ROCCAT is a brand that has consistently shown ambition and innovation in manufacturing gaming gear. They have produced some impressive products aimed at gamers throughout the years. In particular, their budget and mid-range gaming mice offerings have been noteworthy. The ROCCAT Burst Core and the Burst Pro Air are excellent additions to their lineup.
These mice provide gamers with a comfortable and ergonomic design and deliver exceptional performance. Players can expect a seamless and immersive gaming experience with their precise tracking and customizable features. ROCCAT continues to prove itself as a reliable and reputable brand in the gaming industry, consistently producing gear that meets the demands and expectations of gamers worldwide.
The mouse I am referring to this time is unlike any other in appearance. ROCCAT has boldly deviated from modesty and has taken on the big players in the market. Not only have they priced their product competitively, but they have also loaded it with an impressive array of features. ROCCAT has yet to hold back in its pursuit to deliver a top-notch mouse that can rival the best in the industry.
The ROCCAT Kone XP Air is a gaming mouse that aims to challenge the dominance of Logitech and Razer in the market. With the G502 series from Logitech and the Basilisk series from Razer being highly popular among gamers, ROCCAT has its work cut out for them. This review dives deep into the features and performance of the Kone XP Air to determine whether it can truly compete with its well-established competitors. By examining its design, functionality, and overall user experience, we will explore whether ROCCAT has succeeded in creating a gaming mouse that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the industry.
The ROCCAT Kone XP Air is known for its impressive features and advanced technology, but it comes with a hefty price tag. If you choose to purchase it directly from ROCCAT's website, you will have to shell out a whopping $219.99. However, savvy shoppers may be able to find a better deal on Amazon, where occasional discounts or promotions can bring down the price. While it may still be considered an investment, those who are able to snag a deal on this high-end gaming mouse will surely be rewarded with its exceptional performance and innovative design.
When you open the package of the ROCCAT Kone XP Air mouse, you will find a range of accessories and documentation. Alongside the mouse itself, there is a USB receiver, a charging dock, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable and user documentation.
The key specifications of the mouse include its size, weight, sensor, DPI, polling rate, switches, RGB lighting, and software compatibility. Measuring at 126 x 72 x 40mm and weighing 99g, the Kone XP Air is not a lightweight mouse. It utilizes the ROCCAT Owl-Eye 19K Optical sensor, offering a DPI of 19000 and a polling rate of 1000Hz. The mouse also features Titan Optical switches and customizable RGB lighting. However, its weight may be a drawback for those who prefer more compact and lightweight mice.
Unveiling the Kone XP Air Design
ROCCAT has designed a couple of really good mice over the years, but they’ve also made some questionable design choices. The Kone Pro Air, for instance, got mixed reviews, and that was due in part to the design of the mouse.
Generally, I would say that the design of the Kone XP Air is an improvement on the Kone Pro. It’s not perfect, but it has a few good things going for it.
ROCCAT, a renowned gaming peripheral manufacturer, has had a track record of creating impressive mice, although they have made some debatable design decisions along the way. One notable example is the Kone Pro Air, which received mixed reviews primarily due to its design. However, the design of the Kone XP Air represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. While it may not be flawless, this mouse does possess several commendable features that enhance its overall appeal.
Ergonomics and Grip Compatibility
The Kone XP Air shares a striking resemblance to the Kone Pro in terms of its shape, albeit being slightly larger. Notably, the left side of the mouse features well-designed curves that provide ample support for the thumb when using a palm grip. This ergonomic feature allows the mouse to fit comfortably and securely in the hand, enhancing overall user experience. The familiar design is not surprising, as ROCCAT has consistently demonstrated a preference for crafting mice specifically tailored for palm grips.
While the shape of the mouse may not be suitable for certain grips, such as the claw grip, it does not necessarily make the mouse uncomfortable for those users either. The curves on the side of the mouse may not provide any significant benefits for individuals who utilize a claw grip, but it does not hinder their overall comfort while using the mouse. Therefore, while the shape may not cater specifically to every grip type, it does not diminish the overall comfort and functionality of the mouse.
