The first mouse we’ve seen with a USB companion screen
The Gigabyte Aivia Uranium is the only mouse we’ve seen that includes its own companion module, and it’s also the only wireless mouse in this Labs test. Gigabyte claims that this setup frees the mouse from cables and allows for easy adjustment of profiles and settings.
The secondary unit, dubbed the Ghost Macro Station, is a small plastic box with a 2.5in screen that
connects to your PC via two USB ports. The panel’s angle can be adjusted, and it has a built-in micro-USB cable that connects to the mouse. It also houses all of the memory used for the Uranium’s profiles, as this mouse communicates using a 2.4GHz wireless connection.
By default, the screen displays the current profile, dpi levels and report rate. A tap on a button in the
middle of the arched Uranium unit switches profiles, and another mid-mouse button alters the dpi level. The unit provides more information than every other mouse here.
Its low-resolution display may look a little low-rent in a world of smartphones and tablets, but it certainly does its job. The Ghost Macro Station can also be used to edit profiles, dpi levels and report rates, which is easier than alt-Tabbing from a game to load the software. You access these settings by tilting the scroll wheel to the right, which effectively prompts it to function as a D-pad.
Meanwhile, the mouse itself has one of the most pleasing shapes on test, with a high left edge that
slopes downwards. The palm-grip design fitted our hands snugly, with high buttons, a soft-touch material on top that’s easy to grip, and a rough finish on the sides. It’s also one of the most minimally designed mice on test – the only LED is a small battery indicator.
With two AA batteries installed, the Uranium weighs 170g, and it’s one of the tallest and longest mice here, so the comfortable design is complemented by a substantial feel. This is also the only mouse on test to not hit a maximum level of 8,200dpi.
That sounds like a deficiency, but it really isn’t a shortcoming; the 6,500dpi maximum of the laser inside the Gigabyte Aivia Uranium is far more sensitivity than you’ll need, and one of the Uranium’s default settings is 3,200dpi, which is ideal.
We found the mouse reliable in gaming, and didn’t notice any wireless lag. There was no friction from the pads on the bottom of the unit either, and there’s a pair of light, snappy buttons and a reliable scroll wheel.
Our only concerns are the Uranium’s peripheral features: the two customisable buttons on the left-hand edge are awkward to press, the two thumb buttons feel weak and the dpi rocker feels unnervingly wobbly in action.
CONCLUSION
The Gigabyte Aivia Uranium is a sturdy, attractive mouse with comfortable, responsive buttons and good action. What’s more, the Ghost Macro Station makes it easy to edit settings and profiles without ducking out of games. The Uranium isn’t without issues, though, and it’s no more satisfying to use than several cheaper rodents. Unless you’re determined to use the Ghost Macro Station, we recommend saving some cash and buying the Mionix or Corsair models instead.
