NZXT Lift Elite Review: This Mouse Is So Light, You'll Forget It's Even There!

My experience with PC gaming stems back to 2012, when I constructed my very first computer on a budget-friendly basis.

Six months passed before I finally understood that my HP mouse and keyboard weren’t up to par for playing the original DayZ mod on Arma 2. It turns out the free PC peripherals I got from my college computer labs were less than ideal.

After that point, I started adopting equipment from experienced gamers. I utilized Logitech, Zowie, Razer, and whatever else was trendy during the period. My desire for novel gaming mice eventually ceased when I encountered the initial Logitech G Pro X Superlight.

I had found my style of mouse. No longer would I be bound by the weight of 70 grams or more.

NZXT Lift Elite: Pricing and specifications

A price point that won’t hurt the pocket.
8,000Hz polling rate wired and 4,000Hz wireless makes it the cheapest mouse with a polling rate over 1k.
Stunningly lighter than even the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2.

Achieving another significant step on my path to mouse excellence, the NZXT Lift Elite has left me questioning my previous thoughts about a 63g weight. Now, I’m finding myself less certain. Retailing at $79.99, this 57g mouse has reshaped my perception of what a lightweight mouse should feel like.

Previously, I’d only heard about mice weighing less than 60 grams, but I didn’t think such a reduction in weight would matter significantly.

In comparison to the ultra-light Razer Viper V3 Pro (weighing just 54g), its price of $159.99 appears quite reasonable, especially considering that it’s only 3 grams heavier than the NZXT model which costs twice as much.

At a price point of $79.99, you can acquire a competitively priced mouse that holds its ground against higher-priced alternatives, boasting similar features such as 4K wireless polling and 8K wired performance.

Perhaps you might find appealing its high resolution of 26,000 DPI or its swift response time under a millisecond. Regardless of your preference, this NZXT mouse aspires to compete alongside top-tier brands.

NZXT Lift Elite: Design and build quality

Lightweight and comfortable to use. Beating out some more expensive options.
Side buttons can get in the way, a small learning curve if you’re used to something smaller.
It will need to be charged every couple of days if used wirelessly at a 4,000 polling rate.

Upon initial observation, it appeared as though the NZXT Lift Elite might have been shoddily constructed. Given its size and weight, one would expect some structural issue, wouldn’t they? However, to my surprise, it turns out that the design is remarkably robust, even without a floor!

Upon flipping the mouse over, you’ll notice that most of the flooring has been taken out, replaced instead by a sturdy crossbar designed to withstand external force. NZXT assures us that this mouse undergoes stringent testing, subjected to around 11 pounds or 50 Newtons of pressure, so as to prevent any distortion or fracturing even under significant pressure. It’s crucial to ensure that the removal of a sub-layer doesn’t compromise the overall structural integrity!

As a tech-savvy individual, I’ve found myself drawn to a mouse that was thoughtfully designed for a comfortable medium size. This compact beauty sports a slim form factor and boasts rubberized side grips with intricate laser-etched textures, offering an exceptional grip. In the box, you’ll find two optional pieces of grip tape for the right and left mouse buttons, although I found the existing plastic coating to be sufficiently grippy, even surpassing my current Logitech Superlight in terms of graspability.

The buttons on the sides are intentionally large for effortless pressing, but unfortunately, they can’t be switched, even in a mouse with a symmetrical design. At this point, these buttons are exclusively located on the left side, and there’s currently no news about a model specifically designed for left-handed users.

I found myself frequently pressing these buttons by mistake instead of intentionally, which brought back memories of my struggle to master the Azeron Cyborg, a notoriously sensitive device. Even after approximately 40 hours of use, I haven’t managed to completely eliminate this issue.

Instead of mapping the left click to the front thumb button (mouse four), I accidentally triggered the main action whenever I clicked there, which often revealed my location in games like Counter-Strike 2 or Arma Reforger. As a result, I unintentionally lost some rounds due to this misconfiguration.

Another concern I had was the battery life – it seemed to be an issue even though I only managed to drain it after 15 hours with the device, despite having used it for around 40 hours in total. NZXT advertises that their mouse can last over 70 hours on a single charge at a 1k polling rate, but it seems like you have to sacrifice battery life for performance.

Due to an unusual aspect of its “no floor” design, I found that the device produced some additional scraping sounds while being operated. In contrast to my Superlight mouse equipped with ESPTIGER skates, I could distinctly hear the NZXT mouse sliding on the NZXT Zone mousepad. To verify this, I conducted a swift comparison using my phone, measuring the sound level differences between the two mice.

This sound was generated only while ascending and descending, implying a slight additional vibration that could be detected even by a decibel meter. While using it, there were no performance issues at all. It wasn’t until I stepped back and closely examined it that this minor vibration became apparent.

In this assessment, I tested the standard NZXT Zone, not the latest Elite edition which is black. Initially, I opted for the standard Zone because its color complements my keyboard and mouse. Unfortunately, the Elite version only comes in black. The regular Zone functions as a relatively slow mat, but it didn’t impress me much compared to the Elite version. However, if you’re looking for a quality mousepad to pair with your mouse, I wholeheartedly suggest the NZXT Zone Elite!

