Glorious Model O3 Wireless Review: The Ultimate Gaming Mouse?
▼ Summary
– The Glorious Model O3 Wireless features an innovative hot-swappable battery system called InfinitePlay, allowing for continuous use by alternating between two external batteries.
– This mouse offers a comfortable, solid design with a lightweight build (66-67g) and a hole-free shell, representing an improvement over previous generations.
– Despite good practical performance in gaming, technical testing revealed inconsistent sensor tracking over the wireless connection compared to wired mode.
– The included charging hub serves multiple functions, including battery charging, connection point for the 2.4GHz dongle, and displaying battery status and mouse settings.
– At $160, this mouse competes with other premium wireless mice but stands out for its battery system, though wireless performance may not match some competitors.
The Glorious Model O3 Wireless introduces a genuinely clever hot-swappable battery system that significantly enhances the user experience. This gaming mouse delivers excellent comfort and strong performance, though its wireless tracking consistency falls slightly short of expectations for a device in this premium price category.
My initial encounter with the Model O3 Wireless was brief but memorable, leaving a distinct impression of a product aiming for meaningful innovation. After extensive testing, it’s clear that ambition has largely translated into reality. The standout feature is undoubtedly the ‘InfinitePlay’ hot-swappable battery system. Similar to concepts seen in high-end wireless headsets, this setup promises a near-limitless power supply. The system includes two 200 mAh batteries; when the active battery drops below 30%, indicated by a red LED on the charging hub and a flashing red RGB on the mouse, you simply swap it with the fully charged one waiting in the hub.
Specifications at a Glance:
- Buttons: 6
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C
- Sensor: BAMF 3.0
- Weight: 66 g (with battery)
- Max Polling Rate: 8,000 Hz
- Battery Life: Up to 71 hours (at 1,000 Hz, no RGB)
- Price: $160 / £140 / €170
A thoughtful addition is the small internal ‘Guardian Battery’ that keeps the mouse powered during the few seconds it takes to swap the main batteries, preventing any disconnection. While some might see this as a minor feature, it provides valuable peace of mind, especially during intense gaming sessions. The convenience of never needing to plug in a cable to charge is a tangible quality-of-life improvement. The accompanying hub is more than just a charger; it also houses the 2.4 GHz dongle, displays battery and settings status via LEDs, and includes a configurable button.
However, a premium mouse must excel in core performance. While the Model O3 Wireless feels great in hand, specialized testing revealed a notable caveat. Using MouseTester software, the wireless connection showed less consistent tracking compared to a direct wired connection. This inconsistency appears inherent to the wireless implementation, as repositioning the dongle did not resolve it. For comparison, a mouse like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight exhibited much tighter tracking over its wireless connection. It’s important to note that this inconsistency was not perceptible during actual gameplay, but it’s a technical shortcoming at this price point.
On the design front, Glorious has made a significant change by eliminating the honeycomb shell seen in previous models. The new solid-body design is sleek, comfortable, and maintains a lightweight profile of around 67 grams. Although not the absolute lightest mouse available, it sits comfortably within the lightweight category. The build quality is generally superb, with a secure matte finish, a sturdy scroll wheel, and a reliable battery release mechanism. A very minor point is that the left mouse button can sound slightly hollow if clicked with excessive force, but normal use feels crisp and responsive.
Setting up the dual connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth) can be slightly finicky. Switching back to 2.4 GHz from Bluetooth mode required plugging in the USB cable briefly to reset the connection. Once configured, however, switching between modes with the button on the mouse’s underside is straightforward. The Glorious Core software is a lightweight and user-friendly application for customizing DPI, polling rates, key binds, and RGB lighting.
The RGB lighting on this model is quite prominent, with a sunken light strip separating the main buttons from the body. Personal taste will vary, but disabling it is advisable for maximizing the already impressive battery life.
Verdict
The Glorious Model O3 Wireless makes a compelling case for itself with its innovative charging solution and refined, comfortable design. The hot-swappable battery system is a legitimate game-changer for anyone tired of managing charging cables. Yet, the wireless tracking performance isn’t class-leading, which may give competitive players who demand the absolute best sensor consistency reason to consider alternatives like the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro or Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. For most gamers, the convenience offered by the InfinitePlay system will likely outweigh the minor technical deficit, making this a very attractive option for both everyday and competitive use.
(Source: PC Gamer)
