INTRODUCTION

   Gaming mice may pack many several interesting features nowadays many of which their predecessors lacked (including adjustable weight, swappable grips and RGB lighting) but some of the best-selling models today packed nothing more than just a reliable, fast and accurate sensor and the most typical shape inspired by the very first Intellimouse by Microsoft. For example, two of my all-time favourite gaming mice have been the SteelSeries Sensei MLG (and pretty much the entire Sensei line including the 310 which we're still using at the office/lab) and the Zowie FK1 which I still use at home so at least for me features like RGB lighting and others come second to shape and sensor. After reviewing the DM1 PRO S Gaming Mouse by Dream Machines (review here) it became evident that they too feel the same way and since their latest DM1 FPS model seems to follow the same Philosophy we decided to get one here and check it out.

   Dream Machines specializes in providing the best solutions for gamers. We wanted to create something that would fulfil the needs of even the most demanding players. Many gamers cannot reach their potential as they a limited by hardware, such as a slow processor or weak graphics card. Our computers make sure that each gamer can reach his or her highest abilities, by offering our customers the most advanced equipment available on the market. Dream Machines is working with the top designers, experts, and manufacturers from around the world. Dream Machines only uses the highest quality components dedicated for games, which create a completely surreal experience. We put great emphasis on quality and are always open to customer feedback as we will continue to improve as new technologies become available. Rise above the rest and to the best of your abilities! Stand out from the group playing the best you can. Reach your dreams as the future of gaming lies within Dream Machines!

   The DM1 FPS is currently available in 4 different color combinations (Blood Red/Ocean Blue/Blizzard White/Noir - the first two are glossy and the last two are matte) and is based on the zero-acceleration PMW3389 optical sensor by Pixart featuring a resolution of 16000DPI, 400IPS tracking speed, 50G acceleration and 1000Hz polling rate. That's not the end of it however since the DM1 FPS is also equipped with a total of 6 programmable buttons, Huano switches for the primary buttons (20 million clicks), single-zone RGB lighting (3 modes) and a specially designed 1.8 meter long shoelace cable which is not only very light and flexible but also soft. The 6 available DPI presets/modes and the perfect LOD (lift-off-distance) of just 1.8mm complete the DM1 FPS features list. So, time to see if the DM1 FPS Gaming Mouse by Dream Machines belongs on your to buy list.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

We received the DM1 FPS inside a white box that has a product drawing at the front right above the color selection and the company name.

Drawings of both sides are printed on both sides of the box.

At the rear of the box we find a drawing of the base of the DM1 FPS along with the two main product features, the PMW3389 optical sensor and the Huano switches.

The mouse is wrapped inside a plastic bag and placed in a formed piece of foam.

Along with the DM1 FPS Gaming Mouse and its user manual Dream Machines also bundles 3 replacement PTFE feet.

THE DM1 FPS

The DM1 FPS is a medium sized gaming mouse that weighs just 83g and measures 126mm in length, 68mm in width and 39mm in height (as mentioned earlier the Blood Red and Ocean Blue models feature glossy coatings).

Two programmable buttons are located on the left side just over a rubber coated area.

Dream Machines has printed their logo at the rear of the mouse.

A single DPI preset/mode selection button is located at the top.

The right side of the mouse is also rubber coated for improved grip.

The clickable scroll wheel is not only rubber coated but it's also the sole RGB zone of the DM1 FPS.

At the base of the DM1 FPS we find three large PTFE feet and the PMW3389 optical sensor.

A gold plated USB plug is located at the end of the 1.8 meter long shoelace cable.

DM SOFTWARE

Unlike when we reviewed the DM1 PRO S there's actually a control software available for the DM1 FPS which you can download from the official Dream Machines website.

This software can be used to adjust the 6 available DPI presets/modes, configure the single-zone RGB lighting (mode, color, brightness and speed), program all 6 buttons, use the macro editor and adjust the polling/report rate.

Strangely enough there's a drop down menu on the far right corner which we were expecting to have another option than just standard.

Here you can see the single RGB zone of the DM1 FPS.

CONCLUSION

   The DM1 FPS follows the same path as the DM1 PRO S and so it’s no surprise that it shares many things including shape and number of buttons. Dream Machines did improve several aspects of the mouse so instead of the PMW3360 sensor paired with OMRON primary switches the DM1 FPS features the new and improved PMW3389 sensor with HUANO primary switches (some say are better than OMRON while others say the exact opposite – we like them both pretty much equally). For good or bad however the end result is not much different (shape and gliding abilities are pretty much identical) so for people who already own the DM1 PRO S moving to the DM1 FPS is not something we’d encourage (if you like the color combinations however sure go for it). The shoelace type cable is also a nice touch since it’s very soft and light but it doesn’t seem to be nearly as durable as braided cables in general so do keep that in mind if you’ve had cable issues in the past. Moving to the RGB lighting part of the DM1 FPS it’s certainly nowhere near as impressive as the one of the DM1 PRO S and that’s not something we were expecting (still for many people this will not matter). As for the control software it’s very simple and thus easy to use so no complaints there (still the standard selection of the drop down menu could only mean that there’s probably going to be an advanced layout further down the road).

    Currently you can get your very own DM1 FPS Gaming Mouse directly from the Dream Machines website for USD49.99/54.99Euros a price tag which is extremely balanced for what you are getting. That being said in the 3+ years since the DM1 PRO S was launched the competition has grown even fiercer but still if you’re out in the market looking for a gaming mouse that offers very good grip, impressive speed and high precision (and you care not about extra features like multi-zone RGB lighting) we strongly recommend checking the DM1 FPS by Dream Machines out.

PROS

- Primary HUANO Switches (20 Million Clicks)
- Very Good Grip
- Very Accurate & Fast (Pixart PMW3389 Sensor)
- Ambidextrous Design
- 6 Available DPI Presets
- Shoelace Type with Gold Plated USB Plug
- Easy to Use Control Software
- Available Colors

CONS

- Overall Availability
- Shoelace Cable Durability (?)
- Limited RGB Lighting
- No Right Side Buttons (Ambidextrous Issue)