Is It Worth It?
Review Summary
The Fantech Aria II Pro is a stellar option for gamers looking for unique design and performance. Retaining its signature egg-shaped design with thoughtful refinements, it weighs just 53 grams and has an upgraded NRF52840 MCU that supports an impressive 8K polling rate for ultra-responsive gameplay. Paired with tactile Huano switches and an improved ultra-grippy UV coating, this mouse delivers outstanding controlled grip and ergonomic comfort. While its finish tends to show fingerprints and high polling rates can compromise battery life, the overall blend of innovative design, solid performance, and value makes it one of the best choices in its niche.
Hours Tested: 1.5 Weeks
Overall
-
Design - 9/10
9/10
-
Performance - 9.5/10
9.5/10
-
Software & Customizations - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Build Quality - 9/10
9/10
-
Value - 9/10
9/10
Pros
- Unique Design & Ergonomics
- Improved Build & Coating
- Lightweight
- High Performance & Customization
- Competitive Pricing
Cons
- Sensor Generation
- Battery Life Trade-Off
- Design Limitations For Some Users
Since its release in 2022, the Aria series has become one of Fantech’s best-selling gaming mice, perhaps due to its unique egg-shaped design. It has received much recognition, especially from gamers who value its ergonomic design and pricing. Consequently, the newly released Fantech Aria II series will give those in love with egg-shaped mice something to look forward to as the gaming mouse sector improves significantly.
Fortunately, I had the chance to try out the upgraded version. Therefore, I’m reviewing the pro variant, which has a competitive edge over the standard version thanks to its 8K polling rate and a different MCU (NRF52840) but shares many other identical features. So, let’s find out whether a higher polling rate would be useful in actual usage or is just a gimmick.
Key Takeaways
- The Fantech Aria II Pro has a unique egg-shaped design and high-performance features. It delivers ultra-responsive control with an 8K polling rate and tactile Huano switches in a lightweight and ergonomically refined build.
- You should go for the Fantech Aria II Pro if you value a distinctive, egg-shaped design after a high-performance gaming mouse, appreciate a lightweight yet durable build, and enjoy customization options.
- You can skip the Fantech Aria II Pro if you’re bothered by visible fingerprints and smudges, looking for a radically new design, require lengthy wireless battery life, and insist on the latest sensor technology.
Here are the specifications:
Coating | Ultra Grippy UV Coating |
Switch Lifetime | 80 Million Clicks |
Encoder | F-Switch 1M Scroll |
Polling Rate | 8000Hz |
Speed (Max) | 650 IPS |
Battery Capacity | 300 mAh Li-ion |
Size | 113.5*65*38.3mm |
Compatibility | Windows 7 or later & MacOS 10.11 or later |
Switch | Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot |
Connectivity | Wired, StrikeSpeed Wireless, BT |
MCU | NRF52840 |
Sensor | Pixart 3395 |
Acceleration (Max) | 50 G |
Battery Lifetime | Up to 70 Hours (on 125 Hz) |
Weight | 53±2g |
What Makes It Different?
The Fantech Aria II Pro differentiates itself from its predecessor and competitors by adding refinements that enhance performance and user experience. While it maintains the signature egg-shaped design, the Pro version has a weight reduction of 6 grams, bringing it down to 53 grams without compromising its solid, durable build. Moreover, its upgraded ultra-grippy UV coating provides an improved grip. Lastly, in a market filled with conventional designs from competitors, the Aria II Pro’s unique shape makes it an appealing choice for gamers
Packaging & Unboxing
The Fantech Aria II Pro arrives in a box that immediately sets a premium tone. Upon opening, you’ll find a neatly organized set of accessories, all necessary documentation, and the main showstopper.
Box Contents
You will find the following in the box:
- Fantech Aria II Pro
- Grip Tape
- Set of Large PTFE skates
- Set of Small PTFE Dot Skates
- USB Wireless Reciever
- USB-C to USB-A Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
Design
I am reviewing the Fantech Aria II Pro in black, one of the three color options. Other than this, it is also available in red and white colors. It features a distinctive egg-like form factor with significant inward flare on the front and back. It is 113.5 x 65 x 38 mm in size. The Aria II Pro is identical to Fantech’s previous model, the Aria XD7.
