The XTRFY M42 is an excellent ultra-light gaming mouse with a build quality that feels very solid and a symmetrical shape that should be comfortable for almost all hand sizes and grip types. It also includes modular back panels that add to the ergonomics by allowing you to swap between a flatter or taller panel to get the best fit for your hand. It's wired-only and has a wide CPI range and low click latency. Unfortunately, it doesn't have companion software, so you can't reprogram buttons. However, you can cycle through RGB lighting, CPI, and polling rate presets with buttons on the mouse.
Our Verdict
The XTRFY M42 is passable for office use. It has an excellent build quality and a symmetrical shape that should be comfortable for most hand sizes and grip types. Unfortunately, the mouse is wired-only, and while it's compatible with both Windows and macOS, its scroll wheel doesn't have any tilt functions and can't be unlocked for free scrolling.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very comfortable to use.
- No software for customization and no programmable buttons.
- Wired-only.
The XTRFY M42 is an impressive FPS gaming mouse. It has low click latency and a wide CPI range. Unfortunately, the CPI isn't very adjustable, with only eight presets to choose from. This mouse has a very lightweight, honeycombed body that feels very sturdy and an ambidextrous shape with swappable back panels that should make it suitable for almost all hand sizes and grips. However, you may find the mouse a little short if you have large or extra-large hands and use a palm grip.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very lightweight.
- Low click latency.
- Modular back panels.
- No software for customization and no programmable buttons.
- Only eight CPI preset options.
The XTRFY M42 is only passable for MMO gaming. It has a symmetrical design with a honeycombed body that provides good grip on both sides and modular panels that help make it well-suited to almost all hand sizes and grips. It also has low click latency and a wide CPI range. Unfortunately, it doesn't have nearly as many buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse, and it has no companion software, so none of the buttons are reprogrammable.
- Excellent build quality.
- Low click latency.
- Modular back panels.
- Very comfortable to use.
- No software for customization and no programmable buttons.
- Not nearly as many buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
- Only eight CPI preset options.
The XTRFY M42 is an amazing mouse for ultra-light gaming. Its honeycomb body makes it very lightweight, but it has an overall build quality that feels very sturdy. Its symmetrical shape and swappable back panels make it well-suited to nearly all hand-sizes and grip types, but those with large or extra-large hands may find it too short for a palm grip. Its cable and feet are excellent, and it has very low click latency.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very lightweight.
- Low click latency.
- Modular back panels.
- No software for customization and no programmable buttons.
- Only eight CPI preset options.
The XTRFY M42 is an inadequate mouse for travel as it has a fairly tall profile that may make it difficult to fit into most laptop bags. It's also wired-only, which may be cumbersome in smaller spaces like planes or trains.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very lightweight.
- No software for customization and no programmable buttons.
- May be too large to fit in most laptop cases.
- Wired-only.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 28, 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.
- Updated Sep 21, 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.
- Updated Feb 22, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Feb 16, 2021: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The XTRFY M42 RGB comes in a range of color schemes, including, black, white, blue, pink, and retro. You can see our unit's label here.
Popular Mouse Comparisons
The XTRFY M42 RGB is an excellent ultra-light gaming mouse and a continuation of XTRFY's Project 4 lineup. It shares many similarities to the XTRFY M4 RGB, but it actually replaces the XTRFY M2. It features a symmetrical form factor to compete with other ambidextrous mice in the ultra-light category, but it also has a unique modular back panel that allows you to modify the size and shape of the mouse. Unfortunately, its lack of companion software also sets it apart, and none of its inputs can be reprogrammed, which may be a concern for some gamers. For more options check out our recommendations for the best mouse, the best gaming mouse, and the best wired mouse.
The XTRFY M42 and the Razer Viper Mini are both wired, ultra-light gaming mice. The XTRFY has a lower lift-off distance and a wider CPI range; however, it has no companion software, and it only has eight CPI presets that you can switch between directly on the mouse. The Razer has substantially better click latency, and though it doesn't have as wide of a CPI range, you can set the CPI much more precisely thanks to its companion software that also allows for button customization, sensor adjustments, and lighting profiles.
The XTRFY M42 RGB and the XTRFY M4 RGB are both very similar lightweight wired gaming mice. The biggest differences come down to design; while the M4 has a right-handed ergonomic slant, the M42 has a straight ambidextrous design and is about 10g lighter. Other than that, the M42 also has swappable modular back panels, which can help you customize the shape depending on your grip type and hand size. Unfortunately, both lack companion software and have very limited CPI adjustments.
The XTRFY M42 and the GLORIOUS Model D are both excellent wired ultra-light gaming mice. The XTRFY is lighter, has a more ambidextrous design, and features modular back panels. However, it has limited CPI preset options. The GLORIOUS has a right-handed ergonomic shape, lower click latency, and software for customization, which the XTRFY lacks.
The XTRFY M42 and the GLORIOUS Model O are excellent wired ultra-light gaming mice with symmetrical shapes. The XTRFY is slightly lighter, has a higher CPI range, and features modular back panels. However, it has very few CPI preset options. The GLORIOUS has companion software that allows for most customization options and more precise CPI adjustments.
Test Results
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