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MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Sep 28, 2021 at 10:31 am
MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS  Picture
7.7
Office/Multimedia
8.2
Video Games (FPS)
7.2
Video Games (MMO)
8.4
Ultra-Light Gaming
7.8
Travel

The MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS is an ambidextrous, ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse with rubberized side grips and two side buttons on the left. It connects wirelessly with its USB receiver and charges via a standup docking station or a braided charging cable. It has a low-profile shape and is well-suited for a palm grip for all but extra-large hands. It's also suitable for a claw grip for all but small hands and a fingertip grip for both large and extra-large hands. Overall, its build quality is good, but you can activate the side buttons on the unit we tested if you press into the plastic body below the buttons with enough force. Also, there's a noticeable rattle when you shake the mouse and some looseness between mouse wheel steps. Performance-wise, the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS has low click latency, a very low lift-off distance, and you can adjust the CPI by increments of 100 within a broad range.

Our Verdict

7.7 Office/Multimedia

The MSI GM41 WIRELESS is good for office and multimedia work. It feels relatively well-built and has a comfortable, low-profile, ambidextrous shape well-suited for a palm grip for all but extra-large hands. It connects wirelessly with its USB receiver, or you can use it wired with its braided charging cable. You can also reprogram all of the buttons on the top of the mouse using the software. Unfortunately, it lacks Bluetooth support, and the scroll wheel doesn't have L/R tilt buttons or a free-scrolling mode.

Pros
  • All default button functions work on Windows and macOS.
  • Low-profile, ambidextrous shape, well-suited for most hand sizes.
  • Connects wirelessly via its USB receiver.
Cons
  • Scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't have a free-scrolling mode.
  • No Bluetooth support.
8.2 Video Games (FPS)

The MSI GM41 WIRELESS is a great mouse for FPS gaming. It's lightweight, feels relatively well-built, and has an ambidextrous shape suitable for all but extra-large hands using a palm grip and all except for small-sized hands using a claw grip, but only larger hands using a fingertip grip. It also has grippy rubberized sides and smooth-gliding mouse feet. Performance-wise, it has low click latency, a very low minimum lift-off distance, and a wide CPI range. Unfortunately, some gamers may prefer more precise control of their CPI as you can only adjust the CPI by increments of 100.

Pros
  • Great click latency.
  • Low-profile, ambidextrous shape, well-suited for most hand sizes.
  • Lightweight.
  • Connects wirelessly via its USB receiver.
Cons
  • Stiff, braided charging cable with Micro-USB connector.
  • CPI is only adjustable by increments of 100.
7.2 Video Games (MMO)

The MSI GM41 WIRELESS is satisfactory for MMO gaming, but it doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO gaming mouse. That said, you can program all of the buttons on the top of the mouse using the companion software. Performance-wise, it has great click latency, a very low minimum lift-off distance, and a very wide CPI range. Unfortunately, you can only adjust the CPI in increments of 100, and some gamers may prefer more precise control over their set CPI.

Pros
  • All default button functions work on Windows and macOS.
  • Great click latency.
  • Low-profile, ambidextrous shape, well-suited for most hand sizes.
  • Connects wirelessly via its USB receiver.
Cons
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
  • Stiff, braided charging cable with Micro-USB connector.
  • CPI is only adjustable by increments of 100.
8.4 Ultra-Light Gaming

The MSI CLUTCH GM41 WIRELESS is an impressive ultra-light gaming mouse. It's lightweight, feels relatively well-built, and has an ambidextrous shape suitable for all except for extra-large hands using a palm grip and all but small-sized hands using a claw grip, but only larger-sized hands using a fingertip grip. Performance-wise, it has low click latency, a very low minimum lift-off distance, and you can adjust the CPI by increments of 100 within a broad range. It also has smooth-gliding mouse feet and a high-quality, braided charging cable. Although, the cable is very stiff.

Pros
  • Great click latency.
  • Low-profile, ambidextrous shape, well-suited for most hand sizes.
  • Lightweight.
  • Connects wirelessly via its USB receiver.
Cons
  • Stiff, braided charging cable with Micro-USB connector.
7.8 Travel

The MSI GM41 WIRELESS is very good for travel. It feels well-built overall and has a comfortable, ambidextrous shape suitable for all but extra-large hands using a palm grip. It connects either wirelessly with its USB receiver or wired with its braided charging cable, and it has a storage compartment for its USB receiver when it's not in use. It also has onboard memory, meaning that you can use custom settings on computers without the software installed. Unfortunately, it doesn't have Bluetooth support.