If you upgrade from the last model, there won’t be any significant design surprises because it keeps the same form factor as its predecessor. This indicates that the Fantech Aria II Pro will continue to be the market’s widest egg-shaped mouse. Still, the Aria II Pro has a few minor changes from its predecessor. For instance, the sizable plastic tab with the “Aria” logo on the right side has been removed.
Weight
Fantech has reduced the Aria II Pro’s weight without creating any openings to the exterior, which is a great advancement. Compared to the initial Aria XD7, the Aria II Pro weighs 53 grams, 6 grams less than the original. Because of its small size, I would have liked the weight to be a little less. However, I can’t complain more since the weight is already quite light, and I like the feel of a solid-shell mouse.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter that there is currently no way to replace the perforated top cover. The outstanding construction quality of the sturdy shell probably adds to its weight. This does not indicate that the Aria II Pro’s weight is heavy. In fact, it seems very light, especially when compared with other mice with an egg shape. Lastly, the weight distribution is excellent.
Coating
The Fantech Aria II Pro has a better coating than its predecessor, and I can already tell the difference. In contrast to other mice relying on standard coatings, it provides a rubbery feel that significantly improves grip. Even if my palms are sweaty, I can still get a solid grip on the mouse. This coating’s sole drawback is that it makes dirt and fingerprints more noticeable.
In particular, when your hands sweat out while you are playing, the dark-colored shell can leave noticeable fingerprint imprints. All mice with comparable coats suffer from the same issue. Fortunately, it is fairly simple to remove all these marks and has no impact on how well the mouse performs. Fantech also included grip tape in the package, which is usually a good idea.
Build Quality
The Fantech Aria II Pro is well-built and performs well because its overall build uses a durable plastic casing. The mouse’s top, sides, or bottom did not bend or squeak even while applying pressure far more than usual. Furthermore, every time I shook the mouse, there was no rattling noise. Additionally, slamming the mouse did not accidentally cause the side and main buttons to click.
Underside
The Fantech Aria II Pro comes with a couple of dot skates, another impressive set of PTFE skates, and a massive pair of skates pre-installed. Straight out of the box, the skates provide a constant, flawless, smooth feel. Generally speaking, it usually takes a few days of use before most skates reach their ideal texture level. However, they were perfect right from the bat, which is rare.
Overall, the glide seems to offer greater control over acceleration. It’s good to see Fantech offering two skate styles with full size and dots inside the box for future replacements and customization to suit your style and preferences better. Lastly, the Bluetooth button, toggle option for wired or wireless and Bluetooth mode, and DPI button for changing the DPI levels are all on the bottom.
Comfort
Alongside a thumb rest, the left side of the mouse features a curved side that aligns with the contour of your thumb. It has a slight indentation to provide an ergonomic curve where your thumb can rest. This helps you naturally position your thumb in a certain spot without difficulty. The mouse’s right side also has a slightly curved edge rather than a flat one. Right in the center, the Aria II Pro’s hump slopes gently toward the tail.
Grip Styles
I can comfortably say that the Fantech Aria II Pro perfectly fits my hand, even though it is the broadest egg-shaped mouse. For the most part, it is a fingertip grip-style mouse that is comparatively small. Although it will take a more forceful approach, those with bigger hands, like myself, can also claw-grip this mouse. When I moved the mouse back and close to my palm for an even more locked-in grip, the gentle curve of the tail provided more contact and grip because I mostly use a loose claw grip.
On the other hand, the Aria II Pro should be quite comfortable for medium and small-handed users to claw-grip. Users with smaller hands might also be able to grip the mouse in palm style. Overall, the Fantech Aria II Pro is a better choice if you like a mouse with a more substantial feel. It works well for people who want a large side-to-side grip distance and fingertip grip.
Buttons
The Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot mechanical switches are the foundation of the Aria II Pro’s primary buttons. These are ideal for FPS games since they are simultaneously tactile and simple to actuate. Because they are mechanical in nature, they provide a more tactile sensation rather than the performance improvements that optical switches offer.
When pressed, the M1 and M2 buttons feel quite similar. Both pre-travel and post-travel are minimal. The Huano blue shell pink dot switches are executed so perfectly that, regardless of whether your finger is at the rear or the tip of the button, the actuation force needed feels the same. In addition to being well-tensioned, both buttons are quite snappy.
Additionally, the mouse has grip tape for the sides and primary buttons. These grips offer a greater grip for people who don’t think the typical coating is enough. I just used these grips for testing because I thought the coating was excellent, and I believe most people will agree.
