Tt eSports Ventus X RGB Mouse Review

It's been a long time since we received a product from Tt eSports, Thermaltakes's peripheral subsidiary. You can imagine we were pretty excited, then, to get our hands on the new Ventus X RGB mouse - featuring the PMW 3360 sensor, RGB lighting and a removable weights system, it does look like the real deal. And at only a penny under £56, could this become the go-to mouse for users without a massive budget? The peripheral market is becoming increasingly competitive, with the sub-£60 segment seen by many as the bang-for-buck sweet spot. It is this market bracket Tt eSports is targeting with its Ventus X RGB optical gaming mouse, but just how good is it really? Read on for a full examination of the mouse's features, performance and comfort levels. Specification DIMENSION : 128.8 X 71 X 42.6 MM COLOUR : BLACK SHAPE : ERGONOMIC DESIGN NO. OF BUTTONS: 6 NO. OF MACRO KEYS: 30 NO. OF GAME PROFILES: 5 USB CABLE LENGTH : 1.8M OMRON SWITCHES : 20 MILLION CLICK LIFECYCLE WEIGHT-IN DESIGN : 4.5G * 3 WEIGHTS (REMOVABLE) GRAPHICAL UI : TT ESPORTS COMMAND CENTER GOLD-PLATED USB : YES LIGHT COLOR : 16.8 MILLION RGB COLORS LIGHTING EFFECT: STATIC , PULSE , SPECTRUM RUNNING SENSOR NAME : PIXART PMW-3360 SENSOR TYPE: OPTICAL DPI: 12000 DPI IPS: 250 ACCELERATION: 50G POLLING RATE: 1000HZ, 500HZ, 250HZ, OR 125HZ (1MS, 2MS, 4MS OR 8MS). The Tt eSports Ventus X RGB ships in a mostly dark box with a red strip across the top. A photo of the mouse itself as well as some key product features are also visible on the front. Inside, we find: 1x quick-start guide, 1x warranty guide and 2x Tt eSports stickers. Getting our first look at the mouse, there are a few things worth noting. First of all, the shape - the Ventus X RGB is a larger-than-average mouse, designed for right-handers only. It measures 128.8 x 71 x 42.6 mm (LxWxH) and weighs... well, we'll get to that. It is also a smart dark grey/charcoal colour - instead of the usual black - and sports a large honeycomb mesh section which we'll also talk about further down the page. Turning to the sides of the mouse, the left-hand side sports two customisable buttons in the usual spot, while there is also some textured rubber just below those buttons. On the right-hand side there are no extra buttons but plenty more textured rubber to help you grip. Now, most of the bottom-half of the Ventus X RGB is taken up with this honeycomb mesh that we mentioned earlier. This where the name 'Ventus' (think 'ventilation') comes from, as Tt eSports say the 'honeycomb design with smart ergonomic construction enables the smooth passage of airflow from hand-to-mouse during game play and creates an environment of breathability for enhanced movement and comfort during use, especially during periods extended game play.' We will of course put this to the test and discuss our findings on the next page. You may just be able to make out the the Tt eSports logo sitting beneath the mesh - this is one of two RGB lighting zones. Speaking of RGB lighting zones, the scroll wheel is the second zone fitted with those glorious RGB LEDs. Just below the wheel is a single button which, by default, adjusts the selected profile, but it can be re-programmed using software. Turning the mouse over, we get a look at the three PTFE glide pads, as well as the PMW 3360 sensor housing. Just below the sensor is a small tab which opens to reveal the Ventus X RGB's weight compartment. Inside are 3x 4.5g weights which can be easily removed - just pull them out. Tt eSports doesn't list an official total weight for the mouse, though, so I had to take matters into my own hands. With the cable, I measured the mouse's total weight to be 146g including those 3 weights. With all 3 weights removed, the mouse weighs 132.5g. Lastly, the braided USB cable measures 1.8m long and is gold-plated.To test the Ventus X RGB, I used it as my daily driver for one week. During this time, I used it while playing games, for editing photos and for general use as well. First, let's look at the software, Tt eSports Command Centre: I've never been too keen on Tt eSports' software in the past - it looks a bit garish and clunky to me - but it is still functional so I can't complain too much. You get control over all the important areas like button assignment, RGB lighting and macros, while users can also create up to 5 different profiles. Incidentally, those 5 profiles can also be saved directly to the mouse's