** Disclaimer, I do get a kickback if you purchase this mouse through the following link but I do actually own this mouse and I absolutely love it: CoolerMaster MM720
Looking for a budget gaming mouse to step up your bullet game performance? Consider this one. I am by no means an expert reviewer of mice, but for the price, this one is nice and does more than suffice. There are tons of raving reviews about this bad boy and for good reason.
Coming in at just over 52 grams this mouse is pretty dang light, and with 4 fingers firmly controlling it it’s definitely noticeable. I found mine on Amazon for 20 bucks. The price varies in the range of $49-$80 (Link is for the cheapest one on Amazon). Honestly there’s not much to say that other reviews haven’t thoroughly covered but there are some things to note.
- This was designed for claw grippers but is easily suited for palm gippers and anything in between.
- This is a corded mouse
- You can’t just turn off the dreadful RGB
- It comes in 4 distinct flavors: black, white, and matte or glossy (who the hell wants that??)
This mouse just so happens to fit my oddly shaped hands. I have pretty small hands; short fingers but a palm wide enough to bitch slap King Kong. Here is a photo for reference.
| My Hand | CoolerMaster MM720 |
|---|---|
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You can see why it works for me. One thing you’ll notice about this mouse is that it has a super extra comfy rest for your ring finger and this sure does make all the ergonomic difference. Coming directly from a Logitec G350 this thing feels like sitting in a Cadillac made out of rainbow colored toilet paper. So comfy, so light, so agile so colorful. I’m certain my Elo jumped 300 rating points just because of this mouse.
There are 7 preset DPI setting that can be changed with a button on the bottom. 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 3200, 6400, and 16000. Combining the ideal DPI and the chessboard window is crucial for play.
Technical Specifications for Chess Play #
| Feature | Detail | Chess Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | PixArt PMW3389 | Pixel-precise piece movement |
| Weight | 52g (without cable) | Reduced fatigue during long sessions |
| Dimensions | 106.6 x 78.6 x 39.3mm | Fits small/medium hands comfortably |
| Switches | Omron (20M click rating) | Reliable for rapid puzzle attempts |
| Cable | Ultraweave 1.8m braided | Minimal drag during time scrambles |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz | Instant response for premoves |
| DPI Range | 400–16,000 (7 presets) | Fine control for analysis board navigation |
Ergonomic Design Breakdown #
The MM720’s unique shape benefits chess players through:
- Ring Finger Rest: Reduces tension during prolonged analysis
- Honeycomb Shell:
- Prevents sweaty palms during intense matches
- Maintains structural integrity at low weight
- 57° Angled Grip:
- Natural wrist position for drag-and-drop moves
- Compatible with common chess platform workflows
Hand Size Compatibility:
- Ideal for 16–19cm hand lengths
- Works with claw, palm, or hybrid grips
- Thumb buttons positioned to avoid accidental clicks
Performance in Chess Scenarios #
Click Responsiveness:
- 0.8ms debounce time prevents double-click errors when:
- Rapidly solving puzzles
- Accepting/declining rematches
- Navigating between analysis tabs
Sensor Accuracy:
- No smoothing/acceleration across all DPI settings
- Consistent tracking for:
- Precise annotation drawing
- Small menu adjustments
- Window management in multi-monitor setups
Cable Management:
- Lightweight paracord design reduces desk friction
- Includes velcro tie for bungee-style routing
- Tested to withstand 200+ hours of lateral movement
Software Customization (Cooler Master Portal) #
Essential Chess Configurations:
- Button Remapping:
- Side buttons → Copy FEN/PGN shortcuts
- DPI Cycle → Toggle between analysis/play modes
- Surface Calibration:
- Optimize for common chess setups:
- Wooden desks
- Mousepads with coordinate grids
- Laptop surfaces during travel
- Optimize for common chess setups:
- RGB Dimming:
- Set static white (20% brightness) for minimal distraction
- Disable scroll wheel lighting separately
Profile Management:
- Store 5 onboard configurations
- Quick-switch between:
- Tournament mode (disabled RGB, 800 DPI)
- Streaming setup (subtle branding colors)
- Late-night play (dimmed LEDs)
Maintenance & Longevity #
| Component | Care Tips | Replacement Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE Mouse Feet | Clean with microfiber cloth weekly | Every 6–8 months |
| Honeycomb Openings | Use compressed air monthly | N/A (preventative care) |
| Cable Connector | Avoid sharp bends | 2+ years with proper handling |
| Omron Switches | Use included spares if click feel fades | 18–24 months (avg. use) |
Comparison: Chess-Focused Mice #
| Model | Weight | Cable | Chess Advantages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM720 | 52g | Braided | Best value, ring finger support | $20–$50 |
| Glorious Model O- | 58g | Ascended | Larger size for big hands | $70–$80 |
| Razer Viper Mini | 61g | Rubber | Superior software integration | $40–$50 |
| Logitech G Pro X SL | 63g | Wireless | No cable drag | $150 |
Final Recommendation #
Choose the MM720 if:
- You play >3 hours daily of online chess
- Need precise control for annotations and analysis
- Prefer lightweight designs under $50
- Have small/medium hands (16–19cm length)
Consider alternatives when:
- Requiring wireless mobility
- Needing extensive macro customization
- Having large hands (>19cm) or strict palm grip preference
While the RGB lighting can’t be fully disabled, setting it to a static dimmed color minimizes distraction. The combination of ergonomic design, responsive clicks, and durable construction makes this a compelling option for serious chess players prioritizing both performance and budget.