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Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Review

game — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 02:14:38 +0000

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Review

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Mechanical Keyboard, as the most awesome keyboard on the market, has two editions: standard and ultimate. Today, we will review the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Appearance

At the first sight of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, we feel that this is more like a membrane keyboard, as mechanical keyboard is always stiffness and depressing and stays away from excellent look. However, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is designed very luxury to differ from previous mechanical keyboard, and totally says goodbye to the stiffness and depressing look of mechanical keyboard.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate uses the whole mirror planet, which highlights its gorgeous visual effects. While the mirror planet is also very easy to get fingerprints, gamers need to clean it all the time. Besides, hard and straight lines are widely used in Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, making it look very masculine. In the bottom of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, there are some rubber foot pads and two adjustable holders and no weep holes.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Keys

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate using the standard key layout, gamers will find it very easy to use; while typing the horizontal bar design of backspace and enter keys is a familiar work with ease for gamers. In the multimedia keys, many combinations of FN and F series keys are available for many functions. Compared with the convenience of independent shortcut key, this kind of combinations may be a bit inferior, but they cut the cost to a certain degree, and reduce the product price, especially for mechanical keyboards.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Besides the functions of shortcut keys of the regular volume adjustment, silent, back/next track, FN+F11is to open/close game mode. Typing the keys, the yellow G icon will light up above the numeric keypad, and the Widows keys is forbidden simultaneously to avoid gamers hit this key by mistakes which lead to exiting a game. FN+F12 are for open/close backlight, and adjust the luminance as well. The luminance on Razer BlackWidow varies with Each hit on the FN+F12 keys.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Kepcap

The words on the keycap of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate are different from normal keyboard with more artistic feel. It is worth mentioning that the indicator of Razer BlackWidow is hidden design. It’s not easy to find them out on the off status, which is very ingenious and add brilliance to Razer BlackWidow Ultimate present splendor.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate On-the-Fly Macros

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate comes with 5 programmable keys, which are placed in the left side in one line. These 5 G keys can be customized via the powerful driver from simple single key to complex keyboard and mouse action with ease.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

A letter M is printed under the Alt keycap next to FN key. Once you press this combination key, the on-the-fly macros are recoding. This function can record mouse and keyboard action and appointed keystrokes without opening the driver, achieve another pitch of the practical applicability of macros recording. After installing and booting this function, the M icon will light up to show the recording status, and then gamers execute the needed operation, such as pressing “cttl+c”; the M icon start blinking to allow gamers to choose which key to execute; If you press the M1, the M icon is off and the recording is over. Next time, when gamers press M1, it will execute “cttl+c” action. To facility the customization, special color will be marked in the customized keys to reminds gamers, which is very humanized design.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

The other light spot of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is to change 10 different profiles easily with the combination of FN plus 1 to 10 keys. Every time when changing the profiles, the file name will appear on the bottom right corner of the desktop. 5 programmable keys have 10 profiles, which are equal to 50 programmable keys.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Cherry MX Keyclick

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate feature Cherry MX Keyclick switch with the key regulation of 2.0mm. The trigger actuation force of normal Keyclick switch is 60g, while Razer optimizes it to 50g with the strongest scale feeling, biggest sound of click, longer key regulation and theorist life of 20 million times.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

In the right side, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate has two 3.5mm audio jacks and a USB port to connect the Audio equipment and USB device. Furthermore, the cable of Razer BlackWidow, different from normal keyboard, is the knitted cable with longer life. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate adopts two USB ports for power supply in consideration of large electricity consumption of the USB device and backlight. Double USB ports make Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard work more stable. Apart from that, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate has the response rate of 1000 Hz, which react quickly and precisely according to gamers’ demands.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Driver

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate driver interface is very simple with three sections: key distribution, profiles management, macros editor. In the key distribution module, gamers can customize every key easily with abundant options from single key to special macros. In the profiles management section, gamers are allowed to add new profile file and change their name. The final macro editor can record complex mouse and keyboard action, and process the later adjustment in later period.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Game Test

We choose two games to test Razer BlackWidow Ultimate. One is the RTS game- StarCraft 2, which requires efficient and complex micro operations that need the keyboard to execute gamers’ command on time. The other is the FTG game-Street Fighter 4, which need higher requirements, especially for the unique skill, the keyboard should have excellent anti-ghosting design, or else the player will be defeated. Apart from that, we also test the key pressing conflict of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate performs normal with maximum 6 keys pressing at one time.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate key pressing test

In StarCraft 2, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate features lighter actuation force, making the hit much easier. The tiredness is not easily to come out in the high-intensive operation. The other feature of Cherry MX Keyclick switch is the obvious scale feel, presenting the striking contract with Cherry MX Linear Action switch. While the response rate as high as 1000 Hz, performs awesome in the game. All the commands can be executed quickly without any lag.

StarCraft 2 Test

While in the Street Fighter 4, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 50g actuation force shows unusually brilliant results, allowing gamers playing with ease; the obvious scale feel delivers clear operation feedback, allowing gamers operate the game more masterly.

Street Fighter 4

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Conclusion

In the handle key elements, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate features the optimized Cherry MX Keyclick switch with the actuation of 50g for better operating experience. Besides, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate added the scarce backlit module which is lacked in most mechanical keyboards. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate backlight design is very outstanding with balanced display and moderate luminance. The combination key can open and adjust the backlight without installing the driver. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate luxury look is a light spot, breaking previous odd and depressing images of mechanical keyboards and injecting fresh elements.

As to the feature, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate supports exclusive on-the-fly macro recording and switches. The former can recording key and mouse action and execute specific key application without opening the driver, push the practicality of macro to another pitch. While the later can realize the profiles switch by combination of FN and 1-0. In the performance, as high as 1000 Hz response rate runs well on the game. All the commands can be executed quickly without any lag.

Razer BlackWidow Mechanical Keyboard Ultimate Edition is a relatively innovative gaming keyboard featuring macro recording, cool backlit effect and fantastic tactile response. Once your fingers tickle Razer BlackWidow Ultimate sleek keys, you’ll never want to go back to your old gaming keyboard.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Appearance

At first sight of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, it is more like a membrane keyboard, as mechanical keyboards are always dull and stay away from cool look. However, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is designed very luxury to differ from previous mechanical keyboards, and totally says goodbye to the ugly look of mechanical keyboards.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate uses the whole mirror panel, which highlights its gorgeous visual effects. While the mirror panel is also very easy to get fingerprints, gamers need to clean it all the time. In the bottom of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, there are some rubber foot pads and two adjustable kickstands without any weep hole.