Pros
  • All default button functions work on Windows and macOS.
  • Low-profile, ambidextrous shape, well-suited for most hand sizes.
  • Connects wirelessly via its USB receiver.
Cons
  • No Bluetooth support.
  • Bulky; may not fit in most laptop cases.
  • 7.7 Office/Multimedia
  • 8.2 Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.2 Video Games (MMO)
  • 8.4 Ultra-Light Gaming
  • 7.8 Travel
  1. Updated Sep 28, 2021: Review published.
  2. Updated Sep 23, 2021: Early access published.
  3. Updated Jul 08, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  4. Updated Jul 05, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  5. Updated May 14, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS we tested is black, and there are no other color variants. You can see the label for our unit here.

Compared To Other Mice

The MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS is an impressive ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a low-profile, ambidextrous shape similar to the Razer Viper. It's the wireless version of the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT and has a solid plastic shell, unlike many ultra-lightweight mice that rely on honeycomb-design bodies to keep their overall weight down. That said, it isn't as light as many other ultra-lightweight models. The unit we tested also suffers from several quality control issues, but these issues shouldn't affect the overall performance of the mouse. The CLUTCH GM41 WIRELESS may be an excellent choice for you if you're a fan of the low-profile shape in a wireless configuration and don't mind some minor build quality concerns.

For more options, see our picks for the best wireless gaming mouse, the best lightweight mouse, and the best gaming mouse.

Razer Viper Ultimate

The Razer Viper Ultimate is a better wireless gaming mouse than the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS. The Razer feels sturdier and has a more flexible charging cable. It also has mouse feet that glide more smoothly and two additional side buttons on the right side, making it a good choice for left-handed users. Performance-wise, it has a more precisely adjustable CPI and a lower click latency. Both mice weigh the same and are suitable for all grip types. However, the Razer is slightly more accomodating for smaller hands, while the MSI is more accommodating for larger hands.

ASUS ROG Keris Wireless

The ASUS ROG Keris Wireless and the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS are comparable wireless gaming mice. The ASUS feels much sturdier and has a more flexible charging cable with a USB-C connector, while the MSI cable has an older Micro-USB connector. The ASUS also has lower click latency, hot-swappable L/R click switches, and Bluetooth Support, which the MSI lacks. On the other hand, the MSI is marginally lighter and has a higher maximum CPI range. It also has a lower minimum lift-off distance. Both mice are suitable for all grip types, but the ASUS has a right-handed shape, while the MSI has an ambidextrous shape.

HP OMEN Vector Wireless

The MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS is a better wireless gaming mouse than the HP OMEN Vector Wireless. The MSI is significantly lighter and has better quality mouse feet, has a higher maximum CPI, and a somewhat lower click latency. On the other hand, the HP feels sturdier and has a thumb rest. It also has a dedicated CPI button behind the scroll wheel, which the MSI lacks. Both have cables with comparable quality and flexibility, but the HP's cable has a newer USB-C connector, while the cable on the MSI has an older micro-USB connector.

SteelSeries Prime Wireless

THE MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS and the SteelSeries Prime Wireless are comparable wireless gaming mice, but the MSI has an ambidextrous shape, while the SteelSeries has a right-handed shape. The MSI is marginally lighter and has a higher maximum CPI range, a lower minimum lift-off distance, and a lower click latency. On the other hand, the SteelSeries feels sturdier and has a much more flexible cable with a USB-C connector, while the MSI cable has an older Micro-USB connector. The SteelSeries also has customization software compatible with Windows and macOS, while the MSI software is only compatible with Windows.

HP OMEN Photon

The MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS is an impressive, ultra-lightweight gaming mouse, while the HP OMEN Photon is a good, wireless gaming mouse. The MSI is much lighter and has mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a higher maximum CPI and lower click latency. Also, you don't need to make an account to create multiple profiles using the customization software, which is a requirement for the HP software. On the other hand, the HP feels sturdier and has modular pieces you can use to adjust the mouse's ergonomics and side button configuration. It also has a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons, which the MSI lacks.

Endgame Gear XM1r

The Endgame Gear XM1r and the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS are comparable lightweight gaming mice, but the Endgame Gear is a wired-only model, while the MSI is wireless. The Endgame Gear is marginally lighter and feels sturdier. It also has mouse feet that glide more smoothly and has significantly lower click latency.

