The Kone XTD is the third ROCCAT device we've reviewed over the past year or so, and each time it's been impressed upon us how solid a product they are. Rather than out-there aesthetic design and risk-taking their peripherals have been coolly functional with high-quality components and software that's is a cut above. The Kone XTD is no different, even if it does have the odd piece of aesthetic trim.

The headline upgrade of this mouse from the Kone[+] is the new 8200 DPI Pro-Aim Sensor R3, which we must say operates very well. High DPI levels will often be a bone of contention to gamers, especially FPS gamers who tend to eschew high DPI in favour of greater control, but equally important is the tracking and lift distance detection. The Kone XTD didn't jump or skip during gameplay, even on the rather aged glass mousing surface we had to hand. Default lift distance was a little high, but that was remedied by a few tweaks in software. ROCCAT's Pro-Aim Sensor R3 in this respect did appear to be a worthy addition to the product.

At first, when you hear Omron Japanese Switches you fear that it may be marketing buzzwords, but the worry is swiftly dispelled. The whole surface of almost every button feels equally sensitive to pressure, and not even the thumb buttons give the impression that your are straddling the switch. A sole exception could be the '+' rocker button, but even that rarely used part is better than many button on many other mice. The choice of Omron switches should also ensure long-term durability, always handy on a mouse reaching half a million clicks a month.



We mentioned in the performance summation that button travel/actuation may be a point of individual concern defined by personal preference. The travel distance of both LHS and RHS buttons are a little far and lead to a slightly clunky sound, but there is no issue in the hardware registering that button click. The scroll wheel is also a little stiff, although it remains securely located at all times and never felt like it was slipping off its axis.

We investigated the software at some length, and determined that it was very good indeed. An intuitive UI is massively important and the Kone XTD's software succeeds thanks to crisp graphics and a lack of wasted space that rewards getting stuck in. One question mark could be assignment of Easy-Shift[+] to the closest thumb button by default, simply because it may confuse new users. On the other hand it does encourage them to interface with the UI as soon as they can, if only to reassign it. Easy-Shift[+] itself is interesting, coming into its own in MMO gaming where dozens of button assignments are beneficial but also handy in RPGs and RTS's. FPS gamers would probably prefer an additional thumb button located nearer the base, also making best use of EasyAim. It goes almost without saying that coupling the Kone XTD with a ROCCAT Isku keyboard would make all the mouse's features relevant to every gamer.

Of the remainder, only a couple of issues really presented themselves. One was the light bar, which exhibited slight imperfections that marred the continuous lighting effect, and the other was a rattle from the weight compartment when no additional weights were installed. Neither are sufficient to dissuade from a purchase.

The ROCCAT Kone XTD is a very good mouse optimised for gaming with excellent software support backing it up. Those who already have a Kone[+] may not find it a significant upgrade in the main, but gamers currently using budget mice should find it a considerable step up in functionality and quality. The customisation options are very good without quite being market leading, yet the growing synergy between diverse ROCCAT peripherals add features found in few other places. On its own the Kone XTD is well worthy of a Silver Award, and for those who previously invested in an Isku keyboard it would be touching Gold.