Turtle Beach Kone II Review: A Comfortable Gaming Mouse for Large Hands
The Turtle Beach Kone II is a gaming mouse that caters to those who prioritize comfort, especially gamers with medium to large hands. Packed with Titan Optical switches from the dissolved Roccat brand, this mouse offers a unique blend of customization and comfort. However, its sensor might not satisfy the needs of top-tier competitive players. Let’s dive into the pros and cons to see if this mouse is the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Wide fit and feel with snappy, responsive switches
- Easy-Shift button adds welcome customizability
- Good feature set for the price
Cons:
- Sensor accuracy issues at ultra-low speeds
Key Features
Large Profile for Bigger Hands
The Turtle Beach Kone II is designed with a large profile, making it ideal for gamers with bigger hands or those who prefer a relaxed grip. Despite its size, it manages to maintain comfort for medium-sized hands as well.
Generous Button Allowance
The mouse comes with seven customizable buttons, including a left and right tilting scroll wheel, optical main clickers, and an Easy-Shift key that allows for deeper customization.
PhantomFlex Cable
The PhantomFlex technology incorporated into the braided USB-A cable reduces the chance of snags and drags, ensuring smooth movements during gameplay.
Design
Built for Comfort
The Turtle Beach Kone II is built for medium to large hands, with a wide body that’s easy to wrap your hand around. The mouse features an Easy-Shift button at the base of the thumb rest, allowing you to customize additional functions for the buttons. The 4D scroll wheel offers left and right tilting, adding more versatility.
Aesthetic Appeal
The design of the Kone II feels like a throwback to Roccat’s early years, with a bulkier, more industrial look. It’s available in black or white, and its RGB lighting gives it a modern touch. However, its wide fit might be a bit too aggressive for users who are more accustomed to lightweight gaming mice.
Button Layout
The thumb space between the three buttons is just wide enough for an average-sized thumb, but larger hands might experience accidental presses. The RGB strips on the top are symmetrically placed, and the primary buttons offer a satisfying click with good travel.
Performance
26k DPI Owl-Eye Sensor
The Owl-Eye sensor in the Turtle Beach Kone II offers up to 26,000 DPI, but it struggles at ultra-low speeds. While the sensor performs well during general use and average-speed movements, it loses accuracy when making tiny, precise movements—something that may impact high-level competitive gamers.
Smooth Gliding
With extra-wide rubber gliders underfoot, the Kone II offers smooth travel across your mousepad. However, make sure to remove the protective film before use to experience the full benefit of its glide.
Snappy Switches
The TITAN optical switches provide a satisfying click with good travel, and the side buttons are easy to press with minimal pressure. However, their position might invite accidental presses, especially for users with larger hands.
Software and Lighting
SWARM II Software
The SWARM II software used to configure the Kone II is functional but could use a redesign. While the settings menu allows for DPI adjustments, polling rate changes, and angle snapping, the interface feels cluttered and unintuitive at times.
RGB Lighting
The RGB lighting on the Kone II is large and visible, with customizable options available through the software. You can also reassign buttons and create macros, making this mouse a versatile tool for both gaming and productivity.
Final Thoughts
The Turtle Beach Kone II is a great option for gamers with larger hands who value comfort over speed. While its Owl-Eye sensor may not be the best for ultra-competitive gaming, its TITAN optical switches, customizable buttons, and wide fit make it a solid choice for casual gamers or those who prioritize comfort.
However, if you're looking for a mouse with flawless sensor accuracy, you might want to consider alternatives like the Razer Basilisk or the Logitech G502. For a more budget-friendly option, the Keychron M6 is also a good pick.
FAQs
Can the cable on the Turtle Beach Kone II be removed?
No, the cable is attached to the mouse.
Is the Turtle Beach Kone II ambidextrous?
No, the Turtle Beach Kone II is designed for right-hand use only.
Full Specifications
Manufacturer | Turtle Beach |
---|---|
Cable Length | 1.8 MM |
DPI Range | 50 – 26,000 |
Number of Buttons | 7 |
Connectivity | USB-A |
Weight | 90 G |
Release Date | 2024 |
Model Number | MAAB0008 |
Size | 43.6 x 82.6 x 130.2 inches |
UK RRP | £60 |
For those seeking comfort in a gaming mouse without needing top-tier sensor performance, the Turtle Beach Kone II is a solid option. However, for competitive players, there are better alternatives available at similar price points.