Cougar is a German manufacturer of PC components that was founded in 2007. The company originally focused on cases and PSUs, but recently diversified towards gaming peripherals as well. A year ago we had a look at their first and, at the time, the most advanced keyboard and mouse they had to offer. Following the success of their 700-series peripherals, Cougar released nearly a dozen additional keyboards and mice during this past year, designed to cover many tastes and budgets. Today we are having a look at one of their newest keyboards and mice, the Attack X3 mechanical gaming keyboard and the 450M optical gaming mouse respectively.

The Attack X3 keyboard and the 450M mouse are targeted at what Cougar considers the "average gamer" class, trying to offer appropriate gaming functionality and high quality at a competitive price. The two devices we're looking at today aren't strictly a bundle, but within Cougar's product lineup they are practically complementary goods for the market segment Cougar is after.

Of all the peripherals we look at, those meant for the "average gamer" are perhaps the most interesting. Unlike flagship products where pricing is rarely a concern and virtually every feature can be (and is) added, for products aimed at the mass market manufacturers need to balance functionality and design with the needs of the market, and ultimately cost concerns. I dare say that having a restriction of some kind forces manufacturers to be more creative, as rather than simply adding the most bells and whistles they need to do proper research and put some real thought into what they're building if they're going to be successful in the mass market. Trying to strike a delicate balance between functionality, quality, features and price is not an easy task; manufacturers have to make sure they provide what buyers will consider the essential gaming features without creating an overpriced final product.

That brings us to today's review of Cougar's Attack X3 keyboard and 450M mouse. While these aren't budget-priced parts - the keyboard is still $80 or so - for gaming peripherals these are mid-range products, or at least a lot closer to it than the twice as expensive 700 series. The 700 series products were very well designed and built, and if Cougar can maintain this level of quality with the X3 and M450, then they should have a winner on their hands. To that end we will be thoroughly examining the advantages and disadvantages of the Attack X3 mechanical keyboard and the 450M optical gaming mouse, evaluate their quality, test their performance and assess their value.

Cougar Attack X3 Mechanical Keyboard - Key features and specifications

• Cougar UIX System
• Cherry MX Mechanical Switch
• Aluminum brushed structure
• N-Key Rollover in USB Mode
• 1 kHz Polling Rate
• Full key backlight
• Dedicated Media keys
• Non-slip rubber foot
• Braided cable & golden-plated connectors

Cougar 450M Gaming Mouse - Key features and specifications

• Omron Micro Switches
• Braided Cable
• Ergonomic Ambidextrous Design
• 3-Stage DPI LED Display
• On-the-fly DPI Tuning
• Gaming Grade Scroll Wheel
• 2 Side buttons (on each side)
• Multi-Color Backlight
• 32-Bit ARM processor / 512KB On-Board Memory
• 5000 DPI Optical Sensor
• Eight programmable buttons
• Anti-Slip Flanks
• Cougar UIX system
• Braided cable & golden-plated USB plug

The Cougar Attack X3 Mechanical Keyboard

The Cougar Attack X3 keyboard shares the same impressive core design as the 600K and 700K keyboards that we reviewed in the past. Cougar is taking advantage of the appearance and rigidity of aluminum to form an elegant design using simple geometric shapes. The surrounding and back frames are plastic, but the keycaps and the main PCB are directly attached to the aluminum board. Large modern characters are engraved on the keycaps. However do note that the Attack X3 doesn't come with a wrist rest.

A closer look at the Attack X3 reveals the main differences between it and the more expensive 600K/700K models. Aside from the three extra keys for volume control above the numpad, there are no extra keys on the Attack X3 for special functions or profile/mode control. In order to reduce the extra cost, Cougar replaced the left Windows key with an FN key and inserted the extra functions as secondary into the F-keys row. While the FN key is being held pressed, F1-F3 buttons switch modes, F4 changes the lighting intensity, F5-F8 change the polling rate, F9-F12 offer basic media functions and PRT SC/Pause switch between six and N-key rollover modes. Despite the lack of extra keys, the Attack X3 remains fully programmable and the functions of each and every key can be adjusted via the software, much like with the premium 700K.

