Manufacturer Genesis wants to prove that gaming peripherals don’t necessarily have to be expensive. The Genesis Zircon 500 wireless gaming mouse costs just around 30 euros, but offers triple connectivity including Bluetooth, a precise 10,000 DPI sensor and five programmable buttons. Our test.
Technical data
| The product | Zircon 500 |
| Connection | wireless (2.4 GHz radio; Bluetooth 4.0); wired |
| Cable | Paracord; 1.8 meters |
| Sensor | PixArt PMW3325 |
| DPI | 200 – 10,000 with 100 DPI steps, 100 IPS and 20 G acceleration |
| Switches | mechanical, 60 million clicks |
| Buttons | 6 buttons; 5 of them programmable |
| Special features | 1.000 Hz polling rate; three integrated profiles |
| Shape | symmetrical, key arrangement for right-handers |
| Materials | Plastic, rubber, PTFE gliding feet |
| Dimensions | 119 mm x 62 mm x 38 mm (length x width x height) |
| Weight | 80 g |
| Colors | Black; White |
| Scope of delivery | Zircon 500; USB-A receiver; USB cable; Quick start guide |
| Price | € 32.25 * |
Genesis Zircon 500 review: Simple and high-quality
- simple but appealing design
- excellent workmanship
- rather heavy weight of 80 grams
The Genesis Zircon 500 is available in either white or black. The design of the symmetrical gaming mouse is kept simple. The manufacturer’s logo on the back of the mouse, a semi-transparent mouse wheel and the product name on the left-hand side.
If you are looking for bling-bling, you are certainly in the wrong place here. Personally, I prefer a simple design, so I like the Zircon 500 quite a bit. With dimensions of 119 mm x 62 mm x 38 mm, it is quite small and is roughly on a par with the Keychron M3 Mini (our test).
The mouse weighs just under 80 grams, which is quite a lot compared to modern wireless mice. The difference to a 50 gram rodent is noticeable in the heat of the moment, but I wouldn’t really rate it negatively – the weight of a mouse is simply a matter of taste.
Both versions rely on a non-slip, slightly textured surface, which reminds me a little of the Corsair mice. Below the mouse wheel, there is a three-stage red LED display that provides information about the battery status.
DPI change, mode selection and switching on and off are carried out via the underside. The USB-A wireless receiver is also located here under a hood. I always like it when you can hide it in the mouse to save space.
Features and battery life
- 10.000 DPI, 100 IPS, 20G
- precise Kailh switches
- around 25 hours of battery life
Of course, you can’t expect high-end features for the low price. Nevertheless, the Genesis Zircon 500 is well positioned for price-conscious gamers. The PixArt PWM 3325 sensor is used, which has a maximum resolution of 10,000 DPI.
This can be freely adjusted in steps of 100 between 200 DPI and 10,000 DPI, with a total of six DPI levels available for the preferred setting. Tracking speed and mouse acceleration, however, are unfortunately below average at 100 IPS and 20 G.
The Zircon 500 is therefore hardly suitable for demanding competitive games. There are three large PTFE gliding feet on the underside, which have good gliding properties. However, the difference between this and more expensive gaming devices is clearly noticeable. A Razer Viper V3 Pro (our test), for example, glides much faster over the mouse pad or table.
A total of six buttons are available on the Zircon 500, five of which can be freely assigned within the accompanying software. The two thumb buttons on the left-hand side are easy to reach and have a pleasant pressure point.
For the two primary keys, the manufacturer uses mechanical Kailh GM 4.0 switches with a service life of 60 million clicks. The pressure point here is very precise, although the switches are a little sluggish compared to many other rodents and require a little more pressure to trigger. They are also comparatively loud. In contrast, the scroll wheel is a little too smooth and should have a more noticeable click.
The Genesis Zircon 500 also has a 300 mAh battery, which lasted around 25 hours during the test. When used via Bluetooth, the battery life should almost double.
Sensor and practical test of the Genesis Zircon 500
- precise sensor
- convincing primary keys
- noticeably slower than high-end mice
Admittedly: Compared to the high-quality gaming mice from well-known manufacturers that I normally test, the Genesis Zircon 500 feels noticeably less powerful and, above all, heavier.
On the other hand, I usually play with 3,600 DPI and prefer heavier rodents anyway, which is why the weaker specifications hardly bother me. In practice, the affordable gaming mouse cuts a really good figure.
The sensor works precisely and reliably and the precise primary buttons do their job wonderfully. However, the weight and tracking speed are particularly noticeable in fast-paced shooters such as The Finals, CS2 or Apex Legends.
In combination with the average gliding feet, I would have liked more speed, as I am used to from other mice. But that’s just a matter of getting used to. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with the basic technology of the sensor and mouse.
Software connection
The Genesis Zircon 500 comes with simple accompanying software, which has a tidy interface and offers a decent range of functions. All features can be viewed on one page.
For example, it is possible to customize the six DPI levels, limit the polling rate from a maximum of 1,000 Hz to 125 Hz, 250 Hz or 500 Hz or assign alternative functions to the five buttons. These include, for example, media control, office functions and much more.
Of course, macros can also be created on request, which are then activated at the touch of a button. A total of three profiles are available. The software also provides information about the current battery status and lets you customize when the mouse should go into sleep mode when not in use.
Genesis Zircon 500 test: Conclusion
High-quality gaming mice can easily cost 100-200 euros, but surprisingly the Genesis Zircon 500 can keep up very well at a fraction of the price. I really like the simple design and there is nothing to criticize about the workmanship.
Sure, the sensor only delivers 10,000 DPI, but this should still be absolutely sufficient for low-sense gamers. Especially as the two long-lasting mechanical primary keys work perfectly despite the somewhat tight pressure point.
However, the tracking speed and low mouse acceleration, together with the somewhat sluggish PTFE gliding feet, cannot keep up with more expensive mice. Anyone who plays a lot of fast games will notice this negatively. But for such a low price, there’s absolutely nothing to complain about here.
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable gaming mouse for a low price, the Genesis Zircon 500 is a good choice. However, you should consider spending around 20 euros more and opting for the Keychron M3 Mini, for example – which delivers significantly more in all respects.
Genesis Zircon 500
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value For Money
88/100
Inexpensive gaming mouse with excellent workmanship, precise 10,000 DPI sensor and triple connectivity scores points. However, tracking speed and gliding properties are only average.
