The ATK VXE R1 Pro Max (also sold as VXE Dragonfly R1 Pro Max) is an ultra‑light wireless FPS‑oriented gaming mouse that combines a top‑tier PAW3395 sensor, 4K polling support, and huge battery life in a 54 g shell, making it one of the strongest value picks in the sub‑premium segment for competitive players.
Design, shape and build
The R1 Pro Max uses a compact, right‑hand‑oriented symmetrical shell with dimensions around 120.6 × 64.0 × 37.8 mm, which places it close to the classic “X2/GPX‑style” low‑profile shape many FPS players already know. At only 54 g, it is significantly lighter than most mainstream wireless mice but still a bit heavier than the 48 g R1 Pro, trading a few grams for more battery capacity. The shell uses a smooth “ice‑feel” coating that aims to feel silky yet gain grip as your hand gets slightly sweaty, similar in feel to coatings on more expensive flagship mice.
Build quality is generally solid for the price point: the shell is rigid for such a light mouse and doesn’t have the typical “cheap China” creaks or severe flexes reported on older budget models, with users often comparing it favorably to established brands. That said, some long‑term owners mention minor issues like very slight side flex or small internal rattles when shaking the mouse, as well as occasional scroll‑wheel quirks on earlier batches, though these issues are usually not noticeable during actual gameplay and have reportedly improved in newer production runs. Overall, you get a mouse that feels closer to big‑brand build quality than its price suggests, with only small QC variations that are typical in this budget‑enthusiast category.
Buttons and switches
The R1 Pro Max stands out by using Kailh White Blade (also called White Sword) switches for the primary buttons, rated for up to 100 million clicks. These switches provide a crisp, sharp click feel with a relatively clean, high‑quality sound signature that reviewers and users commonly praise, and they avoid the mushiness or pre‑travel issues sometimes found on cheaper units. Compared with the HUANO “Iceberry Powder Dots” switches on the standard R1 Pro, the White Blades feel a bit more premium and are clearly aimed at players who spam‑click or play click‑intensive titles like MOBAs and tactical shooters.
You get the standard six‑button layout: left and right click, clickable scroll wheel, a small DPI/cycle button, and two side buttons. The side buttons are usable and well‑positioned, with only minor reports of slight top‑side vibration under aggressive tapping that does not affect practical use. The scroll wheel itself is light and responsive, though—as noted above—some owners report isolated wheel issues over very long‑term use, which appear to be batch‑dependent rather than a fundamental design flaw.
Sensor, performance and polling
At the heart of the ATK VXE R1 Pro Max sits the PixArt PAW3395, a flagship‑level optical sensor with up to 26 000 DPI, 650 IPS tracking, and 50 G acceleration. This sensor is widely used in high‑end competitive mice and is known for flawless tracking, low motion delay, and solid performance even during very fast flicks on low sensitivity. In practice, it means that the R1 Pro Max will not be the limiting factor for accuracy, even if you play at extremely low DPI with large mousepad movements.
The polling‑rate options are another major highlight: the R1 Pro Max supports 125–4000 Hz, with 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz modes unlocked when paired with a separate 4K wireless dongle. Out of the box, you get up to 1000 Hz via the included receiver, which already offers excellent click and sensor latency comparable to many premium esports mice. With the 4K dongle, you can drive up to 4000 Hz wireless, shaving latency slightly and improving cursor consistency, which matters most for very high‑level players on high‑refresh monitors, especially above 240 Hz.
The underlying Nordic 52840 MCU helps keep latency low and power consumption efficient, while also providing good wireless stability and resistance to interference in crowded 2.4 GHz environments. Enthusiast reviewers often consider the R1 series capable of competing with premium mice in raw performance, especially considering its much lower price bracket.
Wireless, battery life and connectivity
Connectivity is straightforward: the ATK VXE R1 Pro Max supports both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired Type‑C operation, allowing you to plug in and keep playing while charging. There is no Bluetooth mode, but that omission is typical for performance‑focused FPS mice where low latency matters more than multi‑device convenience. The 2.4 GHz link uses ATK’s proprietary “Smart Speed X”‑style low‑latency wireless technology to keep delay extremely low, often indistinguishable from wired in real‑world use.
Battery life is one of the strongest selling points: the built‑in rechargeable battery is rated for up to 150 hours of use at 1000 Hz, which is significantly more than many similarly light competitors. Even if you run a higher polling rate with the optional 4K dongle, you can expect comfortably long sessions between charges, which is particularly convenient for streamers and grinders who spend many hours in‑game each day. Because the mouse is so light even with this larger battery, you effectively get “endgame‑style” weight without sacrificing endurance.
Software and customization (ATK HUB)
ATK offers a web‑based configuration suite called ATK HUB that works for its mice, keyboards and headsets, removing the need to install traditional bulky driver software. Through this platform you can adjust DPI stages, polling rate, lift‑off distance, button remapping, macros, and any available lighting options, all within a single unified interface. Some users appreciate that this avoids the constant background processes and bloatware associated with big‑brand ecosystems, while still granting fine‑grained control over performance settings.
