ROCCAT KONE Pure Gaming Mouse Review

Manufacturer: ROCCAT
Product Name: KONE Pure
Model Number: ROC-11-700
UPC: 4250288117006
Price As Tested: $69.99 (Newegg / Amazon)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by ROCCAT.

For those of you out there that are looking for a nice basic but high spec gaming mouse, the ROCCAT KONE Pure Core Performance Gaming Mouse might well be just right for you. By stripping away some of the gimmicks and not so useful features of the KONE XTD, ROCCAT have been able to build a sleek beast with the KONE Pure and here at Benchmark Reviews we aim to test it to its fullest.

First of all it is smaller than both the KONE[+] and the KONE XTD, and it also does away with the LED strips and weight adjustment system, leaving a gaming peripheral that is a great pleasure to use. The KONE Pure uses the same Omron switches and R3 Pro-Aim laser sensor found in the KONE XTD but lovingly packs them into a more compact package. Think of the KONE Pure as more of a brother than a replacement to the KONE XTD and KONE[+].

During the course of this review we will take a look at the aesthetics and features of the ROCCAT KONE PURE and also test it in our usual mix of software and games. We aim to be thorough here at Benchmark Reviews but we still need reader interaction to tell us where we might be coming short, if you have any queries or suggestions on how we can improve our articles then please don't hesitate to comment below..

Features & Specifications

ROCCAT KONE Pure Features

• WORLD FAMOUS KONE DESIGN
In a 9% slimmer format

• FULLY-ADJUSTBALE 8200 dpi PRO-AIM (R3) SENSOR
With 41 DPI settings ranging from 200 to 8200

• ROCCAT TITAN WHEEL - 2D
The world's toughest and most accurate 2D scroll wheel

• ROCCAT CLICK MASTER
Switch tech powered by Omron

• EASY-SHIFT[+] BUTTON DUPLICATOR
With Easy-Aim + Easy-Wheel functions

• 32-BIT TURBO CORE V2 PROCESSOR
For lightning-fast computing speed

• TRACKING & DISTANCE CONTROL UNIT
For less pick-up flight & more precise gaming

• 576KB ON-BOARD MEMORY
For storing a wealth of macros and settings

• 16.8 MILLION-COLOR LIGHTING SYSTEM
For customizable colors + effects

• 7 MOUSE BUTTONS + SOLID 2D WHEEL
For a full complement of command options

• SOFT-TOUCH SURFACE
For extended gaming in total comfort

• ROCCAT DRIVER + MACRO MANAGER
For advanced customization + presets for games & apps

• ROCCAT ACHIEVEMENTS DISPLAY
For monitoring gaming performance

ROCCAT KONE Pure Specifications

• Pro-Aim Laser Sensor R3 with up to 8200dpi
• 1000Hz polling rate
• 1ms response time
• 12000fps, 10.8megapixel
• 30G acceleration
• 3.8m/s (150ips)
• 16-bit data channel
• 1-5mm Lift off distance
• Tracking & Distance Control Unit
• 72MHz Turbo Core V2 32-bit Arm based MCU
• 576kB onboard memory
• Zero angle snapping/prediction
• 1.8m braided USB cable

Closer Look: ROCCAT KONE Pure

In this section we will have a close up look at the ROCCAT KONE Pure gaming mouse and discuss its main features.

The KONE Pure is designed for right handed people but this doesn't and shouldn't stop left handed gamers. The loss of the side buttons is a compromise but it means you don't have to overlook this mouse altogether. The KONE Pure is slightly smaller than the KONE[+] measuring approximately 12cm x 7cm at its longest and widest points respectively (13cm x 7.5cm for the KONE[+]).

The main thing to notice here amongst all of the stickers and info are the low friction mouse feet, the entire heel is one big U shape of low friction material and the front has a large C shape piece. It is important that you remember to clean the bottom of the mouse regularly to maintain optimal performance as these feet pick up a lot of dirt on their travels which will introduce drag. This won't be noticeable during rapid movement but precision movement will be affected slightly.