GLORIOUS Model D

The GLORIOUS Model D and the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS are ultra-lightweight gaming mice with similar performance, but the GLORIOUS is wired-only, while the MSI is wireless. The GLORIOUS is somewhat lighter and has feet that glide more smoothly. It also has somewhat better click latency. On the other hand, the MSI feels sturdier. It also has a wider CPI range and a lower lift-off distance. The GLORIOUS has a right-handed shape, while the MSI has an ambidextrous shape. Both mice are suitable for all grip types, but the GLORIOUS is more suitable for a wider range of hand sizes.

Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED with HERO Sensor

The Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED with HERO Sensor and the MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS are wireless gaming mice with similar performance. The Logitech feels sturdier and has a more flexible charging cable. It also has a higher maximum CPI, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a more consistent sensor, and lower click latency. You can also set a G-Shift button to enable a second layer of commands, and the customization software is compatible with Windows and macOS. In contrast, the software for the MSI is only available for Windows. On the other hand, the MSI is lighter and has mouse feet that glide more smoothly.

MSI CLUTCH GM20 ELITE

THE MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS is an impressive ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse with an ambidextrous shape, while the MSI CLUTCH GM20 ELITE is a good wired gaming mouse with a right-handed shape. The GM41 is much lighter and has mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a much wider CPI range, a lower lift-off distance, and lower click latency. You can also set multiple profiles using the software, while you can only set one custom profile with the GM20. On the other hand, the GM20 feels sturdier and has a thumb rest. It also has a more flexible cable and a dedicated CPI button behind the scroll wheel.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Lighting Color RGB
Design
Shape
Length 5.2" (131 mm)
Height 1.5" (38 mm)
Width 2.6" (67 mm)
Grip Width
60 mm
7.6
Design
Portability
Volume
20.50 in³ (336 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
Yes
Design
Weight
Maximum Weight With Wire
113 g
Maximum Weight Without Wire
75 g
Minimum Weight Without Wire
75 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No

If you're interested in a lighter mouse, check out the Cooler Master MM731.

7.5
Design
Build Quality
8.5
Design
Comfort Of Use
Right-handed
No
Left-handed
No
Ambidextrous
Yes
Coating
Matte
Finger Rest
No
Design
Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
No
Design
Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Design
Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
No
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
7.0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
Use When Charging
Yes
On/Off Activation
Auto Off And On/Off Switch
Receiver Extender
Yes
Battery Indicator No

MSI advertises that the MSI CLUTCH GM41 WIRELESS has a battery life of approximately 80 hours. You can check the battery level using the software.

6.5
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wireless
Cable Length 6.6 ft (2.0 m)
Cable Type
Braided
Permanent Kink
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
Micro USB
Port Type: PC End
USB
8.5
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Good
Material
Virgin Grade PTFE
Extra Included
No
Design
In The Box

  • MSI CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS
  • User documentation
  • Charging dock/cradle
  • USB receiver
  • Micro-USB to USB-A cable

Control
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PAW3370
Works On Glass
No
Minimum CPI (DPI)
100 CPI
Maximum CPI (DPI)
20,000 CPI
CPI (DPI) Adjustment Steps
100 CPI
CPI (DPI) Variation
7%
Minimum Lift Off Distance
1.2 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The polling rates available on the MSI CLUTCH GM41 WIRELESS are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. By default, the CPI slider in the software has a maximum CPI of 19000 CPI, but you can check a toggle option next to the slider to raise the maximum to 20000 CPI. Additionally, you can configure five CPI settings using the software and cycle between settings using the CPI button on the underside of the mouse by default.

6.6
Control
Buttons
Buttons Activation
Mechanical
Total Number Of Buttons
6
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
5
Profile Switching Button
No
CPI (DPI) Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No

You can reprogram all of the buttons on the top of the MSI CLUTCH GM41 WIRELESS, but you can't reprogram the up/down inputs of the scroll wheel or the CPI button on the underside of the mouse.

Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel

The definition between steps is tactile, but there's some looseness in the resistance between steps.

Control
Noise
Click Noise
Quiet
8.1
Control
Click Latency
Click Latency: Receiver
13.5 ms
Click Latency: Bluetooth
N/A
Click Latency: Wired
13.5 ms
Operating System And Software
8.0
Operating System And Software
Compatible Software Option
Software Name MSI Dragon Center
Software Windows Compatibility
Yes
Software macOS Compatibility
No
Account Needed
No
On-Board Memory
Yes
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
Yes
Polling Rate Adjustment
Yes
Profile Configuration
Yes
RGB On/Off
Yes

The software for the MSI GM41 WIRELESS has a clean, modern-looking interface and most of the options you would expect to see for customizing your mouse. Unfortunately, there's no way to assign profile switching to mouse buttons. The software also required us to run it as an administrator on our first startup.

10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully