MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless review: ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse

MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is a very interesting gaming mouse, one of the main features of which is its light weight, especially for a wireless model. The mouse has a very comfortable asymmetrical shape for right-handed use and durable Omron switches with a clear, pleasant click. The sensor used is the accurate and fast optical Pixart PMW3311, which does not let you down. The mouse can use both a 2.4 GHz radio channel and a convenient 2-meter cable with a fabric braid for connection. In wireless mode the mouse is able to work from one charge for more than a week. In general, the only minor complaints are not the most convenient firmware without some useful functions. 

4 reasons to buy MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless:

• Convenient and very lightweight design
• Durable Omron switches for 60 million clicks
• Fast and accurate PixArt PAW3311 optical sensor
• 2.4 GHz wired and wireless connection support

1 reason not to buy MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless:

• Not very convenient and functional software

1. What's in the box?
2. What does MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless look like?
3. How convenient is it to use?
4. What can MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless do?
5. In the dry balance

What is in the box?

MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is packed in a fairly large box with black and white printing, a picture of the mouse on the front and the main features on the back. The box contains the mouse itself, a 2-meter cable with a fabric braid, a charging dock, a USB transmitter and documentation.

What does MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless look like?

MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is an asymmetrical mouse for right-handed use. It is made mainly of rough black plastic, which provides a good grip with the palm and is not very marking. The only decorative element is a backlit logo. The main buttons are symmetrical and separated from the main part of the case. It seems that they are additionally spring-loaded, because they do not wobble at all, which is the problem of many mice with the similar design of the main buttons. When viewed from above, you can see that the mouse has a recess for the thumb and a small extension on the right side for the ring finger and little finger.

The side edges have a textured coating resembling rubber. It really contributes to a more secure grip and is pleasant to the touch. It is hard to say how durable it is. The only glossy design elements are additional side buttons. They have absolutely standard shape and dimensions.

The scroll wheel also has a textured rubber coating. Unlike most modern gaming mice, there is no backlight in this case. The scroll wheel is also very well fixed and does not go from side to side.

On the front there is a recess with a Type-C connector for connecting with a cable:

There's a lot on the bottom of the mouse. Four Teflon slides around the perimeter, another insert around the optical sensor, a recess with two contacts for charging, a two-position power switch and one button. By itself, it is responsible for switching sensitivity modes, but there are combinations with other buttons, which we will talk about later.

The cable is 2 meters long. The fabric braid is soft and light. It's hard to say how durable it is, but using MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless in wired mode is very convenient. The cable is light and easily takes the necessary shape.

The charging dock is small in size. On top there are spring-loaded contacts for charging the mouse and a recess with a USB connector for connecting a USB transmitter. At the bottom there is a Type-C port for connecting a cable.

The appearance and the build quality of the mouse are at a very good level: all details are perfectly adjusted, nothing wobbles. The dimensions can be called average: 120x64x37 mm, but the weight is only 73 g, which is very small for a wireless mouse. Still, the batteries are quite heavy. Actually, MSI put this pleasant feature in the mouse name.

How convenient is it to use?

In general, the shape of MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is very convenient. Of course, it all depends on the size of the hand, but the mouse is perfect for gripping with the palm or fingers. The less popular claw grip is not so good, but also quite normal. It may take some time to get used to after wider models. After using Mionix Castor for a long time, the mouse seemed narrow to me for the first few days. The mouse is very light, and the textured sides help to hold it securely in your hand. And, what is important, the weight distribution is correct. The mouse does not fall forward or backward if you lift it above the surface.

The main buttons use OMRON switches with the resource of 60+ million actuations. They have a very clear, informative and pleasant click. The scroll wheel works absolutely quietly. Cutoffs are not badly felt, but I would like a little clearer. Additional buttons have a clear click, but they are quite easy to confuse by touch.

The mouse glides very well and is controlled on the vast majority of surfaces. Although it is not worth using it directly on the table: the slides will be erased faster, still, you should have some kind of mat.

What can MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless do?

MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless uses PixArt PAW3311 optical sensor with a maximum resolution of 12,000 DPI. It is capable of tracking movement at speeds up to 300 inches per second and acceleration up to 35g. The maximum polling frequency is 1000 Hz in wireless mode. It is an energy-efficient sensor designed for wireless mice. This is quite enough for modern monitors with high resolution. The sensor behaves perfectly both in fast shooters and strategies, RPGs and any games. Clear tracking, no shaking or disruptions. Of the small complaints about the sensor, we can mention the lack of the function of adjusting the height of separation from the surface and auto-adjustment of the FPS in power saving mode. MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless also has good wireless connection stability. During testing, there were no disconnections or noticeable delays. According to the manufacturer, the delay time is only 1-2 ms. The only thing that someone may not like very much is the wake-up time. It is not long, but noticeable. Although I do not consider it a problem. It is worth noting that the mouse can be used without an additional dock by connecting the USB-transmitter directly to the PC. But thanks to the dock on the cable, the transmitter can be placed on the table closer to the mouse for a more stable signal.

The company does not specify the capacity of the built-in battery, but assures that the mouse can work on a single charge for more than 110 hours. Of course, the working time depends on the resolution, polling frequency and backlighting. It is difficult to name exact figures, but in real life the mouse can work for more than a week with standard everyday use of about 10-12 hours a day. Although, having a convenient docking station, on which it is very easy and convenient to put the mouse every time after work, you can forget about the battery charge in general.

Some basic settings can be made without proprietary software. The DPI indicator is switched using the corresponding button on the bottom of the mouse. There are 5 levels by default: 400/800/1600/3200/6400. They can be adjusted using the proprietary software. By combinations of the DPI button with other buttons you can adjust the backlight

• DPI+right button: brightness level
• DPI+left button: backlight effect selection
• DPI+first additional button: backlight effect speed
• DPI+second additional button: color selection

For configuration, the general MSI Center application is used, which is responsible for all MSI peripherals and components. The main settings are made in the Gaming Gear tab. Namely: button assignment, profiles, DPI levels, frequency, anti-aliasing and battery settings. Charge level, automatic sleep mode and low charge indication. Unfortunately, the sleep time cannot be configured, only the standard option of 2 minutes. Backlight settings are placed in a separate section Mystic Light. There is a standard set of effects, their speed and brightness. It is also possible to synchronize the backlight with some games (that support it), hardware and smart lamps. Mystic Light uses open source code, so synchronization with third-party devices is also supported. In general, the software has everything you need, but the interface logic is not the most convenient.

In the dry balance. Three things you need to know about MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless:

• MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is an asymmetrical gaming mouse with a very lightweight design
• It is equipped with a fast optical sensor and durable Omron switches
• The mouse supports wired and wireless connection via 2.4GHz radio channel

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