When it comes to competitive gaming, precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable. Every millisecond counts, and the hardware you use can directly impact your performance. One piece of gear that often sits at the center of this discussion is the gaming mouse—specifically whether it’s better to use it in wired or wireless mode.
The Sharkoon SKILLER SGM3, Gaming-Mouse offers the flexibility of both wired and wireless connectivity. Designed with esports enthusiasts in mind, the SGM3 provides a feature-rich experience regardless of your connection method. But if you’re looking to gain every possible advantage in competitive scenarios, choosing the right mode matters.
This article takes a deep dive into how the wired and wireless modes of the SKILLER SGM3 compare across critical areas such as latency, consistency, battery performance, ergonomics, and overall gameplay feel. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to decide which mode suits your competitive edge best.
Overview: What Is the Sharkoon SKILLER SGM3?
Before we get into mode-specific analysis, it’s important to understand what makes the SKILLER SGM3 a popular choice among competitive gamers.
Key Features:
- Dual-mode operation (wired and 2.4 GHz wireless)
- 6000 DPI optical sensor (PixArt PMW3336)
- Onboard memory for macros and profiles
- RGB lighting
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Ergonomic design with six programmable buttons
It strikes a balance between high-end performance and affordability, making it accessible for players at all levels.
Wired Mode: Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Lowest Possible Latency
Wired mode ensures a direct, uninterrupted connection to your PC, providing nearly instantaneous response times. In competitive FPS or MOBA games, this can make a tangible difference.
2. No Battery Anxiety
You never have to worry about running out of charge mid-game. This peace of mind is especially valuable in long sessions or tournaments.
3. Consistent Polling Rate
The 1000 Hz polling rate stays stable over a wired connection, minimizing jitters or lag spikes even under heavy system load.
4. Plug-and-Play Simplicity
Once connected, there’s no need to sync devices or manage wireless settings.
Cons
1. Cable Drag
Despite being flexible, the included USB cable can restrict motion, especially for players used to fast flick shots or wide arm sweeps. This can subtly impact tracking or comfort.
2. Desk Clutter
Cable management becomes a concern, especially if your gaming setup is minimalist or if you’re playing in a cramped LAN environment.
Wireless Mode: Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Unrestricted Movement
Wireless mode eliminates cable drag entirely, giving you total freedom of movement. For low-sensitivity players or those who play with large sweeping motions, this can feel liberating.
2. Cleaner Setup
Fewer cables mean a neater desk, easier transport, and quicker setup in portable gaming scenarios.
3. Modern Wireless Reliability
Thanks to the 2.4 GHz signal and refined firmware, the SKILLER SGM3 performs impressively close to wired mode in terms of input lag—practically indistinguishable to the average user.
4. Recharge on the Fly
The included USB cable doubles as a charging cord. You can play in wired mode while recharging, preventing downtime.
Cons
1. Battery Management
Though the battery lasts for up to 40 hours (with RGB off), forgetting to charge between sessions can leave you scrambling. Unlike a wired-only mouse, planning is essential.
2. Potential Signal Interference
In environments with multiple wireless signals—Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other devices—there’s a small but real risk of interference. This is rare but still worth noting for high-stakes play.
3. Slight Weight Increase
The built-in battery adds a bit of heft compared to ultra-light wired models. This can affect fatigue and speed depending on your preference.
Latency: The Most Critical Factor
Latency is the time it takes for a click or movement to be registered by your PC. For competitive players, low latency is essential.
- Wired Mode: Typically runs with input lag between 1–2ms, consistent and reliable.
- Wireless Mode: With 2.4 GHz, input lag ranges between 2–5ms, depending on signal conditions.
While the numbers suggest wired is superior, in practice, most players won’t perceive the difference—unless they are operating at a professional level where every frame counts.
Verdict: Wired wins in absolute terms, but wireless is more than good enough for most competitive players.
Accuracy and Sensor Performance
The SKILLER SGM3’s PixArt PMW3336 sensor performs consistently in both wired and wireless modes, offering:
- Precise tracking
- No acceleration
- Low liftoff distance
In extensive testing, no discrepancies were found in DPI performance or cursor acceleration between the two modes. The only variability came from minor latency differences and movement fluidity due to cable drag (or the lack of it).
Ergonomics and Gameplay Feel
- In wired mode, the cable introduces a mechanical resistance that some players dislike, especially if their mousepad or bungee doesn’t compensate well.
- In wireless mode, the mouse glides smoothly and feels more “natural” in hand during rapid motions.
The difference here is subjective. Some players swear by the unencumbered feel of wireless; others prefer the tactile feedback of a wired line tethering their motion.
Recommendation: Try both modes during practice sessions and pay attention to your aim, flick speed, and fatigue over time.
Battery Life and Charging Strategy
- Battery Duration: ~40 hours without lighting, ~20–25 with RGB active.
- Recharge Time: Approximately 2 hours via USB.
To avoid interruptions:
- Use RGB sparingly or turn it off during competitive sessions.
- Keep the USB cable handy and plug in between matches or overnight.
Pro Tip: Charge during warm-ups or while watching replays to maximize uptime.
Ideal Use Cases: Wired vs Wireless
Scenario | Best Mode |
Tournament play | Wired (for guaranteed latency) |
Casual ranked grinding | Wireless (freedom + convenience) |
LAN events with limited space | Wireless (less clutter) |
Long practice sessions | Wired (avoid battery drain) |
Streaming/recording setups | Wireless (aesthetic and camera-friendly) |
Overall Performance Verdict
The Sharkoon SKILLER SGM3, Gaming-Mouse delivers an impressive dual-mode performance rarely seen at its price point. Both wired and wireless modes are viable for competitive play—but each has distinct advantages depending on your gaming environment and personal habits.
If you:
- Compete at high levels
- Play in noise-heavy or signal-saturated areas
- Never want to think about battery life
→ Choose Wired Mode
If you:
- Prefer freedom of movement
- Value desk cleanliness
- Are confident in keeping your device charged
→ Choose Wireless Mode
The choice between wired and wireless mode on the SKILLER SGM3 isn’t about which is better—it’s about which is better for you. Wired mode offers rock-solid reliability and marginally faster response times, ideal for tournaments or prolonged grind sessions. Wireless mode offers comfort, freedom, and performance that rivals its tethered counterpart in all but the most demanding circumstances.
In short, the SKILLER SGM3 gives you options—and in competitive gaming, that flexibility can be just as valuable as raw specs.
FAQs
- Does the Sharkoon SKILLER SGM3 have input lag in wireless mode?
Minimal to none. The 2.4 GHz connection keeps input lag below 5ms—fast enough for most competitive gamers. - Can I use the SGM3 while it’s charging?
Yes. The USB cable supports charging and data, so you can continue playing in wired mode while topping off the battery. - How long does the battery last in wireless mode?
Up to 40 hours without lighting and around 25 hours with RGB enabled. Battery life depends on usage habits and settings. - Is there a performance drop between modes?
No performance drop in sensor tracking or DPI control. Only latency and freedom of motion vary slightly between modes. - Which mode is better for FPS games like CS:GO or Valorant?
Wired mode provides slightly lower latency, which may give a competitive edge. However, wireless mode is excellent for most players.