1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

Here at KitGuru, we have taken a keen interest in the mice produced by Dream Machines. First we saw the DM1 Pro in 2016, and followed that with a look at the DM1 Pro S in February of this year. Today, we assess the DM1 FPS. It uses the same overall design as its predecessors but sports an updated sensor, a new ultra-flexible cable, as well as Huano switches instead of the more standard Omron switches. Priced at €55 (about £50), is this new mouse worth the money?

When we reviewed the DM1 Pro S, perhaps our biggest criticism was of the braided cable – it was thick, heavy and not very flexible at all. Dream Machines took that criticism on-board when designing the DM1 FPS and has now implemented what it calls a ‘shoelace cable' as it is lighter and overall much more flexible. On top of that, the PMW 3360 sensor has been replaced by the PMW 3389, and there are also a number of different colour options if you want to be a bit more adventurous than the standard black shell.

Are the changes enough to make the DM1 FPS a top mouse, or are there still issues to fix? Let's find out.

SPECIFICATION
Max speed	7.0 m/s
Polling Rate	1000 Hz
Control	6 buttons + Scroll
Sensor	Optical PMW3389
USB	Gold plated
DPI	400, 800, 2400, 3200, 4800, 12000
LOD (LIFT-OF-DISTANCE)	~1.8 mm
Left switch	Huano 20.000.000 clicks
Right switch	Huano 20.000.000 clicks
Side switches	3.000.000 clicks
Scroll	TTC 20.000.000 clicks
Size	126 x 68 x 39 mm
Weight	83 g (without cable)
Cable	shoelace cable (1.8m)
Surface	Noir, Blizzard White – Matte, Ocean Blue, Blood Red – Glossy
Backlight	Scroll
Content	Mouse, instructions, additional sliders

The DM1 FPS ships in a clean white box, with red accenting. A large drawing of the mouse itself dominates the front.

Inside, all that is included in the way of accessories is one small product overview leaflet, and then one set of replacement mouse feet.

Getting a look at the mouse itself, it becomes clear that the overall shape and design hasn't changed since the DM1 Pro S. That means it still uses the same symmetrical shape first popularised by the SteelSeries Sensei. We take a closer look at the main differences between the two mice below.

The most obvious change, however, is the colour of the mouse. I received the ‘blood red' model, but there are also blue, white and ‘noir' options available. The red and blue models have a glossy top shell, while the white and noir options are matte.

The left-hand side of the mouse sports two side buttons, while the right-hand side is bare. Both sides have a soft-touch, black finish.

The front of the mouse houses the scroll wheel and a single DPI button. The primary left and right buttons are part of the mouse's main shell, rather than being separate buttons.

Turning the mouse over reveals three mouse feet – one larger one at the top, and two slightly smaller feet at the bottom. The PMW 3389 sensor sits in the middle of the mouse.

The last thing to touch on is the new ‘shoelace' cable. This is still braided, but is now all black instead of the red and black cable found on the DM1 Pro S. It measures 1.8m long, and we talk about how it feels and performs on the next page.

Now, let's take a closer look at the differences between the DM1 Pro S and the new FPS. In both images above, you can see the FPS on the left-hand side, with the Pro S on the right.

So, putting the two mice side by side, it quickly becomes obvious the overall shape and design is identical – it's the same Sensei shape, which many enthusiasts like. Interestingly, though, the FPS does weigh 2g less than its predecessor, coming in at 83g versus the 85g weight of the Pro S.

Removing the three mouse feet on the underside of each mouse reveals four small screws – once these are removed, the top shell comes free and we can look at the internal PCB.

DM1 FPS (left) compared to DM1 Pro S (right)

The first thing to note here is that the FPS uses Huano blue switches for the primary left and right buttons, rated at 20m clicks. The Pro S uses Omron D2FC-F-7N(20M) switches, also rated at 20m clicks as the name suggests.

I asked Dream Machines why they did this, and they said they spoke with many FPS gamers and found that many people prefer the ‘harder' clicks a Huano switch can offer, compared to Omrons which are ‘softer'. We discuss the differences in feel and tactility of the two switches on the next page.

DM1 FPS (left) compared to DM1 Pro S (right)

The next change is also related to switches – the FPS uses a new Huano scroll wheel switch, where the Pro S uses a TTC scroll wheel switch. The scroll wheel itself looks unchanged.

