Razer shows off Starcraft II series of gaming peripherals

Razer has been teasing these for months, but it's just now given us our first look at its new Starcraft II series of gaming peripherals. Those include the Razer Spectre gaming mouse, the Razer Marauder gaming keyboard, and the Razer Banshee gaming headset, which all boast the same Starcraft-themed designs complete with blue LEDs, and all the gamer-friendly touches you'd expect from Razer -- 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response on the keyboard, 5600 dpi resolution and button force adjustment on the mouse, and a detachable mic on the headset, to name just a few features. Of course, they'll also demand a bit of a premium price -- look for the Spectre mouse to run $80, and the Marauder keyboard and Banshee headset to each set you back $120 when they roll out sometime in the third quarter of this year (presumably alongside Starcraft II). Head on past the break for the complete press release, and hit up the gallery below for a closer look at the whole lot.

Razer Starcraft II peripherals

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Razer Gives Gamers A First Look At Gaming Peripherals For Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RAZER™ GIVES GAMERS A FIRST LOOK AT GAMING PERIPHERALS FOR BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT'S STARCRAFT® II: WINGS OF LIBERTY™

Carlsbad, Calif. – June 15, 2010 - Razer, the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, has joined forces with Blizzard Entertainment, a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games, to introduce an entire suite of peripherals designed specifically for the release of Blizzard Entertainment's highly anticipated real-time strategy (RTS) game StarCraft® II: Wings of Liberty™. Featuring a look and feel inspired by the StarCraft universe, this line of peripherals includes the Razer Spectre™ StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, the Razer Marauder™ StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard and the Razer Banshee™ StarCraft II Gaming Headset.

"We are all huge StarCraft players here at Razer, so we are really excited to give gamers a first glimpse at the StarCraft II gaming peripherals," said Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, president, Razer USA. "The peripherals were created with our newly developed APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System™ and feature a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe to complement the on-screen action."

The Razer Spectre, Razer Marauder and Razer Banshee are all packed with features designed to enhance gamers' play experience. All of the Razer StarCraft II gaming peripherals feature an APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that provides the gamer with feedback on performance, providing a fully integrated gaming experience that responds directly to the player's performance and speed. Each peripheral also features a gaming-optimized design with an emphasis on portability for tournament play, and is stylized with design elements from the StarCraft universe.

Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse

Tournament-ready and designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse is a lightweight, five-button mouse designed to provide precision and control for RTS gamers. The Razer Spectre features the newly developed APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System with a multi-color LED that provides real-time performance feedback through changing lighting hues and adjustable mouse button force settings for optimal mouse click speed and control. Equipped with a powerful 5600dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G laser sensor and a 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ 1 ms response time, the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse gives gamers exactly what they are looking for in an RTS mouse.
PRICE:US $79.99; Europe €79.99; Korea 94,800 WON

FEATURES:

* Gaming-Optimized Design inspired by the StarCraft universe
* Lightweight, Fingertip-Grip 5 Button Mouse
* 5600DPI Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor
* Backlit Mouse with APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System
* Mouse Click Button Force Adjustment
* 1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response
* Hardware Configuration Utility

AVAILABILITY:
Razerzone.com: Q3 2010
USA – Q3 2010
Europe – Q3 2010
Korea – Q3 2010

Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard

Designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard is a full-featured, tournament-ready keyboard maximized for compact design. The Razer Marauder features a multi-color backlit keyboard with an APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that provides real-time performance feedback through changing color hues to complement the gaming experience. Enhanced with elevated keys for rapid command input and improved gaming performance and a dedicated on-the-fly macro recording system, the Razer Marauder is built with a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe.
PRICE: US $119.99; Europe €119.99; Korea 142,800 WON

FEATURES:

* StarCraft-inspired Design
* Optimized Key Travel Distance
* Backlit Keyboard with APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System
* Optimized Spacing with Laser-etched Keys
* Razer Hyperesponse technology
* 1000Hz Ultrapolling /1ms response
* Hardware Configuration Utility

AVAILABILITY:
Razerzone.com: Q3 2010
USA – Q3 2010
Europe – Q3 2010
Korea – Q3 2010

Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset

Designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, with a focus on maximum performance, comfort and sound isolation, the Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset features a newly developed, multi-color APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System™ that provides real-time feedback on player performance. The Razer Banshee is equipped with a configuration utility for customized adjustments of equalizer, pitch and volume. Other special features include a detachable microphone boom for easy transport and a comfortable circumaural construction, all in a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe.
PRICE: US $119.99; Europe €119.99; Korea 142,800 WON

