Turtle Beach, a brand renowned for its audio equipment, has taken a bold step into the competitive gaming mouse market with the Kone XP Air. Marketed as a lightweight, wireless option packed with features, the Kone XP Air aims to cater to gamers seeking both performance and comfort. Does it succeed? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Comfort
The Kone XP Air boasts a striking, ergonomic design that caters well to right-handed users. The mouse feels comfortable in hand, even during extended gaming sessions, thanks to its well-placed thumb rest and textured grips. The “Refined ergonomic Kone shape” does live up to its promise. While the overall shape might not suit all hand sizes, it strikes a good balance between palm and claw grip styles.
The mouse is remarkably lightweight, weighing in at just 81 grams. This lightness enhances maneuverability and reduces wrist strain, a boon for competitive gamers who rely on quick flicks and precise movements.
The mouse’s build quality is solid, with a combination of matte and glossy plastic that feels durable. However, the glossy parts tend to attract fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look.
Performance and Features
The Kone XP Air utilizes Turtle Beach’s proprietary 2.4GHz wireless technology, promising a low-latency connection comparable to wired mice. In practice, the connection feels rock-solid, with no noticeable lag or dropouts even during intense gaming sessions. The “Lag-free 2.4GHz wireless” claim holds true.
The mouse also offers Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for use with multiple devices, enhancing its versatility for both gaming and productivity.
The Kone XP Air’s sensor, the 19K DPI Owl-Eye Sensor, delivers excellent tracking accuracy and responsiveness. It boasts a maximum DPI of 19,000 (as specified by the manufacturer), adjustable in 50 DPI increments, allowing users to fine-tune their sensitivity to their liking.
The mouse features a total of 10 programmable buttons, including the 4D scroll wheel, which adds to the impressive “29 programmable inputs” advertised. The side buttons are well-placed and easy to reach, though they might require some getting used to for users with smaller hands.
The Kone XP Air also comes with RGB lighting, customizable through Turtle Beach’s software. The “3D RGB AIMO lighting with 5 programable zones” offers decent customization, though it might not be the most vibrant or extensive on the market.
Software and Battery Life
Turtle Beach’s software, while functional, could benefit from a more intuitive interface. It allows for customization of button assignments, DPI settings, RGB lighting, and macro creation. However, navigating the software can feel clunky at times, especially when compared to offerings from other brands.
The Kone XP Air’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 100 hours of continuous use on a single charge, as advertised. While the actual battery life will vary depending on usage and RGB lighting settings, it’s reassuring to know that the mouse won’t die in the middle of a gaming session.
The mouse also features a quick-charge function, allowing for up to 5 hours of use with just a 15-minute charge via the included “RGB Rapid Charge Dock”. This is a handy feature for those who forget to charge their mouse overnight.
Conclusion
The Turtle Beach Kone XP Air is a solid entry into the wireless gaming mouse market. Its lightweight design, comfortable ergonomics, and excellent performance make it a worthy contender for gamers seeking a versatile and reliable option. The “TITAN Switch Optical” does provide a satisfying tactile feel with impressive speed, and the “Heat-treated pure PTFE glides” ensure smooth movements on various surfaces.
While the software could use some refinement and the build quality isn’t the most premium, the Kone XP Air delivers on most of its promises and offers a compelling combination of features and performance at a competitive price point.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Excellent wireless performance
- High-precision 19K DPI Owl-Eye Sensor
- Long battery life
- Quick-charge function
- 4D scroll wheel and numerous programmable buttons
Cons:
- Software could be more intuitive
- Glossy parts attract fingerprints
- Side buttons might be difficult to reach for smaller hands
