With a weight of only 63 grams and a compact design, manufacturer Sharkoon sends the gaming mouse Sharkoon Light² 180 into the race. At first glance, the mouse looks a lot like its big brother Light² 200 and has similar ergonomics. Our test reveals what the ultra-light gaming mouse has up its sleeve.
Technical data
| Connection | USB type-A |
| Sensor | PixArt PMW3360 |
| DPI | 400 – 12,000 |
| Polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Max. Acceleration | 50 G |
| Weight | 63 g (without cable) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 120 x 63.5 x 39 mm |
| Number of buttons | 6 |
| Switch | Omron (min. 20 million clicks) |
| Cable | Textile sheathed (1.8 m length) |
| Scope of supply | Light² 180, instructions, replaceable top shell, additional mouse feet |
| Price | € 50.37 * |
Design and Features
With the Sharkoon Light² 180, the German manufacturer focuses on the essentials. This already starts with the gaming mouse’s packaging, which consistently dispenses with unnecessary frills. The mouse finds room in a cardboard slipcase, and underneath are additional bags that contain a replaceable upper shell as well as an additional set of mouse feet. A short manual completes the scope of delivery.
As we’re used to from the Light² series, the latest model also relies on an eye-catching honeycomb pattern. In contrast to the 200, however, the perforated pattern only extends over the mouse’s back, but not over the sides. If you don’t like the honeycomb design, you also have the option of inserting a closed lid in just a few steps.
The gaming mouse measures 120 x 63.5 x 39 mm and is thus smaller and flatter than the Sharkoon Light² S (our review), for example. The once again reduced weight is also quickly noticeable and provides, which in combination with the symmetrical shape results in a successful feel. The RGB lighting is only concentrated on the back of the device, as well as the mouse wheel and an illuminated manufacturer logo below the honeycombs.
In total, the Sharkoon Light² 180 comes with six buttons, which consist of the two mouse buttons, DPI button, clickable scroll wheel and two additional buttons. However, these are permanently installed on the left side of the mouse, which disqualifies the 180 for lefties.
In return, Sharkoon relies on durable Omron switches for the left and right mouse buttons, which are supposed to withstand 20 million clicks. Basically, the build quality is completely acceptable for a gaming mouse in this price segment. However, the honeycombs can be pressed in a bit when a lot of force is applied, while the mouse buttons turn out a bit wobbly – but that can be gotten over.
Due to its compact design, the Sharkoon Light² 180 is especially suitable for claw or fingertip grip and fits perfectly in the hand thanks to its round shape. Lushly sized PTFE mouse feet are used on the underside, providing a smooth feel and good acceleration.
Sensor and practical test
In terms of the sensor, the Light² 180 relies on a PixArt PMW3360, which resolves at a maximum of 12,000 DPI. Not an outstanding value, but perfectly sufficient for most gaming fans. Especially since the sensor works extremely precisely and enables accurate movements even in fast shooters.
A maximum speed of 250 IPS at 50 G acceleration is also offered, which are good values especially for this price. However, these rates will probably not be enough for demanding gamers with a focus on competitive games.
The DPI switch underneath the scroll wheel can be used to quickly switch between seven levels (400, 800, 1200, 2400, 3200, 6400 and 12000). The RGB lighting flashes to indicate the selected level.
The polling rate can also be adjusted on the underside of the mouse. The options 125 Hz, 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz are available – a quick switch between gaming and office mode is thus possible without any problems.
What we particularly liked in the test, however, are the two precise mouse buttons of the Sharkoon Light² 180. These convince with a good click feeling and trigger both quickly and precisely. Even the mouse wheel works very precisely and has a well noticeable grid. Only with regard to the two rather spongy thumb buttons does the gaming mouse provide cause for criticism, especially since their resistance turns out to be a bit too high.
Software
Sharkoon offers optional software for the Light² 180, which is incomprehensibly only mentioned in passing even in the manual. With it, it is possible to create a total of five profiles, which can be stored in the mouse’s 64 kB onboard memory.
With the help of the software, the button assignment can be changed freely. In addition, the total of 7 DPI settings can be changed in increments of 100, and even individually for the X and Y axes if desired. A multi-level adjustment of the RGB lighting, further speed settings (for example for scroll speed, debounce time or lift-off distance) are also possible with the help of the software.
Last but not least, the software allows the creation of macros, which can be saved with or without a delay between commands and can even be repeated several times. With regard to the software, the Light² 180 is enormously versatile – some other manufacturers can take a leaf out of the book here.
Conclusion
Although the Sharkoon Light² 180 lacks any real unique selling points, the gaming mouse leaves a very good impression in the test. Especially the light weight in combination with the compact size and the symmetrical design should appeal especially to those who have small or medium-sized hands.
I particularly liked the precise and fast mouse buttons as well as the extensive setting options – with and without software – in the test. The sensor also does a very good job.
Of course, a mouse in this price range can’t quite keep up with twice as expensive products in terms of workmanship, but that should be clear to anyone interested anyway. However, for the called price of around 40 Euros, the Sharkoon Light² 180 convinces with a convincing price-performance ratio.
Sharkoon Light² 180
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
88/100
Compact, lightweight gaming mouse that scores with fast buttons and precise sensor. The price-performance ratio is right.
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