We've reviewed more than a few upscale peripherals lately that don't offer dedicated software configuration utilities. The idea appears to be that the mouse or keyboard can stand on its own merits, using hardware controls for soft features, without the many features that such a utility brings to the table. Not coincidentally, it also saves on development costs, because configuration utilities are time-intensive and difficult to do well. Done expertly, your configuration engine becomes a major selling point of your brand. Do it poorly, and you might as well skip it altogether. Well, not . Even a severely flawed configuration utility can still provide enough benefits to add at least some value to the package. But it can also detract from an otherwise excellent product—in this instance, the Cooler Master MasterMouse MM530 ($49.99 MSRP), a fine FPS-oriented mouse—by omitting some expected features and hobbling others with poor presentation or performance. Ultimately, the deciding fa...
A nifty physical design and a sensible price distinguish Cooler Master's MasterMouse MM530, a fine, entry-level gaming mouse. Just expect to see the cost savings in the configuration software.
Light, ergonomic design; Reasonably priced; Excellent PixArt sensor, Omron switches; Four stored DPI settings; Separate X/Y axis resolutions; Easily distinguished left side buttons
Configuration software not up to scratch; Only five stored profiles, with no game-specific profiles; Only one stored calibration setting; Rubber-coated USB cord