Performance

This new CM Storm mouse is one of the first to feature the new Avago ADNS-9800 sensor, which is the first to have a maximum resolution of 8200 DPI, which is 2600 DPI more than its predecessor the ADNS-9500. The old 9500-series sensor performs great on most surfaces and exhibited a very short lift-off-distance and was highly tweakable. The 9500-sensor had only one downfall and that was its slightly positive acceleration when moved rapidly. The 9800 inherits these problem and add one of its own, namely Z-axis tracking in the Sentinel Advance II implementation. The Z-axis tracking is basically when you lift the mouse the pointer will move. Here it seems that the pointer continues in the same general direction as the mouse was traveling before the lift approximately half a second after it has been lifted. The issue is small due to the extremely short lift-off-distance of the sensor, but at the same time augmented by its very high DPI rating and therefore maximum full control sensitivity.

The eight buttons on the Sentinel is great for RPG and RTS players, the fact that the buttons are well constructed is another plus. Layout wise they are pretty well positioned. Besides that you have really easy control over which profile is active so you could swap profiles in game with ease if you run out of buttons.

At maximum DPI the mouse is totally uncontrollable even though it is perfectly precise. 8200 DPI is just way overkill even for ultra-high sensitivity gaming on a 1920x1200 screen like a normal 24" is. For people wanting a seriously high sensitivity on a CrossFire setup the 8200 DPI might be a bonus, but for regular people with just one normal high resolution screen it is over the top.

For general desktop work this mouse is very close to ideal due to the amount of buttons, precise sensor and comfortable grip. You can easily work for hours in Photoshop without getting a cramped up lower arm which is a real plus both for gaming and more serious work on a PC.

Gaming

Besides the lift-off related problem the mouse performs very well and feels quite precise. The positive acceleration issues are minor and in normal RTS and RPG games it is simply not an issue. The amount of buttons is a definite plus and the comfort is very good, almost on par with that of the Mionix Naos mouse. Even with relatively large hands it is totally comfortable and supports your hands in all the right places. It is definitely best with a palm type grip but it also works alright with a more claw type grip. Claw type grip plus big hands might yield some balance issues due to the main buttons being placed further forward than the mouse feet which makes the rear end lift during key presses, of course you could add weights to mitigate the problem.

The weight system implementation is relatively straight forward and is concealed under a door at the bottom of the mouse. With all the weights removed the mouse handles very naturally, it seems that the weight distribution without weights installed is pretty well balanced. The center of gravity is also low even without weights which is another plus, for those looking for a light well-handling mouse. Once you get some weights in place the mouse becomes a bit back heavy, but nothing horrible.

The scroll wheel is slightly buggy since it can be semi-fixed in two location on its axle, also the rubber band on it is slightly loose. While it is not the worst scroll wheel we have come across, it is definitely not the best either. The feel of it is better than that of Zowie mice which is good, but it is not as nice as that of say a Mionix Naos, ROCCAT Kone[+] or SteelSeries Sensei for that matter.