Build Quality

Overall build quality is solid. When shaking the mouse, a slight rattle comes from an indeterminable source. When applying lateral pressure, some creaking but no flexing of the shell can be observed. Activating the side buttons by squeezing the sides is possible but requires excessive force. Lastly, accidental clicks when slamming down the mouse do not occur, regardless of the set debounce time.

Buttons

Main buttons on the XE are very good. The left button in particular has moderate pre and post-travel, whereas the right one has less pre and minimal post-travel. Button response is firm and snappy nonetheless. Despite being visually separated from the shell, button movement is nonexistent even when forced. Button stiffness is medium. A pair of Huano switches (blue plunger, 70 g actuation force) is used for these.


Side buttons are excellent. Both pre and post-travel are virtually nonexistent, resulting in a sharp and pleasing button response. The pressure point is even across the entirety of these. Button size and placement are good, as actuation is possible rather easily by rolling one's thumb across. A set of low-profile Huano switches (white plunger) is used here.

At the top of the mouse is an additional button whose function varies depending on configuration and which works fine. A seemingly unbranded tactile switch is used for this one. At the bottom of the mouse, three additional buttons controlling CPI, polling rate, and debounce time can be found, all of which also work fine. Three seemingly unbranded tactile switches are used for these.

Scroll Wheel

The scroll wheel is good. Compared to previous releases, VAXEE has opted for a mechanical instead of an optical encoder on the XE. While not as noisy as the latter, this one likewise has elevated noise levels, especially when scrolling up. Furthermore, scrolling is noticeably stiff, especially when scrolling step-by-step instead of rapidly. Tactility is very good however, with clearly separated steps and controlled scrolling. The encoder comes from ALPS (black) and has a height of 7 mm. The middle (scroll wheel) click requires high to very high force for actuation. An elevated low-profile Huano switch (white plunger) is used for this one.

Surface

The XE has a matte surface all over. Grip is fine, and it doesn't attract fingerprints or dirt too much. It is easy to clean, and there are no signs of wear left after doing so. All in all, excellent materials.

Button Sound Test

Disassembly

Disassembling the XE is difficult. Four Torx T6 screws are hidden beneath the front and rear skate, which need to be removed. Top and bottom shell can be separated now, but make sure not to rip the ribbon cables connecting top and bottom.

The internal design is surprisingly complex. An endoskeleton is used, which has the PCBs for the top button, side buttons, and main buttons along with the scroll wheel, all three of which are connected to the main PCB through ribbon cables. Removing the endoskeleton is only possible if the main buttons have been detached first. The sensor and MCU are located on the main PCB, which is affixed to the bottom with five screws and two clips. The MCU is a Cypress CY7C64356-48LTXC, whose datasheet can be found here. Production date for the main PCB is June 9 2022.


As for the soldering and general quality of the PCB, I'm unable to find any noteworthy flaws.