Tag: mouse

XPG Alpha review: Affordable gaming mouse with a great PixArt sensor

Laurent

ADATA is all about storage solutions, but the company has utilized the XPG sub-brand to create more PC components and peripherals. Today, we’re looking at the XPG Alpha Gaming Mouse, available in both wired and wireless flavors. This new gaming mouse promises solid gaming performance with a PixArt PAW 3335 sensor.

It’s still difficult for some companies to produce more affordable gaming mice without sacrificing some function or feature. Perhaps the ergonomics isn’t as good as the competition or the customization is more basic. There’s usually something found in the best mouse that’s overlooked for the price to be brought down to earth.

We’re going to run you through everything that makes the XPG Alpha great to use and also why you should perhaps avoid it.

Price, specifications, and availability

XPG Alpha Mouse

(Image credit: Future)

The XPG Alpha is available as a wired or wireless gaming mouse, costing $39.99 and $59.99, respectively. The specifications of the two mice are almost identical, aside from the internal battery and wireless capabilities. The only other difference is the weight with the wireless Alpha weighing about 20g more.

XPG Alpha XPG Alpha Wireless
Wired USB-C USB-C
Wireless — 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1
Battery life — 60 hours
Sensor PixArt PAW 3335 PixArt PAW 3335
IPS 400 400
Acceleration ~40G ~40G
Polling 250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz 250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz
Switches OMRON (60 million click rating) OMRON (60 million click rating)
RGB lighting ✅ ✅
Buttons 6 6
Dimensions 128mm x 78mm x 40mm 128mm x 78mm x 40mm
Weight 78 ±5g 98 ±5g
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Price $39.99 $59.99

XPG Alpha Gaming: What I like

XPG Alpha Mouse

(Image credit: Future)

As well as the specifications, both the wired and wireless versions of the XPG Alpha gaming mouse come with the same packaging and contents. You’ve got the same manuals and USB-C cable. But wait, the Alpha Wireless comes with 2.4GHz support, right? XPG managed to do something we still complain about to this day with other brands.

The PixArt PAW 3335 is a great mid-range sensor and is found in both XPG Alpha mice.

The wireless dongle is actually

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You may be using the wrong computer mouse for your grip type: Claw, palm or fingertip?

Laurent

Sarah Tew/CNET

There are a lot of gaming mice out there — a lot — and they vary by the type of games you play and your playing style. It can be very complicated to decide which size and style of gaming mouse will work best for your needs, especially if you’re on a budget. One way to narrow the field is to determine your ideal mouse grip type. Whether you’re picking out your first gaming mouse, upgrading your current daily driver or just looking for something new, looking at the way you tend to grip your mouse is a good place to start your search.

I’m not a serious gamer and I don’t stick to one type of game, though I do prefer first-person shooters. I had never really given much thought to the mouse I used beyond switching from a wireless one to wired. But getting a mouse to match your grip and playing style can actually make a difference in your performance. 

Read more: Best wireless mouse for 2021

In my initial searches for a new mouse for myself, the usual names like Razer, Corsair, HyperX and Logitech G made up most of the go-to picks I saw. However, I also noticed the name Zowie popping up. If you’ve never heard of them, there’s a better chance you know the company behind the brand, BenQ, which makes monitors, projectors and other computer peripherals.

zowie-mice.png

Size matters with Zowie mice.


Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

What are the mouse grip styles?

Knowing how you like to grip your mouse is important for getting one that meets your performance and comfort needs and Zowie’s lineup is focused on just that. Comfort, speed and control are the priorities and not how many buttons and lights you’re getting. It currently has four styles — three of which are symmetrical — and, unlike almost every other mouse, there’s no software or drivers to install.

Aside from shape, a key to their comfort is that each model comes in two or three sizes, so you can find the mouse that’s right for your hand

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