Razer Logo of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate bottom

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate foot pads and kickstand

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Keys

Since Razer BlackWidow Ultimate uses the standard key layout that is very easy to use; while typing the horizontal bar design of backspace and enter keys is a familiar work with ease for gamers as well. Regarding to the multimedia keys, many combinations of FN and F series keys are available for many functions. Compared with the convenience of independent shortcut key, this kind of combinations may be a bit inferior, but they cut the cost to a certain degree, and reduce the product price, especially for mechanical keyboards.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keys

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Keys

Besides the functions of shortcut keys for regular volume adjustment, silent, back/next track, the combination of FN+F11 is to open/close gaming mode. After Typing them, the G icon will light up above the numeric keypad, and the Widows key is forbidden simultaneously to avoid gamers hit this key by mistakes, which will lead to exit the game. FN+F12 work to open/close backlight, and adjust the brightness. The brightness on Razer BlackWidow varies with each hit on the FN+F12 keys. There are five levels of backlighting: Off, 3 levels of brightness, and lightest level.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate G icon

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate backlight

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate FN+F12

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Kepcap

The typeface on the keycap of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate are different from normal keyboards with more artistic feel. It is worth mentioning that the indicators of Razer BlackWidow are hidden design. It’s not easy to find them out without the backlight, which is very ingenious and adds brilliance to Razer BlackWidow Ultimate present splendor.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate On-the-Fly Macro

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate comes with 5 programmable gaming keys, which are placed in the left side in a straight line. These 5 keys can be programmed easily by the powerful driver from simple single key operation to complex keyboard and mouse macros.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

A letter M is printed under the Alt keycap next to FN key. Once you press this combination key, the on-the-fly macros are recoding. This function can record mouse and keyboard action and assigned keystrokes without opening the driver. After installing and booting this function, the M icon will light up to show the recording status, and then gamers execute the needed operation, such as pressing “ctrl+c”; the M icon start blinking to indicate gamers to assign a key with macros; If you press the M1, the light of M icon is off and the recording is over. Next time, when gamers press M1, it will execute “ctrl+c” action. To facilitate the customization, special color will be used in the customized keys to reminds gamers, which is very humanized design.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate M icon

Another light spot of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is the switches of 10 different profiles easily with the combination of FN plus 1 to 10 keys. Every time when gamers change the profiles, the file name will appear on the bottom right corner of the desktop. 5 programmable keys are available for 10 profiles each, which are equal to 50 programmable keys.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Cherry MX Keyclick

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate features Cherry MX Keyclick switch with the key actuation distance of 2.0mm (half of the full actuation distance). You can hear your each hit like a mouse click. The actuation force of normal Keyclick switch is 60g, while Razer optimizes it to 50g . Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keys features the strongest tactile response, biggest sound of click and the theoretical lifespan of 50 million keystrokes.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keyclick switch

In the right side, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate has 3.5mm audio out/ mic in jack and a USB pass-through port. Furthermore, the cables of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, different from normal keyboards’, is the knitted cable with longer life. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate adopts two USB ports for power supply in consideration of large electricity consumption of the USB device and backlight. Double USB ports make Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard work more stable. Apart from that, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate boasts the polling rate of 1000 Hz, which can react quickly and precisely according to gamers’ demands.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate audio out/mic out jacks and the USB port

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate cables

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Driver

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate driver interface is very simple with three sections: “assign keys”, “manage profiles” and “manage macros”. In the assign keys module, gamers can customize every key easily from single key to special complex macros with abundant options. In the profiles management section, gamers are allowed to add new profiles and rename the profiles. The final macro management can record complex mouse and keyboard operation, and handle the adjustment later.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate driver

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Game Test

We test the key pressing conflict of Razer BlackWidow Ultimate. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate performs well with maximum 6 keys inputing at one time.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate key pressing conflict test

We also choose two games to test Razer BlackWidow Ultimate. One is the RTS game- StarCraft 2, which requires efficient and complex micro operations that need the keyboard to execute gamers’ commands on time. The other is the FTG game-Street Fighter 4, which needs higher requirements, especially for the unique skill part, the keyboard should have excellent anti-ghosting design, or else the player will be defeated.

In StarCraft 2, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate features lighter actuation force, making the inputing much easier. The tiredness is not easily to come out in the high-intensive operation. The other feature of Cherry MX Keyclick switch is the obvious tactile response and audible ‘click’ while pressed , presenting the striking contract with Cherry MX

ar Action switch. While the polling rate as high as 1000 Hz, performs awesome in the game. All the commands can be executed quickly without any lag.

StarCraft 2 Test

While in the Street Fighter 4, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 50g actuation force shows unusually brilliant results, allowing gamers to play with ease; the obvious tactile response delivers clear operation feedback, make gamers operate the game more masterly.

Street Fighter 4

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Conclusion

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate features the optimized Cherry MX Keyclick switch with the actuation of 50g for better operating experience. Besides, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate adds the backlit module which is lacked in most mechanical keyboards. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate blue backlight design is very outstanding with balanced display and moderate luminance. The combination key can open and adjust the backlight without installing the driver. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate luxury look is another light spot, breaking previous depressing images of mechanical keyboards and injecting the fresh elements.

As to the feature, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate supports exclusive on-the-fly macro recording and switching. The former can record keyboard and mouse operation and execute specific key application without opening the driver, pushing the practicality of macros to another pitch. While the later can realize the profiles switching by combination of FN and 1-0 numbers. In the performance, as high as 1000 Hz polling rate runs well in the game with responsive feedback. All the commands can be executed quickly without any lag.

As a first mechnical keybaord by Razer, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is a satisfying result for gamers.

You can also read:

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Unboxing

Razer BlackWidow Mechanical Keyboard Unveiled

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Gaming Mouse Review

game — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 02:02:03 +0000

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition, as an updated gaming mouse of previous Kinzu, wins many gamers’ preference with outstanding handle and moderate price. The most important feature of this Kinzu Red Pro Edition is the more comfortable and precise Omron inching switch. Now, let’s see what has been improved in this SteelSeries Red Pro Edition gaming mouse.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Packaging

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition still adopts the low-profile and classic packaging without much showy design which highlights the red gaming mouse very well. .

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Appearance
SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition looks very blazing with the red piano lacquer process on the top cover and the black skin-like material on the side. Meanwhile, Kinzu Red Pro Edition also features the advanced PLFE foot pads that allow the move more quick and precise.The middle radian and the large rear and front part of Kinzu Red Pro Edition provide good grip, whcih also suit its market positioning of high speed movement mouse. Kinzu Red Pro Edition resembles the Microsoft Wheel Mouse series on the appearance, while the button design is totally different.

SteelSeries Logo of SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition
The SteelSeries Logo is marked on the rear of Kinzu Red Pro Edition. The foot pads of the Kinzu Red Pro Edition, which are very important for gamers, are much larger than other mice’s of different brands.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition gaming mouse
The high hump on the back of the Kinzu Red Pro Edition offers better support for the palm, and relieve the tiredness feeling in a long time gaming. The wide rear is also designed for larger contact with the hands, providing better stability.

SteelSeriesKinzu Red Pro Edition is one piece button design without side buttons. Besides left, right buttons and the scroll wheel, there is only a CPI adjustment button for profile files changing. Compared with current multi-button mice, Kinzu Red Pro Edition buttons are less, it’s not the shortage in product design but out of consideration for the market positioning.

The bottom of SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition
From the bottom, we can see that Kinzu Red Pro Edition still comes with the optical engine which is widely used in the e-sports products. The typical connecting wire of Kinzu Red Pro Edition is still the nylon wire with the total length of 2 meters, which can fully serve gamers’ needs. The PLFE foot pads of Kinzu Red Pro Edition can effectively reduce the friction and allow the movement more fast and precise.

Steelseries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Details
Kinzu Red Pro Edition changes the top cover material to red piano lacquer from the previous rubber coating, which offers a stronger visual shock but without major difference in the handling.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition

Kinzu Red Pro Edition blazing casing are very eye-catching, inducing us to touch it, while the smooth touch will make you like the handling. The skin-like material in the two sides deliver suitable operating friction without any disturbance on operation.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Scroll Wheel

The scroll wheel of Kinzu Red Pro Edition still adopts black color and silent design with decent feedback and strong tactile response. Kinzu Red Pro Edition adopts the red light as the light source to position with the highest scan rate of 9375 FPS and highest precision of 3200 CPI, which can be adjusted by the shortcut keys under the scroll wheel. Three independent profile files are available to be changed quickly for different games’ requirements.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Gaming Mouse

Kinzu Red Pro Edition gaming mouse not only is the best choice for PFS games, but also suits the RTS and MMORPG games. At the same time, Kinzu Red Pro Edition has excellent compatibility with every kind of mouse pads on the market.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition

Kinzu Red Pro Edition comes equipped with the best mouse inching switch – Omron inching switch, which features incomparable handle. The quick-acting mechanism of two flat springs offers long life of over 1 million times in the condition of 60 times per minute, the maximum amount of permitted speed 200 times per minute, maximum acting force 0.74 N, minimum acting force 0.05N. Its maximum pretravel is 0.5mm, while the minimum 0.25mm. With the Omron inching switch, the click handle of Kinzu Red Pro Edition becomes perfect. Many FPS and RTS professional players all agree that Kinzu Red Pro Edition has the most wonderful gaming handling.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Actual Operation

We choose three levels of frequency response-125Hz/500Hz/1000Hz to test Kinzu Red Pro Edition via the software “mouse rate checker”. Kinzu Red Pro Edition pass the test successfully with stable response. While in the 1000 Hz test, the average result of Kinzu Red Pro Edition is 863 Hz, which has no difference with the high-end gaming mouse.

