ROCCAT Apuri Review

By – Adam Ames

When one thinks about purchasing PC gaming accessories, an Xbox 360 controller, a nice mousepad or even a comfortable chair spring to mind.  However, the idea of a USB hub with an incorporated mouse bungee setup would probably not be one of them.  Then comes the Apuri by ROCCAT and challenges that thinking.

While playing games geared towards mouse accuracy, the bungee felt amazing.  There was no cable drag or having the cord become stuck behind the several pieces of hardware one would find on a PC gaming desk.  Several mice were tested with the bungee, and while there were slight adjustments needed in terms of cable thickness, the ROCCAT Apuri performed nicely.  There is a learning curve when it comes to figuring out just how much cord to use, but when it happens, the Apuri truly shines.  Throughout 10 days of testing with just one mouse, the cable has not been readjusted.  A good idea is to place a small mark where the mouse cable meets the very front of the bungee.  This will allow for much easier replacement for PC gamers on the go.   The bottom three feet have enough grip to ensure there is no movement allowed even during the fiercest gaming firefights.  Once again, testing showed the hub performed beautifully with no signs of shifting.

There are only a few issues with the Apuri.  If you are using the bungee, most devices plugged into the front ports have the potential for getting in the way of mouse movements.  The placement of the USB and power connector are on the left side so anyone with their tower on the right side will need to run cables around the unit.  Since there are only so many ways to construct a hub like this, it is an extremely minor issue, and may be looked at as nitpicky.

Another problem is the lack of USB 3.0 support which is odd given the track record ROCCAT has earned.  The blue LED lights accompanying the unit cannot be switched off so this may cause some annoyance for those who enjoy a peaceful and clean workstation environment.  On the other hand, if the user is in the dark, the lights make for locating the ports an easy task.  A minor flaw in marketing would be PC gamers who do like having LEDs, but want the ability to change colors in order to match their existing color scheme.  In this case, ROCCAT may be losing sales because of something as simple as the ability to modify available colors.

With all ROCCAT products, the retail packaging is some of the best around.  It is amazing to think ROCCAT goes above and beyond with packaging all the while living in an almost exclusively digital world.  Everything you need to know about the product is presented in typical ROCCAT fashion.  Additionally, the design is top notch sporting a scorpion-like resemblance which just adds to the overall presentation value.  The ROCCAT Apuri comes equipped with an Active mode via the AC adapter which allows for charging devices while the PC is turned off.  If your needs are such, you can simply use the USB connection without the power cord plugged in.

Conclusion – Is It Worth Your Money?

At first glance, the entry fee of $39.99 is rather steep.  However, factoring in the build quality, ease of use and fantastic bungee, the asking price is money well spent.  The ROCCAT Apuri is a fine piece of PC hardware which should find a home on any desk or workstation.