In a market already crowded with gaming mice, Be Quiet! is stepping in with two new options that cater to both professional and competitive gamers. The Dark Perk Ergo and Dark Perk Sym are designed to be lightweight, durable, and packed with features that could make them stand out—if they can match the performance of their rivals.
The Ergo and Sym share a host of specifications, including a 55-gram weight, an impressive 8000 Hz polling rate (even when wireless), and a maximum DPI of 32,000. The key difference lies in their ergonomics: the Ergo is described as more intuitive to grip, while the Sym offers a symmetrical design for ambidextrous users.
Battery life is another strong point, with both mice lasting up to 110 hours at a 1000 Hz polling rate. This is a notable achievement, especially when compared to some competitors that struggle to maintain such endurance without sacrificing performance. The mice also feature optical Omron D2FP-FN2 switches and a PixArt PAW3950 sensor, which are known for their reliability in high-pressure gaming scenarios.
Be Quiet! emphasizes the importance of weight in competitive gaming, with CEO Aaron Licht stating that the goal was to create a mouse that helps users compete at the highest levels. This focus on lightweight design is something Be Quiet! has built its reputation on, particularly in their cooling and case products, which have been well-received by both enthusiasts and professionals.
Configuration is handled through a web-based app available for Windows, iOS, and Linux (via Chromium-based browsers), eliminating the need for additional software. This streamlined approach could appeal to users who prefer simplicity without sacrificing functionality. However, whether this will be enough to differentiate these mice from more established options remains to be seen.
Both models are set to launch on February 3 with a suggested retail price of $110. While this is in line with many high-end gaming mice, it may not be enough to compete with models that offer slightly better specs or more frequent discounts. For example, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro is priced at $100 and weighs just 36 grams, offering a similar polling rate but with a higher DPI and longer battery life when used in lower-polling scenarios.
Another notable competitor is the Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed, which retails for $130. It features an ambidextrous design, a max DPI of 44,000, and up to 95 hours of battery life—both impressive metrics that could give Be Quiet! pause as they enter the market.
The real test for these mice will be how they perform in actual use. Spec sheets can only tell so much; the feel, precision, and durability under prolonged use are what truly matter in competitive gaming. If Be Quiet! can replicate the quality and comfort seen in their other products—like the Light Mount keyboard or Shadow Base 800 FX case—they may just carve out a niche for themselves.
- Display: No display
- Chip: PixArt PAW3950 sensor, Omron D2FP-FN2 switches
- Memory: Not applicable (wireless mouse)
- Storage: Not applicable (wireless mouse)
- Power: Up to 110 hours battery life at 1000 Hz polling rate
- Cameras: No integrated cameras
- Connectivity: Wireless with 8000 Hz polling rate, USB-C
- Ports: USB-C for charging and data transfer
- Pricing: $110 suggested retail price (both models)
The Dark Perk Ergo and Sym are designed with competitive gamers in mind, but they won’t be the only options on the market. Their lightweight design, high polling rate, and long battery life make them strong contenders, but they’ll need to prove themselves against more established models that offer slightly better specs or additional features.
For users who prioritize weight and performance above all else, these mice could be a compelling choice—especially if Be Quiet! can deliver the same level of build quality and comfort as seen in their other products. However, those looking for the absolute best DPI or battery life may still opt for more proven alternatives.
