Vaxee XE-S Review
Introduction
The Vaxee XE-S is a smaller version of the original XE mouse, featuring updated internals and a significantly reduced weight. Designed with fingertip grip players in mind, this mouse boasts a lightweight design, improved sensor, and enhanced build quality. In this review, we’ll explore its features, compare it to the XE, and highlight its pros and cons.
Internals and Features
The Vaxee XE-S sports the latest PixArt 3950 sensor, an upgrade from the 3395 found in the original XE. While the performance difference between the two sensors is negligible, the 3950 offers better power efficiency, especially at 4K polling rates. This means the XE-S lasts longer on a single charge compared to its predecessor.
Weighing just 60 grams, the XE-S is significantly lighter than the 76-gram XE. Both mice support 4K polling, but the XE-S includes the 4K dongle in the box, eliminating the need for an additional purchase.
The mouse features Swan 70G switches, which are heavier than the Juano switches in the XE. This heaviness is noticeable during gameplay, particularly for fingertip grip users.
Shape and Grip
The XE-S adopts a smaller version of the XE shape, which is ideal for fingertip grip users. Its flat sides provide excellent control and allow for precise adjustments. Despite having larger hands (19×10 cm), I found the shape comfortable and well-suited for fingertip gameplay.
However, the heavier clicks might pose a challenge for some fingertip players. While they are tactile and responsive, their weight could cause unintended mouse movement during actuation.
Build Quality
The build quality of the XE-S is outstanding. The primary clicks exhibit minimal pre-travel and slight post-travel, ensuring a consistent and reliable clicking experience. The side buttons are more tactile than the original XE’s, though they also have slightly more post-travel.
The scroll wheel has been significantly improved, offering better feedback and easier spamming capabilities. The coating on the XE-S is identical to the XE’s, providing a non-slip surface that resists fingerprints, especially on the blue version.
Skates and Performance
The stock skates on the XE-S are smaller and faster compared to the XE’s, making them suitable for a wider range of playstyles. Despite this, the skates are still relatively slow, and I recommend using a glass mouse pad to fully leverage the XE-S’s lightweight design. Glass pads like those from PadSmiths or Wallhack SP4 enhance the mouse’s performance by making it feel even lighter.
The 4K polling on the XE-S performs exceptionally well, with minimal stuttering in high-polling-sensitive games like Fortnite. This sets it apart from many competitors in the 4K space.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Deciding on a rating for the Vaxee XE-S was challenging. Its excellent shape, build quality, and performance are offset by the need for a glass pad to optimize its skates and the heavier clicks, which may not suit all fingertip users. Ultimately, I rate this mouse a 3.5 out of 5.
While I personally prefer options like the U2, OP1 18K, and Sora V2, the XE-S is a fantastic choice for those seeking a durable, high-quality mouse. Its lightweight design and solid build make it a compelling option for gamers who value longevity and performance.
Conclusion
The Vaxee XE-S offers a lot to love, particularly for fingertip players. Its innovative design and excellent build quality make it a worthy contender in the lightweight gaming mouse market. However, its heavier clicks and slower stock skates might require some adjustments to fully appreciate its potential.
If you’re looking for a mouse that can withstand extensive use and offers precise fingertip control, the XE-S might be the one for you.
