Tt eSPORTS Level 10 M Gaming Mouse Review

Using the Level 10 M & Conclusion

My first impression upon seeing the Level 10 M for the first time was how unattractive it looked. Keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I did grow accustomed to the appearance of this gaming mouse while using it. To me the Level 10 M looks like an overworked piece of art reminiscent of a 21st century envisioned in Cold War Era science-fiction. It’s gaudy, busy, and overly geometric in my opinion!

There are a number of things I like about the Thermaltake Level 10 M. It feels very sturdy and the aluminum gives a nice accent to mouse’s solid construction. The LED lights are bright and visible in a well-lit room. The plastic feet give the mouse a smooth glide on many surfaces. The buttons and scroll wheel are amongst the best I have ever found on a gaming mouse.

I mean it when I say the Level 10 M is uncomfortable for palm users. Thermaltake claims that the ergonomics forcing a claw grip is intentional, but I find this to be a massive mistake when flexibility was also a design goal. The placement of the side buttons also seriously limit comfort outside of gaming by being obstructive. Gamers with a claw grip may appreciate this mouse more than I do, but the large size and weight should be considered.

Adjusting the mouse’s height and angle with what Thermaltake has called 3D steering axis movement is inadequate enough to fix the limitations of the Level 10 M’s ergonomics. Gamers looking for a mouse with an adjustable shell should look at MadCatz’s R.A.T. mice lineup, the Logitech G9x, and the more expensive Razer Ouroboros. I feel that Thermaltake has arrived too late and has done too little with the adjustability of this mouse in the face of competition that invents on such a feature much more seriously.

There are other concerns. The palm ventilation isn’t noticeable despite Thermaltake’s efforts to create a mouse that cools the hand. The DPI indicator is illuminated by red LEDs unlike the three other lighting zones which have seven different LED color options. The driver file size is bloated by two demonstration videos that waste too much time advertising and not helping you. Moreover, the mouse software is unintuitive at times and the help documentation is poorly organized.

Then there’s the pricing. Like Thermaltake’s Level 10 cases and BMW’s luxury cars, the Tt eSPORTS Level 10 M is a fairly expensive mouse at $74.99 shipped after rebate. Thermaltake promises a two year warranty, typical for gaming mice and it is reassuring for those who commit to the Level 10 M.

Legit Bottom Line: The Level 10 M mouse may impress with its unusual appearance and features, but its ergonomics aren’t tailored to everyone and its high price is displeasing.