Corsair Darkstar Wireless review: Packed with intuitive extra features, this MMO mouse is a winner.

Corsair Darkstar Wireless review: Packed with intuitive extra features, this MMO mouse is a winner.

Corsair Darkstar Wireless: The MMO Mouse Reinvented

The last MMO/MOBA mouse Corsair released was the Scimitar Elite RGB. But now, they’re back with a new contender – the Darkstar Wireless. This mouse is a complete departure from the keypad-laden Scimitar and may not look like your typical MMO mouse at first glance. However, with its 15 programmable buttons and a six-button cluster on the left flank, it means serious business.

Key Specs

A Comfortable DesGameTopic that Packs a Punch

I have to admit, switching from FPS-first mice to the wider and flatter Darkstar Wireless took some getting used to. But once I got the hang of it, I found this mouse to be particularly comfortable. The soft-touch matte plastic coating, combined with the glossy accents and slick RGB lighting, gave it a premium look. The clean lines, asymmetrical patterns, and sharply cut panels added to its subtle yet impressive appearance on my desk.

The Darkstar Wireless strikes a balance between ergonomic design and palm-friendly control, making it exceptionally comfortable for extended gaming sessions. It also has a lower weight and a less pronounced hump compared to its closest competitor, the Razer Naga V2 Pro. This makes the Darkstar Wireless more flickable and allows for easy transition to a fingertip grip.

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Not only is it comfortable, but the Darkstar Wireless also improves lift-off performance with its textured side grip. This extra control allows for quick and easy repositioning without accidental presses.

Buttons Galore!

Let’s talk about those buttons! The Darkstar Wireless features a unique six-button array on the side, with two buttons positioned to the front of the thumb, two above, and two just behind. While it did take some time to get used to this new button layout, all the buttons are relatively easy to reach. Although reaching for the rear buttons did affect my aim a bit, the trade-off between controls and comfort feels solid.

Features Galore!

Apart from the six programmable side buttons, the Darkstar Wireless also boasts two profile switches under the scroll wheel and two DPI shifters at the top of the left click. But the real star of the show is the programmable gesture support. This innovative feature allows you to program left, right, forward, or backward tilts using iCue software. It’s remarkably simple to set up and works incredibly well. Flicking my wrist for various in-game actions became second nature, and it added a new level of control and convenience to my gaming experience.

Performance: Precision and Comfort Combined

The Darkstar Wireless delivers an impressive in-game experience. Its lower weight and additional grips make it a flickable mouse capable of speedy reactions. While it may not match the pure speed focus of devices like the Razer Viper V2 Pro, it excels in providing precision and accuracy while offering a plethora of programmable inputs.

The Omron switches ensure snappy and responsive main clicks, but the scroll wheel feels a bit stiff. However, its performance doesn’t disappoint across a wide range of genres, from MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online to fast-paced first-person shooters like Halo Infinite.

The Quirks and Conclusion

While the Darkstar Wireless offers an outstanding gaming experience, there are a few quirks to note. I experienced occasional random DPI drops, which affected my gameplay for a few hours. However, this issue didn’t persist during intense gaming moments. Corsair’s iCue software can also be a bit confusing, but once you figure out the settings and hardware settings, customization becomes easier.

In terms of battery life, the Darkstar Wireless falls behind its competitors, offering around 20 hours of charge with full RGB lighting. However, the unique features and comfort it provides more than make up for this minor drawback.

In the MMO/MOBA mouse arena, the Darkstar Wireless stands out as a great choice. While the Razer Naga V2 Pro offers more customization with its removable side plates and better battery life, the Darkstar Wireless excels in terms of comfort, control, and aesthetics. If you prioritize a lightweight mouse, the SteelSeries Aerox 9 is also worth considering, but it sacrifices some features for its lighter weight.

So, should you buy the Corsair Darkstar Wireless? If you’re an MMO/MOBA player looking for a purpose-built, comfortable, and highly customizable mouse, then absolutely! The Darkstar Wireless is a premium product that delivers on its promises and stands out in a limited market. With its innovative tilt gestures and exceptional performance, it’s well worth the investment.

Corsair Darkstar Wireless vs The Competition

How We Tested the Corsair Darkstar Wireless

We used the Corsair Darkstar Wireless for two weeks, thoroughly testing its programmable inputs, sensor speed and surface tracking, tilt gesture controls, and overall comfort. Our testing included various genres, such as MMORPGs like Elder Scrolls Online and Alan Wake Remastered, as well as High on Life and Cities Skylines. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out our full GameTopic+ Hardware Policy.

Looking for other gaming options? Check out our top picks for Razer mice and Logitech gaming mice. And don’t forget to browse our selection of the best gaming mouse pads.

Price Comparison: Corsair Darkstar Wireless

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