Corsair M75 AIR: A Lightweight Gaming Mouse with Impressive Performance
The gaming industry has seen a surge in the development of premium gaming mice, and Corsair’s latest offering, the M75 AIR, aims to make a mark in this competitive market. What sets this mouse apart is its incredibly light weight, weighing in at a mere 60g. This weight is almost unheard of in gaming mice, providing users with a near-airiness that enhances the overall gaming experience. To put it into perspective, the Alienware AW720M weighs 86g, making the difference between the two truly noticeable. The only other gaming mouse that comes close to matching the M75 AIR’s weight is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro at 64g.
One of the standout features of the M75 AIR is its impressive DPI of 26,000, which is more than enough to satisfy even the most demanding gaming mouse enthusiasts. It also boasts a commendable polling rate of 2000Hz / 0.5 msec, as well as 650 IPS tracking and up to 50G acceleration. When put to the test in popular first-person shooter games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Cyberpunk 2077, the mouse showcased impeccable responsiveness and minimal delay between clicks. With its ultra-fast switches and lightweight design, the M75 AIR is tailor-made for competitive first-person shooters.
However, the physical build of the mouse does have one downside. The 100% PTFE skates present a limitation when it comes to using the mouse on metal surfaces. While this may not affect most gamers, as most desks are made of wood, it is still an unusual issue to encounter.
In terms of connectivity, the M75 AIR offers two options: 2.4Hz wireless and Bluetooth. The wireless mode requires both a dongle and software installation, making it more suitable for hardcore gaming. On the other hand, Bluetooth is ideal for everyday productivity and casual use. One drawback is that the wireless mode requires installation, unlike other gaming mice on the market, which may hinder its chances of claiming the title of the best wireless gaming mouse.
Despite its weight taking some time to get used to, the M75 AIR is a well-built and durable mouse that can withstand falls without damage. Its shape is suitable for most grip types, with the claw grip feeling the most natural due to its egg-shaped design. The paint job, however, leaves something to be desired as it feels rather coarse. On the positive side, this rough texture allows for better grip, even when hands are sweating.
Although the M75 AIR is only available in black and lacks RGB lighting, some users may find this to be a relief rather than a drawback. Unlike keyboards or laptop chassis, the RGB lighting on a mouse is not visible during gameplay and only serves to drain the battery.
One aspect where the M75 AIR falls short is the absence of shortcut buttons on the bottom to change the DPI. All customization options must be done through Corsair’s software, allowing users to create unique profiles with different settings based on their needs.
Corsair claims impressive battery life for the M75 AIR, offering up to 45 hours for wireless use and up to 100 hours with Bluetooth. While these claims are difficult to measure accurately, I have personally used the mouse on a single charge for a week through Bluetooth without any issues.
One major criticism I have for the M75 AIR is that it missed an opportunity to be an ambidextrous mouse. By adding two additional buttons on the right side, similar to the Alienware AW720M, Corsair could have provided more programmable buttons and catered to left-handed gamers. Such a simple addition could have elevated this mouse to not only one of the best gaming mice but also one of the best overall mice.
In terms of price and availability, the Corsair M75 AIR carries a suggested retail price of $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$249. It is available in the US, UK, and Australia. While it may be pricier than the Alienware AW720M, which has an MSRP of $129.99 / £124.99 / AU$151.80, it is cheaper than the super-premium Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro (MSRP $149 / £149 / AU$279). However, it is worth noting that there are similar gaming mice available at a lower price point, such as the MSI Clutch GM51 or the Cougar Airblader Tournament.
In conclusion, the Corsair M75 AIR is a solid gaming mouse that offers impressive performance in its niche. It may lack certain features that justify its premium price tag, but its lightweight design and responsive switches make it a worthy option for gamers. However, potential buyers should consider the availability of cheaper alternatives before making their purchase.
