Roccat Kone [+]

So if you read my Roccat Isku review, you’ll know that I have never had an aftermarket keyboard. That goes for a mouse as well. Sure I’ve had a few wireless “pieces” that I could use for my laptop but I never put any consideration into the product I was buying. So, much like my experience with the Isku, the Kone [+] has completely changed my perception of high quality PC gaming mice. Man, where have I been these past…I dunno, 5 years? Needless to say, the experience has been completely worth it. If you are looking for replacement or just need to jump into the “hardcore” PC gaming equipment department, hit the jump and check the review.

PS. I decided to take a new route on the review setup to give the reader a more in-depth look at the product.

Dig it: 

• While the mouse itself is quite large, it fits perfectly into the hands of all “grip” types and the thumb cut is shaped large for those of us who have gorilla hands. The rear of the mouse is just the right size for layout of my palm and the type of grip I use (Claw). The covering of the mouse is soft and rubbery, making sure even the clammiest of hands can hold on tight.
• It’s a super light mouse out of the box (comparable to an empty Gatorade bottle) but it does come weight upgrades for those who like knowing there is something in their hand. Just because it is light, doesn’t mean it’s like an egg-shell. The build is solid and can take punishment from heavy handed individuals. Rage Quit quality build.

•  I really enjoy how the mouse feels while in use and how it allows my hand to spread out over the mouse. I had no trouble using the mouse on all surfaces, even carpet. The main buttons are not obnoxiously loud, nor do they require Bruce Lee fingers to operate. Easy to click and easy to maneuver. If you don’t like light shows, maybe you should skip on the Kone [+] but that extra bit of polish really adds a nice vibe to the full package. The LED lights that surround the mouse’s edge fluctuate through a plethora of color combinations. The only time the color actually means something is when you hold down the EasyShift [+] button the mouse’s left side. The blue lights indicate that you are in EasyShift, which I was completely oblivious to until a Roccat rep explained that to me at this years E3.

• The mouse continues their electric/royal blue and black scheme, which in my opinion makes it even more sleek and refined. The nice addition of their “cat” logo on the rear of the mouse adds a complementing touch to the overall design of the Kone [+]This mouse is like the Swiss-army knife of PC gaming mice. The buttons on the top behind the wheel are used to manipulate the 6000dpi Pro-Laser to better fit your “sense” of style. Yes, 6000dpi. I have no idea why you need to hit 6k dots per inch movement but hey, go big or go home right? The DPI buttons are basic but they do the job when you don’t want to access the Kone [+] driver between matches or games. I stay somewhere in the middle setting, I have yet to adjust it through the diver since I don’t want to mess up a good thing.
• On top of that, the Kone [+] uses a Tracking/Distance Control Unit to optimize tracking regardless of surface or mouse pad. The misses caused by lift were almost non-existent with the Kone [+] and it was extremely noticeable in an FPS format. I don’t remember ever using a friends mouse that had a feature like that.

• The EasyShift Key allows you to map all the current mouse buttons secondary assignments. This includes any key from your keyboard. So, you can technically use your mouse for 22 total assignments through the buttons and the 4-Way wheel. I used this in TF2 a few times and while it took a bit to get used to the movement, I mapped almost everything to the mouse except movement haha. I don’t recommend doing that however.
• Ever had a mouse talk to you? No, well now you can with the Kone [+]. For the most part it just gives you basic information of what your mouse is doing, if you have gone up or down in DPI or what setting you are currently on.
• The Kone [+] also features a Roccat 5-Profile system, allowing you to save up to 5 separate profiles for your favorite game types. There are also some pre-programmed examples in the driver.
• Roccat Talk is available with the Kone [+]. Check out the Isku review link below to find out more about it.

Dog it:  

• I wish the thumb buttons were a bit larger. I have…gorilla hands, as stated above, and I tend to click both left side buttons at times. I don’t know if you could make them much bigger and keep the ergonomic layout but it could help those with larger had length/width.
• I tried to use the mouse left-handed and I wouldn’t suggest it to those who are naturally left-handed. I mean it could work for you but I’d suggest looking into another Roccat product or another manufacturer.
• I dunno if I really like the Kone [+] talking to me. Just not my kind of thing. Plus, it would have been nice to have more information provided than just “DPI Down” DPI UP”, etc.
• I wish the mouse USB cord was a bit longer. The way I have my tower setup, it is a decent distance from where I have my monitor setup. I still have plenty of room but I like extra slack just in case. Plus, my Isku takes up all the room in the KB/M drawer on my office desk…

I don’t think I’ll ever let go of my Kone [+], unless of course they come out with a Kone Uber [+++] that can order take out and act as a personal secretary to screen phone calls. So until then, I’m extremely happy with my Plus. Coming in at 80 bucks (80 USD), the Kone [+] is worth the extra cash. Quit wasting your money on the generic 40-50 dollar mouse at Best Buy and step up your game for a Kone [+] off Amazon. I love 97% of my Kone [+], especially with the way it feels, how it handles and the laser show that goes on every couple of seconds. Outside of a few gripes that I’m really stretching for, the Kone [+] is a definite buy for those who want tons of functionality, great looks and a lasting build on a high-powered, top-tier mouse. So do yourself a favor and get a Kone [+]

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