How many mechanical switches before a mouse starts becoming a keybaord?
Subject: General Tech | April 23, 2012 - 04:20 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: input, mouse, gaming mouse, razer, Naga Hex Expert, mechanical keyboard
Not content with simply having 11 programmable buttons, the 6 removable thumb buttons on the Razer Naga Hex Expert gaming mouse use mechanical switches. That is not just a marketing ploy however, this will allow very quick response from the buttons as well as giving them a longer life than less rugged choices. Also included with this mouse is support for Synapse 2.0, the updated Razer mouse driver which Mad Shrimps found quite easy to use.
If you prefer your mechanical keys on a keyboard then check out what Scott has been up to.
"The new mouse from the Naga family is Hex and Razer has built it for MOBA and Action RPGs; it comes with 6 extra buttons on the thumb side and 3 different rubber thumb rests are also provided, to suit our needs. The customization of the mouse functions can be realized by using the powerful Razer Synapse 2.0 software, which can be downloaded freely from the manufacturers’ website."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Corsair Vengeance M90 Laser Gaming Mouse @ Benchmark Reviews
- Epic Gear Meduza HDST Gaming Mouse & Hybrid Mousepad Review @ eTeknix
- Leetgion Hellion Gaming Mouse Review @ NikKTech
- Star Wars: The Old Republic - Branded Razer Peripherals @ Bjorn3D
- CM Storm Trigger Mechanical Gaming Keyboard @ techPowerUp
- CM Storm QuickFire Pro Gaming Keyboard Review @ Techgage
- Corsair Vengeance K60 Mechanical Keyboard @ Benchmark Reviews
- MLG Pro Xbox 360 Controller Review @ eTeknix
More CES coverage for your reading pleasure
Subject: Shows and Expos | January 18, 2012 - 01:22 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: CES, lightning bolt, amd, razer, fiona, lucid, Silverstone
The Tech Report still has more to say about what they saw in Los Vegas this year, as they covered quite a bit of ground. AMD's Lightning Bolt connector, their competition for Thunderbolt, which is much less expensive to integrate into a system especially considering it uses DisplayPort 1.2 style ports. They also played with Razer's popular Project Fiona which is probably what Nokia wished they had released instead of the N-Gage. SandyBridge features in their coverage of Zotac and EVGA and the next generation of that chip showed up at MSI. There is plenty more coverage over at The Tech Report so check it out and don't forget all of our coverage at pcper.com/ces.
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- 2012 CES: ioSafe @ OCIA
- The Best of CES 2012 @ AnandTech
- CES 2012 in Pictures: Part 2
- CES 2012: Razer Fiona Tablet Project @ Benchmark Reviews
- HTL CES Live Coverage Part 3 @ Hi Tech Legion
- Kingston latest gadgets at CES 2012 @ Bjorn3D
- 2012 CES: Zotac @ OCIA
- CES 2012 Day 1 Coverage @ Neoseeker
- CES 2012 Day 2 Coverage @ Neoseeker
- HTL CES Live Coverage Part 2 @ Hi Tech Legion
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
CES Day 4 Podcast - 1/11/2012
Subject: Editorial, General Tech | January 12, 2012 - 11:04 AM | Ken Addison
Tagged: ultrabook, razer, podcast, nvidia, Intel, CES, amd
PC Perspective CES 2012 Day 4 - 1/11/12
Join us tonight as we talk about our final full day of CES 2012 - including yet more Ultrabooks, New products from Razer, and our closing thoughts on this years show.
You can subscribe to us through iTunes and you can still
The URL for the podcast is: http://pcper.com/podcast - Share with your friends!
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RSS reader - MP3 - Direct download link to the MP3 file
Hosts: Ryan Shrout, Josh Walrath, Matt Smith and Allyn Malventano
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
Razer Shows Gaming Laptop, Prototype Gaming Tablet and More at CES
Subject: Mobile | January 11, 2012 - 05:02 PM | Matt Smith
Tagged: tablet, razer, mouse, laptop, keyboard, gaming, CES
Gaming peripheral company Razer is already well known for its gaming mice, keyboards, headsets and other gadgets. But if CES 2012 is any indication, they’re far from content making products that go along with gaming devices.
