
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Our first impression of the M612 Predator was that it is exceptionally comfortable. Despite its low price, it exceeds the competition in terms of feel and how well it mitigates fatigue. To see how it compares in every other crucial metric, though, we ran it through a standardized series of tests against some of the most cutting-edge gaming mice ever made.
Comfort
We place great value on the comfort factor of gaming mice. It affects grip, finger fatigue, and how easily you can reach any extra side buttons. All of this translates directly to play-performance, especially in high-level scenarios when the most minute details can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Redragon M612 Predator RGB is the most comfortable gaming mouse we've tested yet.
Our lead tester has large hands, but he asserts that anyone would be happy holding this mouse. “I think even a small hand would find this comfortable,” he said. It has enough bulk and enough of a hump that a full palm grip feels totally natural. Its supportive shape makes a claw grip feel perfectly viable as well. However, the mouse is definitely large and somewhat asymmetrical, making a fingertip grip feel awkward and clumsy, especially if the user has small hands.
The Predator also has a small shelf-like hump on the left side that serves as a nice thumb rest. We loved this part of the design, especially the textured rubber grip that helped keep our thumbs in place and in control. The buttons are nice as well, providing crisp clicks that are a bit stiff but pleasantly springy.
Weight and Balance
The Predator is a heavy mouse, and bulky as well. Measuring at 110 grams, it lands in a weight class usually reserved for MMO mice that require the extra bulk to accommodate a dozen buttons. While there are benefits to having some heft to your mouse, most gamers value a lightweight model that allows for lightning-fast movements.
In terms of balance, this is also a very back-heavy mouse. With most of its weight distributed toward the rear, it feels like you're trying to tame a wild horse while playing. Our tester could definitely sense the imbalance impacting his performance during gameplay. “This is like having a handicap in a game,” he said. “It was unpredictable and very difficult to use in anything fast-paced.”
The cord was another source of frustration. While latency-sensitive gamers generally prefer wired mice, the Predator comes with a very stiff cord that almost demands the use of a mouse bungee to alleviate weight and drag.
Scroll Wheel
The M612 Predator is such an inexpensive mouse that we expected a cheap, dinky scroll wheel with loud clicking noises and an annoying level of resistance. That was not the case, and in fact, it's one of the best scroll wheels among all the gaming mice we tested.
We like the light resistance and quiet scrolling and found that pressing the scroll wheel is fine, too — not too clicky and not too hard. It's a perfectly natural experience that blends seamlessly with your gameplay, never distracting you with plasticy noises or frustrating feedback. If anything, the steps are a little too hard to feel, but we consider that a nice problem to have in most cases.
Sensor Performance
Unfortunately, the M612 Predator falls short when it comes to the sensor. It has a polling rate of 500Hz, which still greatly exceeds the speed of any office mouse, but it is a massive step down from most other gaming mice. Gamers with a casual playstyle or a focus on single-player experiences will likely find no issue with this, but competitive players and online gaming fanatics should definitely look elsewhere.
The upside to a low polling rate is that the mouse delivers very consistent performance. You will never notice a dip in the Predator's responsiveness, nor will you detect any movement latency or even click latency for that matter. The average gamer will appreciate what this mouse can accomplish, and it will perform adequately even if you're playing a fast-paced single-player title like DOOM. The only place where this mouse fails is in the competitive arena, where any disadvantage can mean total defeat.
Should You Buy the Redragon M612 Predator RGB?
The Redragon M612 Predator RGB is not only one of the most inexpensive gaming mice on the market, but it's also a serious contender that might unironically become your favorite. It appeals more to casual gamers and those who focus on narrative-driven experiences. Its weaknesses lie in its slower-paced sensor, bulkier frame, and lack of customization for its lighting and button configurations. Pro gamers will likely skip over this mouse, but for everyone else, its affordability makes it hard to resist.
What Other Gaming Mice Should You Consider?
If you're looking for a budget mouse that caters more to the competitive crowd, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is our highest recommendation. If you're more of a laid-back player who wants to be free from wires, check out the Logitech G305. You can get a top-notch gaming mouse without even approaching triple-digit costs, but if you decide to go all-in, the Logitech G Pro is a serious powerhouse with wide appeal.