Next, We choose the FPS game: Call of Duty and Counter Striker to test Kinzu Red Pro Edition as it is designed for this kind of games.

Call of Duty 7

Counter Striker 1.6
As to the handling, Kinzu Red Pro Edition bright material will make gamers who is used to the previous Kinzu with the skin-like material feel inadaptable, but the classic model still fits the hand shape well. The PLFE foot pads make the movement smoother. While the updated inching promotes mouse performance essentially with better feedback and precise positioning without any frame loss, which make us very excited.

The bottom of SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition

Regarding to the usage, red light optical engine is much more mature than other optical technology. Kinzu Red Pro Edition works smooth in each material pads with excellent compatibility and precise positioning.

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Conclusion

SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition Gaming Mouse

As an entry-level gaming mouse, SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition is very fiery compared with the other mice with normal color. Apart from the red top cover, SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition also adds the black and white for matching, such as black scroll wheel and white logo, looking more concise and lively. Besides, the PLFE foot pads allow smaller friction and smoother movement, significantly elevating the usage experience. In performance and features, SteelSeries Kinzu Red Pro Edition can fully qualify for mainstream e-sports games. Furthermore, three set of gamers customized parameters are available in the internal memory of Kinzu Red Pro Edition, which can be changed by the shortcut key quickly.

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Red Game Consoles

game — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:31:29 +0000

There are many dazzling and entrancing red game consoles, which not only have good looking, but also sells like hot cakes on the market. The red consoles are also many gamers’ favorite collections.

Red Wii

Red Wii limited edition

To celebrate 25th anniversary of Super Mario, Nintendo launched Nintendo limited edition of red Wii bundle for $199.99 on Nov 11. The red Wii bundle comes packed with a new Wii Remote Plus controller which is available for four colors: black, white, pink and red on its own for $39. It also comes with two games – Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros, and a red Nunchuk.

Red Nintendo DSi XL

Red DSi XL

Nintendo Red DSi XL Limited Edition
Nintendo Red DSi XL Bundle, as same as the red Wii, is the limited edition in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros for $179.99 on Nov 7. This console has no difference in performance from the normal DSi except the bundle comes together with the legal copy of Super Mario Kart DS.

Red PSP 2000

Red PSP

Red PSP 2000-God of War Entertainment Pack
This red PSP 2000 is also the limited edition for “God of War” for $199.99 on Jun 03, 2008. This PSP entertainment pack comes with red PSP with Kratos and standard accessories as well as the most characteristic and meaningful UMD of “God of War” game and the comedy movie “Superbad” , which is well worth gamers’ collection.

Red PS2

Red PS2

This red PS2 (SCPH-90000) is launched for ￥16,000 ($153) in Jul 2008. There are many editions of PS2 with different colors. This red PS2 slim has the same performance as the normal PS2, and only differs in the red color appearance. But this PS2 still arises gamers’ interests and makes them pay for it without protest.

Red PS3

Red PS3

Compared to red folksy PS2, red PS3 is obviously full of noble temperament. Canada PS3 official website once released this limited edition of wine red PS3, and announced there are only 3 consoles all over the world, which is the first colorized PS3 console except the black console. This limited edition of red PS3 is carefully conceived by the world famous designer Adrian Anz who has ever designed iPod series products. The wine red coating of PS3 adopts special process under strict test, and definitely has a different design feel different from the normal black console.

Red Xbox 360

Red Xbox 360 Elite

The Resident Evil 5 limited edition of Xbox 360 Elite

It seems that the red game console always have something to do with game. The Red Xbox 360 is this kind of game console packed with Resident Evil 5. The red Xbox 360 bundle comes with a red Xbox 360 Elite console, a red wireless controller, a 120 hard drive and a game disc of Resident Evil 5, black wired headset and HDAV, HDMI and Ethernet cable. Microsoft and Capcon also present a coupon to free download Street Fighter 2: Tubro HD Remix online.

Game consoles disassembly collection

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI Gaming Mouse Review

game — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:32:10 +0000

Razer launched a new version of Razer Lachesis gaming mouse recently. The updated Razer Lachesis comes with the same appearance as the previous one, but bumps up from 4000 DPI to 5600 DPI as well as 60 KB memory for saving profiles. The scroll wheel has also been improved to be more well-balanced. This new Razer Lachesis adopts tricolor LED as the breath lighst in the scroll wheel and Logo. With a lot of different color combination, users can set their favorite color, which is cooler than the single color choice in the old Razer Lachesis.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI Gaming mouse Specs

Buttons: 8 buttons and a scroll wheel
Precision: 100～5600DPI
Sensor: Laser Sensor
Port: Gold-plated USB connector
Features: 9 independently programable Hyperesponse buttons, Adjustable Multi-Color LED ( up to 16 million colors), No Drift Control, 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time, Tracking up to 200 inches per second, good handle.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI Gaming Mouse Appearance

The old Razer Lachesis has two versions – Banshee Blue and Phantom White, which are distinguished by their different backlight colors. The new Razer Lachesis not only combines these two but also supports up to 16 million colors, offering more choices for gamers.

New Razer Lachesis Package

Old Razer Lachesis package

The old Razer Lachesis comes with 3G Precision laser sensor, 4000 DPI, 1mm response time, 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, 16 bite data channel and 32KB onboard memory. The new Razer Lachesis is updated to 5600DPI, 3.5G laser engine and 60KB memory, while the other features stay the same.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse special Bionics style design

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse wave button structure

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse left and right side

The function of 9 programmable Hyperesponse buttons can be customized via driver. From the structure, Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse fits right and left handed users, while from the model, Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse adopts the symmetrical design which doesn’t belong to ergonomics but bionic design.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse appearance

As for the appearance, Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse resembles a predatory snake to win one after another victory.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI Gaming Mouse Unique 16 Million Colors

The most important feature of new Razer Lachesis is the max 16 million colors, which gamers can get a unique look of their own .

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse Customizable backlight

LED light are placed in the scroll wheel and the rear Logo, whose colors is customizable independently. Tricolor LED lights allow users to set thousands of dazzled and cool colors.

Razer Lachesis 5000 DPI Gaming Mouse Buttons

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse buttons

Razer Lachesis adopts Razer classic wave shape with very good handle.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse left and right buttons

In the two side of new Razer Lachesis, side buttons are both improved, which can be set to different function via driver from default forward and backward. However, in actual operation, the thumb can easily touch the Razer Lachesis side buttons by mistakes.

Top buttons of Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse

Top Two buttons are defaulted to adjust Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse precision, which can also be customized to other function via driver.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse bottom

A Profile button is placed in Razer Lachesis bottom to change different button profiles.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse port

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse adopts USB port to connect with the PC, and offers degaussing circle to make data signal transmission more stable.

Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI Gaming Mouse Test

In the response rate test, we use the software named as Mouse Rate Checker. We set the response rate at 500Hz, while new Razer Lachesis average rate is around 500 Hz, which is pretty good.

We also test Razer Lachesis on many games, which proves that Razer Lachesis has accurate positioning and comfortable handle. The macro function button also performs very well, which only needs one button to complete a series of complicated operation. It not only reduces users’ pressure but also make the whole skill operation more smoothly.

Razer Lachesis 5600 dpi Gaming mouse Summary

New Razer Lachesis based on the old version, updates the laser engine from 4000 DPI to 5600 DPI and offers 60 KB memory for more profiles information. While the light also gets upgrade, users can set their personal backlight.

As a whole, Razer Lachesis 5600 DPI gaming mouse is decent, and shows individuality with updatd performance. The macros function is also very helpful in complex operation.

Pros
1.as high as 5600 dpi
2.adjustable thousands of backlight colors
3.powerful macros
Cons:
Side buttons are easy to be touched by the thumb.

The launch of new Razer Lachesis also means the production of old Razer Lachesis stops. However, for broader gamers, this new Razer Lachesis is definitely the better choice because of its stronger performance.

You can also read:

Roccat Kone+ Gaming Mouse Review

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Roccat Kone+ Gaming Mouse Review

game — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:28:30 +0000

Roccat Kone+ is Roccat another new gaming mouse, featuring 6000 DPI, cool appearance and game level performance. Let’s review it today.

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse packing

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse packing detail
From the name, we can easily know that Roccat Kone+ is the update version of Roccat Kone, which comes with the familiar streamline colorful LED lights and some changes in the LOGO and buttons. Roccat Kone+ features 6000 DPI, 8 customized buttons, and personalized LED light. Can the above characters make Roccat Kone+ better than Roccat Kone? Keep reading.

Roccat Kone+ Specs:

Pro-Aim Laser Sensor with up to 6000dpi

1000Hz polling rate

1ms response time

30G acceleration

11750 fps, 10.5 megapixel

3.8-5m/s (150-200ips)

16-bit data channel

Tracking & Distance Control Unit

72MHz TurboCore processor

576kB onboard memory

2m USB cable

13.5*8*4.5cm

Roccat Kone+ Appearance
Apart from the LED luminous zone, the hand contact parts of Roccat Kone+ all adopt the skin-like soft material. Roccat Kone+ mainstream ergonomic design and specification offer enough contact surface for the index and middle figures with comfortable feeling. The inching click dynamics is light and sounds small while clicking.

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse weights 162g without the additional weights.

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse left side

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse right side

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse front side

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse rear side

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse button detail
Between the left and right button of Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse, we can see the clear graduated 4-direction scroll wheel, the DPI + and – button, and the front button which is the default Win. It’s a very obvious change that the LOGO has been canceled in the rear of Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse.

Due to EasyShift+ button, all of the buttons on Roccat Kone+, including the scroll wheel, can be assigned two functions. Therefore, instead of the usual 12 functions you generally get, you’ll be getting 22. Meanwhile, gamers can customize the buttons with macros, DPI settings, the sensor sensitivity level and lighting settings too, and save them to any one of 5 profiles . Additional profiles can be saved on the hard drive, and then they are avaialbe to be loaded to anyone of the 5 profiles.
In the bottom of Roccat Kone+, we can see the detail product marking.

Maximum 6000 DPI laser engine, which is higher than any other gaming mice like Logitech, Razer , can fully meet the gamers precision demand.

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse USB port

Roccat Kone+ LED light

Four multicolor LEDs along with the enhanced lightpipes and configurable effects can illuminate, pulsate or alternate in more than four different colors at the same time, which is quite beautiful.

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse bottom

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse bottom detail

Tracking & Distance Control Unit(TDCU), which is integrated into the laser sensor, make Roccat Kone+ enable to calculate the lift-off distance and fine-tune the laser sensor to suit the mousepad to achieve the best gaming effect.

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse bottom

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse weight area

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse weight box

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse weight box
To meet the stability demand of each kind of games, the weights are necessary. Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse weight box is full of science fiction feel with four 5g weights inside, which provides enough options for gamers.

Roccat Kone+ Game Test

First, we test the Roccat Kone+ performance in the CS game.
In the test, Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse is very easy to use, and the ergonomic design goes well with the hand shape. High DPI help gamers shoot more precisely.

Second, it’s the StarCraftⅡ, a famous RTS game.

In the test, we feel that the Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse without the weights is comfortable enough to slide, while the wide specification and mature ergonomic help support the whole hand and play the game smoothly. Roccat Kone+ light typing dynamics and soft skin-like material make gamers not easily to feel tired in long time gaming.

Roccat Kone+ Summary:

Score:
Design:8/10, Performance: 8/10, Features&Layout: 7/10, Value：6/10
Overall Score: 7/10

Roccat Kone+ gaming mouse

Roccat Kone+ more concise and smooth outline and multicolor LEDs both offer gamers excellent gaming experience. The powerful customized function via driver, Tracking & Distance Control Unit, espiecally the maximum 6000 DPI precision helps gamers play the game better and make Roccat Kone+ as a superior gaming mouse.

Pros:
Dazzled and cool breathe LED lights
Multi-button customization
6000 DPI laser engine

Cons:
The button before the scroll wheel is not easy to press

You can also read:

Roccat Kone Gaming Mouse Review

Roccat Kova Gaming Mouse Review and Disassembly

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard Review

game — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:45:26 +0000

Logitech launched G510 gaming keyboard in Aug. Let’s review it today.

Logitech G510 Appearance

The first impression of Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard is that it’s the combination of Logitech G19 and G110. Logitech G510 also inherits Logitech idiomatic black and grey color match which is a low profile with cool style.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard wide palm rest can be removed.

The frame of Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard is processed by the matte craft, which feels like very fine and smooth as well as not easy to get dirty. The keys adopt skin-like material which provides soft touch; while the key handle is moderate whatever the flexibility or feedback, and suits each kind of game. Furthermore, there is a pit in a certain radian in each key, which uses ergonomics for comfortable usage.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard detail

Logitech G510 comes with the standard key layout. It is worth mentioning that the misoperation may happen in the left programmable G-keys in the first week, and then it would be greatly improved after a period of time.

In the hardware configuration, A GamePanel LCD is added and the USB Hub is removed in Logitech G510 compared with Logitech G110. Logitech G510 also has headphone and microphone jacks with the independent control keys. The independent power supply is not needed in Logitech G510 any more.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard Detail

18 extra macros keys in three groups are placed in the left side of Logitech G510. For those games which need many extra key operations, Logitech G510 design can totally meet the demand. Apart from that, Logitech G510 is waterproof with some round holes in the bottom to drain away liquid which is splashed into the keyboard carelessly.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard dimension

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard weights 1130g

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard transverse support legs are also good at avoiding the broken which may be caused by that users casually move the keyboard.

But as a whole, there are still some dissatisfied places in Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard, such as the cancel of USB Hub. However, the integrated audio card still exists for clear digital communication in Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard

Logitech G510 Driver

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard uses the same driver as Logitech G series products. The programmable design is also one of Logitech trump cards since Logitech G15 gaming keyboard.

The 18 G-keys macros functions can be stored in three modes, meaning that three functions per key and up to 54 hot keys per game, which highly improve the programmable efficiency. Gamers can store our individual macros in advance in each game.

The most individual part is that users can pick their favorite backlight color in the driver, providing gamers unique visual experience.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard

As it’s known to all, building macros are quite normal in current gaming keyboard. Logitech G510 also has the automotive search function. If the game in your computer Logitech supports, there is already a set of ready-made macros in Logitech G510.

Logitech G510 Performance Test

In this part, we will test Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard performance and typing conflict.

We use the hKBTEST to text Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard typing conflict.

