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Razer Orochi crafted from oil and glycerin, scrubs your bod between frag sessions
When we first got wind of Etsy seller Digitalsoaps in early 2009, she had but a humble NES gamepad and a couple of other controllers to her name -- fast forward to today, and you'll find the bubbly entrepreneur doing a brisk business in all sorts of wonderfully geeky soap shapes. This $10 Razer Orochi mouse is the latest, and as you can see it's close enough to the real thing to trick your buds at the next LAN party. Sadly, this particular soap is a limited-time offer -- and moving fast -- but the seller also deals in a painstakingly detailed Xbox 360 controller, caffeinated shampoo soda bottles, and sudsy replicas of any classic Nintendo cartridge you care to name.
Razer's Tron gaming mouse now available for $100
You've seen it announced and teased on video, and you can now finally light up your own desk with Razer's new Tron gaming mouse. It's available right now for $100, which will buy you more what appears to be more than just a novelty mouse --you'll get a 5600dpi 3.5g laser sensor, seven "Hyperesponse" buttons, an ambidextrous design and, yes, some Tron-inspired light and sound effects. Still no indication on a release for the accompanying Tron keyboard, unfortunately, nor is there any word on that matching mousepad, which will apparently be sold separately.
Tt eSports' new Azurues gaming mouse has FPS players in its sights
Taiwanese peripheral manufacturer Tt eSports has launched a new three button gaming mouse aimed to please those with a penchant for fragging. Unlike other options out there such as the Razer Lachesis, which tout ever-increasing sensitivity specs, the Azurues' optical sensor engine is content to top out at 1600 dpi, and can easily be adjusted down to 400 / 800 dpi via a hardware switch on the bottom. That makes it ideal for those who prefer a little more wrist leeway while shooting. Other niceties include a black rubber coating for grip, an adjustable weight design, low friction Teflon feet, integrated lighting, and a braided cable to take repeated abuse from the thrill of desk-side battle. Unfortunately, pricing and availability are still unknown, so there's no need to remove your cursor from the back of your next victim's head until more details surface.
Splitfish FragFX Shark extended hands-on: good for Call of Duty and little else
Another year, another Splitfish FragFX controller, determined to bring the accuracy of a PC mouse to your frag sessions on PlayStation 3. This one, the FragFX Shark, boasts a thumb wheel to manually set your mouse sensor's dead zone, improved emulation algorithms and 50 hours of solid gameplay (and 500 hours standby) on a pair of AA batteries. As you might imagine, we weren't able to test the latter due to a little thing called work, but we spent a good number of hours putting the peripheral through Call of Duty, Dead Space, Killzone 2, The Club and more, and came away fairly disappointed. Find out exactly why after the break, and check out our gallery below. Update: We've added a couple images of the final production units to our gallery below. %Gallery-106803%
Exclusive: Mad Catz Cyborg Rat 9 review
In a world full of the shapely blobs we call computer mice, the Cyborg Rat stands out. It's skeletal, metallic, and almost completely asymmetrical. Though most mice are one-size-fit-few, the Rat lets you transform the hardware itself to fit the shape of your hand. It's got two scroll wheels and a special button that lowers DPI while it's held -- and this new Rat 9, due out November, is completely wireless as well. Whereas Razer, Microsoft and Logitech all built their premium wireless gaming mice from scratch -- and with cord-based charging in mind -- the Rat 9 instead integrates a hot-swappable battery pack and a 2.4GHz radio into the same modular design. Is it a half-baked attempt at wireless bliss, or do we have a new king of mice? Find out after the break in our full review. %Gallery-105601%
SteelSeries celebrating Cataclysm with new WoW MMO gaming mouse
SteelSeries has that very special distinction of building officially branded equipment for World of Warcraft, and now, two years after launching its original WoW mouse, the company is back with a "Cataclysm" mouse to celebrate the upcoming expansion to the world's biggest MMO. The mouse has the similar advantage of its predecessor of close software ties to WoW itself, with 14 programmable buttons that can handle 130+ preset commands, and the ability to store 10 character profiles in software and one in the mouse itself. Also, thankfully, the mouse is Mac friendly out of the gate this time, and the software also controls the LED lights running down the back and "four different pulsation levels" for an extra bit of flair. For those of you who care for the pro gaming pedigree of SteelSeries, you'll be interested to know that the original WoW mouse was actually mostly built by Ideazon before SteelSeries bought the company, so this is the first from the ground up to use SteelSeries technology and know-how. For everybody else: it has pretty lights! The mouse will retail for $100 in December, launching alongside World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.
