ProtoArc EM25 review: budget MX Master lookalike that falls short

The ProtoArc EM25 aims to be a budget alternative to Logitech’s MX Master line, borrowing the ergonomic chassis, extended thumb rest and twin scroll wheels while keeping a low price. It looks promising on paper, but clumsy control implementation, noisy, edgy-feeling skates and a general lack of refinement undermine the overall experience.

Hardware highlights include a clutch-controlled main scroll wheel, a horizontal side scroll wheel, twin forward/back thumb buttons, quiet primary switches and both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity with a magnetically sealed hatch for the nano dongle. The sensor tops out at 8,000 DPI, the internal rechargeable battery is 500 mAh, polling is switchable up to 1,000 Hz, the weight is around 90 g and the price sits at $50/£29.

Software is delivered via a web app rather than a native installer. The main left and right switches are a clear positive—quiet and satisfyingly clicky—but many other controls feel off.

protoarc em25, mx master, ergonomic chassis, thumb rest, twin scroll, clutch control, horizontal scroll, bluetooth, 2.4 ghz, 8000 dpi