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ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Jun 18, 2021 at 10:46 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 01, 2022 at 03:22 pm
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Picture
7.2
Office/Multimedia
6.6
Video Games (FPS)
7.0
Video Games (MMO)
6.3
Ultra-Light Gaming
5.3
Travel

The ASUS TUF Gaming M3 mouse is a decent, budget gaming option. It has a solid plastic body with two side buttons on the left. It's fairly lightweight, feels very well-built, and has a right-handed shape best-suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes or a fingertip grip for larger hands, though it's also suitable for a palm grip for all hand sizes except extra-large. It has a low lift-off distance and a fairly wide CPI range. However, you can only adjust the CPI by increments of 100. Unfortunately, it also has high click latency, and the sensor on our unit is inconsistent and undershoots the set CPI more during faster cursor movements.

Our Verdict

7.2 Office/Multimedia

The ASUS M3 mouse is decent for office and multimedia use. It feels well-built, and you can program all buttons except for the left click. It also has a comfortable right-handed shape that's suitable for all grip types and most hand sizes. Unfortunately, it doesn't have wireless connection options, the software is only compatible with Windows, and the scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Nearly all buttons are programmable.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • Scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
6.6 Video Games (FPS)

The ASUS TUF M3 is a decent FPS gaming mouse. It's fairly lightweight, feels very well-built, and has a right-handed shape ideal for a claw grip for all hand sizes or a fingertip grip for larger hands. Unfortunately, it has high click latency, a fairly stiff cable, and the sensor on our unit is quite inconsistent and undershoots the set CPI more during fast cursor movements.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Fairly lightweight.
  • Ideal for a claw grip for all hand sizes and fingertip grip for larger hands.
Cons
  • High click latency.
  • Cable isn't very flexible.
  • CPI only adjustable by increments of 100.
7.0 Video Games (MMO)

The ASUS M3 mouse is decent for MMO gaming. It feels well-built and has a comfortable right-handed shape ideal for a claw grip for all hand sizes or a fingertip grip for larger hands. You can also program all buttons except for the left click, though it still doesn't have nearly as many buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse. Unfortunately, it also has a fairly stiff cable, high click latency, and an inconsistent sensor that undershoots the set CPI more during quicker mouse movements.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Nearly all buttons are programmable.
  • Ideal for a claw grip for all hand sizes and fingertip grip for larger hands.
Cons
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as dedicated MMO mice.
  • High click latency.
  • Cable isn't very flexible.
6.3 Ultra-Light Gaming

The ASUS M3 mouse is good for ultra-light gaming, but it's slightly heavier than what we'd consider an ultra-light gaming mouse. It also has a fairly stiff rubber cable and high click latency that may not feel responsive enough for fast-paced or competitive play. Additionally, the sensor on our unit is also quite inconsistent and undershoots the set CPI more during quicker cursor movements. It feels very well-built and is ideally suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes or a fingertip grip for larger hands.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Fairly lightweight.
  • Ideal for a claw grip for all hand sizes and fingertip grip for larger hands.
Cons
  • High click latency.
  • Cable isn't very flexible.
5.3 Travel

The ASUS TUF M3 is inadequate for travel use as it's fairly bulky and likely won't fit in most laptop cases. It also lacks any wireless connection options, making it cumbersome in smaller spaces like buses, trains, or planes. Despite this, it feels very well-built, and it has onboard memory for carrying your settings over to computers without installing the companion software.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • Bulky; may not fit in most laptop cases.
  • 7.2 Office/Multimedia
  • 6.6 Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.0 Video Games (MMO)
  • 6.3 Ultra-Light Gaming
  • 5.3 Travel
  1. Updated Dec 01, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
  2. Updated Nov 17, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
  3. Updated Jun 18, 2021: Review published.
  4. Updated Jun 04, 2021: Early access published.
  5. Updated May 13, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  6. Updated May 10, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  7. Updated Apr 16, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The ASUS M3 mouse we tested is gray, but it's also available in black. You can see the label for our unit here.

Compared To Other Mice

The ASUS TUF Gaming M3 mouse is a satisfactory wired gaming model in ASUS's TUF lineup, aimed more towards the budget market. The TUF M3 may be a good pick if you're looking for an inexpensive, casual gaming mouse. Still, its high click latency, fairly stiff cable, and inconsistent sensor may be disappointing for some gamers.

For more options, see our recommendations for the best wired mouse, the best gaming mouse, or the best cheap gaming mouse.

Razer Viper Mini

The Razer Viper Mini is a better, wired gaming mouse than the ASUS TUF Gaming M3. The Razer is significantly lighter, has a more flexible cable, and has mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a higher maximum CPI and a much lower click latency. On the other hand, the ASUS has two dedicated CPI buttons behind the scroll wheel, while the Razer only has a single button that cycles CPI profiles. Both mice are suitable for all grip types, but the Razer is better-suited to smaller hands, while the ASUS is better-suited for larger hands.

Logitech G502 HERO

The Logitech G502 HERO is a better gaming mouse than the ASUS TUF Gaming M3. The Logitech has a much wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a more consistent sensor, a lower lift-off distance, and a significantly lower click latency. It also has a thumb rest, more side buttons, and a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons that can also unlock for free scrolling. It's a larger mouse that's well-suited for all grip types but best-suited for larger hands. On the other hand, the ASUS is significantly lighter and best-suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes.

