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TESTING AND RESULTS
Cooler Master Storm Sentinel Advance (I) – Philips PLN 2032 (Twin Laser) – 3800 DPI
Cooler Master Storm Recon – Avago ADNS-3090 – 3400 DPI
Cooler Master Storm Havoc – Avago ADNS-9800 – 3800 DPI
Since there are no reliable benchmarking tools for mice, gaming runs will suffice. The Storm Havoc handled very well during actual gameplay on the SteelSeries QCK Call of Duty Black Ops II Soldier Edition gaming surface/mousepad. Having played with both laser and optical mice, 3800 DPI is the subjective number the laser mice are set to in order to mimic identical feel and speed of the 3400 DPI optical.
Like the Recon, the Havoc does not come weight control. Those who prefer low dpi settings will have no problem with LoD (lift-off distance) tracking, as the Havoc’s 9800 sensor prevents excessive tracking the moment the mouse leaves the surface. The cursor will literally stop when the mouse is a millimeter off the ground – but at higher DPI this is obviously not the case. You should not be lifting-off at all when playing 3200-3800 DPI and above. In case you do, at 8200 DPI, tracking typically stops at around 4-5mm off the surface which is understandably substantial.
Speaking of DPI, we tested the four little LED tickers and colour profiles. The buttons are synced with the software so when you press the DPI or profile buttons, the software will cycle through each in real-time and highlight the one you picked so you are not left guessing your configuration(s). For a closer look at the different colour profiles and LED tickers, check the gallery on the last page of the review.
To conclude the results, the Havoc performed just like its other two counterparts. Tracking was exceptionally precise, and there were no erratic jitters, movements, or complications when playing Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 3, Dota 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Killing Floor, and Payday: The Heist.
I like the design. Looks pretty cool. And not too big for my hand.