The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 wired gaming mouse builds upon the successful legacy of its predecessor, the original Pulsefire Haste, which received high praise for its lightweight design, powerful sensor, and affordable price. At $59.99, the Haste 2 is a worthy successor, offering a more powerful sensor, an even lighter weight, and retaining its reasonable price point.
Lighter, Faster, and More Comfortable
The original Pulsefire Haste had an impressive 2-ounce weight, achieved through a honeycomb pattern of small hexagonal cutouts across its body. The Pulsefire Haste 2 takes it a step further, weighing a mere 53 grams, and features fewer cutouts, which are primarily located on the underside of the mouse, mostly hidden by the product information label.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 is available in white and black color variants, with both wired and wireless versions for $59.99 and $89.99, respectively. The mouse measures 1.5 by 2.6 by 4.9 inches (HWD) and sports a 5.9-foot HyperFlex 2 cable. As a right-handed mouse, it offers two buttons on the left side for the thumb, two buttons for left and right clicks, a clear, rubbery scroll wheel with a click function, and a DPI switcher for four default DPI settings, totaling six buttons.
The Pulsefire Haste 2’s RGB lighting is somewhat limited, with only the clear part of the scroll wheel being illuminated. The original Pulsefire Haste wasn’t big on RGB either, but its see-through honeycomb frame allowed some extra RGB lighting to bounce off the mouse wheel. In 2023, many gamers expect customizable RGB lighting in their peripherals, but those who don’t care for it can simply turn it off. The HyperX NGenuity software utility allows users to change the default RGB behavior when cycling through DPI settings.
Equipped with the HyperX 26K sensor, the Pulsefire Haste 2 boasts a maximum of 26,000 DPI and an 8,000Hz polling rate, a significant upgrade from the original’s 16,000 DPI. This high polling rate ensures that inputs from the mouse reach the computer as quickly as possible, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming environments.
The Haste 2 features a palm-style design that comfortably fits medium-sized hands, which may require larger-handed users to adopt a claw-style grip. The overall design is similar to the original Pulsefire Haste, but the Haste 2 is taller and wider, making it easier to hold. For those who desire additional grip, the packaging includes rubber grip tape and replacement PTFE feet.
Customization and Performance with the NGenuity Software
The HyperX NGenuity software utility allows users to customize various aspects of the Pulsefire Haste 2, including adjusting DPI presets, polling rates, and RGB effects. However, the Pulsefire Haste 2 does not have onboard storage for multiple profiles, so users are limited to the default profile when using the mouse on different devices. NGenuity offers the option to create, save, and export settings in multiple profiles to a USB drive, somewhat mitigating the lack of onboard storage.
For competitive gamers, NGenuity offers sufficient customization options to fine-tune their gaming experience. The Pulsefire Haste 2 is well-suited for MOBA and FPS games, providing the lightweight design and accuracy needed for these genres. However, the mouse may not have enough buttons to fully support MMORPG titles, which often require more extensive input options.
Verdict: A Lightweight Champion for Competitive Gaming
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 refines and improves upon the already excellent original Haste, making it an even more compelling choice for esports gamers. With a comfortable design, lighter weight, and powerful sensor, it offers incredible value at its $60 price point. While it may not boast a plethora of features or extensive RGB lighting, the Pulsefire Haste 2 provides everything a competitive gamer needs without breaking the bank. Its blend of performance and affordability earns it the Editors’ Choice distinction for esports gaming mice.
