CM Storm Recon – Hardware Review
Over the last few years gaming hardware has been evolving at a rapid pace and we tend to get bombarded with all kinds of different brands and/or models. Each brand has to try to create something specific or ‘unique’ to differ itself from the competition. Cooler Master joined the gaming accessory market not that long ago, trying to create their own style. A feat they accomplish very well, I must say. Will style alone, do it for the CM Storm Recon?
At first glance the Recon may have the shape of a normal mice that comes with pretty much any computer nowadays, however its features are immediately visible as well. The Recon has 2 extra buttons on each side, and keeping its symmetry in mind, this model is ideal for left handed gamers as well. The mousewheel is larger than on most mice and we have buttons to arrange the dpi (dots per inch) settings on the mouse itself.
‘Handling’ the Recon itself, even though its typical shape, immediately gives you the impression this mouse isn’t an ordinary model. The coating on top of the Recon feels soft and prevents you from getting too sweaty palms. The side buttons are easily accessible and the mousewheel is sturdier than on most other models. The sturdiness includes clearly feeling the ‘scrolling’, which is divided in sections for you to be able to control your moves a lot more precise. For example with shooters you don’t tend to overscroll that easily, when switching weapons.
The sensitivity of the Recon model ranges from 800 up to 4000 dpi (For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, this means it ranges from a low sensitivity up to a fairly high sensitivity setting.) A profile for the Recon always has 4 different dpi settings, which you can easily switch with the assigned buttons. The standard profile will probably be sufficient for most casual gamers, but there is a possibility to install specific software that goes with the Recon. With this software you can create several other profiles and adjust the different dpi settings to your liking. Sadly the profile settings will be computer specific and won’t be remembered when you plug it in on another computer. A small disadvantage but the availability of the software through the official website will get you started again in only a couple of minutes.
There are plenty of other things to do with the software besides simply adjusting your dpi settings. The Recon model has different LED lights on the inside, which you can adjust separately, to simply show off your nifty piece of hardware or to link specific colors to your dpi setting for you to remember the different settings you created earlier. Buttons are another feat you can easily adjust and assign other functions to, or even allow the use of macros is a possibility.
Own opinion:
Getting started with the Recon was pretty much plug and play and off I went. At first I messed around with the basic settings the device had to offer me and after a while it was amusing to try out several new profile settings. Creating different dpi profiles is a useful thing if you are like me and play lots of different genres. The downside again is the fact the mouse doesn’t save the profiles on the device itself, which can be a slightly more annoying when you have to switch pc’s from time to time.
As mentioned earlier the Recon its appearance may look quite simple, yet it’s quite easy to love. Most functions are pretty straightforward and you will get used to this piece of hardware in only a matter of minutes. The Recon and its fair retail price is one of those devices that is great for casual gamers and those who want to try out a gaming mouse that does not differ that much from a normal shaped mouse.
Note: for a full list of specs click here
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