| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity | Feels cheap to hold |
| Attractive minimalist design | Side buttons stick |
| Incredibly lightweight | |
| High-resolution sensor | |
| Low click latency |
If you need lightness, speed and reliability enhanced by an innovative design, then you can’t miss the new ultra-light wireless gaming mouse from Cooler Master.
The Taiwanese company, the world leader in the design and production of gaming peripherals and computer components, has announced the MM730 and MM731, two new mice characterized by exceptional lightness and a refined design.
Read also: Cooler Master MM720 vs Cooler Master MM710
We tried the new Cooler Master MM731, a mouse aimed at gamers that stands out for its ultra-lightweight, an exact sensor and ergonomics reminiscent of the popular gaming mice.
The box includes:
- Instruction manual
- USB C to USB A cable
- Wireless usb receiver
- Grip stickers
Specification
| Cooler Master MM731 | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cooler Master |
| Grip Type | Palm / Claw |
| Material | ABS Plastic / Rubber / PTFE |
| Color | Black / White |
| LED Color | 16.7 Million RGB |
| Sensor | PixArt Optical Sensor |
| CPI / DPI | 100 ~ 38 000 DPI, 100 DPI increments |
| Tracking Speed | 400ips |
| Lift Off Distance | < ~2mm / Adjustable |
| Polling Rate | 2.4GHz/Wired Mode: 1000Hz BT Mode: 125Hz |
| Mouse Acceleration | 50g |
| L/R Switches | Optical Switches, 70 Million |
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | Wired / 2.4GHz / BT 5.1 |
| Battery Capacity | 500mAh |
| Battery Life | 72hrs (2.4GHz mode) 190hrs (BT mode) |
| Charging | Support Wired charging |
| Compatible OS | Windows8+ / macOS |
| Software | Yes, Cooler Master MasterPlus+ |
| Cable | Detachable Ultraweave Cable, 1.8 M (Type-C to Type-A) with Gold-plated |
| Dimensions | 122.3 x 69.0 x 39.1mm |
| Weight | Mouse: 59g / 0.13lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years |
The Cooler Master MM731 Hybrid Gaming Mouse comes in both wired and wirelessly. Connect the mouse to your PC via the USB receiver or Bluetooth and play wirelessly. Is the battery empty? Plug in the cable and start playing right away. Set the Pixart sensor to a maximum of 19,000 dpi, with which you move the cursor quickly and accurately across your screen. With the 2 thumb buttons, you control functions such as switching weapons in Call of Duty faster than your opponent.
As a result, you win the battle and are at the top of the leaderboard. You can take the mouse with you without worrying about a cable break with the woven cable. The MM731 weighs only 59 grams, so you can make minor adjustments in-game, and the strain on your wrist is minimal. You can also place the supplied grip stickers on the mouse for extra grip.
When you grab the peripheral, you will feel a direct connection with your gaming system; this mouse is so light!
Design
The MM731 is designed for right-handers thanks to its asymmetrical, curved shape and the thumb buttons only available on the left-hand side. The shape and size may feel unfamiliar in most hands, but they are suitable for all types of mouse grips. The left side is slightly higher, which leaves more than enough space for the thumb under the additional keys without accidentally activating them. The thumb buttons are kept flat and sensitive enough for quick hotkey actions, but they still offer enough play to avoid overzealous mistyping.
The superlight version of Cooler Master weighs exactly 59 grams, which means that it even undercuts many a wired superlight competitor. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight is only slightly heavier at 63 grams. In practice, such minor weight differences are hardly noticeable. Still, I find the very compact housing of the Logitech mouse to be even quicker to handle than the bulbous Cooler Master representative.
The gliding ability of the MM731 is okay. A look at the underside initially aroused concerns: Although several PTFE feet have rounded edges, they do not cover the switch for changing the connection type, the sealing cap of the USB dongle, and the pairing button. However, after several hours of use on a cloth mouse pad, these concerns turned out to be unfounded, as the thick sliding feet do a good job. The mentioned components scratch a bit when moving only when the mouse is pressed hard on the surface.
The processing quality of the gaming mouse is otherwise convincing, and the rubberized mouse wheel is also correctly gridded so that it can be used for hotkeys without any problems. The Cooler Master logo on the back of the mouse is the only LED element on the device. The scope of delivery also includes some extra non-slip grip surfaces for sticking.
Connectivity
You can use it with the supplied USB-C cable, and in this case, the flexible soft cable does an excellent job, making the mouse as agile in sliding on the surface as it is in wireless mode (nothing to do with it). with the classic rigid braided cable!). This also depends on PTFE feet, which guarantee optimal adherence, further improving smoothness.
In addition to the USB connection, MM731 can interface to the PC via the WiFi network with 2.4 GHz band or in Bluetooth 5.1. Below is a small switch that allows you to set the connection type and the pairing button to finalize the setting change. A compartment holds the tiny WiFil Bluetooth dongle – no receiver is required.
Such a light mouse (which weighs 59 grams) can be the ideal solution for gaming, making interaction more manageable and improving responsiveness, and for everyday use and the office. Interfacing with the PC will be more immediate, and the peripheral will transmit the sensation of direct control. Furthermore, unlike other ultralight peripherals, Cooler Master MM731 does not have a perforated surface, which improves the aesthetic appeal of the mouse.
