Ultralight Gaming on a Budget
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- The Glorious Model O Wireless includes everything we loved about the wired version, but ditches the cable.
- The ultralight gaming mouse weighs just 69 grams, features a BAMF sensor, and includes six buttons.
- For $80, the Model O Wireless delivers an impressive set of features in an affordable package.
With hit computer peripherals, like the Model O and Model D ultralight mice, Glorious has become an established force in PC gaming. And now, the brand's long-rumored Model O Wireless mouse has arrived.
The Model O Wireless promises to carry over everything we loved about the wired Model O, including its ultralight weight, precise performance, simplicity of use, and fair price, into a more convenient wireless package.
Adding wireless support, however, requires more than just checking a box. There are connectivity options to consider, as well as battery life and the requisite software suite. After testing the Glorious Model O Wireless for nearly a month, here's why we think this is the best ultralight gaming mouse you can buy for the money.
Though very similar, the Model O Wireless isn't just a derivative of the Model O. Instead, it's an evolution. Gone is the original model's glossy surface option in favor of sticking with two matte color options: black or white.
The nearly ambidextrous shape of the wired Model O has been retained here, complete with that version's honeycomb design on the top and bottom of the shell. To add some flair, there's a line of RGB lighting that runs on the left and right of the body, as well as both sides of the scroll wheel. Some of that lighting is visible through the holes in the shell, but not too much. While not subtle, it's a nice balance of style without getting too flashy.
A graphic depicting the Glorious mascot is tucked away on the left side of the mouse, and the Glorious text logo is featured on the right side. On the bottom, there are four Glorious G-Skate feet at each corner.
Overall, the Model O Wireless features a simple design. Apart from the detachable cable, the mouse has no doors or compartments. Anyone used to housing the wireless dongle inside their mouse will need to figure out a different approach here.
The device has six buttons in total. The one at the top center is the default for cycling DPI, and two extra buttons are placed on the left side, which is where your thumb will rest if you use a right-handed grip. The unit I received for review is matte black and the finish still looks great after about a month of use.
Setup and interface
Brian Hoss/Insider
With a focused design, internal battery, and play charge ability, the Model O Wireless is easy to set up. The company's Ascended cable is a flexible paracord style with a USB-A connector on the PC end and a
USB-C
connector on the mouse side. Although it is USB-C, there are two plastic hooks on either side which give it a trident shape. The trident shape helps keep the cable connected, but also means that the connector has a definite right side up.
Once you connect the cable to the mouse and your PC, you can run the mouse in wired mode while charging the internal battery. As is typical when I configure a gaming mouse, the first thing I do while charging is click the DPI button until I feel comfortable with the tracking speed. There is an LED on the underside that reflects DPI choice. After setting the DPI, you can download the new Glorious Core software.
The Glorious Core software is a big step up over the older app that was used with the wired Model O. I used it initially to update the mouse's firmware and tweak some settings. The software is meant to be run all the time and, in addition to updates and customization options, it yields a percentage-based readout of the battery. The mouse's RGB shows a flickering low battery warning when it needs to charge, but having the option to view an exact percentage is very handy.
After letting the mouse charge for a little while (an hour maybe), you can simply unhook the charging cable from the mouse. The Model O Wireless uses a small USB-A dongle for wireless connectivity and, for convenience, it can be connected to the Ascended cable using the bundled adapter. The mouse has a power switch for wireless mode on the bottom, so just flip it to the "On" position to establish the wireless connection to the dongle.
Performance and features
Since the Model O Wireless has been built to reach a certain low weight, a certain shape, and a certain low price, it would make sense for the mouse to come up short in both performance and features. But, that's thankfully not the case at all. The accuracy of the sensor is stellar and the battery life, even with RGB enabled by default, is no slouch either.
For a wireless ultralight mouse, a balance must be struck between the sensor's accuracy and the device's power efficiency. As part of that equation, the battery and sensor must both be weight conscious and positioned carefully. This is presumably why the Model O Wireless required a new sensor rather than the existing PixArt sensor used on the wired model. Either way, the results are excellent. I used it set at both 1,000hz and 500hz and never once felt like the performance was lacking in either wired or wireless mode.
Performance is impressive when using tools like 3D Aim Trainer, but the Model O Wireless doesn't just excel when I fire up benchmarks. Actual gameplay is just as strong. I find that playing as a Defender in "Rainbow Six Siege" is one of the best ways to test out comfort with a new mouse. Using gadgets and placing defenses while being ready to jump into battle really tests out how accurate I am with a mouse, and the Model O Wireless delivers. The mouse offers an overall refined wireless ultralight experience. That is, it behaves well day in and day out. No bizarre battery drain, jitter, or freezing.
The grip is well-suited to me even with a little bulge towards the backend of the shape. The matte texture with holes also feels ideal. The wheel is good, but I would prefer if it were faster (or even adjustable).
Primary button placement is solid and clicking is satisfying; however, this is an area where I think all mice could use some improvement. A more satisfying primary click (and sense of feedback) seems like the next step in gaming mice. This model doesn't make any leaps in that department, but it's still a good performer compared to similar alternatives.
The Model O Wireless has a focused set of features which omits things like
Bluetooth
connectivity, adjustable weight, or a dongle storage compartment. Some buyers might value extras like that, but I can't say that I miss any of those features.
The only significant annoyance I found with the Model O Wireless involves the Glorious Core software.
I encountered a notification in the app that indicates a new version of the software (or mouse firmware) is available and that I need to update. When I try to update, the update always fails. This is likely because I'm already using the newest version of the software and the notification is an error.
Hopefully this annoyance will be fixed at some point soon, but this is just a software bug rather than any kind of major drawback with the device itself.
If you're in the market for an affordable wireless gaming mouse with an ultralight weight, then the Model O Wireless should be at the top of your list. It's significantly cheaper than many of its rivals while still delivering what it promises. It's also nearly ambidextrous which makes it suitable for most grips.
On the downside, the honeycomb design isn't easy for me to recommend to anyone who regularly breaks their peripherals but, for buyers who handle their mice with care, the Model O Wireless is definitely worth trying.
The Model O Wireless only makes sense for buyers looking to be untethered by cables. If you don't mind plugging your mouse in, then the wired Model O is a better option since it's $30 cheaper. There's also the wired Model O Minus for people who want an even lighter mouse, but I actually think that model's 58g weight is too airy for most uses.
The Razer Viper Ultimate is much more expensive, and while Razer's software is very bloated, the Viper Ultimate is a great mouse with a superior shape, style, and feature set.
For a more extreme take on a wireless ultralight mouse, Logitech's Pro X Wireless is lighter than the Model O, coming in at just 63 grams. The Pro X Wireless also offers buyers some interesting customization options that can be fun to play around with, but the Glorious Model O Wireless has the best bang for the buck for sure.
Another alternative is the SteelSeries Aerox 3, which has a classic shape that caters to many while adding some cool flex via its style. That said, the battery life on the Glorious Model O Wireless is more predictable and that makes all the difference.
The Model O (left) next to the Model O Wireless (right).
Brian Hoss/Insider
With the Model O Wireless, Glorious has not only delivered on an untethered Model O mouse experience, but it has even evolved various aspects. The performance, battery life, ease of use, and market-setting low price are all impressive, while the improved software experience signifies Glorious' willingness not to stand pat on its success.
Pros: Ultralight weight, stylish design, comfortable feel and shape, RGB lighting, low price, supports play charging, internal battery
Cons: Thumb button placement could be better, software glitch presents false update notification, the USB-C cable trident design, no storage spot in the mouse for the USB dongle
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