An innovative and eye-catching
design, but not comfortable to use
[+] Level 99 – Premium materials used
throughout
[-] Level 42 – Poor shape; overpriced;
over-designed
If you’re into cars, you should be familiar
with the idea of a concept car. There are one of models designed to showcase
the future of car manufacturing. They invariably have a warped design usually
missing a key component, such as the steering wheel or the doors, and we’re
reminded of these bizarre creations when we look at the Level 10M.
The most noticeable feature of the Level
10M is its U-shaped exposed aluminum chassis, which cradles all the electronics
within it. This is a similar design to that seen on the excellent Corsair M 6o,
and it has a similar effect here too, giving the Level 10M a low center of
gravity, which makes moving the mouse feel like a very direct and responsive
action.
Annoyingly, though, the chassis adds extra
width to the mouse, and this extra girth annoyingly made the gap between our
thumb and fourth finger [which were residing on either side of the mouse]
uncomfortably large.
A second effect of the metal chassis
constructions is that it means the Level 10 M is surprisingly heavy. This might
be ideal if you have fondness for mice that are little hefty, but it will be a
deal breaker if you like your mice whippet-light.
The main body of the mouse is made from
rubberized plastic, but we found its shape flawed from the first moment we laid
our hands on it. It’s very long and flat, leaving you in a peculiar situation
where the heel of your hand wants to sit right on the sloped back edge of the
mouse. It’s uncomfortable to maintain this position, as your hand just wants to
slide backwards of the rear of the mouse. You can adjust the shape of the body
via a pair of built-in screws, but neither of the adjustments [height and tilt
of the plastic body] offered enough of a difference to make the mouse really
comfortable to hold.
Piling on more ergonomic woes are the
skinny woes wheel and the difficult to reach silver ‘Z-stick’ button, which is
used for switching between DPI settings, and the profiles saved to the on-board
memory. Not that you’ll be able to see which DPI setting you’re currently
using, however, as the four LEDs used to indicate your current settings are
peculiarly positioned in the exact area where your middle finger will reside.
Thankfully, the bundled software is simple
to use, with the usual plethora of button settings, macro recording options and
LED adjustments available, although the software is largely irrelevant if the
mouse itself is so uncomfortable to use.
The
level 10m has a low centre of gravity, which makes moving the mouse feel like a
very direct and responsive action
Conclusion
The TT eSports Level 10M is an interesting
and eye-catching take on the modern gaming mouse, and we’re always happy to see
new and innovative ideas. However, in this case, the result is a mouse that
simply isn’t comfortable to use for long periods of time. Couple this with the
frankly breathtaking price, and it’s clear that you’re better off spending less
money on a better-designed mouse instead.
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How much?
§ Price:
$135
§ Manufacturer:
www.ttesports.com
§ SKU
number: MO-LTM009DT
In detail
§ Connection:
Wired (braided)
§ Material:
Aluminum, plastic
§ Buttons:
7, scroll wheel
§ Sensitivity:
50 – 8,200dpi
§ Extras:
Adjustable shape
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