The Lightweight Icon Reimagined: Why the Glorious Model O Still Dominates the Competitive Circuit

From the pioneers of the honeycomb revolution comes a mouse that balances feather-light movement with elite precision. Whether you’re a flick-shot specialist or a marathon grinder, find out if the Model O remains the king of the performance-to-value ratio.

Updated February 8, 2026

Shrook Score
89
Generally Favorable
Critic Review
91
Universal Acclaim
User Review
8.6
Generally Favorable
The Lightweight Icon Reimagined: Why the Glorious Model O Still Dominates the Competitive Circuit

The Glorious Model O continues to be a foundational pillar in the ultra-lightweight gaming mouse market. Known for its distinct ambidextrous shape—heavily inspired by the classic Zowie FK1—the Model O utilizes a perforated honeycomb shell to achieve a weight that facilitates rapid, low-friction movements. While the market has grown crowded with competitors, the Model O's combination of the proprietary BAMF 2.0 sensor (in newer iterations), high-quality G-Skates, and a highly flexible "Ascended" cable keeps it at the forefront of recommendations for FPS enthusiasts and competitive gamers who demand agility without sacrificing structural integrity.

Pros

  • Iconic ultra-lightweight honeycomb design reduces hand fatigue during long sessions
  • Exceptional PTFE G-Skates provide a "buttery" glide on almost any mousepad surface
  • Highly flexible Ascended braided cable mimics a wireless experience by eliminating cable drag
  • The BAMF 2.0 sensor offers pixel-precise tracking with zero hardware acceleration
  • Distinctive 3-zone RGB lighting that is among the most vibrant in the peripheral category

Cons

  • The perforated shell is prone to accumulating dust and debris inside the chassis over time
  • Some users report minor side-wall flexing when applying significant pressure
  • Glorious CORE software can be resource-heavy and occasionally buggy during firmware updates
  • Scroll wheel tension can feel somewhat loose compared to high-end tactile competitors
  • Ambidextrous shape is ideal for claw/fingertip grips but may feel narrow for large-handed palm mappers

The Glorious Model O continues to be a foundational pillar in the ultra-lightweight gaming mouse market. Known for its distinct ambidextrous shape—heavily inspired by the classic Zowie FK1—the Model O utilizes a perforated honeycomb shell to achieve a weight that facilitates rapid, low-friction movements. While the market has grown crowded with competitors, the Model O's combination of the proprietary BAMF 2.0 sensor (in newer iterations), high-quality G-Skates, and a highly flexible "Ascended" cable keeps it at the forefront of recommendations for FPS enthusiasts and competitive gamers who demand agility without sacrificing structural integrity.

Design and Build Quality

The Glorious Model O is defined by its "honeycomb" aesthetics, a design choice that serves both form and function. By removing unnecessary plastic from the top and bottom shells, Glorious achieved a weight that feels almost non-existent in the hand. The build quality, while lightweight, feels surprisingly rigid. Unlike early iterations of ultra-light mice which suffered from significant deck flex, the current Model O iterations utilize reinforced ABS plastic that resists creaking during normal gameplay. The matte finish is particularly praised for its grip-friendly texture that doesn't become slippery during intense, sweaty sessions, while the glossy version offers a premium shine for those who prefer more surface "stick."

Performance in Real Use

In a practical gaming environment, particularly in titles like Valorant or Apex Legends, the Model O excels. The low-profile FK-style shape allows for fine motor adjustments with the fingertips. The BAMF 2.0 sensor provides a 1:1 tracking experience, meaning your on-screen crosshair moves exactly as your hand does without any smoothing or jitter. The proprietary G-Skates are a standout feature; their rounded edges prevent "snagging" on cloth mousepads, allowing the mouse to glide with minimal effort. This reduction in friction leads to faster reaction times and less strain on the forearm over several hours of play.

Ease of Use

Setup is strictly plug-and-play. While the Glorious CORE software is available for deep-diving into DPI stages, debounce time, and RGB patterns, the mouse features a physical DPI indicator on the bottom, allowing users to swap settings on the fly without minimizing their game. The "Ascended" cable is one of the best stock cables on the market, featuring a loose braid that remains limp rather than stiff, effectively removing the need for a dedicated mouse bungee for many users.

Reliability

Reliability has been a journey for the Model O. Early units faced criticism regarding cable disconnections and side-button "mushiness." However, Glorious has iteratively updated the design. Current models feature reinforced stress relief at the cable entry point and upgraded switches (often rated for 80 million clicks) that provide a crisp, tactile snap. While the open-shell design does require the occasional blast of compressed air to keep the interior clean, the internal components are coated to resist moisture and dust interference.

Use Cases

The Model O is a specialist tool primarily for FPS (First-Person Shooter) players. Its light weight makes "flick shots" and "tracking" significantly easier. However, it also serves as an excellent daily driver for those who experience wrist fatigue from heavy office mice. Because it is ambidextrous, it caters to a wide variety of grip styles, though it is most optimized for claw and fingertip users. It is less suited for MMO players who might require a high button count on the side panel.

Long Term Ownership Feedback

Long-term users generally report high satisfaction, particularly with the longevity of the sensor. The most common feedback regarding long-term use involves the RGB strips; they remain bright and consistent even after years of use. Some users have noted that the white matte finish can pick up some discoloration over a year of heavy use, suggesting that the black version might be a better choice for those concerned with aesthetics over a 24-month horizon. Overall, the community consensus remains that the Model O offers a "pro-level" experience that holds its own against mice twice its cost.

Core Features
Ultra-lightweight Honeycomb Shell, 6-Button Layout, RGB Lighting, Onboard DPI Storage
Technical Specifications
BAMF 2.0 Sensor (up to 26k DPI), 650 IPS Tracking, 50G Acceleration, 1000Hz Polling
Compatibility
Windows, Mac, Linux (Software limited to Windows)
Materials
Reinforced ABS Plastic, 100% Virgin PTFE G-Skates

Buy

  • • You are a competitive FPS player looking to improve flick accuracy with a lower-mass peripheral
  • • You prefer a low-profile, symmetrical shape that facilitates a neutral wrist position
  • • You want premium features like 100% Virgin PTFE feet without paying "boutique" brand premiums
  • • You enjoy deep aesthetic customization through vivid RGB and various finish options (Matte/Glossy)
  • • You need a mouse with high-durability switches rated for 80 million clicks to ensure longevity

Skip

  • • You work or play in a dusty environment where a "holed" mouse shell is a maintenance liability
  • • You have very large hands and prefer a high-profile ergonomic arch for palm support
  • • You require a silent click; the Model O's mechanical switches are distinctively tactile and audible
  • • You are sensitive to minor shell creaking, which can occur in some early production batches
  • • You prefer a weighted feel for productivity tasks or strategic gaming (MOBA/RTS)

Critic Reviews

No reviews yet.

User Reviews

No reviews yet.