In order to further reduce the costs, Cougar also removed the USB pass-through port that is available on the 600K/700K. There are no headset jacks either. Only the braided cable can be found exiting from the back of the keyboard. Under the keyboard we only found anti-skid pads and two basic height adjustment feet.

The backlighting of the Attack X3 is red and the keyboard lacks the ability to program per-key lighting. Only the intensity of the lighting can be adjusted via the FN+F4 key combo or the software, or a "breathing" effect mode can be set. The "Lock" keys are not illuminated by default, with Cougar using their LED lighting as the indicator, showing that the lock key is functioning when the lighting is on.

Cougar is still using genuine Cherry MX switches on the Attack X3. Our sample came with MX Blue switches, but Cougar produces the Attack X3 with all four of the common Cherry MX switches (Blue, Red, Brown and Black). The switches of the three lock keys are installed upside down, in order to illuminate the small bar at the bottom side of the key instead of the text.

Overall, the backlighting is smooth and fairly well applied. However, the single LED illuminates only half the keycap, causing considerably uneven lighting on keys with secondary characters (mostly the number and FN rows), as well as on the lock keys. This is a visual dissonance that will not be appreciated by those who greatly value the aesthetics of their desktop.

Inside the Attack X3, we found the main board permanently attached to the aluminum plate. A smaller PCB hold three electronic actuators for the volume control keys. The overall assembly/soldering job is immaculate, very clean and with no flaws to be found. The core processor is a bit of a surprise, as it is supplied by the Chinese manufacturer Sino Wealth, making this the first time we encounter one of their products. The manufacturer does not offer a datasheet for this particular processor at this point of time, but it is a low-cost 8-bit processor.

The Cougar 450M Optical Gaming Mouse

The Cougar 450M sports a deceptively simple symmetrical design, with a highly reflective glossy top cover and neon green accents. We received the black version of the mouse, but is also available in white, with the only difference being the color of the top cover. Despite the silver accents, the 450M is entirely made of plastic.

Aside from the main two buttons and the scroll wheel button, there are five extra buttons on the 450M. One is right below the scrolling wheel and two can be found on either side of the mouse. The buttons on the sides are meant to be pressed with the thumb and pinky fingers. Textured flanks offer very good claw and palm grip support.

At the underside of the 450M we can only see the sizable skid pads and the optical sensor. Pixart supplies the PMW3310DH optical sensor, which has a maximum resolution of 5.000 DPI. It is a rather popular optical sensor, found on several gaming mice of this class. There are no weight control options and the 450M is a very lightweight mouse for its class, tipping the scales at just over 100 grams.

When the 450M is powered on, the company logo and the DPI button are being illuminated. By default, their color is green, but Cougar actually has RGB LEDs installed and the colors can be manipulated via the software. The color of the DPI button's lightning can be linked to the DPI setting, allowing it to function as an indicator of the DPI setting. The color/effect of the logo cannot be linked to the DPI setting and remains unchanged as the user cycles through DPI settings. 

Quality and Per-Key Actuation Force Testing

In order to test the quality and consistency of a keyboard, we are using a texture analyser that is programmed to measure and display the actuation force of the standard keyboard keys. By measuring the actuation force of every key, the quality and consistency of the keyboard can be quantified. It can also reveal design issues, such as the larger keys being far softer to press than the main keys of the keyboard. The actuation force is measured in Centinewton (cN). Some companies use another figure, gram-force (gf). The conversion formula is 1 cN = 1.02 gf (i.e. they are about the same). A high quality keyboard should be as consistent as possible, with an average actuation force as near to the manufacturer's specs as possible and a disparity of less than ±10%. Greater differences are likely to be perceptible by users. It is worth noting that there is typically variance among keyboards, although most keyboard companies will try and maintain consistency - as with other reviews, we're testing our sample only.

The machine we use for our testing is accurate enough to provide readings with a resolution of 0.1 cN. For wider keys (e.g. Enter, Space Bar, etc.), the measurement is taking place at the center of the key, right above the switch. Note that large keys generally have a lower actuation force even if the actuation point is at the dead center of the key. This is natural, as the size and weight of the keycap reduces the required actuation force. For this reason, we do display the force required to actuate every key but we only use the results of the typical sized keys for our consistency calculations. Still, very low figures on medium sized keys, such as the Shift and Enter keys reveal design issues and can easily be perceptible by the user.