Keepin' it real fake: Imouse MI-092 is one dull Razer ripoff
KIRFing isn't just for cellphones, friends. Anything with good design is in danger of being knocked off, and Razer sent word that it too has fallen victim. Meet the Imouse MI-092, a peripheral that couldn't look any more like the Razer DeathAdder if it came in a DeathAdder box -- which it pretty much does, as the company copied the packaging design, too. Imouse even ripped off the Razer website, but did at least come up with its own charming slogan, which translates to "Mine, I'm the boss." Sadly, not even Tony Danza can get any respect from these guys.
Logitech G700 mouse and G930 headset review
Logitech's been making quality peripherals for as long as many of us have been computing, introducing some of us to our first wheel, wireless and infrared mice in the process. But when it comes to the latest in gaming peripherals, the company's not always ahead of the curve. Razer and Microsoft have had high-end hybrid wireless mice for over a year now, and the 2.4GHz wireless headset isn't exactly a new concept. That said, the company's reputation is strong for a reason, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that Logitech's created a mouse and headset that leapfrog -- rather than just catch up to -- what competitors have offered. See what we mean in our review after the break.
Razer Lachesis gets new 5600dpi sensor, customizable LEDs, new lease on life
Nearly three years to the day after its original introduction, Razer's Lachesis (also known as a sniper's best friend) is seeing its first major upgrade. The most significant of which is the 3.5G Precision sensor, which bumps the dpi from 4,000 (previously) to 5,600 (now). For the eye-candy lovers, there's also a functionally worthless customizable multi-color LED lighting system, but it's bound to extract a few oohs and aahs at your next LAN party. Other than the new threads and the enhanced eye, the critter is remaining the same as it ever was, but mama always said not to worry over reinventing the (scroll) wheel. Check it later this month for $79.99, and feel free to start scoping out an appropriate burial spot for your original.
Logitech's G700 mouse and G930 headset cut the cords, G510 chops price tag of primo keyboard parts
If you've already got a headset, mouse or keyboard, here's hoping they suit you just fine, because if they don't you'll be tempted to blow oodles of money on Logitech's latest gaming peripheral lineup. Today, the company revealed (and is launching) the G510 keyboard, the G930 headset and G700 mouse, and while the first is merely an amalgamation of solid peripherals that have come before (customizable RGB backlighting, USB audio, 18 programmable buttons, the whole nine yards) the latter two are premium wireless products. That's right, Logitech finally has an answer to Razer's Mamba and Microsoft's Sidewinder X8 with its own 2.4GHz, 1000 report-per-second hybrid wireless mouse (with thirteen programmable buttons on tap) and they've ripped the wires right out of the G35 surround sound headset to stuff a play n' charge battery and two 2.4GHz antennas on board. They'll run you a pretty penny, of course, at $160 for the headset, $120 for the keyboard and $100 for the mouse, but you'll find out if two of the three are worth your while later today when we publish our full review. We'll let you guess which two. Press release after the break. Update: Logitech's got a breakneck video rundown of all the hot new G-series features; spot it right after the break. All three products are also on Logitech's website now, though the headset and keyboard are labeled "out of stock."
Black Ops controllers aren't stealthy enough to avoid pre-release detection
Another autumn is fast approaching, which to FPS gamers mean only one thing: time to prepare to heed the next Call of Duty. In a repeat of last year's controller bonanza, Mad Catz is producing a litany of licensed Black Ops peripherals -- for the Wii, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC -- and we've now got the first imagery of their appearance. The new gear hasn't been made official just yet, but what you see here should be a good representation of the final product. Above is the 360 controller, which will share a major new feature with its PS3 brother: precision aiming. It's a simple lowering of the analog sticks' sensitivity when you want to do some more precise work and will be toggled by the use of "combat" buttons on the controller's back. MSRPs are expected to land at just under $50 for the console pads and $100 for a rebadged Cyborg Rat PC mouse and accompanying 2GB USB dog tag. You'll find a video and more pictures after the break.
