Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 & MM530 Review

To test both the MM520 and the MM530, I used each mouse as my daily driver – using them while playing games, editing photos and just for general desktop use.

I'll start with a look at the software that is included with both mice.

Overall, the software here is quite good – previously I have not been too impressed with Cooler Master's use of software for its RGB keyboards, but this is pretty decent. There are all the usual options, including button assignment, macro support and extensive lighting controls, but I want to focus on a pretty nifty feature called ‘Tactix'.

If you are familiar with Roccat's EasyShift feature, Tactix will be easy to understand as they are quite similar. Essentially, Tactix lets you programme another set of functions to each mouse button, effectively doubling the amount of commands at your disposal. To activate the secondary functions, simply press the Tactix modifier button (which can actually be mapped to any of the mouse's buttons) with any of the other buttons you have assigned a secondary function to. It is quite simple but it can be very effective if you use a lot of macros, for instance.

Above: MM520 lighting on the top row, MM530 lighting at the bottom.

Moving onto the RGB lighting and I'd say it is OK but not the best I've seen. There are comprehensive software controls for adjusting the colour and choosing from a number of different lighting effects, and that is good to see. However, the LEDs are just a bit dim and the overall effect is quite forgettable. If these mice were more expensive, it would be a bigger issue, but considering the low price-tags attached to these mice, I don't think the lacklustre lighting will off-putting for too many people.

Now, let's talk about real world performance and day-to-day usage.

MM520, left, and MM530, right.

I'll start with the comfort and shape of each mouse, as clearly both are very different. Cooler Master says the MM520 is designed for claw grip users, while the MM530 would be best for those who use a palm grip. On the whole, I would agree – the longer and more bulbous bottom end of the MM530 does make it more conducive to a palm grip, while the MM520 benefits from its dedicated groove for your forth-finger.

That being said, I was actually equally happy using a claw grip with the MM530 as I was using a palm grip, while I had no issues using a palm grip with the MM520 either. It may just be that I am less fussy, but I was happy using either grip with either mouse. In any case, you probably know which general shape you prefer, so it is still a good thing that Cooler Master has released two distinct models instead of selling a ‘one-size-fits-all' mouse.

Build quality is also surprisingly good considering the low price point. Cooler Master has actually used PBT top panels and button triggers, instead of the usual ABS plastic, and both mice feel durable and solid. The plastic is also textured to help users keep their grip at all times.

Speaking of grip, I do have one complaint about the MM520 in this regard. Simply put, I would have liked to see a textured rubber section on the right-hand side of the mouse (just underneath the side buttons). Most mice do this and I just find it more comfortable than having your thumb rest against the hard plastic. The MM530 does not have this issue as it sports rubber on both sides.

So, that's it for comfort and build quality, what about sensor performance? Well, considering both mice use the class-leading PMW 3360 sensor, I was expecting flawless performance and that is certainly what I got. Whether I was playing games, editing photos or browsing the web, I did not notice any issues from the sensor – tracking was pixel-perfect at all times.

On the topic of the sensor, both mice are capable of up to 12000 DPI, and you can configure four separate DPI stages using the software. The only thing worth mentioning is that the DPI levels are ‘only' adjustable in 100 DPI steps, but that is not much of a concern for me.

Lastly, I just want to mention one more thing – the cables. Both mice ship with 1.8m long cables, but they are plain rubber instead of being braided. I know many people prefer this as plain rubber cables tend to be lighter, so it is definitely personal preference, but I would've liked to see a braided cable myself – I find rubber cables drag on my desk far more than with a braided cable.

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