Buying Guide
The Best Wired Ultralight Gaming Mice
Five gaming mice compared, from the TUF M3 Gen II to the Model O-, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A wired ultralight saves the weight of a battery. Every pick is wired and weighs 65g or less, ordered from the lightest.
We sorted these picks by weight, programmable buttons and max DPI, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips programmable buttons, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lightest Mouse
Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse
The lightest weight here (49g).
Best for: Fast flick aiming.
Our take Check price for Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse
Four pieces of included grip tape.
Best for: Buyers who want four pieces of included grip tape.
Our take Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Ambidextrous Shape
Glorious Model O Eternal Wired Gaming Mouse
An ambidextrous shape.
Best for: Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape.
Our take Check price for Glorious Model O Eternal Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Glorious Model O- (Minus) Wired Gaming Mouse
A size Glorious lists for medium and small hands at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Glorious Model O- (Minus) Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II Wired Mouse
Undercutting the Model O Eternal on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II Wired Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lightest Mouse1 of 5
Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Glorious's Model O 2 Mini is a 49g symmetrical wired mouse with a 26K sensor.
Best for
- Fast flick aiming.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TUF M3 Gen II, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Glorious lists it for palm, claw and fingertip grips. It weighs 49g in a compact symmetrical shape for palm, claw or fingertip grips. The wired design avoids charging.
Its 49g weight is the lightest here; the Pulsefire Haste 2 comes next at 53g. You also get motion sync support. It also brings light 49g body.
Another plus is no battery to charge. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the TUF M3 Gen II at the time of writing. It was priced above the Pulsefire Haste 2 and below the Model O- at the time of writing. There is no published button count figure, whereas the Model O Eternal offers 6.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 49g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Symmetrical, compact
Pros
- Light 49g body
- No battery to charge
- Symmetrical shape Glorious lists for palm, claw and fingertip grips
- 26K optical sensor
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF M3 Gen II at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's wired Pulsefire Haste 2 weighs 53g and reaches 8000Hz polling.
Best for
- Buyers who want four pieces of included grip tape.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the TUF M3 Gen II was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Grip tape is included. It weighs 53g with a solid shell rather than holes, and the HyperX 26K sensor tracks up to 26,000 DPI. The wired cable keeps it simple.
Its paracord-style HyperFlex 2 cable reduces drag, and it polls at up to 8,000Hz, reporting every 0.125ms. On weight it sits mid-pack at 53g: the Model O 2 Mini weighs 49g, and the TUF M3 Gen II comes in at 59g. Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom.
When we checked, only the Model O Eternal and cheaper picks cost less, and the Model O 2 Mini cost more. If you want a confirmed button count, look to the Model O Eternal instead: it offers 6, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 53g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Light 53g body
- 8,000Hz polling
- No battery to charge
- Four pieces of included grip tape
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF M3 Gen II at the time of writing
Ambidextrous Shape3 of 5
Glorious Model O Eternal Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Glorious's Model O Eternal is a 55g ambidextrous wired mouse with a honeycomb shell.
Best for
- Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the TUF M3 Gen II cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its switches are rated for 80 million clicks. Its honeycomb shell brings the weight down to 55g, and the symmetrical shape works for most grips. The wired cable keeps latency and battery out of the picture.
Its 55g weight ranks third of 5 here, behind the Model O 2 Mini (49g) and ahead of the TUF M3 Gen II (59g). You get an ambidextrous shape here, which sets it apart from the TUF M3 Gen II and its a right-handed ergonomic shape. It also comes with Glorious CORE software for remapping. Its price falls between the TUF M3 Gen II and the Pulsefire Haste 2, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 55g
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Ambidextrous
Pros
- Light 55g body
- No battery to charge
- Ambidextrous shape
- Honeycomb shell
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF M3 Gen II at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
Glorious Model O- (Minus) Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Model O- shrinks Glorious's ambidextrous shape to a size listed for medium and small hands.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the TUF M3 Gen II cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It weighs 58g. Its PTFE skates glide smoothly, and lift-off distance is under 0.7mm. Omron switches are rated for 20 million clicks.
Its paracord-style Ascended cable is light enough to feel close to wireless. Pure PTFE Glorious Skates help it glide, and the shape works in either hand. On weight it sits mid-pack at 58g: the Model O 2 Mini weighs 49g, and the TUF M3 Gen II comes in at 59g.
