In the ever-expanding market of gaming peripherals, finding a mouse that balances performance, features, and affordability can be a challenge. The AJAZZ AJ179 PRO, with its PAW3395 sensor and versatile wired/wireless connectivity, aims to be a standout contender. After putting this lightweight mouse through its paces, here's a detailed breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you'll notice about the AJAZZ AJ179 PRO is its minimalist and ergonomic design. It's a right-handed mouse with a comfortable shape that fits most grip styles, particularly claw and fingertip grips. The honeycomb shell design, while often associated with weight reduction, is surprisingly absent here. Instead, AJAZZ has opted for a solid, lightweight shell that feels sturdy and premium in hand. At just around 60 grams, the mouse is incredibly agile, making it perfect for fast-paced games where quick flicks are essential.
The build quality is impressive for its price point. The plastic feels durable, and there's no noticeable creaking or flexing under pressure. The main left and right click buttons use high-quality switches that offer a satisfying tactile feedback and a crisp sound. The scroll wheel is smooth with well-defined steps, and the side buttons are well-placed and easy to actuate without accidental presses. The PTFE feet provide an excellent glide on various mouse pads, contributing to the overall smooth experience.
Performance: The PAW3395 Sensor
The heart of the AJ179 PRO is the PixArt PAW3395 optical sensor, a top-tier sensor that has become a standard in high-performance gaming mice. This sensor is known for its incredible accuracy, responsiveness, and energy efficiency. The mouse supports a wide DPI range, up to 26000, which is more than enough for any competitive gamer.
In practical use, the PAW3395 performs flawlessly. I experienced no sensor acceleration, jitter, or angle snapping. Tracking was pixel-perfect, and the mouse felt incredibly responsive in both wired and wireless modes. The 1000Hz polling rate ensures minimal input lag, making it a reliable tool for competitive gaming. Whether I was making precise shots in an FPS or navigating a complex UI, the mouse delivered a consistent and predictable performance.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The AJAZZ AJ179 PRO offers both wired and wireless connectivity, providing users with the best of both worlds. The wireless mode utilizes a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which provides a stable and lag-free connection. The included Type-C cable is flexible and of good quality, allowing you to use the mouse while charging.
Battery life is another strong point. The internal rechargeable battery offers several days of continuous use on a single charge. The mouse also features a power-saving mode that kicks in after a period of inactivity, further extending the battery life. A small LED indicator on the mouse signals the battery status, which is a convenient feature.
Software and Customization
AJAZZ provides a dedicated software suite for the AJ179 PRO, allowing for extensive customization. The software is straightforward to use and lets you adjust a variety of settings, including:
DPI levels: You can set multiple DPI profiles and switch between them on the fly.
Polling rate: Adjustable up to 1000Hz.
Button assignments: All buttons can be remapped to perform different functions, macros, or multimedia controls.
LOD (Lift-Off Distance): You can adjust the distance at which the sensor stops tracking when the mouse is lifted.
Macro recording: The software supports creating and assigning complex macros.
While the software gets the job done, it's not as polished as some of the more established brands' applications. However, it's stable and provides all the necessary tools for a gamer to fine-tune their experience.
Conclusion
The AJAZZ AJ179 PRO PAW3395 is an exceptional gaming mouse that punches well above its weight class. It combines a lightweight, comfortable design with a top-tier sensor and versatile wired/wireless connectivity. The build quality is solid, and the performance is on par with much more expensive mice from leading brands.
For gamers looking for a high-performance, no-frills mouse that won't break the bank, the AJAZZ AJ179 PRO is an easy recommendation. It delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag, making it one of the best value-for-money gaming mice on the market today. Its blend of a great sensor, comfortable shape, and reliable performance makes it a strong competitor in the crowded peripheral space.