The latest mouse release from ROCCAT is the Kova AIMO, an update to the original Kova, it’s a fully ambidextrous gaming mouse with a 7000 DPI Pro-Optic Sensor and up to 24 fully programmable buttons. In our review we look to see if the new release does enough to justify an upgrade.
Product on Review: ROCCAT Kova AIMO
Manufacturer: ROCCAT
Street Price: £52.99 GBP / $59.99 USD / $89.99 AUD
In recent years ROCCAT have taken the entry level gaming peripheral market by storm and they have decided to stick with what they know and have taken the approach of “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” with the Kova AIMO.
Like its predecessor the Kova AIMO is an ambidextrous, symmetrical mouse that ROCCAT claim has been designed to offer exceptional comfort & performance regardless of if you are left or right-handed. Other returning features include two additional top buttons, an illuminated “Titan Wheel” which can be personalised within the ROCCAT Swarm software.
The only notable changes from the previous release is that the sensor has been upgraded to a 7000 DPI Pro-Optic R6 and that ROCCAT have implemented their AIMO Lighting System and a slightly increased price tag. We ask if it’s worth the jump in price, read on to find out.
ROCCAT on the Kova AIMO:
Versatility Redefined – The Kova AIMO features a versatile yet ergonomic shape which makes it perfect for left and right-handed gamers alike. With immersive AIMO illumination in 16.8 million colours and intuitively positioned quick-fire top buttons, it’s as stylish as it is effective.
Technical Specifications
Sensor
Pro-Optic Sensor R6 with up to 7000 DPI1000Hz Polling Rate
20G Acceleration
General
1ms Response time12-Bit Data Channel
50MHz Turbo Core V2 32-Bit Arm Based MCU
512kB Onboard Memory
Dimensions
Height: 3.80 cmWidth: 6.60 cm
Length: 13.10 cm
Weight: 99g
Compatibility
System Requirements: USB 2.0 Port, Internet Connection For Driver InstallationOperating System: Windows 10, Windows 7 & Windows 8
Packaging & First Look
On the front of the box we have a top down shot of the ROCCAT Kova AIMO which shows off the 2 zone RGB illumination on offer, the first being the scroll wheel and the second is a light bar along the bottom of the mouse where your palm sits.
The left hand side of the box offers the 4 biggest unique selling points, those being the 20 button functions, the 16.8 million colour rgb, the 7,000 DPI sensor & 1,000Hz Polling rate.
The back of the box takes a more in depth look at some of the unique selling points.
There’s not much to see on the right side of the box, it’s simply adorned with the name of the mouse.
Closer Look
In the box for the ROCCAT Kova AIMO there’s not much to look at, the only additional item being the quick installation guide.
Taking a closer look at the front of the mouse and we get our first look at the Knight Rider-esque light bar, the other design carry over from the previous release is the model name emblazoned on the top grip of the mouse.
On the left hand side of the mouse we have three re-assignable buttons.
Looking on from the rear of the mouse and we get a look at the Titan Scroll wheel, which is the 2nd illumination zone, as well as the DPI toggle. It would have been nice to have this toggle split so you could have a DPI Up & Down function rather than just the one.
The right hand side of the mouse is a mirror image of the left with three assignable buttons.
Turning the mouse onto it’s back and we get a closer look at the 7,000 DPI Pro-Optic R6 Sensor which is positioned directly in the middle of the body of the mouse. Also of note here is the bottom rubber feet, where there would usually be one foot, ROCCAT have taken the decision to split the pad into 3 sections, we presume this is to keep the weight down ever so slightly.
Performance Testing & Software
Software
As it’s predecessor did before it the ROCCAT Kova AIMO makes use of the ROCCAT Swarm software which offers an extremely in depth level of customisation, there is the option to set up 5 individual profiles, each with different settings, a demonstration of the software in action is available below.Performance Testing
In use the ROCCAT Kova AIMO performs very well, and it feels like a mouse that is well built. The scroll wheel is firm enough that you will not scroll accidentally while using the middle click and the left and right click buttons have a satisfying click to them.
We found that in whatever game we were playing the sensor served us well and each of the reprogrammable buttons were easily reachable on either side. Weighing in at 99g this is a rather light mouse so there is no risk of any fatigue from weight.
The only downside that we found was that the mouse was a little to slim for our large hands so we would like to see a wider model in the future!
Conclusion
As we’ve mentioned before, ROCCAT have opted to make very few design changes so what has been said before still stands now, it’s a well built , ambidextrous mouse with a sleek aesthetic & a plethora of programmable buttons.
ROCCAT have managed to create a mouse that is perfectly symmetrical, from the sensor being placed directly in the middle of the mouse to the top buttons being identical on either side. Whether you’re left or right-handed you will have the same experience and more importantly the same access to the mouses feature set as everyone else.
We’re also big fans of the subtle RGB implementation however the smooth plastic that ROCCAT have used for the shell of the mouse is ridiculously susceptible to finger prints so we found ourselves cleaning the mouse after every gaming session, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you don’t want that hassle we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, ambidextrous mouse, you can’t go wrong with the ROCCAT Kova AIMO
Pros
+Build Quality
+True Symmetry
+Number of Programmable buttons
Cons
-Too thin
-Finger print magnet
+Build Quality
+True Symmetry
+Number of Programmable buttons
Cons
-Too thin
-Finger print magnet
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