Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go—I’m not your typical keyboard and mouse enthusiast. I’ve always been firmly in the controller camp. But does that mean I can’t appreciate a solid mouse when it comes my way? Not a chance. Enter the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition.
As the name suggests, this mouse is all about enhancing your aiming skills. To achieve this, it shaves off a substantial amount of weight, coming in at a mere 54g without resorting to Swiss cheese-style perforations. With a pro-tested design, a 36,000 dpi sensor, tri-mode connectivity, some anti-slip grip tape, and a dash of Aim Lab optimization, your KD ratio could be on the rise.
But like most good things, improved aim doesn’t come cheap. The Harpe Ace will set you back $189.00 locally. To be fair, it’s squarely aimed at esports athletes and aspiring pros, making it a worthwhile investment if that’s your league. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks putting it through its paces, and I must admit, it’s won me over. But has it swayed me from the controller camp?
The Form and Function
At a glance, the Harpe Ace might seem like just another lightweight, symmetrical mouse. However, Asus has done more than just shrink the design. They’ve collaborated with esports pros and Aim Lab’s top aimers to craft this mouse. It’s undergone 15 iterations before arriving at the shape I’m reviewing, and the effort shows. The Harpe Ace is not only comfortable to hold, thanks to its neutral shape that caters to both lefties and righties, but it’s also decked out in a micro-textured plastic shell that’s grippy and satisfying to the touch.
Sliding it across my mouse pad feels like a dream compared to my bulkier Razer Basilisk V3 Pro. At 54g, the Harpe Ace is a featherweight wonder, making rapid movements a breeze. The best part? Asus pulled off this lightness without resorting to hole-punched aesthetics. It feels sturdy, with no hints of flimsiness, creaks, or flex. The addition of 100% PTFE feet and a Paracord USB cable ensures that the mouse’s glide is seamless and unrestricted.
I will admit, though, that my white version of the mouse has become a magnet for dirt during these weeks of use. If cleanliness is your forte, you might prefer the black version. Personally, I adore the white look, with teal thumb buttons and an RGB scroll wheel adding a splash of contrast. For those who need extra grip, Asus generously includes ROG-patterned grip tape in the package.
The Harpe Ace is a no-nonsense mouse, not cluttered with a multitude of customizable buttons. It boasts just five: the main clickers, two thumb buttons, and the scroll wheel. These buttons are responsive and satisfying to click, with Asus guaranteeing that the main clickers can endure 70 million clicks. Underneath, you’ll find a handy cubby hole for the SpeedNova USB dongle, a power/mode switch, a DPI switcher, and a Bluetooth pairing button.
Seamless Connectivity
Connecting the Harpe Ace is a breeze. You have the option of using SpeedNova wireless, Bluetooth, or going for a wired connection. Frankly, I found 2.4GHz wireless to be indistinguishable from a wired connection. But, as I’ve confessed, I’m not a pro player, so I don’t have championship victories hanging in the balance due to a dropped connection. Notably, I didn’t experience any drops or stutters, even with the tiny dongle surrounded by four other wireless devices. If you’re concerned, simply use a less crowded USB port or the high-quality wired cable that Asus thoughtfully includes.
Battery life has also been a pleasant surprise. Asus claims you’ll get 90 hours without lighting and just under 80 hours with it on. In my experience, those numbers hold true, with the need for only occasional charges over the past month. No complaints on that front.
Delving into the internal workings of the Harpe Ace, Asus has equipped it with a 36K dpi ROG AimPoint optical sensor featuring 650 IPS and 50G acceleration. The mouse effortlessly glides with pinpoint precision, no fiddling with settings required. It’s worth noting that the Harpe Ace offers a polling rate of 1000Hz, while some competitors aim higher at 4000 or even 8000Hz. The difference might not be noticeable to the average user, but it’s a tidbit for the savvier crowd.
Aiming for Perfection
One of the Harpe Ace’s standout features is its integration with Aim Lab optimizations. In simple terms, the Aim Lab software scrutinizes your mouse movements and fine-tunes the mouse’s DPI, lift-off distance, and more to deliver the smoothest and most accurate tracking. It’s akin to an aim assist, but it’s not tied to a specific game; it’s all about the mouse.
The software performs a multitude of clever adjustments, ensuring that the mouse is perfectly attuned to your specific hand movements, speed, strength, and even the type of mouse pad you’re using. Speaking of mouse pads, there’s a special Aim Labs mouse pad complete with measurement markings to help you fine-tune your setup. It’s a comprehensive package.
Unfortunately, my Destiny 2 Crucible ranking hasn’t received a significant boost since using the Harpe Ace. Think of it as a subtle enhancement. If your aim is subpar, it’ll help you improve; if you’re already skilled, it’ll make you even better.
The Harpe Ace’s magic relies on two vital pieces of software: Asus Armoury Crate and Aim Labs Settings Optimizer. These apps offer a range of customization options, and even for a non-pro like me, they’re user-friendly and take care of most of the heavy lifting. Adjusting parameters like lift-off distance and tilt is a breeze.
Final Thoughts
While I can’t guarantee that the ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition will transform you into a gaming prodigy, it certainly levels the playing field. You’ll need to invest some time to train yourself and the mouse for the best results, but it’s well worth the effort. Even if you’re not primarily concerned with your KD ratio, everything that makes this mouse great for gaming translates smoothly to other tasks.
I’ve used the Harpe Ace for productivity, creative projects, and gaming, and it’s excelled in all scenarios. The mouse is a joy to handle, and its maneuverability is top-notch. The battery life is so reliable that I’m always pleasantly surprised when I see the scroll wheel flash a low-battery warning. I’ve developed a genuine affection for the Harpe Ace, and Asus has undoubtedly hit the mark with this one.
The only challenge it faces is the competition; Razer’s Viper Ultimate is a strong contender, complete with a charging dock, all at a slightly lower price of $179.00 and the $189 Logitech G Pro X Superlight, However, those lack the Aim Labs intelligence and refined aim enhancements. Suffice to say, Asus knocked it out of the park as far as I’m concerned just for the fact that I can compare the Harpe Ace to those giants. This gets my thumbs up.
Asus Australia kindly provided the ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition to PowerUp! for the purpose of this review.
