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About once every six months – or sometimes even once a year – I make a point of testing a budget-friendly mouse. It’s usually from a recognized brand, but definitely on the lower end of the price range. The goal is simple: to see what more affordable models can offer compared to the higher-end gear I typically review. This time, I’m taking a quick look at the Cougar Minos Neo.
Cougar Minos Neo specifications
- Sensor: PixArt PAW3327
- Resolution: 800/1200/1600/2400/3600/6200 DPI
- Maximum tracking speed: 220 IPS
- Maximum acceleration: 30 G
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Switch life: 30 million
- Cable: 180 cm
- Dimensions: 125.0 × 63.5 × 40.5 mm
- Weight: 63 g (without cable)
Cougar Minos Neo video review
Price
The Cougar Minos Neo costs under \$20. But if the last time you looked at a mouse in this price range was three or four years ago, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. The budget segment has come a long way, and this model reflects that shift.
Advantages
Yes, the Minos Neo comes with a basic package – just the mouse and a user manual – but it’s securely packed in foam polypropylene, which is a nice touch at this price. It’s a wired mouse, but the cable is braided, which adds durability. There’s no software support, but it does include a DPI switch, and the side buttons are surprisingly solid. In fact, their click feel is more reliable than what I’ve seen on some mice that cost twice as much.
The design is arguably one of the standout features. I’m a fan of black-and-white color schemes, and this mouse nails it – even the vinyl feet on the bottom are white, rather than the usual black, which helps tie the whole look together. The plastic has a matte finish with minimal gloss, giving it a clean, understated aesthetic that feels more refined than you’d expect at this price point.
One detail worth highlighting is the RGB lighting. In fact, it’s the main reason I was interested in reviewing the Cougar Minos Neo in the first place. Unlike most mice that hide their lighting under the palm or at the rear – where it’s only really visible when the mouse is idle – this one places the lighting at the front, underneath the main body. That means you can actually see the glow while you’re using the mouse, not just when it’s sitting on your desk.
Poor-quality lighting or the inability to turn it off could have easily ruined the experience – but fortunately, that’s not the case here. Cougar clearly made some smart choices in this area.
Operating experience
All of that is well and good – but how does it actually perform in games? After all, a mouse isn’t meant to be admired, it’s meant to be used. And the experience here is solid. The Cougar Minos Neo weighs just 63 grams, making it noticeably lightweight.
The polling rate is 1000 Hz, which is standard for most gaming mice. The primary button switches feel solid and responsive, and they’re rated for up to 30 million clicks – more than enough for typical use over the lifespan of the device.
The mouse uses a PixArt PAW3327 optical sensor with a DPI range up to 6200. Although this sensor is about four years old, it was well-regarded at the time and has proven reliable in tests, including tracking accuracy. It has even been compared favorably to the more advanced PixArt PAW3389 in some respects.
The sensor supports a maximum acceleration of 30 G and a tracking speed up to 220 IPS. While it might not meet the demands of professional esports players, it’s more than sufficient for everyday users and casual gamers.
Drawbacks
Of course, the Cougar Minos Neo has its drawbacks. The scroll wheel is one of them – it clicks reliably, but its side-to-side movement feels somewhat loose and less precise. For an in-depth sound test, refer to the video linked above.
Conclusions
To sum up, the Cougar Minos Neo is a perfectly reasonable mouse and, in some respects, even quite good. It’s inexpensive but covers all the basic functions most users will need. The lack of software isn’t surprising – how many branded mice under $20 offer that, anyway? Overall, the Minos Neo is a solid recommendation for those on a budget.
That’s all from me. In the comments, let me know the cheapest mouse you’ve seen that actually comes with software support. Over the past few years, the lowest I’ve found is around $35. Don’t hesitate to share your experience!
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