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Picking the right mouse is like picking the right sword, except if you pick the wrong sword, a dragon might eat you. There are subtle differences in form, weight, flexibility, and function between the Kone II and Kone II Air by Turtle Beach, but I’d be comfortable taking either into Smaug’s lair. From comfy scroll wheels to dependable DPI, these mice deliver on features while keeping their overall package streamlined. Precise gaming, comfortable work, and minimal setup make these mice easy to enjoy, whether you’re a League of Legends pro or a mere mortal like me. Here’s what Turtle Beach has hatched.
Kone and Kone II Air Review
Average Retail Price (Kone II): $69.99
Average Retail Price (Kone II Air): $119.99
The Kone II (black, pictured above) and Kone II Air (white) are a mashup of convenience and quality. Wired and wireless respectively, these gaming mice aim for ergonomic comfort for medium to larger hands, with adaptability for all grip styles. They mostly succeed. Programmable but sleek, these are no-nonsense mice. They feel and perform like the mid-range options they are, keeping my hand comfortable through hours of Space Marine 2 fragging, sans aggravating lag or disruptive muscle strain. For those looking to upgrade their budget mouse or backup a pricier main, the Kone series are serious contenders.
Specifications & Features
- Ergonomic shape for medium & larger hands and all grips
- Multi-button design supporting programmable functions
- Multifunctional 4D scroll wheel with tilt
- Dynamic accuracy with 26k DPI/650 IPS (16.5m/s) optical sensor
- Pre-tensioned buttons for fast, satisfying clicks
- TITAN Switch Optical for a tactile feel with optical speed
- Long-lasting switch durability – 100M click lifecycle
- Pure, heat-treated PTFE glides for smooth movements
- Three-zone programmable AIMO RGB Illumination
- Drag-free, braided PhantomFlex USB-A cable
- NVIDIA Reflex compatible
The Kone II supports 23 programmable functions, while the Air supports 21, giving both a high degree of customization. The Air’s scroll wheel is free-spin, while the Kone II has pleasant tactile stops. Both feature 4D tilt control in case you’re determined to pack in as much functionality as possible. Pre-tensioned clicks feel great on both mice, turning every Excel spreadsheet into a satisfying game of Clickolding. These TITAN Optical Switches are rated to 100m clicks as well, so they won’t be quitting on you any time soon.
Though relatively light for what they are, the shells of both mice feel dense and smooth, and there’s a pleasing gleam to them when you activate their multi-zone AIMO RGB. The Kone II’s lights, however, didn’t wow me. On the Grab Your Attention scale, every RGB mouse falls somewhere between paint-drying and a Pachinko parlor. I’d take the Kone II over a wall of freshly painted Teacup Rose, but I’d hesitate. The braided cables do better. They feel both elegant and utilitarian. Better yet, they performed as expected, without fail.
The Air has a lengthy battery life (up to 350 hours with Bluetooth or up to 130 with 2.4GHz wireless). If you like wired play with the option of cutting the cord, this is an easy sell. What about the high-quality switches, buttons, and heat-treated PTFE glides? Pixel-peeking in Valorant? Organizing digital photo albums? You’ll get a crisp, clear response. That means less time worrying about your hardware and more time getting down to business.
Surface Calibration and Sensor
- Owl-Eye 26K optical sensor
- Minimum DPI: 50
- Maximum DPI: 26,000
- Adjustable lift-off distance
- 50g acceleration
- 650 IPS (16.5m/s) Tracking Speed
Whether in wired or wireless mode, I experienced no connectivity issues with either mouse. Lag never reared its head in any meaningful way, either. The 26K optical sensors delivered a fast, precise response. Whether I was drawing pixel art or angling for headshots, the Kone kept me on target. They won’t magically fix your aim if you have the target-acquisition skills of a Stormtrooper, but they’re a quality option for gamers who want something dependable.
After testing the calibration and sensor across a wide variety of tasks (including home office work, gaming, and digital art production), I was thrilled with the performance of both mice. “Consistency” isn’t a battle cry that will whip the troops into a frenzy, but they’re worth celebrating here. The Kone II and Kone II Air aren’t the most innovative mice, but you can count on a quality performance from them regardless of the task.
Dimensions
| Kone II | Kone II Air | |
| Length | Length: 130.2mm | Length: 130.2mm |
| Height | Height: 43.6mm | Height: 44.1mm |
| Width | Width: 82.6mm | Width: 82.6mm |
| Weight | Weight: 90g | Weight: 110g |
The Air has 20g on the Kone II. It’s an appreciable difference considering the two mice otherwise have almost identical dimensions. I found both Kone controllers comfortable and solid for a claw and fingertip grip but somewhat too small for a comfortable palm grip. That said, my mits are larger than most, so these mice are probably a good fit if you tend toward mediums. In terms of overall comfort, the Air edged out the Kone II for me. Your hand shape and preferred grip will likely make the ultimate difference.
Compatibility and System Requirements
- Windows® 10 and above (software support)
- USB 2.0 (or higher)
- Internet connection (for driver software)
The Kone II and Kone II Air require minimal setup. Driver setup was effortless, and Windows threw no tantrums during pairing. Once you’ve plugged in (or paired up in wireless mode), you’re good to dive into your next clickfest. If you’re put off by cumbersome setups and installations, these are good picks. Mice don’t get much more plug-and-play than this.
Conclusion: Tactile and Tactful
The Turtle Beach Kone II and Kone II Air offer excellent gaming experiences. In both price and functionality, they’re overkill for casual users, but if you’re reading comparative mice reviews, you’re probably the target demographic. Programmable, comfortable, and precise, these mice are great options for daily use. These durable designs also make the Kone II and Kone II Air good for families and hardcore CoD players alike. If anyone benefits from these mice, however, it’s my battle brothers in Space Marine 2. Those evil alien bugs will never know what clicked them.
Mice provided by Manufacturer.
Kone II and Kone II Air Review
High-quality, dependable options on a mid-tier budget, Turtle Beach's Kone II and Kone II Air give gamers the goods.
Pros
- Satisfying, tactile clicks
- Smooth, responsive movements
- Highly programmable
Cons
- Slightly too small for larger hands
- Kone II RGB is underwhelming
- Style plays it safe