FEATURES:

* Gaming-Optimized Performance & Comfort
* StarCraft-inspired Design
* Backlit Headset with APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System
* Circumaural Design with 50mm Driver Units
* Built-in Volume & Mic Control Buttons
* Detachable Microphone Boom
* Hardware Configuration Utility

AVAILABILITY:
Razerzone.com: Q3 2010
USA – Q3 2010
Europe – Q3 2010
Korea – Q3 2010

Razer StarCraft II Zerg Edition Messenger Bag
The Zerg Edition of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Messenger Bag features artwork from the game and is designed to protect gaming gear in style.

PRICE: US $89.99; Europe €89.99; Korea 10,880 WON

FEATURES:

* Tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy duty 1680D ballistic nylon outer shell
* Single shoulder sling design for added mobility
* Easy one-handed release chest clasp enables quick and convenient access
* Built-in compartments for laptops, gaming peripherals and portable gaming device
* Padded inner lining protects electronic devices and provides ample shock absorbency while on the road

AVAILABILITY:
Razerzone.com: Q3 2010
USA – Q3 2010
Europe – Q3 2010
Korea – Q3 2010

About the Razer Group:
Razer™ is the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming products and peripherals that are designed "For Gamers. By Gamers™". Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Razer's award-winning line up of products includes desktop speakers, headsets, keyboards, mice, software, and gaming surfaces. Since 1998, Razer has collaborated with leading professional gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals using proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. Razer products offer the best in precision, sensitivity, usability and distinctive product design and have a reputation for being leaders in gaming peripheral technology.

For more information, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.:
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (http://us.blizzard.com/), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes eleven #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

[Prevacator Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:48PM]

That is the most bastardized keyboard I have ever seen. It's like a Model M meets a crappy LED-equipped Dodge Neon.

[whiskers Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:07PM]

@Prevacator

Are LED lights still relevant and 'cool' in the custom builder community?

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:25PM]

Besides, what if StarCraft 2 never comes out? Blizzard has had a history of vaporware, and they've been "teasing" that game for what, two years?

[Prince David Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:36PM]

@Smart People Play Tuba
They went deep into beta testing already and have a firm ship date less than a coupe of months away. It is really coming.

[nelagster Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:44PM]

@Smart People Play Tuba
Dude are you serious? starcraft is officially coming out next month and the beta just ended. Wow do some research before you comment

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:01PM]

Well, that's good to hear, at least. I remember playing Warcraft 1 in college. We installed the demo on EVERY SINGLE COMPUTER in the School of Music computer lab. Ha ha . . . the fun we had before "administrator privileges" were established . . .

[mpsmith Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:28PM]

@Prevacator
LEDs?! Pssh those are lasers dude. Look at them.

[DragonAsh Posted Jun 18th 2010 10:07AM]

@whiskers in my eyes, only the eclipse II from saitek was a good keyboard to use. Multiple colors, didnt look basic/generic and went along with your custom built rig. Downside to the keyboard is that the keys were/are painted on and not lazer etched. I constantly buy a new one from bestbuy and swap it out with my old one and return it when the keys get bad enough lol

[Brokinarrow Posted Jun 18th 2010 1:49PM]

@nelagster - While he might be wrong on the SCII front, let's be honest here - Ever since WoW came out Blizzard's other games have definitely taken a back seat. When exactly is Diablo III coming out? And how long has SCII been in development? Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to play the hell out of SCII next month, but I'd like to see Blizzard giving the same amount of focus to all it's games.

[Paul Elmy Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:48PM]

Woah looks like an Alienware. Sexy.

[MarkAnderson Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:49PM]

Backlit keyboards are awesome. Fact.

[Seb6554 Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:55PM]

Fully agree

[kojo87 Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:55PM]

@MarkAnderson for sure. not going to replace my Razer Lycosa any time soon but that thing is badass.

[hero785 Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:18PM]

@MarkAnderson
I agree. Here is 100 internet for u sir! Use it wisely!

[BHFoster Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:34PM]

@MarkAnderson
All the colors also change depending on the APM you are doing :D

[DefPoet Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:50PM]

If anyone wants to own the record for preorders in one day all they need to do is open up preorders for this game for 24 hours. It's sell a easy 4 mill with no problem

[Templarian Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:54PM]

@DefPoet, everyone has already preordered it though. It's hard to even fathom how many discs have to be shipped.

