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The software for the CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Mouse is not supplied with the product. The latest version can be downloaded directly from the website. The driver can be installed into the operating system, or a ‘driverless' execution' can be used, which we detail below.
CM Storm do recommend that you disable the mouse controls in Windows control panel, including the ‘enhanced pointer precision', ‘snap to' and ‘mouse acceleration'. Therefore focusing entirely on the GUI software explained on this page.
The CM Storm software is very nicely designed, although it is a bit cluttered in my opinion. At least we can't argue that there aren't enough options! The first page is the ‘main control' tab, which allows for various DPI settings, which can be uploaded to the mouse directly over USB. There is also an OS sensitivity option, OS double click speed and a button response time.
On this page, you can save and load up to 5 profiles along the bottom, which can be used to store a plethora of mouse settings. Many people like myself like a variety of slightly lower resolution settings for Adobe Photoshop, such as when using the bezier curves.
It is possible to adjust the X and Y resolution settings, which can prove useful. This software really does cover all bases and as always I found that anything over 3,200 dpi was overkill for my own personal tastes.
A super high resolution over 5,000 dpi may be fantastic for some ‘hair trigger' expert gamers, but in the real world I find around 1,800 to 2,400 dpi to be spot on.
The maximum resolution setting of 8,200 dpi is so extreme that I even found my breathing could move the pointer ever so slightly on my 30 inch screen. It brings the term ‘incredible sensitivity' to a whole new dimension. Regardless of whether you use 8,200 dpi or not, there is no doubting that the Sentinel Advance II has everything covered.
The Color Control tab offers a variety of customisable settings if you like playing with colour schemes. Those who hate lights, can completely disable them. An excellent option we feel.
The mouse looks fantastic when it is lit up. There are a variety of preset colours, and if you aren't happy when you can add your own, as well as a custom OLED logo.
The Storm TX panel allows the end user to create custom, indepth key combinations. I didn't spend a lot of time with this page, but it looks ideal for clan gamers.
It is possible to configure macro settings ‘with time' added. It is also possible to set up a button for rapid fire and to even tell the colour scheme to flash under certain conditions. It all sounds like total overkill to me, but I am positive that younger gamers will have a field day setting everything up to suit their individual demands. It is possible to set up key combinations via a button.
CM Storm have included a dedicated panel strictly for support and to get information on the firmware version.
Above, are some custom settings I configured for the review. DPI Level 1 defaulted to 1,600 dpi, primarily because I like this setting when using Adobe Photoshop and drawing Bezier curves. DPI Level 2 I configured to 2,000 dpi which is generally the resolution I like for a multiple screen setup.
The other settings are higher, for specific games. I do find 5,400dpi to a be little ‘twitchy' however, even when used on a top grade mat surface. 8,200dpi translates that every inch you move, the pointer will move 8200 pixels in your chosen direction. Twitch slightly and your in game character will give a good representation of taking a fit.
Using this mouse has been an absolute pleasure. As stated in the introduction, I am a huge believer in Steelseries products, and have used the XAI and then the SENSEI mice almost exclusively since they were released. The CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Mouse has just claimed the top spot now as my ‘go to' mouse, on my everyday work PC. Not primarily because of the insane resolution capabilities but the body shape and tracking quality are first class.
