Even a cheap gaming mouse can satisfy the essential desires of the player. This is proved by the tested AOC AGON AGM600 gaming mouse, which is placed in the price category of about 60 euros, but looks nice.
The competition in the gaming mouse market is probably tougher than ever. Virtually all known computer component manufacturers have expanded into peripherals to challenge peripheral manufacturers. It would be a big miracle if the manufacturer doesn’t enter the race.
The biggest winner in this situation is the consumer. The tough competitive situation has brought down the prices to very palatable levels and there are plenty of options.
This time we tested AOC’s AGON AGM600 gaming mouse, released last October as the manufacturer’s new flagship gaming mouse. On the peripherals side, AOC is a slightly more recent affair, as in the past its repertoire has mainly consisted of screens. The AGON AGM600 is a great example that even in a competitive market, something unique can be offered.
At the time of writing, the AGM600 gaming mouse costs around 62 euros. It is priced at a remarkably competitive price range, where you can find e.g. Cooler Master’s MM711, HyperX’s Pulsefire Haste, Logitech’s G MX518, Roccat’s Kone XP, Steelseries’ Aerox 3, and Glorious’ Model I. It’s worth noting that most of the competitors listed are ultralight mice. Only Logitech’s G MX518 and AGM600 currently being tested are so-called normal weight cases. However, the options are not limited to those mentioned above. According to the price guide, there are 57 different options in the price range of 55-65 euros.
In testing, you get to know the features and ergonomics of the mouse and evaluate how well it compares to competitors in its own price category.
The AGON AGM600 is ergonomically designed and therefore only suitable for right-handed people. The design and layout of the keys is similar to that of Logitech’s G502 gaming mouse.
The AGM600 model has a total of ten programmable keys. Three keys are placed on the left side of the mouse and two additional keys are located on the main left edge. In addition to the scroll wheel, there are two keys on the back of the mouse. Unlike the Logitech G502 mouse, the roller rotates only in steps. The main mouse keys use Kailh mechanical switches, which are promised a lifespan of 80 million clicks.
On the back of the mouse is an RGB LED illuminated Aegon logo and a dot that spells out the color code of the DPI setting in use. More lighting can be found at the bottom of the mouse, which is flanked by an RGB LED strip. Adjusting mouse functions and lighting is done with the AOC G-Menu management software. The same program can also be used to manage other AOC devices such as keyboards and headphones.
The external dimensions of the mouse are said to be 73.9 x 43.3 x 130.5 millimeters. Without the cable the mouse weighs 115 grams and with the cable the mouse’s weight increases to 146 grams. The braided cable permanently attached to the mouse is 1.8 meters long.
Under the hood is Pixart’s optical PMW3389 sensor, which is capable of a maximum resolution of 16,000 DPI. The update speed of the mouse is currently rising to 1000 Hz, which practically means a response time of one millisecond.
The AGM600 supports the NVIDIA Reflex function, which allows the user to calibrate mouse and system latency. Using the function requires a Reflex-compatible display, which was not available this time around for testing. For so-called Sunday players, the function is hardly useful, but those with a slightly more competitive attitude to gaming will want to know how big a delay the system puts into use.
Outwardly, the AGM600 is a pleasant affair. It reminds me a lot of the Logitech G502 mouse that I used myself. Partly for this reason, the implementation was fairly seamless.
Indeed, the only criticism is directed at the LED strip that runs around the bottom edge of the mouse. It’s hidden really badly under the mouse’s body. When the mouse is on the desktop, in practice the LED strip cannot be seen unless you rotate the mouse shaft so that the strip is visible. The tape could have been placed elsewhere or discarded entirely. Currently, it does not add value to the whole.
The RGB LED illuminated logo on the back stands out well and colors are reproduced pleasantly brightly. The illuminated dot above the logo does its job of telling the accuracy setting, but only when the lighting mode is steady. The color code is also visible when the light show is on, but not so obvious.
On the other hand, the mouse’s ergonomics receive an almost clean slate. The operating position of the mouse feels quite natural and the rubber casing on both sides makes for a firm grip.
