Glorious Model D Wireless Review: Ergonomic Gaming Mouse

Overview

The Glorious Model D Wireless is a gaming mouse engineered for users who prefer an ergonomic, right-handed design coupled with wireless freedom and a low mass. Released by Glorious, a company established in 2014, the Model D Wireless targets competitive gamers in genres such as first-person shooters (FPS) and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA) where quick, precise movements are critical. Its design incorporates a honeycomb shell, which contributes to its low weight of 69 grams. This reduction in mass aims to decrease fatigue during extended gaming sessions and allow for faster flick shots or rapid cursor repositioning.

At its core, the Model D Wireless utilizes Glorious' proprietary BAMF sensor. This sensor, co-developed with PixArt, offers a maximum tracking speed of 400 IPS and a polling rate of 1000 Hz (1ms), alongside a customizable DPI range up to 19,000. These specifications indicate the mouse's capability to provide consistent and accurate tracking across various surface types and movement speeds, minimizing input lag for critical in-game actions. The wireless connectivity operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, which is standard for gaming-grade wireless peripherals, providing a connection resistant to interference for reliable performance.

The ergonomic contour of the Model D Wireless is specifically shaped to support the palm and fingers of a right-handed user, promoting a natural grip. This design choice differentiates it from ambidextrous alternatives like the Glorious Model O Wireless, which offers a symmetrical form factor. The Model D Wireless also features G-Skates mouse feet, made of 100% pure PTFE, designed to provide smooth gliding across mousepads, further enhancing fluid mouse movements. Battery life is rated for up to 71 hours on a single charge without RGB lighting, which is a significant factor for wireless device longevity during extensive use.

Customization is managed through the Glorious Core software suite, allowing users to remap buttons, adjust DPI settings, configure lift-off distance, and personalize the RGB lighting. The software provides granular control over the mouse's performance parameters, enabling users to fine-tune it to their specific preferences and game requirements. For instance, adjusting the debounce time can optimize click responsiveness for different gaming scenarios. The integration of vibrant RGB lighting zones, visible through the honeycomb shell, allows for aesthetic personalization to match other components in a gaming setup. The Model D Wireless is positioned as a high-performance option for serious gamers seeking an ergonomic, lightweight, and wire-free peripheral.

Key features

• Glorious BAMF Sensor: A proprietary optical sensor co-developed with PixArt, offering up to 19,000 DPI, 400 IPS tracking speed, and 50G acceleration for precise and responsive tracking during gameplay. This sensor aims to deliver competitive-grade accuracy as described on the Glorious Model D Wireless product page.
• Ultralight Design (69g): Features a honeycomb shell construction that reduces the overall weight to 69 grams, designed to minimize hand fatigue during prolonged gaming sessions and facilitate swift, agile movements. The lightweight nature is a core design principle as observed in ergonomic mouse reviews from RTINGS.com.
• Ergonomic Right-Handed Shape: Sculpted specifically for right-handed users, providing a comfortable and supportive grip for palm and claw grip styles, aiding in consistent control and comfort.
• 2.4 GHz Lag-Free Wireless Connectivity: Utilizes a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection for a stable, low-latency link, ensuring input responsiveness comparable to wired mice without cable drag.
• G-Skates Mouse Feet (100% PTFE): Equipped with pure PTFE feet, which are pre-installed and designed for low-friction glide across various mousepad surfaces, contributing to smooth and effortless mouse movement.
• Up to 71-Hour Battery Life: Offers extended battery performance, allowing for multiple days of use on a single charge (without RGB lighting activated), reducing the frequency of recharging interruptions.
• Glorious Switches (Rated for 80 Million Clicks): Incorporates durable mechanical switches under the primary left and right click buttons, engineered for longevity and consistent tactile feedback throughout their lifespan.
• Customizable RGB Lighting: Features vibrant RGB lighting zones that can be configured through the Glorious Core software, allowing for aesthetic personalization and synchronization with other RGB peripherals.
• Glorious Core Software: Provides a comprehensive software suite for adjusting DPI settings, remapping buttons, configuring lift-off distance, managing polling rates, and customizing RGB effects, offering granular control over the mouse's performance and appearance.

