Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless  Mouse Review

Reviewed Feb 06, 2020 at 08:15am
Tested using Methodology v1.3 
Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless
7.8
Office/Multimedia 
7.9
Video Games (FPS) 
7.6
Video Games (MMO) 
8.0
Travel 
 0
  1. Recommended in:
  2. Corsair

The Corsair HARPOON Wireless is a compact, wireless gaming mouse. Its small and versatile design makes it a great choice for tossing into a laptop bag and bringing with you, as well as using with your gaming setup at home. It has superb click latency when connected wirelessly with its USB receiver or with its included charging cable. It also has Bluetooth support, but this connection mode isn't recommended for gaming. Despite being small, people with any hand size will be able to use this mouse with a claw grip, though small hands may have difficulties reaching all the buttons using a palm grip.

Our Verdict

7.8
Office/Multimedia 

The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a very good mouse for office and multimedia use thanks to its decently comfortable design and a good amount of programmable buttons. It can be used comfortably with claw grip by any hand size, though people with small hands will likely have a hard time reaching all the buttons with fingertip grip. It's compact enough that you can easily toss it into your laptop case, and it can connect to your laptop via Bluetooth so you don't need to bring any dongles with you, which is great.

Pros
  • Great sensor performance and extremely low click latency.
  • Portable and fairly lightweight.
  • Lots of connectivity options.
Cons
  • Not the most comfortable.
7.9
Video Games (FPS) 

The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a great mouse for FPS games. Its click latency is extremely low, and its CPI is customizable and very consistent. It has two additional side buttons, and all six buttons can be reprogrammed via Corsair's iCUE software. It's reasonably lightweight; everyone should be able to comfortably reach all the buttons when using claw grip, and only small hands will likely have a harder time with fingertip grip.

Pros
  • Great sensor performance and extremely low click latency.
  • Portable and fairly lightweight.
  • Lots of connectivity options.
Cons
  • Not the most comfortable.
7.6
Video Games (MMO) 

The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a good MMO mouse. While it doesn't have nearly as many buttons as dedicated MMO mice, every button is programmable on both Windows and macOS, which is great. It's suitable for any hand size with claw grip, and only those with small hands will have a hard time reaching the side buttons with fingertip grip.

Pros
  • Great sensor performance and extremely low click latency.
  • Portable and fairly lightweight.
  • Lots of connectivity options.
Cons
  • Not the most comfortable.
8.0
Travel 

The Corsair HARPOON Wireless is a great mouse for travel thanks to its compact and wireless design that can be used via Bluetooth without the need for any dongles or USB receivers if your laptop is Bluetooth-enabled. It feels durable enough to handle being tossed into a laptop case and is comfortable for all hand sizes when using claw grip.

Pros
  • Great sensor performance and extremely low click latency.
  • Portable and fairly lightweight.
  • Lots of connectivity options.
Cons
  • Not the most comfortable.
  • 7.8
    Office/Multimedia
  • 7.9
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.6
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 8.0
    Travel
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Sep 16, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
    2.  Updated Aug 15, 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.
    3.  Updated Jun 09, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which revamped our click latency test methodology. We've updated the text to reflect our new results in various sections, including the Click Latency test box, Usages, Introduction, and other locations where we discuss click latency.
    4.  Updated May 30, 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.

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    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The Corsair HARPOON Wireless is a compact gaming mouse similar to the Logitech G305 and the Razer Atheris. Unlike most gaming mice which are rather large and bulky, it can easily be tossed into a laptop case and brought with you on-the-go. See our recommendations for the best wireless mouse, the best Corsair mouse, and the best gaming mouse.

    Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless and the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED are both great wireless FPS gaming mice. The Corsair can be used with its USB receiver, as well as with Bluetooth or wired, while the Logitech can only be used with its proprietary receiver. While the Logitech has a wider and more adjustable CPI range, the Corsair's sensor performance is slightly more consistent. Both mice are recommended for a claw or fingertip grip, though those with small hands will be better off with the Logitech, and extra-large hands will have a better time with the Corsair.

    Razer Atheris

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a better gaming mouse than the Razer Atheris. The Corsair is lighter weight, feels better built, is rechargeable, has a wider adjustable CPI range, and lower click latency. On the other hand, the Razer has more programmable buttons. The Corsair is suitable for any hand size with a claw grip, while the Razer is best recommended for fingertip grip.

    Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a better gaming mouse than the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed. While the Razer is wireless-only, the Corsair can be used wireless or wired while charging. The Razer is a bit heavier and larger, which makes it better suited for palm grip. Meanwhile, the more compact and portable Corsair is best for all hand sizes with a claw grip. While the Razer has a much wider and more adjustable CPI range, the Corsair's CPI is slightly more consistent.

    Razer Viper Ultimate

    The Razer Viper Ultimate is a better gaming mouse than the Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless. The Razer is lighter and has a much more comfortable and durable feeling. Both mice are only suitable for palm grip with small or medium hands. While the Corsair can be used by all hand sizes with a claw grip, people with extra-large hands will only get a comfortable grip of the Razer when using a fingertip grip. The Razer has a much wider and more adjustable CPI range, though the sensor on the Corsair is more consistent. The Razer has more programmable buttons, and its L/R click buttons are optical instead of mechanical.

    Corsair HARPOON RGB

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is much better than the Corsair HARPOON RGB. Both mice have the same shape, while the RGB Wireless is, as the name suggests, a wireless mouse. It also has a much better sensor with a wider CPI range and lower CPI variation. However, the RGB Gaming Mouse is lighter and has a lower lift-off distance.

    Razer Mamba Wireless

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless and the Razer Mamba Wireless are both very good gaming mice, but the Corsair has a smaller form factor that's easier to take around with you. It also can be used via Bluetooth and has low click latency regardless of which connection type you use. The Razer feels more durable and is much more comfortable, thanks to its larger body. Most people will have an easier time using the Corsair with a claw or fingertip grip, while the Razer is best suited for a palm grip.

    SteelSeries Rival 650

    The SteelSeries Rival 650 is better than the Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless. The SteelSeries is better-built, feels more comfortable, has more buttons, and has a lower lift-off distance. However, the Corsair has Bluetooth support, it's lighter, and it has lower click latency over its USB receiver.

    Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO

    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.

    Corsair HARPOON RGB PRO

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB PRO is an updated, wired version of the Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless. The HARPOON RGB PRO is significantly lighter, has a lower lift-off distance, a broader CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and onboard memory for settings. On the other hand, the HARPOON RGB Wireless connects via a USB receiver or Bluetooth. It has a lower click latency and a much more consistent sensor. Both mice are ideal for nearly all hand sizes with a claw or fingertip grip and smaller hands for a palm grip.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    Standard
    Lighting ColorRGB

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a compact gaming mouse with a fairly straight-forward black design. There's RGB lighting on the logo on the back, as well as on the CPI switch button.

    Shape
    Length4.6" (116 mm)
    Height1.8" (45 mm)
    Width2.7" (68 mm)
    Grip Width
    59 mm
    7.8
    Portability
    Volume
    16.48 in³ (270 cm³)
    Cable/Receiver Storing
    Yes

    This is a very portable mouse thanks to its compact and wireless design. You should have no problem tossing it into most laptop cases or bags, and it's a great companion to go with a gaming laptop.

    8.0
    Build Quality

    The Corsair HARPOON Wireless' build quality is good. The entire mouse is made of good quality matte plastic. There is a small amount of wobble on the main L/R click buttons, though it's unlikely that this will be at all noticeable during regular use. The side buttons can also be activated by pressing hard enough on the side of the frame, though again, this likely won't be an issue during regular use.

    5.9
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    102.4 g
    Default Weight
    102.4 g
    Weight Distribution
    Centered
    Extra Weights
    No

    The Corsair HARPOON Wireless is a fairly lightweight mouse when used without a wire.

    8.5
    Comfort Of Use
    Left-Handed Friendly
    No
    Ambidextrous
    No
    Coating
    Matte
    Finger Rest
    Thumb

    This mouse is decently comfortable. It has a very slight right-handed slant but could still likely be used for either hand. Its compact size makes it a bit less comfortable than larger mice, but it's still more pleasant to grip than the Razer Atheris, which has a similar design.

    Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    Yes
    Medium Hand
    Yes
    Large Hand
    No
    X.Large Hand
    No

    This mouse is quite compact and is best used in palm grip by smaller hands, even people with medium hands may find it a bit on the small side. Larger hands will find it too cramped, and their fingers will hang too far off the front.

    Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    Yes
    Medium Hand
    Yes
    Large Hand
    Yes
    X.Large Hand
    Yes

    This mouse is great for claw grip, as any hand size should be able to use it comfortably and reach all the buttons.

    Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    No
    Medium Hand
    Yes
    Large Hand
    Yes
    X.Large Hand
    Yes

    Everyone except those with small hands should be able to use this mouse well with fingertip grip. Small hands may have a hard time reaching the front side button.

    9.6
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    Yes
    Maximum Of Paired Devices
    2
    Receiver
    Yes
    Battery Type
    Rechargeable
    Use When Charging
    Yes
    On/Off Activation
    Auto Off And On/Off Switch
    Receiver Extender
    No
    Battery IndicatorYes

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless can be used wireless with either its USB receiver or via Bluetooth as well, which is great if you have a Bluetooth-enabled laptop and don't want to bring the USB dongle with you. You can also plug the mouse in via Micro USB and use it while charging. If you prefer a wired-only mouse, then check out the Corsair HARPOON RGB.

    7.0
    Cable
    ConnectivityWireless
    Cable Length
    6.6 ft (2.0 m)
    Cable Type
    Braided
    Permanent Kink
    Yes
    Port Type: Mouse End
    Micro USB
    Port Type: PC End
    USB

    The included Micro USB cable is decent. It's a braided cable that is quite rigid and maintained a lot of kinks from the packaging.

    7.5
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    Good
    Material
    PTFE
    Extra Included
    No
    In The Box

    Control
    6.9
    Additional Buttons
    Total Number Of Buttons
    6
    Number Of Side Buttons
    2
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    5
    Profile Switching Button
    Yes
    Gesture Support
    No

    The Corsair HARPOON Wireless has two side buttons, a CPI switch button, and a mouse wheel button. Along with the L/R clicks, all of these buttons can be reprogrammed within the software. If you want a wireless mouse with more programmable inputs, look into the SteelSeries Rival 650. If you'd like a wireless mouse with a dedicated sniper button and tilt gesture support, check out the Corsair M65 RGB ULTRA WIRELESS.

    9.1
    Click Latency
    See details on graph tool
    Expected Connection
    3.5 ms
    Wired
    3.5 ms
    Receiver
    3.5 ms
    Bluetooth
    8.3 ms

    The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless' click latency is superb and very consistent using a wired or wireless receiver connection. Playing games in any genre will feel very snappy and responsive, and you won't notice any perceptible delays. The latency is higher and more irregular over a Bluetooth connection, but this is completely normal as this connection type isn't intended for gaming.

    8.5
    CPI
    See details on graph tool
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    -0.83%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    -0.75%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    -0.67%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    N/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    0.47%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    2.32%
    Worst Tracking Error
    -6.50%
    Minimum CPI
    200 CPI
    Maximum CPI
    10,000 CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    200 CPI
    8.2
    Sensor Latency
    See details on graph tool
    See details on graph tool
    Delay To Start Of Movement
    14.4 ms
    Delay At Half Movement
    7.0 ms
    Delay To End Of Movement
    7.7 ms
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    Optical (LED)
    Sensor Model
    PixArt PMW3325
    Works On Glass
    No
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    3.6 mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    1000 Hz
    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel
    Notched Wheel
    Scroll Wheel Steps
    24 Steps
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    No
    Thumb Wheel
    No
    Thumb Wheel Steps
    No Thumb Wheel

    The mouse wheel is only mediocre as it doesn't have a horizontal scroll or L/R buttons. The mouse wheel itself has pronounced increments that feel very clicky. Our mouse almost felt like the wheel was scraping as you scroll, though this may go away over time and might just be specific to our unit.

    Noise
    Click Noise
    Quiet
    Operating System And Software
    8.5
    Compatible Software Option
    Software NameCorsair iCUE
    Software Windows Compatibility
    Yes
    Software macOS Compatibility
    Yes
    Account Needed
    No
    On-Board Memory
    No
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    Yes
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    Yes
    Profile Configuration
    Yes
    RGB On/Off
    Yes

    The software for this mouse is great. It's fully compatible with both Windows and macOS, which is great, but unfortunately, this mouse doesn't feature on-board memory, so customization settings won't stick with the mouse if you use it on a different PC.

    10
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityFully
    macOS CompatibilityFully

    Corsair's iCUE software is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS, so you have access to all customization options on either OS.