Corsair M65 RGB Elite Review: Is It Worth It?

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Sajjad Hussain

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Say goodbye to those frustrating moments of missing headshots and dealing with tangled keybindings in fast-paced FPS games! Meet the Corsair M65 RGB Elite – the ultimate game-changer for FPS fans. This mouse will take your gaming to a new level with unbeatable precision and cool customization options. It’s like the upgraded version of the beloved wired Corsair M65 that I’ve used for years. Is it a cool, uniquely designed mouse to improve your gaming experience? Let’s start the review!

Key Takeaways

• Corsair M65 RGB Elite is a gaming mouse, an upgraded version of the popular Corsair M65, designed for FPS enthusiasts.
• It is ideal for users who enjoy fast-paced FPS games, claw grip design, and lightweight and customizable features for enhanced gaming experience.
• It is not recommended for non-gamers or those who don’t prioritize customization in their peripherals.
  

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Let’s start with the specifications.

Packaging and Unboxing

The mouse is shipped inside a paperboard packing box.

Box Contents

The mouse is enclosed inside a plastic container. This is a minimal packing design from the CORSAIR.

The box contents are:

• Warranty Guide
• User Guide
• Mouse

Design & Features

CORSAIR introduces the new M65 RGB Elite Tunable FPS Gaming Mouse, the latest addition to the M60 series. Described as CORSAIR’s most advanced FPS gaming mouse, it features a durable aluminium frame and a cutting-edge 18,000 DPI optical sensor.

Available in white and black, we’re focusing on the black version. Despite CORSAIR claiming 9 buttons, there might be a discrepancy, as I could only identify 8 (three on the left side, two behind the scroll wheel, one on the scroll wheel, and the main left and right buttons). All buttons are customizable using the iCUE software. The mouse frame, constructed from aircraft-grade anodized aluminium, enhances its robustness. The design exudes bold elegance, making the M65 RGB Elite a standout choice for gamers.

The M65 RGB Elite features a lightweight aluminium frame for durability and balanced weight distribution. It differs from the M65 Pro RGB with a sleek design, removing pointed edges and reducing buttons. The left mouse button no longer carries the CORSAIR branding, and the top has an all-black cover. The Claw grip design remains, with a smooth matte black finish. Notably, the M65 RGB Elite introduces two buttons behind the scroll wheel, each with arrow indicators for adjusting DPI levels. The LED indicator changes color with each DPI switch, offering five distinct levels with corresponding colours.

The CORSAIR M65 RGB Elite mouse has a smooth, high-mass scroll wheel for easy control and precise scrolling. The Scroll Zone in iCUE lights up with RGB illumination, and a textured grip enhances both the feel and look, setting it apart from the M65 Pro RGB design.

The CORSAIR M65 RGB Elite boasts durable Omron switches lasting 50 million clicks. Despite my issues with button quality, the excellent customer service covered me five times. I later switched to the reliable TteSports Nemesis, free from switch failures for 1.5+ years.

With a cool frosted white CORSAIR sail logo on top, it adds flair to the Logo Zone in iCUE. The sleek top cover extends over the inner aluminium housing. The cable is coming out from the right side as well. A subtle improvement from the M65 Pro RGB on the lower sides eliminates gaps, giving a seamless look. Thanks, CORSAIR!

Speaking of the cable, it is a fine braided fibre with a length of 1.8m and a USB 2.0 interface. The connector is silverish, not golden. One side of the bulkhead of the cable has a CORSAIR sail logo carved on it.

Check out the left side of the mouse for some cool changes! In the M65 Pro RGB, the left side cover runs the length and widens the gap at the rear. But in the M65 RGB Elite, the front side slots are exposed, and the black/silver combo looks sleek.

The top buttons are bigger and glossy. The Forward Button is above the red one, and the Backward Button is on the right. The sniper button is now below the Forward Button, making it easier to reach but still tricky during gaming. The rear left cover has a minimal gap, revealing the aluminium housing. The M65 RGB Elite has more thumb rest space, which is nice.

