Cooler Master MM311 launches for $39 USD to be the go-to gaming mouse for users on a budget
It's now back-to-school season which means a new gaming mouse might be in order. PC peripheral maker Cooler Master has just started shipping its budget-oriented MM311 wireless gaming mouse with all the core features gamers have come to expect and without any of the auxiliary features that typically bloat the price.
The MM311 comes with PTFE feet for a smoother glide, 2.4 GHz wireless USB-A adapter, five-button inputs, and a 10000 DPI optical sensor. There is a sixth button near the center dedicated to cycling between preset DPI ranges. Meanwhile, the white matte ABS plastic casing hides fingerprints better than the alternate black version, but you'll want to wipe it down often as any dirt accumulation will become more visible.
What users won't be getting are any RGB lighting features which could be a plus for many. Gaming mice from competitors like Razer might be decked out with RGB lights that don't necessarily improve the gaming experience. The MM311 is a more visually basic mouse as a result.
Even so, the low asking price has inevitably led to some cut features that we wish could have been integrated. There is no charging port, for example, meaning users must swap out the single AA battery if it is low. There is no wired or even Bluetooth connectivity either and so the MM311 is purely a 2.4 GHz mouse reliant on its USB wireless adapter. A separate wired version called the MM310 is available, but it would have been nice to just combine the two models into one model with both modes.
The core features and buttons are otherwise comfortable and reliable during our time with a review unit. Our main complaint, however, is that the side thumb buttons are a bit spongy and not as firm as we would like. The side buttons on the Logitech G602, for example, are firmer and sharper in comparison for a better feel. It's nothing that users can't get accustomed to over time.
Readers can check out the official product page of the Cooler Master MM311 for all the common specifications.
