Basically being a wireless Zowie S2, the Helios XD3 V2 was hardly original, but a competent mouse offered at an exceptional price. The Helios Go XD5, by comparison, is very similar in terms of execution, but a bit more innovative when it comes to the shape. Essentially, the Helios Go XD5 is a Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, just much smaller. Unlike the Ninjutso Origin One X, whose shape has been modified on top of being smaller, the Helios Go XD5 retains the geometry of the original and merely has been scaled down uniformly. The similarities don't end with the shape: Even details such as how the main buttons integrate into the shell or the shape and size of the mouse feet have been recreated. As a result of the smaller size, the Helios Go XD5 of course is much lighter. At 72 g, the Helios Go XD5 is reasonably light, although the similarly sized and likewise hole-free Cooler Master MM731 manages to be even lighter at 59 g. Build quality is solid either way: On my sample, the shell does not creak or flex, and while actuating the side buttons by squeezing the sides is possible, it requires excessive force and only works for the back button.

When it comes to the buttons, the Helios Go XD5 arguably does even better than the XD3 V2. Once again outfitted with Kailh GM 8.0 switches, the main buttons provide a snappy and firm button response, and even though they are visually separated from the main shell, button movement is minimal. The side buttons likewise are very good, with pleasingly low pre and post-travel, and instead of tactile switches like on the XD3 V2, proper mechanical switches are used for these. In general, Fantech didn't skimp on the switches at all and exclusively opted for switches that wouldn't look out of place on a $90 mouse. The scroll wheel is the same one as on the XD3 V2, providing good tactility and controlled scrolling, though noise levels are slightly lower than on my sample of the XD3 V2.

Much like the Helios XD3 V2, the Helios Go XD5 comes with the trusty combination of PixArt's PAW3370 sensor and the CX52850 MCU. As a result, performance is just as excellent as one would expect. There is no CPI deviation at all, wireless motion delay is just 1 ms, and polling is stable with the exception of polling rates below 1000 Hz in wireless mode, which show regular outliers. Compared to other CX52850 implementations, I've found a rather strange behavior: Both sensor and click data is delayed by exactly 1 ms, albeit only in wired mode. Motion delay is unaffected in wireless mode, and from what I can tell, the same goes for click latency. Hence, although not optimal, I believe this can be forgiven, especially since 1 ms is hardly noticeable. Compared to the XD3 V2, the wireless experience is differently balanced. The battery is smaller and charges at a slower rate, so while the XD3 V2 lasts longer, fully charging the XD5 takes roughly the same time. Playing while charging is more feasible on the XD5 as the cable is significantly more flexible than on the XD3 V2. Fantech claims a battery life of 40 hours, but omits mentioning whether this is with or without RGB lighting. In any case, while hardly amazing, 40 hours are quite solid, and given the decently fast charging and flexible charging cable, I'd argue battery life is good enough.

While not a perfect mouse, the Helios Go XD5 has one thing going for it that sets it apart from most competitors: the price. At $59.99, the Helios Go XD5 is an absolute steal considering the quality on offer. Fantech even went the extra mile and included a wireless extender, set of replacement feet, and set of grip tape, which are things often enough not even found on $150 mice, let alone a $60 one. Quite frankly, aside from Fantech's own Helios XD3 V2, the Helios Go XD5 has no competition whatsoever in its price bracket and manages to punch way above its weight. Accordingly, our Editor's Choice and Budget awards are well-earned.

Looking at the competition, there is no shortage, albeit only of the more expensive sort. For $129.99, the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless is the most expensive option, coming with solid performance and great build quality, yet suffering from inconsistent main buttons, high click latency, and massive CPI deviation. Priced at $99.99, the ASUS ROG Keris Wireless has swappable main button switches, excellent performance, and great build quality, but lacks a wireless extender, and Armoury Crate is a threat to national security. The Xtrfy M4 Wireless goes for $99.00, has a modular shell, great performance, high button quality, low weight, and doesn't require software. The Cooler Master MM731 comes with optical main button switches, only weighs 59 g despite not having any holes, and has a wireless extender included, but suffers from lackluster wireless motion delay, for $89.99. Lastly, the Glorious Model D- Wireless is a bit lighter, has low click latency, and a wireless extender included, but somewhat underwhelming wireless motion delay and a resource-heavy software, for $79.99.