PC & Console Peripherals

Marsback Zephyr Pro RGB review: lightweight gaming mouse with fan

Long-lasting gaming enjoyment without sweaty hands is what manufacturer Marsback promises with the Zephyr Pro RGB gaming mouse, which has a special feature underneath the honeycomb pattern: An illuminated fan is supposed to provide active cooling for the palm. Our test reveals whether the innovative idea makes sense and what the rodent is capable of.

Technical data

Connection USB type-A
Sensor Pixart PMW-3389
DPI 50 – 16,000
Polling rate 1,000 Hz
Max. Speed 400 IPS
Max. Acceleration 50 G
Weight 69g (without cable)
Dimensions (L x W x H) 131 x 65.7 x 40.5 mm
Number of buttons 6
Switch mechanical; Omron (min. 50 million clicks)
Cable Textile sheathed (1.8m length)
Scope of supply Zephyr Pro RGB, manual, stickers, discount code
Price circa € 41 (with -$10 coupon “BTONLY”)

Design and Features

The Marsback Zephyr Pro RGB is different. This is already evident in the packaging of the gaming mouse, which does not come in a typical cardboard box. Instead, rodents including instructions and stickers take a seat in an unorthodox black cardboard box including turquoise details. A 10% discount code for the company’s own online store is also included.

The Zephyr Pro relies on a symmetrical design for ambidextrous gaming, but due to the two additional keys on the left, the mouse is primarily aimed at right-handers. With a length of 13.1 centimeters and a width of 6.57 cm, the gaming mouse is also suitable for larger hands and can be used with all common grip types.

The eye-catching honeycomb pattern including prism arrangement extends over the mouse back as well as the sides of the Zephyr Pro RGB and turns out to be a bit more large-meshed than, for example, the Sharkoon Light² 180 that we last tested. Nevertheless, we like the workmanship of the Marsback, which is very light at around 69 grams, a bit better. Even under pressure, the open top does not give way and feels really high-quality. The RGB lighting also bathes all sides of the mouse in color. From the scroll wheel to the fan to a strip that completely frames the bottom.

In total, the Zephyr Pro has six buttons, which consist of the two primary switches (Omron mechanical switches), clickable mouse wheel, DPI button, and the two auxiliary buttons. They are joined by two additional buttons on the bottom, which can be used to adjust the RGB lighting and fan speed. Two large and well-made PTFE mouse feet round off the base skilfully.

The fan: a real added value

The original Marsback Zephyr gaming mouse already relied on a fan embedded in the case. However, on the new Pro model, this has now been installed parallel to the bottom of the mouse and no longer sits at a 45-degree angle under the hood.

If you hold down the fan button on the bottom for 3 seconds, it is deactivated, which allows a closer look. It is noticeable that Marsback has mounted the fan on black plastic pins, so it hovers a bit above the ground. Thus, it can suck in fresh air from all sides and blow it directly onto the palm from below.

However, you hardly notice this cooling and it can in no way be compared to that of a real fan. Nevertheless, a light, cooling breeze can be felt after a short time, which is really very pleasant. The speed is supposed to be adjustable in several stages via the fan button, but we couldn’t determine a difference in the various options in the test.

Fortunately, the cooling is relatively quiet and can hardly be noticed in a normal noise environment. Only when you hold the Zephyr Pro RGB directly to your ear or in an absolutely quiet environment can you hear the fan working. We also did not notice any vibrations of the motor, as they were still present in the predecessor. Marsback seems to have done a good job with the further development here.

Sensor and practical test

Marsback installs the high-end Pixart PMW 3389 sensor, which resolves with a whopping 16,000 DPI and really works extremely precisely. Fortunately, the full performance can also be accessed without software: 7 levels are preset on the DPI switch (400, 800, 1,200, 1,600, 2,400, 3,200 and 16,000 DPI – very commendable! On the software side, adjustments of even 50 DPI each are possible.

The maximum polling rate of 1,000 Hz in combination with a speed of 400 IPS as well as an acceleration of up to 50 G ensure that gaming is a joy. Together with the good mouse feet, the Marsback Zephyr Pro RGB glides buttery smooth over various surfaces and offers precise feedback.

The keys also leave an extremely positive impression in the test, especially the primary Omron switches, which are supposed to withstand 50 million clicks and implement clicks with a successful feedback. The two additional keys are also convincing with a coherent pressure point, but the scroll wheel once again gives reason for criticism. Its rastering is too smooth and therefore a bit spongy.

Software

The Marsback Zephyr Pro’s accompanying software provides some cause for criticism, and for several reasons. For one, the download link provided in the quick start guide leads nowhere, which is why you have to shimmy through the manufacturer’s website for the initial installation.

Secondly, you are greeted by Chinese characters after the download, even though English can be selected as the language. After all, the software is completely in English after running and offers the typical, but very detailed options.

Marsback Zephyr Pro Software
Despite the English language option, the software initially greets you with Chinese characters.

This includes an adjustment of the RGB lighting with various effects, the creation of macros or the individual alternative assignment of all keys. However, the performance settings are particularly extensive, where different profiles can be created and saved in the mouse’s onboard memory.

Here, the DPI levels can be freely adjusted, the polling rate can be turned down, and the mouse and scrolling speed can be fine-tuned. Adjusting the lift-off distance is also possible, but only in the “Low” and “High” levels without any concrete specifications, as is the case with the SPC Gear GEM Plus (our review), for example.

Conclusion

The Marsback Zephyr Pro RGB gaming mouse leaves a consistently positive impression in the test. The built-in Pixart PMW 3389 sensor works very precisely and especially the two mechanical Omron switches convince with a pleasant and accurate feedback. However, the additional keys, which cannot keep up with some competitors, also work on a really high level.

Furthermore, the build quality is good and does not give any reason for criticism. However, the most important unique selling point is the integrated fan, which offers real added value depending on the application. Compared to the predecessor, it is much quieter and no longer suffers from unpleasant vibrations.

Only the somewhat spongy mouse wheel and the cumbersome initial software installation are annoying, but that is complaining on a high level. The Marsback Zephyr Pro RGB, which costs around 50 Euros, scores with an excellent price-performance ratio. Gamers who have to fight with sweaty hands will get their money’s worth.

Marsback Zephyr PRO RGB

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money

88/100

Convincing, lightweight gaming mouse with high-quality workmanship and first-class sensor. The built-in fan offers real added value.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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Long-lasting gaming enjoyment without sweaty hands is what manufacturer Marsback promises with the Zephyr Pro RGB gaming mouse, which has a special feature underneath the honeycomb pattern: An illuminated fan is supposed to provide active cooling for the palm. Our test reveals whether the innovative idea makes sense and what the rodent is capable of. … (Weiterlesen...)

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