Just a few days ago, Corsair introduced the M65 RGB Ultra and M65 RGB Ultra Wireless gaming mice the latest rodents, which position themselves above the already available PRO and ELITE models. Whether the new variant can surpass the excellent test result of the M65 RGB ELITE is clarified in our double test of the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra and M65 Ultra Wireless.
Specifications
| Connection | Wireless / USB Type-A |
| Sensor | Corsair Marksman |
| DPI | 200 – 26,000 |
| Polling Rate | 8,000 Hz (M65 RGB Ultra); 2,000 Hz (M65 RGB Ultra Wireless) |
| Max. Acceleration | 50G (650 IPS) |
| Weight | 97g (without cable) M65 RGB Ultra; 110g (without cable) M65 RGB Ultra Wireless |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 117 x 77 x 39 mm |
| Color | Black |
| Number of buttons | 8 |
| Switch | mechanical; Omron (min. 50 million clicks) |
| Operating modes | Wired; Wireless (Slipstream or Bluetooth) |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| Battery life | Up to 90 hrs. (Slipstream); Up to 120 hrs. (Bluetooth) |
| Cable | Textile-sheathed (1.8m length), USB-A (M65 RGB Ultra); USB-A to USB-C (M65 RGB Ultra Wireless) |
| Scope of Delivery | M65 RGB Ultra and M65 RGB Ultra Wireless, respectively; USB wireless receiver; charging cable; instructions |
| Price (M65 RGB Ultra) | € 16.90 * |
| Price (M65 RGB Ultra Wireless) | € 109.90 * |
Design and features
In terms of design, the two Ultra mice barely differed from their sibling models. Once again, the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra and M65 Ultra Wireless come in a black and yellow box that informs about the most important specifications.
The wired version of the gaming mouse comes with a textile-sheathed USB Type A cable that has a length of 1.8 meters. In contrast, there is a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable with the same length in the box of the wireless model, which, however, has to do without the fabric sheathing. Of course, the M65 RGB Ultra Wireless also comes with a small USB-A dongle for connecting to a computer or notebook, which we already know in the same form from the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless (our review).
Furthermore, the scope of delivery of both mice resembles each other: In addition to a warranty card, safety instructions and a quick start guide, Corsair includes three metal weights each, which can optionally be screwed into the mouse. Only one of the weights can be used, but two or three can be used if desired. They are screwed into the bottom of the mouse so far that they do not protrude – the gliding properties are not affected by their use.
However, the weight is. The wired version weighs between 97 and 115 grams, while the wireless model weighs between 100 and 128 grams. Both models also have ARGB lighting. The wired model illuminates two zones, while the wireless model illuminates a single zone in the form of the manufacturer’s logo on the mouse’s back.
Otherwise, both the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra and M65 RGB Ultra Wireless are visually much more futuristic than the Sabre RGB Pro, for example. Both gaming mice feature a large number of additional buttons and are exclusively aimed at right-handed users in terms of ergonomics and button arrangement. The dimensions of 117.0 mm x 77.0 mm x 39.0 mm (L x W x H) are also identical.
Besides the two Omron optical switches, the gaming mice have a whole six additional buttons. The clickable scroll wheel and a dedicated button for increasing and decreasing the resolution (DPI) are available on the mouse’s back. On the left side, Corsair has positioned two precise Quickstrike buttons, as well as a particularly large, red Sniper button underneath. We already know this in the same form from the other models of the M65 RGB series. Holding it down lowers the sensor’s sampling rate, which allows you to aim more precisely in shooters. A very useful gimmick, as the practical test shows.
The curvature on the left side offers even wide thumbs sufficient space and ensures a secure grip even during fast movements. A look down shows that the silver underside of the mice is dominated by four generous PTFE gliding feet, which have really excellent gliding properties regardless of the surface.
Sensor and practical test
In terms of looks and feel, then, hardly anything has changed compared to the previous M65 mice. But under the hood, instead of the Pixart PMW3391 sensor with 18,000 DPI installed in the M65 RGB ELITE, Corsair has installed the specially developed Marksman sensor with a resolution of 26,000 DPI, which we already know from the Sabre Pro RGB. It offers a tracking speed of 650 IPS at 50G acceleration and works extremely accurately.
The mice just fly over the surface at corresponding speeds. Such a high speed is rarely practical, but definitely nice-to-have. Especially those who like to play with a high DPI number will appreciate the additional performance. Especially since the resolution can even be fine-tuned in 1 DPI steps with the help of the Corsair iCUE software.
