Glorious Model I 2 review

The switchable magnetic buttons are a cool but unessential gimmick on Glorious’ great, all-around performer

Glorious already has an impressive lineup of gaming mice, between their $64.99 wired O 2 and their $99.99 O 2 Wireless model. Beyond the temperate pricing structure, each model flaunts a honeycombed shell that contributes to their astoundingly lightweight (59g and 68g, respectively). Both are rather eye-catching peripherals, with RGB lighting that can be customized if you could be bothered with installing the Glorious Core app. And each mouse demonstrates low-latency performance whether you were directing Zerg armies in StarCraft II or just whizzing around spreadsheets.

So, if you already own an operational O 2, there’s not much reason to pick up Glorious’ newest mouse. At 75 grams, the company’s latest model is ever so slightly heavier, but you’d be hard-pressed to detect the difference when the peripheral is stashed in your commute bag. Performance-wise, you’re getting the same quality switches and amusingly named BAMF 2.0 optical sensor. And while I can’t tell you if the I2’s buttons will live long enough to substantiate the 80 million click rating, I can say that I’ve used the original Model 0 for over three years without a single incident.

Trial with a Trio of Heavy-Duty PC Users

To assess functionality, I asked for the feedback of three assistants, who each used the Glorious Model I 2 for a period of ten days. While one tester has used a Glorious Model O previously, the other two had not used any of the company’s peripherals before.  During the test period, each assistant would use the mouse for their daily work duties as well as at least two hours of post-workday gaming.

Following the test period, two of the three testers said they would “definitely consider” a purchase of the Model I 2. The other assistant stated that they liked the ergonomics of Glorious’ new device, but preferred being able to switch between separate Bluetooth connections with their Logitech MX Anywhere 3. When it came to pricing, all three agreed that the $99.99 MSRP for the Model I 2 was fair. However, two testers stated that they’d likely consider a purchase at a discounted price, as they habitually purchase hardware only when it’s on sale.

Lights Out for Longevity

When it came to reservations about the mouse, there were two. First, the purported 210 battery life between charges (using Bluetooth; With the 2.4Ghz dongle the duration is about 100 hours) was severely weakened when RGB lighting was used. When the device was illuminated, recharging was needed after about 25 hours of use. Given that difference, being able to turn off lighting with a hardware-based button combo would have been preferred. Unless we overlooked some detail, the only way to turn off or dim the lighting was through the accompanying app.

The other issue is that the I 2 doesn’t have an internal opening where users can store the wireless dongle. Since the mouse flaunts a perforated shell, you can see that there’s storage space on the unit’s base. Given that the Model I 2 isn’t accompanied by a case like its Glorious predecessors, misplacing the dongle is possible. And yes, it happened during the testing period.

Store Those Swappable Buttons in a Safe Place

Undoubtedly, a carrying case with compartments would be beneficial given the Model I 2’s signature feature: swappable side buttons. By using a bundled implement that looks like one of a MicroSD/SIM ejection tool, you can easily swap out the mouse’s four side buttons with bundled replacement parts.

Glorious calls the largest of these it’s action button. By default, it drops DPI (dots per inch), allowing for precision aiming in shooters. Alternatively, you can use the Glorious Core app to remap the action button as a function key, potentially allowing you to run or crouch down in a game. Although thumb buttons on the left side of a mouse are hardly new, the size and positioning make the action button quite practical. The trio of other buttons just above it are pretty ordinary, save for the ability to pop them out with the tool and replace them with other plastic pieces. They’re held in by magnets that are strong enough to elude any kind of accidental disconnections.

Gratifying Addition or Marketing Gimmick

When asked how much each tester used Model I 2 buttons during their daily work and recreational gaming, responses were varied. One assistant enjoyed the placement of the action button, stating that the device has “console-style ergonomics”. Another said all the side buttons were cool to have, but there wasn’t that much of a tactile difference between the standard and replacement parts. “Honestly, I thought it might be cool, but it didn’t make much of a difference at all. It seems more like a marketing gimmick”. The third tester stated, “It’s cool that the I 2 is the same price as the O 2 Wireless, but the switchable buttons aren’t a game changer.” They added, “It’s like those mice where you can add weights. It seems like a cool idea. But it doesn’t make a huge difference.”

The Glorious Model I 2 Wireless is a versatile peripheral, that’s equally adept in Word as it is in a first-person shooter. But that’s largely true of the mouse’s predecessors, which delivered lag-minimizing performance and good looks while faulting the engineering of an exotic sports car. The Glorious Model I 2 adds a few supplementary side buttons while maintaining the line’s moderate cost and weight class. It’s more of a lateral change on a product line than just a blemish or two away from being genuinely glorious.

Tech-Specs
Colors: matte white, matte black
Sensor: Glorious BAMF 2.0 Optical
Number of Buttons: 9
Weight: 75 grams
Dimensions: 129mm x 72mm x 42mm
Max DPI: 26,000
Max Speed: 650 IPS
Polling Rate: 1000hz (1ms)
Lift off Distance: 1-2 mm
Cable Type: Braided cord
Connector: USB 2.0
Cable Length: 2 m / 6.5 ft
Mouse Feet Type: 100% PTFE G-Skates
LED Color: 16.8 million color RGB (8 effects)
OS: Windows 7+, Mac, and Linux
Warranty: 2 years