About two years ago, I bought an Attack Shark R6 for around £30. The left mouse button recently stopped working; it was registering clicks but not holding them properly. I replaced the switch myself, but now the scroll wheel has failed too. I'm looking for a reliable replacement and noticed the ATK VXE R1 SE+ for about £16 on AliExpress. Is there anything better in the £30–45 range? I'm a casual gamer, but durability is especially important this time.
5 Answers
The Glorious Model D- is another option if you prefer an ergonomic shape. Mine has been working perfectly for about four years, although the long-term experience can vary between units.
The VXE R1 SE is probably one of the best options at that price. It offers good performance for the money, and ATK/VXE, Redragon, Rapoo, and Mchose are all worth checking. For Redragon, look for models using a PAW3395 sensor. Rapoo’s newer generation entry-level mice are also surprisingly good, while some Mchose models may stretch beyond your budget.
SteelSeries mice are generally well-built and have useful customization options, but I’d still check the exact model and warranty before buying. Even sturdy mice can eventually develop wheel or click problems after a couple of years.
I compared an ATK/VXE R1 Pro with a much more expensive Razer Viper V3 Pro and honestly couldn’t feel much difference in normal gaming. Unless you specifically need premium features, I’d just buy the R1 and save the money. If the wheel fails later, a replacement TTC encoder is inexpensive and can be soldered in.
A wired Logitech G502 can sometimes be found for around £38 on sale. It’s an older, heavier design, but they’re sturdy and tend to last for years. It’s worth considering if reliability matters more to you than having a lightweight wireless mouse.
The wired version is especially good value when discounted. Some people are still using theirs after a decade or more.