The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro is a premium wireless mouse designed specifically for first-person shooter and MOBA players. It is equipped with the latest Corsair features. This includes slipstream wireless technology, an optical sensor with up to 18,000 DPI, eight function keys and a polling rate of up to 2000 Hz. The design is very similar to its predecessors and offers the same well-shaped contours with good holding characteristics. Besides a newly revised scroll wheel, Corsair has finally given the Dark Core RGB Pro a USB-C port for wired use and for charging the battery.
Let’s see if the Dark Core really deserves the addition “Pro”.
Design and workmanship
When you look at the Dark Core RGB Pro, you immediately notice how much work Corsair has put into developing the shape of the high-end gaming mouse. If you put your hand on it, you can even feel it. Whether Palm or Claw, this mouse has been carefully shaped for different grip types. Visually striking is the side grip on the left side, where the thumb can be placed. So it doesn’t always have to clasp the mouse and doesn’t drag on the mouse pad. This prevents unnecessary drag. If necessary, a grip can be attached on the right side. This holds magnetically and can be replaced quickly and easily.
With the 9-zone RGB illumination you can personalize your wireless mouse even more. The scroll wheel, several light bars on the left side, the Corsair logo, a bar on the right side and the DPI and profile LED indicators are individually adjustable.
Qualitatively, there is nothing to criticize in the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro. The processing is excellent throughout. The FPS/MOBA gaming mouse sits perfectly in the hand and feels amazingly good. For the palm and thumb area, a rubberized surface was used, which has a slight nap. According to Corsair, the grips were inspired by tennis or golf clubs.
Technical details
| Sensor | Pixart PAW3392 |
| Sensor type | optical |
| Sensor resolution | 100 to 18.000 DPI (adjustable in steps of 1 DPI) |
| Interrogation rate | up to 2000 Hz |
| Form | right-handed |
| Number of keys | 8 |
| Switches | Omron switches (50 million clicks) |
| Connection | 2.4GHz (SLIPSTREAM CORSAIR WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY), Bluetooth 4.2 + LE, USB-C |
| Battery life | 2,4GHz SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS: up to 16h with standard illumination and 36h without illumination Bluetooth: up to 18h with standard illumination and 50h without illumination |
| Dimensions | 127 x 89 x 43 (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 133 g |
| Cable length | 1,8 m |
| Lighting | 9-Zone RGB |
| Price | € 89.00 * |
Features and operation
With its eight freely programmable keys, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro is well equipped. On the left, there are two buttons that can be easily operated with the thumb. The upper side accommodates two more buttons beside the two standard mouse buttons on the left. These are supposed to be operated with the index finger, which unfortunately turned out to be not very easy. Their positioning is slightly unfavorable, so that you have to hold your finger a bit awkwardly in order to get at both. By default the switches are responsible for controlling the DPI presets. Practically to mention here is that thanks to the two buttons, one does not have to switch through all settings but can consciously increase or decrease the DPI number. In the centre, another button crowns the mouse. Thus, the profiles saved in the Dark Core RGB Pro are changed ex works.
Corsair has equipped the right and left mouse buttons with Omron switches designed for up to 50 million clicks. The Pixart PAW3392, specially designed for wireless use, was installed as the sensor. This can be adjusted in steps of 1 from 100 to 18,000 DPI in the iCUE software.
Ergonomics
The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro is a gaming mouse for right-handed users. Due to its size it is not for small hands. Nevertheless, it lies very well in the hand. Because you can exchange and extend the side grip on the right side, it is possible to customize the mouse even more to your own needs. Thus, the mouse always lies perfectly in the hand and you never lose your grip, even in long, intensive gaming sessions.
Software
Corsair’s iCUE software provides a comprehensive solution for configuring all of its products, whether keyboard, mouse or fan. This allows all individual devices that have RGB lighting to be synchronized with each other. In addition, all macros can be programmed here. The software is always clear and easy to use.
All different settings can be accessed on the left side of the iCUE window. Under “Actions” you can create and assign macros or, for example, remapping other keys on the keyboard. In the “Illumination Effects” tab, you can vary the nine-zone RGB illumination as you like. Whether rainbow effect, a simple color change or pulsating colors, everything can be customized. In the “DPI” section you can adjust the sensitivity of the mouse. You can assign values from 100 to 18.000 DPI to several presets. You can even select a color for each preset, and the DPI LEDs on the left side of the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro will light up accordingly. Also great is the “surface calibration”, with which you can perfectly adjust the sensor of the mouse to the current background. All adjustments can also be saved directly on the mouse in three profiles. Therewith, there is no need of some annoying reconfiguration, no matter on which computer one is. And thanks to the three profile memories you always have a suitable setting for every situation.
Conclusion on the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro
The Dark Core RGB Pro from Corsair isn’t a cheap mouse for just under 100 euro. But you get quite a lot offered for it. The virtually lag-free slipstream wireless technology and a USB polling rate of up to 2000 Hz are not only great features for first-person shooter players. Also the RGB lighting looks really nice. And the battery lasts for a long time even during extended gaming sessions. Only the weight is with about 133 g not without. But with all the features you can get over it. In any case, the whole package completely convinced us in the test.
If you’re looking for a wireless mouse with good ergonomic characteristics and gaming features without compromises, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro is a good choice and won’t give it back.
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
91/100
Wireless gaming mouse with lots of convincing features.
