Whether you are starting fresh in the PC gaming world or already on your sixth gaming computer, you know that few things are more important than the right accessories. The right headset, the right monitor, and the right mouse can all make or break your entire PC gaming experience.
With the release of the Pulsefire Haste, HyperX threw its hat into the gaming mouse ring with eyes on grabbing market share from the likes of Logitech and Razer. Considering its budget pricing, HyperX, already known for its budget-friendly products, has released a beautiful honeycomb-designed wired mouse that is lightweight, ergonomic, and built to last.
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- Ultra-light hex shell design
- The honeycomb shell provides feather-light weight without sacrificing durability
- HyperFlex USB cable
- TTC Golden micro dustproof switches
- 60 million clicks
- The low-friction 100% PTFE skates help provide an easy, effortless glide
- For more control and comfort, grip tape for the sides and left and right buttons are included
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Overview
Release Date and Price
Released in 2020, the Pulsefire Haste Wired Edition has been at the forefront of HyperX’s mouse lineup for the last two years. As the pseudo flagship model over that time, the wired model has only recently yielded its place as the most expensive mouse HyperX sells to its wireless sibling, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless. What is notable is that calling the Pulsefire Haste the most expensive mouse HyperX sells is somewhat tricky language as its $49.99 price tag is still pretty inexpensive.
Different Models
The HyperX is among two mouse models sold by the company to champion the Pulsefire Haste name. While every mouse in the HyperX lineup utilizes the Pulsefire moniker, the Haste models are the brand’s premium lineup. Given that, it’s no surprise to see that there is both a wired and wireless edition. The wired edition comes in three different colors including black, black/red, and white/pink whereas the wireless model comes in either black or white.
- Wireless Connectivity: The mouse uses radio frequency technology for wireless connectivity.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing only 2.0 grams, the mouse is ultra-lightweight for easy handling.
- Smooth and Responsive: The mouse features a smooth scrolling wheel and responsive buttons for precise control.
- Long Battery Life: The mouse is powered by a rechargeable battery for up to 10 hours of use per charge.
- Compact and Modern: With a sleek black design, the mouse has a modern, minimalist style.
Features
HyperX indicates right from the start that it built the HyperX Pulsefire Haste for elite gamers for whom the quickest possible response time matters most.
To that end, HyperX produced a very lightweight wired piece of hardware that weighs in at only 59 grams thanks to its honeycomb design. This design, in particular, has the benefit of enabling increased airflow as well as reducing the overall weight of the mouse. Another highlight from HyperX is the use of TTC Golden Micro switches for the right and left click buttons which have been tested to last for more than 60 million clicks. In addition, HyperX has added PTFE skates on the bottom of the Pulsefire Haste to help it glide over a multitude of different surfaces.
As a wired mouse, you can expect a flexible cable and HyperX has added its lauded HyperFlex technology to the USB cable. This technology ensures that not only is the cable lightweight and durable but that it stays out of the way of mouse movement so you don’t miss a shot, beat, turn, jump, or flash while gaming. One final bonus of the Pulsefire Haste is syncing with the HyperX NGENUITY software which can help personalize RGB lighting, shortcut assignments for buttons, or DPI settings.
Specifications
| Weight | 0.13 pounds or 59 grams |
| Shape | Symmetrical |
| Sensor | Pixart 3335 Sensor |
| Resolution | Up to 16,000 DPI |
| Speed | 450 IPS |
| DPI Presets | 400/800/1600/3200 |
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Left/Right Button Durability | 60 million clicks |
| Button Switches | TTC Golden Micro |
| Physical Size | 38.2mm (L) x 66.8m (W) |
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Review
Design
There is a good chance that anyone taking a quick look at the HyperX would mistake it for a mouse from any other computer accessory brand. There’s nothing particularly brand-heavy about the Pulsefire Haste except for the small HyperX logo written on the left-hand side where your thumb might go. If not for that, it could easily be mistaken for another manufacturer but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While HyperX wasn’t the first to capitalize on a honeycomb design, it has started to introduce it into its lineup with the Pulsefire Haste series. This design ensures better airflow between your hand and the mouse which is great for anyone who knows the pain of sweaty hands.