Side Buttons & Scroll Wheel
The side buttons actually have little pre-travel and no apparent wobbling, but there is a bit more post-travel. Nevertheless, I never found this issue while using the buttons. They are suitable for spamming because of their relatively light actuation weight. Moreover, the scroll wheel is incredibly well-balanced because it offers a decent amount of tactile feedback while requiring very little effort to scroll.
Moreover, it uses rubber that provides an excellent grip, making it even simpler and easier. The scroll wheel has well-defined levels and feels well-tensioned. I didn’t encounter roughness or stuck scrolls when playing with it. The scroll click feels slightly rigid compared to other mice, but it is still extremely useful while gaming.
Performance
The Fantech Aria II uses the PAW3395 sensor. As many recent mice have done, seeing the Aria II use the improved PAW3950 sensor would have been better. However, for most users, its performance improvements would be insignificant. Still, selecting a newer sensor would add charm to an outstanding mouse. The Fantech Aria II can cope with up to 26,000 DPI. It has four DPI levels pre-programmed: 400, 800, 1600, and 3200. The software that comes with it allows you to add, change, or delete these predetermined settings.
There are currently two options for the Aria II family: the more costly “Pro 8K” version and the more affordable “Basic 1K” version. The Pro version can poll at up to 8KHz, while the basic version can poll at up to 1KHz. I’ve been using the “Pro 8K” version of the Fantech Aria II, and like most mice, it performs admirably in FPS games like Valorant. There was no delay for me, and every click was registered quickly, accurate, and responsive.
Software
To access the Fantech Aria II customizations, you must download the accompanying software, which seems to be the same as their previous mouse. The lightweight software that comes with the Aria II Pro is proprietary. Three separate tabs provide access to all customization options. On the first screen, you can remap buttons and debounce time.
Moreover, the second page has the CPI adjustment option for up to four color-coded levels, ranging from 50 to 26,000 CPI in increments of 50 CPI. Additionally, it has settings for polling rate, LOD, motion sync, ripple control, peak performance, angle snapping adjustment, and sensor mode modification. Finally, the third page has a macro editor.
Battery Life
The software’s percentage-based battery life display at single-digit accuracy provides enough information to estimate battery life. When using a 2.4 GHz wireless connection at 8000 Hz, I had an average battery life of around 8 hours. On the other hand, with the low-power sensor run mode and at 1000 Hz, I had a battery life of around 80 to 90 hours. Moreover, using the provided USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable, I tested the charging speed throughout the constant usage, which takes around two hours to charge the mouse completely.
Should You Buy It?
Buy it if
✅ You want a high-performance gaming mouse: The Fantech Aria II Pro’s upgraded NRF52840 MCU supports an 8K polling rate, and the tactile Huano switches ensure quick, accurate responses during intense gameplay.
✅ You prefer a lightweight yet durable build: At just 53 grams, the Aria II Pro offers excellent balance and a solid feel that enhances overall performance.
✅ You enjoy customization options: Additional PTFE skates and grip tape are included to customize the mouse’s glide and grip to your preferences.
Don’t Buy it if
❌ You’re bothered by visible fingerprints and smudges: The advanced UV coating attracts dirt more noticeably while providing a superior grip.
❌ You want a long-lasting battery: Opting for the high 8K polling rate can significantly reduce battery longevity compared to lower polling modes.
Bottom Line
Fantech has returned with a banger with the release of the Aria II. The Pro edition costs $88.80, while the regular version costs $48.80. Still, both of the variants mentioned above are within reach and reasonably priced. Suppose you prefer to opt for the 1K polling option. You still receive great upgrades, including a cleaner design, slightly lower weight, and better coating.
The simpler Aria II version is perhaps one of the best-value mice available in the market. On the other hand, the Pro 8K version will cost a bit more money if you want a higher polling rate. Despite being nearly twice as expensive, it is still competitively priced compared to comparable 4K or even 8K polling rate mice available on the market.
This is currently one of the best options for those looking specifically for an egg-shaped mouse. Thanks to the exceptional build quality, coating, and distinctive design, the overall experience is enjoyable. Furthermore, it has a scroll wheel and tactile, spam-proof buttons and weighs just 53 grams.
Coming Next: Corsair M75 Wireless Lightweight RGB Gaming Mouse Review
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[Hardware Reviewer]
After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.
Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods, you will always see him running into New Computer Courses to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.