Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE Gaming Mouse Review
Two years after Corsair forayed into the world of wireless charging, the company is back with its new and improved Dark Core RGB Pro SE gaming mouse. Currently offered at the same price of $89.99 (£99.99) as its predecessor, the Pro version arrives with 18,000 DPI, 2.4Ghz Slipstream technology, longer battery life, and more than double the RGB lighting. Of course, this all comes with a price – just not the currency kind. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=corsair-dark-core-rgb-pro-se&captions=true"] The Dark Core Pro is one hefty device. Not to mention it has fewer programmable buttons – specifically, missing a dedicated sniper button – and some issues surrounding its Bluetooth technology, though that doesn't hold it back from challenging the best gaming mice on the market today.
Next to this, you have the option of two interchangeable side grips. Out of these, the extended grip is far more ergonomic than the one packaged and suited my style much more efficiently. I can't imagine swapping back. The mouse is nonetheless clearly suited for right-handed players that favor a palm grip. For that reason, if this isn’t your chosen playstyle and you aren’t willing to adapt, this mouse isn't for you. With a polling rate of an impressive 2,000 Hz (Note: 1000 Hz is selectable for those looking to save CPU usage), it's honestly the most connectivity you could ask for and only the most eagle-eyed of us will notice the difference between something that offers 1,500 or upwards. Still, those in esports or playing competitively on a regular basis will be happy for it. A welcome change is Corsair's decision to opt for USB-C instead of Micro. As tech moves towards this as a standard, it makes the whole ordeal much less painful. No faffing about trying to find the right connector. On the underside of the Pro, there are three connectivity options (wired, wireless and Bluetooth) that you can flick back and forth between. Another is the compatibility of Corsair's Slipstream technology, which is claimed to be capable of sub-1ms wireless speed and seemingly holds faithful when ran through tests. 
It also features a useful compartment for the USB dongle that slides off smoothly courtesy of slick magnets built into the right-hand side. In addition, a 1.8m braided fiber wire comes packaged, which is always preferable and more durable in my experience. The more LEDs the better, and the Dark Core RGB Pro SE is certainly not short of them. Featuring nine RGB LEDs showcased all over the mouse – including a gorgeous lightbar under the forward/backward buttons - there's an abundance of customization available with near-limitless color choices. Though a matching LED to mirror the left lightbar would have been nice, giving some symmetry to the design. More light too, considering the Corsair logo (which also pulses) is covered up for the majority of time by your palm. 
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the weight. As far as gaming mice go, the Pro SE is undoubtedly on the heavier side – arguably 50g over the average, at 142g with the standard grip and 143g with the extended. Having said that, it never slowed me down. Before the Pro SE, I was utilizing a mouse closer to the average measurements but the increased bulk did not hinder gameplay for me whatsoever. If anything, I enjoyed the increased size and feel.
In day to day life, the mouse is very comfortable and during the sweltering heat that is plaguing the UK at the moment, never once became sticky. Battery life can reach approximately 50 hours, according to Corsair. And though that claim rings true overall, it only can hit those durations without all the RGB features, which when utilized (because why wouldn’t you?) is halved to its full potential. Still, it's a generous offering. At $89.99 the Pro SE is not the most affordable of gaming mice out there. It is however cheaper than the Logitech G502 Wireless and offers similar specs, making it a worthy consideration.
Design and Features
Let's start off with the look: it's a sleek, well-put-together, quality bit of kit that would sit perfectly within any setup. There are eight programmable buttons: forward, backward, DPI up, DPI down, profile cycle, a middle click button, and the standard right and left clickers. The layout is extremely pleasing, thanks to having the DPI settings quickly accessible when mid-game, while the middle and roller buttons have distinguishable inputs that come off as hugely satisfying. Furthermore, the grip itself is padded rubber with a raised, light, and bumpy surface that not only didn't wear in long sessions but also helped to not overheat my hand on hotter days.