The Cougar Attack X3 exhibited textbook performance, according to Cherry's specifications of their MX Blue switches. The average actuation force for the main keys is 49.6 cN and the disparity of just ±3.18% is both excellent and expected on a keyboard with Cherry switches. Larger keys do require less force to reach the actuation point, but only the Space Bar key can be actually felt to have a lower actuation force.

Cougar UIX System Software

The UIX System is the software that accompanies all of Cougar's advanced gaming peripherals. It allows the control of multiple devices from the same interface, as well as the transfer of commands from one device to another. However, in order for the software to function with each device, the software package of this particular device needs to be downloaded and installed.

In terms of simplicity, the UIX System interface is fairly user friendly and straightforward. Once you install the software package for the device(s) that you own, the software automatically recognizes the hardware and will immediately check for software/firmware updates. The user should be careful at that point, as the software does not ask for confirmation once a new firmware has been found - it will immediately proceed with the updating process and forcefully stopping it can permanently damage the device.

For any Cougar device that is connected, the UIX System has three main sections: performance, key assignment and lighting control. There is also a Game Profile Management section, which allows the user to save multiple profiles. Each profile has up to three modes, allowing on-the-fly setting changes via the keyboard's mode switch keys or other programmed keys. Each mode may have entirely different performance, key and lighting settings.

For the Attack X3 keyboard, the performance section allows the user to control the polling rate, the key rollover and  the repeat delay. The polling rate and key rollover settings are pretty much self-explanatory; you will want these at the best possible settings (1000 Hz, N-Key Rollover), unless there are compatibility issues with your system. Cougar's repeat delay tuning options allow the user to control how quickly an actuated key will start repeating itself. There is a small test box for the user to check the settings.

As for the 450M mouse, the performance section is focused on DPI and speed settings. There is an option to adjust the polling rate but, once again, the user should leave that at maximum unless there are compatibility issues. Up to three DPI settings can be programmed in each mode of the 450M, as well as a "Sniper" mode that is active only if a corresponding hotkey is programmed to a button and that button is being held pressed. The software allows for the separate programming of the X and Y axes, which can lead to very advanced (and complicated) sensitivity options. It is also possible to adjust the lift height, as well as the double click, scroll and pointer speeds. The scrolling can also be set to "one screen at the time", which may be quite useful for professional use. A small box enables the hardware acceleration of the mouse. This does not affect the software acceleration of the OS, which needs to be disabled manually.

The lighting control of the Attack X3 keyboard is very simple. This particular model is stuck with single color backlighting and lacks the per-key lighting programming options of the more advanced 700K as well. The only setting is to program the number of steps that are accessible via the FN+F4 key combination, with the only options being three brightness settings, an "off" option and a simple "breathing" effect.

Meanwhile the lighting control section of the 450M is also simple, but still much more advanced than that of the Attack X3 keyboard. To being with, the user has access to RGB lighting. It is possible to adjust the illumination color to virtually millions of combinations, but the human eye cannot possibly discern the difference between more than a handful of colors. Cougar provides a color strip and ten preset color settings for convenience. The lighting can also be set at maximum intensity, which is not very strong to begin with, to a cycling or to a breathing effect. It is possible to link the lighting color of the DPI button to the current DPI setting, allowing the RGB LED to serve as an indicator. This option is limited to the DPI button and the logo's illumination setting remains unaffected by the DPI setting.

The key assignment section is very similar for both devices and, as the name suggests, the section where the user can change the settings of every key on the keyboard or the mouse. When the setting of any key has been changed from its default action, it will turn yellow on the pictured key map. The user can select from standard single keystroke actions, advanced options or programmed macros. The advanced options include mode switch keys, media functions and program launch commands. It is interesting that mouse-related functions can be programmed on the keyboard as well, as for example DPI switch settings and the "Sniper" mode that decreases the DPI setting of the mouse while the key is being held actuated. This can result to interesting gaming setups, allowing better control of mouse options from the keyboard. For example, for FPS gaming, the Sniper mode can be programmed on the right half of the Spacebar key, allowing faster and more convenient use of this option.

The built-in macro recorder is relatively simple but very functional. It allows the programming of macros that may or may not include mouse movements (in either absolute or relative coordinates too) and with natural, preset or no delay times between actions. Once the macro has been recorded, delay times and mouse coordinates can be manually edited by double-clicking on them. The macros can be set to play once, repeat a number of times, or repeat continuously until the button has been pressed again. The macro recorder lacks only two things - the option to return the mouse pointer at its original position after the execution of the macro has been completed and the capability to start/stop recording via a hotkey. 

Final Words

Wrapping things up with my subjective analysis, I always try to use every keyboard that we review as my personal keyboard for at least a week. My typical weekly usage includes a lot of typing (about 100-150 pages), a few hours of gaming and some casual usage, such as internet browsing and messaging. Considering that the majority of my computer time is spent on typing, the Cherry MX Blue switches were very comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Since I am personally used to the quieter Cherry MX Red (and now the Silent version of it too), the clicky noise of the MX Blue's would distract me at first, but my brain would completely ignore it after I have been using the keyboard for more than a few minutes. Still, for typing I would personally prefer Cherry's MX Brown variation.

For gaming, I do find the Cherry MX Blue switch ideal, as you can actually listen for - and even count - whenever a key is being actuated. Generally, the Attack X3 fulfilled most of my gaming needs, with my only discomfort coming from the lack of extra keys to quickly change modes on the fly. The software was a breeze to work with and allowed me to program my usual gaming mode within a few minutes. I should note that the included macro recorder was excellent too, especially considering the ability to record absolute mouse coordinates when programming macros, but I still had to result to third party software because Cougar's software does not return the mouse cursor to its original position after a macro has been executed. With one mode set to default, for everyday use and in-game chatting, and another mode programmed for gaming only with several keys repurposed to macros and other in-game functions, the Attack X3 offered me a pleasurable gaming experience but the constant FN+F1 - FN+F2 keystrokes were a bit strenuous.

As for the performance of the 450M optical gaming mouse, it was pleasantly surprising. Whether you go with a palm or a claw grip, the 450M feels very comfortable in the hand, offering great movement precision despite its low weight. The two thumb buttons feel great for gaming use, combining satisfactory travel and feeling with easy actuation, allowing their use without having to worry that the mouse may move. The two pinky finger buttons are less easily accessible during heavy action gaming moments, given the fact that the palm itself cannot easily remain stable with the pinky or ring finger pressing inwards. However, they are ideal for more complex macros or secondary functions, such as common chat replies or broad skill changes. I personally found the 450M excellent for casual gaming and everyday use, offering a good array of options and great long-term use comfort.

Overall the Cougar Attack X3 keyboard is simply excellent in terms of quality. It combines exceptional mechanical cohesion with excellent aesthetics surprisingly well for a product of this price range. In terms of functionality, Cougar made the Attack X3 fully programmable and that makes it very versatile as a keyboard. In order to keep the cost down though, Cougar had to sacrifice all of the extra keys, the USB pass-through port and advanced lighting control options. Still, even though that extra keys can be convenient and advanced backlighting options visually appealing, all that most gamers ever need is a keyboard where they can adjust any key to their liking and capable of storing a few profiles and modes for their games. With the Attack X3 currently retailing for $80 including shipping, we believe that it is an excellent product for the casual-but-dedicated gamer that is after a gaming-focused keyboard but does not want to break the bank for features such as RGB lighting and extra macro/function keys.

The 450M optical gaming mouse is a little trickier to properly evaluate. As a gaming mouse, it is very comfortable and accurate. It also is very versatile and we suspect that it will be especially loved by left handed and ambidextrous users. We generally have no complaints regarding its build quality or general performance, although we did find it a little too lightweight for a mouse of this type. The tricky part is that the 450M is not yet available in the US, so we cannot properly assess its value. In Europe, we found the 450M retailing for 50€ including taxes. This would normally translate to a retail price of $45-50 in the US and that might be too high, with the majority of the competition selling their optical sensor based products at or below this price range. If the retail price of the 450M falls between $35-40, it would be an excellent product for both casual and more serious gamers.