The ROCCAT KONE Pure, much like the KONE[+] and KONE XTD, has a high arch profile that manages to merge the 'claw' style grip and the 'palm' style grip into one, it is hard for me to translate the feeling into words but the KONE family of gaming mice feel really comfortable in the hand whatever the grip style I tried

This shot of the KONE Pure shows all of its buttons, while it looks minimal compared to offerings by other manufacturers you actually have 17 mouse functions thanks to Roccat's Easyshift[+] feature. Not counting the + and - buttons, there are seven available mouse functions; Left click, Right click, Wheel click, Scroll Up, Scroll Down, < button and > button. All of the buttons on the KONE Pure are programmable using the Roccat mouse settings utility. If you pair this mouse with the Roccat ISKU keyboard then you can utilize the Roccat Talk feature and assign the EasyShift[+] key on the ISKU to be the function modifier for itself and the KONE[+] too and vice versa the EasyShift[+] button on the KONE Pure can be the modifier for the ISKU keyboard and itself.

The ROCCAT logo at the rear of the KONE Pure lights up via internal RGB LED's, the ROCCAT mouse utility will allow you to assign a pre-defined color or let you choose a custom color as you will see in the next section.

ROCCAT KONE Pure Detailed Features

Now that we have had a look at the ROCCAT KONE Pure mouse it's time to look at what drives it. In this section we look at the KONE Pure utility to see what level of customization and adjustment we have available.

Roccat does not bundle the software with the device so you must download it from their website. After downloading and installing the software it will automatically flash new Firmware to your device.

Opening the Roccat KONE Pure mouse settings utility can be done in one of two ways, either by clicking on the KONE Pure icon in the windows notification area or by pressing an assigned button (function must first be assigned). The first screen you will see deals with the sensitivity options, wheel speed, DPI stages and double click speed. Adjusting the various options doesn't require explanation and sliders make changing settings super easy. The contrast of blue on black neatly matches the color theme of the company.

The KONE Pure can have up to five different profiles set to activate when a certain game or application is launched. You can also set one of these profiles as windows profile (by clicking the WP button on any of the five profiles), as soon as you exit any application or game that has a profile assigned to it, the settings utility will automatically switch back to your defined windows profile so you don't need to worry about (or check) which profile is active

Next is the button assignment tab, pretty much self explanatory I think you'll agree. Settings on the left are the default functions and settings on the right are the functions executed when each button is used in conjunction with the EasyShift[+] key. By default the EasyShift[+] key is assigned to button 5 as seen above, and can only be assigned to buttons 4 or 5 unless you have the Roccat Talk compatible ISKU illuminated gaming keyboard which can also have a key assigned as the EasyShift modifier for the KONE Pure.

Creating a macro should be simple but unfortunately it isn't, at the same time it isn't a difficult task it's just more long winded than anything. Fist you must select or create a macro set before you can create a macro, or create new macro's in existing sets. From here it is quite simple but the steps up to here were unnecessary in my eyes.

Next up are the advanced options and here we have a couple of options unique to Roccat, known as the Tracking and Distance Control Units. These two features really take the KONE Pure to a new level when used in conjunction and give you great control of the mouse. Lift off has long been an issue with some well known brands and Roccat's distance control unit goes a long way to alleviating this problem. Tracking on a wide range of surfaces can also be a big issue for some laser mice and the tracking control unit allows the KONE Pure to adapt the laser sensor to track at its best on nearly any flat surface. It is recommended that the surface should be one uniform color for the most optimal results. the TCU (Tracking Control Unit) setting didn't seem to make much of a difference to me but I am playing on a laminated wood effect surface so I wasn't expecting too much. The DCU (Distance Control Unit) set to extra low really had an impact on cursor movement during mouse lift-off, keeping it very low indeed. I'm not sure who would want cursor movement during lift-off but leaving the setting to default (off) or on normal will see some movement for sure.

