Testing
The removal of the shell is done by removing a total of four screws, the screws are located under the Teflon feet. The PCB used in the DM4 EVO is white and has good quality soldering. The shell is reinforced with plastic beams to eliminate any flexing when using the mouse.
The main processing unit used is the Bayi BY8832 32-bit micro-controller. It features built-in memory which stores the DPI profiles and all macro settings. Not much is known about this micro-controller.
The cable is detachable from the mouse, as it is connected to the PCB using a standard 4 Pin connector. This results in an easier replacement procedure if the cable is damaged or you want the sleeving to be changed.
The software has a simple interface and a small RAM footprint of just 10MB. All settings and options are readily available on the first and only page of this software. Apart from the RGB light customization, you get the basic button remapping, profile management, DPI customization, and macro functionality.
The main RGB feature found on the DM4 EVO is the under glow. This is done by a single LED strip that is integrated into the edge of the base of the mouse. The rest of the RGB elements are the scroll wheel and the Dream Machines emblem placed at the back of the mouse.
The performance testing while it is not yet using a benchmark software, it consists of the usage of the reviewed mouse as the daily mouse, for more than a week. The workflow test involves photo and video editing and office work. The last part of the test is focusing on the gaming performance of the mouse, using the following games:
– Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
– Grand Theft Auto V
– Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
– Shadow of the Tomb Raider
– Metro Exodus
– The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The gaming performance is very good thanks to the PMW 3389 optical sensor which offers good tracking and a low Lift Off Distance (LOD). The Teflon feet are good and have a smooth glide motion on multiple surfaces.
Final thoughts
The Dream Machines DM4 Evo is a good gaming mouse thanks to its great ergonomic shape and the PMW 3389 optical sensor. The shape makes the DM4 ideal for most game types and both styles of grips.
The plastic case of the mouse is rigid and has almost no flexing, this is mainly due to the extensive reinforcement done on the underside. This reinforcement does have a down sight, the weight, at approximately 98 grams, the DM4 Evo is not the lightest mouse in the pack.
The build quality is very good and all buttons have a good tactile feedback, thanks to the Huano switches used for all except the two side buttons. My only complaint regarding this is that the side buttons should have been placed a few millimeters towards the back of the mouse, so that your thumb can press both without the need of your hand moving from the mouse.
In conclusion, the Dream Machines DM4 Evo is as great mouse for both gaming and work flow. The handling is very good thanks to the matte textured coating, Teflon feet and the lightweight cable. The PMW 3389 optical sensor has good tracking on many surfaces and is accurate. One thing that should be done in the future, perhaps through a software update is the possibility of changing the Lift Off Distance.
