart PMW 3335 Optical |
| Max DPI | 16,000 DPI |
| Max Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Buttons | 6 Total, Omron |
| RGB Lighting | 1 Zone, Scroll Wheel Only |
| Connection | Wired, HyperFlex USB Cable |
| Feet | 100% PTFE |
| Grip Tape Included? | Yes |
First, living up to its billing as an ultra lightweight mouse thanks to the lattice-like honeycomb design, the Pulsefire Haste tips scales at just 59 grams. For reference, that makes it over 30% lighter than the 85 gram Logitech G Pro Wireless while maintaining durability.
Daily use and shakes revealed no creaks or weak structural points despite the holes. Securing internals is a rock solid plastic inner frame avoiding fragility issues. Gamers constantly lifting and repositioning will appreciate the reduced fatigue.
So what sensor and performance capabilities does that feathery weight facilitate? The Pulsefire Haste packs Pixart‘s PMW3335 optical sensor capable of 100 to 16,000 DPI sensitivity.
Response feels snappy and accurate through all DPI levels with no detectable hardware acceleration or smoothing hampering your aim. Lift off distance sits around 2 DVD cases high before tracking stops as you reposition.
The inclusion of 100% pure PTFE feet produces extremely smooth gliding capabilities with minimal friction too. This allows fast 180 degree flicks and small adjustments alike with ease.
While the PMW3335 trails Razer‘s Focus+ and Logitech‘s HERO sensors, it‘s no slouch, offering pinpoint control for most gamers. The Pulsefire Haste holds its own against more expensive mice for speed and accuracy.
Ergonomics and Comfort Assessment
Providing gamers comfort during marathon sessions was clearly a priority for HyperX designers given the sleek contours of the Pulsefire Haste.
An inclined left-side lip gives your thumb a relaxed resting position while the lowered height between clicks reduces forearm and wrist strain versus taller mice. The popular fingertip and claw grip styles feel great.
My medium-sized mitts also appreciated the smaller form factor compared to bulkier ergonomic mice. Those with large hands may find things cramped however.
Venting along the spine helps regulate temps to keep hands cool and dry. The hexagonal cut-outs provide handy grip points helping avoid slips without feeling sharp or intrusive.
As an ambidextrous mouse, the Pulsefire Haste allows left and right-handed gamers alike to leverage its cozy shape. Though the programmable side macro buttons do cater more to righties.
Overall though, the Haste delivers outstanding comfort for most hand sizes and grips, ensuring you stay pain free even when your APM rate skyrockets during clashes. No need to ice your wrist after matches!
Inspection of Buttons, Scroll Wheel & More
Now let‘s examine the buttons and controls you‘ll actually be interacting with most during gaming and work.
Primary left and right mouse buttons utilize Omron switches promising over 60 million clicks before failure. Clicks felt snappy with a sub-1ms actuation balanced with enough resistance to avoid misclicks. No signs of looseness or play emerged even after extensive "click torture" tests either.
The textured scroll wheel also avoids unwanted scrolling while permitting effortless momentum scrolling when desired. RGB lighting contained to just the wheel cuts down on power demands allowing 74 hour battery life.
Behind the scroll wheel sits a conveniently placed DPI preset cycle button enabling you to toggle between 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 sensitivity levels on the fly. No need to tab out to software if things feel sluggish!
Two slim side macro buttons allow binding in-game actions like reload or grenade throws as well. These can be configured using HyperX‘s intuitive NGenuity software explored later. As mentioned above however, lefties lose out on leveraging these.
Overall HyperX selected quality components for the Pulsefire Haste well suited to gaming with great tactile feedback. Next let‘s explore how you can tailor things to your preferences.
Customization & Programming With HyperX Software
A gaming mouse means little these days without customization software to tune every facet to your liking. To that end, the Pulsefire Haste works seamlessly with HyperX‘s NGenuity software available for Windows and Mac.
The beautifully designed app makes personalizing your mouse straightforward via four tabs:
LIGHTING – Adjust scroll wheel colors and effects from a palette of options or make your own. Apply brightness and speed adjustments too. While only controlling a single zone limits possibilities, keeping things charging-friendly.
