BEST Mice of the Year! 2024 Seal of Approval Roundup (SHOCKING)

Summary

In this 2024 Seal of Approval Roundup, Pory highlights the top peripherals of the year, with a focus on mice, keyboards, mousepads, and a monitor. Top mice picks include the Viper V3 Pro, Maya X, and Endgame Gear XM2 W, alongside budget options like the Skyrock V6. While the market saw innovation with wired and wireless models, some designs still fell short in terms of comfort and performance. For keyboards, the Saak HM80 impressed, while the Sony Inzone M10 OLED monitor stood out for its 480Hz refresh rate. Pory looks forward to an exciting 2025, promising more focused reviews and content.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Viper V3 Pro remains the top mouse of 2024, though the competitive landscape is catching up with similarly impressive models like the 3950 sensor-equipped mice.
• 😀 The Maya X, featuring a 45G modified GPX-style shape, is a favorite for medium to large hands, offering great value at $120.
• 😀 The Endgame Gear XM2W excels in performance and build quality, particularly for users who prefer a longer, flared mouse shape.
• 😀 While the WL Mouse (Beast X Max & Mini) offers good value for ultra-light profiles, its side-button placement and sensor issues could be deal-breakers for some.
• 😀 The Op1 8K provides an excellent low-latency, wired experience for under $100, making it a strong contender in the budget-friendly mouse market.
• 😀 The Sora V2 might be a great option for ultra-light claw grip enthusiasts, but the market has already caught up with similar offerings, reducing its uniqueness.
• 😀 Budget options like the Skyrock V8 & V6 mimic premium mouse shapes but suffer from poor build quality, such as side wobble, which detracts from their performance.
• 😀 The ZIN Z2 & R1 Pro provide solid value under $50, offering decent performance but with a less refined shape and overall quality compared to premium models.
• 😀 The Saak HM80 keyboard stood out this year for its superior feel compared to other Hall Effect keyboards like the Woing ADH, making it a noteworthy pick.
• 😀 The Sony Inzone M10 monitor with 480Hz OLED offers exceptional image clarity and performance, though occasional issues with display stream compression have been noted.

Q & A

What were the top three mice recommended in the 2024 Seal of Approval roundup?

The top three recommended mice were the Viper V3 Pro, Maya X, and Endgame Gear XM2 W. These were considered the best of the year due to their performance, design, and overall quality.

What made the Viper V3 Pro stand out from other mice released in 2024?

The Viper V3 Pro stood out due to its lightweight design, fast performance, and comfortable shape. It was considered a significant step forward when it released, but the market quickly caught up with similar releases like the Maya X and Beast X Max.

Why was the Maya X considered a great choice for medium to large hands?

The Maya X was praised for its 45G modified GPX-style shape, which offered a very safe and comfortable grip for medium to large hands, especially for those who prefer lighter mice.

What issue was noted with the Beast X Max lineup from WL Mouse?

The Beast X Max lineup faced criticism for the slits on the sides of the mice, which some users found uncomfortable. Some even resorted to adding grip tape to mitigate the problem.

How did the Op1 8K revolutionize the market in 2024?

The Op1 8K introduced wired 8K polling, which drastically reduced click latency and improved performance. It was praised for its technical specifications and build quality, especially considering its affordable price of around $75.

What criticisms were mentioned regarding the Sora V2 mouse?

The Sora V2 was criticized for not offering anything unique in an increasingly crowded market of small, lightweight mice. Its shape and features were considered less appealing compared to newer options like the Skyrock mice and others.

What is the issue with the Skyrock V6 and V8 mice, and how does their pricing compare?

The Skyrock V6 and V8 mice were criticized for excessive side-to-side wobbling, likely due to their cheaper build quality. However, their pricing, around $70, made them appealing for users on a budget who wanted a lightweight and functional mouse.

How does the G-Wolves Hotti S2 compare to other mice in its category?

The G-Wolves Hotti S2 is noted for being extremely lightweight, but it was described as feeling more like a prototype, with the potential for a better version in the future. It was suitable for fingertip grip but not ideal for larger hands or claw gripping.

What ergonomic mice were highlighted, and what were the key takeaways?

The Vaki E1 was highlighted as a standout ergonomic mouse, offering a great fit for palm grip users, particularly those with larger hands. The Death Adder V3 Hyperspeed and W Mouse Sword X were also discussed, though the reviewer expressed some reservations about their designs and features.

What are the future plans for the Seal of Approval in 2025?

In 2025, the goal is to reduce the number of mice given the Seal of Approval to no more than 12, aiming for a more curated and balanced selection. The reviewer also plans to focus more on keyboard and mouse pad reviews, as well as try to cover more top-tier products.