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Introducing the new MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight and MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless mice, both equipped with a powerful PixArt PAW 3395 sensor boasting 26,000 DPI. These high-end gaming mice are designed to provide a comfortable grip and high-speed movement with their impressively light weight of 75g, perfect for FPS gaming.
The USB model boasts a polling rate of 8000 Hz, while the wireless version comes with a charging dock for added convenience. The aesthetic design has been enhanced with three individually customizable RGB zones, easily managed through MSI Center along with additional control options.
Design aspects of the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight
The new MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight and MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless mice share an identical design, with the only difference being that the cable version is fixed. The weight of the standard version, not including the cable, is an impressive 75g, while the wireless version weighs slightly more at 85g due to the battery. Despite this, both weights are impressively light, especially considering that the chassis is not perforated and includes RGB lighting in three zones.
Upon examining the top of the mouse, we notice that the back and, more importantly, the front are wider than the center, providing better ergonomics. The mouse is clearly designed for right-handed users and is not ambidextrous. With a height of 45mm, the natural grip position is palm-style, filling the hand almost completely and providing an elevated position for the buttons. While fingertip grip is not recommended, claw grip is still quite comfortable.
The main buttons are separated from the rest of the chassis and the central zone, providing ample space and a slight concave shape to improve finger positioning. The clicks are audible and have minimal travel distance, although they may require slightly more force than other mice. However, the buttons feel firm with no looseness or gaps.
In the center of the mouse, we find a large rubber-coated wheel without any DPI or profile buttons, designed to prevent slips. The wheel has marked jumps and moves fairly quietly. The button surface and back are smooth but have a good grip.
Moving on to the side zones, they curve inward to fit the fingers comfortably. What’s most interesting about them is the diamond-patterned rubber outer layer that integrates the Mystic Light system with 4 LEDs on both sides. The navigation buttons on the sides protrude quite a bit and are positioned right under the thumb. However, the sharp edge design can be uncomfortable to press, leading to reduced tactile sensitivity.
Finally, let’s take a look at the base of the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight mouse. Both mice have a total of 6 small PTFE (Teflon) feet, with 5 on the edge with curved edges to maximize movement speed and one in the center to prevent dirt from entering the sensor.
The Wireless version is obviously more intriguing due to the two charging contacts in the central zone, which is designed to be positioned on the charging dock. In both cases, the DPI button is located here, and there is an additional switch for the wireless model that allows for selecting Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or turning it off.
The USB-C connector is well hidden with a small rail that prevents the head from moving when connected. However, this design may not be compatible with all USB-C cables, such as if the original cable breaks, due to the narrow space.
The charging dock has a compact cylindrical design with the connection on the top, where we simply place the mouse to begin the charging process. There is a slot for storing the connection dongle, while the USB-C port for power supply is located at the base.
Internal features and capabilities
Let’s delve into the shared specifications of both MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight mice. They are equipped with a PixArt PAW3395 optical sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI, although they are pre-configured with 5 DPI levels: 400, 800, 1600, 3200, and 6400 DPI. The switches are manufactured by OMRON and have a durability of over 60 million clicks.
The normal model’s unique feature is an 8000 Hz Polling Rate, which means the signal is refreshed every 0.125 ms. However, we know that 1000 Hz is sufficient to avoid latency. The USB cable is fixed to the unit and features a FriXionFree design, which reduces friction with elements on the desktop and has an outer mesh and low weight.
As for the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless, it has a polling rate of 1000 Hz in both wireless and USB mode. It has three connection options: wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz frequency, with the latter recommended for optimal gaming performance. The charging cable is also FriXionFree.
The battery capacity is not specified, but it is included to avoid the need for batteries. In our usage tests, we recorded a 7% consumption rate in 2.4 GHz mode at 1000 Hz with RGB activated during 2 hours of use, which extrapolates to approximately 28 hours of use. Disabling the RGB and lowering the polling rate will significantly increase battery life.
Management software
The MSI Center will manage the control of both the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight and the Wireless model, with virtually the same options except for battery monitoring and polling rate selection.
In the first section, we can customize the functions of the five available buttons, create macros, and manage configurations through profiles. The second section includes options related to sensor performance, such as DPI levels, polling rate, two-level lift-off distance adjustment, and synchronization, which we recommend leaving disabled. The last section provides an adjustment for MSI Speed Shift.
For lighting settings, we need to install it through the internal extension of MSI Center called Mystic Light. We have several predefined effects that will apply to all three zones simultaneously, as well as a custom mode where we can manage each zone individually, but with only the option of a solid color.
Final thoughts about MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight and the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless
MSI is aiming for the high-end market with these two new mice, one with a USB connection at a more affordable price, and the wireless version for those who need greater mobility. They rely on the tried and tested PixArt PAW 3395 sensor, which performs exceptionally well in any situation.
These mice are quite tall and require a palm grip, but they are very agile in movement due to their light weight of 75g and 85g, achieved without a perforated chassis and with 3 RGB zones that add additional weight. The combination of ergonomic design with rubber grips and aesthetics is excellent, making it the best mouse from the brand in our opinion.
In addition to the Wireless model’s added advantage, it comes with a charging dock, eliminating the need for a USB cable to connect to the mouse, which is always good news for convenience. We don’t see the 8000 Hz polling rate of the wired model as a significant advantage for gaming, as 1000 Hz is already sufficient for zero latency, but it’s what the market demands to compete with rivals like Razer or Corsair who also offer it.