Tron gaming peripherals soothe your nostalgia with calming blue light (video)
We don't have the foggiest idea whether Tron: Legacy will serve to reboot Disney's venerable light cycling franchise, but it's certainly got peripheral vendors in high gear -- you'll be able to hack the ENCOM Digitizing Molecular Laser with a genuine Tron keyboard and mouse or toss virtual light discs with an Tron-themed Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii controller this holiday season. Gaming favorite Razer crafted this $130 laser-etched keyboard with swappable numpad and programmable macros; it will ship alongside a $100, 5600dpi laser mouse in October, and PDP will provide the console controllers for $50 at an unspecified date. We were bummed to hear that the Xbox 360 and PS3 pads are wired, but in retrospect that might be a good thing -- by comparison, Razer's detachable keypad is just begging to be thrown at an MCP-generated foe. See all the new Tron toys lit up in a video after the break. (Caution: video loads automatically.) %Gallery-96137%
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. %Gallery-95569%
Razer rolls out Abyssus Mirror Special Edition gaming mouse
Razer just rolled out its basic Abyssus gaming mouse in November of last year, but it's now already back with a followup: the Abyssus Mirror Special Edition. This one packs the same 3.5G 3500dpi infrared sensor and other internals as before, but adds a new black chrome mirror finish to the exterior of the mouse that Razer says "adds a certain stylistic sensibility to the desktop." It also hangs on to the same $50 price tag as the standard Abyssus, and it's available in the US directly from Razer right now -- a worldwide release is promised "soon." Hit up the gallery below for a closer look.%Gallery-92291%
Razer trumpets leftie DeathAdder, southpaws raise the roof with just their left hand
Say it with us, southpaws: "finally!" Razer is finally taking a stand for the under-appreciated (and vastly underserved) left-hand gamer market, and while we would've given these guys even more credit for developing an all-new mouse for lefties, we'll take a redesigned DeathAdder any day of the week. In essence, the DeathAdder Left Hand Edition is the exact same mouse that debuted last September, but in left hand form. The best part? Razer's not charging a dime more for this version than the obviously more viable right handed model. Hey, guitar makers -- care to take a hint? %Gallery-88349%
Razer promises Mac support for all upcoming products
Razer already provides full Mac support for a few of its gaming peripherals -- including the Naga and DeathAdder -- and basic support for others, but it's now taken avantage of GDC to "reaffirm" its commitment to Mac users. That apparently means that "all upcoming" Razer products -- including the company's line of StarCraft II peripherals -- will boast full Mac support out of the box, and that the company will be rolling out updates to some of its existing products "later this year," including the Orochi, Mamba, and Imperator gaming mice. First Steam, now Razer peripherals -- dare we say it's a good time to be a Mac gamer?
Mad Catz Cyborg Rat hands-on: true customizable mouse madness
We've seen plenty of gaming mice with adjustable DPI and swappable weights, but the new Cyborg Rat lineup from Mad Catz is truly stunning. The mouse is adjustable in almost every dimension and angle, thanks to certain sliding aspects, some hex key-adjustable mechanisms and buttons galore (including a very useful aiming button for slowing down the cursor in those heated sniper moments). The real winner is the Rat 9, which is wireless and has a nifty little "home base" that continuously charges a hot-swappable replacement AA battery and keeps some extra weights warm as well, though with a $130 pricetag it's not for the faint of heart. %Gallery-82141%
Mad Catz adds mice to Cyborg PC gaming line, (doesn't) blend human and mouse DNA
Rabid feline news now, with the erroneously spelled peripheral maker announcing "a new range of premium Cyborg gaming mice" expected to be in(side?) consumer's hands by Spring 2010. We feel like we can confide in you: we also assumed Mad Catz had finally done it, actually blended human flesh with a traditional gaming mouse to create a new class (and species!) of PC gaming peripheral. Alas, no – it's just the addition of four mice, ranging in price from $50 to $130, to their currently keyboard-heavy existing Cyborg PC gaming lineup. "The Cyborg mouse range was developed entirely in house and I believe they are the most comfortable gaming mice you'll ever use," said Mad Cat Darren Richardson. "Also, upon contact with your hand, it will merge with your DNA and create an entirely new appendage blending the greatest aspects of the human body and the gaming mouse." Alright, we made that last part up ... but how about actual half-robot-half-rodent tech ... %Gallery-81741%
Razer Imperator gaming mouse ships with adjustable side buttons, disdain for southpaws
Tired of getting shafted, lefties? Never gets old, does it? At any rate, Razer is momentarily stepping away from its ambidextrous ways in order to craft a mouse that fits especially well in the hands of righties. The new Imperator gaming mouse houses the same 3.5G laser sensor that has become common on the outfit's critters of late, but this one includes a smattering of "adjustable side buttons" that can actually slide and lock into place wherever you find them most comfortable. It's up for order now for $79.99 (or €69.99 for those across the pond), and if the gallery below doesn't get you close enough, a demonstration vid is just past the break.
Razer gets back to basics with $50 Abyssus gaming mouse
Razer's been on somewhat of a tear here lately with new input peripherals, and while most of the new stuff has been somewhat radical (or extremely radical, in some cases), the outfit is taking a step back with the Abyssus. The ambidextrous wired gaming mouse is just about the most vanilla product Razer has ever slapped its name on, but that's not to say it's unviable. In fact, many may appreciate the normalcy in design coupled with the 3.5G 3500dpi infrared sensor and on-the-fly sensitivity switching. It's available now in the outfit's webstore for $49.99 (or €39.99 in Europe), while the rest of the globe should see it emerge next month. %Gallery-77975%
