MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight review: lightweight gaming mouse with precise sensor

If you are looking for a really light mouse, you should pay attention to MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight. It weighs only 58 g and this was achieved even without perforation of the case, which many manufacturers have been doing lately. Instead, the mouse has a classic body, excellent build quality and a convenient asymmetric shape for right-handed use. The MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight is powered by an excellent 12,000 DPI PixArt PMW3360 optical sensor, and the main buttons are equipped with durable OMRON switches that can withstand 60 million clicks. Additionally, it is worth noting a very light and convenient proprietary cable FriXionFree, which is almost not felt during use. The only small disadvantages are a little bit crude and not the most convenient proprietary software, the mouse has no more significant problems. 

4 reasons to buy MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight:

• Excellent PixArt PMW3360 sensor
• Omron switches for 60 million clicks
• Convenient, lightweight and reliable design
• Lightweight FriXionFree cable

1 reason not to buy MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight:

• Not very user-friendly software

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

What is in the box?

The MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight kit is absolutely standard, without any surprises. A small box with a picture and the main characteristics. Inside is the mouse itself and documentation.

What does MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight look like?

Recently we had MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless on review. As the name suggests, today we are talking about an almost similar model, the differences are really minimal. Namely: the lack of wireless connection, weight and another sensor. The shape remained unchanged, so the mouse is asymmetrical and adapted for the right-handed use. The same matte black plastic with a rough surface is used. On the "back" there is a backlit logo of MSI gaming line. The main buttons are separated from the case.

The sides have a rubber-like coating with a textured pattern, which helps to hold the mouse more securely during use. Additional buttons are glossy, have a standard shape, but the separation between them is almost not felt.

The scroll wheel is without backlighting, with a pleasant texture and rubber-like coating.

The cable has quite massive and reliable protection against bending in the place of attachment to the mouse. Which, in its turn, is placed high enough, so the cable does not cling to the surface.

The lower part is a little bit different from the Wireless version. There is no switch on the contacts for charging, which is quite logical. There are four Teflon slides along the perimeter, the sensor hole also has a Teflon frame. On the side is a button for switching DPI.

MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight uses a proprietary FriXionFree cable 2 meters long. It has a very soft and light braided outer coating. The cable easily takes any necessary shape and is almost not felt during use.

The mouse is very well made, not a single detail wobbles or makes any sounds. The dimensions remained unchanged: 120x64x37 mm, and the weight has decreased to 58 g due to the absence of the need for a battery. So MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight will appeal to fans of ultra-light models.

How convenient is it to use?

The shape of the MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight is identical to the wireless model, so it is also very comfortable and perfect for the palm or finger grip that the vast majority of players use. The difference in feel is due to the reduced weight. This is a rather subjective thing, but fans of light mice should definitely try it. The model is very easy to control and holds securely in the hand. The weight distribution, as in the case of Wireless, is correct. Therefore, the mouse will not fall down and cling to the surface when you lift it.

The switches in the buttons are similar to MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless. They are mainly used familiar OMRON with a resource of 60+ million actuations. They have a very clear and pleasant click with a rather short stroke, which allows to develop sufficient speed. Unfortunately, there is no official information about additional buttons. There is a suspicion that there is Kailh or something similar. As for the scroll wheel, the situation is less pleasant, precisely due to the identity of the wireless model. The wheel is absolutely quiet, but with not very clear cutoffs.

The mouse is perfectly controlled on almost any surface and glides well.

What can MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight do?

The main difference between MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight and Wireless is the sensor. Instead of the energy-efficient PixArt PAW3311, we have installed not the newest, but very high-quality optical PixArt PMW3360, which we have already seen many times in top models. It has a resolution of 12,000 DPI capable of tracking movements at speeds of more than 250 inches per second and acceleration up to 50g. The maximum polling frequency is 1000 Hz. This sensor is known to many gamers and always works perfectly. In the case of MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight, there were no surprises: no crashes, cursor jitters or any other problems.

The main settings completely coincide with the wireless version. DPI is switched with the help of the corresponding button on the bottom of the mouse. Standard presets: 400/800/1600/3200/6400. Backlight settings without software:

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

The proprietary MSI Center software is responsible for configuring all MSI peripherals. We have already reviewed it in the previous review. In general, almost everything you need is there, but so far the software looks a bit crude and some elements are not quite logically placed. The main settings are made in the definition of buttons, profiles, DPI levels, frequency, anti-aliasing and the height of separation from the surface. Backlight settings are placed in a separate section Mystic Light.

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

• MSI Clutch GM31 Lightweight is a comfortable asymmetrical gaming mouse with a very lightweight design
• It is equipped with a fast 12,000 dpi PixArt PMW3360 optical sensor
• The main buttons use durable OMRON switches with a resource of 60 million clicks

Go Deeper:

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