Unboxing boxes

Unboxing boxes

Shall we start the process of unboxing the GM70? Inevitable subjectivity regarding the performance of mice aside, I think we can all appreciate a premium unboxing experience when we have one. We're off to a good start, then. The box itself is made of a nice 'soft touch' cardboard and is pleasingly sturdy. On the front, we have the GM70 itself. Black and carbon fiber are the dominant color schemes here, with MSI's signature red used relatively sparingly. We are treated to a side on view on the side of the box, and the back details the fairly standard marketing affair that we are all fairly used to seeing by now. MSI is also very quick to point out their 'Mystic Light' software on the front of the box. There is certainly a focus on an RGB ecosystem, here, and it's a pity (yet understandable) that the industry as a whole isn't unifying on a single RGB control platform. This would certainly make the lives of those looking to 'bling up' their PCs a lot easier, being rid of the worry of running multiple software suites. Anyway, it's safe to say that if you have bought or used MSI products in the past, they are on box designs are fairly familiar.

Opening the box reveals... a black cloth. Well, to be fair, the cloth is covering the mouse itself, USB receiver, and a first set of 'wings,' as the mouse comes with these removed. The GM70 is actually packaged in three separate layers, with each part nested in thick and dense foam. It's not quite Apple, but as unveilings go, it's certainly up there. This first set of wings is actually the smaller of the two, with the feet flaring out a fairly considerable way less than the alternate set. The aim is - naturally - to provide your thumb and little finger with a place to sit comfortably.

The second layer actually features a spare top cover. This is appreciated, as the kinds of plastics so regularly used on gaming mice can quickly attract oils from your hands, turning a once matte finish into a near mirror sheen shine. Removing the cover is easy, as it is held in by the same sized magnets that allow the wings to clip on/off. Speaking of which, we also see the alternative set of wings. These have a significantly wider base, likely for people with big hands whose outermost digits will naturally splay out. This isn't a problem for me, and I used the little wings for my duration of using this product.

The final layer (got there in the end..!) features the braided and gold-plated USB 2.0 cable, with one end being the typical micro-USB needed for these mice. There is also a nice little surprise in the form of a felt black carrying bag. This bag is tightened with a drawstring and is easily big enough for the mouse itself, cable, feet, and dongle. If I were taking my mouse away with me and wasn't able to fit the box in my luggage (which is understandable, it's a big box), then this is a good addition to the GM70's list of accessories. MSI didn't have to include it, so the fact that they did is well received by me.

With that said, shall we actually take a proper look at the star of our show? If you don't use the wide wings, the mouse itself - in my opinion - is actually fairly... well, 'understated' would be the wrong word entirely, but I cannot call the GM70 'gamer-y' by any stretch of the imagination. This will naturally change somewhat when the RGB turns on, but if you wanted the GM70 but didn't want the RGB, then turning it off or setting the color profile to static is easily doable. It is not an especially angular or aggressive design, and the shape is actually fairly plain. This seems to be a continued trend on from the GK80 keyboard. A product that - on the surface - is not overly flashy or in-your-face, but can certainly make to be the former with the onboard lighting. The GM70 is the same. Overall, I have to say I like the way this mouse looks. I am certainly no fan of 2017's/2018's obsession with RGB, and I naturally spent most of my time with the GM70 with the lighting in the default medium rainbow preset. I have no complaints where aesthetics are concerned, at all. Over the next couple of pages, we will look at using the mouse, as well as the combined review of the MSI Software when using the GK80 board and GM70 mouse.