When attempting to offer different sizes of the same shape, manufacturers have several options. The easiest and most straightforward one is to simply adjust the size uniformly, though this isn't always the best solution, as what makes a shape work at one size won't necessarily make it work at a different size. Hence, adjustments to the original shape may be required, especially if the goal isn't just to accommodate differently sized hands, but to also give those already happy with the original another option, and maybe one for a different grip style. Within this logical space, the OP1we strikes a delicate balance, as some design elements such as the back hump and curvature that make it easily identifiable as an XM1/XM2we variant are retained, though the changes are great enough to allow considering the OP1we a new and original shape in itself. Albeit not much shorter, the OP1we is nowhere near as wide as the XM2we, the back doesn't flare out as much, and the sides don't curve in as much, which has the width be almost constant across the entire length. A both functional and aesthetic change is the main buttons being framed by ledges now, which is a design trait familiar from mice such as the Logitech G Pro X Superlight, Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, or Pulsar X2, and serves to avoid finger pinching. In short, those who simply wanted a smaller XM1/XM2we may not find that in the OP1we, but those looking for a carefully crafted and well-balanced design will.

Beyond the shape, there isn't much new compared to the XM2we. Kailh GO optical switches are still used for the main buttons, whose main benefit is their inability to ever develop double-clicking due to wear and tear, though their rather dull and muted response, coupled with somewhat stiff actuation, wasn't to everybody's liking on the XM2we. Thankfully, Endgame Gear does have a solution for the stiffness complaint at least, albeit one with a $9.99 price tag attached to it. As a separate purchase, a switch set consisting of two Kailh GO switches binned for an actuation force range of 60-65 gf is available, and can be installed with ease, since the OP1we has been designed with modding in mind from the get-go. As such, the screws on the bottom are exposed, allowing easy access to the innards of the OP1we, and the screw posts have metal sockets for better durability. Endgame Gear also offers a set or larger feet to replace the smaller skates installed by default. The feet are made of pure PTFE, and glide exceptionally well.

Switches aside, the design of the main buttons is sound on the OP1we, as lateral movement is nearly nonexistent even when provoking it, pre-travel is low, and post-travel moderate. For the side buttons, Kailh GM 2.0 switches see use again, whose feedback isn't the most pleasing, though the little amount of pre and post-travel on these manages to impress. The encoder comes from TTC (white or "Silver") and likewise is familiar from the XM2we, delivering very tactile scrolling allowing for great control, though noise levels are somewhat elevated. In terms of build quality, I have little to complain about on my sample. There is no rattle when shaking, no creaking or flexing of the shell when applying lateral pressure, and actuating the side buttons by pressing below them is impossible regardless of force. At 58 g, the OP1we is lighter than the XM2we by about as much as one would expect given the difference in size, and stacks up well to competitors in the same size and design range.

Much like on the XM2we, PixArt's PAW3370 sensor is paired with a CompX CX52850 MCU, which by now has been used on countless releases from the likes of Pulsar, LAMZU, Xtrfy, Fantech, and many others. Performance is thus exactly within expectations: General tracking is fine, motion delay never exceeds 1 ms in wireless operation, and wireless click latency at the lowest debounce time sits at 3.9 ms. What separates the OP1we from other CX52850 mice is the fact that the sensor is running in the so-called "corded mode," which disables most of the power-saving mechanisms that could compromise performance. CPI deviation is the same as on the XM2we and a bit higher than I'd want it to be, and much like on other CX52850 mice, all polling rates save for 1000 Hz exhibit periodic off-period polls in wireless operation. In addition, I've been able to reproduce slam-clicking, which describes inadvertent actuation of the main buttons upon "slamming" (or gently repositioning) the mouse on the desk after lift-off, at debounce time settings of 0/1 ms and 2 ms, which wasn't possible on my sample of the XM2we, though I've been informed by Endgame Gear that this is subject to unit-to-unit variance and thus not exclusive to the OP1we.

Battery capacity has gone down by about 20% on the OP1we, from 410 to 335 mAh, which is why battery life is accordingly lower at around 55-60 hours. While the software includes a percentage-based battery life indicator, in my testing the percentage did not budge and still showed 100% after 8 hours of use. This is actually intended, as the only available increments are 100, 70, 40, and 10%, though it still means that I'm unable to gauge anything. Charging is similarly speedy as on the XM2we, as in: not very speedy, but the charging cable is flexible enough to allow playing while charging without feeling too restricted. Speaking of the software, this one is as lightweight as it gets while having all the important options and no bugs. In one word: perfect.

At $89.99, the OP1we comes at a $10 premium over the XM2we. Given that they're essentially the same mouse with a different shape, it is not entirely clear where that premium comes from. Moreover, at $89.99 the OP1we starts to veer away from the budget price range it is supposed to be in, as another $10 more already gets one a LAMZU Atlantis 4K, for instance. Of course, the Atlantis Mini 4K and OP1we are different shapes and therefore not redundant, but from a value proposition, the OP1we doesn't compare too favorably. That aside, the OP1we is a very solid release through and through, and earns our Recommended award.