You can have a sound (voice) play when you change various options as shown above in the top right corner, this is really helpful when you are in game to get aural feedback rather than visual feedback as the latter will definitely distract you more.

Next up is color control, from here you have a plethora of color choices guaranteed to suit any preference. The lighting effect is quite intense and very vibrant. There are three light effects to choose from, you could have the lights stay on or turn them off altogether or you have a breathing (fade on and off) mode.

A new addition to the ROCCAT KONE utility is the R.A.D tab, which stands for ROCCAT Achievements Display. Pretty much self explanatory this one, the utility tracks your usage and awards you godlike abilities virtual achievement trophies and also gives some stats on your usage. It's a bit of a gimmick but interesting all the same.

As was the case with the ROCCAT KONE[+] and KONE XTD, after applying any changed settings there is a ~28 seconds wait from clicking apply to the changes actually taking place on the mouse. While 28 seconds might not seem like a long time, imagine you are experimenting with colors, these 28 seconds each time can soon mount up. Changing settings, configuring buttons or trying different color combinations can become a time consuming and laborious task.

Note from ROCCAT regarding malware/antivirus scanners

This issue (above) has to do with the malware scanner/software on the particular PC. The software scans the driver and that's what makes it slow. If users contact ROCCAT support with this issue, they are given this answer:

When the driver is taking very long to open or to accept changes then please make sure to create an exception rule for it in your anti-virus program. In case you use Microsoft Forefront please also follow this process:

1. Settings -> Excluded files and locations
2. Write into locations: C:\Program Files\ROCCAT
3. Click on "add"
4. Save changes

ROCCAT Hiro 3D Supremacy Surface Gaming Mousepad

ROCCAT also sent along a HIRO - 3D Supremacy Surface Gaming Mousepad (model# ROC-13-410) for testing. The MSRP for the HIRO 3D Supremacy Gaming Surface on the ROCCAT website is €49.99, this is a lot of money for a surface on which to move your mouse around, so it had better be good.

The box is very informative as one would expect and there is a little cut-out in the bottom left corner so you won't need to rip it open to see what it looks or feels like. In the bottom right corner there is a claim of "Field tested for gaming mice with resolutions of up to 16800 DPI", yet none of the gaming mice listed on the ROCCAT website to have been tested with the HIRO have a sensor anywhere close to that sensitivity. From what little research I have conducted, 8200 DPI is currently the highest sensitivity sensor available right now.

The ROCCAT HIRO gaming surface is not too much bigger than an A4 sheet of paper, but is more than big enough for the current generation of high sensitivity gaming mice. It is quite heavy as mouse mats go but this adds to stability in the heat of the moment. From this distance the ROCCAT HIRO looks just like any other mouse mat but the detail is only obvious when you look closer. The ROCCAT HIRO has a vulcanized silicon treated surface to make your mouse glide easier and to also be water resistant, which is useful for when (not if) you spill something on it and it ultimately needs cleaning.

Thee reverse of the ROCCAT HIRO 3D Gaming Surface is made from non-slip shock absorbing rubber, designed to keep it stable in the heat of the moment. Despite this construction I still get a little bit of movement on my laminated wood desk top, not enough to be a problem but I do definitely find the HIRO migrating a little during normal use.

A nice macro shot here to emphasize the level of detail of the ROCCAT HIRO 3D Gaming Surface, it has a similar look and feel to denim. One thing is for sure though is that the HIRO feels very rugged and durable.

Another feature of the ROCCAT HIRO 3D Gaming surface that ROCCAT advertise is the "power bonded construction" which, as seen above, gives nicely rounded corners and edges that won't fray.

