Roccat Kone XTD Pro Reviews

This is one of the few mouse products that has completely dominated our scoring categories, besides the previous iteration of the Kone+. Performance was amazing due to the fact that there was zero discrepancies in sensitivity between applications and DirectX games. This type of performance is partially attributed to the superior self-calibrating tracking distance and control unit. Listing at approximately $90, it is a slightly higher priced peripheral, but one is getting a lot of bleeding-edge features not found elsewhere, especially the dazzling cyclic color spectrum show (which really makes this product unique). So what is the main differences between the XTD and the Kone+? Three things: an improved laser sensor capable of maxing out at a whopping 8200 dpi, a quality braided cord, and slight driver differences. The build quality is still top-notch, with a heavier feel and all parts of the hand and fingers are supported; excellent for an ergonomic fit.

The ROCCAT Kone XTD is a somewhat high priced gaming mouse, but it is quite the versatile gaming mouse while utilizing ROCCAT's Easy-Shift[+] Technology, to assign just about any button to do whatever function you desire. The ROCCAT Sense mousepad is a great accessory to your new toy.

Roccat refines its range-topping mouse, but the high price holds it back

Although the Roccat Kone XTD ($89.99) is an update of the Roccat Kone[+] Gaming Mouse, the differences between the two are so few and incremental that they can be fraternal twins. With the exception of its more precise 8,200dpi laser sensor and a scroll wheel that can tilt from side to side, the Kone XTD shares an identical feature set with the Roccat Kone[+], and the end result is once again a comfortable, highly customizable gaming mouse loaded with functionality. If you’ve already got the Kone[+], you should stick with that. But if you’re choosing between the two, the Kone XTD is well worth the extra $10.

Although the Roccat Kone XTD ($89.99) is an update of the Roccat Kone[+] Gaming Mouse, the differences between the two are so few and incremental that they can be fraternal twins. With the exception of its more precise 8,200dpi laser sensor and a scroll wheel that can tilt from side to side, the Kone XTD shares an identical feature set with the Roccat Kone[+], and the end result is once again a comfortable, highly customizable gaming mouse loaded with functionality. If you've already got the Kone[+], you should stick with that. But if you're choosing between the two, the Kone XTD is well worth the extra $10.

Though the Kone Pure and Kone XTD are generally excellent little hand rodents, they both offer more features and customisation than most people will ever need from a mouse, and are therefore already niche products. Sadly for the XTD, its upgraded buttons and sensor address problems that were never there to begin with in the Kone+, and as such it utterly fails to justify its £15 price premium over the older model. On the other hand, the Pure is priced closely to the Kone+, and offers almost identical features. While it's still expensive, then, it offers a viable alternative for the small collection of wealthy people who feel they need a mouse with such a high degree of functionality, but who prefer its smaller form over the Kone+ and Kone XTD.

The Roccat KONE XTD is a great all around mouse. If you are an FPS gamer then you will really appreciate the 8200dpi R3 laser sensor and the EasyAim function, but all the extra buttons may well be wasted on you. MMO and RTS gamers will really appreciate the EasyShift[+] and Roccat talk capabilities that will surely increase your APM to all new level.