The Turtle Beach Kone II Air builds upon the Roccat Kone Air, adding vibrant RGB lighting and enhanced features for a premium gaming experience. This review delves into its design, performance, connectivity, and overall value, determining if it justifies its higher price point.
Design and Build: A Flashy Upgrade
Unlike the Roccat Kone Air’s subdued aesthetic, the Kone II Air embraces RGB lighting with two programmable zones along the top and one integrated into the scroll wheel. This creates a striking visual appeal, especially in dimly lit gaming environments. The overall shape remains similar to its predecessor, with a clean and ergonomic design, albeit with an additional button behind the scroll wheel for on-the-fly DPI adjustments.
The Kone II Air’s larger chassis (5.20 x 3.23 x 1.69 inches) caters to larger hands, offering ample space for a relaxed grip. Its weight of 3.88 ounces (110 grams) provides a substantial feel, contributing to a sense of precision and control. While suitable for medium-sized hands, the overall dimensions might be overwhelming for smaller hands.
Turtle Beach Kone II Air
Connectivity: Wired and Wireless Options
A significant improvement over the Kone Air is the Kone II Air’s versatile connectivity. It offers both 2.4GHz wireless via a USB dongle for low-latency gaming and Bluetooth for convenient pairing with other devices. The USB dongle can be stored in a compartment underneath the mouse, preventing loss when not in use. Additionally, the Kone II Air supports wired connectivity via a USB-A to USB-C cable, which simultaneously charges the mouse. This eliminates the need for replaceable AA batteries, a welcome upgrade from the previous model.
Turtle Beach Kone II Air
Performance: Precision and Speed
The Kone II Air boasts a 26K Owl-Eye optical sensor, capable of up to 26,000 DPI, 650 IPS, and 50g acceleration. This translates to exceptional tracking accuracy and responsiveness, ideal for fast-paced gameplay. The ergonomic design and large PTFE feet facilitate smooth gliding and precise micro-movements, despite its larger size.
Turtle Beach Kone II Air
Seven buttons, including a four-directional scroll wheel, provide ample input options. The Easy-Shift [+] button, located beneath the thumb rest, effectively doubles the number of programmable commands to 21, making it particularly suited for MMOs that require quick access to numerous abilities. While the thumb rest is comfortable, the placement of the Easy-Shift [+] button might require some adjustment for optimal usage.
The Titan Optical switches deliver crisp and tactile feedback, enhancing the overall gaming experience. However, the distinct click sound might be noticeable during gameplay.
Battery Life: A Trade-off for Convenience
While the rechargeable battery is a significant advantage, the Kone II Air’s battery life is shorter than its predecessor. It offers approximately 130 hours in 2.4GHz wireless mode and 350 hours in Bluetooth mode, compared to the Kone Air’s 800 hours with AA batteries.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade?
The Turtle Beach Kone II Air delivers a compelling package for MMO gamers, with its striking RGB lighting, versatile connectivity, and impressive performance. The ergonomic design, high-precision sensor, and extensive programmable commands make it a powerful tool for demanding games. However, the higher price tag and reduced battery life compared to the Kone Air are factors to consider.
If you prioritize wired and wireless connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, and a comfortable ergonomic design, the Kone II Air is a worthwhile investment. However, budget-conscious gamers might find the Kone Air a more appealing option, provided they are comfortable with replaceable batteries and the lack of RGB.