Before I received the ROCCAT HIRO 3D Supremacy Surface Gaming Mousepad I have never seen the point of using a mouse mat, and haven't used one in all my 12 years of PC gaming. Ultimately, I still think mouse mats are a bit of a marketing gimmick, mouse mats were almost essential for ball mice but the advent of optical sensors did away with the need for them. Unless you are trying to game on a slab of concrete I really don't see the need for one. There may be benefits for ultra competitive professional gamers but it must be marginal at best, average Joe gamer will do just fine without one

Testing & Results

Testing Methodology

Testing an input device is simple, all one needs to do is use it, unfortunately there are no quantitative benchmarks to run, no numbers to compare, and no software used that can test the quality of the hardware. Testing an input device like the Roccat KONE Pure Core Performance Gaming Mouse is going to be based around personal opinion and preference. In this section I will present my unbiased opinion with regards to the use and operation of the Roccat KONE Pure and report back any improvement benefiting directly by its use in various games and programs listed below. Your mileage may vary slightly and as such this should be taken as a guide only.

Test Software

• Adobe Photoshop CS5
• Firefox and Internet Explorer web browsers
• Microsoft Office applications
• Call of Duty: Black Ops (mainly zombies)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Battlefield: 3
• Need for Speed: World
• GTA IV
• Just Cause 2

Results

Using the Roccat KONE Pure on its highest sensitivity (8200 DPI) for the first time was like starting all over again, the cursor just ran away from me as I fumbled around trying to find it on the screen. Suffice to say there is a definite adjustment period for getting used to this sensitivity, and I think that it will only really serve as an added edge in professional /competitive gaming where every little advantage will count. I think that the KONE Pure was just about the right size and weight to suit my preference and I didn't miss the extra weight feature available with the KONE XTD.

In the button configurations there is a function called EasyAim, what this does is allows you to assign a different DPI setting to a mouse button that is only active while you hold the selected button down. In my case I used my lowest setting of 800dpi assigned to the EasyAim button, this is really effective for sniping or vehicle control and also really useful for precise movements during image editing in Photoshop.

As games these days get more complex and require more keys assigned to important tasks, along with having external programs such as Teamspeak etc. running, it is essential to have many commands at your finger tips. It is hard to give a mouse more buttons while at the same time keeping it easy to use but I think ROCCAT may have cracked it with their EasyShift[+] feature. What EasyShift[+] does is it allows you to assign two commands to a single key, with the EasyShift[+] key acting as the modifier.

This feature is expanded further with ROCCAT Talk, a communication protocol between compatible ROCCAT devices. Using ROCCAT Talk allows you to assign the EasyShift[+] and EasyAim keys to either device, the benefit inherent here is that you will have more control of the mouse and/or keyboard in many different situations. The limit is your imagination, pressing the side buttons of a mouse in the heat of action to modify a function isn't the easiest thing to do but controlling two peripherals has become second nature to us now. The benefit also works the other way round. While holding the EasyShift[+] button of the mouse you can change certain keys on your compatible keyboard to perform another task without contorting your fingers. The 4D mouse wheel is another great feature and uses no extra room whatsoever, it takes a little getting used to but is a great addition that should become a standard

ROCCAT KONE Pure Final Thoughts

For me, the ROCCAT KONE Pure is a really good addition to the KONE line-up, it's a smaller simplified version of the KONE[+] and just as powerful as the KONE XTD. ROCCAT have done away with some of the unnecessary bells and whistles and made a more refined tool of gaming, I think that the KONE Pure will be the serious gamers choice as it has the right balance of looks and features. One problem I have observed while testing all of the KONE mice was with the waiting period between making changes in the software and them being applied to the mouse. As I stated earlier it takes approximately 28 seconds between clicking apply for the settings to be active on the mouse. In an age where my computer can boot up in less time I expect such relatively small changes to be more instantaneous. Once you are happy with your load out this will of course become a non issue, but if like me you have only just got the mouse and you want to experiment with settings these 28 second periods feel like they are taking an age and will soon mount up.

