HyperX Pulsefire FPS (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
Not A Mouse Trap
Out of its burrow, this non-biological rodent comes with the following contents:
- The Pulsefire FPS optical gaming mouse
- Quick start guide
- HyperX Team welcoming leaflet
And packs the following specs:
- Ergonomic: Right handed
- Sensor: Pixart PMW3310
- Resolution: 400/800/1600/3200 DPI
- Speed: 130ips
- Acceleration: 30g
- Buttons: 6
- Left / Right buttons switches: Omron
- Left / Right buttons durability: 20 million clicks
- Backlight: Single color, Red
- Connection type: USB 2.0
- Polling rate: 1000Hz
- USB data format: 16 bits/axis
- Dynamic coefficient of friction: 0.16µ1
- Static coefficient of friction: 0.21µ1
- Cable type: Braided
- Weight (without cable): 95g
- Weight (with cable): 120g
- Dimensions: Length: 127.54mm
- Height: 41.91mm
- Width: 71.07mm
- Cable length: 1.8m
Nibbling Around
Out of the box, the feature that struck me the most in this gaming mouse was its lightweight. At 95g, you could barely think of the Pulsefire as a gaming mouse at all. Not only the weight but its claw-or-palm grip design is also discrete, having a slight middle bump, curved rear and pointy front ends. Hence it functions perfectly as a daily driver while allowing you to switch to gaming mode on the fly.
To achieve this, HyperX once again abided by its minimalist mantra. Other than its traditional mouse form factor, the Pulsefire FPS did away with gimmicks like adjustable weights, thumb rest, or fancy customizable LED lights and comes with just the good ol’ RMB, LMB, boasting the “ultra-responsive” Omron switches with a durability of 20 million clicks, a prominent scroll button with sleek red lights on each side, the DPI switch key and two extra buttons.
But then again, the no-frills approach means that some features have been let go of in order to streamline the product to fit into its lightweight, affordability and the whole minimalist philosophy thing. For one, it offers little customization, actually, none; the Pulsefire comes with no software allowing for the customization of the buttons or lighting. As for buttons, it packs only two non-customizable ones. Additionally, the preset DPI settings are fixed at 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200.
Nevertheless, the lack of customization and no-frills approach does not mean that the Pulsefire is lacking in terms of performance or feels cheap. Despite its lightweight, it has a strong build and a smooth matte black plastic finish. And performance-wise, it does deliver a swift experience with its responsive Omron switches which provide crisp, tactile feedback and the large skates that allow for a better glide. The textured side grips feel comfortable when I wrap my palm around the device and they are quite effective at keeping my hand from slipping away during intense aiming and shooting sessions in Killing Floor 2.
The included older, yet renowned Pixart 3310 optical sensor has been a safe choice for HyperX’s first gaming mouse. The sensor has proven its worth with its fluidity and responsive tracking with no acceleration for improved accuracy. It has since been a hit among FPS players, who are, judging by the mouse’s name, the targeted audience by HyperX.
While the fixed DPI settings capped at 3200 might sound limited as compared to other mice within the same price range that boast up to 12 000 DPI, for the general gamer, these preset DPI settings of the Pulsefire should prove to be more than enough. At the push of a button, you can easily switch to a color-coded DPI setting that suits your needs, be it for precise long-range sniping or quick close combat melee. However the 3200 DPI cap might be an issue for 4K resolution screens whose users might prefer smaller mouse movements provided with DPI settings above 3200. Admittedly, those users form a smaller population of the gaming community and they should look elsewhere for a gaming mouse to suit their needs.
The braided, 1.8m-long cable is another welcome feature that HyperX seems to include in almost of all of its gaming gears. This material choice is a personal favorite of mine for it has proven to stand the test of time as compared to the flimsy plastic ones.
I have to mention that I have tested the Pulsefire FPS on HyperX’s very own Fury S Pro Gaming Mouse Pad, more specifically in the Extra Large format (900mm x 420mm). The densely woven, anti-fray stitched fabric pad feel soft and offer comfort to the wrist, while allowing the mouse to glide seamlessly. The textured natural rubber on the underside keeps a firm hold of the whole pad even during those frantic Resident Evil 7 sessions. And being XL, I didn’t have to worry about my mouse ever leaving the pad. There’s space for much more than the mouse so you can easily rest you laptop, keyboard or both and more!
Excrement shall precipitately follow the course of gravity
*Squeak*
With its out-of-the-box plug-and-play approach, the Pulsefire FPS is aimed at a wider audience rather than at a niche gamer population seeking ultra-customization. While its lack of customizable buttons won't satisfy your MOBA/RTS/MMORPG gaming needs, it is more than enough to suit your regular FPS games with enough DPI options to switch from should you require more control over your selected weapons. In my experience, it's much more suited for FPS games like Dishonored, Observer or Prey than for more competitive games or pro tournaments.
Priced at $46.99 on Amazon at the time of writing, it faces fierce competition at that price range like the similarly priced, feature-rich Corsair Gaming M65 Pro RGB FPS Gaming Mouse. If only the Pulsefire had a lower price point, it would be a definite recommendation for the gamer on a budget or any gamer in general.
Nevertheless, should HyperX’s minimalist, no-frills philosophy align with yours, then surely you will love the device.
Verdict
- Lightweight
- Strong build and finish
- Plug-and-play
- Affordable
- Trusted company
- Not customizable
- Low DPI cap
- Average in every almost aspect
- Exclusive for right-handed use
