We spent two weeks with the SABRE RGB PRO, giving us a good opportunity to work through its idiosyncrasies and get used to its combination of size and shape.
Size and weight are indeed the first aspects to be remarked upon. The SABRE RGB PRO is large, far larger than the KATAR models and larger even than the Razer Deathadder v2. The dimensions put it more on a par with the old Microsoft Intellimouse, Logitech MX513 and its recent update. These add up to a mouse design that’s best suited to larger hands, particular if using claw-style grips.
The weight however is shockingly light, almost giving the impression of a chassis that’s hollow. We wouldn’t quite refer to it as ultra-light in feel but there’s certainly a remarkable dissonance between its volume and weight. If you got a prize for the least-dense mouse the SABRE PRO range would probably have it nailed on.
Our time with the SABRE RGB PRO started pretty well. We were immediately struck by how responsive the QUICKSTRIKE buttons were, with effectively zero actuation distance and little space before bottoming out. Over time however we did notice that both the two main buttons, but particularly the left mouse button, developed a very small but noticeable wobble in its resting position. This might be due to the upper portion of the mouse shell not being a single shaped piece, allowing the button to fractionally slide from side to side.
By the same token, the side buttons were far better than the KATAR PRO and PRO XT. Both are significantly more responsive and less spongy, with button actuation beginning almost immediately. Their large size makes them suitable for many different grip types, while a significant separation between the two makes differentiating each easier. After two weeks the buttons weren’t quite as crisp as day one, but still satisfying to use.
The construction of the mouse wheel is solid but unexceptional. Although not stiff, there’s also not quite a regular rotation to the wheel; some notches around the wheel feel notably different to others, almost like it’s slipping into place. Its middle click however is crisp and the wheel itself offers enough stability to add the middle button into regular use.
We should also state that there were some initial teething issues with the sensor. We were using it in combination with CORSAIR’s MM350 mouse mat, which has a stylised CORSAIR logo over a large part of the right hand side. When transitioning from the logo to the lighter areas surrounding it the mouse tracked irregularly; not jumping, rather just slowing down like it was snapping to an imaginary UI element.
Running a Sensor Calibration scan over the problem area appeared to solve the issue, but the initial problems did make us hyper-aware of any mousing irregularities. It also underscored the value of software sensor calibration tools. And for the record, we didn’t notice similar issues when paired with a mouse mat with uniform surface or a plain painted wooden desk.
As a final general usage statement, we should mention the skates. While well suited to most mousing surfaces, particularly hard ones, the sheer surface area of the SABRE PRO’s base does introduce some drag that even the slipperiest feet wouldn’t be able to overcome.
Gaming:
During the testing period we spent some time in both DOOM and World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, putting it through its paces in both low-sensitivity FPS gaming and keybind-heavy MMO gaming. We also added Diablo 3, taking advantage of a new Season for some very ‘clicky’ ARPG gameplay.
Holding to recommendations, we turned up polling to 4000Hz on our Ryzen 5-equipped system. Average frame rates in DOOM remained within margins of error and anecdotally we didn't notice any slowdowns during intense gameplay sessions, but we very much take CORSAIR performance advisory when operating at polling rates over 1000Hz to heart.
Diablo 3 and DOOM gameplay tested the quality and response of the main mouse buttons in particular, and we were pleased to note that despite the wobble, the response was reasonably uniform and fast in the moment. A strong push-back makes it hard to accidentally actuate when resting your finger on one or the other main buttons, which is a definite plus given how tight to the switch each are held. Repeated quick clicks are registered effectively, while held pushes don’t rock or slide off the switch to prematurely disengage.
The DPI Stage switching button is very difficult to use rapidly in a regular palm grip as you’re reaching too far back, but is slightly easier in a claw grip. We also found it a little difficult to judge the DPI Stage from the indicator LEDs; it’s not easy to tell at a glance whether the illuminated LED is in position 1, 2 or 3, particularly if the area around it isn’t well illuminated.
Lifting the mouse when necessary was a little more laborious than we would like. We needed to grip it harder than the low weight would suggest due to a right side that angles away rather than inward. The glossy band running under the buttons and around the back of the mouse helps somewhat, but not in a way that we were comfortable relying on.
A few long sessions with WoW meanwhile helps us to test the effectiveness of each of the buttons used in regular intervals, particularly the side and middle buttons. In this instance they were very good, exactly as responsive as necessary with a strong return force. Forward felt slightly different from backward, and it’s just about possible to roll the back button a little so the travel distance feels longer too. But overall we have no complaints, and it’s a big step up from the KATAR PRO XT.
The middle button also offers a stable, crisp click during gameplay, but the wheel isn’t quite as satisfying. An irregular feel to one or two notches across the wheel when spinning quickly makes you just a bit apprehensive about a timely response.
Once the tracking issues on the MM350 were resolved we found the sensor to be broadly good at speed. There was no perceptible angle snapping at default settings, nor obvious acceleration occurring. This allowed us to be precise in all three games at vastly different DPI settings, quickly forgetting about the sheer size of the mouse in hand.
