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Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse Review

We are in the age where wireless products are gaining popularity. From wireless headphones, wireless earphones, wireless charging, wireless keyboards and mice, and many more. I wonder when will wireless monitor becomes mainstream? Anyway, a few months ago, Corsair released a wireless version of their Ironclaw gaming mouse – now called the “Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless” gaming mouse. The Ironclaw RGB Wireless is basically designed for FPS and MOBA games; and is perfect for larger hands. It’s still a mouse, despite being wireless; basically, you can use it just like any other mouse, aside from FPS and MOBA games. So, if you are in the market looking for a wireless (gaming) mouse, please continue reading our Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless gaming mouse review below.

corsair ironclaw wireless gaming mouse review-11

Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse Review – Perfect for Larger Hands!

The newer Ironclaw RGB Wireless is somewhat similar to its predecessor, the non-wireless version, but with improvements. The shape and design are generally the same, however the RGB Wireless version features additional buttons resulting to a slight change in the aesthetics; two more RGB lighting zones; two more onboard profiles; and the most obvious one, the newer having wireless connectivity options.

The Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless features PMW3391 optical sensor with up to 18,000 DPI. It features Omron switches and it’s optimized for palm grip users with larger hands in mind. But the main feature of the Ironclaw RGB Wireless is its industry-leading 2.4GHz Slipstream wireless technology. It’s able to achieve a fast sub-1ms wireless latency, with Intelligent Frequency Shift to ensure stable signal, and up to 33 feet of wireless range.

You can basically connect the Ironclaw RGB Wireless using three different methods: via the Slipstream wireless using the USB dongle; via low-latency Bluetooth connection; and via the usual USB wired connection. Connecting the mouse via USB wired also recharges the battery of the Ironclaw. Speaking of battery, it is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery.

Battery life is expected to be around 16 hours with lighting, or around 24 hours with lighting off if connected via the 2.4GHz Slipstream. Meanwhile, when connected via Bluetooth, battery life is expected to last around 30 hours with standard lighting or up to 50 hours with lighting off. I guess connecting the Ironclaw RGB Wireless via Slipstream uses more power, in exchange for a much stable and reliable connection.

Below is a complete specifications of the wireless gaming mouse and after that let’s discuss more of its features as we take a closer look on the Ironclaw RGB Wireless.

Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Specifications

Mouse WarrantyTwo years
Programmable Buttons10
DPI18,000 DPI
SensorPMW3391
Sensor TypeOptical
Mouse Backlighting3 Zone RGB
On Board MemoryYes
On-board Memory Profiles3
Mouse button TypeOmron
ConnectivityWireless, Wired
Mouse Button Durability50M L/R Click
Grip TypePalm
Weight130g
CUE SoftwareSupported in iCUE
Cable1.8m Braided Fiber
Game TypeFPS, MOBA
Report RateSelectable 1000Hz/500Hz/250Hz/125Hz
Battery Life2.4GHz SLIPSTREAM: Up to 16hrs with standard lighting or 24hrs with lighting off
BLUETOOTH: Up to 30hrs with standard lighting or 50hrs with lighting off
Battery TypeRechargeable Lithium-Polymer

Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless latest pricing and availability:
For US: available on Amazon.com here
For UK: available on Amazon UK here

Packaging and Closer Look at Ironclaw Wireless

Corsair’s boxes are usually black with yellow highlights. This time, it’s the other way around, but still black and yellow (hello). The Ironclaw RGB Wireless’ packaging features a yellow box, making it standout better in store shelves.

There’s not a lot of accessories included, but these are the only things that you need to fully utilize the Ironclaw. Included in the box are reading materials; a braided USB Type-A to micro USB cable that is 1.8m in length; the tiny USB wireless transceiver or dongle; a USB-A (female) to micro USB (female) adapter; and the Ironclaw RGB Wireless itself.

You might be wondering what’s the purpose of the adapter. Well, if your PC is quite far or situated in an area where the signal might be obstructed; you can connect the adapter to the USB cable and plug the wireless transceiver on the other end. Place the transceiver near the mouse or somewhere near the mouse so that the signal will not be obstructed or weakened.

You don’t need to use this if your system is just near the Ironclaw. I personally don’t use it as well. I just plug the transceiver on the IO port of the motherboard or if the keyboard I’m (currently) using has a USB passthrough, I would plug the transceiver there instead. The USB cable is mostly used for charging the Ironclaw. Sadly, the Ironclaw doesn’t support wireless charging, unlike the Dark Core series.