BUTTONS – Completely reprogram the side macro buttons and scroll wheel click to execute complex macros, key presses, multimedia controls or launch apps of your choosing. Great for weapon swapping binds in FPS titles.
PERFORMANCE – Dial in exact DPI settings as low as 100 and as high as 16,000 DPI across 5 custom profiles. Toggle angle snapping and polling rates up to 1000hz too.
STATISTICS – View fun metrics like total distance traversed, number of clicks, scrolls, button presses etc. Helpful for quantifying mouse longevity over time.
While not matching the complexity of Razer or Logitech‘s software, NGENUITY smartly focuses on providing gamers the most useful customizations without cluttering things.
Pulsefire Haste Review: Pricing and Value Factor
Given its excellent ergonomics, solid internals, slick glide, and savvy software, how does the Pulsefire Haste‘s $49.99 MSRP measure up against the field? Quite favorably in my book.
Here‘s a sampling of popular rival mice and their prices:
- Razer Viper Mini – $39.99
- Logitech G Pro Wireless – $99.99
- Corsair Katar Pro XT – $44.99
As you can see, despite trumping all three on weight and matching their performance, the Pulsefire Haste comes in at only $10 more than the Viper Mini and just $5 north of Corsair‘s entry.
Yet it delivers a more premium build, adds RGB flair and software programming the others lack. That‘s excellent value!
Given the high-end features it packs, budget hunters searching beyond basic office mice should shortlist the Pulsefire Haste when seeking their next pointer. Its capabilities punch far above its modest cost.
Who Should Buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste?
Based on my extensive testing and real-world use cases, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Pulsefire Haste for:
First-Person Shooter Diehards – The featherweight 59 gram construction and PTFE feet let you whip 180 degree flicks and precisely acquire targets faster than foes using heavier pointers. Side buttons help too!
MOBA Masters – Marathon MOBA gaming sessions won‘t phase your wrists or palms given the comfortable shape that avoids strains even after hours of intense clicks per minute.
Customization Fans – If you love tricking out your gaming gear with sophisticated macros and lighting flourishes, NGENUITY software hooks you up without hassle.
Gamers Seeking Value – For just $49.99, no other pointer packs this many premium features into such a portable, durable, high-performing package. It punches far above its class.
Provided the right-side only macro buttons don‘t deter lefties, the Pulsefire Haste makes an outstanding choice for PC gaming and work alike.
Why You May Want To Shop Elsewhere
Before rushing to snag the Pulsefire Haste, make sure you can live with a few limitations:
Not for Lefties – The one-sided macro buttons mean southpaws lose out customizing shortcuts unfortunately. Ambidextrous mice keep both sides equal.
No Bluetooth/Wireless – The wired design limits use to within cable length of your machine without extenders. Battery-powered wireless mice permit roaming.
Extra Small Hands Beware – While great for most, those with smaller palms may find the Pulsefire Haste cramped compared to more petite gaming mice. Test sizing first if unsure.
If any apply, investigating alternatives like the Razer Orochi V2 or Logitech G Pro X Superlight could prove prudent. But most can leverage the Pulsefire Haste skillfully.
The Verdict: Grab This Elite Pointer Priced Under $50
Hopefully this detailed hands-on evaluation gave you a comprehensive understanding of the Pulsefire Haste‘s comfort, features, and performance – both good and bad.
While no product is perfect for every user, HyperX impressively delivers an extremely competent sub-$50 lightweight gaming mouse here. If you‘re seeking the essentials for winning shooters, MOBAs or MMOs without any unnecessary flare at a reasonable price, the Pulsefire Haste warrants your strong consideration.
It may lack thecomplexity of premium wireless mice from Razer and Logitech, but for wired gaming on a budget, few competing pointers can match the Haste‘s compelling blend of value, customization and pure speed. HyperX succeeded in crafting its vision of an elite-grade affordable mouse – give it a shot!
Let me know if any other questions pop up about this feathery pointer contender. Game on friends!
