Back in 2008 we took a look at 5 mice from the likes of Logitech, Razer and Microsoft. Each of them offered a unique blend of features, specifications and overall styling cues designed specifically with gamers in mind. Today we upwardly the ante and bring you a whopping 12 mice in a single round-up. Logitech, Razer and Microsoft are well represented over again in this slice, but we'll also showcase some new names that you may non exist as familiar with.

The newcomers in this comparison include SteelSeries, Roccat, Mionix and Ozone. Since nosotros have expanded our selection to comprehend then many devices, we thought information technology would be worth adding into the mix some high-end models aimed at enthusiasts that are not necessarily targeting hardcore gamers. With price points ranging from the sub-$30 range all the way up to $130, users with varying budgets and needs should be able to find something that suits them well.

The Contenders
Roccat Kova, Kone
SteelSeries Xai Pro
Microsoft Laser 7000, Sidewinder X3, Sidewinder X8
Mionix Naos 5000
Ozone Smog
Razer Imperator, Mamba
Logitech Functioning Mouse MX, G500

All mice were tested using the same Roccat Sota mouse pad for a level playing ground. Without farther ado, let's swoop right into the review with our detailed impressions and comparisons betwixt each mouse in our examination table today.

Roccat Kova

German language manufacturer Roccat has been in business since 2007 but was almost unknown to virtually on this side of the pond but a few months agone, before they started pushing their gear to US-based review sites and online merchants. A quick glance at their website reveals a legit-looking page and equally appealing products, somewhat reminiscent of Razer'south. If that's whatsoever indication of their products' quality then Roccat could become a serious player in the US market place.

The Kova is one of 2 gaming mice sent to u.s. by Roccat. Information technology is a black wired gaming mouse that reminds me of a Lamborghini Reventon, a high-end exotic car sharing many styling cues with a fighter jet. In add-on to the standard left and right mouse click buttons and clickable scroll bicycle, there are two buttons on either side of the mouse.

Four LED banks provide lighting to the mouse in four different colors: reddish, imperial, green and blueish. These lights can exist gear up to "breathing", full illumination or disabled completely. Since the Kova is ambidextrous information technology can be used by both right and left-handed users.

This no-frills, true plug-and-play mouse doesn't need any extra software or drivers to operate, allowing you to spring right into the activeness. To pull this off Roccat employs two of the 4 side buttons as "combination buttons". These means that the buttons are pushed in combination with other buttons to perform various functions such as adjusting the DPI (400, 800, 1600, 3200), selecting correct or left manus orientation and irresolute the lighting scheme.

That said, although the lack of software is nice information technology does limit you lot in terms of customizability. For example, y'all tin't program whatsoever macros or even remap buttons for Windows navigation. Fortunately Roccat has programmed the Kova with the most mutual features used when web browsing, so this might not be too big of a concern for everybody.

The Kova turned out to be more comfortable during use than I predictable based on its looks. It fit my average size hand perfectly and although it isn't the about comfortable mouse always, I don't take many complaints. The mouse was responsive in all areas and I had no trouble with tracking both in Windows and when gaming.

In terms of weight the Kova feels a petty light in hand. Roccat has taken the minimalist approach every bit at that place is no adjustable weight system or whatever other bells and whistles to be plant. Notwithstanding, there are grips on either side of the mouse that should provide a solid concord during intense gaming sessions.

Equally a right hand gamer, I plant that my ring finger would inadvertently press the side button closest to the front of the mouse (labeled button half-dozen) when I would use my thumb to press the buttons on the opposite side. But since the right side buttons are only combination buttons, this didn't bear upon my game play. Keep in listen that since these are combination buttons and they tin can't exist remapped in games, so technically you just take five buttons at your disposal.

The curlicue cycle is convex and comes to a point in the eye which is a bit unusual. A flat top roll wheel would be more comfortable in my opinion. The adaptable DPI worked as advertised both in Windows and in games, although it might non exist terribly useful in FPS games. For example, switching from an assault burglarize to a sniper rifle and adjusting the DPI accordingly means you will accept to cycle through all of the DPI settings to get to where you want and then back over again.

The Roccat Kova is a nice looking minimalist mouse that I wouldn't mind using on a daily basis. However, only the lack of customization may steer some hardcore gamers away. The price tag of $74.99 at Performance-PCs.com is as well a chip steep for a product that offers very few bells and whistles.

Pros:
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Comfortable
  • Ambidextrous
  • True plug-and-play (no drivers or software required)
  • Adaptable LED lighting arrangement
 Cons:
  • Lack of customization
  • DPI switching only one fashion
  • Unusual roll wheel
  • Very basic feature set
  • Toll