Fantech Helios Go XD5 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse Review

Fantech really impressed us last year because of the Helios XD3 Pro. A solid performing mouse that became my daily driver since that review. This month, they sent us their newest addition to the Helios lineup. Introducing the Fantech Helios Go XD5, their newest gaming mouse that took inspiration from the old Microsoft Intellimouse.

Let us see how it stacks up to the competition and would be a Lason-worthy pickup for your next gaming mouse. Let’s find out!

SPECIFICATIONS

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES

• Fantech Helios Go XD5 Gaming Mouse
• Wireless Type-A Receiver
• Extra PTFE Feet
• Grip Tape
• Paracord Type-C Cable
• Documentation

DESIGN, LAYOUT & BUILD QUALITY

The Fantech Helios Go XD5 is an ergonomic gaming mouse which took inspirations from the popular Microsoft Intellimouse. The hump is on the left-center of the mouse.

The build quality here is decent; I have experienced creaking and sidewall flex on my copy when squishing the mouse. It might be a deal breaker for some.

It has a removable top cover which acts as a compartment for the USB receiver if you are on the go.

Clicks are solid. It uses the Kailh GM8.0 switches. It is quite less stiff and tactile compared to the Huanos.

The scroll wheel here is good, but not the best. Steps aren’t well-defined and loose, but decent enough.

The side buttons are solid. They are quite tactile and not a lot of pre-travel.

The weight is around 72g, which common for a light gaming mouse today. The battery is located around the back of the mouse. The weight is not that balance but it is still easy to lift the mouse.

It uses USB Type-C port for charging and wired mode, which is a standard nowadays.

The bottom part of the mouse is where the power switch is located, along with its LED Button. It also uses PTFE skates, which I think that is standard for most gaming mice today. The glide is good but not as smooth as the Tiger ARC skates..

PERFORMANCE

The Helios Go XD5 performs well during testing. It is my first time to experience the Intellimouse shape which took some time getting used to it. During gaming, I prefer to remove the top cover to lower the height of the mouse and I aim better without it.

Overall, it really fit my hand and I performed better compared to the XD3 especially playing Valorant and easily climbed Gold 2 from Gold 1 in 5 games.

SENSOR

The sensor here is the PixArt 3370. An updated version of the PixArt 3335, which is more efficient.

During my testing, I experienced no sensor spinouts, jitter or any performance issues at all.

CONNECTIVTY

It uses dual connectivity, the standard wired and 2.4GHz wireless connection.

Battery life here is solid. The battery here is only at 800mAh, which is questionable at first but with its efficient sensor and using it in ECO mode (LEDs off). It would last you around 3-4 days before needing a charge.

ERGONOMICS & COMFORT

The Helios Go XD5 is an ergonomic shape mouse and the weight at 72g. The shape would take some time to get used to and weight is good because they didn’t go overboard with the lightness of the mouse. It is quite an enjoyable shape, and I didn’t experience any cramps or hand fatigue while using this mouse during my daily work. But I prefer using the mouse without a top cover during gaming.

SOFTWARE & LIGHTING

The software is decent. This is where Fantech lacks in terms of competition. They lack some of the stuff like the battery indicator and the UI is very bare. This is the area that they really need to improve on. I hope they would build a robust software in the future.

I wouldn’t go much into detail regarding the software. Most of the things you need in calibrating the mouse.

You can get the software here.

There only lighting zone on the mouse is the back area. You can configure this via the button at the bottom of the mouse or in the software.

CONCLUSION

The Fantech Helios Go XD5 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse is quite a solid mouse and a big step-up from its older brother the XD3 Pro in terms of features and additional accessories.

Even though it is a solid mouse, it is still has its flaws. The build quality is inconsistent, especially on my copy where I experience creaking and sidewall flex. According to the others who received their copies, they had no issues on the build quality and I just have bad copy, just keep that in mind. The scroll needs to be improved as well. Steps aren’t well-defined and loose.

I hope the software would get updates and improved as well. It is kinda hard to track the mouse that is low on battery and the only indicator you have is the DPI button area of the mouse.

Still, we are giving the Fantech Helios Go XD5 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse the Lason Worthy Award for its features and performance.

And Also Gold Value Award because of its insane value of 3000 PHP / 60 USD while offering solid gaming mouse with additional accessories, which would cost you extra.