| ROCCAT Kova[+] | |
| Feature | Value |
| Measures | 120 x 65 x 38 mm |
| Weight | 90 gram |
| Buttons | 9 (plus 8 through Easyshift) |
| Max DPI | 3200 (400, 800, 1600 or 3200) |
| Max speed | 130 inches per second |
| Max acceleration | 30G |
| Polling rate | 1000Hz |
| SRP | 49,95€ |
The Kova[+] is shipped in a pretty neat boxing, containing the mouse alongside all drivers and a special ID card, with which you can register your product at ROCCAT and enter the "ROCCAT World"; a special area on the producer's homepage where you have access to several progamer guides (for example Counterstrike AWP training, How to prepare for events). Besides that, you have the chance to win stuff in a raffle or get discount on several server hosts. It’s a goody, but nothing more.
The mouse measures ca. 120 x 65 x 38 mm and weights 90g, which is both pretty low compared to a Mamba (128 x 70 x 42,5 mm; 129g), Deathadder (128 x 70 x 42,5 mm; 105g) or Kone[+] (135 x 78 x 42 mm; 126-146g adjustable) With its axisymmetrical design the mouse can be used by both, left and right-handers and even though this feature doesnt give designers a lot of freedom, the Kova[+] still feels good in your hand, no matter which hand you prefer. This good feeling is boosted by the really solid and soft surface of the mouse (called soft-touch coating), so even with pizza or chips fingers, you will not lose your grip during gaming. All main buttons plus the mouse wheel are coated by this soft-touch surface.
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The opitcal sensor provides a maximum of 3200dpi, which allows a movement of 130 inches per second or an acceleration of 30G. This may sound extremely high and lacks practical relevance, but it’s very useful in fast-paced action shooters like Quakelive and Warsow. RTS players will rather switch down to 1600dpi and enjoy the pinpoint accuracy of each click. You are able to switch between these resolutions with one click. The mouse has a polling rate of 1000Hz, which means the positioning information of the Kova[+] is sent a 1000 times per second to the computer, so even the slightest and fastest movements will be recognized by the system.
You have a total of 9 physical buttons to use (left/right click, two thumb buttons, two identical buttons on the other side, mouse wheel up/down/click). The Kova[+] has a unique feature, called Easyshift, which lets you assign two functions on one button and gives you a total of 16 mouse functions. So you are able to bind the whole inventory of your hero to your mouse, plus all of his spells for example. I did not like the pressure points of the main mouse buttons in the beginning, because they required more power to react than my normal mouse. After a few minutes of playing you will get used to it, but I still prefer a pressure point with less power to react. The mouse wheel is at least one and a half times bigger than a normal wheel, which gives you control of it even in the most hectic situations. Thumb buttons are placed next to each other and are easily reachable.
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The drivers packages give you the chance to customize the mouse like you want it: you can set the colors of the 4 LEDs (two on the front, two on the back) to one of the seven to chose from, even let it rotate or breathe. Every button can be assigned to a specific function and the drivers packages comes with a full macro set for around 20 games which lets you add any macro to any button. Besides that sensitivity, DPI and sound feedback can be adjusted and saved to different profiles. Five different profile slots can be configured and loaded whenever you need to change your game. The mentioned sound feedback gives you a short voice message when changing the DPI ingame for example.
The Kova[+] slides over the most common mouse pads almost without any noise, thanks to its four mouse feets on the bottom. ROCCAT recommends the ROCCAT Sota mouse pad for the best gaming performance. I tried the Sota, the Taito, the Razer Exactmat and the QPAD ESWC Edition with this mouse and can only advise against using the Exactmat since it feels a bit scratchy on it. The best feeling came with the ROCCAT Taito; it’s a huge mouse pad on which you can really work with your Kova[+].
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Conclusion
| Result | ||
| Pros | Cons | |
| Ergonomics | - Soft touch surface - Perfect grip - For left and right-hander | - Small - High pressure point |
| Design | - 4 customizeable LEDs - Simple but elaborated design | |
| Features | - Full customizable buttons - Sound feedback - Huge driver suite - Macros |
I tested the mouse with various shooters and thanks to the massive customization, never had problems with aiming. It always feels like a precise mouse should feel. Fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty to RTS games are covered with the Kova[+]. Even after hours of playing (and pizza) at a LAN, there was never a situation where the mouse did not follow my orders. The driver suite lets you customize everything starting from DPI and sensitivity to button assignment and the LED behaviour. With the macro creator, you can easily add your own macros and set up a complete profile for your needs (hello Invoker). Besides, tons of already existing macros for 20 games are available.
The mouse buttons have a higher pressure point than my normal mouse and it took a few games to adjust to that, but this may be a personal issue.
Fans of low noise are welcomed here; the mouse slides over almost every tested mouse pad silently and without any noticeable friction.
I would not recommend this mouse to people with big hands, due to the small dimensions of the Kova[+]. You will get lost with your big paws and I’d rather recommend you the Kone[+]. Other than that, you are getting a mid to high-end mouse for left and right handers with a wealth of features which fits for a vast range of games nowadays for around 50€.
Links
ROCCAT - Homepage