From the above picture, Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard can realize max 6 keys hitting at a time, which works normal and meet the demand of casual gaming.

In the game test, we first choose the FPS game-CS 1.6 to test Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard, which has high requirement in handle. In actual operation, Logitech G510 works excellent with comfortable handle. But due to long key regulation, it will miss much time in lifting and putting hands which need us to adapt. The most satisfied thing for us is that there is a lock Win key in Logitech G510 which avoids quitting the game by mistaken.

Next, it is the StarCraft 2, which is the most popular RTS game and has high requirement in APM (action per minute).

After testing, Logitech G510 shows its superiority as a professional Gaming Keyboard with faster key stroke feedback and stable performance in fast operation, which is able to meet the demand of e-sports games as well.

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard Summary

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard is another classic product after Logitech G15、 G11、G19、G110, which shows off many programmable keys, independent headphone/mic jack, mute key and humanized lock Win key. Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard Users can also pick the backlight color by their favorite. We have to say that Logitech G510 gaming keyboard has become another new choice for gamers.

Pros:
LCD screen can show real-time information
Custom-color backlighting with three choices of red, green and yellow
18 programmable G-keys with up to 54 hot keys
Integrated audio card
Humanized palm rest
A 500 Hz report rate—four times faster than other gaming keyboards

Cons:
No USB HUB

Logitech G510 Score
Design: 8/10, Performance: 8/10, Features &Layout: 7/10, Value: 6/10
Overall Score: 8/10

Scoring Reason: Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard still comes equipped with the GamePanel LCD to show real-time system and gaming information. As many as 18 macros keys in 3 groups realize 54 hot key functions and are distinguished by one corresponding keyboard backlight.
Reference price: ＄ 119.99
You can also read:

SteelSeries 6GV2 Gaming Keyboard Review

Microsoft SideWinder X4 Gaming Keyboard Review

Roccat Arvo Gaming Keyboard Review

Logitech New G Series Gaming Peripherals

Logitech G700 Gaming Mouse Review

game — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Logitech G700 gaming mouse features game-level wireless technology and 13 programmable buttons, which lets gamers master everything in the game easily.

With the data cable, Logitech G700 can be changed to a wired mouse and charged at the same time. 13 programmable buttons are designed for MMO games, but it may indicate another future trend of gaming mice development .

Logitech G700 packing

Logitech G700 back

Logitech G700 accessories are very abundant, including a nano receiver, a USB data cable and a USB extended line to make sure that the gamers have the best wireless signal. It’s worth mentioning that Logitech G700 comes standard with a Japanese Enitime high power capacity rechargeable battery with 2000 mAh capacity, which can let gamers keep away from frequent charging.

The high power capacity battery for Logitech G700

As to the appearance, Logitech G700 is the steady black color with the larger dimension of 13cm X 8cm. Logitech G700 uses the same model as Logitech M950, the similar ergonomic design in the wide rear and the asymmetric design of high in the left and low in the right to fit hand shape better. There is a thumb grip in the left side as well as the support position for the third finger and little finger.

Logitech G700 uses the similar model as M950

Logitech G700 wide rear

Logitech G700 thumb grip

Logitech G700 weights 154g with the battery

Logitech G700 weights 128g without the battery

In the aspect of material, Logitech G700 has a plastic shell. The matte craft instead of rubber in the left and right side realizes the same skidproof and ventilated effects, which is only available in Logitech products.

In the side view, Logitech G700 has a moderate protuberance in the top cover with a smooth line. In actual operation, Logitech G700 fits the hand well, and almost each part of the palm gets good support, and the tiredness doesn’t easily comes out even in the extreme gaming.

Logitech G700 left side

Logitech G700 right side

Logitech G700 Front Laser Engine

In the bottom of Logitech, there are four wide low-friction PTEF feet and 5700 DPI front-facing laser engine. In the driver, Logitech G700 precision is available from 200 DPI to 5700 DPI, and Logitech G700 also supports the independent adjustment of X, Y-axle. Besides, there are also power switch, battery cabin, receiver cabin in the bottom.

Logitech G700 bottom

Logitech G700 battery cabin

Logitech G700 wide low-friction PTEF feet

The feet of Logitech G700 can slide smoothly in many materials like the normal wooden desktop or various kinds of mouse pads.

Logitech G700 wide low-friction PTEF feet

Regarding to the front laser engine, it is always placed in the middle for most optical mice. While the advantage of Logitech G700 front optical engine is that they can complete larger shift in the same physical distance, which significantly diminishes the wrist fatigue in high-strength games.

Logitech G700 front laser engine

Logitech G700 Reasonable Button Layout

The button layout plays a significant role in the game-level mouse. Logitech G700 left and right part adopt the one-piece design in short key regulation. The inching switch sounds clear while clicking, which feels neat.

The 13 buttons allow Logitech G700 to own powerful control, especially in the MMO games. 13 buttons can be set by the driver to store the commands in the keyboard and mouse and then appoint one button to accomplish.

Logitech G700 left and right buttons adopts one-piece design

The three buttons in Logitech left edge are G8, G9, G10 from the bottom up. They all adopt slope design with a certain gradient to make sure that gamers can touch these shortcut buttons instantly. Due to different shape and direction, gamers can easily recognize them to achieve control without the eyes on.

The three buttons in the left edge of Logitech G700

G8, G9, G10 adopt slope design

The other four buttons-G4, G5, G6, and G7 are in the thumb slot, which are the long strip shape and arranged in two rows and two lines. The upper two buttons are a bit higher than the bottom ones to realize the touch type control. There are also 3 LED indicators in the thumb slot, which indicate different status by different color, permutation and combination. The DPI adjustment mode is showed by red while the internal profile change mode is yellow.

G4, G5, G6 and G7 are in the long strip shape.

Three LED indicators of Logitech G700

Different combination of yellow light indicates different internal profiles.

The red light showed in the DPI adjustment mode.

Logitech G700 scroll wheel adopts the non-slip rubber in the middle combined with the metal edge to support Logitech particular left and right scrolling. The two buttons behind the scroll wheel work for its dual-mode switch between click-to-click and hyper-fast scrolling mode as well as the internal profiles switch.

Logitech G700 scroll wheel supports left and right scrolling mode as well as the hyper-fast technology.

The two buttons behind the Logitech G700 scroll wheel

Logitech G700 Wireless Technology

Logitech G700 still features mature and stable 2.4 GHz wireless technology with a nano receiver, which significantly improves the responsiveness that supports up to 1000 times/s. Logitech G700 runs totally without any delay in high response rate, but leads to larger power consumption. Therefore, Logitech G700 offers the adjustment options in the driver with many levels choices as 125/200/250/333/500/1000. In the wireless mode, Logitech G700 also supports data transmission.

Logitech G700 has the nano receiver to support 1000Hz response rate.

Logitech G700 can be changed to the wired mode without signal dropout using the data cable and charged at the same time. In the wired mode, it’s no problem to remove the battery, and the profiles transfer also works well.

When Logitech G700 is charging, three LED indicators are blinking in turn. To make Logitech G700 own longer battery life, there are three modes in Logitech driver-power saving, regular and ultimate gaming.

Logitech can be changed to wired and charging mode by the top USB mini port.

One end of the data cable is the USB port, and the other is the mini USB port.

Logitech G700 perfect wired mode

Logitech G700 Test

The test contains the regular response rate test, surface compatible test and the gaming test which is the most important part.

In the response rate test, we both choose the wired and wireless mode with the response rate of 1000 Hz. Logitech G700 both achieves the highest response rate as 1000Hz in the two modes.

In the Warcraft game, Logitech G700 also performs well. Low-friction feet provide smooth sliding experience. The front laser engine diminishes the wrist fatigue to a certain degree.

