Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small  Mouse Review

Reviewed Jun 06, 2022 at 12:01pm
Test bench update Aug 19, 2025 at 02:48pm
Tested using Methodology v1.5.1 
Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small

Track

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

Track

 0

The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small is an ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse and a continuation of the Finalmouse Starlight-12 lineup. Weighing under 45g, it's among the lightest gaming mice available to date. It has the same symmetrical shape and honeycomb magnesium alloy shell found on the previous versions, but the major difference is that it comes in a blue colorway. Finalmouse also claims to have made some minor build-quality tweaks, and like the rest of the Starlight-12 lineup, this mouse uses the company's latest firmware to improve the wireless connection. As Finalmouse releases their mice in limited drops, the only way to purchase this mouse is through a third-party seller unless the company does another drop in the future.

Our Verdict

0.0
Work 

The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small is an adequate mouse for office use. It feels very solidly built, and it's comfortable to use if you have small or medium-sized hands. It connects wirelessly using a USB receiver, or you can use it in a wired mode with its flexible cable. Unfortunately, its scroll wheel lacks a free-scrolling mode and L/R tilt inputs, and the mouse lacks Bluetooth support. Also, it doesn't have companion software to remap buttons or customize any settings.

Pros
  • Incredible build quality.
  • Extremely lightweight.
  • High-quality feet and cable don't cause drag on desks or mousepads.
Cons
  • Scroll wheel lacks a free scrolling mode and L/R tilt inputs.
  • No companion software for customization.
  • Too small for large and extra-large hands to use comfortably.
  • No storage compartment for USB receiver.
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 

The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small is an excellent mouse for FPS gaming. Thanks to its magnesium alloy shell, it feels very well-built and is extremely lightweight. The high-quality feet and cable offer a drag-free gliding experience on mousepads and desks. Performance-wise, it has remarkably low click latency and a very low lift-off distance. It has four CPI presets that you can cycle through using the button behind the scroll wheel, but since there's no companion software, you can't adjust the CPI settings or reprogram any buttons.

Pros
  • Incredible build quality.
  • Remarkably low click latency.
  • Extremely lightweight.
  • High-quality feet and cable don't cause drag on desks or mousepads.
Cons
  • No companion software for customization.
  • Too small for large and extra-large hands to use comfortably.
  • No storage compartment for USB receiver.
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 

The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small is an acceptable MMO gaming mouse. It doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as dedicated MMO mice, and it doesn't have companion software, so you can't remap the side buttons it does have. On the bright side, it does feel very well-built and comfortable to use, and its high-quality feet and cable don't cause drag during use. Also, the click latency is very low. Although you can't adjust the CPI settings precisely, you can cycle through four presets using the button behind the scroll wheel.

Pros
  • Incredible build quality.
  • Remarkably low click latency.
Cons
  • No companion software for customization.
  • Too small for large and extra-large hands to use comfortably.
  • No storage compartment for USB receiver.
0.0
Raw Performance 

Pros
None
Cons
  • No storage compartment for USB receiver.
  • 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 Apr 02, 2024: We've uploaded a new 3D scan, as the previous scan was slightly tilted.
    3.  Updated Jan 10, 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 Oct 02, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.5.

    Check Price

    PoseidonStarlight-12 Small
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small is only available in one colorway. There's a larger version of this mouse available called the Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Medium. You can see the label for our unit here.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small is a continuation of the Starlight-12 lineup, and it features a new colorway and some minor tweaks to the manufacturing and quality assurance process. Like the Finalmouse Starlight-12 Phantom that was released earlier, the Poseidon uses Kailh 8.0 switches rather than the Omron switches found on the earlier models of the Starlight. The scroll wheel on this unit is centered and doesn't have the operational issues present on other models. Also, this mouse offers the best performance in terms of click latency if you have the firmware updated to the most recent version. This mouse is among the lightest available on the market currently. However, it's only available through third-party resellers as Finalmouse launches its mice in limited drops.

    For more recommendations, see our picks for the lightest mouse, the best wireless gaming mouse, and the best wireless mouse.

    Finalmouse Starlight-12 Small

    Track

    The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Small and the Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small are very similar ultra-lightweight gaming mice. However, the Poseidon performs better overall. Its click latency is lower, and it has a better build quality and a straight scroll wheel. Also, it has upgraded Kailh 8.0 switches rather than the Omron switches used in the original Starlight-12. Otherwise, the two mice are extremely similar except for their color schemes.

    Razer Viper Mini

    Track

    The Razer Viper Mini and the Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small are both lightweight gaming mice. The Razer is wired-only, and it has companion software for you to make adjustments to the sensor. On the other hand, the Finalmouse is about 20g lighter, which is impressive as it's a wireless mouse.

    Finalmouse Starlight-12 Phantom Small

    Track

    The Finalmouse Starlight-12 Phantom Small and the Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small are essentially the same mouse in different colorways. The Phantom has a black and gold palette, while the Poseidon has a blue and light-blue palette.

    GLORIOUS Model D

    Track

    The GLORIOUS Model D and the Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small are both light-weight gaming mice with some key differences. The GLORIOUS is a wired-only model with a slightly larger, right-handed shape. Also, it has companion software, meaning you can customize the settings. On the other hand, the Finalmouse is a symmetrical, wireless gaming mouse with a small shape. It has a significantly better build quality thanks to its magnesium alloy outer shell. Also, its latency is slightly better, and it's 24g lighter than the GLORIOUS.

    Show more 

    Test Results

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    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
    LockedShape Only
    Left-Handed Friendly
    LockedLocked
    Finger Rest
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    LockedLock g
    Default Weight
    Locked43.7 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

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    In The Box

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    Control
    Main Button
    Switch Type
    LockedLocked
    Switch Model
    LockedLocked

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    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
    LockedN/A

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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
    LockedN/A
    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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    Finalmouse Starlight-12 Poseidon Small Noise Video Sample
    Click Noise
    LockedLocked
    Operating System And Software
    Configuration Software
    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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