Originally planned to be released after the XM2w, the XM2we has managed to beat its predecessor to the market. The XM2we is marketed as the budget version of the XM2w, though the budget part refers mostly to the pricing in this case. The main difference to the XM2w lies in the internals, as the XM2we pairs PixArt's PAW3370 sensor with a CompX CX52850 MCU, which has previously seen use on several releases from Pulsar, LAMZU, Fantech, or Xtrfy, though these pair the CX52850 with a PAW3395 on their latest mice. While the XM2we is only using the older 3370, it does so with a twist: The sensor is running in the so-called corded mode, which disables most power-saving mechanisms otherwise present. These power-saving mechanisms typically result in a lower overall framerate, and, more specifically, added latency at the onset of motion, as the sensor takes some time (in the millisecond range) to "switch gears," so to speak, when moving from a standstill. Corded mode gets rids of this, which has the XM2we perform exceptionally well in regard to motion delay: In wireless mode, motion delay is consistently below 1 ms, and at times approaches even 0.5 ms. This is a highly impressive showing, and soundly beats the 3395 ranks from Pulsar or Fantech, which are further delayed by the implementation of MotionSync. Other than that, sensor performance is what one would expect from this MCU: Polling is stable with the exception of non-1000 Hz polling rates in wireless mode, smoothing is absent across the entire CPI range, and general tracking fine, with the exception of the odd polling-related tracking outlier showing up in wireless mode. Furthermore, CPI deviation is a bit higher than I'd like it to be, though this can be corrected with relative ease in the software.

The CX52850 MCU being used for the XM2we also has direct ramifications on click latency. Unlike the XM1r, which used Endgame Gear's patented analog key sensing technology, the XM2we utilizes traditional defer-type debouncing for the main buttons, by virtue of using the CX52850. As such, if set to the lowest debounce time setting, click latency in wireless mode sits at the usual 3.9 ms common to this MCU. Hence, the usage of Kailh GO optical switches on the XM2we does not provide any latency benefit, aside from the impossibility of double-clicking due to wear and tear developing over time. That said, double-clicking not being possible at least allows one to run the lowest debounce time at all times on the XM2we, whereas on many offerings pairing this MCU with mechanical switches, increasing debounce time and therefore click latency due to double-clicking eventually becomes necessary.

When it comes to button feel, I'm less enthusiastic about the Kailh GO switches utilized on the XM2we. The XM1r was outfitted with pre-sorted Kailh GM 8.0 switches, which provided a very firm and satisfying button response, even though the button design lent the clicks a certain hollowness. This hollow feel continues to be present on the XM2we, albeit coupled with the dull and muted response often encountered with optical switches. On my sample, the left main button is particularly guilty of this, whereas the right one feels mostly fine. I suppose this is one of those cases where it comes down to luck whether one's copy will have good or not so good feeling main button switches. The split-button design itself is without flaw, as even when provoked, the buttons hardly move laterally. For the side buttons, Endgame Gear has opted for Kailh GM 2.0 switches, which impress with low pre and post-travel, coupled with pleasant actuation. The same switch is also used for the scroll wheel click, which is usually outfitted with lesser tactile switches. For the scroll wheel, an encoder from TTC is used, which isn't too noisy and scores with very good tactility, resulting in clearly separated steps and controlled scrolling. Due to the design, however, the scroll wheel rattles slightly when shaking the mouse. Aside from that, build quality is just fine on my unit: When applying lateral pressure, only minor creaking and no flexing can be observed, and the side buttons don't actuate when squeezing the sides regardless of how much force is applied. Hence, the XM2we retains the excellent build quality of the XM1r, despite weighing 10 g less at 61 g. Given that the XM2we has no externally visible holes and, unlike the competition from Pulsar, LAMZU, or G-Wolves, has a full bottom plate, a weight of 61 g is more than fine. Lastly, the XM2we comes with two large pure PTFE skates, which glide very well. Some final words on the coating: Even though Endgame Gears states it to be identical to the UV matte coating of the XM1 and XM1r, I've found it more difficult to get it fully clean compared to the Dark Frost variant of the XM1r.

The wireless experience is pleasing on the XM2we. Endgame Gear indicates a battery life of around 70 hours or a week worth of use. Unfortunately, the battery life indicator within the software isn't accurate or reliable enough to allow me to gauge anything, but considering the battery capacity of 410 mAh and lack of RGB lighting, I consider this figure believable. Charging isn't particularly fast at around 0.2 A, but the charging cable is plenty flexible, so charging while playing is a viable option. Speaking of the software, this one is very similar to the software packages of other CX52850 mice, and, much like these, has all the important options at a pleasantly low resource footprint.

In short, for those who've been waiting for a wireless XM1r, the XM2we checks virtually all the boxes. Those coming from the XM1r may find the main buttons less pleasing, as the Kailh GO optical switches are nowhere near as crisp as the pre-sorted Kailh GM 8.0 switches found in the XM1r, and the click latency is a decent tad higher, too. Other than that, the XM2we is just as good as the XM1r, and easily earns our Recommended and Budget awards.

When it comes to the competition, there is no shortage whatsoever. The $149.99 Razer Viper V2 Pro has a similar weight, better performance, and similarly good build quality, and likewise comes with optical main button switches, along with the option for 4000 Hz wireless polling by virtue of the $29.99 HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, although the software can be a nuisance. The ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition weighs even less, has better performance, similarly good buttons and build quality, but Armoury Crate can be headache-inducing, for $149.99. For $129.00, the G-Wolves Hati-S Plus ACE weighs less while lacking much of a bottom plate and having a smaller battery, has similar performance, a similarly good build and buttons, and a stiffer charging cable. The $94.95 Pulsar X2 and X2 Mini have similar performance, a lower weight due to lacking a proper bottom plate, and similar button quality, but some issues with quality control. For $89.99, the LAMZU Atlantis and Atlantis Mini likewise have similar performance, a lower weight due to lacking a proper bottom plate, and similar button quality. At 68 g, the Fnatic BOLT weighs significantly more, struggles with its buggy software and dull side buttons, but scores with good performance, for $89.99. Lastly, the Cooler Master MM712 is the budget option at $69.99, with slightly worse performance on the latest firmware, optical main button switches, a lower weight, and a poor side button.