Razer DeathAdder V2

The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a better FPS gaming mouse than the ASUS TUF Gaming M3. The Razer has a more flexible cable and has mouse feet that glide much more smoothly. It also has a much wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and significantly lower click latency. Additionally, its shape is best-suited for a palm grip or claw grip. On the other hand, the ASUS feels sturdier, and its shape is best-suited for a claw or fingertip grip.

BenQ ZOWIE EC2

The BenQ ZOWIE EC2 is a somewhat better gaming mouse than the ASUS TUF Gaming M3. It has a slightly more flexible cable, mouse feet that glide more smoothly, and a much lower click latency. Unfortunately, it only has four default CPI presets. Comparatively, the ASUS is lighter and feels sturdier. It also has a wider CPI range and an adjustable CPI. It has companion software for customization, which the BenQ lacks, but it's only compatible with Windows. Both mice are suitable for all grip types, but the BenQ is better-suited for larger hands, while the ASUS better accommodates smaller hands.

Razer Viper

The Razer Viper is a much better FPS gaming mouse than the ASUS TUF Gaming M3. The Razer is much lighter, has a significantly more flexible cable, and two extra side buttons. It also has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, a more consistent sensor, and much lower click latency. On the other hand, the ASUS has onboard memory, which the Razer lacks. Both mice are best-suited for a claw or fingertip grip for most hand sizes.

GLORIOUS Model D

The GLORIOUS Model D is an excellent ultra-lightweight gaming mouse, while the ASUS TUF Gaming M3 is a decent budget gaming mouse. The GLORIOUS has a honeycomb body making it significantly lighter. It also has a much more flexible cable, smoother gliding feet,  a higher max CPI, and a much lower click latency. On the other hand, the ASUS feels sturdier and has a lower minimum CPI. Both mice are suitable for all grip types and most hand sizes.

G-Wolves Skoll SK-L ACE Edition

The G-Wolves Skoll SK-L ACE Edition performs better than the ASUS TUF Gaming M3 overall. The G-Wolves is much lighter, and it has smoother-gliding mouse feet and a more flexible cable. Also, it has a higher maximum CPI, a more consistent sensor, and lower click latency. It's better suited for extra-large hands using a palm grip and medium hands using a fingertip grip. On the other hand, the ASUS feels better built, and it's better suited for small hands using a claw grip.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Lighting Color RGB

If you're interested in a similar gaming mouse with LED lights on the left side let you know what CPI setting you're using, check out the COUGAR Revenger.

Design
Shape
Length 4.8" (123 mm)
Height 1.6" (40 mm)
Width 2.6" (66 mm)
Grip Width
59 mm
5.6
Design
Portability
Volume
19.95 in³ (327 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
No
8.5
Design
Build Quality
6.2
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
96.2 g
Default Weight
96.2 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No

If you're interested in a gaming mouse with similar performance that includes a set of weights that you can add inside the body to adjust the weight distribution, check out the Redragon M601 RGB Centrophorus.

8.0
Design
Comfort Of Use
Right-handed
Yes
Left-handed
No
Ambidextrous
No
Coating
Matte
Finger Rest
No

If you're interested in a similar gaming mouse with textured, rubberized side grips, check out the MSI CLUTCH GM30.

Design
Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
No
Design
Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Design
Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
No
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
Use When Charging
No
On/Off Activation
None
Receiver Extender
No
Battery Indicator No
6.5
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wired
Cable Length 6.1 ft (1.9 m)
Cable Type
Rubber
Permanent Kink
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB
7.0
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Ok
Material
PTFE
Extra Included
No
Design
In The Box

  • ASUS TUF Gaming M3 mouse
  • User documentation

Control
7.0
Control
Buttons
Buttons Activation
Mechanical
Total Number Of Buttons
7
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
8
Profile Switching Button
No
CPI (DPI) Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No

If you're interested in a gaming mouse with an additional button near the top left edge of the mouse next to the left-click button, check out the DELUX M625.

5.0
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
26.3 ms
Wired
26.3 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A

For a right-handed gaming model with a much lower latency, check out the Nixeus REVEL Fit.

8.3
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
-1.13%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
-1.21%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
-1.08%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.52%
Precision Error Between CPI
2.30%
Worst Tracking Error
-8.25%
Minimum CPI
200 CPI
Maximum CPI
7,000 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
100 CPI
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PMW3325
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
2.4 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The available polling rates are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. Unfortunately, the sensor on our unit is quite inconsistent and undershoots the set CPI more during fast cursor movements. If you want a wider CPI range and a lower lift-off distance, check out the HyperX Pulsefire Surge or the Gamesense Meta.

Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel
Control
Noise
Click Noise
Loud
Operating System And Software
8.0
Operating System And Software
Compatible Software Option
Software Name Armoury Crate
Software Windows Compatibility
Yes
Software macOS Compatibility
No
Account Needed
No
On-Board Memory
Yes
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
Yes
Polling Rate Adjustment
Yes
Profile Configuration
Yes
RGB On/Off
Yes

Initially, we had trouble with the software for the ASUS TUF Gaming M3 mouse when it didn't allow us to change settings, claiming it needed to be updated, even though no updates were available. Reinstalling the software fixed this issue.

10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully