Logitech G9

This has become my new favorite mouse. It took me a little while to get used to it. It feels heavier than my previous favorite, the Razer Diamondback 3G. It's shaped differently than the 3G also.The G9 has a lot of positives going for it:

• Extremely accurate and snappy laser that goes up to 3200 dpi.
• Interchangeable grips, both are provided in the box.
  
• Great feel to the primary buttons (very snappy and precise).
  
• Ability to customize the color of the mouse lighting.
  
• Braided, long mouse cord. Very durable.
• Weight system similar to the G5.
  
• Side buttons are easy to reach and press.
  
• Great feel overall with either grip.

Where to begin! This mouse is awesome. At the time of this writing Logitech has already come out with a G9x, which is basically the same mouse with a 5000 dpi engine. Not sure if over 3200 helps much, but I might have to find out later.

The mouse looks great. It has a very sleek design. If you set it down beside any other mouse it looks like it's going to kick its butt. The lighting on the mouse for the DPI settings can be changed to almost any color you want via the Setpoint software that you can download from Logitech's website.

The rubberized grip I primarily use feels slick but grippy at the same time and is very comfortable for palming or claw grip (my preferred style is the latter). Their are two grips that come with the mouse, one being the one I described and one called a Precision grip that is more rough. It also narrows the width of the mouse down noticably. I can personally use either grip, butI do prefer the Wide Load grip as Logitech calls it. It also has the option to order ID grips that are basically the Wide Load grip with a custom graphic on it.

The mouse is noticably flat also. This fits my hand very well. It's not "humped" like the G5 and Death Adder. Moving from a Diamondback 3g to this mouse was not difficult since they are approximatly the same height, though I do think the G9 is even flatter than the Diamondback series.

The precision of this mouse is fantastic. That's one of the primary factors that I pick this mouse above all the others. The laser engine in this thing is so precice that it has virtually no detectable lag at all in your movements. I can tell a difference in any other mouse I use after using the G9 because they are just not quite as snappy and responsive. It's definitely something you have to try to appreciate. It makes a wireless mouse seem exceptionally sloppy in comparison (and in fact they are compared to almost any wired mouse. I will not say that about the G7 because I have not tried it... yet. May people rate it very highly.). I keep mine set around 1600 DPI because it is where I'm comfortable with it in combination with the Windows mouse slider. On occasion I bump it up to 3200 DPI and lower the Windows slider to where the mouse is a comfortable moving speed for the ultimate in precicion. Believe me, you can tell a difference.

With this mouse, you don't just try to click a button that's 1 inch square. You don't just reach for the My Computer icon and hope you hit it. You reach for the center of the monitor on the My Comput icon because you can. In an FPS, you shoot at their eye, not their whole head. Its precision is that good.

The braided cord is a nice touch. I always wished Razer would do this with their mice, but so far none I have tried have this feature. Logitech has since the G5 days. While it does make the mouse cord more stiff, it definitely beefs up the durability of the cord. Much harder to cut through, or slice with something accidentally, or smash with your chair leg, etc.

I primarily use this mouse for everyday computing and World of Warcraft. It's pretty important in WoW PvP to get to your buttons fast sometimes that you don't have keybound, and this mouse allows you to do that really well. It's also great for any FPS I've put it through. It's just a really hard mouse to beat and the competition should be afraid from what I've seen.

Overall this mouse has tons going for it. I can't really think of anything I don't like about it except that it might be slightly on the heavy side without any of the weights in it. If I could change one thing that would be it. However, the weight of the mouse lets you know it's a solid product and not a cheap one. The performance of the mouse definitely delivers on that promise.

Rating: A Solid 10/10

Images pulled from Logitech.com

Razer Salmosa

The Razer Salmosa. This is a good, cheap intro mouse for a new gamer that is just getting into any type of game really.


There are some great things about this mouse that I really like.

