The Glorious Model D is a right-handed ergonomic gaming mouse designed for speed, comfort, and precision. Featuring a distinctive honeycomb shell that reduces weight to just 68 grams, it utilizes the industry-standard PixArt PMW3360 sensor and premium G-Skates. It bridges the gap between ultra-lightweight performance and the classic ergonomic shapes favored by palm-grip enthusiasts.

The Glorious Model D is a testament to the "less is more" philosophy in peripheral design. At first glance, the most striking feature is the honeycomb perforation covering the top and bottom plates. This isn't just an aesthetic choice; it is a functional necessity that allows the mouse to weigh in at a mere 68 grams (matte) or 69 grams (glossy) without sacrificing structural integrity. The shape is heavily inspired by the legendary Zowie EC series, featuring a sloping right-handed ergonomic curve that fills the palm naturally. This makes it an ideal choice for users who find ambidextrous mice like the Model O too flat or narrow. The build quality has seen significant improvements since its initial launch. While early units were criticized for side-wall flex, current versions feel remarkably solid. The matte finish provides a dry, grippy texture that handles perspiration well, while the glossy version offers a "tackier" feel for those with dry hands. The RGB implementation is among the best in class, with two sleek strips along the sides and illumination within the scroll wheel, creating a vibrant glow that diffuses through the honeycomb structure.

Under the hood, the Model D utilizes the PixArt PMW3360, a sensor widely regarded as the gold standard for competitive gaming. During testing in high-stakes FPS environments, the sensor performance was flawless, exhibiting zero hardware acceleration and no jitter even at high DPI settings. The lift-off distance is exceptionally low—under 0.7mm—ensuring that your crosshair remains steady during large "swipe" movements. The mouse feet, or "G-Skates," are made from 100% pure Virgin Grade PTFE. Unlike the thin, black dyed feet found on many mainstream mice, these are thick and rounded at the edges, providing a "floating" sensation on both cloth and hard pads. The Ascended Cord is another highlight; it is a proprietary braided cable that is so flexible and light that it mimics the feel of a wireless mouse when used with a mouse bungee. The Omron switches used for the primary buttons provide a crisp, tactile click with a fast return, though they lack the click-longevity of newer optical sensors.

Glorious has struck a perfect balance between "plug-and-play" simplicity and deep customization. Out of the box, the Model D works perfectly without any software installation. A dedicated DPI button on the bottom allows you to cycle through four customizable stages, with an LED indicator to show which stage is active. However, for those who want to dive deeper, the Glorious Core software provides an intuitive interface to adjust polling rates, lift-off distance, macro assignments, and complex RGB lighting patterns. The software is lightweight and doesn't need to run in the background once settings are saved to the mouse's onboard memory. This is a significant advantage for tournament players or users who frequently switch between different computers.

Reliability

Reliability was a point of contention for Glorious in its early years, but the Model D represents a more mature manufacturing process. The primary concerns—cable disconnection and "mushy" side buttons—have been largely addressed through reinforced internal connections and tighter tolerances in the shell moldings. The honeycomb design, while excellent for weight, does expose the PCB to the environment. However, Glorious has applied a protective coating to the internals to resist moisture and dust. While it is not waterproof, it is more resilient than it looks. The Omron switches are rated for 20 million clicks; while this is lower than some "pro" mice rated for 80 million, they offer a consistent feel that many enthusiasts still prefer over the heavier feel of high-durability switches.

The primary use case for the Model D is undoubtedly competitive FPS (First Person Shooter) gaming. Its lightweight nature and ergonomic shape make it a "flick-shot" machine in games like Valorant or Overwatch. However, its comfort levels make it surprisingly versatile. For productivity and general office work, the ergonomic tilt reduces ulnar deviation (wrist strain), making it a viable option for those who spend 8+ hours a day at a computer. It excels in any scenario where quick, repetitive movements are required, as the lack of weight significantly reduces the physical effort needed to move the cursor. It is less suited for MMOs or MOBA games that require a high number of side buttons, but for most general applications, it is a joy to use.

Long-term users frequently report that the Model D ages gracefully, with a few caveats. The G-Skates are remarkably durable, often lasting over a year of heavy use before needing replacement. The most common feedback regarding long-term wear involves the honeycomb holes, which can collect skin oils and dust over time. Periodic cleaning with compressed air or a soft brush is a requirement for maintaining its appearance. Some users have noted that the white matte version can develop a slight tint after years of use, so the black version is often recommended for those concerned with longevity. Overall, the community consensus remains high, with many users sticking to the Model D as their "endgame" mouse due to its familiar shape and top-tier performance-to-weight ratio.