The enormous sampling rate of up to 8,000 Hz (in the case of the wired variant) is similar, whereby once again the difference to 2,000 Hz is hardly noticeable. However, this is by no means meant to be critical, because with such a high polling rate, the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra and M65 RGB Ultra Wireless will satisfy even the most demanding users. The wireless model is also very well positioned with a maximum of 2,000 Hz.
Another interesting innovation of the M65 RGB Ultra is the Sensor Fusion technology, where a 6-axis gyro and accelerometer detects if the mouse is lifted. This not only ensures an extremely low lift-off distance in practice, but also enables innovative tilting gestures. In shooters, for example, reloading a weapon or switching between equipment items can be done with a tilting motion.
Depending on the angle, different actions can be performed. Gestures can be saved for tilts to the left, right, front and back, as well as in 10-degree increments each. This is nice and is quite reliably recognized in gaming – but whether you actually want to use this feature is something every gamer has to decide for themselves.
Cable versus Wireless
Many, especially competitive, gamers still swear by a wired mouse today and usually justify this with a faster response time. However, our extensive hands-on test shows that the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra doesn’t offer any advantage over the M65 RGB Ultra Wireless in this regard. In fact, both mice implement our inputs without delay. At least when using the wireless model with the more precise Slipstream technology.
Here, you can switch between said Slipstream and Bluetooth mode on the bottom of the mouse. We already know this from the Corsair Sabre Pro as well. The response time is under 1 millisecond and cannot be measured, while at the same time the gaming mice work more interference-free thanks to Slipstream and offer an increased range. Alternatively, via Bluetooth, compatibility can be increased at the expense of precision.
The lithium polymer battery proves to be extremely durable and, in combination with Slipstream, achieves a battery life of 90 hours with deactivated RGB lighting – an excellent value. In Bluetooth mode, it’s even a full 120 hours before the mouse needs to be recharged with Storm. The mouse is charged using the included USB-A to USB-C cable, which is connected to the front.
Software
As usual, Corsair’s in-house iCUE software is used to customize the M65 RGB Ultra and M65 RGB Ultra Wireless. It forms one of the most comprehensive software solutions on the market and allows significantly more settings than one is normally used to from peripheral devices.
With the current version number 4, the software has been visually overhauled and presents itself much more clearly than before. A firmware update is even available for the mice at the first start. Practical: When using the software for the first time, all setting options come with a short tutorial that informs about the different options.
Of course, the lighting can be adjusted here in various effects and colors. In addition, all keys can be reassigned and macros can be created and saved on the software side. Both in the software as well as on the hardware side, which retrieves the corresponding settings even when used on a device without iCUE software.
We also set the tilt gestures for all four directions separately here, as well as the resolution in a total of five DPI levels plus an additional sniper setting, and assign them different colors (which light up on the mouse between the two DPI buttons when a change is made). In addition to a surface calibration, the settings also provide information about the battery level, let us adjust the brightness of the backlight or choose when the mouse should enter sleep mode after non-use.
Once again, Corsair’s iCUE software proves to be the most comprehensive and convenient companion app on the market here. No other manufacturer allows such extensive customization.
Conclusion
With the M65 RGB Ultra and M65 RGB Ultra Wireless, Corsair delivers two of the best gaming mice you can currently buy. The build quality and feel of the mice are beyond reproach, and the software settings are much more versatile than you would normally be used to.
At the same time, the Marksman sensor combines one of the best sensors currently available with an incredible resolution of 26,000 DPI and a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz, which makes for impressive precision.
Combined with the excellent ergonomics, customizable weight and innovative tilt gestures, both gaming mice combine strong features that make the M65 Ultra series unique. Add to that the extremely accurate and durable Omron switches and the excellent spring-loaded Quickstrike buttons, and you’ve got no slip-ups either.
Is the wired model now better than the wireless variant? No, because in practice there is almost no difference, especially in sliptstream mode. However, there is a difference in price and weight. The M65 RGB Ultra Wireless weighs about 13 grams more and costs 50 Euros (RRP) more. If you can do without the additional comfort, the Corsair M65 RGB Ultra is just as good. In any case, we can unreservedly recommend both gaming mice.
Corsair M65 RGB Ultra / M65 RGB Ultra Wireless
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
96/100
Superior gaming mice with ultra-precise sensor, high-quality workmanship and innovative features. Almost everything is right here.
