Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO  Mouse Review

Reviewed Sep 23, 2020 at 09:12am
Test bench update Aug 19, 2025 at 02:48pm
Tested using Methodology v1.5.1 
Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO

Track

0.0
Work 
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 
0.0
Raw Performance 

Track

 5

The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is an impressive overall wireless gaming mouse. It features an outstanding sensor that can reach a maximum of 18,000 CPI, and you can adjust the CPI in increments of one. It also has exceptionally low click latency and a maximum polling rate of 1000Hz. Unfortunately, It's heavy and doesn't offer weight optimization, so it's not ideal for ultra-light gaming. Fortunately, it's very comfortable and designed for right-handed people using a palm grip, and it can also be used with a fingertip or claw grip by those with larger hands.

Our Verdict

0.0
Work 

The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is excellent for office use. It's a very comfortable mouse that's suitable for any sized hand with a palm grip. It can connect to your computer either through its USB receiver or Bluetooth, which is great. There are a lot of buttons you can reprogram, which helps with your workflow, but sadly, the wheel doesn't offer any horizontal scrolling.

Pros
  • Very comfortable to use with a palm grip.
  • Bluetooth-compatible.
  • All buttons are macro-programmable.
  • Slot for USB receiver.
Cons
  • No weight optimization.
  • Scroll wheel doesn't offer extra features.
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 

The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is good for FPS games. It's packed with great gaming features such as exceptionally low click latency, a 1000Hz maximum polling rate, and a wide CPI range. Unfortunately, it's a heavy mouse. Fortunately, it's very comfortable and designed to be used with a palm grip by any hand size.

Pros
  • Exceptionally Low click latency.
  • Very comfortable to use with a palm grip.
  • Slot for USB receiver.
Cons
  • Sensor doesn't always perform at set CPI.
  • Heavy mouse.
  • No weight optimization.
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 

The mouse is excellent for MMO gaming. Every button on the Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is macro-programmable. There are two side buttons and an extra two above, closer to the left button. It has exceptionally low click latency, a high polling rate, and a wide CPI range.

Pros
  • Exceptionally Low click latency.
  • Very comfortable to use with a palm grip.
  • All buttons are macro-programmable.
  • Slot for USB receiver.
Cons
  • Sensor doesn't always perform at set CPI.
  • No weight optimization.
  • Scroll wheel doesn't offer extra features.
0.0
Raw Performance 

Pros
  • Slot for USB receiver.
Cons
  • No weight optimization.
  • 0.0
    Work
  • 0.0
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 0.0
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Aug 19, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5.1. This update removes less relevant or redundant elements, including several videos. We've also adjusted our Sensor Latency testing, resulting in minor score changes. See our full 1.5.1 changelog for details.
    2.  Updated Nov 26, 2024: 

      We've updated this review to reflect that this mouse now has a maximum polling rate of 1000Hz. See the Sensor Specifications for more information.

    3.  Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
    4.  Updated Dec 01, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.

    Check Price

    BlackDARK CORE RGB PRO
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO in black, which is the only color available for this model. There's a variant called the Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO SE, which allows for wireless charging with any of Qi-compatible mousepad. The models are listed below.

    Model Sensor Model Max CPI Advertised Weight Wireless Charging
    DARK CORE RGB PRO PAW3392 18,000 133g No
    DARK CORE RGB PRO SE PAW3392 18,000 142g Yes

    If someone has a DARK CORE RGB PRO that doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is an impressive overall mouse, and it feels better built and more comfortable than other wireless gaming mice. The sensor has a high CPI variation, which is disappointing. It's heavy, but if that doesn't bother you, this is a great mouse for its price.

    Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best gaming mice, the best wireless mice, and the best Corsair mice.

    Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED

    Track

    The Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED and the Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO are two good FPS gaming mice. Both options have a gamer-centric look and aren't for people with very small hands. The Logitech is a bit smaller, lighter, and has more buttons, including an extra one on the side. On the other hand, the Corsair has both a thumb and a pinky rest, which some people may find more comfortable.

    Corsair IRONCLAW RGB Wireless

    Track

    The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is better than the Corsair IRONCLAW RGB Wireless. The DARK CORE has lower click latency and onboard memory. However, the IRONCLAW has more buttons, lower lift-off distance, and less CPI variation.

    Corsair M65 RGB Elite

    Track

    The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is better than the Corsair M65 RGB Elite. The DARK CORE is wireless with lower click latency. On the other hand, the M65 is wired, feels more comfortable, and has less CPI variation.

    Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless

    Track

    The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is better than the Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless. The DARK CORE feels better-built and more comfortable. It also has more buttons, a wider CPI range, and the CPI can be adjusted by increments of 1. However, the HARPOON has less CPI variation, and it's much lighter.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    LockedStandard
    Coating
    LockedLocked
    Lighting ColorLockedLocked

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    Shape
    LengthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    Grip Width
    LockedLock mm
    Ambidextrous
    LockedNo
    Left-Handed Friendly
    LockedLocked
    Finger Rest
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    LockedLock g
    Default Weight
    Locked132.1 g
    Weight Distribution
    LockedLocked
    Extra Weights
    LockedLocked

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    Hand Size Recommendation
    Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
    Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
    Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Maximum Of Paired Devices
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Use When Charging
    LockedLocked
    On/Off Activation
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Extender
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Storing
    LockedLocked
    Battery IndicatorLockedLocked

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    Cable
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Cable Length
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Cable Type
    LockedLocked
    Permanent Kink
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: Mouse End
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: PC End
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    LockedLocked
    Material
    LockedLocked
    Extra Included
    LockedLocked
    In The Box

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    Control
    Main Button
    Switch Type
    LockedLocked
    Switch Model
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Additional Buttons
    Total Number Of Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Side Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    LockedLock
    Profile Switching Button
    LockedLocked
    Gesture Support
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Click Latency
    Expected Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Receiver
    LockedLock ms
    Bluetooth
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    CPI
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    LockedN/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    LockedLock%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    LockedLock%
    Worst Tracking Error
    LockedLock%
    Minimum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    Maximum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    LockedLock CPI
    0.0
    Sensor Latency
    Delay To Start Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay At Half Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay To End Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    LockedLocked
    Sensor Model
    LockedLocked
    Works On Glass
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    LockedLock mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    LockedLocked

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    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel Type
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel Type
    LockedLocked

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    Noise
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO Noise Video Sample
    Click Noise
    LockedLocked
    Operating System And Software
    Configuration Software
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO Software Tour Sample
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    On-Board Memory
    LockedLocked
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Profile Configuration
    LockedLocked
    Profile Auto-Switching
    LockedLocked
    RGB On/Off
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityLockedLocked
    macOS CompatibilityLockedLocked

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