EVGA Torq X10 Gaming Mouse Review
by E. Fylladitakis on August 18, 2014 10:14 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
- EVGA
- Mouse
Performance
Working and gaming with the EVGA Torq X10 mouse has been a mixed experience. In terms of performance, the Torq X10 performed admirably on any surface that we tested it on. The Teflon feet are especially useful, making the mouse extremely easy to glide even on rough wooden surfaces. When we disabled all software acceleration, we could not spot any native acceleration coming from the laser sensor.
If there is one performance-related issue that we could complain about, it probably is the cycling DPI settings. If you are at the lowest DPI setting and click the DPI-down button, the mouse will go to the highest DPI setting and vice-versa. This is of critical importance in heavy action games, where DPI changes are almost certainly going to be made hectically and carelessly. While this is a concern, our major complaints with the EVGA Torq X10 mouse are regarding its ergonomics.
Even at its lowest possible height, the Torq X10 is a very large mouse and it is fairly difficult to grasp it comfortably, especially if you are used to non-symmetric ergonomic designs or if you have small hands. With my small to medium sized hands, the Torq X10 felt excessively large and bulky, even though I am used to working with large mice, such as the Logitech G602, on a daily basis. The placement of the side buttons feels off as well and will require at least a short learning curve before you can use them effectively.
There may be users that will like the size of the Torq X10, and tastes in mice are somewhat subjective, but there are also going to be users that simply find the X10 to be uncomfortable. Our advice is as usual that you should try this mouse in person before making a purchase.
The Software
The EVGA Unleash software that can be used to program the Torq X10 is easy to use and very well designed. There are two arched sliders at the top, one for the DPI level and one for the mouse sensitivity. For those that prefer a more straightforward input, there are also two numeric input boxes under the sliders. These will affect the DPI level and sensitivity of the current DPI setting, and the DPI can be set from just 200 DPI up to 8200 DPI.
Next to the sliders are the lighting controls, which allow the user to select from seven colors and adjust their intensity. Although there are only seven colors for the user to select from, we do not find this to be a drawback, even when compared to products that claim to offer millions of colors. Besides, once you realize how hideous every color other than red looks on the Torq X10, it is extremely unlikely that you will be switching the lighting color at all, even if only to recognize the set profile.
As for the buttons, the software allows for the complete repositioning and reprogramming of the buttons. You can switch between right hand and left hand mode by clicking a single icon and you can reposition or repurpose any button you want, even the main buttons. If you desire, you can set all side buttons to perform a single action, or disable any button entirely. As for the programmable actions, you can program the buttons to perform virtually any possible action, ranging from simple clicks and macro commands to screenshot captures and "rapid-firing" modes.
In the advanced settings tab, the user may adjust the DPI settings in detail. The first thing that can be adjusted is the number of DPI levels, ranging from just one and up to a maximum of five levels. It is also interesting that the DPI setting may be adjusted independently for each of the two movement axis. The polling rate of each DPI level may also be adjusted, although we do not really see the point with a wired mouse such as this. EVGA also added adjustments for the OS settings, including angle snapping and software acceleration. These settings are best left untouched for most people but advanced gamers will most likely want to disable them.
The macro programming and management capabilities of the software are quite good, although not iconic. It is possible to program any keystroke macro, as well as edit the time intervals. The recorder will recognize any mouse and or keyboard key pressed. However, it does not record the movements of the mouse, which is critical to perform advanced actions while gaming. Yes, you can cast several spells almost instantaneously, but you will not be able to open your inventory, swap gear and close it again in less than half a second. You will need a third-party macro recorder for that and, if it supports the compiling of .EXE files, you can then set the mouse button to launch the compiled application.
The Unleash software does support the export and import of macros to and from files, as well as the export and import of the entire profile. For those that like to share macros and other settings, this is a useful feature.
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mindbomb - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
there would be no polling rate for usb 3.0 peripherals, they are interrupt based iirc.MadMan007 - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
Avago laser sensors are inherently flawed - they have built-in acceleration which may not be noticed by some but should not be recommended in a world with 'perfect' optical sensors. There are more mice with the ADNS 3310 coming out now. Don't buy into the OMG LAZER MOAR DPI!!11 hype.nissefar - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
This. You guys should do some research on sensors when you review mice.Kalessian - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
If you want a good fps (quake, cs, ut, etc) mouse, try the Zowie FK1 or the SteelSeries Rival. Both use the 3310 sensor I believe.I may get an FK1 to see if it is worthy of replacing my WMO.
You may also want to mention switch type for buttons. Omron, Huano, ...
jibberegg - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
"It's also hard to justify the >30% price increase just for a layer of carbon fiber on the sides of the mouse"As opposed to, say, the amount of money I've spent on virtual hats in TF2?
Deelron - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
Pretty much. Given how much a mouse is used and how long it's expected to last $30 seems trivial for a much better experience (if indeed it actually does improve the feel dramatically).edzieba - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
You'd have to pry my MX revolution out of my cold, dead hand.crabdog - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
I love my Razer Deathadder mouse. It has a really nice build quality and a fantastic sensor. Just wish it was a bit bigger as I have kinda large hands and long fingers.austinsguitar - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - link
oh ya.... that mouse is a virgin magnet.... just review the logitech g502 if you havent. i love it, and it doesnt look or feel like a toy...Coup27 - Thursday, August 21, 2014 - link
I am another one who has used countless Logitech products and never had one fail yet.After using G9's and G9X's for more years than I can remember, I have switched over to a G502. I generally like it, but it's proving difficult to really get used to and it become natural.
I am a bit stuck with Logitech whether I like it or not. They seem to be the only one, or one of the only ones who offer left and right button clicks integrated into the scroll wheel. I use these for back/forward in Windows and Chrome and previous sheet / next sheet in AutoCAD and I simply couldn't live without those buttons.