ROCCAT Kone Pure Review

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅20-11-12
Conclusion


Sometimes, conclusions are awkward. This is one of those times.

By most reasonable metrics the ROCCAT Kone Pure should be a lesser mouse than the Kone XTD. It has fewer features and lesser customisation, but only shaves off £10 from the price of a XTD. So why is it that we find ourselves preferring it?

Partially it's down the to build quality. There was nothing strictly wrong with the XTD - it's a solid mouse with zero glaring flaws, just a few inconsistencies. The Kone Pure just feels a cut above, with more pleasant actuation on the main buttons, a less heavy mouse wheel and slightly more easy to distinguish thumb buttons. Internally it doesn't skimp on any factor which is strong on the XTD; the heart of the mouse is the same 72MHz ARM MCU processor with 576Kb RAM coupled to high-end 8200DPI Pro-Aim Laser Sensor R3. It's the XTD, only leaner and meaner.

The Omron switches once again stand out as great additions to the overall packages. We've discussed them at great length in other reviews, and once again they don't disappoint in terms of an even reaction to pressure and no rocking in the housing.

FPS gamers in particular should appreciate the Pure. With a good range of DPI settings available, five independent profiles and lightweight construction it seems ideal for such games. The only downside is the lack of sniper-button on the thumb-rest, which is partially offset by one of the two conventional thumb buttons being bind-able to Easy-Aim.



There are a great many high-quality mice in the £60-65 price bracket, from diverse manufacturers such as Steelseries, Razer, ROCCAT, Thermaltake and Logitech. The choice of a mouse is a very personal one, and so if possible having a hands on is extremely valuable. Those seeking a mouse heavily specialised to MMOs or MOBAs may not find the Kone Pure ideal; however an extensive FPS gamer with diverse work and play requirements will find the Kone Pure to be a great all-rounder for that price.

The ROCCAT Kone Pure is a lightweight and responsive mouse with excellent tracking characteristics. We're also used to excellent software from the ROCCAT and the Kone Pure's does not disappoint. Well suited to FPS titles, and better than most in MMOs thanks to Easy-Shift[+] and button assignment of macros, the Kone Pure is also at home in the Home/Office environment than its bigger brother. With the only lack being the most extensive customisation options of the Kone XTD, the ROCCAT Kone Pure attains a worthy Gold Award.

Pros
+ Streamlined design
+ Great software
+ 5 Profiles
+ 8200 DPI sensor
+ Omron Switch Technology
+ Customisable Lighting

Cons
- Price
- Fewer customisation options than similarly priced mice

Tips
= To unlock full potential, combine with ROCCAT Isku keyboard




Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.



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