The ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint caught my attention during two separate instances, with the most recent purchase in January 2024. Initially, I bought one for my wife, and later acquired another for myself, drawn by my preference for right-handed ergonomic designs. Despite having previously reviewed the ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab edition, I was intrigued to explore this model’s offerings.
Positioned as ASUS ROG’s response to competitors like the Razer Basilisk and the Logitech G502 series, the Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint is available in two color options: black and moonlight white, the latter being the variant I’ll be focusing on in this review. Its price fluctuates online, dropping to as low as RM 345 during sales, but typically hovers around RM 465, with an MSRP of RM 599.
What sets the Gladius III apart is its tri-mode connectivity, offering flexibility to suit various gaming scenarios. In this review, we’ll delve into its features to determine whether it meets the expectations set by its peers.
Specification
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 (TypeC to TypeA) Bluetooth 5.1 RF 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth 5.1 | RF 2.4GHz |
| Sensor | ROG AimPoint sensor |
| Resolution, Max Acceleration, USB Report Rate, Max Speed | 100~36000 DPI, 50 G, 1000 Hz, 650 IPS |
| AURA Sync | Yes |
| Battery Life | 2.4GHz mode: Up to 119 hours BT mode: Up to 143 hours *No lighting effect |
| Dimensions | 123 mm x 68 mm x 44 mm |
| Weight | 79g (without cable and dongle) |
| Color | Black / Moonlight White |
| Contents | 1 x ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint, 4 x ROG mouse grip tapes 1 x USB dongle, 1 x USB dongle extender, 1 x 2m ROG Paracord, 2 x Micro switches, 1 x ROG switch remover, 1 x ROG sticker, 1 set of ROG Mouse Feet, 1 x user manual, 1 x warranty booklet |
Design and Build
The ASUS ROG Gladius III is tailored for right-handed gamers, evident in its ergonomic design featuring a rounded bulge on the right side for right-handed grip comfort. ASUS includes additional grip tape for users prone to sweaty palms, a practical addition where many other brands tend to exclude.
Designed to accommodate medium to large hand sizes, the mouse fits well for palm grip users, offering a comfortable and natural feel during prolonged gaming sessions. The form-fitting curved design, coupled with ridges for thumb and finger placement, ensures a secure and ergonomic grip.
On the top, the Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint features standard configurations, including primary buttons, a scroll wheel, and two side buttons for added functionality. At the base, convenient features the bluetooth pairing button (for replacement pairing), connectivity mode switch, and profile switcher enhance usability.
Weighing 79 grams, the Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint is rather light, although it’s not the lightest option available in the markeet. While the build quality is decent, some improvements could be made, such as integrating the primary buttons (L and R) as part of the upper shell for enhanced rigidity, similar to the ROG Strix Carry or the Razer Deathadder series (up to the V2 range of models).
Key Features
The ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint is rich in features, as expected from ROG products. A standout feature for me is the Push-Fit Switch Socket II. As someone who enjoys DIY repairs, I appreciate being able to maintain and repair my own gadgets. This feature simplifies the process of replacing switches, which are often the first component to fail in mice and will likely require soldering work. Additionally, the inclusion of an extra pair of Omron switches is another commercial plus point in my books.
Another feature that places this mice on the higher tier is the ROG AimPoint optical sensor. This advanced sensor offers a remarkable 36,000-dpi resolution, 650 ips (inches per second), and a 50 g acceleration rate, coupled with a 1000 Hz polling rate. Furthermore, the mouse supports NVIDIA® Reflex, allowing users to measure responsiveness through the NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer. This integration ensures that the ROG Gladius III Wireless meets modern gaming demands.
User Experience
Setting up the ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint is refreshingly straightforward, a notable advantage for users eager to jump right into their gaming sessions. Like other ROG peripherals, the Gladius III requires the ASUS Armoury Crate software for firmware updates and configuration settings. Although this adds an extra step for new users, the software offers a comprehensive platform for customization, from DPI adjustments to button reprogramming. This level of control allows users to fine-tune their device to optimize gaming performance and comfort.
Update Oct 2024 : The ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint does not pair with an Omni Receiver
Battery Life
One of the most impressive aspects of the Gladius III is its battery performance. Officially, it boasts a battery life of up to 119 hours in 2.4 GHz connectivity mode. However, based on my own usage, the battery life extends beyond this estimate. Remarkably, I didn’t need to charge the mouse for at least a week, even with regular and prolonged gaming sessions. This extended battery life is a significant convenience, reducing the frequency of charges needed and ensuring uninterrupted gaming and work sessions.
Gaming Experience in FPS Games
In terms of hardware performance, the Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint excels in FPS games, where precision and responsiveness are paramount. The high DPI range and the inclusion of the NVIDIA® Reflex Analyzer ensure minimal latency, translating to quicker reactions and more accurate targeting. During gameplay, the smooth tracking and rapid response rate significantly enhance the gaming experience, making it easier to land precise shots under pressure.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The design of the Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint is one that gets a full score in my books. Its ergonomic shape fits naturally in the hand and it’s lightweight doesn’t cause any issues with my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The materials used provide a non-slip grip, crucial during intense gaming moments. However, while the button configuration includes all standard mouse buttons plus two additional side buttons, which are a minimum standard for mapping additional game functions, I found myself wishing for a quick DPI shift button.
Such a feature, as seen on the Logitech G502 Wireless, allows for temporary on-the-fly DPI adjustments, which can be incredibly handy in varied gaming scenarios and even graphic design processes where quick changes in sensitivity are a value added convenience.
What I Loved
- Easy to replace switches and comes with additional switches
- Comes with grip tape
- Lightweight with decent build quality
- Great battery life
What I Wished Was Better
- A quick DPI-Shift button would’ve been a great addition
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint has proven itself as a formidable contender in the realm of high-end gaming mice. With its sleek design in moonlight white, the mouse not only looks sophisticated but also offers an ergonomic comfort that is ideal for right-handed users with medium to large hand sizes. The inclusion of additional grip tape is a thoughtful touch that accommodates gamers with a tendency for sweaty palms, showcasing ASUS’s attention to detail.
From a performance perspective, the Gladius III excels, especially in FPS games where precision is critical. The advanced ROG AimPoint optical sensor, coupled with the NVIDIA® Reflex support, ensures that every motion is tracked flawlessly, with minimal latency contributing to an enhanced gaming experience. The tri-mode connectivity also offers versatile options for various gaming setups, reinforcing its utility and adaptability.
However, while the mouse scores highly on many fronts, it is not without its drawbacks. The ASUS Armoury Crate software, necessary for updates and customization, can be a hurdle for those new to ASUS peripherals. Additionally, the physical design, while mostly exemplary, would benefit from a quick DPI shift button similar to that found on the Logitech G502 Wireless. Such a feature would allow for seamless sensitivity adjustments, a convenience sorely missed during intense gaming sessions or even in professional applications like graphic design.
Despite these points, the ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless Aimpoint stands out for its impressive build quality, excellent ergonomics, and superior performance. It represents a solid investment for gamers looking to upgrade their gear with a device that not only meets but often exceeds the demands of modern gaming environments. While there is room for improvement, particularly in the aspects of user interface and additional functionality, the positives largely overshadow the negatives, making it a highly recommended purchase for those who prioritize performance and comfort in their gaming experience.
Final Score : 9/10
Official Site: ROG Gladius III Wireless AimPoint | Gaming mice-mouse-pads｜ROG – Republic of Gamers｜ROG Malaysia (asus.com)
