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Dark Project Novus specifications and in-depth review

Dark Project Novus

Manufacturer: Dark Project

The Dark Project Novus is a lightweight ambidextrous gaming mouse built around a no-frills, performance-focused design. Weighing just 51 grams, it offers a compact, balanced form factor suited to a wide range of grip styles and hand orientations. The mouse connects via USB or 2.4GHz wireless, and its rechargeable battery is rated for up to 70 hours of use, with the ability to continue operating while plugged in for charging.

At its core, the Novus uses a PixArt PAW3395 sensor capable of tracking up to 26000 DPI, with a minimum setting of 800 DPI and support for on-the-fly DPI switching. It reaches speeds of up to 650 IPS and handles acceleration up to 50G, while the 2000 Hz polling rate ensures frequent positional updates. The mouse features six buttons in total, all programmable, including two side buttons, though it carries no onboard memory profiles and omits RGB lighting and a tilting scroll wheel.

Pros
  • Ambidextrous shape accommodates both left- and right-handed users
  • At 51 g, the body is notably light, reducing fatigue during extended sessions
  • All six buttons are fully programmable, offering flexible input customization
  • The 2000 Hz polling rate delivers frequent positional updates for responsive cursor behavior
  • Battery supports up to 70 hours of use and can be operated while plugged in
  • Offers both USB and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, providing flexibility in how it is used
Cons
  • Minimum DPI is fixed at 800, which may be too high for users who prefer lower sensitivity settings
  • No onboard memory profiles, meaning configurations cannot be stored on the device itself
  • No RGB lighting for users who prefer visual customization of their setup
  • Does not support wireless charging, requiring a cable to recharge the battery
  • Lacks a tilting or thumb scroll wheel, limiting scrolling options to a single axis
  • No profile switching button, so switching between configurations on the fly is not possible
Who is this for?

This mouse is well-suited to users who prioritize lightweight, ambidextrous designs, particularly those who game for extended sessions and want to minimize hand fatigue. The 2000 Hz polling rate and wide DPI range make it a practical choice for users who need responsive cursor behavior and adjustable sensitivity. Its 70-hour battery life combined with the ability to operate while charging also makes it a reliable option for those who switch between wired and wireless use without wanting to pause for recharging.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on onboard memory profiles to carry saved configurations between systems will find this mouse limiting, as it stores no profiles on the device itself. It is equally unsuitable for those who prefer a minimum DPI lower than 800, such as users who work at very high screen resolutions and need fine-grained low-sensitivity control. Additionally, anyone who expects RGB lighting for aesthetic customization or who requires a tilting scroll wheel for horizontal navigation will find those features absent here.

Performance:

polling rate 2000 Hz
maximum speed 650 IPS
maximum acceleration 50G
maximum DPI 26000 DPI
minimum DPI 800 DPI
has adjustable DPI ✓

The Dark Project Novus operates at a 2000 Hz polling rate, sending positional data to the host system at a high frequency for responsive cursor movement. Its sensor supports a DPI range spanning from 800 to 26000, with adjustable steps allowing users to tune sensitivity to their preference. On the tracking side, the mouse handles speeds of up to 650 IPS and sustains acceleration of up to 50G, reflecting a capable motion detection range for fast and varied movement patterns.

General info:

Type Gaming
connection type USB, 2.4GHz wireless
sensor PixArt PAW3395
onboard memory profiles 0
has gesture support ✕
Battery life 70 hours
can use while charging ✓
has wireless charging ✕
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a removable battery ✕
warranty period 2 years

The Dark Project Novus is a gaming mouse that connects via USB or 2.4GHz wireless and is built around the PixArt PAW3395 sensor. It carries a built-in rechargeable battery rated for 70 hours of use, and the mouse remains fully operational while charging, though it does not support wireless charging and the battery is not removable. The device stores no onboard memory profiles and does not offer gesture support. It comes with a 2-year warranty.

Buttons:

number of buttons 6
number of side buttons 2
number of programmable buttons 6
has a DPI switching button ✓
has a profile switching button ✕

The Dark Project Novus features 6 buttons in total, including 2 side buttons, and every one of them is programmable, giving users full control over button assignments. A dedicated DPI switching button is present for on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments, though the mouse does not include a profile switching button.

Design:

Orientation Ambidextrous
weight 51 g
has RGB lighting ✕
has a tilting scroll wheel ✕
has a thumb scroll wheel ✕
has extra weights ✕
cable length 1.8 m
volume 316.875 cm³
thickness 39 mm
height 125 mm
width 65 mm

The Dark Project Novus is built with an ambidextrous orientation, making it accessible for both left- and right-handed users. It weighs 51 g and measures 125 mm in height, 65 mm in width, and 39 mm in thickness, with a total volume of 316.875 cm³. The mouse ships with a 1.8 m cable and carries no RGB lighting, no tilting or thumb scroll wheel, and no provision for additional weights.

Final Verdict

The Dark Project Novus is a focused, no-frills gaming mouse that delivers where it matters most for its intended audience. Its 51 g ambidextrous build paired with a 2000 Hz polling rate makes it a practical tool for users who value responsive, fatigue-free input over aesthetic extras. The generous battery life and pass-through charging add real-world convenience to the wireless experience, though the absence of onboard memory profiles and a sub-800 DPI floor will rule it out for certain workflows. For users whose priorities align with lightweight design, broad connectivity options, and consistent tracking performance, the Dark Project Novus represents a well-defined and purposeful choice within the gaming mouse category.

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