Next to this, you have the option of two interchangeable side grips. Out of these, the extended grip is far more ergonomic than the one packaged and suited my style much more efficiently. I can't imagine swapping back. The mouse is nonetheless clearly suited for right-handed players that favor a palm grip. For that reason, if this isn’t your chosen playstyle and you aren’t willing to adapt, this mouse isn't for you. With a polling rate of an impressive 2,000 Hz (Note: 1000 Hz is selectable for those looking to save CPU usage), it's honestly the most connectivity you could ask for and only the most eagle-eyed of us will notice the difference between something that offers 1,500 or upwards. Still, those in esports or playing competitively on a regular basis will be happy for it. A welcome change is Corsair's decision to opt for USB-C instead of Micro. As tech moves towards this as a standard, it makes the whole ordeal much less painful. No faffing about trying to find the right connector. On the underside of the Pro, there are three connectivity options (wired, wireless and Bluetooth) that you can flick back and forth between. Another is the compatibility of Corsair's Slipstream technology, which is claimed to be capable of sub-1ms wireless speed and seemingly holds faithful when ran through tests. It also features a useful compartment for the USB dongle that slides off smoothly courtesy of slick magnets built into the right-hand side. In addition, a 1.8m braided fiber wire comes packaged, which is always preferable and more durable in my experience. The more LEDs the better, and the Dark Core RGB Pro SE is certainly not short of them. Featuring nine RGB LEDs showcased all over the mouse – including a gorgeous lightbar under the forward/backward buttons - there's an abundance of customization available with near-limitless color choices. Though a matching LED to mirror the left lightbar would have been nice, giving some symmetry to the design. More light too, considering the Corsair logo (which also pulses) is covered up for the majority of time by your palm. Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the weight. As far as gaming mice go, the Pro SE is undoubtedly on the heavier side – arguably 50g over the average, at 142g with the standard grip and 143g with the extended. Having said that, it never slowed me down. Before the Pro SE, I was utilizing a mouse closer to the average measurements but the increased bulk did not hinder gameplay for me whatsoever. If anything, I enjoyed the increased size and feel.
Software
No downloads are needed to start using the Pro SE. Just insert the cable, or wireless dongle, or connect by Bluetooth and you're away. The latter can be a little hit or miss, occasionally taking a few attempts to successfully connect, though admittedly I used that setting the least, and expect that to be the case for others. Bluetooth is useful for when you’re on the move, but otherwise it’s better to stick to the other two options. To take full advantage of the mouse, users will need to install Corsair's iCUE software. It's sophisticated stuff, and those that are willing to invest time to learn the ins and outs will no doubt benefit most. That said, it can be very off-putting for newcomers. Setting up lighting effects, such as personalized gradients or waves to stream through, proved simple enough to find, but remapping buttons was overly complex. Not even the tutorial offered online (via YouTube) from Corsair did much to rectify the issue, leaving no option but to scour the web to find others who have encountered the same problem. Returning to Bluetooth for a second, I actually found some issues with the software detecting profiles with the device whenever on the setting. It’s nothing major but worth a mention.Gaming
Time spent with the Pro SE has proven that anyone can benefit from a gaming mouse like this. It glides smoothly across my mousepad, and the responsiveness has helped my accuracy across the board in a variety of games that I tested the device out on. Whether that be CS:GO, Aim Lab, Brawlhalla or something like Fall Guys, which I put in a good few runs. There was no noticeable input lag either, and the switching of DPIs in particular proved most useful the more I went on. In day to day life, the mouse is very comfortable and during the sweltering heat that is plaguing the UK at the moment, never once became sticky. Battery life can reach approximately 50 hours, according to Corsair. And though that claim rings true overall, it only can hit those durations without all the RGB features, which when utilized (because why wouldn’t you?) is halved to its full potential. Still, it's a generous offering. At $89.99 the Pro SE is not the most affordable of gaming mice out there. It is however cheaper than the Logitech G502 Wireless and offers similar specs, making it a worthy consideration.
Purchasing Guide
The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE is available on Amazon and the official Corsair site with an MSRP of $89.99.
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE Gaming Mouse Review
![Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE Gaming Mouse Review]()
Reviewed by Unknown
on
August 17, 2020
Rating:
Post a Comment