• It is very, very lightweight. I've never seen a lighter gaming mouse.
• The shape is great and the texture of the mouse is grippy, but not too much.
• It looks great. Plain without lights, but still looks great.
• The scroll wheel feels great whether scrolling or clicking it as a button.
• Easy DPI adjustments on the bottom of the mouse. A plus for some, not for others.
• 3G infrared sensor.
• It's cheap, usually under $40 everywhere + shipping.
  

This mouse is really light. Really light. So if you want some weight to your mouse, don't get this one. If you like being able to flick a mouse quicker than you can blink, then this one is great.

It's very easy to hold and use. The feet on it are very slick so they slide on cloth or hard mouse surfaces well. It's a very smooth mouse.

Now, the disadvantages:

• NO SIDE BUTTONS!
• Has the potential to squeak. (I know it's a mouse, but not that kind.)

The biggest detrimental factor to this mouse is no side buttons, at all. I went from the Diamondback 3g to this and was horrified about the missing side button. I'd rather them charge $5 more and put in at least 1 side button, though every mouse needs two in my opinion. For gaming, it is just necessary to have a side button on your mouse. Practically every game can use a side button somehow, so for a gaming company to leave out a side button on a gaming mouse... well it just blows my mind that they would do this.

Also, some models have a squeaking left mouse button. It's sporadic. Mine squeaks. If you get one and it does squeak, Razer will replace it for you for free under warranty. They told me technically it is a problem with the mouse. I've decided not to replace mine since the squeak does not hurt the functionality at all. It is simply a noise the mouse emits occasionally. If you can put up with your mouse making clicking noises, you can put up with this slight squeak.

Overall it is a really good little mouse. If you're not used to a side button already, it would be a great mouse to get. If you are, it's just going backwards to get this unless you just have to get the cheapest gaming mouse available.

Rating: 7/10

Microsoft Reclusa Keyboard

This is my favorite keyboard. I've had a few that are really great, but this one feels best to me. The only other one that's close is a Saitek.


It looks great. It feels great. It's as responsive as possible. It has a twist knob for volume control and also has software for setting up macros if you desire.

It's actually a combination of Razer and Microsoft. It's got a Razer type of look to it but the quality behind it of Microsoft. Honestly, Razer has to work on their quality control. I've had a problem with almost every mouse I've had from Razer, whether it be something big or small.

The wrist wrest on this keyboard is a lot more comfortable than most. It's a soft material that is very easy on your wrist.

The buttons give good feedback but are not overly clacky. They are just right for me. I'm sure this can vary by personal preference. If you prefer a laptop keyboard feel, you probably don't want this keyboard.

The blue light is bright and easy on the eyes at the same time. It works well for darker rooms or a well-lit room.

Another plus is that it takes one USB port to power the keyboard, where Razer keyboards usually take at least two. Also it powers a couple USB devices if you need it to from the back. It's good for plugging in a flash drive quickly.

Overall this keyboard is awesome. I haven't found one thing about it that I do not like. It's performed flawlessly and has looked great in the process.

Score: 10/10

Site links: Microsoft

Saitek Cyborg Mouse

I bought a Saitek Cyborg mouse over the weekend. I'd have to say that honestly, I got it just so I could witness first-hand the mouse's gadgetry. It's a trick/gadget mouse, to say the least.

(image from Saitek's website)

The main feature (as far as the gadgetry goes at least) is the ability to lengthen or shorten the mouse. Not only can you lengthen/shorten it, but this happens via 2 motors inside the mouse. They could have just made it manually adjustable, but they went all out with cool/geek factor there.

From first hand experience with the Cyborg mouse, I'd have to say it's a "no" as far as a keeper. The main (possibly only) downfall that solidified its place as a non-keeper to me was the position of the Hat or POV switch on the side. It's exactly where any normal person's thumb would rest on this mouse. So basically if you use your thumb to move the mouse, instead you're going to find yourself pressing one of the many directions that the POV switch can be moved instead, with moving the mouse being a side effect. I can't keep track of how many times I pushed some button there instead of moving the mouse. It didn't really matter because I didn't have those buttons programmed to do anything, but still. When you are just trying to move the mouse you don't want to accidentally press buttons that aren't normally there by accident.