You’ve probably already heard of the Project Fiona gaming tablet. It made quite a splash at CES when it was announced last night, and today I had a chance to inspect it up close and personal.
Unfortunately they’re keeping the prototype in a glass case to protect it, but handling it would not reveal much information anyway. Razer has made it clear that the device is only a prototype and will be revised significantly before release. Everything from the display resolution to the controllers could change, and the company is encouraging feedback to help them refine the final concept.
The only thing that seems concrete is the pricing. Razer is very confident that the final product will be sold for under $1000. I doubt it will provide amazing hardware at that price, but this was never going to be the system of choice for playing Battlefield 3 regardless of what’s inside. The finalized version of Project Fiona is targeted for release this year.
Another system being built by Razer is the Blade laptop, a product that was announced several months ago but is now finalized and should be on store shelves in February. The Blade is a thin and portable 17-inch laptop built for mobile gaming. Despite the large display it weighs about 6.5 pounds and is less than an inch thick.
Unlike a normal laptop, the blade doesn’t have a touchpad below the keyboard. Instead the Blade replaces the numpad with a multi-touch display and ten programmable LCD keys. Mouse navigation takes place using the multi-touch display, but if you’d like it can also be used for other tasks including web browsing and recording macros. Razer is also working with game developers to make it possible for games to display customized information and controls.
The Blade comes equipped with a Core i7 dual-core processor, Nvidia GeForce GT555M graphics and 8GB of RAM. These specifications are disappointing in light of the $2799 price tag. Razer tried to play down the hardware, insisting that hardcore gamers looking for a mobile machine will be more concerned with the laptop’s portability and customizable mutli-touch display than raw power.
Also shown was a full set of new Star Wars: The Old Republic peripherals. Of these the most notable is the keyboard, which features Star Wars design ques and a multi-touch display identical to the one on the Razer Blade laptop. Players will be able to bind abilities to the customizable LCD keys and see game information via the display. There’s a lot of possibility here, but it doesn’t come cheap – you’ll have to part with $249 to snag this keyboard.
Last is Razer’s new Hex mouse. It is similar to the Razer Naga, but six larger buttons in a hex format have replaced the columns of programmable buttons. Razer says that this design works better with action-RPGs and specifically referenced Diablo 3 as a game they had in mind when designing the mouse. The Hex will use Synapse 2.0, Razer’s cloud device profile service. An unlimited number of custom profiles can be stored on remote servers (hosted by Amazon) and they are automatically downloaded to the Hex when it is plugged in to a new computer. Pricing is set at $79.99 with availability expected in February.
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
CES 2012: Razer's Project Fiona -- PC Gaming tablet PC tablet
Subject: General Tech, Mobile, Shows and Expos | January 10, 2012 - 08:24 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: razer, CES 2012, CES
If you believe our title to be awkward, please glance downward a little at the concept image. While I do not want to lash on Razer for trying something that no-one has it must be said that aesthetically the concept must be altered. Hardcore PC Gamers are a unique breed, but I expect that even the most bold of gamers would be shy at holding this around in public. Now that we are past the design, let us look at what Razer claims in terms of expected hardware.
It looks like Razer is fitting a bit into Booth Category One.
Razer is being very careful about giving out too many specific details due to the concept nature of the device, but they suggested that they aim for the following:
- Intel Core i7
- 10.1” 1280x800 display
- Full Screen interface supporting multi-touch “hybrid” for PC Gaming.
- 3-axis gyro, magnetometer, accelerometer
- Force feedback
- Dolby 7.1 surround sound
- Wifi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0
You should notice a lack of information about the expected video card but the screen resolution paired with the CPU choice should slightly indicate their intent.
What do you think? What changes, if any, would you request before you hand over your wallet?
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
Put a Kaiburr crystal in your mouse and the Force will be with you
Subject: General Tech | December 15, 2011 - 02:34 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: input, gaming mouse, SWTOR, gaming headset, razer
We saw a BF3 branded gaming peripheral kit not long after the arrival of the game and you can get your hands on a Diablo 3 branded kit already, even though we are still awaiting the release of that game. Now Razer offers some love to fans of Star Wars: The Old Republic with a new mousepad, mouse and headset kit all bearing a familiar logo. The mouse is based on the Naga and has a 5600dpi sensor, 17 programmable buttons and both wired and wireless capabilities. Most important the LEDs can switch between red or blue (well, 16 million colours total) as well as changing the logo to properly advertise the side you have chosen. The headset uses 50mm drivers and also sports changeable logos and LED colours, though the mousepad lacks that ability. Along with the pack, Hardware Heaven points out that you get a colour change crystal for use in game to change the colour of your blaster bolts and lightsaber blade.