I love the design and shape of the Ironclaw. It’s made for larger hands and it doesn’t feel small or narrow to hold. The contoured shape or the arch on the back of the Ironclaw is specifically made for palm grip type users. I can definitely rest the middle portion of my palm on the back of the mouse.

The exterior or the shell of the Ironclaw RGB Wireless is primarily composed of three different materials. The body is overall made of hard plastic, and the top surface is coated with a smooth rubberized texture. The large thumb rest area on the left side is rubber, with a crisscross pattern or texture providing a better grip for the thumb. The scroll wheel is also made out of rubber with textured surface.

Meanwhile, on the side to bottom front portion of the Ironclaw (right beside the 3 stripe LED indicator on the left side), it is reinforced by a metal frame. Not sure why Corsair added metal on that area; perhaps to add weight to the mouse, or for a more robust structure, and probably for aesthetics as well.

There is a total of 10 buttons on the Ironclaw. You can remap or program the 9 buttons except for the left click button. It’s a bit unfortunate that the scroll wheel can’t be pressed sideways, so its only function is middle button, aside from scrolling up/down.

There are also three lighting zones in this wireless gaming mouse. First is the Corsair logo at the top rear portion; then the lighting on the scroll wheel and finally the stripes on the front section. Meanwhile, the three stripes on the left side serves as the multi-purposes LED indicator. It tells what DPI level are you on, what profile are you using, battery status, wireless status, or when you are pressing a button to activate sniper mode.

Underneath the Ironclaw RGB Wireless you can see four smooth feet that glides easily on most surface. On the middle is the custom Pixart PMW3391 native 18,000 DPI optical sensor. It offers “ultra-accurate tracking”, that is adjustable in 1 DPI resolution steps for total sensitivity customization.

Also, on the bottom portion is the switch for power and wireless mode. The middle is for power or turning the mouse off; also putting it in wired mode. Switching it to the left is for 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and switching to the right is for Bluetooth connection.

Using the 2.4GHz wireless connection, you don’t need to do extra commands to properly connect it using this route. Just plug the USB transceiver to your PC and switch the Ironclaw to 2.4GHz mode. That’s it! From there, just download the iCUE software if you need to do additional customization.

However, connecting the Ironclaw via Bluetooth requires additional steps to successfully pair the Ironclaw to your PC. So, how to connect the Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless to your PC via Bluetooth?

First is to turn on Bluetooth on your PC and initiate Bluetooth pairing mode. Then on the Ironclaw, hold the Profile Up button and switch the Ironclaw to Bluetooth (turning on the mouse at the same time). Do not let go of the Profile Up button as you switch to Bluetooth connection. The multi-purpose LED indicator will start blinking blue and your PC should be able to detect or see the mouse on its pairing list. Once connected or paired, the LED indicator will turn to a solid Blue.

Corsair iCUE Software for Ironclaw RGB Wireless

The Corsair iCUE software (i-Corsair Utility Engine), is the company’s all-in-one solution to control, customize and monitor all of their products that are compatible with this software. The Ironclaw RGB Wireless can perfectly run without the iCUE software installed, even when in wireless mode. However, you won’t be able to fully take advantage of the features of the Ironclaw or unlock its full potential. So, let’s check out what the iCUE can do for the Ironclaw.

With the iCUE software, you can basically customize the Ironclaw RGB Wireless to suite your preference and style. There are two types of profile you can save; first one is the software profile and the other is hardware profile. The software profile relies on the iCUE software and it must be installed and running to work properly. Meanwhile, hardware profile is saved in the onboard memory. The difference is you get the full extent of customization and settings with the software profile, and only a (very) limited options with hardware profile.

You can remap the 9 keys, except for the left click and even set macros. Unfortunately, the full extent of customization will only work in software profile. There are 3 zones where you can change the lighting effect: logo, scroll and front. You can individually set the effects or color for each zone. Using the iCUE software, you can change the DPI settings and even the DPI for sniper mode. Finally, you can also do a surface calibration so that the Ironclaw RGB Wireless would perform better on the type of surface of your mouse pad.

Like I said, the iCUE software isn’t really required, but without it, you are missing a lot. So, in the end, it’s somewhat “required” that you install it?