It also offers a honeycomb shell and a flexible braided cable. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Model O 2 Mini the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 58g
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Ambidextrous, compact
Pros
- Light 58g body
- No battery to charge
- Ambidextrous shape
- Size Glorious lists for medium and small hands
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF M3 Gen II at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II Wired Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's TUF M3 Gen II is a 59g wired mouse with IP56 water and dust resistance.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the Model O 2 Mini offers 49g.
Why we like it
The shell carries an antibacterial coating. It weighs 59g, and its IP56 rating resists dust and water. An 8,000 DPI sensor and ASUS's antibacterial coating round it out.
On weight it trails the group at 59g, while the Model O 2 Mini weighs 49g. No other pick in this guide offers a right-handed ergonomic shape; compare the Model O Eternal, which has an ambidextrous shape. It also comes with a DPI button with four sensitivity levels.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Model O Eternal was closest. Weight is its weakest area, and the Model O 2 Mini covers it better at 49g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 59g
- Max DPI: 8,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- Light 59g body
- No battery to charge
- IP56 water and dust resistance
- Antibacterial coating on the shell and buttons
Cons
- Weight trails the Model O 2 Mini (49g)
How We Chose These Wired Ultralight Gaming Mice
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five mice on weight, button count, max DPI and connection, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Model O 2 Mini to the TUF M3 Gen II, state weight and connection and share Wired connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Model O 2 Mini, the Pulsefire Haste 2 and the TUF M3 Gen II give no button count; the Model O Eternal and the Model O- give no max DPI.
- Price range
- From the TUF M3 Gen II to the Model O-, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Wired Ultralight Gaming Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight
Here weight runs from 59g on the TUF M3 Gen II to 49g on the Model O 2 Mini. For less, the Pulsefire Haste 2 is the runner-up at 53g.
Features beyond the spec table
The Model O Eternal: mechanical switches rated for 80 million clicks. The Model O-: a honeycomb shell. The TUF M3 Gen II: an antibacterial coating on the shell and buttons.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the TUF M3 Gen II at the low end to the Model O- at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Fast flick aiming: the Model O 2 Mini. Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape: the Model O Eternal. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor: the Model O-.
Wireless is no longer a handicap
A 2.4GHz dongle matches a cable for games. Check battery life with lighting on and whether the mouse charges while in use.
How to Choose a Wired Ultralight Gaming Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast flick aiming | Model O 2 Mini | The lightest weight here (49g) |
| Buyers who want four pieces of included grip tape | Pulsefire Haste 2 | Four pieces of included grip tape |
| Buyers who want an ambidextrous shape | Model O Eternal | An ambidextrous shape |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Model O- | A size Glorious lists for medium and small hands at the highest price in the group |
| Spending as little as possible | TUF M3 Gen II | Undercutting the Model O Eternal on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Model O 2 Mini leads on weight at 49g, ahead of the Pulsefire Haste 2 at 53g. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Mice | Weight | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model O 2 Mini | 49g | Not listed | 26,000 | Wired |
| Pulsefire Haste 2 | 53g | Not listed | 26,000 | Wired |
| Model O Eternal | 55g | 6 | Not listed | Wired |
| Model O- | 58g | 6 | Not listed | Wired |
| TUF M3 Gen II | 59g | Not listed | 8,000 | Wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Model O 2 Mini ahead of the Pulsefire Haste 2 on weight?
The Model O 2 Mini comes out best at 49g, with the Pulsefire Haste 2 at 53g. The TUF M3 Gen II is at the other end of this group with 59g.
Is the Model O- worth paying more than the TUF M3 Gen II?
On paper it adds weight (58g against 59g). The TUF M3 Gen II was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Model O 2 Mini the Lightest Mouse?
It earns the label for the lightest weight here (49g). It suits fast flick aiming.
What should I check before buying the Pulsefire Haste 2?
Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. In this guide it ranks second of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Model O 2 Mini and the Pulsefire Haste 2 apart?
The Model O 2 Mini: a symmetrical shape Glorious lists for palm, claw and fingertip grips. The Pulsefire Haste 2: four pieces of included grip tape. The Model O Eternal: a honeycomb shell.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Model O 2 Mini. Look at the Pulsefire Haste 2 for four pieces of included grip tape, the Model O Eternal for an ambidextrous shape and the Model O- for a size Glorious lists for medium and small hands at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
A paracord-style cable or bungee reduces drag.