Performance
The software looks pretty basic, but all the important features are there and easily accessible. DPI can be configured over the three main toggle modes, default is 800, 2000 and 5000 DPI. Liftoff height can be set super low or super high dependant on your preferences, and angle snapping is disabled by default.
The button setup is fully customisable and you can tweak each to a key stroke, macro or shortcut.
I tested the sensor at the default settings, these are 800, 2000 and 5000 DPI. The first two performed superbly, but as you can see 5000 (or anything over 4500DPI) has significant jitter. Accuracy isn’t the most important thing at ultra high DPI, but the speed is certainly handy for rapid turning during gaming, before switching back to a lower DPI for accurate shooting. In the top left you can see I’ve attempted to draw straight lines at 800DPI with angle snapping off, below that the same DPI but angle snapping turned on.
Gaming on the M45 is a joy, the programmable buttons and macro features are a big win for games such as League of Legends, DOTA 2, WoW, etc. The sensor is really nice to play on and while it does get a little wobbly towards to max DPI setting, I personally never use settings that high anyway, but that high DPI settings is obviously something you can decide if you need to do or not prior to purchase.
The ergonomics feel comfortable enough and being able to adjust the weight is a nice bonus as it helps you tailor the feel of the mouse, which can obviously vary depending on your gaming surface, hand size and a dozen other factors.
I tested the M40, M60 & M65 and also found the textured sandpaper type side grips, especially the thumb side wore out very quickly on all of them. It’s high time they did something about it.
I love Corsair stuff. It’s well built, sturdy and reliable. What I don’t like about their stuff (namely their peripherals) is how they look. They really don’t look nice at all.