Review: Fantech Helios II Pro S XD3V3 – Wireless Gaming Mouse

The Fantech Helios II Pro S is an update to the largely popular Fantech Helios II Pro, and differentiates itself with a ‘S’ moniker. Key updates include support for 8K polling rate, improved coating, use of Huano Blue Shell Pink Dot switches, as well as refined construction for the shell. The Helios II Pro S retails for S$131.

Unboxing

In the box, you’ll find the following:

• Fantech Helios II Pro S XD3V3 Wireless Gaming Mouse
• One set of grip tape
• Two types of skates
• USB-C to USB-A Cable
• 4K Wireless Dongle
• Quick Start Guide
• Stickers
• Commemorative Coin

Tech specs

Build quality and weight

Helios II Pro S comes in two colour options – (1) white, and (2) black. The unit I have is the white colour option, which features a clean and minimalistic white and black look as opposed to the more poppy look of the Helios II Pro. Build quality of the Helios II Pro S is good. Fantech says they refined the moulding construction to reduce the creaking and flexing that some of the Helios II Pro had. I didn’t experience any creaking when pushing hard on the shell.

As for weight, the Helios II Pro S comes in at 55 grams which is the current market’s standard of lightweight (though there are much lighter mices like the Ninjutso Sora V2). Personally, 55 grams is light enough for my main use case of Valorant. Also, the weight balance is nicely in the middle which is where it should be.

The stock skates have slightly rounded edges and offer smooth and consistent glide. Aftermarket skates such as Tiger Ice feel smoother, but the stock ones aren’t too far off. Fantech even offers dot style skates in the box to switch out based on preferences.

Coating

Fantech says the coating on the Helios II Pro S is improved once again, and should feel even grippier. The plastic feel has a nice soft touch that is noticeably different when comparing side-by-side to a HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2, which has more of a PBT plastic feel. It does feel a little too smooth when your hands are dry, but the coating starts to take effect the moment your hands have some moisture or heat.

The coating does offer a good amount of grip when gaming. I’d say unless you’re hands get incredibly sweaty, the coating is actually good enough to use without grip tape. But of course if you want the most grippy feel, then grip tape is always an option which Fantech has also kindly included in the box.

Buttons & Scroll Wheel

Helios II Pro S employs Huano Blue Shell Pink Dot switches on the main buttons. I like the Huano Blue Shell Pink Dot switches as they tend to offer a crisp light click feel. Implementation of these switches is good, allowing the Helios II Pro S to be very spammable. Tensioning is also good as there is minimal or almost no pre or post-travel. There are subtle comfort grooves on the main buttons as well which I appreciate.

Side buttons are nicely sized have a beveled separation between them. They are well positioned in the middle of mouse where it is easy for my thumb to reach. The buttons are quite snappy. The front button does feel more crisp than the back button as it exhibits slight post-travel.

The scroll wheel has defined steps good tactility, making it great for controlled scrolling. Noise wise I’d classify it to be more of a loud but low frequency sounding wheel. Scroll click requires medium force for actuation and emits a high pitch click.

You can check out a quick sound demo below:

Shape and fit

Fantech Helios II Pro S has a shape that is reminiscent of the Zowie S2-C. You get a symmetrical shape in a size that is well-suited for medium to large sized hands. My hand size measure 18cm * 8.5cm, and I use a relaxed claw grip. I found the shape to work well for me.

Helios II Pro S has a slim front that tapers slightly into the middle, which then flares out a gentle curvature for palm support. The back flare is not as aggressive as other mices or the Zowie S2-C for comparison sake. I quite like how the sides of the Helios II Pro S has a natural curvature that allows my thumb to be placed. The hump is somewhere between the middle and back, in a position that it contacts the middle of your palm rather than the back of it. Overall, a safe position that gives your hand some space to do micro-adjustments mid-game.

The Helios II Pro S would work best for claw grip user. You could try to palm grip it if your hands are small.

Performance

As for sensor, the Helios II Pro S is equipped with the Pixart 3395 sensor, and using a Nordic MCU for 4K compatibility. The 4K dongle requires a USB-C cable to connect to the PC, and has anti-slip rubber base. Without any configuration, the default DPI steps are 400, 800, 1600, and 3200. Performance of the sensor was good and there was no hiccups or issues to report while playing Valorant. Personally, I really couldn’t tell much difference between playing at 2K or 4K polling rate, except for the fact that I had to charge the Helios II Pro S more frequently when playing at 4K polling. You could get up to 8K polling but that means wired gaming. I much prefer gaming wirelessly so its either 2K or 4K for me.

As for software, it exists and is useful for changing settings such as LOD, debounce time, and customise buttons, DPI or macros. It also serves as a platform for the company to push out software updates if the mouse ever face issues. It is functional but aesthetic makes the software looks a little underbaked with its overly gamer-y design and UI.

Conclusion

If you like the shape of the Zowie S2-C, then the Helios II Pro S should be able to slip right into your hand without feeling too foreign. Main buttons are crisp and snappy, and the new coating feels good enough for most users. Available at a mid-range price of S$131, the Helios II Pro S offers good value for money for the level of build quality and wireless performance which can rival the flagships.