The main two mouse buttons are very different feeling. I haven't ever felt mouse buttons quite like them. They have hardly any range of motion at all, and the click is very soft feeling, and you almost wonder if you really clicked anything or not, with screen feedback of something opening or an action happening being your guide mostly. The best way to describe the button feel is a mis-click or half-pushed mouse button that you aren't sure actually took or not until you see the action you were trying to perform happen (or not). That feature isn't too difficult to get used to, and the buttons feel ok after you use them for a few minutes and you get the hang of how they feel.

The scroll wheel of the mouse is nice. It has a feature on the bottom of the mouse, a switch, that lets you set 3 different "friction" settings for the scroll wheel. Setting 1 is easy scrolling, and setting 3 is more clickly, positional scrolling. If you free-wheel through webpages a lot, you'll want setting 1. If you are in an FPS and don't want to scroll too far, you may want setting 2 or 3. 3 is very stiff/clicky, while 1 is very loose/light/easy to scroll. 2 is a good midrange and most could probably leave it on 2 or even 1 as setting 1 does offer enough "click" and feel to let you know when you've scrolled a line or so.

Using the scroll wheel as a button works well also. I find that the scroll wheel click easily and doesn't force the use to put extra pressure on that section of the mouse just to get a normal click out of it.

There's also a button on the "shelf" where your thumb rests. This is an odd placement, and like the hat/POV switch, one that probably isn't needed, or should have been placed somewhere else. It's too easy to press accidentally.

The side buttons (forward/back is default use) are odd as well. Forward is more straight in front of your thumb instead of on the side of the mouse. Back is fairly normal in position, being more or less right beside your thumb for easy clicking. However the two buttons are attached, so it's more of a toggling switch than two seperate buttons. Sliding your thumb forward and pushing with the tip of your thumb will press the Forward button, while a normal press to the side will give you "back". It could be gotten used to, but is definitely different than standard, normal mice or from any other gaming mice I've tried.

Finally, the motorised feature. This is really cool, for about 10 minutes. After you set a size though, you're not going to do it anymore because you've just custom fit the mouse and there's no reason to set the size anymore.

My biggest gripe with the mouse size adjustment is that you have to install software specifically to adjust the mouse size. You don't have to install software for anything else if you don't want to, although it would be advised for the POV switch. There's no option (that I could find) to adjust the mouse size on the mouse itself, without the software. This is kind of ridiculous I think, because you'll only do this once or twice ever, to get the mouse fitted to your hand. Then you won't need the software anymore. The only up side to it is that if everyone in your family liked the mouse, you could have them all use it and adjust it to the size they need. I didn't see a Profiles option that saved mouse size per individual however, so you'd have to just remember what millimeter setting you had it on for yourself and adjust it accordingly when it was your turn to use the mouse again.

The mouse has the typical 3 DPI settings on it that are switch adjustable, and optional software adjustment of the DPI also. Nothing too special there, as most new gaming mice (Logitech G9, Razer Lachesis, etc) have this feature and high DPI also.

Saitek I believe tried to pull too much out of the hat with this mouse. It's really cool looking, has some gimmicky features to show off, but in the end you won't find yourself using them, or only useing them initially and then never again. They could really have made it a great mouse by taking out the POV switch and taking out the shelf button, and also improving the ergonomics where the thumb goes. The overall feel of the mouse is really hurt by the POV switch and thumb shelf shape, as I have smaller fingers and my thumb was completely cramped and uncomfortable while using this mouse, no matter how I held it. The only useable way for me was to set the size all the way closed (or shut, however you want to look at it) and put my thumb way ahead of the POV switch so that I would minimize the times I pressed it accidentally instead of just moving the mouse.

Rating - 4/10.

Cyber Snipa Tracer mouse mat

I've always wanted to try out a mouse mat that was considered a "gaming" mouse mat. I've always used the standard cloth mouse mats. Not the real thick ones, but preferably the thin foam rubber ones with a cloth surface.

