The Verdict
This is an iterative improvement on the Aria XD7. While the shape is not exactly the same, it’s close enough there’s no new notable audience. The technology is better, meaning you get higher polling rates, better battery life, and the internals have changed with different buttons. This is a welcome improvement to a shape that people who like it, like it.
At $49 for the non-pro and $88 for the Pro version, the value is there. It’s not an exceptional value, but it is a good value. It should be a consideration if you like that egg shape.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
- 8000 Hz polling
- Great buttons & wheel
- Bluetooth connectivity is a nice touch
- Light & balanced
Cons
- Wire is very thick
Closest comparables
The closest comparables to the Fantech Aria 2 are the Razer Orochi V2 and the Logitech G305.
The Orochi is a little smaller, making it less suitable for medium-sized hands.
While the G305’s shape is more bulgy on the outsides and flatter on the top. They have very different shapes but similar sizes.
Performance-wise, the Fantech Aria II Pro should be a much better mouse technology-wise. It has a better sensor, better hardware, better polling rates. It’s a tech upgrade for sure.
Shape
The Aria II Pro makes little changes size wise compared to the Aria XD7.
This is a classic egg-shaped type mouse, so if you’re in the market for that, this is definitely a contender.
It’s still a small to medium mouse, measuring in at 11.3cm by 6.5cm and 3.8cm tall. I really like it compared to the G305 and Orochi. It’s a little bit larger so it’s not as cramped as the Orochi and has a nice curvature to it with an indentation for the thumb, making it a little bit easier to grip than the G305.
Small to medium hand users will feel comfortable with this mouse. Medium hand users are going to feel good with it in a claw or fingertip grip, while larger hands should stick to fingertip grip.
It’s a proven shape, there’s nothing too crazy about it, and it’s a recommended shape if you like smaller mice.
Coating
The coating on the Aria II Pro feels a little more soft-touch compared to other mice like the Superlight 2 and definitely compared to the Razer Viper 2. I’m not sure if I like it. It feels like it adds a little bit of grip.
Fantech has included some grip tapes in case you want extra grip, but I don’t find this mouse too slick to need it.
The coating comes in white, black, and red colors.
Build Quality
The shell construction feels solid with its one-piece design. I can’t detect any flex or deformation when applying pressure, and there are no unwanted rattles or clicks when shaking the mouse. Overall build quality is excellent.
Buttons & Scroll Wheel
The Aria II Pro has switched to Huano Blue Shell Pink Dot switches. They feel tactile and crisp. The pre-travel and post-travel are minimal and barely noticeable. The side buttons are easy to locate and feel crisp.
The switches feel consistent across both main buttons and on all areas of the mouse shell.
Performance
The Aria II Pro is capable of 8,000 Hz polling. It uses the PAW 33950 sensor – exactly the kind of top-tier hardware you’d expect from a pro mouse.
Combined with its small size and 53 gram weight, this mouse flies in my hand. I don’t see any issues with it. The feet are also very good. No rough spots. Very good glide. No complaints.
The battery life is reportedly 15 hours at 8,000 Hz and 70 hours at 1,000 Hz, so reasonable but not excellent.
