This entry-level gaming mouse is the perfect way to upgrade your PC games on a budget

A great gaming mouse can make all the difference in intense matches. That means the difference between winning headshots in that game and not being invited to the next game. Even casual gamers who don’t need many customization options can still get a solid gaming mouse for a lot of money. Cherry MC 2.1 That’s exactly what it is.

What’s great about Cherry MC 2.1

The most important thing that a mouse should make right is the feel of your hands. If it’s uncomfortable, you don’t want to use it regardless of the number of killer features. Thankfully, Cherry had the vibe of MC 2.1. It won’t blow you away with innovative ergonomics, but with inexpensive gaming mice it will feel firm and comfortable for a long time. On the sides there is an extra grip that helps stabilize your hands, and is lightweight at just 107 grams.

I used it for hours for gaming and daily use, and I never got a convulsion or experienced any pain while using it. Cherry says it is an ergonomic design prepared for right-handed people. It’s pretty symmetrical so the left-hander might be able to use it well, but there’s probably a dedicated left-wing mouse that works better.

Another important feeling to get it right is clicks. I couldn’t find any technical information about which buttons are used (or the lifespan listed), but it’s enough to say they are tactile and responsive. Oddly, the two side buttons felt a little softer than the two main ones. I don’t know why, but that’s not a contract breaker. Along with the main button, the scroll wheel and two side buttons, the only other button is located just behind the scroll wheel at the top. This button with the Cherry logo can be toggled between four DPI settings. All of these are completely customizable. The red LED in the shape of four tablets will let you know which settings you are using. If you have the button, the Cherry Utility software will start.

design

For many cheap gaming mice without frills, I think the design is fine. It’s pretty modest and not just black, but again, it’s not intended to be a shorter. At the bottom there is one long skate on top and two smaller skates on the bottom, which is fine, but I tend to prefer bigger skates.

There are also customizable LED lighting, but the price is amazing. It’s only around the scroll wheel, but I’m a fan of what it looks like. That’s a bit subtle, but it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Specifications and prices

The truth is said, I think Cherry nailed it here. MC 2.1 for about $40 It has a 5,000 DPI sensor with up to 1,000 report rates, LED lighting, and the ability to store custom profiles for all games (and if necessary).

Things I don’t like about Cherry MC 2.1

MC 2.1 is fully compatible with Cherry’s utility software, but the app needs a lot. The UI has recently been updated to what appears to have been created in the 21st century, but it’s still simple. There’s also a bit of a lack of customization options, even considering it’s a budget mouse. Plus, if something needs to be changed, it may not always be properly loaded.

Also, a bit of concern is that when you hold the cherry button, there is actually a command window that runs with the command entered before the software opens. It’s a little strange. It appears that there are two versions of this software. Anything you download directly from the Cherry site is not the same as what you open when you hold the Cherry button. I have never had any detailed information on this, so I don’t know what this is or why it is. It’s a much better version to wake up when you press and hold the button, so I recommend using it.

I don’t know why, but having the ability to unlock the scroll wheel or customize the scroll speed outside of Windows settings seems unusual among non-flagship mice, which is a shame. Certainly, most games don’t require large-scale use of scroll wheels, but for daily work use, getting stuck at slow scroll speeds is really a hassle. Maybe I’m in the minority here, but either way, give me a choice. There is no horizontal scrolling either, but not expected at this price.

Should I buy Cherry MC 2.1?

Honestly, MC 2.1 is a great $40 mouse. Get a solid, reliable and responsive mouse with some RGB lighting thrown in at a reasonable price. However, there is no wireless option. So, if you need it, you need to look elsewhere and pay more. Plus, it goes without saying that the software situation is limited, but if you don’t really care about mouse customization, there’s nothing to worry about.

Even with slow scrolling speeds, the MC 2.1 proved to be a great mouse for daily use. If you’re looking for a cheap mouse that’s perfect for both work and play, the MC 2.1 is an easy choice.