Well my girlfriend changed all that for me when at Christmas I was presented with a Cyber Snipa Tracer mouse mat. I have to say, my mouse use has definitely improved with this thing (and no, it is not just mental)!

Here's a pic:

I'm really glad she got this for me. Now I understand why people use mats like this. This thing is way different than what I was used to. For example, it is very hard. The structure is some type of hard plastic with a surface basically glued onto that. This surface is extremely slick, especially if you use a mouse with already slick feet like any of the Razer mice or the Logitech gaming mice. You can literally tap the mouse with your finger and it will slide on this thing farther than you expect. If you were to tilt the mat at all, it would slide right off. If you don't get what I'm trying to say already, this mat is really, really, really slick. :)

I've tried all the mice I have on this mat, and am satisfied with all but the Razer Lachesis. The Lachesis is Razer's newest offering, with advertised 4000 DPI. The Lachesis simply will not work on this mouse mat. However, I must stress this is NOT the mouse mat's fault, it is a problem with the Lachesis. No other mice have trouble with this mat, even other laser based mice like the G5 and G3 from Logitech. The Lachesis simply cannot handle any small spec of dust or grime on the surface before it simply goes haywire. I can slide over a speck of dust and literally the pointer will jump 4 to 6 inches across the screen. Razer states in their knowledge base as of now (1/30/08) that they are working on this problem, however their latest firmware (1.58) has not corrected the problem.

Back to the Cyber Snipa. Simply put this is a great mouse mat. Get one if you can. Another one that is exactly like it but sold under a different name for approximately the same cost is the Thermaltake A2417 Flare Pad. My girlfriend has this pad herself and I can honestly say it is identical to the Cyber Snipa Tracer. I can't find one difference except for the logos.

This mat also lights up blue with a dimmer switch that, of course, dims the light. You can dim the light down to completely off or impressively bright. I sometimes turn down the light it is so bright. This is powered by a USB port, so if you have a free USB port to use this feature, it is cool although completely unnecessary. Currently I'm a little short on USB ports so mine is not plugged in at the moment, due in part to the Razer Tarantula taking up 2 USB ports.

The one gripe I have with it is that I tend to sometimes pull my hand to the back of a mouse mat. If you do this on this mat, it will lift the front end up slightly off your table/desk because of this pad's one piece solid construction. The mat actually rests on 4 or 5 feet on the bottom of it around the edges. While there are 3 feet on the back that look like a middle one was placed there to sort of counteract this, it still should have been placed farther back nearer the edge of the mat to prevent this problem totally. A small piece of non-slip padding or another small foot of some sort from your local store would fix this problem indefinitely and easily. Another option is simply turning the mat sideways, which I've found works well also. This completely removes the lift up problem. However I have simply gotten used to putting my hand farther up on the mat to prevent this and it is now almost a habit.

I give it a 9/10. I definitely recommend this mouse mat to anyone who is looking for a good gaming mat. Extremely slick and smooth, easy to dust off/clean off, and looks great. Also it is very wide, so it has ample space to slide your mouse.

-Rav

Mouse Stuff I've Learned.

DPI - Dots Per Inch. However, this does not mean dots per SCREEN inch, but instead dots per inch you physically move the mouse. For example: if I have a mouse that is set at 1800 DPI, then when I move the mouse a physical inch on the mouse mat it should move 1800 dots on the screen. This is why the term (to me) is a little misleading because I've always related DPI to monitor resolution where a higher DPI means more dots in an inch on the monitor screen. This isn't so with mouse DPI. If I adjust the same mouse to 400 DPI, then when I move it one inch on the mouse mat it will move much less on the screen because it's only moving 400 dots instead of 1800 for the inch I physically moved it on the mouse mat.

That confused me for a while, so in case anyone else was confused about it I thought I would put this snippet here to clarify.