The Kone XP Air offers an additional side button that can be customized to perform specific in-game controls. Personally, I found it useful to bind this button to pinging enemies in Apex. What makes it even better is that triggering this button is incredibly easy – a simple movement of the thumb downwards. In terms of weight, the Kone XP Air is comparable to the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed. It is worth noting that the Lightspeed is considered the lightest mouse among the new G502 wireless models, which provides valuable context when considering the weight of the Kone XP.
ROCCAT Kone XP Air Aesthetic Appeal
The coating on the mouse is reminiscent of the soft matte finish found on the Kone Pro Air, providing a smooth and comfortable feel. However, it does have its downside as it tends to get sticky and easily attracts dirt. The mouse is available in two colors, black and white, with ROCCAT offering a translucent covering option that gives it a subtle, soft glow when paired with the RGB lights. This effect is particularly noticeable with the white variant, adding an aesthetic touch to the overall design.
When it comes to RGB lighting, I had high expectations for this product based on what I had heard. However, I was disappointed to find that the RGB on this mouse is not as impressive as advertised. While it does have some flashy features, such as bright colors on the scroll wheel and the base of the mouse, as well as customization options, it falls short in comparison to other mice I have tested in terms of its RGB capabilities. It does have the ability to sync with other ROCCAT-branded gear, which is a nice touch, but overall, it is not anything special in the world of fancy RGB-lit mice.
The ROCCAT mouse stands out with its unique feature of etched lines on its sides, intended to enhance grip. This is a common characteristic of ROCCAT mice, as they often incorporate some form of patterned design on the sides. These etched lines not only serve a functional purpose but also add a touch of aesthetic appeal to the overall design. ROCCAT's attention to detail in their mouse design sets them apart, ensuring that users have a secure hold and a visually pleasing experience while gaming or working.
I have to admit, these lines are incredibly distracting for me. Whenever I play games, my fingers have a tendency to move around a lot, causing them to constantly rub up against the lines. It's incredibly annoying and disrupts my playing experience. Not only that, but the grooves between these lines also serve as a hiding spot for dirt and gamer gunk. This makes it difficult to keep my gaming setup clean and hygienic. To be honest, I can't really say that these lines are a good addition at all.
The ROCCAT Kone XP Air boasts exceptional gliding capabilities on mousepads, effortlessly gliding across them with ease. However, when used on a desk or other similar surfaces, users may notice a slight scratching sound. Despite this, the mouse still maintains a smooth gliding experience, and the scratching sound is relatively minor and not a major issue.
Button Precision and Functionality
ROCCAT has incorporated the Titan Optic switches into several of their mouse models, boasting a remarkable durability of 100 million clicks. As optical switches are renowned for their consistent performance, one would naturally anticipate the same level of quality with the Kone XP Air mouse. Unfortunately, this is not the case in practice. The primary buttons of the Kone XP Air mouse feel excessively mushy, likely due to constant friction against the shell. Additionally, these buttons exhibit a noticeable amount of post-travel, continuing to move even after the switch has been triggered.
If you are someone who tends to squeeze the mouse when you click, you may come across a problem where you find yourself continuously pressing down as there is no immediate stopping point. It is important to note that this issue is somewhat minimized if you press the buttons from further up the mouse. However, it is not ideal and you will still experience this problem unless you have exceptionally small hands.
The extra side buttons that were mentioned earlier are a great addition to the mouse. These buttons include some DPI cycle buttons located next to the mouse one button, resembling the ones found on the G502 model but in a smaller size. These buttons are not only useful but also practical, allowing users to easily switch between different DPI settings on the mouse. What's even more impressive is that these extra buttons are of better quality than the main buttons on the mouse. This ensures a smooth and responsive experience when using the mouse and adds to the overall satisfaction of the user.
ROCCAT's approach to button placement is rather perplexing. The buttons that are meant to be used most frequently are oddly positioned and not as responsive as one would expect. On the other hand, the extra buttons, which are not utilized as often, are surprisingly well-built. It seems that ROCCAT has misplaced its priorities in this regard. Moreover, the Titan switches used in their mice are lagging far behind the advancements seen in the industry, and it is high time ROCCAT explores alternative options.
Moving on to the scroll wheel, a crucial feature in mice like the Basilisk and G502, ROCCAT's implementation falls short. Unlike the unlockable scroll wheels found in other models, ROCCAT offers the “4D Krystal wheel,” which is not as versatile or user-friendly. Overall, ROCCAT needs to reevaluate its design choices and focus on providing a more seamless and intuitive user experience.
