Pulsar X2 v3 eS Mini Review

Specifications

Packaging

Pulsar X2 v3 eS Mini packaging and content

Shape & Size

The Pulsar X2 v3 eS Mini is a small, symmetrical gaming mouse that measures 116 x 61 x 37 mm. It shares the exact same shape and dimensions as other X2 Mini variants but adds several upgrades in other areas.

The shape features a flat front flare and flat sides. Its defining trait is the low button height combined with a moderately back-positioned hump. This makes it great for both claw and fingertip grips. Larger-handed users may find fingertip grip more comfortable due to the mouse's compact size. Medium and small-handed users will still be able to fingertip it, but claw grip feels especially natural thanks to the back hump and button height.

Coating

The coating on the X2 v3 eS Mini is excellent, it is very grippy and consistent no matter the temperature or humidity. It doesn't come with extra grip tape, but it honestly doesn't need any. My only gripe is that it picks up fingerprints easily, which is common with higher-end coatings like those seen on Vaxee, Zowie, or Endgame Gear mice. Aside from that, it's top-tier.

Build Quality

Build quality is solid. There's no flex or creaking, even when applying a good amount of pressure to the shell. The bottom shell also holds up well and doesn't give in. No rattling when shaking the mouse either, just a very well-built product all around.

Weight

At 59 grams, the X2 v3 eS Mini is much heavier than something like the X2 CrazyLight, which comes in at just 35 grams despite having the same shape and size. That extra weight comes from features like an aluminum scroll wheel and the built-in OLED screen that lets you adjust settings without software. Pulsar isn't trying to compete for the lightest mouse here. Instead, they've made something more performance-focused.

What stands out is the weight distribution. Even though most components sit toward the front, the mouse feels very balanced. That “even” feeling in hand adds to its consistent performance, especially useful at high levels of play.

Skates

The skates are the same ones found on Pulsar's recent models. They feel good straight out of the box and only get smoother with use. No complaints here.

Buttons & Scroll Wheel

The main clicks use Raesha optical switches. Older implementations of these felt slightly mushy and lacked tactility, but here they're improved here. They are lighter, snappier, and easier to spam. They still don't quite reach the feel of top-tier mechanical or the best optical switches out there, but they're consistent and very usable. There's no noticeable pre- or post-travel, and no side wobble.

The side buttons are well-built, no wobble, pre-travel, or post-travel. But they don't offer much tactile feedback however, which is the only downside here.

The scroll wheel uses Pulsar's Blue Encoder and strikes a really nice balance between smoothness and tactility. It doesn't feel overly rigid or too loose, making it one of the better scroll wheels on the market.

Sensor & Performance

The X2 v3 eS Mini uses Pulsar's custom XS-1 sensor, based on the PixArt PAW3950. It supports up to 8000Hz polling and 32000 DPI. An 8K dongle is included in the box, which saves you from buying it separately and lets you access its full performance potential right away.

Conclusion

At $129.95, the Pulsar X2 v3 eS Mini lands in the same ballpark as other high-end mice. While there are cheaper options with similar specs, few offer the same level of refinement. The premium coating, rock-solid build, great button feel, and included 8K dongle add up to a strong package. The OLED screen is a unique bonus that adds real utility, and the overall weight-balance of the mouse is excellent.

It's not the lightest mouse out there, but it doesn't need to be. If you're after something that's eSport-ready right out of the box with an amazing combination of features and quality, the Pulsar X2 v3 eS Mini is a great choice.

Where to Buy