The X15 is an odd mouse. 8000 Hz polling, PixArt's PMW3389 sensor, and optical main button switches wouldn't look out of place on a dedicated FPS mouse, but on an MMO mouse, none of this is strictly needed. At the same time, it doesn't hurt to have it as long as the core features are done right, which the X15 mostly succeeds in doing.

Before the X15, 8000 Hz polling had already debuted on another EVGA mouse, the X17. There, it turned out to be a successful implementation aside from some minor quibbles. A recent firmware update has addressed most of those quibbles on the X15 in that polling is now almost perfectly stable across the board, along with everything being a little tighter latency-wise. In general, the 3389 performs according to expectations, though only with the latest firmware applied. The more pressing question then is why anybody would need 8000 Hz polling on an MMO mouse. Even for FPS gaming, the benefit afforded by 8000 Hz polling is at least debatable, but for MMOs, there simply is none. In fact, most MMOs tend to be strictly CPU-limited, which is why increasing load by burdening the CPU with 8000 Hz is even less desirable.

Somewhat questionable, too, is the choice of main-button switches. Optical switches are used, which theoretically provide very low latency coupled with superior longevity, as double-clicking due to wear and tear is not a thing. Originally, click latency was far from stellar on the X15, but a recent firmware update has brought click latency down to a much more competitive level virtually on par with the likes of Razer and ROCCAT. At the same time, low click latency is not much of a concern for MMOs, though it certainly doesn't hurt having it. Rather, a more relevant consideration is whether the main buttons are easy to spam and neither too stiff nor too light. The X15 does quite well in this regard as the buttons can be spammed with relative ease, though I do feel they are stiffer than they should be, and their mushy response certainly doesn't help. Quite frankly, I think the pre-tensioned mechanical main button switches of the X17 and X20 would have suited the X15 very well, but alas, EVGA thought otherwise.

While the main buttons are merely decent, the X15 shines when it comes to the other buttons. On many MMO mice, the side buttons are arranged in such a way that merely resting the thumb anywhere becomes nigh impossible as there simply isn't any room left. On the X15, this issue is addressed in a smart way: Eight of the ten side buttons are arranged similarly to a dial, so one can simply place the thumb in the middle and quickly access all the buttons around that spot without changing grip. The buttons themselves provide a reasonably sharp response, neither too easy nor too stiff in terms of actuation. In addition to that, two further buttons are placed right next to the left main button, along with a so-called shift button on the ring finger ledge. By pressing and holding the shift button, a second set of binds is made available, so one can assign no less than 38 functions in total, which is virtually unrivaled. If needed, said button can be conveniently disabled mechanically, and if one would be in need of even more binds, the X15 comes with five profiles, which can readily be cycled by the press of a button. Of course, the software also allows for setting up complex macros, among many other functions, such as configuring the rich RGB lighting. Speaking of which, the software for the X15 is pleasantly light on resources, so one can easily keep it running without any drawbacks. Finally, the scroll wheel is capable of horizontal scrolling, which means that it can be tilted to the left and right, allowing for two additional binds and granting some utility for productivity work.

Aside from buttons, shape and build too are important factors to consider on an MMO mouse. On that front, the X15 yet again excels: The build is absolutely solid—no creaking, rattle, or anything of the sort, and the entire mouse feels like a tank. Of course, this results in a hefty weight of 123 g, but for MMO gaming, this often is not seen as an issue, but rather a plus. The same goes for the cable, which would be annoying for FPS gaming, but barely an inconvenience for MMOs. And while the feet aren't anything special, they are perfectly fine for MMOs. I'm also pleased to see EVGA having confidence in their product by granting a three-year warranty on the X15, which is very rare among gaming mice.

As you likely can tell by now, the conclusion for the EVGA X15 is pretty straightforward. For MMO gaming, the X15 is definitely worth a look and promptly deserves our Recommended award provided one can warm up to the main buttons. For everything else, and FPS gaming in particular, I'd look elsewhere. At $79.99, the X15 is fairly priced, though given the choice, I would've preferred a smaller price tag and no pointless features, such as 8000 Hz. In the past couple of years, dedicated MMO mice have gone mostly out of fashion, so those looking for one have to be thankful for anything they can get, and the X15 at the very least is one to consider. This becomes even more apparent when looking at the competition, of which there isn't much. The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite too does everything one would expect from an MMO mouse, is similarly heavy, and has an even stiffer cable, but better main buttons, and is mostly brought down by Corsair iCUE, which is capable but incredibly resource-heavy, for $79.99. At $49.99, the Redragon M913 Impact Elite is the budget option and scores by being wireless, along with having plenty of good quality buttons and a software that is light on resources, though it suffers from high click latency, unstable polling, and motion delay.