Aside from the honeycomb look, the rest of the mouse is pretty parring for the course with a six-button design including a dedicated button for selecting between various DPI presets. The good news is that even with all of the buttons, the mouse is still very lightweight which helps with overall handling. Its ambidextrous design remains ergonomic, though the placement of two additional shortcut buttons on the left-hand side certainly favors right-handed gamers.
Overall, the size of the mouse is favorable for just about every hand size with plenty of room to rest your hand without feeling fatigued. Instead of hand cramping, you can spend more time looking at the RGB-oriented scroll wheel which can be personalized through the HyperX NGENUITY software.
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Buttons
With six total buttons on the HyperX , you’re right in the middle between the most expensive gaming mice which can offer up to 12 shortcut buttons, or more office-friendly mice which traditionally offer zero shortcut buttons. What you do get with this mouse are two wonderfully clicky left and right main buttons plus the DPI preset select button right behind the scroll wheel.
Speaking of the scroll wheel, aside from its main purpose of scrolling, it can be depressed and serve as its own button. Along with these four buttons, there are two more main shortcut buttons on the side that are programmable via the NGENUITY software. You can adjust these two buttons whenever you want which is a nice feature especially if you play various game genres and need different shortcuts for FPS games as opposed to open-world titles.
Comfort
When using the HyperX , you’ll immediately recognize it will be built for ergonomic comfort. Its ambidextrous style allows for easy grip on both sides and its low profile gives you a more natural angle of use. Whether you go for the full palm grip or just the claw hold, the overall design is suitable for both with comfort to spare.
While there is a bit of an arch in the design, it’s not so large as to be considered too aggressive to make you feel uncomfortable after playing for long periods. The inward curve that runs along the sides of the mouse body is ideally suited for resting your thumb and it’s matched on both sides so you can go right or left-handed.
If you ever need more comfort or at least help with the grip, HyperX adds a little bonus with each Pulsefire Haste by including grip tape. This tape can go along the top left and right buttons and alongside the side area where thumbs will go and it’s an instant game changer for overall comfort. You no longer have to worry about your hand slipping right in the middle of a match and losing a potential game-winning shot.
Performance
At the end of the day, no matter how comfortable a mouse may be or well how it is designed, it all comes down to performance. Even the best-looking gaming mouse is not worth buying if it doesn’t help you game better. Kicking things off with the Pulsefire Haste is the inclusion of the Pixart PWM 3335 sensor which is located right in the middle of the mouse hardware so it doesn’t affect overall use at all.
In practical use, this gives the mouse up to 16,000 DPI and that’s a pretty high number and likely more than most gamers need. Realistically, most gamers will hover closer to 1,000 DPI even for AAA games and that’s good enough. For example, most Call of Duty players only use up to 800 DPI during gaming sessions as this seems like a solid speed for precise movement.
What does matter is that no matter the DPI, the tracking of the mouse holds strong and punches well above its price point. You can instantly feel that you will have a precise mouse that is as responsive as it needs to be when it needs to be. The Pulsefire Haste also feels very precise no matter which type of surface material you are using. Not every gaming mouse can say that, even at far more expensive price points so that’s a big win for overall performance.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent price-to-feature ratio
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Button and RGB customization through NGENUITY software
- Grip tape included
Cons
- Side buttons only good for right-handed gamers
- Not as feature heavy as competitive options like Logitech G305
- RGB only works with the scroll button
- No IP55 water resistance like the wireless version
HyperX Pulsefire Haste: is it a Buy?
Buy it if…
- You want a fairly priced mouse that offers outstanding features in the gaming mouse space. You get excellent button clicks, two shortcut buttons, and quick access to choosing different DPI presets.
- You want to pick up a mouse that offers you quick customization through PC software and can easily be changed again depending on the genre of game you are looking to play.
- You want a gaming mouse that is lightweight and feels comfortable in the hands with a minimal arch that doesn’t induce any type of fatigue.
Don’t Buy it if…
- You want a gaming mouse that offers more customization than just two shortcut buttons or RGB being limited to just the scroll wheel.
- If you want a mouse that is better suited for both left and right-handed players which means shortcut buttons on both sides of the mouse.
- You want best-in-class optical sensors for all types of surfaces. The PAW 3335 is good for most people but hardcore gamers will want something more powerful.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©NAAN/Shutterstock.com.
