HyperX Pulsefire Haste Review

As its name implies, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is all about speed. Lightweight mice are very desirable for pro gamers in many genres, so the option to purchase such a capable one at a budget price is certainly appealing. We put the Haste to the test in a number of analytical evaluations and actual gameplay scenarios, and we were surprised by how it improved our reaction speed and quick-shot timings. The only question that remains is: How does it compare to a dozen other market-leading gaming mice we tested?

Comfort

At first glance, you might question whether the Pulsefire Haste will be comfortable to hold. It has an open-mesh honeycomb shell that contributes to its light weight but appears awkward for the hands. In reality, this design makes the mouse wonderfully breathable, and the grip is sufficiently natural and relaxed. While the overall shape is not perfect for every hand size, the texture of the mouse is less slippery than other models that use the honeycomb shell motif.

At 4.88" long, the Haste is a bit small for large hands, and not all users will be comfortable using a palm grip. Our tester with large hands commented, “The hump could be a little higher for my hand, but it is probably okay for those with smaller hands.” He also asserted that he could easily reach the side buttons with any grip, meaning a claw hold is entirely viable. In our testing, though, we found the fingertip grip to be the ideal hold for the Haste. Even when making minimal contact with the mouse, your fingers can easily move it any way you want.

The buttons on the Haste are light and tactile, with a short press that is quick and satisfying. Its cord is supple and flexible, minimizing any hindrance due to stiffness. It's also worth noting that this mouse has a symmetrical design. The side buttons are placed with right-handers in mind, but left-handers can still comfortably use this mouse if they are willing to overlook the placement of these side buttons.

Weight and Balance

The Pulsefire Haste is the ultimate combination of weightlessness, performance, and affordability. Some high-performance gaming mice weigh less than the Haste, but they are usually double the cost.

However, the Haste suffers from an issue that is particularly common in lightweight mice: a lack of balance. The mouse is noticeably heavier toward the front, which can affect your movement depending on which way you need to pivot moment-to-moment. However, being front-heavy is usually preferable to being back-heavy.

Scroll Wheel

Scroll wheels are an easily overlooked design element in gaming mice. In the case of the Pulsefire Haste, the scroll wheel has an average feel but with the pleasant benefit of being very quiet.

Pressing the scroll wheel as a button requires 181 gram force of effort, which actually makes it a bit easier to use compared to most gaming mice. Considering that the Haste does not have an abundance of customizable buttons, this is a welcome benefit for anyone who is willing to map frequent functions to their scroll wheel.

Sensor Performance

From a purely analytical standpoint, the sensor on the Pulsefire Haste does not deliver perfect performance. Its Pixart 3335 sensor has a claimed 1,000Hz polling rate, which is perfectly adequate for practically any gaming scenario. However, our measurements showed a polling rate of 966-974Hz — never quite the 1,000 figure promised. While this minuscule discrepancy is too small for the majority of gamers to notice, it's certainly a notch below some of the flawless 1,000Hz mice we tested, not to mention those that go above and beyond with an 8,000Hz polling rate.

Despite falling short of 1,000Hz, the Haste is consistent if nothing else. It can be jarring and disruptive if the polling rate deviates by more than 10Hz on a moment-to-moment basis — something we experienced with certain gaming mice that had 4,000Hz or 8,000Hz settings. The Haste deserves recognition for its unique combination of speed and reliability.

Should You Buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste?

If you're sticking to a budget of no more than $50, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is the best gaming mouse for your money. Even if money is no object, you might still consider this mouse if speed is your number one priority. It's a lightweight mouse that barely makes any sacrifices in performance or form factor while still maintaining a reasonable price. On the other hand, its weightlessness can be a dealbreaker if you need to perform precise tasks or navigate detailed menus in an MMO or strategy game.

What Other Gaming Mice Should You Consider?

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is affordable by gaming mouse standards, but it's still a bit pricey in the grand scheme of things. If you're looking for an even better deal, consider the Redragon M612 Predator RGB. If you're willing to forego the super lightweight for a mouse that just oozes quality and uncompromising performance, our highest recommendation goes to the Razer Basilisk V3 35K.