Mouse Roundup 2010 Accessories   Page 1

Reviewer: RWL Staff Article Publish Date: 9/12/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     What is the single most important hardware for any serious gamer? Certainly some would argue that a good graphics card for the best possible eye candy, others would probably say a large TFT screen for more viewing area while others prefer to have a good set of headphones paired with a good 7.1 surround audio card to hear their enemies from afar. What is however the one thing they all have in common? Well it really comes as no surprise that all these people own a gaming mouse to ensure they get the maximum turn speed and maximum accuracy when playing a game. Of course if someone plays online games a lot then a really good gaming mouse is pretty much a must, no wonder most pro gaming teams have paired with mouse manufacturers. With this in mind we gathered the markets best-selling and best in general gaming mouse units and placed them through many hours of testing with both offline and online games in an effort to see which one is the best of the bunch and which offers the best bang for your buck. Needless to say that rating a mouse is something that can't be 100% accurate not only because it is impossible to benchmark the unit like we do with graphics cards or CPUs but also because people have different needs when playing a game and different size hands. Still after playing the same games with all the units in this roundup we managed to come to various conclusions. So as usual let's start by taking a closer look at the companies involved in this comparison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT LOGITECH

 

 

 

     Logitech was founded in 1981 at Apples, Switzerland and the first device they conjured was the mouse which provided a more intuitive way of interacting with computers. Since those early days they have expanded their expertise in product design beyond the computer mouse, with a broad portfolio of interface devices that are the “last inch” between you and your computer or your console game, digital music or home-entertainment system. With products sold in almost every country in the world, Logitech’s leadership in innovation now encompasses a wide variety of personal peripherals (both cordless and corded), with special emphasis on products for PC navigation, gaming, Internet communications, digital music and home-entertainment control. For each of their product categories they study how our customers use their digital devices and their our designers and engineers set their sights on how they can create a better experience with those devices – richer, more comfortable, more fun, more productive, more convenient, more delightful. Focused on innovation and quality, Logitech designs personal peripherals to help people enjoy a better experience with the digital world.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT RAZER

 

 

 

     Razer collaborates with gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals utilizing proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. We reinvented the computer gaming industry by bringing this competitive edge to gamers when professional computer gaming was in its infancy. In the mid-90s, with the advent of networked gaming and competitive first-person-shooter (FPS) games, gamers found that their legacy peripherals were inhibiting rather than enhancing their gameplay.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT STEELSERIES

 

 

 

     From day one, SteelSeries has been focused on making professional gaming gear that provide meaningful benefits to gamers of all skill-level, with the most demanding being those gamers whose lively hood depends on the performance of our products. We believe, as most gamers do, in winning, not trying! What originally began as a small two-person operation in Copenhagen back in 2001 has become a global leader in professional gaming products. SteelSeries recognized the need for superior, high-quality professional gaming gear that would give players a competitive edge. Fast-forward to today, and we've come a long way since our first glass mousepad. We have global offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, providing an integrated portfolio of products designed specifically for gaming. Fueling our growth is you, the gamer!

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT QPAD

 

 

 

      QPAD built its success on a grassroots commitment to the gaming community. Like you, we thrive in the madness of competition and embrace the free spirit of gaming. Our sponsorship of the Q Tour, communities, cups, tournaments, teams and LAN parties reflects this commitment. The knowledge we’ve gained has fed into our development of high quality products that have a great performance and given many a winning edge.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT MIONIX

 

 

 

     Stars have always been important to every culture or ideology. In many regions they were also identified with gods, spirits, mysticism and priests by their people. Stars have been used in religious practices but even for navigation for hundreds of years. Many stars and even our sun have their own myths and the most prominent stars were also given powerful names. In some cultures stars were thought to be the souls of dead kings and gods. Just like many prominent stars, our products have their own myths, characteristics and capabilities. This is why we give our products names after the most prominent stars and this is why stars are important to our culture and ideology. Our goal from the very start is to develop quality products with an original design. It is also very important to us that we develop innovative products with unique features that users all over the world can identify themselves with. We love our work and Mionix will always stay true to gaming. Our products is not only the result of hard work, it is also our shared vision and a deep passion for what we do.

