Glorious Model I 2 Review: Overpriced Wired Gaming Mouse
▼ Summary
– The Glorious Model I 2 is a wired gaming mouse with useful features like three side buttons and a two-way DPI selector, but its rebinding options are limited.
– Its design includes a honeycomb back for RGB lighting, a sleek profile, and an ergonomic shape, though the thumb slot may not suit all users.
– The mouse performs well with snappy clicks and a smooth scroll wheel, but its glides are rougher than competitors due to skate installation issues.
– Priced at $64.99 / £59.99, it’s more expensive than rivals like the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air and Cooler Master MM311, which offer better value.
– While comfortable and feature-rich, the Model I 2 doesn’t outperform cheaper alternatives in precision or speed, making its high price hard to justify.
The Glorious Model I 2 delivers solid performance with unique features, but its premium price tag raises questions about value compared to competitors. This wired gaming mouse stands out with its ergonomic design, customizable buttons, and eye-catching RGB lighting, though it struggles to justify its cost when stacked against more affordable alternatives.
Right out of the box, the Model I 2 makes a strong visual impression. The honeycomb shell design not only reduces weight but also allows the vibrant RGB lighting to shine through dramatically. Thin LED strips along the edges add extra flair, creating a bold aesthetic that screams gaming hardware. The elongated shape features a pronounced thumb rest and subtle ergonomic curves that fit comfortably in most hands, though some users might find the contours too aggressive for their grip style.
Where this mouse truly differentiates itself is in its button layout. Three side buttons offer exceptional accessibility, each positioned for easy thumb reach without accidental presses. The two-way DPI selector splits sensitivity adjustments across separate buttons, a thoughtful touch that simplifies on-the-fly changes. Glorious includes alternate button caps for customization, letting users tweak the rear side button’s profile or disable it entirely. The sniper button near the thumb also ships with swappable caps to suit different preferences.
Build quality feels sturdy overall, though the skates on our review unit had minor adhesion issues, causing slight lifting at the edges. This didn’t drastically impact glide performance but was noticeable during intense gaming sessions. The scroll wheel deserves special praise, its spiked rubber texture provides excellent grip, and the notched rotation delivers precise feedback whether scrolling slowly or flicking rapidly.
Glorious Core software handles customization, offering standard adjustments like DPI stages (100–26,000), polling rate (up to 1KHz), and debounce settings. However, the rebinding options feel limited compared to rivals, lacking system shortcuts and media controls. The interface itself could use scaling improvements, as some elements appear cramped on higher-resolution displays.
In action, the Model I 2 performs reliably. Clicks have a satisfying snap with slightly more travel than average, giving them a cushioned feel. Glide smoothness suffers a bit due to the skate issues mentioned earlier, though the wide contact area helps maintain decent tracking. At 66 grams, it’s not the lightest option available, but the weight distribution prevents any noticeable drag during extended use.
Where the Model I 2 stumbles is its pricing. At $65/£60, it costs significantly more than wired competitors like the Asus TUF M4 Air (50g, $50) or the wireless Cooler Master MM311 ($39). While those models lack some of Glorious’ premium touches, they deliver comparable, or better, gaming performance for less money. Unless you specifically need the extra buttons or love the honeycomb aesthetic, more budget-friendly options make stronger cases for value-conscious buyers.
For those who prioritize unique features over pure price-to-performance ratios, the Model I 2 remains a compelling choice. Its thoughtful button layout, customizable components, and striking design set it apart from generic gaming mice. Just know that you’re paying a premium for those extras rather than groundbreaking technical advancements. If money isn’t the primary concern and the ergonomics suit your hand, it’s a comfortable, capable peripheral, just don’t expect it to revolutionize your gameplay.
(Source: TechRadar)