[DefPoet Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:10PM]

@Templarian
Yes I know. What I meant was to open up a 24 hour window which would have been the only time you could preorders it. If that happened. South Korea would of shut down for that day

[BHFoster Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:28PM]

@DefPoet
Gamestop by me has over 800 pre-orders already... Getting the tent ready boys :)

[wookieecrisp Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:51PM]

I'm loving the look of these starcraft-themed peripherals. The "gills" are awesome! It would be nice if the keyboard were a little less squarish though.

[Mightydh Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:51PM]

I'll never give up my G5 mouse - But I know where $120 will be going...that keyboard is the shit.

[case Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:53PM]

Sexy! If only it was chiclet..

[joshky Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:54PM]

as a owner of a mamba and lycosa i cannot see how that will be comfortable at all. razer does good things but this does not look like one of them

[chris2 Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:55PM]

gamers must be attracted to the most hideous, LED-encrusted hardware available. holy crap that's horrid.

[Prevacator Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:01PM]

@chris2
I know, I don't know what the appeal is for this ricer garbage that doesn't even accomplish the job any better than a 20 dollar keyboard.

[kapanak Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:08PM]

@Prevacator

I am going to assume neither of you are PC gamers...it would explain it best.

[Prevacator Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:37PM]

@kapanak
I play tons of games on my PC.

But there's absolutely no need for such a shitty looking keyboard. More LEDs don't make you a better gamer.

[h0rk Posted Jun 17th 2010 7:16PM]

@Prevacator it doesnt make you a better gamer, nobody said that. but it allows you to see your keys in the dark. and it looks damn sexy. some people take pride in how their PC looks.

[Prevacator Posted Jun 17th 2010 8:50PM]

@h0rk
Again, I do take price in how my PC looks.

That's why I don't use gaudy, ricer crap like this. If I wanted my keyboard to look good, I'd get a DAS keyboard. Not something that looks even more gaudy and stupid than an Alienware laptop.

[max1001 Posted Jun 18th 2010 10:47AM]

@Prevacator
Can your normal keyboard record macro?

[Prevacator Posted Jun 18th 2010 10:52AM]

@max1001
It can, actually.

[chris2 Posted Jun 18th 2010 10:58AM]

@h0rk

You'd take pride in having a prop reject from Star Trek on your desk? Backlit keys are one thing (and widely available), pointless lights on the bezel and underneath are just garbage I'd expect to see on a lowrider truck with a primer paint job and Puerto Rican flag hanging from the rearview mirror.

[Seb6554 Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:58PM]

Seriously?!?! I tipped this 2 days ago...

[f19ht1ngwh1ties Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:01PM]

This look like the Protoss version of the peripherals, where's the love for zergs :(

[wickywills Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:08PM]

@f19ht1ngwh1ties

you need to construct two pylons to use it though!

[BHFoster Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:28PM]

@wickywills
Not enough minerals.

[GN1 Posted Jun 18th 2010 10:38AM]

@f19ht1ngwh1ties
Nuclear launch detected.

[Brokinarrow Posted Jun 18th 2010 1:51PM]

@wickywills - XD nice! Give it time though, someone will come out with some pylon looking speakers!

[archkron Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:03PM]

OUGH

MY EYES

[goobie Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:05PM]

Will this keep me from being zerg rushed?

[BHFoster Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:33PM]

@goobie
I hear this is a cannon rush magnet :O

[MasterEvilAce Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:06PM]

who the fuck would buy a keyboard without arrow keys?

[MasterEvilAce Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:08PM]

@MasterEvilAce
Oh I see... it's mixed with the numberpad..
Ugh.

[BHFoster Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:31PM]

@MasterEvilAce
If you use arrow keys while playing SCII your not Diamond league..

[panda1 Posted Jun 18th 2010 6:01AM]

@BHFoster Not to be pretentious, but some high level players definitely do use arrow keys. I know a few Korean pros who do. It is used to micromanage units faster during battles. You can keep your cursor close to your units instead of moving it to the side of the screen and back to the center.

[Wikimon Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:07PM]

luuks leik sheit

[Strand0410 Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:08PM]

Why's it all Terran themed..?

[BHFoster Posted Jun 17th 2010 6:24PM]

@Strand0410
Wings of liberty...

[cge10 Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:20PM]

Does anyone really use 1000Hz ultra-poling? on my g9x i set it to 500Hz else my pc gets to laggy

[guroth Posted Jun 17th 2010 5:26PM]

@cge10

sounds like your processor is not up to snuff for 1000hz if it is "laggy" for you.