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HyperX Pulsefire Core Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Jul 12, 2021 at 10:15 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 01, 2022 at 03:22 pm
HyperX Pulsefire Core Picture
7.2
Office/Multimedia
7.4
Video Games (FPS)
7.1
Video Games (MMO)
7.0
Ultra-Light Gaming
5.4
Travel

The HyperX Pulsefire Core is a good, budget gaming mouse. It feels very sturdy and has an ambidextrous shape with two side buttons on the left. It's suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, though extra-large hands may extend over the front of the mouse using a palm grip, and small hands may not be able to use the scroll wheel comfortably with a fingertip grip. Performance-wise, it has a somewhat wide CPI range and a low lift-off distance, but the click latency is high for a gaming mouse. Also, the cable and mouse feet are only decent, and the companion software isn't compatible with macOS.

Our Verdict

7.2 Office/Multimedia

The HyperX Pulsefire Core is decent for office and multimedia work. It feels very well-made, and it has a good number of buttons you can program using the companion software. Unfortunately, there aren't any 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.
  • Ambidextrous; suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes.
  • Software offers customizable options for button mapping, lighting, and sensor settings.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • Scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
7.4 Video Games (FPS)

The HyperX Pulsefire Core is a good FPS gaming mouse. It feels very well-built, and it has an ambidextrous shape suitable for nearly all hand sizes using any grip type. It has a fairly wide CPI range and a CPI you can adjust by increments of 100. It also has a low lift-off distance, though it isn't as low as many other gaming mice. Unfortunately, it has high click latency, and some gamers may prefer a more responsive-feeling option.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Ambidextrous; suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes.
  • Software offers customizable options for button mapping, lighting, and sensor settings.
Cons
  • High click latency.
  • Heavy.
7.1 Video Games (MMO)

The HyperX Pulsefire Core is satisfactory for MMO gaming, though it doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse. That said, it feels very sturdily built, it has an ambidextrous shape suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, and you can program most of its buttons using the companion software. Performance-wise, it has a high polling rate, a fairly wide CPI range, and a low lift-off distance. Unfortunately, its braided cable isn't very flexible, and it has high click latency for a gaming mouse.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Ambidextrous; suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes.
  • Software offers customizable options for button mapping, lighting, and sensor settings.
Cons
  • High click latency.
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
7.0 Ultra-Light Gaming

Although the HyperX Pulsefire Core scores well for ultra-light gaming, it's significantly heavier than a dedicated ultra-light gaming mouse. That said, it feels very well-built, and it has an ambidextrous shape suitable for most hand sizes using any grip type. Unfortunately, the cable isn't very flexible, and the mouse feet don't glide as smoothly as those on other options. Also, the click latency is high, and it may not feel responsive enough for fast-paced games.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Ambidextrous; suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes.
  • Software offers customizable options for button mapping, lighting, and sensor settings.
Cons
  • High click latency.
  • Heavy.
5.4 Travel

The HyperX Pulsefire Core is inadequate for travel use as it's bulky and likely won't fit in most laptop cases. It also lacks any wireless connection options, so it can be cumbersome to use in tighter spaces like buses, trains, or planes. That said, it feels very well-made, and there's onboard memory so that you can use your custom settings even on computers without the companion software installed. Unfortunately, you can only save a single profile at a time.

Pros
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Software offers customizable options for button mapping, lighting, and sensor settings.
Cons
  • Bulky; may not fit in most laptop cases.
  • Wired-only.
  • 7.2 Office/Multimedia
  • 7.4 Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.1 Video Games (MMO)
  • 7.0 Ultra-Light Gaming
  • 5.4 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 Jul 12, 2021: Review published.
  4. Updated Jun 17, 2021: Early access published.
  5. Updated May 20, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  6. Updated May 18, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  7. Updated Apr 20, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The HyperX Pulsefire Core comes in black and has no other color variants. You can see the label for our unit here.

Compared To Other Mice

The HyperX Pulsefire Core RGB gaming mouse is the most affordable model of its type in HyperX's Pulsefire lineup. It's similar to the HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro but has a different sensor and an ambidextrous shape. It has two buttons behind the scroll wheel, which are CPI switching buttons by default, that can be very useful for quickly shifting between CPI settings in-game. Performance-wise, the sensor is comparable to most other gaming mice at this price point. Still, its click latency is high, and some gamers, especially those playing fast-paced or competitive games, may prefer a more responsive option.

