User Experience, Software, and Conclusion
So what does it feel like to click a mouse button on the Gladius? Quite a bit like clicking a key on a mechanical keyboard, actually.
At first I had to adjust to clicking, as it took slightly more effort than the typical mouse. But after a few days I grew to like the added tactile nature of button presses. There’s a satisfying sound, too – kind of a click mixed with a “thunk” as the switch actuates. This began to feel more and more like the perfect companion to a mechanical keyboard the more I used it, as I’ve now become accustomed to that more tactile feel with computer input devices.
The total weight of the Gladius contributes to a sturdy feel, and it felt a bit heavier than the other mice I have in the office to test (Corsair G302, SteelSeries Sensei RAW). I didn’t like the added weight at first, but just like the firmer click buttons I ended up liking it a lot after using it for a few days. The slightly hefty feel helped keep the mouse movements more deliberate, but a smooth mousing surface is needed to keep it gliding accurately – though of course the same could be said for any mouse.
The left side of the mouse has the usual buttons, customizable in software
One final note on the left and right button switches, as these are socketed and user-replaceable. Instructions for swapping the Omron switches are available in included the user guide, and it involves pulling off the 4 bottom feet to access the interior of the mouse (4 replacement feet are included). I didn't attempt this as there was no need during my time with the Gladius.
Beyond the mouse buttons (both top and side) there is of course the scroll wheel, and this has a nice rubbery feel and smooth motion punctuated by very soft "clicks" as you scroll. When pressed down the click of this center button is fast and rather light, a more typical mouse button feel compared to the left and right mouse buttons with their clicky switches.
Armoury Software
ASUS provides a comprehensive software application for controlling the many options of the Gladius mouse, and it functions just like the STRIX software I installed for the STRIX TACTIC PRO keyboard review. I downloaded and installed the latest version from the product support page to check it out. I won't even attempt to cover everything that can be adjusted and customized, but rest assured there's a control panel for everything.
Besides controlling different mouse sensitivity settings and button assignments for the Gladius, there are also macro and lighting controls in the software. The ROG Gladius can be set to steady or pulsing lights, and the different areas can be separately controlled. Overall the software worked perfectly and it was easy to customize and apply new profiles.
Conclusion
The Gladius is a well designed gaming mouse with a great feel, precise control, and plenty of options to customize the experience. The software works as designed and allows for precise adjustment of dpi sensitivity. This thing can be incredibly fast (up to 200 ips and 50g accelleration) but I didn't ever use it set that high, as a slight twitch would shoot the mouse across the screen! It must be said that I'm not the FPS gamer targeted by this product, but with it set to 1600 dpi I was very happy with it. The only negative I could find didn't affect me, and it's that this design is not ambidextrous so you need to use it with a right hand.
Strengths
- Great build quality and overall feel
- Precise tracking, customizable sensitivity
- Omron switches provide a great tactile feel
- Swappable switches and USB cables
- Good software experience
Weaknesses
- Not ambidextrous
Overall the ASUS ROG Gladius was the best mouse I've personally used and I highly recommend it – particularly to those who enjoy the feel of mechanical keyboards. At around $69.95 it's no more expensive than most premium gaming mice, and the feel and functionality is top-notch.
Screw the mouse, let’s talk
Screw the mouse, let’s talk about X-Wing and Tie Fighter. I see them there behind the mouse’s box! Best space shooters ever made.
No argument here obviously
No argument here obviously
Great is the another
Great is the another vaporware product or like there (Rog) Mechanical Keyboard that never made it this side of world only released in tiwan that urkes a hardware vendor shouldn’t only release products destined for 3rd world by showing world look what we made you can’t have it north America this is only for our tiwanees crowd. Made me turn off from them after there pci ssd fiasco discontinued before it hit North America. /End Rant.
…What?
The Gladius is
…What?
The Gladius is available in the states, I’m using one right now.
It’s the best mouse I’ve ever used, for the record.
Also using a Gladius, and
Also using a Gladius, and really enjoying it!
Then it’s time to drop my
Then it’s time to drop my Rate 5 and get o email I couldn’t find d the Asus Rog items on ncix or even shopbot then seen few articles showing they display new gear on there us site even if it isn’t intended to come to this country.
Bought it. Driver does not
Bought it. Driver does not work for Mac OS X 10.10 nor 10.11. No driver update available. No reply from ASUS. Without driver useless for any Yosemite or El Capitan users.