Pricing

The Glorious Model D Wireless is available at a consistent retail price point, reflecting its position as a performance-oriented wireless gaming peripheral. Pricing may vary slightly by region or retailer, but the manufacturer's suggested retail price is consistent.

Common integrations

• Glorious Core Software: The primary software integration for managing all mouse settings, including DPI adjustments, button assignments, macro creation, lift-off distance calibration, and comprehensive RGB lighting customization. Users can download the Glorious Core software directly from Glorious Gaming's software support page.
• PC Gaming Platforms: Compatible with Windows-based PC systems. It connects via a 2.4 GHz USB dongle, making it plug-and-play for basic functionality with most modern PCs without requiring specific driver installations beyond the operating system's default HID mouse drivers.
• RGB Ecosystems: While Glorious Core manages the mouse's RGB, it does not typically integrate with third-party RGB synchronization ecosystems (e.g., Razer Chroma, ASUS Aura Sync). Users typically manage RGB lighting for the Model D Wireless independently within the Glorious Core application.

Alternatives

• Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT: An ultralight wireless mouse favored by esports professionals, known for its symmetrical design and high-performance HERO sensor.
• Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro: An ergonomic wireless mouse offering a refined right-handed shape, Razer's Focus Pro 30K optical sensor, and a lightweight build for competitive play.
• SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless: Another lightweight wireless option with a perforated shell, designed for speed and comfort, featuring an IP54 water resistance rating.
• ZOWIE EC2-CW: A wireless ergonomic mouse specifically designed for competitive play, focusing on a refined-shape and consistent performance without relying on extensive software features.
• Pulsar X2V2 Mini Wireless: An ultralight, symmetrical wireless gaming mouse that offers a compact form factor and high-performance sensor, catering to users who prefer smaller mice.

Getting started

To begin using the Glorious Model D Wireless, the initial setup involves connecting the mouse to your PC and installing the Glorious Core software for customization. The process is streamlined to get users into game quickly, with the option for advanced configuration as needed.

1. Charge the Mouse: Before initial use, ensure the Model D Wireless is adequately charged. Connect the included USB-C cable to the mouse and a USB port on your PC or a power adapter. The LED indicator on the mouse will typically show charging status.
2. Connect the Wireless Dongle: Plug the 2.4 GHz USB wireless dongle into an available USB-A port on your computer. For optimal signal strength, use the included extender cable and place the dongle closer to the mouse, especially if your PC is under a desk or far away.
3. Power On the Mouse: Locate the power switch on the underside of the mouse and slide it to the 'ON' position. The mouse should automatically connect to the dongle.
4. Install Glorious Core Software: For full customization of DPI settings, button remapping, RGB lighting, and firmware updates, download and install the Glorious Core software. The installation file is available from the official Glorious Gaming support page for Glorious Core.
5. Configure Settings (Optional): Once Glorious Core is installed and the mouse is detected, open the software. You can then adjust your preferred DPI stages, assign macros to buttons, set the polling rate (e.g., 1000 Hz for competitive play), and customize the RGB lighting effects.

An example of interacting with basic mouse settings via a hypothetical console command, for illustrative purposes (Glorious Core provides a GUI):

# This is a conceptual example; actual Glorious Core interaction is GUI-based.
# Download and install Glorious Core for actual configuration.

# Hypothetical command to display current mouse status (not functional in reality)
glorious-core --status model-d-wireless

# Hypothetical command to set DPI to 800 (not functional in reality)
glorious-core --set-dpi 800 --profile 1

# Hypothetical command to change RGB effect (not functional in reality)
glorious-core --set-rgb-effect "breathing" --color "blue"

The Glorious Core graphical user interface provides all the necessary controls for these settings, eliminating the need for command-line interaction. It ensures accessibility for all users to fine-tune their Model D Wireless. Regular firmware updates through Glorious Core can also introduce performance improvements or bug fixes, which is a key part of maintaining the peripheral's optimal performance over time. This ongoing support ensures the mouse remains competitive with new hardware developments.