For more recommendations, see our picks for the best cheap gaming mice, the best claw grip mice, and the best gaming mice.

Razer DeathAdder Essential

The HyperX Pulsefire Core and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice with different designs. The Razer has a right-handed design, and its shape is best suited for palm or claw grip for medium to extra-large hands. It has a slightly higher maximum CPI, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and lower latency. The HyperX has an ambidextrous shape with two buttons on its left side, as well as two CPI switching buttons below its scroll wheel. It's better suited for smaller hands who prefer a palm or claw grip.

SteelSeries Rival 3

The SteelSeries Rival 3 is a better wired gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Core. The SteelSeries is significantly lighter and has mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a higher maximum CPI, a more consistent sensor, a much lower click latency, and customization software for Windows and macOS. Comparatively, the HyperX has two buttons behind the scroll wheel, while the SteelSeries only has one. Unfortunately, the HyperX lacks customization software for macOS. Both mice are suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, but the SteelSeries accommodates more hand sizes using a palm grip.

Razer Viper Mini

The Razer Viper Mini is a better wired gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Core. It's significantly lighter, and it has a more flexible cable and mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a higher maximum CPI and a much lower click latency. On the other hand, the HyperX has two CPI buttons behind the scroll wheel, while the Razer only has one. The HyperX is suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, but the Razer is best-suited for a fingertip grip and only suitable for smaller hands using other grip types.

HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro

The HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro is a better wired gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Core. It has an ambidextrous shape and is marginally lighter. It also feels sturdier and has a much wider CPI, a more adjustable CPI, and a much lower click latency. Comparatively, the Core has a right-handed shape and two CPI buttons behind the scroll wheel, rather than just one. Both mice are suitable for all grip types and most hand sizes, but the FPS Pro is likely more comfortable for extra-large hands using a palm grip, while the Core is better suited for small hands using a claw grip.

Razer DeathAdder V2

The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a better wired gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Core. It's lighter and has mouse feet that glide 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. On the other hand, the HyperX feels sturdier. Both mice are suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes. However, extra-large hands will likely find the Razer more comfortable with a palm grip, and small hands will probably find the HyperX more comfortable when using a claw grip.

GLORIOUS Model D

The GLORIOUS Model D is a better wired gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Core. It has a honeycomb body and is significantly lighter. It also has a much more flexible cable and mouse feet that glide more smoothly. Performance-wise, it has a higher maximum CPI and a much lower click latency. On the other hand, the HyperX feels sturdier and has a lower minimum CPI. Both mice are suitable for all hand sizes, but the GLORIOUS is better-suited for larger hands, while the HyperX accommodates smaller hands better.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Lighting Color RGB
Design
Shape
Length 4.7" (119 mm)
Height 1.6" (41 mm)
Width 2.5" (64 mm)
Grip Width
60 mm
5.7
Design
Portability
Volume
19.10 in³ (313 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
No
8.5
Design
Build Quality
6.5
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
91.5 g
Default Weight
91.5 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No
8.0
Design
Comfort Of Use
Right-handed
No
Left-handed
No
Ambidextrous
Yes
Coating
Matte
Finger Rest
No

If you're interested in a gaming mouse with similar performance but with grippy, rubberized side grips, check out the Fnatic FLICK 2.

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
Yes
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
7.0
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wired
Cable Length 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Cable Type
Braided
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

  • HyperX Pulsefire Core
  • User documentation

Control
6.9
Control
Buttons
Buttons Activation
Mechanical
Total Number Of Buttons
7
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
7
Profile Switching Button
No
CPI (DPI) Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No
6.9
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
13.6 ms
Wired
13.6 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A
8.3
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
-1.33%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
-0.83%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
-1.17%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.55%
Precision Error Between CPI
3.50%
Worst Tracking Error
7.50%
Minimum CPI
200 CPI
Maximum CPI
6,200 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
100 CPI
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PMW3327
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
2.4 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The polling rate options on the HyperX Pulsefire Core are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz.

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