Interestingly, the DM1 FPS spec sheet still claims the mouse uses a TTC switch rated for 20m clicks, but the switch inside the FPS is clearly labelled ‘Huano' so this must just be a mistake with the spec sheet.

 

DM1 FPS (left) compared to DM1 Pro S (right)

The sensor has also changed. The Pro S uses the PMW 3360 – a top-class optical sensor. The FPS, however, has changed this to a PMW 3389, which itself is a PMW 3360 variant. Dream Machines says they did this because many people prefer the ‘smoother' feel of the 3389, though the PMW 3389 can also adjust its DPI in steps of 50 when the 3360 can only adjust DPI in steps of 100. The 3389 also has a higher maximum DPI of 16000, versus 12000 for the 3360.

Lastly, you also can see in the images above that the FPS has some tape over the bottom of its PCB. This is covering the rear LED which is not covered on the DM1 Pro S. Accordingly, there is no rear lighting on the FPS, when there is on the Pro S. We asked Dream Machines why they did this, and we were told they thought it was the easiest way to achieve a uniform look with the mice by removing the rear LED functionality.To test the DM1 FPS, I used it as my daily driver for one week. We break down testing into four main sections: software, lighting, build quality and comfort, and performance.

Software

Unlike the original DM1 Pro, which had no software, the DM1 FPS does come with an additional software download. The mouse still works fine out of the box, so you don't have to use the software, but it lets you adjust DPI stages, lighting, polling rate, set macros and adjust button mapping.

Speaking of DPI stages, you can set up to 6 different stages and use the DPI cycle button to switch through them on the fly. However, in the software, DPI stages can only be adjusted in increments of 200 which is not very precise. Considering the PMW 3389 can adjust DPI in increments of 50, it feels a waste to have the software limit the increments to 200 instead. I spoke to Dream Machines about this and they told me that the software is still in beta, but they opted to release it with the launch of the FPS anyway so end-users have at least some control over the various settings. They hope to have this issue rectified shortly.

On the whole, the software is fine. It's nothing special, but everything is on a single page so it is easy to navigate, and I can't say it is missing any features. It's certainly better than no software.

Lighting

As mentioned on the previous page, the ‘DM' logo no longer illuminates – as it did with the Pro S – so the lighting boils down to the scroll wheel. Using software, you can choose between four options – static, breathing, neon (colour cycle), and off.

To cut to the chase, the LED is quite dim. In daylight, you will be hard pressed to know the LED is even on. At night time it is more visible, but the overall effect is certainly underwhelming. The colours look pretty good, it is just brightness which is the issue.

Still, I don't see this is a big problem for the DM1 FPS. You don't buy a mouse like this for the RGB lighting – you buy it for the shape, the sensor, the buttons. In my book, any lighting on a relatively niche mouse like this is an added bonus, so it wouldn't be fair to make it a big issue.

Build quality and comfort

Overall build quality of the FPS is impressive, despite it weighing just 83g. It's made from plastic, but the side and top sections don't creak or flex, and there is no discernible rattle when the mouse is shaken. It generally feels quite solid in the hand, which is definitely reassuring.

Unfortunately, Dream Machines did not take the opportunity to fix the side buttons, which as I pointed out in my review of the DM1 Pro S, are quite wobbly. This seems to be because they protrude from the side of the mouse a relatively long way – I think if they were more low-profile, the wobbliness issue would be lessened.

I did also notice a hint of pre-travel on the mouse's primary buttons. This is where the buttons depress slightly before a click is actuated, and it is generally an undesirable trait for a gaming mouse. The pre-travel isn't bad, but it is noticeable and can be just a little bit irritating.

Moving onto comfort, though, the DM1 FPS is wonderful to use day-to-day. As mentioned, it uses the classic Sensei shape – meaning it is symmetrical, with a more bulbous bottom end and a slight hump towards the back of the mouse as well. It measures 126 x 68 x 39 mm. Obviously, people have their own preferences when it comes to mice shape, but if you have used a Sensei or previous DM1 mouse, you will like the DM1 FPS.

Speaking personally, I used a claw grip throughout my time with the FPS as it is just a bit too flat for me to palm grip comfortably. If you have smaller hands, though, you could probably get away with it, and a fingertip grip isn't a problem either.

The glossy top shell on my ‘blood red' DM1 FPS also feels great. It is incredibly grippy and is a significant upgrade over the matte body of the Pro S. The matte Pro S feels slightly softer/smoother, which feels better against your skin, but as mentioned the glossy DM1 FPS simply gives much better grip, even when you get a little sweaty.

