MSI Interceptor DS200 GAMING Review

MSI Interceptor DS200 GAMING Review

We all know that when it comes to PC gaming, input matters. If you’re going to spend a weekend at a LAN party with a mouse, for example, things like precision, comfort, and the ability to customize the device to your liking become more than just marketing bullet points. And if you’ve ever shopped for a gaming mouse, you probably also know that there are some really great gaming mice out there, and there are also a bunch of “gaming” mice whose only qualification is a backlit logo or an edgy color scheme.

Within minutes of getting our hands on MSI’s Interceptor DS200, we knew that it was the real deal. 

First off, it’s extremely comfortable to use. The DS200 has the perfect combination of angular control surfaces and smooth, rounded contours that make it effortless to move with precision but so comfortable that you will never find yourself thinking about it. Like the best gaming mice we’ve used (including a few that cost a couple times more than this one does), within the first couple hours it becomes an extension of your hand.The silver underside houses welldesigned skid pads that let the mouse glide quickly where you want it, and the outershell on top has just a hint of texture so that it won’t slip. MSI packs a separate container in the box that holds eight 2.4g weights (there’s a compartment on the bottom of the mouse that contains eight matching receptacles), so you can finetune the DS200’s weight until it’s just right for you. All nine of the mouse’s buttons are within easy reach. MSI even put in overtime designing the scroll wheel, giving it a rubberized texture that makes it grippy and soft at the same time.

Second, let’s talk precision: The DS200 is so ridiculously precise that it will make most users’ current mice seem unbearably slow and sloppy by comparison. MSI gave it an 8,200dpi multi-setting sensor that you can adjust on the fly with the arrow buttons at the top of the mouse. You can also adjust the DS200’s polling rate from within the included configuration software, with options ranging from 125 
to 1,000Hz.

Last but not least, the Interceptor DS200 is fully customizable. You can program specific functions for each of its nine buttons, you can program or record macros for specific in-game functions, and you can choose from a wealth of color options for each of its RGB LED-litsurfaces. (You can choose a different color for each backlight on the mouse if you want to, and there are several.) All of these settings are available in the easyto-use configuration utility, which also lets you create a custom set of any and all of these settings options and then save it to one of five profiles. In other words, you could choose the speed and polling rate you like best for your favorite FPS, record a few crucial macros, and then assign that particular profile a custom color combination so you will recognize it at a glance. Then you can do the same for your favorite MMO, your favorite RTS, etc.

Other nice touches include the MSI Interceptor DS200’s braided nylon cord, its gold-plated USB plug, and its ability to bind a number of Windows functions to its buttons, so that even when you’re not gaming, this mouse can save you time and effort. In short, this is one of the most comfortable and useful mice we’ve used in a long time, and at a price that frankly surprised us. If you’re in the market for a quality gaming mouse, be sure to give this one a look before you buy. 

Specs:Sensor: 8,200dpi laser; Polling rate: 125 to 1,000Hz; Body type: Right-handed; 9 buttons; 5 profiles; 16 million color RGB backlight; Weighted: Yes; Interface: USB