How to setup a mouse with high DPI or multiple DPI settings
There's many ways to start, but this is how I do it.
*Set your windows mouse sensitivity in the control panel to the 3rd notch from the left (on the low side).
*Set your mouse (via software that came with it, or buttons on the mouse itself) to the highest DPI setting it has.
*Your mouse should now be somewhat near a decent movement speed now.

I see people in forums write all the time, "Why would someone need more than 800 DPI? Faster than that is just a waste!" Here's exactly why you would want as high a resolution as you can get...

If you have a mouse with adjustable DPI, try just the opposite as I listed above. Set the mouse DPI to 400 (or whatever its lowest setting is) and then adjust the windows sensitivity in control panel up around the last mark, or within a couple marks of that (on the high speed end). Open Notepad or something where you have a nice white background to watch your pointer on. Now... move your mouse very slowly in a diagonal fashion, say from the bottom left to the upper right.

See all those jagged, jumpy twitches your mouse is making? That's the reason you want high DPI and not low DPI. A typical 400 dpi mouse needs the mouse sensitivity in the control panel cranked way up to make it usable for people who don't want to drag their mouse across the whole mat and lift it all the time. This in turn makes it extremely jumpy, because it's trying to move at 400 dpi but it really can't because it's having to "skip" dots to do what the windows mouse control is telling it to do. So you get a stair-stepping effect, sort of like 0 anti-aliasing for mice if you're familiar with that gaming graphics term.

High DPI is lke 8x or 16x anti-aliasing for mice basically. It lets your mouse make much finer movements without the staircase/stair-step effect. This is especially important for people who do graphics design for a living as well as gamers (the latter more for fun however and less imperative!). I cannot stand using an old Microsoft Optical mouse because of the 400 DPI setting. I use mice that are at least 1600 dpi or more because I do not want to see stair-stepping when my mouse moves, as this makes simple tasks like highlighting text more difficult to do. With high DPI, this task becomes something you don't have to be so careful with and instead is something really smooth and easy to do.

Great mice with high DPI I recommend are the Razer Diamondback 3G, Death Adder, and Logitech G9, G5 or G3.

-X

Creative Fatal1ty Keyboard

I don't know anything about the gamer guy this keyboard is hyped by. I did want to try out a laptop style keyboard for my desktop, since I see the benefit of having that style of keyboard. While you do lose some things from a typical keyboard layout, you do gain others. On with the review!


Looks - I think the board looks good. Very minimalistic. The white/clear keys don't look so hot when not illuminated, but with the back lighting on they look pretty good. The back light glow is soft, a light blue. I can see this being easier on the eyes for dark gaming than the typical back lit keyboard in a pure dark or nearly pure dark environment. Some keyboard lighting is pretty harshly bright in really dark rooms.

The board is really square as you can see from the picture. You can also see it is missing the "Insert/Home/Page Up, etc." layout. This thing is laid out exactly like some laptops, so if you're familiar with laptops you'll get it sooner than those who aren't. I personally prefer a full sized keyboard to this design. However, this design saves a lot of desk space. If you need a smaller back lit keyboard, this might be a good one to look into. It has the typical hight adjustment legs that you can flip out as well on the bottom to raise the angle some.

Performance - Overall the keyboard is good, but I'm not a fan of how clicky it is. It is extremely clicky, so much that it almost slows down my typing instead of making it faster because of the laptop style. The key presses are hard and stiff, not easy to push down like a laptop's keyboard usually is. If it required the same pressure as laptop keys, this would be a great board. This is my primary concern with it.

Also if you're not used to the layout, it's hard to get to the keys you want in a hurry. You have to revert to the "hunt and peck" method. This can get old after a while. Eventually you'll catch on if you prefer to use this board, but if you're really used to a regular keyboard you won't like this aspect of it.

Software - I have not tried any software with this board (if there even is any). I don't remember it having any software when I tried it out.

Conclusion - 7/10. Not an awful keyboard but definitely not the best. Too clicky for my tastes and the keypresses are too firm/stiff to make it good for everyday use. It might be ok strictly for gaming, but I still would prefer another keyboard like either Razer board or either Saitek board over this.