There are some great features inherent to the KONE line-up that really make this series stand out. They are EasyShift[+], EasyAim and Roccat Talk. Used in conjunction these features really will take your game to another level. As with all gaming peripherals you won't get immediate improvements, to think such a thing is silly. Over time, as you learn to use the KONE Pure properly, you will really start to appreciate what it can do. Pair the KONE Pure mouse with the ISKU keyboard and you can enjoy the benefits inherent to Roccat Talk, both of these devices have EasyShift[+] buttons and you can assign these buttons to either device and they will communicate seamlessly. EasyAim can also be assigned to a button on the keyboard so you will have more precise control with your mouse hand.

ROCCAT KONE Pure Conclusion

In this section I am going to write a brief five point summary on the following categories; Performance, Appearance, Construction, Functionality and Value. These views are my own and help me to give the Roccat KONE Pure - Core Performance Gaming Mouse a rating out of 10, a high score does not necessarily mean that it is better than a similar mouse which has been reviewed by another writer here at Benchmark Reviews, which may have received a lower score. It is however a good indicator of whether the KONE Pure is good or not. I would strongly urge you to read the entire review, if you have not already, so that you can make an educated decision for yourself.

The Roccat KONE Pure performs extremely well in all tasks, the 8200 dpi R3 laser sensor really takes it to another level in FPS games, but takes a bit of getting used to. It's quite amusing to watch a noobie family member trying to use my PC at this level when they are used to the basic 800dpi of a normal mouse. The software utility is very intuitive and gives a lot of options for customizing the KONE XTD

I'm very impressed with the appearance of the KONE Pure, it can normally a touchy subject but the KONE Pure just looks the part. The KONE XTD and [+] models both had the light strips down both sides where the Pure just has the light up logo at the rear, Thee KONE Pure is much more subtle and doesn't try to cater for everyone, it just works. You can choose a pre defined color for the logo or you can choose a custom color of your choice.

The construction of the KONE Pure is of exceptional quality. There is no doubt in my head that this mouse will last a long time and it can take a bit of a beating along the way and remain in good order. The materials used are of high quality which is expected in a gaming mouse of this level. It is about the right weight for my preference and fits very comfortably into my hand, I couldn't really ask for any more than that.

Functionality is top notch, EasyShift, EasyAim and Roccat Talk really set this mouse out from the rest, the issue of the waiting time when changing settings is almost moot next to these. It used to be the case that DPI was the only highlight of a gaming mouse, it does play a massive part but it is not a deal breaker. The KONE Pure does not disappoint with its 8200 DPI R3 laser sensor, it takes some time to get used to but when you have got to grips with it you will love every minute of gameplay.

As of January 2013, the Roccat KONE Pure Core Performance Gaming Mouse is available for $69.99 (Newegg / Amazon), although Amazon's pre-release price is over $100, so wait until it is officially released to grab a great bargain. Not everyone can afford to throw $60 at a gaming mouse and I understand that but consider that the KONE Pure has features that not all other mice have. For that reason Roccat could have easily charged more (like others often do) but they played it just right I think.

The Roccat KONE Pure is a great all around mouse. If you are an FPS gamer then you will really appreciate the 8200 dpi R3 laser sensor and the EasyAim function. MMO and RTS gamers will really appreciate the EasyShift[+] and Roccat talk capabilities that will surely increase your APM to all new level. ROCCAT did away with unnecessary features to bring you a powerful yet inexpensive gaming mouse. Unfortunately they left out one of the more important features inherent to the KONE line-up - the 4D scroll wheel that I had become so accustomed to, such a shame.

Pros:

+ 8200 dpi Pro-Aim R3 Laser Sensor
+ EasyShift[+] and EasyAim are game changers
+ Roccat Talk compatible
+ 17 Mouse functions thanks to EasyShift[+]
+ 7 programmable buttons + scroll wheel
+ Tracking and Distance Control Unit
+ Low friction mouse feet really work well
+ Excellent build quality
+ Omron switches for long life and durability
+ Sleek design

Cons:

- Drivers not included - Must be downloaded from Roccat website
- Macro creation is over complicated
- No 4D scroll wheel

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.50
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 9.00
• Functionality: 8.75
• Value: 9.50

Final Score: 9.20 out of 10.

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

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