In the CS game, Logitech G700 positioning is very precise. The feet make the move very flexible. In long time gaming, the hands don’t feel the obviously tired which benefits from Logitech excellent human ergonomic design with good support to each part of the hand.

In The Wrath of Lich King, we customized several common shortcut keys in the 13 buttons. In actual gaming, it really helps and highly increases the control efficiency.

In the gaming test, Logitech G700 with the 1000 Hz response rate works awesome without any delay and dropout problem.

Logitech G700 Summary

As a flagship gaming mouse, Logitech G700 is very impressed. The 13 programmable buttons are reasonably placed with different shape and direction, which gamers can realize touch type. The other trump card of Logitech G700 is the game-lever wireless technology with the highest 1000 Hz response rate which works without any delay. Meanwhile, Logitech G700 lets gamers keep away from the worry of battery life by the quick switch between wired and wireless mode and the internal charging module which makes the battery charged in the wired mode. The front 5700 DPI laser engine also enables Logitech G700 performance reach the peak of perfection.

Pros:
-Ultimate ergonomic design
-Low-friction feet
-Game-level wireless technology, 1000 Hz response rate, internal charging module
-Swap seamlessly between wired and wireless mode
-Reasonable button layout which can easily realize the touch type operation
-Hyper-fast mode and left-right scrolling technology in the scroll wheel
-5700 DPI front laser engine
-Powerful and easy driver

Cons：

-High price as ＄99.99
-Plastic shell

You can also read:

Logitech G700 Gaming Mouse Disassembly

Razer Naga vs. Logitech G700

Logitech New G Series Gaming Peripherals

Logitech G930 Gaming Headset Review

Backlit Gaming Keyboards Comparison Review

game — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 02:31:15 +0000

A good gaming keyboard will allow gamers play better, but the backlit keyboard focus more on colorful backlight at night. Therefore, this backlit gaming keyboards comparison will pay more attention to the visual effects, which consis of the comparison among backlight stability, button character clearness in non-backlit status, expansion ports and hKBtest hitting conflict test.

Backlit Gaming keyboards in this review:

Logitech G110, Alienware TactX, Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition, HP VooDooDNA, Fuhlen L455, Steelseries Merc Stealth

★Backlight Stability Test
The Backlight Stability test uses the camera slow shutter in 5 second to check out the keyboard backlight brightness.

If the light track brightness of every button stays stable, it’s sure that this backlit keyboard can offer stable and clear backlight effect which will not distract gamers attention.

Logitech G100 Backlit Gaming Keyboard

What attract us most of Logitech G110 is the simplified functionality based on G19 keyboard as well as high cost performance, and that’s also why Logitech G110 becomes many gamers’ choices. Logitech G110 inherits Logitech currently inherent style-the grey and black color match, which makes it look more steady. The Logitech G110 adopts standard square design with the standard key layout. But there are many multifunctional buttons in the left side, including 12 G buttons.

★Logitech G110 Backlight Stability Test

Logitech G110 keyboard light track is very stable but the brightness of major key area is lower than the left macros buttons.

Logitech G110 keyboard backlight

Logitech G110 keyboard Appearance

Logitech G110 keyboard weights 966g with the dimension of 50*16.5*3.5cm

Logitech G110 keyboard appearance details

Logitech G110 gaming keyboard also adopts standard keymap which is easy to adapt. However, the misoperations in the multifunctional buttons would often happen in the first week, and after a period of time, it will be greatly improved.
It’s worth mentioning that Logitech G110 gaming keyboard also accompanies with the palm rest to keep gamers wrist tiredness away in actual operation.

Alienware TactX Backlit Gaming Keyboard

★ Alienware TactX keyboard Backlight Stability Test

Alienware TactX keyboard backlight is quite stable, but the number keys brightness is a bit weaker.

Alienware TactX keyboard Backlight

Alienware TactX keyboard Appearance

Alienware TactX keyboard weights 1225g with the dimension of 49*21*3cm.

Alienware TactX keyboard Appearance

Alienware TactX keyboard, which is full of science fiction color, is always the focus of our discussion. The marked logo and multifunctional buttons are in the top. 6 macros customized buttons and three mode selection buttons are in the left side. Alienware TactX keyboard most peculiar place is those alien words as decorations in the buttons.

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition Backlit Gaming Keyboard

Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard shows off the backlit design and the anti-skidding rubber kepcap. However, according to the feedback, gamers prefer sharper backlight; even some of them expect to remove the keycap to get better backlight brightness. Considering this demand, Razer develops this Lycosa Mirror Edition gaming keyboard, which is almost as same as the previous one in the major design, but enhances the backlight strength and makes the keycap in high gross processing.

★Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition Backlight Stability Test

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition backlight track is stable while the multimedia control area is the lightest.

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition Backlight

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition appearance

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition weights 922g with the dimension of 45.5*20*2cm

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition appearance detail

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition keyboard adopts ultra-thin design and excellent build quality, and comes with fairly smooth back. There are a bunch of screws in Lycosa Mirror Edition back. The wrist rest part can be removed to save space in the desktop.

Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition keyboard has the same functionality as Razer Lycosa. At the same time of enhancing the backlight strength, Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition also keeps the four buttons-A、D、S、W independent backlight display. The multimedia functional buttons are also in the top as Razer Lycosa. The customized macros are validable as well in Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition which is easy to use.

HP VooDooDNA Backlit Gaming Keyboard

The word “Powered By Razer” is display in HP VooDooDNA keyboard in the external packing. As a product that inherits Razer Lycosa design concept, what are their differences? It is clear at a glance after the electricity is on.

★HP VoodooDNA keyboard Backlight Stability Test

HP VoodooDNA keyboard backlight track is stable while the number key light is weaker.

HP VoodooDNA keyboard backlight

HP VoodooDNA gaming keyboard appearance

HP VooDooDNA Keyboard looks quite normal when the electricity is off. HP VooDooDNA uses individual highlight material, which feels like imprint technology in the laptop casing. But sadly, HP VooDooDNA is also easy to get fingerprints.

HP VoodooDNA gaming keyboard dimension is 45*20*3cm（including stands）.

We can control the backlight system in three modes of off, on and WASD-only by a light adjustment button. The dual-touch shortcut key can change the backlight as slow as breathing, which is quite cool.

Fuhlen L455 Backlit Gaming Keyboard

Fuhlen L455 keyboard major color match-red and black makes it look very stylish. As a ultra-thin backlit keyboard, Fuhlen L455 adopts buttons with nonopaque craft, which is rare in this kind of gaming keyboards. Laser etching buttons guarantee their life span over 10 million times. Fuhlen L455 Keyboard wide buttons fit for men who own big figures better.
★Fuhlen L455 keyboard Backlight Stability Test

Fuhlen L455 light track is stable with balanced brightness.

Fuhlen L455 keyboard backlight

Fuhlen L455 keyboard appearance

Fuhlen L455 keyboard weights 927g with the dimension of 46*18*1.8cm.

Fuhlen L455 keyboard appearance

The 11 multimedia shortcut keys above the major key area of Fuhlen L455 keyboard also can emit light. By the shortcut keys, we can run play/pause, previous/next track, stop, silence, volume adjustment, openning the homepage, sleep mode and controlling backlight brightness, which is a very wonderful operation experience for users.

SteelSeries Merc Stealth Backlit Gaming Keyboard

In the front side, SteelSeries Merc Stealth keyboard looks quite sturdy. There are headset jack and double USB port in the top, gamers can hoop up the keyboard to the PC easily and have a clean desktop as well.

★SteelSeries Merc Stealth keyboard Backlight Stability Test

SteelSeries Merc Stealth light track is stable without obvious differences.