internal memory, so you can take your settings with you on the road without worrying about installing the software everywhere you go. Moving on to the RGB lighting, it is fair to say that the Ventus X RGB does well here. The colours are accurate and bright, while it is also good to be able to control both lighting zones independently of each other. My only point of criticism is that when the Tt eSports logo is illuminated, it is noticeably dimmer towards its outer edges - a result of the logo being lit by a single LED placed centrally. Maybe a second would've helped, but it is quite a minor point. Now, let's talk about using the mouse day-to-day. I'll start with ergonomics as the size and shape of the Ventus X RGB does mean it won't be for everybody. What I mean is, due to the large size - it is noticeably wider than other mice I have tested recently - the Ventus X RGB definitely favours a palm-grip. You can still use a claw-grip, but it certainly doesn't feel as natural. Those with smaller hands may find the Ventus X RGB a bit troubling as well. I am happy to use a palm-grip, though, and had no issues with comfort during my testing period. It is just worth noting that the Ventus X RGB's shape won't suit all grip styles equally. Another thing I want to talk about is the 'aerodynamic' design of the mouse, as Tt eSports reckons the honeycomb mesh section should help keep your hand cooler during prolonged gaming sessions. Now, I must admit my hands don't tend to get too sweaty while gaming anyway so perhaps I am not the best person to judge here. However, I can't say I noticed much of a difference between using the Ventus X RGB and, say, the ASUS ROG Strix Evolve that I tested recently. My hand certainly wasn't hotter than usual, so I don't mind the mesh at all, but speaking personally I'm not too sure how much of a difference it really makes. That being said, I was still a very happy gamer when using the Ventus X RGB. It's side buttons are well positioned for easy use in games like CS:GO and Star Wars Battlefront, while I was also able to keep my grip on the mouse at all times. The PMW 3360 sensor is another noteworthy inclusion, particularly in this sub-£60 price bracket. The PMW 3360 is considered by many to be a class-leading optical sensor and I had no issues with it - tracking was accurate and acceleration-free at all times. I was also able to edit my photos using Photoshop with the accuracy and consistency that I am used to, so top marks there. Lastly, the weighting system is another welcome feature. I personally left all the weights in, giving a total weight of 146g (including the cable) but that is obviously highly subjective - many readers may well prefer it with all the weights removed! Still, many mice don't include a weights system - even those which cost considerably more than the Ventus X RGB - so it is definitely a very good feature to have.All-in-all, the Tt eSports Ventus X RGB is a successful gaming mouse. Its large size and ergonomic design does mean it will likely suit palm-grip users best of all, while those with smaller hands may be best looking elsewhere. However, I found it to be comfortable in use, with easily accessible side buttons and textured rubber sections, so it is likely to appeal strongly to those who prefer bigger mice. The PMW 3360 sensor is a very good inclusion at this price-point and I had no issues while gaming or editing photos. The removable weights system only furthers the appeal of the Ventus X RGB. In conclusion, the Ventus X RGB is certainly a capable gaming mouse with some decent features. It doesn't really do anything new, so I don't feel blown away after using it for a week, but it is a well-priced mouse that will likely appeal to consumers seeking the PMW 3360 sensor in a mouse that doesn't cost the earth. You can buy one from CCL for £55.99 HERE. Pros PMW 3360 sensor. Comfortable to use. Removable weights system. Affordable. Two-zone RGB lighting. Cons I can't say I noticed much of a difference from the honeycomb mesh section. Software is a bit clunky. KitGuru says: For a mouse priced under £60, the Ventus X RGB is a very capable contender for your money. It doesn't blow me away with anything new or unique, but it does offer a top-class sensor, removable weights and effective RGB lighting at a good price.

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Tt eSports Ventus X RGB Mouse Review

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