ROCCAT Kone Pure Review

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅20-11-12
Closer Look




At first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Kone Pure was simply a re-skin of the Kone XTD, omitting a few lights. This is not the case, despite appearances the Pure is actually appreciably smaller and lighter than the XTD. The finish is a almost uniformly softly rubberised matte grey/black which only dully reflects light; one visible glossy section is around the wheel button block, which appears to be more dark than the rest. Over the course of weeks the rubberised surface will pick up a little discolouration due to sweat, but it's quite easy to rub this away with a lint-free cloth.

The ROCCAT logo of the Kone Pure does feature illumination in the form of a linked bank of LEDs, although when not illuminated the logo remains differentiated from the black palm-rest as a slightly paler grey. This effect mirrors that of the more budget-orientated LUA, and whilst subtle does allow a level of customisation on an otherwise relatively plain mouse.

The top features the main left and right mouse buttons, central wheel and up/down rocker switch. Unlike the XTD, the wheel (marketed as a Tital Wheel) doesn't have tilt functionality, but still acts as an independent button as well as up/down scrolling. The rocker switch will generally be most often used for changing DPI, and though difficult to access for those preferring a palm grip, claw and finger grip styles shouldn't have an issue.



Two thumb buttons are featured on the mouse's left shoulder, above a contoured recess/thumb rest. The contour doesn't extend around far enough to support the thumb above the mousing surface, but is well designed to support the thumb when the mouse is in use. It doesn't however support a 'sniper button', an element seen in other high-end mice recently but with slightly mixed feedback.



The right of the mouse is completely bare of both buttons and rest positions for ring and little fingers. The shape and layout of the Kone Pure makes it ergonomically suited to right-handed users, though the left-handed may need to look elsewhere depending on their own dexterity.



Teflon skates dominate the underside of the mouse, where the 8200DPI Pro-Aim Sensor R3 is centrally located. Also labelled are product and serial numbers - useful information for those registering their Kone Pure.



Finally we come to the cable and USB connector. The braid is a little stiff and may take some time to loosen; the Kone Pure's low weight and low-friction skates may cause a little difficulty with regards to cable tension moving the mouse when not supported by the hand. Braid quality seems very good, tightly sheathing cable cores and showing very no fraying after a couple of weeks usage. As far as connectors go, the ROCCAT Kone Pure's is very compact and robust with no loose fittings which may cause damage to the sensitive connections in the long term; it does not however include a cap for the USB connector to protect terminations when not in use.

The ROCCAT Kone Pure is a design with discrete aesthetic features (when necessary) and a robust construction. This makes it ideal for the home gaming rig, or an office where more restrained look is required.


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