ATK F1 Review
Introduction
ATK is a new peripheral company from China and a sister brand to VXE (creator of the R1) and VGN (producer of the Dragonfly F1), who are known for delivering accessible pricing and top-tier specifications. Among their latest offerings are the X1 and the focus of this review, the F1 mouse.
Specifications
Packaging
- 1x ATK F1 mouse
- 1x USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- 1x 8K Wireless receiver (F1 Ultimate)
- 1x 1K Wireless receiver (F1 Pro and F1 Pro Max)
- 2x Sets of large white PTFE skates
- 1x Set of grip tape (for the sides, main buttons, and back)
- 1x Product warranty certificate
- 1x User guide
Shape & Size
The ATK F1 measures 118 * 62 * 39mm, making it a small mouse ideal for fingertip grip, particularly for users with medium to large hands. The hump, positioned slightly towards the back, offers subtle palm support without being overly pronounced, catering well to claw grip styles. However, users with larger hands (21+ cm length) may find claw grip less accommodating. For smaller-handed users, fingertip might still be an option, but palming or claw-gripping the mouse will likely be the most suitable grip style.
The front features a gentle outward flare due to its narrower middle grip width, while the sides exhibit a slight inward curvature that assists in picking up the mouse. These design elements are very subtle, ensuring a safe shape that can be used by a wide range of users.
Button grooves on the ATK F1 are subtle, providing flexibility in finger placement without imposing a specific grip style.
Coating
The ATK F1 features a slightly rubberized coating that feels excellent in hand, offering consistent performance whether my hands are dry or sweaty. However, like other mice with similar coatings such as Zowie models, it tends to attract sweat and dirt over time.
If the default coating doesn't provide adequate grip, the ATK F1 includes grip tapes for the sides, main buttons, and back of the mouse. Because of the already grippy standard coating, I opted not to use the included grip tape. These tapes offer a different kind of grippyness and a slight increase in dimensions wherever applied, similar to most included grip tapes.
Build Quality
When applying significant pressure to the ATK F1, I noticed slight flexing towards the back sides and on the bottom, though this was never noticeable during regular use. Overall, I'm impressed by the sturdy construction of the mouse, especially given its incredibly low weight of only 38 grams.
Weight & Feet/Skates
Weighing just 38 grams, the ATK F1 Ultimate stands out as one of the lightest mice available, yet it boasts a remarkably solid build with a completely solid shell. Initially, the mouse's sensitivity seemed off, making me think the DPI settings were set too high (which it was not) due to my rapid and somewhat uncontrollable cursor movements. However, after a brief adjustment period, I quickly adapted and resumed gaming normally.
The package includes two sets of white PTFE skates - one large for the top, one large for the bottom, and a sensor ring. Out of the box, these skates didn't feel as smooth as expected and required some breaking in before I felt comfortable using them. Another consideration is their thinness, which could potentially be problematic if heavy pressure is applied to the mouse or when using soft mousepads where the mouse's bottom surface may make direct contact with the pad itself.
Buttons & Scroll Wheel
The ATK F1 is equipped with OMRON Optical switches that initially felt remarkably tactile, resembling mechanical switches more than typical optical ones. They also offer a quieter operation. The main buttons have minimal pre-travel and slight post-travel when pressed at the very edge, though this didn't affect gameplay. Side wobble is virtually non-existent during normal usage.
The side buttons are thin with minimal pre- and post-travel and no noticeable wobble. However, applying significant pressure can cause the back button to depress further into the mouse than usual.
Regarding the scroll wheel, it offers moderate tactility and smooth scrolling, ideal for games that utilize scrolling extensively. The scroll click requires a moderate amount of force to actuate.
Sensor & Performance
All variants of the ATK F1 are equipped with the new PAW3950 sensor, previously exclusive to Razer. Now available to more brands, including ATK, it represents a technical upgrade over the PAW3395 in terms of specifications. That being said, most sensors nowadays are at a point where technical improvements offer minimal real-world improvements for most users but it is a nice upgrade nonetheless, especially when it does not seem to significantly increase the pricing.
All versions support an 8KHz polling rate. The F1 Ultimate includes an 8KHz receiver, while the F1 Pro and F1 Pro Max are equipped with a standard 1K Wireless receiver.
Software & Configuration
A web driver for ATK mice is accessible via ATK HUB WEB, eliminating the need for downloading additional software, although that option is also available. Once connected to ATK WEB HUB, you can adjust any mouse settings very quickly and easily compared to using downloaded software.
Button-bindings
DPI settings
Performance settings
Other settings
Conclusion
The ATK F1 Pro is priced at $50, the F1 Pro Max at $55, and the F1 Ultimate at $65. With its distinctive shape, lightweight design, and top-tier specifications and performance, this mouse not only competes with many high-end models but also costs half or even one-third as much, making it not only one of the best mice available but also an exceptional value for its price.
