HyperX Pulsefire Haste review: A lightweight mouse with a lightweight price

Light as a feather — both in your hands and on your budget.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste
(Image: © Windows Central)

Among the many different types of gaming mice on the market, the lightweight variety is one of the most popular. Indeed, while many gamers prefer to have a mouse with some heft, many other players prefer something light and easy to move around. One of the latest lightweight mice to hit shelves is the HyperX Pulsefire Haste, and after testing it out thoroughly for a few weeks, I'm confident in saying that it's one of the best lightweight gaming mice available. In fact, thanks to its excellent design, strong performance, and affordable price, it's easily one of the best PC gaming mice out there.

What you'll love about this mouse

Source: HyperX (Image credit: Source: HyperX)

Above all else, the best thing about the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is how comfortable it feels to use in-game. The device is curved in a way that allows your hand to wrap around it perfectly without any awkwardness or discomfort, and it also features a honeycomb-like design that allows air to pass through the entirety of the mouse, keeping your hand cool and eliminating the chance of sweat building up without reducing durability. This design is also why the device is lighter than most other gaming mice, weighing in at just 59g. Ultimately, whether a weight this low fits you well or not is a personal preference. That being said, people who do prefer light mice will love the low weight of the Pulsefire Haste.

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CategorySpec
SensorPAW 3335
DPI range400 to 16,000
Polling rate1000Hz
Programmable buttons6
RGBOn mouse wheel, requires software (free to download)
Weight59g (without cord), 80g (with cord)
ConnectionUSB-A

Secondly, the performance of the mouse is impressive for something priced in the mid-range. The device has a max DPI of 16,000, which is pretty crazy for something that costs $50. While the optical sensor isn't as accurate and smooth as more expensive options I've used before, this difference in performance is so small that I almost didn't notice it.

Finally, the mouse comes with some neat bonus features and accessories that many users will appreciate. The first of these is a set of grip tape pieces that can be applied to the mouse's buttons and chassis for more of a textured grip. Secondly, the mouse comes with PTFE feet for easy gliding across surfaces, and a replacement set is included if the original ones get worn down somehow. Finally, the Pulsefire Haste comes with RGB lighting on the sides of the mousewheel, which looks cool. It can be configured using HyperX's NGENUITY software (this software can also be used to remap the mouse's buttons).

What you'll love less about this mouse

The only real complaint I have with the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is that you can't change the DPI button presets with HyperX's software. Right now, you're limited to 400/800/1600/3200 DPI. This is hardly a problem, but it's a feature that really should be there.

Also, it's worth pointing out that the honeycomb design isn't going to be for everyone. I don't mind it personally, but if having a smooth mouse chassis is important to you, you won't like how the honeycomb style feels on your hand.

Should you buy this mouse?

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Ultimately, if you're looking for a lightweight mouse and don't want to spend big bucks on something super expensive, I can't recommend the HyperX Pulsefire Haste enough. Between its excellent comfort, great performance, cool bonus features, and affordable price, it's simply fantastic.

If you want a good mouse that's budget-friendly, but you'd prefer something that has a little more heft to it, I recommend the AUKEY Scarab. It lacks some of the extra features you get with the Pulsefire Haste, but it's extremely affordable at just $15.

Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. You'll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.