 |
| The E9 Pro is a new vertical mouse for gamers |
The world of gaming peripherals is seeing a fresh contender enter the ergonomic arena. While vertical mice for gamers have steadily gained traction, with industry leaders like Razer offering options such as the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical, a new project is turning to the crowd for support. The E9 Pro Vertical Gaming Mouse is now live on Kickstarter, positioning itself as a high-performance, ergonomic alternative at a competitive price point.
For a pledge of $69, gamers can reserve their unit, significantly undercutting the typical $119+ starting price of established vertical mice. However, as with any crowdfunding campaign, potential backers should be mindful of the inherent risks—delays and changes to the final product are always possibilities when supporting a project before it reaches full-scale manufacturing.
Dive into the campaign details and see the E9 Pro for yourself on its official Kickstarter page.
Specs That Promise Performance
On paper, the E9 Pro is packing features designed to appeal to discerning gamers. It boasts a lightweight build at 3.4 ounces and offers versatile connectivity through a USB-C cable, Bluetooth, or a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Performance metrics are promising, with a polling rate of up to 8,000Hz in wired mode for ultra-responsive tracking and reportedly low latency across all connections.
At its heart is the optical PW3395 sensor, a popular and capable component found in many performance mice, offering a DPI range from 800 to a staggering 36,000. This should ensure precise and accurate tracking for everything from fast-paced FPS games to detailed design work.
The Ergonomic Angle & Customizable Controls
True to its vertical design, the E9 Pro features a 45-degree body angle. This orientation encourages a "handshake" grip, where the hand rests laterally rather than flat on top of the mouse. Proponents of vertical mice argue this neutral wrist position can reduce strain and improve long-term comfort during marathon gaming sessions or workdays.
The button layout is designed for utility. The two primary mouse buttons are situated on the right side. The left side is dominated by a cluster of seven programmable buttons, providing ample shortcuts for MMO abilities, complex macros, or productivity commands. Three additional buttons are placed toward the top of the mouse, potentially useful for RPG players or as profile switchers. According to the manufacturer, every button can be remapped and customized via software.
A Calculated Gamble for Comfort
The E9 Pro presents an interesting proposition: high-end sensor technology and extensive customization in an ergonomic vertical form factor at a lower cost. Its success on Kickstarter will depend on delivering those promised specs and build quality to early backers.
For gamers suffering from wrist fatigue or simply curious about the vertical mouse experience, the E9 Pro could be a compelling, budget-friendly entry point. Yet, for those who prefer the certainty of retail, established models like the Razer Pro Click V2 remain available through standard channels like Amazon.
As the crowdfunding campaign progresses, the tech community will be watching to see if the E9 Pro can successfully grip a share of the growing vertical gaming mouse market.