The ASUS ROG Chakram Core is an excellent, feature-rich gaming mouse that is well-made. It has two left-side buttons and a thumb joystick that can be used in either a precise analog mode or a four-direction D-pad mode. This mouse’s top cover can also be removed to install a different set of switches, which is a rare feature in gaming mice at the moment. It has a wide CPI range, a CPI that can be adjusted in 100 increments, a short lift-off distance, and exceptionally low click latency. Unfortunately, it is quite heavy, and the braided cable is quite stiff. There is also no compatible software for macOS.
The thumbstick is obviously the main draw here, and it hasn’t changed much from the previous iteration. To summarize, it is a flat sliding ‘nub’ that can be used for analogue stick input or as four extra buttons via directional digital input. It includes an extra head in case you need to adjust the size, as well as a plastic cap cover that effectively removes it from the mouse.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The push-socket switch housing under the two main mouse buttons is also back, allowing you to easily remove and replace the switches if they become damaged. The Chakram Core’s optical sensor is a powerful PixArt gaming sensor with up to 16,000 DPI and a maximum acceleration of 40g. Despite the significant price difference, there is no difference in baseline performance between this model and the original model.
The first Chakram’s key feature that isn’t returning in the Core is tri-mode connectivity. The original mouse could connect via USB cable, Bluetooth, or a 2.4GHz dongle, but the Chakram Core is only wired via a non-detachable USB-A cable. However, this cable is braided and feels high-quality, and Asus wisely used the dongle storage space in the original design for a removable 13.6g weight that alters the mouse’s handling slightly.
The ROG Chakram Core is more subdued than its predecessor, with no RGB lighting strip beneath the front buttons but a light-up scroll wheel and ROG logo. It has the same translucent plastic shell and comfortable thumb rest as the previous model, as well as a textured finish for better grip during those Heated Gamer Moments. The casing can be easily removed for maintenance, cleaning, or just plain curiosity.
The majority of the outer case is magnetically held in place, but there is little to no risk of any parts coming loose during use. The shell and button covers snap back into place nicely, and the overall construction feels very durable, comparable to the original Chakram despite the lower price. While there is a dedicated DPI profile switch button, it is located on the underside of the mouse, making it inaccessible during normal use. It’s unfortunate, but it won’t be a major issue for most users.