Performance

Moving onto performance, we'll start with the buttons – primarily, the difference between the DM1 FPS' Huano switches, and the DM1 Pro S' Omrons. Essentially, the Huanos are definitely a bit heavier and harder, with a bit more ‘snap' to them, while the Omrons feel a bit lighter and also more ‘springy'. I wouldn't say one is necessarily better than the other, but you will likely have your own preference.

The scroll wheel click on the FPS is noticeably better than the Pro S' scroll wheel, though. To recap, the FPS uses another Huano switch for the scroll wheel, while the Pro S uses a TTC switch for its wheel. To my mind, the FPS feels snappier and more tactile, while the Pro S is more mushy and indistinct.

The actual scrolling experience is the same, though, as the wheel itself has not been changed as far as I can tell. This is a slight shame as the wheel is not the best – the steps aren't very distinct, especially when you are scrolling quickly. It is not a huge issue, but I do feel it could be improved.

Now, coming to the sensor, I must confess I can't tell the difference between the PMW 3389 of the FPS, and the PMW 3360 of the Pro S. I used both at 1200 DPI and couldn't fault either – there was no acceleration, jitter or angle-snapping with either mouse. It could be that you have a preference, but in the real world both feel just as good as each other to my mind.

On the topic of the sensor, LOD is also worth noting. Using my cloth mousepad, I found the FPS would still track with one DVD wedged underneath, but once I added a second it stopped tracking. This is pretty standard for a mouse with no LOD control and shouldn't cause any issues.

Lastly, the cable. Or ‘shoelace', should I say. As a recap, the cable with the DM1 Pro S is not great – it is thick and quite inflexible. The FPS' cable, however, is fantastic – I would go as far to say it is the best stock cable I have ever used. Essentially, it just very light, soft and flexible – you can whip it around fast and it won't impede your movements or get kinked/twisted.

When not reviewing mice, I use a Logitech G403 with a custom Ceesa paracord cable. I don't think the DM1 FPS shoelace cable is quite as flexible – the Ceesa paracord really is quite incredible – but it is not a big difference at all. It is great to see Dream Machines take user feedback on-board and fit such a good cable to the DM1 FPS.There is no doubt in my mind that the Dream Machines DM1 FPS is the company's finest mouse to date.

It has kept the same Sensei shape as both of its predecessors, and that is one major feature that will keep people interested – the shape is tried and tested, and very popular.

Dream Machines has made a few changes compared to the DM1 Pro S, though. For one, the cable is vastly improved, to the point where the DM1 FPS has the best stock cable I have ever used. It is significant enough of an upgrade that even if nothing else had changed between the DM1 Pro S and the DM1 FPS, the latter would still be worth buying for the cable alone.

Elsewhere, the main switches have also been changed, from Omron switches to blue Huanos. This isn't necessarily an ‘upgrade' as everyone will have their own preference, but the Huanos do feel quite tight and snappy and I had no problem gaming with them.

It is also good to see a number of colour options, including glossy finishes. I found the glossy DM1 FPS to have far superior grip when compared to the matte DM1 Pro S, which I said was a bit slippery in my original review. On top of that, the red body makes a very welcome change to all the black mice we are used to reviewing.

I can't say that the DM1 FPS is quite perfect, though. The main issue I have with it is the wobbly side buttons, which unfortunately have still been carried over from the Pro S. If these were more low-profile, I think using them would be much more pleasant.

The other two issues are more minor, but still noticeable – the primary buttons have some slight pre-travel, and the scroll wheel isn't the best either.

Still, I have very much enjoyed using the Dream Machines DM1 FPS and I think I will keep using it for the foreseeable future. It makes enough significant changes to be worth buying even if you have a DM1 Pro S, and it will certainly appeal to those looking for an up-to-date Sensei-shape mouse.

In terms of pricing, we can't yet find a UK retailer stocking the DM1 FPS. However, it is available to buy directly from Dream Machines – based in Poland – for €54.99 HERE.

Pros

• Great Sensei shape.
• Top-class cable.
• 83g weight.
• Huano switches feel great.
• Glossy finish is very grippy.
• Scroll wheel switch has improved from DM1 Pro S.

Cons

• Side buttons are still wobbly.
• Scroll wheel could be better.
• Slight pre-travel on primary buttons.

KitGuru says: The DM1 FPS is the company's best mouse to date. It isn't quite flawless, but it does come very close.

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