39g and PAW3955 Master: A technical look at the ATK A9 Mini / Mini+
>Before you read: not sponsored, just a guy trying to learn how to do proper reviews and comparisons of cool devices. This is a copy of my post that just got banned on "mousereview" subreddit, because the mods thought it was an AI slop lol. Hope the crowd here is more chill and we can actually talk about the specs without the drama. Any feedback or tips on how to improve my review style would be super welcome.
The ATK A9 Mini / Mini+ just launched with some interesting hardware. With a sub-40g weight and the new PAW3955 Master sensor, it’s worth looking at the details. Here’s the breakdown.
Specs:
- Sensors: The A9 Mini features the PAW3950 Ultra, while the Mini+ gets the flagship PAW3955 Master.
- Switches: Both models are equipped with ATK Customized Optical Switches. According to the manufacturer, they provide a fast response while maintaining a tactile, "mechanical-style" click feel.
- MCU: Both mice run on the Nordic 54L series chip with the ApexShark MAX solution for stable high-frequency performance.
- Scroll Wheel: Uses the reliable TTC Gold Wheel encoder.
Shape:
- Dimensions: Both mice are identical, measuring L118.4 × W61.2 × H38.6 mm.
- Ergonomics: The form factor is tailored for small to medium hands. Given the dimensions, it's an ideal choice for claw or fingertip grips.
Weight:
- Ultra-lightweight: Both models weigh only 39±3g without skates. That is an impressive feat for a wireless mouse with this level of hardware.
Sensor (Brand New PAW 3955 Master):
This is the primary difference between the two models:
- DPI: The Mini+ supports a range from 1 to 40,000 DPI (overclockable up to 50,000). The standard Mini ranges from 10 to 30,000 (overclockable to 42,000).
- Tracking Speed (IPS): The Mini+ hits a massive 850 IPS, while the Mini is at 750 IPS.
- Acceleration: The Mini+ can handle up to 75G, compared to 50G for the standard version.
- LOD: Lift-off distance is adjustable on both between 0.7 mm and 1.7 mm.
Design:
- Coating: Features an "All-New Nano Coating" designed to provide excellent grip even without grip tape.
- Colors: There is a huge selection, but only for the Mini+ version — ranging from classics (Black, White) to vibrant Lake Green, Pink, and the new Petal Pink. The standard Mini is limited to Black and White.
P.S.: Red, Black & White, and Orange color options are for other models!
- Receiver: The Mini comes with an 8K Nano receiver, while the Mini+ includes the GEM 8K.
Performance:
- Polling Rate: Both models support 8K polling in both wireless and wired modes.
- Latency: Claimed input lag is just 0.181 ms.
- Battery: The 200 mAh battery lasts up to 200 hours at a 1000 Hz polling rate.
Comparison with Superlight 2c:
If Logitech is the "gold standard," ATK is clearly here to push the boundaries further:
- Weight: ATK is significantly lighter at 39±3g compared to the 53g listed for the Superlight 2c. That’s a 14g difference in a "Mini" form factor where every gram counts.
- Sensor: The PAW3955 Master pushes the technical ceiling further with 50,000 DPI (OC) compared to the HERO 2's 44,000 DPI.
- Battery Life: ATK offers up to 200 hours of life (at 1000 Hz), more than doubling the 95 hours of the Superlight 2.
- Dimensions: Interestingly, both share the exact same footprint (L118.4 x W61.2 x H38.6 mm). This means ATK manages to pack a higher-spec sensor and achieve significantly better battery life within the same shell while remaining 14g lighter.
Leaving the full official spec table and bundle details here for reference:
The PAW3955 Master definitely sets a new technical ceiling, but what are your thoughts? Is 50K DPI a legitimate leap forward for tracking stability, or is it just another marketing number?
Also, with the weight hitting 39g, are we looking at the new competitive standard, or is it starting to feel too light for consistent control? I’m curious to hear if anyone is actually considering swapping their GPX2 for this, or if the "tried and true" still wins for you.