NZXT Lift Elite: Gaming experience

Near high-end performance at half the price.
Awesome 4k polling rate while wireless, with a blistering 8k while wired.
Slight frictional difference when moved up and down versus side-to-side.

With the NZXT Lift Elite, smooth operation is assured once you download their CAM software. Following that, setup becomes effortless, involving only the steps of installing and updating to the most recent firmware. This process grants access to five memory profiles stored onboard, as well as up to five distinct DPI settings and multiple poll rate options. Thankfully, its straightforward setup was a relief, given that no instructions came with the product!

Using the Lift Elite was incredibly intuitive, its featherweight design making it seem as if it were an extension of my own arm. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the Superlight series, but the Lift Elite took things to a whole new level in terms of lightness.

In testing the distinction between a 1k and 4k polling rate on my 240hz monitor, I noticed a discernible gap that wasn’t merely a placebo effect. To ensure it was real, my wife blindly adjusted settings for me. To my surprise, I could indeed perceive the difference. Subsequently, I proceeded to test 4k versus 8k rates. In this comparison, I reached the boundary of my gaming abilities, as I couldn’t discern a difference between the two. I appreciated this discovery because the Lift Elite monitor doesn’t support 8k polling in wireless mode, and I prefer not to use a wired mouse with modern technology.

Despite the disappointment, the Razer Viper V3 Pro, priced only $10 more, delivers 8k polling over wireless connections. Given that this mouse has been available for over two years, I’d prefer sacrificing battery life for the ability to experience higher wireless rates. Even if it’s a psychological effect, I yearn for my mouse to keep pace with the latest speed standards.

In comparison, when I examined mice within a similar price bracket, only the NZXT Elite provides 4k polling support. Consequently, while Razer may lead in certain aspects (a play on words), the NZXT Lift Elite is currently surpassing others in this specific feature (another play on words). It’s essential for competitive gamers to at least support 4K today, and the Lift Elite stands out as the most affordable wireless option available—a definite advantage for NZXT.

Moreover, the Lift Elite boasts excellent macro functionality that is user-friendly and highly intuitive. I’d go so far as to say it surpasses GHUB in this regard. Additionally, you can reassign any button on the mouse, including the on/off switch—an option I’m not quite sure how to utilize, but it’s there nonetheless!

NZXT Lift Elite: Competition

As a long-time enthusiast in this field, I’ve been familiar with Razer, Corsair, Logitech, and Steel Series for over a decade. However, it was a relatively new brand that caught my attention when I purchased a 360mm cooler for my CPU. Now, this underdog is making waves in the market, going head-to-head with the industry giants. And to my surprise, they’re holding their own and often coming out on top.

As an observer, I find myself contemplating the Logitech G X Pro Superlight, distinct from its counterpart, the Superlight 2. Despite its age, it’s still available for approximately $100, positioning it $20 above the Lift Elite. However, for that additional $20, you sacrifice 4k polling, gain five extra grams in weight, and experience a slight reduction in peak DPI. One might wonder, why opt for the Superlight? It seems NZXT is offering more value here.

This applies equally to other rivals such as the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro and SteelSeries Aerox 5. Yet, among these, it appears that the Razer Viper V3 Pro is the one mouse that can keep up with this modern gadget. Boasting twice the polling rate, it remains lighter than the Lift Elite, although it comes at a slightly higher price tag; choose according to your preference and budget.

NZXT Lift Elite: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

💻 As a budget-conscious gamer, I’m always on the lookout for a gaming mouse that doesn’t compromise on performance. This one offers premium features at an affordable price, such as lightning-fast 8k polling rates, customizable macros, and much more that other mice in this range can’t seem to match!

🌟 Seeking an affordable, light-as-a-feather gaming mouse that’s even lighter than the Logitech Superlight series.

You should not buy this if …

You need an item that doesn’t require frequent recharging, as its performance is comparable to my five-year-old original Superlight.

🔺 Instead of seeking a flawless premium experience, I have reservations about the design of the side buttons, and I wasn’t entirely satisfied when I noticed an additional friction upon closer inspection, even at a higher price point.

Initially, I wasn’t certain about the high-end, cutthroat gaming mouse market. However, the Lift Elite appears to be their initial venture into the realm of premium peripherals, and they’ve excelled in their efforts. Considering its price, this mouse is remarkably impressive.

The choice ultimately depends on what features you prioritize in your device. This mouse is specifically designed for gaming, and it’s devoid of any RGB distractions, focusing instead on providing the user with an edge in their gaming victories. In the end, it boils down to personal preference. Are you willing to invest a bit more and go for a brand that has been around for over a decade, or are you open to trying out a newer option? I’m leaning towards NZXT in this case. Well done, team!

2025-02-03 18:10

NZXT Lift Elite Review: This Mouse Is So Light, You’ll Forget It’s Even There!