Zelotes C18 Wired Gaming Mouse Review 10000DPI Joystick RGB Ergonomic Design

Description

Ergonomic Design for Comfortable Gaming Sessions

The Zelotes Wired Gaming Mouse with Joystick (C18) boasts an ergonomic, vertically-designed shape that feels like a breath of fresh air compared to traditional mice. I’ve spent countless hours testing it during intense gaming and work sessions, and the vertical design genuinely reduces wrist strain. Unlike the awkward twisting motion you get with standard mice, this one keeps your forearm in a more natural position. If you’ve ever felt that dull ache in your wrist after extended use, this mouse could be your saving grace.

What stood out most is how the mouse fits snugly in the hand without feeling bulky or heavy. Weighing just 5.8 ounces, it’s light enough for smooth movement but still has a sturdy, well-built feel. The ergonomic curve took a bit of time to adjust to, but once familiar, it became second nature.

The Unique 5-Direction Joystick

One feature that truly caught my attention is the built-in 5-direction joystick. Controlled effortlessly with your thumb, it supports forward, backward, left, right, and downward movements. By default, it’s mapped to W, S, A, D, and the spacebar, which makes it perfect for games that require quick reaction times.

I tested this feature while playing first-person shooters and strategy games, and it’s a game-changer. The joystick adds an extra layer of control that traditional mice simply can’t compete with. What’s even better is that you can customize the joystick settings to suit your needs, whether it’s for gaming or productivity workflows. However, it did take some time to master using the joystick without accidentally moving in the wrong direction.

Adjustable DPI for Precision

The mouse offers 5-level adjustable DPI settings, ranging from 1500 to 10,000 DPI. Whether you need pinpoint accuracy for sniping in a game or fast movements for rapid action, this mouse has you covered. The PMW3325 photoelectric chip ensures smooth and precise tracking, which I found incredibly handy during high-stakes gameplay.

Switching between DPI levels is seamless, thanks to the dedicated buttons. I found myself toggling between settings depending on the situation—lower DPI for more precise slow movements and higher DPI for faster, action-packed sequences. The ability to fine-tune these settings makes it versatile for both gaming and office tasks.

11 Programmable Buttons for Customization

Customization is king with the 11 programmable buttons on this mouse. Using the included software, I mapped out my most-used gaming commands and even assigned shortcuts for video editing tasks. While the programming software is not fully compatible with Mac OS, it works flawlessly on Windows systems.

The level of personalization is remarkable and gave me a competitive edge during gaming sessions. One downside, though, is that the software interface isn’t the most intuitive. It took me a few tries to figure out how to properly assign functions to the buttons, but once set up, it worked without a hitch.

RGB Lighting for Style

No gaming mouse feels complete without some good old-fashioned RGB lighting, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The RGB accents are vibrant and customizable, adding a personal flair to your setup. While it’s not as over-the-top as some other gaming mice, the subtle glow is elegant and not too distracting.

Though not a dealbreaker, I did wish for a few more lighting effects or patterns. For example, a breathing or reactive mode would’ve been a nice touch. Still, the existing options are enough to keep things visually interesting.

Wide Compatibility

This mouse works seamlessly across multiple operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Mac OS. I tested it on both a Windows PC and a MacBook, and while the basic functions work on Mac, the lack of full programming support is a downside for Mac users.

It’s also worth noting that the mouse is plug-and-play for most systems, so there’s no need for complicated setup processes. Just plug it in, and you’re ready to go.

Positive Features

• Ergonomic vertical design minimizes wrist strain.
• 5-direction joystick adds versatility for gaming and productivity.
• Adjustable DPI settings allow for precision and speed.
• RGB lighting adds a stylish touch to your setup.
• 11 programmable buttons for extensive customization.

Areas of Concern

• Programming software isn’t fully compatible with Mac OS.
• The joystick takes time to master, especially for precise movements.
• The software interface could be more user-friendly.

Market Rivals

When comparing the Zelotes mouse to competitors like the Logitech G502 HERO and the Razer Basilisk V3, a few points stood out. The Logitech offers superior software and smoother button customization, while the Razer shines in RGB lighting options and overall aesthetics. However, neither of those mice provides a 5-direction joystick, which is a unique selling point for this product.

Where the Zelotes mouse excels is in its ergonomic design and joystick functionality, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize comfort and control. On the other hand, if you’re looking for simpler software interfaces or more extensive Mac compatibility, the alternatives might be more suitable.

Bang for the Buck

For its price point, this mouse delivers solid value for money. The combination of its ergonomic design, joystick, and customizable buttons makes it a strong contender in its category. While it’s not perfect, the features you get for the price are hard to beat. If you’re someone who spends long hours gaming or working, the wrist-friendly design alone might justify the investment.

I’d recommend it for gamers and professionals alike, especially those who need an ergonomic alternative with advanced features.

Additional information