CHERRY has launched the XTRFY M42V2, a new wired gaming mouse that keeps weight low, skips unnecessary software, and comes in at a fairly reasonable $39.99.
The M42V2 weighs just 45 grams without its cable, putting it firmly into ultra-light territory. Unlike some lightweight mice that achieve their weight with perforated shells, CHERRY XTRFY uses a solid exterior here. I think that makes for a much cleaner look.
The mouse also has a modular design. CHERRY includes two interchangeable back shells in the box, allowing players to alter the size and shape without screws or tools. The company says the symmetrical design works with palm, claw, and fingertip grips.
Another aspect I like is that the M42V2 doesn’t require software for configuration. CPI, polling rate, lift-off distance, and debounce time can all be adjusted directly on the mouse (there is a slider switch and button on the bottom). Gaming peripheral software can sometimes feel like unnecessary baggage, particularly when you just want to change a basic setting and get back to playing.
Inside is a Pixart 3327 sensor with selectable CPI settings ranging from 400 to 6200. Polling rate options include 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1,000Hz.
CHERRY uses Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot switches rated for 80 million clicks. The bottom gets UHMW-PE glides, while the mouse itself has a matte UV coating.
As you can see, this is a wired mouse, connecting over USB-A using a 1.8-meter CHERRY XTRFY EZcord flexible cable. It is not USB-C, sadly.
Personally, I prefer wired mice. You never have to worry about batteries dying, charging another device, or remembering whether you plugged the mouse in the night before. There is something appealing about simply connecting a mouse and knowing it is always ready.
Of course, wireless gaming mice have become extremely good, and plenty of players will happily trade occasional charging for a cable-free desk. But at 45 grams, the M42V2 provides the low weight people often associate with premium wireless gaming mice without adding a battery or pushing the price upward.
The specifications aren’t going to compete with expensive enthusiast mice advertising extremely high polling rates and increasingly absurd CPI numbers. The Pixart 3327 and 1,000Hz maximum polling rate are comparatively modest in 2026. Whether that matters is another question. For a lot of gamers, 1000Hz is perfectly adequate, particularly on a mouse selling for less than $40.
CHERRY says the M42V2 works with Windows XP and later as well as Mac OS X 10.1 and later. Since configuration happens directly on the hardware, Mac users don’t have to worry about missing companion software either.
The CHERRY XTRFY M42V2 is available starting today for just $39.99 on Amazon. At that price, the combination of a 45-gram solid-shell design, interchangeable backs, hardware-based configuration, and a good old-fashioned wired connection makes it an interesting option for gamers who don’t need their mouse packed with extras.
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