"Every big game release can be enhanced by a set of quality devices which tie in with the overall feel of the franchise and that is exactly what Razer aim to deliver with their The Old Republic gaming gear. We have the mouse, headset and mouse mat on our test bench today for a detailed look at what they offer for The Old Republic gamer."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Razer Imperator Battlefield 3 Edition Gaming Mouse @ Rbmods
- Steelseries Diablo III Gaming Mouse @ Funky Kit
- ROCCAT Kova [+] Gaming Mouse Review @ OCC
- CM Storm Xornet @ OC3D
- SteelSeries Sensei Gaming Mouse Review @ Hardware Canucks
- Roccat Kova[+] Optical USB Gaming Mouse @ Benchmark Reviews
- Ozone Strike Mechanical Gaming Keyboard @ OCC
Go ahead, be a D-Pad on Battlefield 3
Subject: General Tech | December 6, 2011 - 01:16 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: input, battlefield 3, gamepad, razer
As strongly as many feel about the keyboard and mouse interface others have been raised on the gamepad and have a strong preference to use them. Razer is looking to attract that crowd with their Battlefield 3 branded D-Pad. Red & Blackness Mods gave the USB gamepad a whirl on both the PC and XBox 360 and were quite happy with the performance offered on both. So for those of you who do prefer PC gaming with a console style game pad, Razer has you covered.
"Battlefield 3 is one of those killer titles which draws a lot of interest and aiming to offer those consumers something a little more interesting than the average peripheral is Razers BF3 Collectors Edition products. We have the BlackWidows Ultimate keyboard, Onza Tournament Edition controller, Imperator 2012 mouse and Scarab pad on our test bench today."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Razer Battlefield 3 Gaming Gear: BlackWidow Ultimate, Imperator, Onza and Scarab Review @ HardwareHeaven
- ROCCAT Kova+ Max Performance Gaming Mouse @ Tweaktown
- SteelSeries Sensei Pro Grade Laser Mouse Review @ Madshrimps
- ROCCAT ALUMIC Gaming Mousepad Review @ TechwareLabs
- SilverStone SST-EC03 USB 3.0 PCI-E Card @ Benchmark Reviews
- Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth Edition Mechanical Keyboard Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Roccat Isku Keyboard @ OC3D
- Tt eSPORTS Meka Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review @ TechwareLabs
- Xebec Tech iTouchPad Diamond Keyboard Review @ XtremeComputing
- Roccat Isku Gaming Keyboard @ Metku.net
If you were to drop $3000 on a laptop ... who would you go with?
Subject: Mobile | October 4, 2011 - 03:47 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: razer, razer blade, alienware, alienware M17X
While you probably have the same reaction to the question of which $2800 + tax laptop is the best one to chose as hardCOREware, the fact remains some people will buy them. At that price range, a lot of the price is for show and not for value. Having a laptop resembling a UFO or Italian racing car might make it look fast but has no effect on the actual performance of the laptop. With so much focus on the exterior and the reasonable assumption by the manufacturer that anyone willing to pay that price tag has little knowledge of what components make the fastest gaming machine the question stands; if someone has their mind made up to spend this money, which laptop should you recommend. Read on to see how the internals of Alienware and Razer's gaming laptops compare.
"I was recently asked on Twitter what I thought of the Razer Blade, a 17" gaming laptop which will become available later this year for a staggering $2800. My first thought was "LOL" but then I realized that some people really would spend $2800 on a laptop.
The question is, if you were to spend that on a proper gaming laptop and not a hyperbole-inducing showcase piece to get blogs to drool all over your brand, how much better will the specs look?"
