Roccat Kone XTD Gaming Mouse Review

Advanced Control provides access to all of the actual Mouse settings you would expect in a driver and then some.  Sensitivity can be adjusted by axis.  Distance and Tracking Control (TDCU) and can be adjusted individually. The polling rate is adjustable from the default 1000 Hz.  Sound feedback can be configured or turned off. Pointer speed and acceleration are available as well.

By default the ROCCAT driver is set to TCU and Distance Control Off.  This is an odd decision that is remedied by enabling the TCU and allowing the real-time calibration to run.  In just seconds the software configures the laser tracking for your mouse surface.  I found the mouse works on my major surfaces pretty well right out of the box but the added calibration should allow for individual mousing surfaces and preferences.

Things get really fun once you start playing with the Color Control tab.  The two Color Pipes can be programmed by changing the behavior of the onboard LED lighting system.  The XTD uses a precise control over these colors to expand the color pallet by varying the intensity of each LED.  This same control allows you to adjust the light effect and the color flow effect.  Of course you can simply turn things off if you find the light distracting globally or by profile.

New to the XTD is the R.A.D. tab or ROCCAT Achievement Tab.  This tab tracks an array of statistics about your mouse usage and includes Trophy Achievements you can earn.  Soon you can earn your own “Sultan of Scroll” or one of many other hidden trophies just by playing your own favorite games.  Or at least earn something for working away all day on your XTD??

The Update/Support tab provides easy access to driver updates and support. Offering direct links to driver downloads and details on your current driver version.  Online support, email support and access to an online support request form are all present though an internet connection is clearly required to get much out of them.