| Roccat Kova[+] Optical USB Gaming Mouse |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices | |
| Written by Joey Peng | |
| Tuesday, 29 November 2011 | |
|
Page 6 of 6
Gaming Mouse Final ThoughtsFor the price, the Roccat Kova[+] delivers functionality like no other. Under its slick design, The Kova[+] is light, efficient and packed with features. For most gaming mice out there, I deem most auxiliary buttons useless. Not only does it hinder performance as you reach for buttons, but also because macros on the keyboard are much easier. As of today there really isn't a game that requires the use of both keyboard and mouse macros. However this applies less to the Roccat Kova[+]. The goal for mouse macros isn't to replace keyboard functionality, but to solve new scenarios that have not yet been covered by existing products. The tight integration with current lineup of games, and features such as the 1-button timer, meet gamers' needs in ways that other products simply have not accounted for. In this respect, the programmable buttons become a real usable feature and not just a paper-feature used for marketing.
Roccat KOVA[+] ConclusionThe Roccat Kova[+] is a great light-weight mouse packed full of functionality. In terms of comfort and tactile feedback, it may not be the best in the price range, but it certainly holds up its end of the bargain in terms of performance. While optical sensors may be inferior to laser in certain conditions and surfaces, in general a 3200DPI optical sensor is accurate enough to work on most surfaces and performance is the equivalent of a laser mouse. However I strongly encourage a mouse pad to be paired with the Kova[+] as glass and other surfaces may cause skipping, or the tracking may simply not work. Roccat is a company that uses lighting extensively, and they put a lot of thought into their designs. Inspired by the Lamborghini Reventon, the Kova[+] has a slick outer shell lighting system. They pay great attention to details too, designing an eye-catching mouse from head to toe (even the USB cable features a similar design). The only company that can compare is Razer, as both go for the extravagant eye-candy design. Partially because of its light weight, the Roccat Kova[+] at times feels a little cheap. The construction is solid, though I do wish they designed the Teflon feet better. Over 3 weeks of testing, it has accumulated a lot of dust and is difficult to clean. The rubberized surfaces, which span about 50% of the surface area, help define the value and power of the Kova[+]. Overall the buttons have solid feedback and resistance and there are no noticeable flaws. In terms of functionality, the Roccat Kova[+] really shines. The Kova[+] driver features one of the most comprehensive customization and button programming UI. One of my favorite features is the "Timer button" where in 1 click you can trigger a timer that will give you voice cues as it comes to an end. This is perfect for games like League of Legends where certain creeps have spawn times based on when they were last killed. Now all of this can be accurately tracked. In addition to the "timer feature", the Kova[+] has a full macro-key manager for creating and editing advanced macro combinations, including time-based inputs. This can replace the need for having a programmable keyboard. Even without customization, the Roccat Kova[+] delivers a large amount of integration and input profiles based on 2 dozen games and about a dozen applications including Skype and Xfire. Functionality is definitely a strength of the Roccat Kova[+], as it really did pack everything a gamer would need. At $59.99 (Amazon), the Roccat Kova[+] really does stand out. It delivers a great set of features under a well-designed exterior. Competing products typically will have similar hardware specs, so it all boils down to usability, comfort, design, and customization, and the Roccat Kova[+] does superb in all of those areas. The Roccat Kova[+] may not be the best travel mouse, but for gamers with a mouse pad the Kova[+] offers great return on your money. There are quite a good number of competing products at this price level from popular companies like Razer and SteelSeries, but in terms of functionality I would find it hard for Roccat to lose. Pros: |
|
Comments
I have found that the death knell for any mouse I have used, especially light easy to move mice, is hard to press buttons. Often when a fine movement is required just pressing the button can cause the mouse to move slightly, enough to make the system not register a double-click for instance. I really like the look, and the optical sensor is interesting (almost enough for me to buy it just to try it). I really like the software and the timer function too. I prefer a fairly heavy mouse myself, but I can get used to a really good light mouse too. Pity about the buttons.
Because three feet will never wiggle, thats statics. A huge single feet could differ in attrition and start getting round or by glueing it on the plastic surface its not plane, or its just more expensive.
Well and an adjustable weight system for front and rear, who really needs that? I would say nobody.
But Roccat really needs to fix their quality. I bought the kova[+] half year ago. But already at start it was totally inaccurate, the arrow was jumping.... And that on all surfaces I tried (mousepad,wood,plast ic).
After that I bought Deathadder....
I just say that changing the weight balance between front/rear is more or less senseless. In the car the optimum is 50/50, same like in mouses, they just should put the weight in the center of your hand on the mouse. Regularly thats, like you described the tail (well not the side where the cable is, maybe a bit confusing where the tail is^^).
In a car other weight constellations can make sense, because you need more grip at the drive.
Other reasons are, that for more easy handling a understeer is prefferred, or for fun cars oversteer. But these are all effects you don't have in a mouse xD.
Well and don't forget the cable of your mouse. If I look at mine, the cable stiffness is a much bigger force, than the inertia of the front.
Well, but thats just my opinion, if someone thinks, he needs such a variable mouse I don't complain^^,. I think for companys it wouldn't be attractive. It's a small marked and cost-perfomance ratio is bad.
Where the center of gravity should be depends on how you pick the mouse up, not on inertia. If you never picked the mouse up then it wouldn't make any difference where the centre of gravity is.
When I'm in the midst of a game and I pick my mouse up to move it over and put it back down without the pointer (or whatever) moving then I don't want the front or back weighing more, but again that depends on where you grip the mouse.
Saying the balance weight system doesn't make sense is just not true.
Weightbalance in cars is like I already said something completely different, there are pros and cons in breaking, steering and safety (e.g. mid-engine car is hard to controle but fastest).
Mouse jumping is so bad that even the $10 mouse you grab from a bookstore can perform better.
Read more for more evidence: ##overclock.net/t/1022422/roccat-kova-good-mouse/10