SteelSeries Merc Stealth Backlight

SteelSeries Merc Stealth appearance

SteelSeries Merc Stealth weights 1459g with the dimension of 53.5*17.5*3.5cm.

SteelSeries Merc Stealth keyboard appearance

Regarding to the handle, SteelSeries Merc Stealth keyboard is very special. Dud to the specific highlight coating processing in the traditional buttons, we feel a bit tough while hitting, which fits male gamers better. However, the handle in the left butterfly key area is optimized obviously, especially in the direction buttons and the functional keys, which adopt durable rubber to make gamers’ figure tips comfortable in a long time gaming.

Backlit Gaming Keyboard Performance in the Daytime

Does the awesome backlight make you dazzled?　Now, let’s check out their performance in the daytime.
Why can the backlit keyboard emit light? The reason is that the backlit keyboard adopts the hollow out lettering technology. To put it simply, the buttons are made of transparent material, and are printed with a non-transparent layer in the keycap, leading to characters cut in intaglio. In fact, users feel smooth when they hit in the keycap which is caused by the coating layer.

Logitech G110 gaming keyboard

Alienware TactX gaming keyboard

Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard

HP VooDooDNA gaming keyboard

Fulhen L455 Gaming Keyboard

Steelseries Merc Stealth gaming keyboard

From the above pictures, it’s easy to discover that Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition and HP VooDooDNA characters are not clear enough without the backlight. Other backlit keyboards can meet the demand in the daytime operation.

Backlit Gaming Keyboard Expansion Ports Comparison

As the backlit gaming keyboard internal LED need the USB port to supply power, let’s compare their expansion ports, including USB-HUB、Audio jack and USB connecting line.

Backlit Gaming Keyboard Name	USB-HUB	Audio Jack	USB connecting cable
Fuhlen L455	No	No	Single USB port
Alienware TactX	No	No	Double USB ports
Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition	Yes（one）	Yes	Double USB Ports+ Audio Headset Jack
Logitech G110	Yes（one）	Yes	Single USB Port
HP VooDooDNA	Yes（one）	Yes	Double USB Ports + Audio headset Jack
Steelseries Merc Stealth	Yes（tow）	Yes	Single USB Port + Audio Headset Jack

As for expansion ports and USB power supply, Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition、HP VooDooDNA keyboard and Steelseries Merc Stealth keyboard provide complete functionality which help users save corresponding operation time.

★Backlit Gaming Keyboards hKBtest Hitting Conflict Test

hKBTEST Test
The software-hKBTEST is used to test max button output numbers simultaneously. From the above picture, we can find that the max hitting buttons at one time to know whether the keyboard meet the demand of ultimate game.

Backlit Gaming Keyboards Name	Max Hitting Numbers
Logitech G110	6
Alienware TactX	6
Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition	6
HP VooDooDNA keyboard	6
Fuhlen L455	6
Steelseries Merc Stealth	6

All the backlit gaming keyboards still perform normal which support up to 6 buttons hitting at one time. Although the anti-ghosting function is available, but it’s a pity that none of them works excellent.

Backlit Gaming Keyboards Comparison Review Summary

After the comparison of expansion ports, characters clearness without the power, and backlight stability, hKBtest Hitting conflict text, it goes to a conclusion that their controls in keyboard backlight stability and light leaking ratio is very mature. At the base of normal keyboards, either drive functionality or expansion performance, the USB-HUB, audio jack design in the backlit gaming keyboards headed by Logitech G110、Steelseries Merc Stealth keyboard are very practical. To top it off, the backlit keyboard, which can create more awesome operation experience at night, will continually occupy a leading position in current market.

You can also read:

Razer Lycosa Backlit Gaming Keyboard Review

Microsoft SideWinder X4 Gaming Keyboard Review

Logitech G110 keyboard vs. Microsoft SideWinder X4 keyboard

Razer Naga vs. Logitech G700

game — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 02:53:55 +0000

At the end of 2009, Razer launched Naga gaming mouse with 17 customized buttons,which lets gamers give up the keyboard customized operation for the first time to experience fresh fun. In Aug, 2010, Logitech also launched G700 wireless gaming mouse with 13 customized buttons. Today we will compare them to see their differences.

At first, let’s introduce them seperately.

Razer Naga fits gamers grip well for its ergonomic design which features narrow in the middle and wide in the front and rear. There are sunken slots in the figure grids. The mechanical texture of the scroll wheel is really tough, showing its hard side in gaming.

Razer Naga appearance

Razer Naga features 5600 DPI precision, 17 MMO buttons, 1000Hz/1ms response time, 200 inch max tracking speed per second, which is quite advanced in the specification. Certainly, Razer Naga most unique feature is the 12 buttons in the side, the DA breath light and same scroll wheel design as Mamba. Besides, there are some prominent horizontal stripes in the six buttons: 4,5,6,10,11,12.

Razer Naga gaming mouse details

Razer Naga Specs:
Mouse Type: Laser, wired
Button Number：17
Connection: USB
Color: black
Highest Precision: 5600 DPI
Ergonomic Design: Right handed
Other Features:

3.5G laser sensor
1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response time
200 inches/s max tracking speed
Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Mouse feet
17 MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
Approximate size: 116L x 69W x 41.6H (in mm)

Razer Naga is a MMO distinguished gaming mouse, which shifts the operating frequency between keyboard and mouse by concentrating most game commands in one place unprecedentedly. As many as 12 number buttons in the thumb grid may be doubted by users that mutual disturbances seems to happen in the visual view, however, Razer craft can guarantee the comfortable operation and stable functions in this area which even takes the place of keyboard operation actually and can be called a really big integration. By the customized interface AddOns, users can quickly customize functions and program thousands of different game orders, making every orders master in their hand.

Reference price: $79.99

Logitech G700 is a new member of Logitech G series products, also the continuous version of Logitech G7. But Logitech G700 doesn’t inherit G7 style, but resembles the earlier version MX revolution with the almost same chassis.

Logitech G700 wireless gaming mouse

Logitech G700 has 13 customized buttons which access to various macro functions with a single click. Each button has the special design which can be easily distinguished by soft touch. There are four macro buttons in the side. The buttons have different trigger force according to different force of each figure, plus Logitech G700 excellent ergonomic appearance, making its grip very comfortable.

Logitech G700 Gaming mouse details

Logitech G700 Specs

Mouse Type: Laser wireless
Button Number: 13
Connection: USB
Color: black
Highest precision: 5700 DPI
Transmission Frequency: 2.4GHz
Ergonomic Design: right handed
Other Features:

Several levels of precision adjustment from 200 DPI to 5700 DPI
Store up to five ready-to-play profiles
The left LED light shows the current capacity of the battery

Logitech G700 is specially crafted for gaming, featuring highest 5700 DPI game-level laser sensor with internal 5 profiles. Double mode scroll wheel can be changed from click-to-click weapon selection to hyper-fast scrolling through long web pages. At the same time, Logitech G700 also adopts game-level wireless connection technology to realize charging and data transmission only by a connection cable without the worry of lag or dropouts in a game.

Reference price: $ 99.99

As to the appearance, they are both ergonomic design and right handed gaming mice, but we prefer Razer Naga’s handle.
In the aspect of the mouse surface, Logitech G700 is the matte material which is very comfortable. Razer Naga stays the same skin-like material as the classical DeathAdder. After comparison, Razer Naga is superior to Logitech G700 with the chic and individual appearance as well as the cool breath light.

Razer Naga appearance

Logitech G700 appearance

As to the scroll wheel, it’s well known that Logitech has the excellent scroll wheel by their MicroGear. This scroll wheel is very popular after launched, and can shift between click-to-click mode and hyper-fast mode. By contrast, Razer Naga is inferior which only has the blue light scroll wheel.

