Cooler Master CM Storm Recon Review

Prima facie, it isn't clear why the driver suite lets you set button response time between a maximum of 32ms and a minimum of 5ms. However, allowing users to increase de-bouncing delay actually makes sense in the wake of the rampant double-click glitch plaguing mice such as the Razer DeathAdder. Doing so just might save you the trouble of calling in an RMA or worse, even as the switches deteriorate over time. This is smart thinking on Cooler Master's part, and a nod towards prolonging product life.

The driver suite is quite comprehensive

A worthy heir to DeathAdder's throne
Since the Recon's Avago A3090 is essentially the same sensor as the DeathAdder 3.5G's S3888 with a modified ROM and red LED instead of an IR one, it provides similar levels of tracking accuracy. This is a very good thing, because the DeathAdder is one of the best mice money can buy at the moment. While the driver may not allow you to toggle angle snapping (prediction), it thankfully is disabled by default. The cursor quality and precision is top notch, while jitter levels are lower than any laser mouse can achieve.

Like all optical sensors, the Recon performs well with both hard and soft surfaces. Although it delivered impeccable tracking on Cooler Master's own Speed-RX micro-woven cloth mat, the malfunction speed was worryingly low as you can see from the screenshot included below. Quite ironically, it worked flawlessly on Razer's soft as well as hard surfaces. What's even weirder is how the mouse simply fails to register movement on mouse pads bearing a red hue. Do bear that in mind while choosing a mouse mat.

However, once you find an optimal surface, making pixel-precise adjustments is surprisingly effortless. I couldn't manage to get it to skip despite giving it an armful of travel at low sensitivity settings. The CM Storm Recon, like the DeathAdder, is cut out for low-sensitivity Counter-Strike players. What's more, its variable LOD further helps in maintaining aiming accuracy even when you run out of mousing surface. High sensitivity gamers will appreciate its ability to hold tracking accuracy and quality even at its max resolution of 4000 DPI.

The malfunction speed is surprisingly low on Cooler Master's own Speed-RX cloth surface, but it's flawless on other surfaces

Verdict and Price in India
Available for Rs. 3000, the Cooler Master Recon essentially employs a tweaked version of the Avago optical sensor found in the DeathAdder. It incorporates the same solid tracking accuracy in a well-built package that's brimming with features found only in high-end mice. High-sensitivity gamers will appreciate the extra 500 DPI it offers over the DeathAdder (although it makes no real difference), whereas low-sensitivity gamers will find its adjustable LOD to their liking.

With a shape and weight that's optimised for claw as well as palm grips, this is an all rounder that will appeal to gamers across the board. Although it may not beat the DeathAdder in performance, it serves as a viable alternative to those who seek similar levels of tracking competence in a more reliable and feature-rich package. My only major gripe with the mouse is the tendency of the drivers to randomly reset settings. Hopefully, Cooler Master will fix the issue before gamers run out of patience.