Size and weight are indeed the first aspects to be remarked upon. The SABRE RGB PRO is large, far larger than the KATAR models and larger even than the Razer Deathadder v2. The dimensions put it more on a par with the old Microsoft Intellimouse, Logitech MX513 and its recent update. These add up to a mouse design that’s best suited to larger hands, particular if using claw-style grips.
The weight however is shockingly light, almost giving the impression of a chassis that’s hollow. We wouldn’t quite refer to it as ultra-light in feel but there’s certainly a remarkable dissonance between its volume and weight. If you got a prize for the least-dense mouse the SABRE PRO range would probably have it nailed on.
Our time with the SABRE RGB PRO started pretty well. We were immediately struck by how responsive the QUICKSTRIKE buttons were, with effectively zero actuation distance and little space before bottoming out. Over time however we did notice that both the two main buttons, but particularly the left mouse button, developed a very small but noticeable wobble in its resting position. This might be due to the upper portion of the mouse shell not being a single shaped piece, allowing the button to fractionally slide from side to side.
By the same token, the side buttons were far better than the KATAR PRO and PRO XT. Both are significantly more responsive and less spongy, with button actuation beginning almost immediately. Their large size makes them suitable for many different grip types, while a significant separation between the two makes differentiating each easier. After two weeks the buttons weren’t quite as crisp as day one, but still satisfying to use.
The construction of the mouse wheel is solid but unexceptional. Although not stiff, there’s also not quite a regular rotation to the wheel; some notches around the wheel feel notably different to others, almost like it’s slipping into place. Its middle click however is crisp and the wheel itself offers enough stability to add the middle button into regular use.
We should also state that there were some initial teething issues with the sensor. We were using it in combination with CORSAIR’s MM350 mouse mat, which has a stylised CORSAIR logo over a large part of the right hand side. When transitioning from the logo to the lighter areas surrounding it the mouse tracked irregularly; not jumping, rather just slowing down like it was snapping to an imaginary UI element.
Running a Sensor Calibration scan over the problem area appeared to solve the issue, but the initial problems did make us hyper-aware of any mousing irregularities. It also underscored the value of software sensor calibration tools. And for the record, we didn’t notice similar issues when paired with a mouse mat with uniform surface or a plain painted wooden desk.
As a final general usage statement, we should mention the skates. While well suited to most mousing surfaces, particularly hard ones, the sheer surface area of the SABRE PRO’s base does introduce some drag that even the slipperiest feet wouldn’t be able to overcome.
Gaming:
During the testing period we spent some time in both DOOM and World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, putting it through its paces in both low-sensitivity FPS gaming and keybind-heavy MMO gaming. We also added Diablo 3, taking advantage of a new Season for some very ‘clicky’ ARPG gameplay.
Holding to recommendations, we turned up polling to 4000Hz on our Ryzen 5-equipped system. Average frame rates in DOOM remained within margins of error and anecdotally we didn't notice any slowdowns during intense gameplay sessions, but we very much take CORSAIR performance advisory when operating at polling rates over 1000Hz to heart.
Diablo 3 and DOOM gameplay tested the quality and response of the main mouse buttons in particular, and we were pleased to note that despite the wobble, the response was reasonably uniform and fast in the moment. A strong push-back makes it hard to accidentally actuate when resting your finger on one or the other main buttons, which is a definite plus given how tight to the switch each are held. Repeated quick clicks are registered effectively, while held pushes don’t rock or slide off the switch to prematurely disengage.
The DPI Stage switching button is very difficult to use rapidly in a regular palm grip as you’re reaching too far back, but is slightly easier in a claw grip. We also found it a little difficult to judge the DPI Stage from the indicator LEDs; it’s not easy to tell at a glance whether the illuminated LED is in position 1, 2 or 3, particularly if the area around it isn’t well illuminated.
Lifting the mouse when necessary was a little more laborious than we would like. We needed to grip it harder than the low weight would suggest due to a right side that angles away rather than inward. The glossy band running under the buttons and around the back of the mouse helps somewhat, but not in a way that we were comfortable relying on.
A few long sessions with WoW meanwhile helps us to test the effectiveness of each of the buttons used in regular intervals, particularly the side and middle buttons. In this instance they were very good, exactly as responsive as necessary with a strong return force. Forward felt slightly different from backward, and it’s just about possible to roll the back button a little so the travel distance feels longer too. But overall we have no complaints, and it’s a big step up from the KATAR PRO XT.
The middle button also offers a stable, crisp click during gameplay, but the wheel isn’t quite as satisfying. An irregular feel to one or two notches across the wheel when spinning quickly makes you just a bit apprehensive about a timely response.
Once the tracking issues on the MM350 were resolved we found the sensor to be broadly good at speed. There was no perceptible angle snapping at default settings, nor obvious acceleration occurring. This allowed us to be precise in all three games at vastly different DPI settings, quickly forgetting about the sheer size of the mouse in hand.