While this feature boasts a wide range of possible functions, my experience with it has demonstrated that quality is far more important than quantity. The scroll wheel, in particular, was a complete disaster. It was so chaotic and dysfunctional that I actually began to question whether mine was faulty. This serves as a reminder that having numerous options means little if they do not work effectively or efficiently. It is crucial to prioritize the reliability and functionality of a feature rather than simply focusing on the number of functions it offers.
When I press the wheel down to trigger the mouse3 switch, I am often frustrated by the fact that it clicks again and then stops working altogether. This flaw in the mouse's design is not only annoying but also disruptive to my work. Furthermore, I find that the tilt-shift scrolling feature is far too sensitive compared to other mice like the Basilisk and the G502. It is easy to accidentally activate this feature, causing unnecessary scrolling and distraction. Overall, using this mouse feels chaotic and unproductive, as it seems like there is too much happening at once without any tangible progress being made.
Performance Assessment
The Owl Eye optical sensor, specifically the 3370 from ROCCAT, is a reliable sensor that sits comfortably in the mid-range of gaming mice sensors. Known for its energy efficiency and excellent performance, it ensures a smooth gaming experience with minimal input lag thanks to its low wireless latency. However, despite these impressive features, using the ROCCAT Kone XP Air for gaming proved to be a dreadful experience.
During my reviews, I typically put gaming mice through various types of games, encompassing genres like FPS, MOBA, and ARPG. It is rare to find a gaming mouse that struggles to perform well in all these categories, but the Kone XP Air managed to disappoint effortlessly. The mushy switches were incredibly difficult to adapt to, hindering my gaming experience. Additionally, the lines on the sides of the mouse proved to be a constant obstruction, further detracting from its overall functionality.
While there are some redeeming features to the mouse, such as its decent feet, pleasing RGB lighting, comfortable shape, and satisfactory wireless performance, it also comes with a charging dock for those who appreciate that technology. However, I fail to comprehend why anyone would prefer a charging method that hinders the use of the mouse. USB-C cables offer swift charging capabilities and allow for simultaneous mouse usage, making it the obvious choice in my opinion.
Software Reliability and Battery Performance
During my review of the ROCCAT Kone XP Air, I encountered a rather absurd situation that involved both the hardware and software aspects of the mouse. Without any prior warning signs, the mouse suddenly stopped functioning. In an attempt to troubleshoot the issue, I launched the “SWARM” software and proceeded to update all necessary components. Surprisingly, the software initially indicated that the mouse only had a mere 3% of charge left, which seemed to explain its sudden demise.
However, once the software finished loading, it displayed that the mouse had a full charge. Just moments later, the mouse went dead again. This time, upon reopening the software, I discovered that certain settings that had previously been configured were now missing. This perplexing experience left me questioning the reliability and consistency of the ROCCAT Kone XP Air.
Unfortunately, my experience with the SWARM software was anything but enjoyable. It is difficult to determine whether the problems I encountered were due to software bugs, issues with the battery, or a combination of both. As a result, I would approach both aspects with caution. ROCCAT boasted a remarkable 100 hours of battery life on a full charge, with just 10 minutes of charging providing an impressive 5 hours of battery life. However, my personal encounter with the software and battery life fell far short of these advertised claims.
When it comes to assessing the longevity of a mouse, various factors come into play. The use of RGB lighting, polling rates, and other customization options significantly impact the overall durability. Therefore, it is crucial to take the claim of a 100-hour lifespan with a certain degree of skepticism. Personal experiences can vary greatly, and one individual's usage may differ from another's. It is advisable to consider multiple factors and user reviews before making a final judgment on a mouse's durability.
Verdict
The ROCCAT Kone XP Air certainly has its merits. Its captivating RGB lighting and bundled accessories appeal to those who value aesthetics and extras in their gaming gear. Moreover, its competitive price point can be enticing for budget-conscious gamers.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that its performance may need to align with its price tag, making it less suitable for users seeking top-tier gaming experiences. If you prioritize performance over flashy features, you might want to explore other options in the market.
While we initially thought ROCCAT could challenge the likes of the Basilisk and G502, it's clear that these well-established models continue to dominate the competition.