Here are some more Mobile articles from around the web:
- Asus Automobili Lamborghini VX7 laptop @ The Inquirer
- Asus U36SD-A1 Review @ TechReviewSource
- Alienware's M18x, Part 1: NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 580M in SLI @ AnandTech
- Amazon Kindle Fire: A $199 Kindle Tablet @ AnandTech
- MSI WindPad 110W Tablet + Windows 8 @ Techspot
- Hornettek Rotating iPad 2 Case Review @ ThinkComputers
- Choosing a new smartphone: Blackberry or the others? @ t-break
- Innergie mCube Slim 95 @ XSReviews
- Third Look: LG Optimus 3D – Tri-Dual Technology @ t-break
- iPhone 4 App Review - Megastunt Mayhem @ t-break
- Motorola Atrix Cell Phone Review @ Hardware Secrets
- A look at Windows Phone Mango update @ t-break
Razer's brand new Mamba doesn't like to sleep
Subject: General Tech | September 12, 2011 - 05:20 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: wireless mouse, razer, mouse, mamba dual sensor 4g, input
As its name implies the new Razer Mamba Dual Sensor 4G has two sensors to increase its accuracy though you would not know it was a wireless mouse. It is not strictly wireless either, a locking USB plug will turn it into a wired mouse for those not desiring to worry about battery life. The driver software allows you to change your DPI settings as well as save button programming in up to 5 different profiles. If you need a high end gaming mouse and are willing to spend $120 to get it, drop by Bjorn3D to see the Mamba 4G in action.
"The Razer Mamba Dual Sensor 4G offers the latest in wireless mouse technology with style, ensuring a response time that is equal to a wired high end gaming mouse."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- CM Storm Sentinel Z3RO-G Gaming Mouse @ Rbmods
- Tt eSPORTS Black 4000 dpi Gaming Mouse Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Roccat Kone[+] 6000 dpi Laser Gaming Mouse Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- SteelSeries Sensei Pro Grade Laser Mouse Review @ HardwareHeaven
- SteelSeries World of Warcraft Legendary MMO Gaming Mouse Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Thermaltake eSPORTS Azurues/Conkor/Gaming Glove Review @ HardwareLOOK
- Razer Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 Gaming Controller @ Tweaktown
- MadCatz F.P.S. Pro Xbox 360 controller Review @ t-break
- Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS MEKA G Unit Gaming Keyboard @ Tweaktown
- Xebec iTouchpad Diamond Series Wireless Keyboard @ kitguru
- Keysonic KSK-3001 iBT Bluetooth Keyboard Review @ HardwareLOOK
The Mechanics of a Keyboard
During the duration of this review Razer announced two new mechanical keyboards, the BlackWidow Stealth and the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth. This review is not for those products. Razer ninja’d me with stealth.
Introduction
Keyboards are often overlooked during the purchase of a new computer; for many there does not appear to be any real difference between any two keyboards outside of wireless technology, backlighting, or extra keys. Those who game heavily or those who are typing enthusiasts for work or hobby might be in the market for a more personalized experience. There are whole categories of keyboard styles which allow a tailored solution to your personal style of use right down to the type of switch used to register a keystroke. Razer is no stranger to the production of input devices but they are stepping slightly out of their element with their recent products: The BlackWidow and the BlackWidow Ultimate, the first two from Razer which are based on mechanical switches.
Popping Razer’s CherryMX?
Membrane keyboards comprise the majority of the cheapest keyboards in the market with scissor-switch taking up the laptop and thin-profile keyboard market. Despite being cheap, these keyboards also have the advantage of being quite silent. A mechanical keyboard on the other hand uses an actual mechanical switch for each and every key. While such as system costs substantially more than a membrane keyboard the cost may be offset by the precision, the response, or the ability to type without “bottoming-out” each keystroke.
If the concept of a mechanical keyboard interests you then you will likely be dealing indirectly with Cherry Corp in the near future most likely with their MX line of switches. I say indirectly as Cherry avoids selling their keyboards except to business, industrial, governmental, and medical suppliers. For the rest of us there exist several companies who purchase large quantities of mechanical switches and manufactures keyboards with them for retail end-users. Some common mechanical keyboard brands include Filco, SteelSeries, XArmor, Optimus, Das Keyboard, and Ducky. Keep in mind that while there are many brands, almost all of their keyboards are produced by iOne, Datacomp, or Costar with a few exceptions. In our situation, Razer’s BlackWidow and BlackWidow Ultimate are produced by iOne who also produces the XArmor line of mechanical keyboards.
Read on for the rest of the review including benchmarks… yes that is possible!
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