Perixx MX-3000 gaming mouse review – solid value but a sadly shiny backside

This was originally posted to my PC gaming column at Examiner.com, but this edition has something a little extra: A code “hidden” in it for a certain earthy god recently released in SMITE.

The Perixx MX-3000 “Lava” edition gaming mouse proves you don’t have to pay a high-end price for a gaming mouse with high-end features. The MX-3000 isn’t perfect, but it does give you a lot of value for your money.

German peripheral manufacturer Perixx may not hang with the heavyweights like Razer and SteelSeries in consumer mind set, but the MX-3000 (and the previously reviewed MX-2000) both prove that Perixx peripherals provide power and performance for a puny price. Perixx may be one of the best kept “secrets” in PC gaming peripherals. [MF8A7]

MX-3000 Features & specifications

The feature set and software for the MX-3000 aren’t quite as robust as some of the competition, but the MX-3000 delivers all the essentials for about $35 – about 30-50% below many similar competitors.

The core features of the MX-3000 are as follows:

• Right-handed ergonomic shape
• Customizable LEDs along the sides of the mouse
• 8 Button (total) programmable buttons (6 “actual”)
• 600-8200 dpi Resolution with dpi Switch.
• Adjustable polling rate: 250Hz/500Hz/1000Hz
• 150ips & 30G Surface Tracking Speed
• Adjustable weight cartridges
• Braided USB cable & Gold Plated USB 2.0 Connector
• X and Y axes independent resolution setting
• Built-in Flash memory to store profiles

Comfort & Design

The MX-3000 sports a right-handed ergonomic shape and rubberized side grips. The top of the mouse is—unfortunately—covered in glossy “lava red” plastic with a textured sheen. [39429]

It looks nice but—like all glossy peripherals—is prone to feel a bit tacky after relatively brief periods (less than an hour). This is a common trait for glossy plastic and the main reason I dislike it. It’s a “triumph” of form over function.

If you aren’t sensitive or annoyed by its tacky, smudge-prone feel, then don’t let it deter you from what is otherwise a good product.

Performance

The MX-3000 easily provides performance and a feature set on par with many mice that cost twice as much. It tracks well as do all high-end laser mice, and provides all the gaming mouse “essentials” in a sturdy, quality product. [87B0]

Aside from the overly stiff DPI up/down thumb button, the only other glaring flaw is the glare from its shiny plastic backside—but if that doesn’t bother you, then the MX-3000 is an otherwise excellent product.

Similar to its cousin, the MX-2000, the MX-3000 software is also a little less robust than some of its competition. The MX-3000’s macro creator/editor is a notable weakness—it gives you the basic ability to record single or multi-keystroke macros and insert standard 50ms delays, but that’s about it. There is no macro manager, and no ability to step into a single point within an existing macro and add, edit, or change it. You also can’t create standard, custom delays (like 17ms for example).

Also, the DPI adjustments are fixed. You can’t fine tune the DPI in 50 or 100 DPI increments. Instead, you can choose from 600, 1200, 2000, 3000, 4800, 6400, and 8200 DPI. The cover for the adjustable weights on the bottom of the mouse is also a little hard to remove.

Despite the MX-3000’s limitations, if you just want “the basics” with an 8200DPI capable sensor and a complement of common features for under $40, the MX-3000 is a solid choice.

Overall: 4/5 stars

If you don’t mind glossy plastic and you’re allergic to spending money, Perixx MX-3000 is a good, miserly gaming mouse that can (almost) hang with the heavyweights but at a lightweight price.

[46E]