Keychron M7 8K Wireless Mouse Review: Performance Tested
▼ Summary
– The Keychron M7 8K Wireless is a competitively priced gaming mouse with high-end features, though its design is traditional and lacks innovation.
– The mouse has a large thumb rest and asymmetric shape, making it comfortable for prolonged use but bulky for competitive esports.
– The extra thumb button is poorly positioned and difficult to reach, especially for users with smaller hands.
– The mouse’s performance depends on optimal DPI and polling rate settings, with higher polling rates reducing battery life significantly.
– Despite minor flaws like grease-prone plastics, the M7 offers excellent value at $70, with versatile connectivity and easy customization.
The Keychron M7 8K Wireless Mouse delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price, making it a strong contender in the crowded gaming peripheral market. While it doesn’t revolutionize mouse design, it packs high-end specs typically found in pricier models, offering solid value for gamers who want premium features without breaking the bank.
Keychron, best known for its mechanical keyboards, has been expanding its lineup with well-received mice like the ergonomic M5 and the competitive Lemokey G1. The M7 8K Wireless continues this trend, featuring an 8000Hz polling rate and PixArt 3950 sensor, putting it in the same league as more expensive alternatives.
At first glance, the M7’s design is conventional, some might call it uninspired, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The asymmetrical shape caters to right-handed users, with a pronounced thumb rest that enhances comfort during long sessions. However, the wide base creates noticeable drag, which might frustrate gamers who prefer swift, flick-heavy movements.
Weighing 63 grams, the M7 isn’t excessively heavy, but its bulky feel makes it less ideal for fast-paced esports compared to sleeker options like the Razer Viper V3 Pro. The flat profile and subtle button slopes provide a neutral grip, though those with smaller hands might struggle with the extra thumb button’s awkward placement.
Key Specs at a Glance:
- Connectivity: USB-C (wired), 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Polling Rate: Up to 8000Hz
- Battery Life: 70 hours (at 1000Hz)
- Price: $70
One major drawback is the ABS plastic finish, which attracts fingerprints and grime almost instantly. This isn’t unique to Keychron, many gaming peripherals suffer from the same issue, but it’s disappointing nonetheless. The extra thumb button, positioned too far forward, is nearly unusable without adjusting your grip, undermining its potential utility.
Performance-wise, the M7 shines when properly configured. Default settings yield decent results, but tweaking the DPI and polling rate is essential for optimal tracking. Testing revealed that 1600 DPI with a 2000Hz polling rate strikes the best balance between accuracy and battery efficiency. Pushing the polling rate to 8000Hz improves responsiveness but slashes battery life by more than half.
Who Should Buy It?
- Budget-conscious gamers who want high polling rates and a premium sensor without the premium price.
- Casual or productivity users who appreciate the comfortable thumb rest and versatile connectivity.
Who Should Skip It?
- Competitive esports players needing a lightweight, ultra-responsive mouse.
- Those with smaller hands, as the bulky design and awkward button placement may be problematic.
Despite its flaws, the Keychron M7 8K Wireless is a steal at $70, undercutting rivals with similar specs. The intuitive button customization and clear LED indicators for settings add to its appeal. While it’s not perfect, it’s a compelling option for gamers seeking performance on a budget, just be prepared to fine-tune it for the best experience.
(Source: PCGAMER)