Regarding to their performance, Razer Naga 17 MMO buttons enable gamers to customize their habitual buttons, while Logitech G700 13 programmable buttons can accomplish various complex macro function with only one click. Logitech G700 also has special design in each button to distinguish them easily.

12 customized buttons in the side of Razer Naga

In the aspect of DPI, Logitech G700 makes a big break through with the DPI adjustment button in the left side, which only need index finger to click to change DPI level easily. Logitech G700 DPI is available from 200 to 5700.

Razer Naga can not change the DPI by clicking the button

Razer Naga DPI adjustment is more difficult than Logitech G700, which needs the software to change after driving. However, Razer Naga highest supportive DPI is 5600, which is comparable with Logitech G700.

Logitech G700 battery cabin

As for connection method, Razer Naga is a wired mouse, while Logitech G700 is a wireless mouse. It is worth to mention that Logitech G700 can turns to be a wired mouse using the charging cable which lets gamers play the games while charging the mouse as well. But it makes Logitech G700 much heavier than Razer Naga because G700 internal battery.

Summary:

Logitech G700 gaming mouse features:

1, Many programable designs make game easier
2, Support wired/wireless mode
3, Improved shape is more comfortable than before
4, 5700 DPI highest precision
5, Execute complex macros with a single click
6, Front-facing engine quickens mouse speed

Razer Naga gaming mouse features：

1, comfortable ergonomic design fits the hand shape well
2, powerful laser engine, 5600 DPI highest precision
3, 12 functional side buttons make gamers play the game with facility

After comparison, Razer Naga and Logitech G700 both have their strong and weak points. Whether Razer Naga with the cool appearance and comfortable handle or Logitech G700 with the top class quality and normal shape, it’s believed that many gamers already have their own answers.

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SteelSeries 6GV2 Gaming Keyboard Review

game — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:37:51 +0000

Steelseries 6GV2 is the third mechanical gaming keyboard launched by SteelSeries, which features Cherry MX black linear switches and anti-ghosting function. From the name, Steelseries 6GV2 may be considered as the update version of SteelSeries 6G. However, except for no extended ports, Steelseries 6GV2 is almost the same as SteelSeries 7G.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Gaming Keyboard Unboxing

SteelSeries 7G is one of the mechanical keyboards that gamers praise highly, which can catch up with Cherry original handle, delicate craft and outstanding appearance. All of these make Steelseries 7G become the perfect gaming keyboard with irresistible attraction. However, as Steelseries flagship product, SteelSeries 7G’s expensive price is not affordable by many gamers.

Therefore, SteelSeries launched 6GV2 which is much cheaper but comes with high quality as well.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Gaming keyboard
Connection type: wired
Key numbers: 104
Keyboard port: USB/PS2
Keyboard color: black
Multimedia functional buttons: yes
Ergonomic design: no
Pressing technology: Cherry MX black linear switches
Supportive system: Win 2000/Win XP/Win Visa/Win 7

SteelSeries 6GV2 Gaming Keyboard Appearance

As a full-size keyboard, SteelSeries 6GV2 adopts the narrow frame design, which occupies much less space. But SteelSeries 6GV2 doesn’t have the large palm rest as 7G, which seems a bit inferior.

Steelseries 6GV2 looks similar as Steelseries 7G, but it indeed makes some adjustments in the key layout. At first, it’s the larger Backspace key, the \ key has been removed to beside the right Shift key from the place beside the Backspace key, and the right Shift is shorter as well.

Secondly, instead of the WIN Key, FN key is set there to accomplish media control combined with F1-F6, which will avoid the misoperation of shortcus Win+D to return the desktop while gamers are playing games.

SteelSeries 6GV2 key surface is ABS material, while the letters adopts screen printing technology, providing a good durability. The key lifetime can last up to 50 million operations, which we probably think by then that you would have purchased a brand new keyboard already. We have nothing to pick because SteelSeries does a great job in each keyboard details.

The rear of Steelseries 6GV2- no USB HUB and audio in/out port

The rear of Steelseries 7G with gilded USB HUB audio port

Steelseries 6GV2 normal USB contact and PS2 adapter

Steelseries 7G gilded USB HUB and audio in/out port have been canceled in Steelseries 6GV2. But all of these are only decoration for gamers who don’t need the extended function.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Cherry MX Black Linear Switches

After removing the key cap, we find out that SteelSeries 6GV2 has the same black linear switches as 7G. Black linear switches provides hard handle, clear feedback with rapid speed, so it’s most suitable switches in mechanical keyboard. Due to no metal trigger and integral construction in black linear switches, Steelseries 6GV2 provides smaller noise without the click sound while typing, which is convient to use in the quiet night without worrying about disturbing others.

Steelseries 6GV2 large key like Enter and space bar adopt satellite switches design, which balances the typing force in different area and perform stably as a whole.

Steelseries 6GV2 Outer Details

Steelseries 6GV2 bottom is the same as Steelseries 7G, high in the rear without external kickstands. The four rubber gaskets in Steelseries 6GV2 bottom can increase the friction between keyboard and desktop, making its placing firmer.

Steelseries 6GV2 looks thick in the side view and doesn’t resemble other keyboards that pursuit slim. The key layout in different raw also is not arranged horizontally but with a certain angular differences, which makes the finger touch diversely.

The SteelSeries 7G original fiber cable has been changed to rubber insulated material in SteelSeries 6GV2. But 6GV2 really pay much attention to the details, such as the fixed device in cable port, which can avoid the cable snap by violence to a certain degree.

Steelseries 6GV2 indicators resemble 7G, but are improved. The translucent light cap is added to get the softer light. All these improvements show that SteelSeries attaches more importance to users experience, but not only to creating a cool product.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Disassembly

After removing the back cover, SteelSeries 6GV2 circuit board comes out with very orderly welding spots. A larger chip is in the reverse side, which may be the USB controller.

Internal cables are also connected by plug-in module with higher cost but higher reliability as well.

SteelSeries 6GV2 has a metal supporting base, which makes it heavier than normal keyboards and also provides a stable base for Cherry MX black linear switches.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Typing Conflict Testing

Typing conflict is a big problem for gamers, especially those gamers who love the FTG games. Most USB keyboard has series typing conflict, even worse in some special keys, which has something to do with keyboard controller and wiring design. Microsoft Sidewinder X6 does better than normal USB keyboards and supports above 10 keys simultaneous typing, but even so, it can not realize no typing conflict totally.

We use KeyTest to test SteelSeries 6GV2 key conflict. At first, we use the USB port and find out that USB connection can only support hitting 6 keys simutaneously.

In PS/2 through connection, SteelSeries 6GV2 can accomplish reaction in the full keyboard without conflict. The image doesn’t turn to all red because we can’t hit all the keys at one time.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Game Test

Cherry MX black linear switches need more force to press, so users may feel a bit strenuous at the beginning, even with lower typing speed. But the key regulation of actual trigger typing is not big, the efficiency can be promoted and return to normal level after operating for some time to get accustomed. The / key adjustment also leads to “? “ Misoperation which users also need to adapt.

We choose Battlefield Bad Company 2 to test 6GV2. SteelSeries 6GV2 offers perfect reaction. Due to good flexibility of Cherry MX black linear switches, gamers’ operation is easily confirmed nearly without misoperation. Gamers can master the operating tempo much easier by clear reaction like translation firing in micro step.

SteelSeries 6GV2 Summary

SteelSeries 6GV2 is not the update version of 6G, but the lite version of SteelSeries 7G. Compared with Steelseries 7G, SteelSeries 6GV2 doesn’t provide much surprise with 7G’s same model, same handle, same cherry black linear switches and the difference in the cancel of USB HUB and audio in/out port. But SteelSeries 6GV2 is much cheaper with the price of 79.99 Euros which is believed to be more popular among gamers.

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