Because the R1 Pro Max targets performance more than RGB flair, its customization is largely focused on competitive features like DPI tuning and button assignments rather than elaborate lighting effects. For players who use multiple ATK devices, ATK HUB also serves as a centralized place to update firmware and keep profiles synced, which is convenient if you travel between setups or play on both desktop and laptop.
Real‑world gaming experience
In‑game, the ATK VXE R1 Pro Max behaves like a much more expensive esports mouse. The ultra‑light 54 g weight makes rapid flicks and micro‑adjustments easy, especially for low‑sens FPS players who rely on arm aiming with fine wrist corrections. Combined with the PAW3395 sensor and up to 4000 Hz polling, tracking feels extremely consistent, and microstutters are effectively eliminated on a properly tuned system.
The shape is versatile enough to accommodate claw and fingertip grips for most medium hand sizes, and small‑to‑medium palm grip users can also be comfortable, though very large hands might feel it slightly short. Enthusiast reviewers often compare its performance favorably to mice well above its price, highlighting that it can hang with or even beat big‑name competitors when it comes to latency, tracking quality, and agility in titles like CS2, Valorant, Apex, and other twitch shooters. For long sessions, the light weight and smooth coating also help reduce fatigue, which matters if you are grinding ranked ladders or streaming for hours.
R1 Pro Max vs R1 Pro and other variants
Within the R1 family, the Pro Max sits as the high‑end endurance model. The R1 and R1 SE weigh around 51 g and support 125–2000 Hz polling, targeting players who want lightness but do not need 4K Hz or huge battery upgrades. The R1 Pro drops even more weight down to 48 g while supporting up to 4000 Hz with the 4K dongle, trading some battery life for maximal agility. By contrast, the R1 Pro Max keeps 4000 Hz support but steps up to 54 g and 150 h rated battery life at 1000 Hz, clearly prioritizing longevity alongside performance.
Here is a quick overview of the line‑up:
| Model | Weight | Polling (native/4K) | Battery life (1000 Hz) | Switches (main) | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 SE | 51 g | 125–2000 Hz | Not specified | Not highlighted | Entry |
| R1 | 51 g | 125–2000 Hz | Not specified | Not highlighted | Entry+ |
| R1 Pro | 48 g | 125–4000 Hz | 75 h | HUANO Iceberry Powder Dots | Ultra‑light |
| R1 Pro Max | 54 g | 125–4000 Hz | 150 h | Kailh White Blade | Endurance |
Against other budget and midrange esports mice, the ATK VXE R1 Pro Max’s main advantages are its extremely strong sensor/MCU combo, 4K readiness, and excellent battery life at a very competitive price, often under the cost of many big‑brand models that lack 4K support. Its main compromises are the absence of Bluetooth, minor QC variance, and the need to buy a separate 4K dongle to unlock the maximum polling rate.
Pros, cons and who should buy it
Pros
Flagship sensor and MCU: PAW3395 plus Nordic 52840 deliver top‑tier tracking, low latency, and good power efficiency.
4K‑ready wireless: Supports up to 4000 Hz polling with an optional dongle, giving competitive players access to cutting‑edge latency and consistency.
Ultra‑light yet durable: 54 g weight with robust shell and premium coating, closer to “endgame” mice than typical budget gear.
Excellent battery life: Up to 150 hours at 1000 Hz, ideal for long sessions and heavy daily use.
Premium main switches: Kailh White Blade switches rated to 100 million clicks with crisp, satisfying actuation.
Clean software solution: Web‑based ATK HUB avoids bulky drivers while still covering core performance and macro features.
Cons
No Bluetooth mode: Limited to 2.4 GHz wireless and wired Type‑C, reducing versatility for office or multi‑device users.
Optional 4K dongle: Full 4000 Hz performance requires an extra purchase, raising total cost if you want the maximum spec.
QC variance: Minor reports of scroll‑wheel quirks, slight side flex, or small rattles on some units, especially earlier batches.
Shape not for everyone: Medium‑sized symmetrical shell favors claw/fingertip; very large hands or full palm‑grip purists may want a bigger mouse.
For competitive FPS players on a budget, the ATK VXE R1 Pro Max is a compelling “sweet spot” choice: you get a truly high‑end sensor, ultra‑light shell, very long battery life, and 4K‑ready performance without paying flagship‑brand prices. It is also an excellent daily driver for streamers and content creators who want a responsive mouse that stays comfortable during long sessions, provided they do not need Bluetooth or heavy RGB customization.
If you are an extreme weight‑reduction enthusiast and rarely play unplugged for dozens of hours at a time, the 48 g R1 Pro might be slightly more appealing. However, if you value endurance and premium Kailh White Blade switches while keeping the same performance envelope, the ATK VXE R1 Pro Max stands out as one of the most balanced and value‑oriented ultra‑light wireless options currently available.
