Closer Look: Roccat KONE[+]

Let's have a good look at the Roccat KONE[+] to see what sets it apart from the rest.

The KONE[+] box front is quick to boast about the most important features of this mouse and provides a nice window to showcase the unit itself. The flipside of the box goes into more detail about these features, you would not be short of information if you were to pick it up on a store shelf and you would quickly be able to make an informed decision.

This shot of the KONE[+] shows all of its buttons, while it looks minimal compared to offerings by other manufacturers you actually have 22 mouse functions thanks to Roccat's Easyshift[+] feature and 4D mouse wheel. Not counting scroll and tilt there are eight clickable mouse buttons; Left click, Right click, Wheel click, + button, - button, < button, > button and Ξ button. All of the buttons on the KONE[+] 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[+] can be the modifier for the ISKU keyboard and itself.

The KONE[+] has quite 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[+] feels really comfortable in the hand whatever the grip style I tried.

It is quite obvious that the KONE[+] is designed for right handed people but those of you out there that tackle tasks primarily with your left hand would only lose the function of the two side buttons, this is a compromise but it means you don't have to overlook this mouse altogether. The KONE[+] is quite a large mouse measuring approximately 13cm x 7.5cm at its longest and widest points respectively. This coupled with the high arch profile makes it quite a handful, suited to the larger hand although my 6 and 8 year old sons don't seem to have any problems using it.

Flip the KONE[+] over and you have access to the weight adjustment system, simply rotate the disk to unlock it which allows you to populate it with up to four 5g weights (shown below). Also shown here is the layout of the low friction mouse feet, the entire heel is one big U shape of low friction material and two smaller pieces are used at the front corners. 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 weights for the KONE[+] mouse come in their own little 'weightbox' and there are four 5g weights altogether. I know 20g doesn't seem like a lot, but the KONE[+] is quite a light mouse to begin with which heightens the perception of sensitivity, so the extra weight is welcomed.

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