One of the things that I have consistently struggled with in reviewing computer mice is reliability. On the one hand, wired mice often offer dynamic, customizable devices which are perfect for the raider of the MOBA player. But there is often a sense of flexibility and reliability with wireless mice that I have learned to value over the years, particularly when I have to use and store laptops while traveling.
Cooler Master has made their attempt at trying to create the best of both worlds in the MM831, a larger mouse that allows players to choose what works for them.
Specifications
- Mouse grip: Palm, Claw
- Mouse Material: PBT Plastic, ABS Plastic
- Mouse Color: Black
- Mouse LED Color: 16.7 Million RGB
- Mouse Sensor: PixArtPAW 3335
- CPI/DPI: 400, 1200, 4000, 16,000, 32,000
- Mouse tracking speed: 400 ips
- Mouse liftoff distance: < - 2mm /adjustable
- Mouse polling rate: 2.4G/ Wire Mode: 125/ 250 /500 /1000 Hz AP Switch
- Angle Snapping: 10 Levels Adjustable (AP Switch)
- Mouse acceleration: 40g
- Mouse Processor: 32 bit ARM Cortex M064Pin
- On-Board Memory: 4MB
- Mouse Switches: OMRON
- Mouse Lifespan: 20 million
- Programmable Buttons: 6
- Connectivity: Wired, 2.4 GHz, BT 4.2
- Battery: 800 mAh
- Wireless Charging: Follow Qi 1.2 Standard
- Compatible OS: Bluetooth: Win8/8.1, Win10, 2.4 GHz/Wired: Win7, Win8/8.1, Win10
- Mouse Connector: Gold-plated detachable Type-C to Type-A
- Mouse Cable Length: Braided Cable, 1.8 Meters
- Dimensions: 128.1 x 67.4 x 43.4 mm / 5.043'' x 2.654'' x 1.709''
- Weight: Mouse: 123g / 0.271 lbs (w/o Dongle & USB Cable), Dongle: 2g / 0.004 lbs, Cable: 30g / 0.066 lbs
A Weighty Wired Unit
Cooler Master aims to sell the MM831 with all the features you need for a gaming mouse intertwined with cord-free, lag-free connectivity. At first glance, the mouse has the appearance of a gaming mouse. The black exterior, durable casing, and RGB-intoned lighting give the M831 the appearance of something you would expect at an esports event. Compared to its sister devices, it is difficult to change or compare.
What makes it stand out is the wireless functionality. A detachable Bluetooth USB accessory within the back part of the device is easily inserted into a computer and operated. The casing itself is not apparent at first glance, requiring a bit of fidgeting to pull off. But we had no issues re-attaching the plate hiding the USB device.
The mouse felt large at a dense 123-gram mass and took longer than usual to adapt to. It felt slightly slower and more strenuous when playing click-intensive games like League of Legends. Over the first 72 hours of use, the mouse felt heavy and difficult to use. But that strain dissipated after playing for a few days. The sensor's sensitivity was quite reliable, shifting and shimmering with each click and quip in a match. The mouse only has about six buttons, with four of them having adjustable features. These were easily accessible, although they did not offer the complete flexibility that some may desire in their gaming mice. We used the MM831 for both MOBA, FPS, and MMORPG games and found it was more than sufficient for the most basic needs. But for those seeking to create new macros or simplify complicated combat combos, the buttons were limited.
The MM831 is a right-handed mouse designed for palm and claw grip types. We tried using it ambidextrously but it was expectedly awkward, so if you're a left-handed user, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Operational and Portable
We explicitly tried to use it during a typical workday while wired and wireless to see the comparison. There was no change in responsiveness between both states, implying that the mouse was usable for both types of mice users. The battery life of the mouse was difficult to determine. We were able to use it for two and a half consecutive days in computer-intensive tasks. We saw little change in the power scheme until the device completely ran out of power. The mouse would benefit from a tracker on the mouse or on the user’s computer that would alert the user when they begin to approach low power.
The mouse performed admirably under excessive gaming duress. The device felt both molded and solid in my hand throughout the experience, with the click having a deep and present indent. While the device promises a 20 million click lifespan, it is difficult to imagine not reaching that within a year or two, depending on one’s gaming habits. It also moved around without a problem on a standard linoleum desk.
Customization and Adaptation
If a user wants to update or change the main settings of the MM831, they’ll have to download Cooler Masterplus+. This dynamic software adds customization to the table. The app is relatively straightforward to use. Users can create unique profiles for the mouse’s customization, change the colors, build custom macros, adapt the DPI sensitivity to user preferences, and more. The software is straightforward in its usability, although it remains slightly inaccessible for the less informed PC gamer. The system as a whole would benefit from more obvious help features or tutorials.
Final Thoughts
The MM831 is a good mouse for a gaming rig and features both the size, sensitivity, and exterior to hold up as a suitable gaming device. We found it a flexible model for any PC gamer who wants to update their mouse. However, the mass and restrictions of the wire and battery may hinder some gamers. The price of $74.59 is lower than other options on the market, but it still feels like too much for what this mouse provides.
But if you can get over those gaps, the MM831 is a reliable and mighty gaming mouse for the modern gaming system.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes.