INTRODUCTION

   Ever since the mid 90's when PC gaming truly started to become a thing (mainly due to the introduction of the very first CD-ROM drives) consumers have always chosen wired mice over wireless ones to enjoy their favourite titles. As we've pointed out many times in the past this wasn't just due to the fact that wireless receivers couldn't handle fast paced games (input lag) but also due to low battery life and of course lack of available models for consumers to choose from (limited features). This actually started to change roughly 6 years ago with the introduction of the first wireless gaming mice (the Razer Ouroboros, SteelSeries Sensei Wireless and MadCatz R.A.T.9 come to mind) and although they still did have slight battery life issues these could rival wired models in most aspects including performance and features. Today battery life limitations are almost a thing of the past even for mid-end gaming mice and that's one of the things CORSAIR wants to show all of us with their latest HARPOON RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse.

   Founded in 1994, CORSAIR supplies high-performance products purchased primarily by PC gaming enthusiasts who build their own PCs or buy pre-assembled customized systems. The company's award-winning products include DDR3 and DDR4 memory upgrades, computer cases, PC cooling products, gaming headsets, gaming keyboards, gaming mice, power supply units, USB flash drives, solid-state drives and system monitoring and control devices.

  The HARPOON RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse was released alongside the IRONCLAW RGB and the M65 RGB Elite models and just like every other wireless device in the market it aims to win over consumers tired of wires. To achieve ultra-fast sub-1ms wireless connectivity CORSAIR has used their recently announced 2.4GHz SLIPSTREAM Wireless Technology which has a range of up to 65ft and can support up to three compatible devices on a single tiny USB adapter (this obviously means that CORSAIR will release SLIPSTREAM compatible Keyboards and Headsets soon). According to CORSAIR the SLIPSTREAM wireless technology is 50% faster than their previous one largely thanks to its intelligent frequency shift feature (IFS) which allows it to continuously scan the wireless spectrum at ultra-fast speeds (0.5 milliseconds) in order to pick the optimal transmission frequency for your devices. The HARPOON RGB Wireless is also bluetooth compatible, features a micro USB detachable cable (for recharging and wired use) and under its hood we find the PMW3325 optical sensor by Pixart (10000DPI/1000Hz/100IPS), 6 programmable buttons, OMRON switches for the two primary buttons (up to 50 million clicks), single zone RGB LED and a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery pack which can power the mouse for a total of 30 hours via SLIPSTREAM 2.4GHz connectivity (45 hours with the RGB LED off) and 40 hours via Bluetooth connectivity (60 Hours with the RGB LED off).

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

CORSAIR has used a yellow and black box that has a large product picture at the front along with the company logo, product name and the iCUE logo.

The wireless connectivity of the HARPOON RGB is emphasized on the left side.

The product features and system requirements are printed at the rear of the box in 7 languages (two product pictures are used to showcase them).

Along with the HARPOON RGB Wireless you will also receive the user manual, warranty guide and warranty information papers.

THE HARPOON RGB WIRELESS

The HARPOON RGB Wireless is a mid-sized gaming mouse that weighs just 99g.

On the right side of the mouse we find two programmable buttons placed inside a rubberized textured area.

The company logo is located at the rear of the mouse and is also the single RGB zone.

A rubberized textured area is also located on the right side (pinkie grip).

The DPI selection button is placed at the top of the mouse right next to the DPI/Connection activity LED.

CORSAIR has used a rubberized scroll wheel with the HARPOON RGB Wireless (we liked the one used in the M65 RGB Elite a tad more).

Turning the mouse over we find 4 large PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) feet, the PMW3325 optical sensor, connectivity switch (2.4GHz/Wired/Bluetooth) and the 2.4GHz USB receiver compartment.

The micro USB cable can be attached to the mouse to recharge its internal battery and for wired use.

At the end of the braided cable we find a regular (not gold plated) USB plug.

Worth pointing out is that CORSAIR also released their latest high-quality mouse pad called the MM350 (we're showcasing the Extra Large Extended version above) which is available in Extra Large (450x400mm) and Extra Large Extended sizes (930x400mm).

ICUE SOFTWARE

As always you can download the latest version of the iCUE software from the CORSAIR support page.

As always once you install and launch the program it will detect and list compatible devices on the right side.

Click on the HARPOON RGB Wireless to reveal its settings tabs and a single product picture showcasing the color of the RGB LED.

From the actions tab you can program all 6 buttons with actions, macros and software shortcuts.

Everything related to the single zone RGB lighting system is placed in the lighting effects tab so from here you can change colors and set effects (13 available ones).

From the DPI tab you can assign a color for each of the 5 presets (6 including the sniper one although the HARPOON RGB Wireless doesn't have a dedicated button) and set their DPI levels (the current iCUE software has a bug that limits the maximum DPI to 5k - CORSAIR is working to resolve this in the next version).

Inside the performance tab you can enable angle snapping and adjust the pointer precision.

Let's not forget that from the top menu the iCUE software allows the end user to monitor the status of the system, check battery levels, use instant colors, perform firmware updates and adjust various settings.

Here you can see some of the colors of the single zone RGB system (2 zones really if you also add the DPI selection LED - although its colors are tied to the DPI presets).

CONCLUSION

   Wireless gaming mice can now go head to head with most wired models and not care about most of the things that helped make a bad name for them in the past. Sure this is true mostly when it comes to high-end models but with the HARPOON RGB Wireless CORSAIR just showed everyone that even mid-end models are well worth of both your attention and money. Wireless connectivity is very fast (the SLIPSTREAM technology offers sub-1ms performance / as low as 0.5ms according to CORSAIR), compatibility with bluetooth enabled devices can come very handy (especially with TVs and media players), battery life is excellent (even 30 hours with the RGB LED turned on is more than most people will use it for inside a week – we did surpass 28 hours so their numbers are pretty much on the spot) and in terms of tracking accuracy and speed the PMW3325 optical sensor does very good (although we did find the M65 RGB Elite to be way faster and quite more accurate especially in fast paced titles - we did test the HARPOON RGB Wireless at 5k DPI however so that certainly didn't help). The single zone RGB system may not look as good as the dual ones in other models but CORSAIR had to think about battery life and having a 2nd LED (or even a third) would reduce their numbers (and I don’t think anyone would want that).

   CORSAIR markets the HARPOON RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse as a mid-end model and with a current price tag of USD49.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 59.90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) we have nothing to complain about. Of course we still prefer the M65 RGB Elite for playing games but if you really need or just want a wireless gaming mouse and are not willing to spend much the HARPOON RGB could be the one for you and since it delivers as advertised it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Fast & Accurate (Pixart PMW3325)
- Good Grip (Rubber Coating)
- OMRON Primary Switches (50 Million Clicks)
- RGB Lighting System (Single Zone)
- Wired & Wireless Use (2.4GHz / Bluetooth)
- Long Battery Life
- 6 Programmable Buttons
- 1.8 Meter Long Detachable Braided Cable
- iCUE Software (Available Settings)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Slight Lag Detected In Fast Paced Titles (Wireless Mode)