Kone XP
I’ve been a longtime fan of Roccat’s line of Kone PC gaming mice. Not since the initial launch in 2007, mind you, but more recently with tested winners like the Kone Pro. Naturally, I was very interested in the newest entry — the refreshed and redesigned Kone XP.
The new wired mouse contains an Owl-Eye 19K DPI optical sensor, Titan Optical Switches and NVIDIA Reflex support (for low latency). The mouse retails for $89.99, placing it in more of the mid-tier category as far as barrier of entry goes.
Most notably, the Kone XP boasts 3D lighting and a 4D Krystal scroll wheel. 3D and 4D in one gaming peripheral? The 5D jump can’t be far behind.
Technically a successor to the Kone AIMO Remastered, the Kone XP’s initial unboxed ‘wow’ factor is the aforementioned RGB goodness. It’s got a whopping 19 LEDs situated within the ergonomic translucent shell, and they’re stylishly diffused with sleek 3D ridged light guides. Looking into the mouse housing communicates a sort of Tron vibe, like you’re peering into a miniature neon futuristic race track.
The colors are, of course, fully programmable through Roccat’s admittedly aging Swarm software. In other words, you’ve got plenty of aesthetics to choose from and tweak to your heart’s content. I’m partial to the Photon FX, which mimics the pulsing energy of a laser gun.
Kone XP
Also fully programmable within Swarm are the 15 total physical buttons. It really goes without saying: That’s a whole lot of buttons for a gaming mouse, and it might be the most I’ve personally had access to.
You’ve got your two basic up-front mouse clickers, two separate DPI adjustments (yes!), a rubbery profile cycle button and a conveniently sandwiched T1 through T4 for quick side presses. Lastly, there’s the touted 4D wheel, which can be scrolled, plus clicked in, clicked left and clicked right. Hence the four dimensions.
Furthermore, that total button number practically doubles in functionality when you include the brilliant Easy-Shift [+] toggle that sits underneath your thumb. If you press this elongated input, the RGB on the mouse changes to indicate that you’re in a secondary mode, and now every button can instantly perform an extra function.
Through Swarm, you can assign all kinds of interesting tasks to the Kone XP’s keys. Want an OS shortcut for putting your PC to sleep? Map it to one of the T buttons. Need a quick way to open a new Chrome tab? Paste it to the right click for the 4D scroll wheel. There’s even a whole list of pre-programmed macros available to assign functions for popular games like Apex Legends, Fortnite and World of Warcraft.
BioShock 2 is in there as well, which I found to be both funny and endearing. Are there still people playing competitive online BioShock 2? If there are, then that’s amazing. Keep on keeping on, you beautiful retro gamers.
Kone XP
With its heat-treated PTFE guides (you get extras in the box) and free-feeling Phantom Flex braided USB cable, the Kone XP feels great to use. Clicks are crisp and buttons are satisfying to press, especially the like-butter scroll wheel and mushy profile switcher.
Movement is smooth and precise, though at 104g, it’s a bit heavier than the 66g Kone Pro that I’m used to. I tend to gravitate toward lighter gaming mouses in general, but the Kone XP is just heavy enough to feel solid rather than burdensome.
The price feels just about right as well. For $90, you’re getting a feature-packed mouse with some of the best RGB lighting I’ve seen in this category. The Easy-Shift [+] button virtually makes it worth the investment alone, because with the right dialing in, you can give yourself a serious edge in online competitive shooters.
Would that technically be a 3D edge? Or maybe a 4D advantage? These are the big questions.
Disclosure: Roccat provided review product for coverage purposes.
