There are wireless keyboards with nearly infinite battery life, but what about a wireless mouse that doesn't need recharging? The technology has been around for a while. Logitech released the PowerPlay in 2017, a mousepad that wirelessly juices up the mouse on top, and Razer has its own version called the Mamba HyperFlux from 2018. Neither took the gaming world by storm, but Razer is giving it a second try with the $120 HyperFlux V2.
With how long mouse battery life has become these days, charging your mouse isn’t something you actively think about. When it runs out of power, take a 30-minute break and stretch those legs (or use a wired mouse). It isn’t much of an issue.
The Mamba HyperFlux eliminated the need for a battery in the mouse, as the mousepad created a magnetic field to transfer power directly to the peripheral. Razer touted the weight savings of not having a battery, making the mouse more nimble and easier to use. But today's wireless gaming mice have become so lightweight that this perk is negligible. Is there a real benefit to a wireless charging mousepad? Or is it a technology that has been outpaced before it could shine?
Mousepad First
Photograph: Henri Robbins
As far as mousepads go, the HyperFlux is perfectly competent. I received the plastic ("hard") mousepad, as opposed to the fabric option Razer offers. I do like the hard surface, but it feels less slick than some ultra-smooth cloth mousepads. This comes down to preference, as Razer advertises the two materials as being focused on control versus speed.