This time too, the third side button is inaccessible by default. The thumb cannot reach the farthest key without changing the mouse grip. The side keys would be perfect if the key were movable or magnetically attached and a replacement key was included that would bring the key closer to the thumb. Now, with a key out of reach, you don’t even consider using it.
The extra keys next to the left main key are a welcome addition, although learning to use them, ie teaching muscle memory, requires more time than is available in a testing session.
The feel of the keys is excellent across the board. The additional keys attached to the main key are quite soft to the touch, but provide clear click feedback. The side keys are also pleasant to the touch. The feel of the main keys is excellent, but they emit a slightly louder sound than what you’re used to. The sound cannot be called annoying, as the sound is covered only with headphones. So, in practice, the sounds may not bother you.
The feel of the roller is pleasant and the sound it emits is appreciably quiet. The quiet operating sound is not reflected in the feel, as the steps are clearly felt. The mouse worked flawlessly during the testing period.
There weren’t any problems with the mouse itself or the management software. The mouse worked dutifully for both desktop use and gaming use. The game was tested for use in Destiny 2, Insurgency: Sandstorm, Battlefield 4, Valheim, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and Ready or Not.
The results of MouseTester mainly confirm what was seen in the use tests. The mouse does its job flawlessly.
The AOC G-menu management software does its job well. In terms of mouse control, the tasks are admirably clearly divided.
In the home view, the device to be managed is selected, and when clicked, a more detailed management view opens. For the mouse, the settings are divided into four sections, Customize, Sensitivity, Lighting FX, and Lighting FX Synchronization.
The functions of the mouse buttons have been modified in the Customize view. Each key has a drop-down menu from which you can select the function you want. There are lots of different functions available, from standard mouse functions to multimedia functions.
In addition to the DPI value, the Sensitivity view also adjusts the mouse update rate, double-click registration time, cursor speed, and scrolling speed. Up to five DPI settings can be stored in the mouse’s memory.
The Valo FX View, as the name suggests, handles RGB LED lighting adjustments. There are four pre-programmed lighting modes, which are Wave, Static, Breathing and Flashing. Depending on the lighting conditions, you can choose a random color or a specific color. In wave light mode, the user can also define the cycle. In the same scene, you can also define the brightness of the light and the speed of the lighting task.
Light FX – Synchronization scene is available for situations when there are multiple AOC devices in use whose lighting you want to synchronize. However, a small criticism of the Management Program should be made. If in Valo FX view you try another lighting mode without saving and try to switch to another view, a large window pops up asking you to either reject or confirm the change . All scenes have large undo, apply, and reset keys. The user will probably confirm his choice in the scene if he finds one he likes. The window also pops out if you change the setting and return it to the original. In other respects, the management program is pleasant to use and reasonably clear.
Overall, the AGON AGM600 is a successful gaming mouse from AOC. It’s ergonomically very pleasant to use and is reliable across the board.
The only criticisms found about the mouse are also quite subjective. The third party button may be just the right distance for another user when my own thumb can’t reach it. Another thing is the LED strip that goes around the bottom edge of the mouse, which is practically covered by the mouse itself. Otherwise, the mouse is downright excellent in its price range.
The AGON AGM600 is especially suitable for those who need more keys than usual in their mouse at a competitive price. Due to the large number of keys, the mouse is suitable not only for shooting games, but also for strategy and MOBA games.
In a fairly competitive price range, the problem with AOC’s mouse at this point is its identity. The mouse competes with many well-known and reputable manufacturers, so a familiar brand is an easy choice. However, testing showed that the AGON AGM600 has nothing to be ashamed of in front of its competitors.
Good
Pleasant ergonomics Extra keys with reservation price
Bad
Placement of the 3rd side LED strip on the bottom
Key Specifications AOC AGON AGM600
Price €62 Dimensions Weight: 73.9 * 43.3 * 130.5 mm, 115 grams Sensor: PixArt PMW3389 DPI: 200 – 16,000 Others: 10 programmable keys