Performance
The pairing between the mouse and the computer worked without any problems, regardless of the wireless method used. The first and recommended firmware update is only possible via 2.4 GHz – and requires the MasterPlus software. The process takes place automatically after confirmation with the mouse and is completed quickly. The MM731 attracted negative attention months ago because the sensor had dropouts and caused other problems – but the update fixed this. As usual with such mice, Bluetooth only has a 125 Hz sampling rate, immediately noticeable. Switching between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz is done on-the-fly via a switch. The PTFE feet are good as usual; the mouse floats over the surface.
Sensor
The sensor is a pleasure because it works precisely, and the LOD is low, making it possible to lift the Cooler Master MM731 without any problems. The mouse also appeals to us positively because it is easy to grip and light. We also close the 70 h runtime without lighting; we currently let the lighting run at 20% brightness. Of course, this costs electricity, but even so, the working week can be completed without additional charging.
Cooler Master MM731, on the other hand, uses an optical type actuation technology, which eliminates physical contact between the ends of the switch and, therefore, the need to install an anti-bounce system.
Furthermore, the Pixart PAW3370 sensor used by Cooler Master’s new mouse operates at 19,000 DPI to minimize latency and avoid stuttering or poor accuracy problems. Using the button on the part in contact with the support surface, it is also possible to change the setting on the DPI sensitivity of the mouse on the fly, which can be particularly useful for those games that require different sensitivity settings depending on the moment of the game. For example, in a shooter you might like a higher sensitivity value for those moments when you go into sniper mode.
The mouse is covered in all its parts by a wrinkled non-slip surface, which increases the grip on the peripheral, even for longer gaming sessions and in the case of sweaty hands. As for the Cooler Master logo , on the peripheral, it can be colored with 16.7 million different colors, manageable through the MasterPlus + software or with a combination of physical buttons. Just press the scroll wheel and the directional buttons on the left surface of the device to change the color of the lighting.
Lighting
We are very impressed with the lighting of the logo because it is kept simple. In the MasterPlus software provided by Cooler Master, countless colors (RGB) and different modes can be set. The LEDs can be activated or switched off statically, pulsating, or continuously in the color cycle.
Software
The MasterPlus software is user-friendly, clearly laid out and allows for many settings. So we can not only set the dpi that can be switched through via switches but also make other performance settings. Except for the left mouse button and the switching function of the mouse wheel, we can configure all other buttons as we like. This also includes extensive macros that can be placed on the keys.
Over 100 commands can be stored in a macro, but the software will crash at some point. It’s not an advantage, but it’s not a tragedy either. We don’t like the lack of information about the specific remaining term at this point. An icon war shows the current status of the battery but does not allow any conclusions about the remaining runtime. So we were a bit surprised when the mouse was empty – and the battery symbol showed a yellow line. This is not a problem if there is a cable nearby. After all, the mouse can also be used wired. Optimal and well thought out, but it looks different. In addition, the software provides:
- Information on the operating status of the PC.
- I.e. the temperature and percentage of CPU and GPU usage.
- Their voltage.
Battery
Cooler Master specifies the runtime (each without LED) as up to 190 hours in Bluetooth mode and 72 hours in 2.4 GHz mode.
Inside the device, we find a 500mAh battery that guarantees hundreds of hours of batter life with connection via Bluetooth. However, we must consider that the mouse is less precise in this mode, and the polling rate is reduced from 1000 Hz to 125 Hz. In WiFi, however, the autonomy is reduced to about 70 hours (but remember that the device can also be connected with the cable).
Furthermore, the micro switches inside the two main buttons are so reactive due to their nature as optical switches and, therefore, the ability to ensure the connection without resorting to metal parts. Optical switches increase the longevity of the peripheral and guarantee greater precision and responsiveness with a debounce time of only 0.2 ms against the 4-6 ms of traditional mechanical switches.
Conclusion!
Cooler Master has made a good hit with the Cooler Master MM731. The mouse, which is available in black or white, works perfectly, the sensor and the switches are excellent, and the weight and shape are appealing. We do not criticize the hardware itself at this point. We rate the plastic cap that holds the 2.4 GHz sensor as not ideal. This is negligible if you leave the dongle permanently plugged – into the PC. It makes sense because the mouse can then work at a 1000 Hz sampling rate.
The software has also turned out to be less advantageous in practice. Crashes from a certain number of macros (and quick recording of the same) and the lack of information about the remaining battery life cloud the overall picture. However, Cooler Master can quickly start here and implement improvements. So that doesn’t stop us from giving the MM731 our High-End Award.
Cooler Master has done an excellent job, and for $79.00, the mouse is attractive for those who prioritize exceptionally lightweight, wireless and good technology. So if you don’t have a problem with a little more weight, you can get mice that are just as good for significantly less money. But that’s not the target group Cooler Master is aiming for either. We don’t see the built-in battery as a point of criticism because it saves weight, and there are enough alternative products – which rely on replaceable batteries.
