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(Pocket-lint) – The Fnatic Bolt is a lightweight wireless gaming mouse that packs serious specs in an affordable framework. It was designed in collaboration with gaming professionals to create a gaming mouse based on the requirements of professional gamers.
It’s no surprise, then, that Fnatic claims that the Bolt is designed to deliver “peak gaming performance.” This is due to the gamer-friendly specs that not only include a lightweight, puncture-free frame, but also great battery life and super smooth feet.
Does he skate relative to the competition and get to where it matters? We worked and played with Fnatic Bolt to discover…
Lightweight specification and connectivity
- Average Size: 120.89 x 55.44 x 38.50mm / Weight: 67g
- 2.4GHz wireless connection or Bluetooth 5.1
- Polling rate 1000 Hz over 2.4 GHz
- Pixart 3370 . Sensor
- 400 IPS / 50G Acceleration / 19000 IPC
- Battery life: 110 hours (over 2.4GHz, 210 hours via Bluetooth)
When we first took the bolt out of its case, our first impression was that it looked and felt cheap. But that’s the inevitable problem with plastic mice – all that weight loss is great for hectic gaming sessions, but it results in a hollow mouse.
However, our feelings quickly changed when we started seriously testing it and comparing it to other similar game mice we’ve tried recently. The first highlight is the matte finish. This makes it easy to hold in your hand and it won’t slip out of your hand, even if your hands are greasy or sweaty.
The Bolt is designed for right-handed players, especially those with medium-sized hands and a claw-grip style. We found that this makes it quite small if you prefer the grip, but it is far from small. But we like the overall shape and size of the mouse.
There are six buttons in total, including a DPI button at the top behind the mouse wheel. But the side buttons are the nicest: they stand out beautifully and are easy to press and distinguish deep into a gaming session. We’ve seen mice, such as the SteelSeries Prime Wireless, that ignore this principle. Well in that regard.
The Bolt also offers 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 5.1. 2.4GHz is better for gaming because it gives you a 1000Hz polling rate and a more accurate connection, but Bluetooth offers more potential battery life and a convenient option for use elsewhere.
Battery life is great too, promising 110 hours at 2.4GHz or 210 hours when using Bluetooth. The mouse is shipped using a USB-C pin cable – paracord is included in the box – which is flexible, easy to connect and light enough not to bother the mouse while gaming. You don’t need to plug it in very often, due to its epic battery life.
Stylish overall design
- Kailh GM 8.0 Black Mamba Switches
- 100% PTFE Feet (also includes 1.0mm thicker pads)
- USB-C Paracord and Wireless Receiver Extender
- Medium cut with claw or claw/palm hybrid
Most gaming mice traditionally use Omron mechanical switches. Fnatic bucked this trend with the Kailh GM 8.0 ‘Black Mamba’ switches. It is said to be more durable than other switches and last longer.
These keys also provide tactile and click feedback when pressed – it’s certainly a rewarding click when pressing a button, but it may be a bit loud for some.
It should be noted that there is a big difference between the action of clicking the left and right main buttons and the sound and feel of the thumb buttons. This difference is unfortunately noticeable when you look at it, but it’s not the end of the world.
The only thing that really impresses us is the PTFE feet. There are only two – less than the other mice – but they are really smooth and stick out from the underside of the Bolt. This means that it is they who come into contact with the underside, resulting in minimal resistance. These are obviously high quality pads too, as they don’t scratch and glide softly across the mousepad with ease.
If that sounds appealing to you, you’ll be happy to read that there are also thicker pads included in the box so you can swap or save them when the fitted ones wear out.
Software issues
- Built-in memory: 4 profiles, 4 DPI steps
- 16.8 million RGB lighting colors
- 1/2mm adjustable take-off distance
One area that Boltt falls in is the software department. This mouse is used Fnatic’s OP – and it’s in beta – it’s very basic. You can change basic settings like DPI, bounce time, boot distance, etc, but there is no macro recording and you don’t seem to be able to reprogram the buttons as you would expect.
It’s also a bit unstable and freezes regularly when trying to change settings or switch between wired and wireless mode. However, we are using Windows 11 and since it is beta software it will undoubtedly get better over time but it is still a bit disappointing.
In short, the Fnatic Bolt offers specs on par with more expensive gaming mice, which makes it incredibly attractive, despite what first visual impressions might suggest.
We love the tactile and click feedback of the easy-to-reach main and side buttons, the smooth, scratch-free nature of the pads, and the superior battery life.
Overall, the Fnatic Bolt is a great gaming mouse, so if you’re looking for something affordable and cool, this might be it.
Written by Adrian Wellings. Edited by Mike Lowe.
