Glorious Model I 2 Ultralight Wireless Gaming Mouse

Snapshot Verdict

The Glorious Model I 2 Wireless is a specialized ergonomic mouse that attempts to bridge the gap between high-performance gaming and multi-button productivity. It succeeds as a lightweight alternative to heavyweights like the Logitech G502, though it remains hampered by inconsistent software and a build quality that feels slightly less premium than its price suggests.

Product Version

Version reviewed: Model I 2 Wireless (Current release as of late 2023/early 2024)

What This Product Actually Is

The Glorious Model I 2 Wireless is an "ultralight" ergonomic gaming mouse designed for users who want the comfort of a thumb-rest shape without the typical 100g+ weight penalty. It weighs 75 grams, which is significantly lighter than most mice in this specific multi-button category.

At its core, this is a tool for people who need more than just a right and left click. It features nine programmable buttons, including a dedicated "sniper" button and several side inputs. It uses the proprietary BAMF 2.0 optical sensor, which offers up to 26,000 DPI, and features tri-mode connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless for lag-free gaming, Bluetooth 5.2 for laptop productivity, and a USB-C wired mode for charging.

The design is defined by its right-handed contoured shape and a flared thumb rest. Unlike earlier Glorious models, the I 2 features a solid shell on the primary buttons and palm contact points, moving away from the "honeycomb" holes that defined the brand's early reputation. This makes it more comfortable for long-term use and less prone to collecting dust and debris.

Real-World Use & Experience

Using the Model I 2 Wireless is a study in contrasts. Physically, the mouse feels excellent. The 75-gram weight is a revelation for anyone coming from a traditional "brick" mouse. It glides effortlessly on standard cloth mousepads thanks to the high-quality G-Skates (PTFE feet). For productivity tasks like video editing or navigating complex spreadsheets, the light weight reduces wrist fatigue noticeably over an eight-hour day.

The button layout is thoughtful. The side buttons are magnetic and swappable, allowing you to change the physical shape of two of the side switches to better fit your thumb's reach. This is a rare level of physical customization that actually works. The clicks are tactile and crisp, utilizing Glorious switches rated for 80 million clicks.

However, the software experience—Glorious CORE—remains a sticking point. While the hardware is responsive, the software often feels unpolished. Setting up macros or remapping buttons for specific professional applications can be unintuitive. During testing, the software occasionally fails to recognize the mouse over a 2.4GHz connection, requiring a wired plug-in to reset settings.

The battery life is rated for up to 110 hours on 2.4GHz and 210 hours on Bluetooth, but these figures assume the RGB lighting is turned off. With the vibrant side strips active at full brightness, you should expect to charge it every few days. The included "Ascended" charging cable is flexible and light, meaning you can continue using the mouse while it charges without feeling held back by a stiff wire.

Standout Strengths

• Exceptional lightweight ergonomic design
• Swappable magnetic side buttons
• Reliable BAMF 2.0 optical sensor

The primary reason to buy this mouse is the weight-to-shape ratio. It is incredibly difficult to find a mouse with a dedicated thumb rest and nine buttons that stays under 80 grams. This specific combination makes it a hybrid beast that handles fast-paced shooters and complex office work with equal competence.

The swappable side buttons are the second major win. Most mice force you to adapt your grip to the button placement; here, you can change the button's physical profile. If the "sniper" button feels too far away, you can swap it for a different shape that sits closer to your thumb.

Finally, the sensor performance is impeccable. There is zero detectable latency when using the 2.4GHz dongle. Whether you are flick-shotting in a game or performing precision masking in Photoshop, the cursor follows your hand movements with 1:1 pixel accuracy.

Limitations, Trade-offs & Red Flags

• Software is often buggy and unintuitive
• Shell feels slightly flexible under pressure
• Scroll wheel lacks "infinite scroll" feature

The biggest red flag is the software ecosystem. Glorious CORE is functional but lacks the refinement of competitors like Logitech G Hub or Razer Synapse. Users frequently report firmware update issues or settings not saving to the on-board memory correctly on the first try.

Build quality is another trade-off for the low weight. While it doesn't feel "cheap," the plastic shell has more flex than a heavier, sturdier mouse. If you are a high-pressure "palm" gripper who squeezes the sides of the mouse during intense moments, you might feel a slight creak in the chassis.

Lastly, for professional users, the lack of a free-spinning or "infinite" scroll wheel is a missed opportunity. While this is primarily a gaming mouse, its shape suggests a hybrid use case. Without the ability to unlock the scroll wheel, scrolling through long documents or 2,000-line spreadsheets is a standard, notched affair.

Who It's Actually For

The Model I 2 Wireless is for the "productivity gamer." It is designed for someone who spends their day in CAD, Premiere Pro, or Excel and their nights in games like Apex Legends or World of Warcraft.

It is particularly well-suited for users with medium-to-large hands who find small "egg-shaped" mice uncomfortable but don't want the bulk of a legacy ergonomic mouse. If you have ever felt that the Logitech G502 was the perfect shape but hindered by its weight, this is the product you have been waiting for.

It is not for the "ultra-competitive" mouse enthusiast who demands a sub-50g weight, nor is it for the budget-conscious user who only needs two buttons and a wheel. This is a mid-to-high-tier tool for those who value versatility.

Value for Money & Alternatives

Value for money: fair

At its current price point, the Model I 2 Wireless sits firmly in the mid-range of premium wireless mice. You are paying for the engineering required to keep a large, feature-rich mouse under 80 grams. While there are cheaper mice, they usually lack the sensor quality or the wireless reliability found here. However, the software frustrations prevent it from being a "great" value.

Alternatives

• Logitech G502 X Lightspeed — Heavier and more expensive but with much better software and an infinite scroll wheel.
• Razer Basilisk V3 Pro — Offers better RGB and a more premium feel, but at a significantly higher weight and price.
• Keychron M6 — A much more affordable alternative with a similar shape, though it lacks the customizability of the Glorious side buttons.

Final Verdict

The Glorious Model I 2 Wireless is a successful evolution of the ergonomic mouse. It solves the weight problem that has plagued "thumb rest" mice for a decade. While the software experience needs a total overhaul to compete with the industry giants, the physical hardware is a delight to use. It is a highly capable tool for anyone who needs to balance high-speed gaming precision with the multi-macro requirements of a modern professional workflow.