Ideally, I would have reviewed the Bloody R72 Ultra and Bloody R72 Pro once and moved on to other, more recent topics. However, something about these mice kept bothering me—enough to bring me back for another look.

The issue lies with the included rubber grips that attach to the sides and top of the mouse. At some point, I started feeling like I had imagined them—like they didn’t actually exist and weren’t even worth mentioning.

Video about Bloody R72 Ultra/Pro grips

An obvious problem

What do I mean by that? First, in my nearly 10-year career as a reviewer, I’ve never come across a mouse that includes rubber grip stickers for improved handling. This applies to both budget models and high-end flagship mice costing hundreds of dollars.

Second, not all Bloody mice come with spare vinyl stickers or a braided cable—features I generally expect as standard in mid-range gaming mice. Yet, the Bloody R72 Ultra includes rubber grip stickers, even though it’s unclear whether they actually improve the grip.

The advantage of enclosures

In my review of these mice—including the Bloody W72 Ultra, Bloody R72 Ultra, and Bloody R72 Pro (links in the description)—I mentioned that the build quality is solid. The matte plastic does pick up fingerprints and moisture quickly, but it also provides a grip strong enough that I can play intense, hours-long matches without my fingers slipping even slightly. Plus, cleaning these plastic surfaces is easy.

And the diamond-patterned texture of these rubber grips? There’s no guarantee it actually improves grip. On top of that, cleaning them will be significantly harder compared to smooth plastic. So, what’s the point of including these grips in the package? Is it just a gimmick to stand out, or am I missing something?

Read also: Design vs. Features: Choosing Between the Bloody W72 Ultra and R72 Pro

An unobvious reason

And then it hit me. The thing is, 99.9% of mice on the market have a body made of ABS plastic. This is one of the two most common types of plastic used for mice and keyboards. And it’s the cheaper option of the two. The more expensive one is PBT plastic—and there are good reasons for that.

The reason for this is that ABS has one major drawback. Over time, it wears down to a mirror-like shine, and it happens particularly quickly in areas that are constantly touched or exposed to harsh materials. However, when you see damage that looks like “acid eating through the surface,” that’s usually soft-touch coating. ABS typically absorbs oils from your skin, but the result is still irreversible.

This doesn’t lead to anything critical; the mouse is unlikely to break over time. However, if it has a matte finish, like the Bloody R72 Ultra, the ABS plastic will gradually wear down to a glossy surface. And that’s when your fingers will start to slip.

When I researched this issue, people on Reddit suggested either applying electrical tape to the body of the mouse to prevent or minimize the effects afterward, or purchasing specialized grips—yes, the term “grips” is new to me too.

What are grips and why they are useful

It turns out this isn’t a new concept on the market, but it’s the first time I’m hearing about it. From my research, there are very few mice that offer custom grips. I’m almost certain that with a pair of scissors, they would be more or less universal. However, with the Bloody R72 Ultra, they come included in the package, so there’s no need to search for them separately.

Plus, if you don’t like the texture under your fingers, you can always peel off the grips and leave the matte plastic. Alternatively, you don’t have to apply them to all areas at once; you can place them where it’s most comfortable or necessary. Personally, I recommend sticking them on the sides because the chances of wearing down the ABS to a mirror finish are usually highest there. While the main buttons might not be pressed often, your thumb is always pressed against the side—constantly. This will wear down the body much quicker.

In other words, the decision not to make the Bloody R72 Ultra’s body rubberized from the factory allowed the manufacturer to save on costs while also avoiding the situation where a rubberized body would wear off or peel. After all, the body itself is not a grip that can be replaced.

And no, sticking it on top isn’t a viable option either. It’s one thing to have a grip adhere to fresh matte plastic, but quite another when it’s applied to the uneven texture of glossy surfaces.

Conclusions

I fully support the decision to include grips in the package with the Bloody R72 Ultra and similar models. It adds customization options, increases the perceived value of the mouse, and helps extend the lifespan of the mouse’s body. Modern peripherals of this type are built to last much longer than just a year or two, even wireless ones. For instance, the Bloody R72 Ultra and R72 Pro can continue to function while charging. So yes, I definitely recommend the idea of grips.

Read also:

• A4Tech Bloody R90 Plus gaming mouse review
• ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Mini Wireless Gaming Mouse Review
• ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Extreme Wireless Gaming Mouse Review