The right side is mostly black, leaving one slot exposed. It terminates a bit earlier than the left side, giving more exposure at the rear right.

Let’s take a look at the bottom of the mouse. It has a sleek design with a black inner frame inside the aluminium housing, similar to the M65 Pro RGB. The bottom layout resembles the CORSAIR M65 Pro RGB, but the M65 RGB Elite uses true aluminium instead of black anodized aluminium. Five large glider pads ensure smooth movement, with a glossy finish for a great feel. The design prioritizes low-friction contact points, making the mouse move effortlessly with precision.

The sensor’s eye in the center of CORSAIR ensures precise tracking. It uses a top-notch PMW3391 optical sensor, fine-tuned for superior gaming performance on any surface. The CORSAIR M65 Pro RGB and RGB Elite differ mainly in this sensor. It boasts a high 18000 DPI for accuracy, and you can customize the mouse’s polling rate from 125Hz to 1000Hz for smooth movement.

The CORSAIR M65 RGB Elite lets you customize its weight easily. It has 3 zones, each with a weight block and a screw. You decide to keep both, remove the block only, or remove both. It’s up to you to make the mouse as light as you like. Plus, it’s lighter than the M65 Pro RGB!

Software & RGB Lighting

Download the latest iCUE from CORSAIR’s website to control M65 RGB Elite lighting. iCUE offers dynamic RGB control and syncs with CORSAIR peripherals. Click on the connected device for options like Actions, Lighting Effects, DPI, Performance, and Surface Calibration. Customize macros for programmable buttons. The default Rainbow mode has two lighting zones: Scroll and Logo. Configure colors, speeds, and directions. Personalize DPI levels and mouse preferences in iCUE Settings for your perfect setup!

Should You Buy It?

Upon careful review and analysis of the Corsair M65 RGB Elite, my assessment says that:

Buy It If

✅ You are an FPS enthusiast who enjoys fast-paced games: This mouse is designed for FPS (First Person Shooter) gaming, offering features and precision. If you enjoy games like Battlefield V and Metro Exodus, the mouse’s responsive performance makes it a suitable choice.

✅ You prefer a claw grip design for your gaming mouse: If you prefer using a claw grip while gaming, this mouse is tailored to provide the right grip and control during intense gaming sessions.

✅ You appreciate lightweight and customizable features in a gaming mouse: The mouse’s weight of 97g and customizable weight-tuning system allows you to adjust the mouse according to your preferences. If you value a lightweight mouse that can be fine-tuned to suit your gaming style, the M65 RGB Elite offers both.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You are not a gamer or don’t prioritize customization in your peripherals: If you don’t engage in gaming, especially FPS games, or if you don’t place a high priority on customizing your gaming peripherals, the specialized features of the M65 RGB Elite may not be necessary for your needs.

❌ You dislike the claw grip design for mice: Personal preferences in grip styles vary, and if you find the claw grip uncomfortable or prefer a different grip type, the design of the M65 RGB Elite may not align with your preferences.

❌ You are not interested in lightweight and customizable gaming mice: If you prefer heavier mice or don’t strongly prefer customization options in your gaming peripherals, the lightweight design and customizable features of the M65 RGB Elite may not appeal to you.

Final Words

The CORSAIR M65 RGB Elite is a top pick for my hands and claw grip, perfect for gaming. It handled Battlefield V and Metro Exodus smoothly at my preferred 5500 DPI. The mouse is super responsive with no glitches, satisfying my gaming experience. The sleek design of the M65 RGB Elite, available in white and black, comes with refinements, making it even better than its predecessors. The aluminium frame, textured scroll wheel, and enhanced buttons provide a comfortable and ergonomic feel. The mouse features Omron switches, a PMW3391 sensor with 18000 DPI, and customizable RGB lighting. This mouse has a 2-year warranty, and my experience with CORSAIR’s customer service has always been excellent. The only drawback is the sniper button’s ease of operation.

We thank CORSAIR and Easetec for allowing us to review the CORSAIR M65 RGB Elite Tunable FPS Gaming Mouse.

Sajjad Hussain

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

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