Turtle Beach has been a name most associated with headsets and audio gear. But with the release of their latest Kone II Wired and Wireless gaming mouse, Turtle Beach is making a serious play for your desktop real estate. The Kone II is a sleek and feature-packed gaming mouse designed to offer a top-notch experience for both hardcore gamers and casual players alike. And after putting it through its paces in a variety of games like Valve’s Deadlock and of course Destiny 2, I’m convinced it has a lot to offer. The Kone II does stand out in a crowded market, and whether it’s worth considering over its competitors like the Logitech G502 X and Razer Basilisk V3 Pro and Ultimate is entirely up to the consumer – but I’m here to tell you, don’t treat the Kone II like its lightwork, it’s definitely not.
Comfort Meets Functionality
First impressions matter, and the Kone II makes a great one. It boasts Turtle Beach’s refined and iconic ergonomic Kone shape that has been a favorite of mine since Roccat introduced it. The mouse feels incredibly comfortable in hand, especially for those who prefer a palm grip or a hybrid claw-palm style. At approximately 110 grams, it strikes a nice balance between being lightweight enough for fast-paced action and having just enough heft to provide a feeling of control and stability. The mouse is large, so it might not be the best fit for those with smaller hands. The sides are textured, providing a solid grip that feels secure even during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, Turtle Beach includes a single piece of grip tape that you can apply to the side for an even more customized feel. It’s a small touch, but one that speaks to their commitment to user comfort.
The Kone II’s 12-button design is one of its standout features, offering a level of customization that competitive gamers crave. With the Easy-Shift button duplicator technology, you effectively have access to 21 programmable inputs, giving you plenty of options for assigning in-game commands, macros, or other functions. This is particularly useful in games like Deadlock where quick reflexes and precise execution in this MOBA, Hero Shooter hybrid can take advantage of. I mapped different abilities, weapon swaps, and even my jump to the various buttons in Destiny 2 and while I did it for the purpose of trying out the Easy-Shift, my muscle memory kept interrupting my flow, so I reverted back. The buttons themselves are well-placed, with a satisfying click thanks to the Titan Optical Switches. These switches provide a tactile feel with optical speed, ensuring that each click registers with the precision and speed that high-level gaming demands.
Control at Your Fingertips
The scroll wheel deserves a special mention. Turtle Beach has equipped the Kone II with a 4D free-spinning/regular scroll wheel that offers smooth scrolling with precise notches. It also tilts left and right, which can be used for horizontal scrolling or additional input bindings. In practice, I found this useful in games like BodyCam where I would need comfortable switch between weapons. For those that prefers to add jump to their scroll-wheel, this would be a surprise alteration for them. The Kone II offers two modes of wireless connectivity: gaming-grade 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth. The 2.4GHz option ensures a fast, lag-free experience that’s ideal for competitive play. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a nice touch for more casual use or for connecting to a wider range of devices. Battery life is another area where the Kone II excels. Turtle Beach claims up to 350 hours on Bluetooth and 120 hours on 2.4GHz, and while I didn’t exhaust the battery entirely during my testing, it held up impressively well over several days of heavy gaming. This kind of longevity is a game-changer, especially when compared to other wireless mice in its class.
The package also includes a lightweight and flexible PhantomFlex USB-C charging cable. When the battery does run low, you can plug it in and continue gaming with minimal disruption. The included USB-A to USB-C dongle adapter is another thoughtful addition, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices.
Versatility for Every Gamer
At the heart of any gaming mouse is its sensor, and Turtle Beach didn’t skimp here. The Kone II is equipped with the Owl-Eye 26k DPI optical sensor, which offers a blistering 650 IPS tracking speed. In layman’s terms, this means the mouse can keep up with even the fastest hand movements without skipping a beat. This is perfect for games Deadlock where your build in-game may need adjusting on the fly. Tracking overall feels smooth and accurate, with no noticeable jitter or lag. The Kone II provided the level of responsiveness and accuracy I needed.
The heat-treated Pure PTFE glides on the bottom of the mouse is another nice touch – expected in either case. They offer a smooth glide across mouse pads and desks alike, reducing friction and ensuring that the mouse moves effortlessly with even the slightest touch. I appreciated the inclusion of the AIMO intelligent RGB lighting with two customizable zones. It’s a subtle touch, but for those who love a bit of flair in their setup, it’s a welcome feature.
REVIEW SCORE 9/10
After spending significant time with the Turtle Beach Kone II, it’s clear that this mouse is a serious contender in the gaming peripheral market. Its ergonomic design, customizable buttons, and high-performance sensor make it an excellent choice for a wide range of games and playstyles. The wireless model, priced at $119.99, offers flexibility and convenience, while the wired version at $69.99 is a slightly more affordable option without sacrificing any of the core features.
In comparison to competitors like the Logitech G502 X and Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, the Kone II holds its own with a unique blend of features, particularly in the areas of customization, comfort, and battery life. The inclusion of both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, as well as the impressive battery life, gives it an edge for gamers who value versatility and longevity.
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