Testing and Performance

corsair ironclaw rgb wireless optical gaming mouse

I’ve been using the Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless for about a month now and generally speaking I like the performance of the mouse overall. The shape is ergonomic and it’s mostly comfortable for my hand. I don’t have problems with the button placement, as I can reach them just fine. Most of the buttons feel nice to press or click; but the three buttons on the thumb portion feels a bit mushy and doesn’t have that satisfying “click” when you press.

2.4GHz vs Wired vs Bluetooth – Which is Better?

The answer to this question is pretty much obvious. You’re basically buying a wireless gaming mouse because you want to use it as wire-less as possible. While wired connection is always better than a wireless one, especially when it comes to responsiveness and stability of the connection; the 2.4GHz pretty much feels the same as using the Ironclaw in wired mode. I don’t feel any lag or delays via the 2.4GHz connection. It feels exactly the same as using the mouse in wired mode.

However, when connected via Bluetooth mode, the Ironclaw isn’t as responsive compared to the 2.4GHz connection. Sometimes I can feel a bit of lag or delay, and there are times when the delay or lag is simply unacceptable. The Bluetooth signal isn’t as robust and stable compared to the 2.4GHz connection. Also, hardware actions will not work in Bluetooth mode.

For me Bluetooth isn’t really a good option. Well, if you lose the 2.4GHz transceiver, Bluetooth is the only option for you to use the Ironclaw in wireless mode. But between Bluetooth and wired, I’d rather choose wired connection instead. The customization is very limited in Bluetooth mode and the connection isn’t as strong and stable compared to the 2.4GHz.

However, the downside of using the 2.4GHZ is that the Ironclaw consumes more power and battery life is just enough for a day’s use. Sometimes two days if I’m away from the PC most of the time. You can enable sleep mode and power saving mode from the iCUE software to further extend its battery life.

Speaking of battery life, there is a battery status indicator on the iCUE software, but it’s not very accurate. It will only tell you that the battery life is high, medium or low. There’s no percentage indicator or a more accurate bar representation.

Price and Availability

The Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless is now available in the US and UK. It comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $79.99 USD or £69.99. Corsair is also offering a two-year warranty for this wireless gaming mouse, and the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network as well. Prices do change, so for latest pricing and availability, check out the links below.

Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless latest pricing and availability:
For US: available on Amazon.com here
For UK: available on Amazon UK here

Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless Review Conclusion

So, is the Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless a good wireless gaming mouse? Generally speaking, I find it to be a really good wireless gaming mouse. But it’s not perfect, it’s just “almost perfect”, at least for me. Let me discuss first some of the things that I did not like about it or at least worth mentioning.

My first (main) issue is not with the mouse, but with the iCUE software. I’m not sure if this is just an isolated case, but there are times that the remapped keys or programmed keys suddenly don’t work. It seems that my software profile suddenly reverts back to default. Turning off then on the Ironclaw seems to temporarily fix this issue. But I hope Corsair would release an update to fix this, especially if this is not an isolated case.

Second, there is no docking station. Since battery life is shorter when in 2.4Ghz wireless mode, and most of the time I use the mouse in this mode; it’s a bit inconvenient that you have to plug the USB cable just to recharge the Ironclaw. By the way, unlike the Corsair Dark Core (SE), the Ironclaw Wireless is NOT compatible with Corsair’s mm1000 Qi wireless charging mouse pad. The only way to recharge the Ironclaw Wireless is to connect it to a USB port.

My other concerns are the USB transceiver doesn’t have a slot or compartment on the Ironclaw where you can store it. It would be troublesome if you lose such a small thing, especially when you are on the go. Battery indicator is not very accurate; there’s only high, medium and low. I think a percentage indicator would be better.

Most of my concerns or issues are minor and not really a deal breaker, depending on your setup or preference that is. What I really like most about this mouse is its shape and size. It simply fits my hand well. That’s why I am still using it despite some minor inconveniences. I just hope Corsair would release a much better Ironclaw with wireless charging feature. Also, the 2.4GHz wireless mode is very responsive. The connection is simply stable and fast; just like using it in wired mode.

Overall, considering its price and set of features, I think the Corsair Ironclaw RGB Wireless is an excellent wireless gaming mouse. It may not be the very best, but it’s definitely one of the best gaming mice currently available.

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Author
Peter Paul
Peter is a PC enthusiast and avid gamer with several years of hands-on experience in testing and reviewing PC components, audio equipment, and various tech devices. He offers a genuine, no-nonsense perspective, helping consumers make informed choices in the ever-changing world of technology.

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