            

 

 

 

 

ABOUT MICROSOFT HARDWARE

 

 

 

     Microsoft Hardware was formed in 1982 to develop a device that would help people use the company’s new word processing program. The device was a mouse and the application was called Word, laying the foundation for a future of delivering hardware that helps people better and more easily use software. In the quarter century since, Microsoft Hardware has continually raised the bar, designing revolutionary peripherals that deliver groundbreaking performance, comfort and design. From the original "green-eyed mouse" to groundbreaking products like the LifeCam Cinema™ and the Arc™ Mouse, Microsoft Hardware has delivered exceptional mice, keyboards, communication products, and gaming gear that has changed the way the world works, plays, and connects.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT ROCCAT

 

 

 

     ROCCAT is the snow storm to the gaming industry. Everything called gaming before needs to be redefined. You will enter a world in which three attributes will keep you on the right path: alliance, independence and truth. DO IT YOUR OWN WAY AND DON'T TALK SHIT – this is the statement ROCCAT follows. The ROCCATEERS can be found all over the world. And it was a revelation which led them together to energize the crucial benefit. The lake Inari long kept the secret our ROCCAT scientists call "Aimo". With every ROCCAT tool you will more and more internalize its Energy. Become part of our alliance.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT MAD CATZ

 

 

 

    Mad Catz is a leading global provider of innovative products for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz develops and markets accessories for videogame systems and PCs under its Mad Catz (casual gaming), Saitek (simulation), Cyborg (pro gaming), Eclipse (home and office) and TRITTON (gaming audio) brands. Mad Catz also operates e-commerce and content websites for videogame and PC products under its GameShark brand, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary earphones under its AirDrives brand and publishes and distributes video/PC games. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT TTESPORTS

 

 

 

     “Challenge is the game” highlights the philosophy to bring out gamers’ addiction in gaming and the ambition of reaching to the extreme. Tt eSPORTS, a gaming obsessed division from Thermaltake, is uniting gamers from all over the world in a unique & fascinating eSPORTS culture, inherited the spirits of Thermaltake, is an energetic, powerful, bold and intelligent challenger who never says “no” to the extreme competition. We do not only provide gamers the ultimate gaming gears but also fulfills the passion to achieve the ultimate success. Thermaltake has been a well-known brand in the gaming & DIY market for PC Chassis, Coolers and Power Supplies PSU for many years. The brand personality of unique, aggressive, vivid and stylish makes Thermaltake an expert in creating exciting things and fascinating environment for gamers and enthusiasts. Tt eSPORTS inherited the brand personality with unique and creative design by observing users’ behaviors and requirements. The fan cooling design on Tt eSPORTS Challerger keyboard demonstrate the brand spirit. It is the worldwide first keyboard with fan cooling function that could dry your hand sweats and blow tension away during cut-throat competition.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT COOLERMASTER

 

 

 

     Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry's best thermal solutions. Since its establishment a decade ago, the company has remained faithful to this mission, emerging as a world leader in products and services for companies dealing with devices where heat issues must be resolved. In pursuing this mission, Cooler Master is absolutely committed to delivering solutions that precisely meet customer requirements for features, performance, and quality. Moreover, we strive to be a reliable long-term partner for our customers that they can truly depend on. It aims to be the first and foremost name that comes to mind for companies around the world seeking thermal solutions, and seeks to build such a reputation through outstanding technology, sophisticated design, and superior service. Cooler Master's current business encompasses a comprehensive lineup of thermal solutions for a full range of applications. Its products range from heat sinks and fans to component housing, chassis, and ducting for computers, industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, and many other devices.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT GIGABYTE

 

 

 

     GIGABYTE was founded in 1986 in a small lab by four young engineers passionate to make their mark on the industry. GIGABYTE remains dedicated to the core belief of improving the lives of our users by manufacturing products that are high-performing, reliable, and of excellent quality. Technology has moved beyond machines and circuitry. It is the foundation of modern life and has become an integral part of how we learn, share, and create with others in an interconnected world. With over 20 years of manufacturing knowledge, GIGABYTE thrives on delivering the latest technology to users around the globe. We develop, test, and manufacture a wide range of products following strict quality and environmental control standards. Our reputation as a pioneer in motherboard innovation has allowed us to diversify our product range to include graphics cards, notebooks, desktop PCs, PC components, cellular phones, server and datacenter solutions, and more.