Skip to main content

Cooler Master's XM300 mouse offers pro-level features in 'Xtreme' package

Cooler Master has been making gaming peripherals for some time now, but it’s never branded them with such a rad name as “Xtreme” before. However, that’s the moniker its new XM300 gaming mouse sports, and it’s the first of a new lineup of Xtreme Gaming peripherals that offer truly high-end components and features to try and draw away gamers from some of the more established peripheral makers.

Much like some of those other manufacturers, Cooler Master appreciates the draw pro gaming can have. Players of all calibers want to be as good as the Esports professionals they see on streams, so marketing a product with pro-grade features is a strong plan.

However, there are legitimate feature choices that respond to the wants and needs of pros here, too. The XM300 comes packing a 6,400 DPI Pixart 3988 optical sensor, which can be adjusted in 50 DPI increments. While peripheral makers will often push for higher sensitivity options as that makes for a higher, more marketable number, very few people use more than a few thousand DPI and the professional gamers tend to use far less.

Accuracy is usually more important than raw speed, as longer, sweeping arm movements with pin-point accuracy are much more important in high-stakes games.

Related: Remembering your mouse is a lot easier with the new Cooler Master Sentinel III

In line with that, Cooler Master has used industry-standard Omron switches for the left/right click buttons, which are rated at 20 million clicks apiece. As a result, this mouse should last for a fair amount of time. The cable is also drag-free silicon, with a cable guard at the base to prevent fraying.

The overall design is near-ambidextrous and could possibly be used by a left-handed gamer, but it does feature some small finger rests, so it is more geared towards right handers. Its shape, though, is designed to cater to all grip types, making it useful for gamers in a range of genres.

Like most manufacturers, Cooler Master has opted for polytetrafluoroethylene for the mouse feet, but unlike most, it actually paid to use the well known Teflon brand name for this mouse.

Powering the whole thing is the Xtreme Macro Engine, which allows users to customize both the mouse’s hardware response, and its RGB lighting. That is a feature that most serious gamers are less concerned about, though, as it can be distracting, or can be covered up by your hand when in use.

It’s always useful for making your system look cool, though.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
What to do if your Intel CPU keeps crashing
Pins on Core i9-12900K.

Despite being among the best processors you can buy, some high-end Intel CPUs have faced a wave of instability over the past few months. Intel is investigating the problem, but the company and its motherboard partners have already worked toward some temporary fixes to improve stability on high-end Intel CPUs -- even if it comes at a performance cost.

Before getting into the fixes, keep in mind that they are temporary. Intel will release a statement on the instability soon, likely with more direct guidance on what affected users should do. In addition, the scope of the problem isn't clear -- if you're not experiencing issues, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
Who's affected

Read more
HP Envy deals: HP’s most popular laptop starts at $630
An HP Envy 17-inch laptop sits on an office desk.

HP is one of the best laptop brands in the laptop space, with a huge selection of laptops to pick from, including some of the best laptops on the market. More specifically, though, the HP lineup is probably at the top when it comes to versatile and relatively well-valued laptops. While there are quite a few variations and configurations of the HP Envy, we've gone ahead and put together the ones that we think will give you the most bang for your buck. That said, if you haven't found something you're specifically looking for, be sure to check out some of these other great laptop deals as well.
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 laptop 15Z-FH000 — $650, was $900

The HP Envy x360 convertible laptop is a great option for just about anyone, particularly anyone who enjoys the touchscreen functionality of a tablet. It’s well designed and super slim, making it a truly go-anywhere device. Despite its portability, it still has an immersive 15.6-inch touchscreen that’s great for creators, note-takers, and binge watchers. Top notch build quality and durability, fast charging technology, a fingerprint reader, and great battery life round out the top features of the HP Envy x360 convertible touchscreen laptop. It competes well with the best 2-in-1 laptops. Its versatility and all-around capability make it a worthy companion on any desk, and on any lap.

Read more
I use these simple printer tips to save money on ink and toner
Printing is fast and economical with the HP Smart Tank 7602.

The cost of a printer can range from under $100 for some good, low-cost inkjet printers to several hundred for the best color laser printers. However, the price you pay upfront doesn’t include paper, and the included ink and toner only lasts so long.

A bargain printer can end up costing you more overall if the cartridges are small and replacements are expensive. Follow these tips to minimize ink, toner, and paper waste, reducing the ongoing expense of using your printer in the long run.
Print in monochrome
Adobe Acrobat's print settings includes a grayscale option. Digital Trends

Read more