Introduction

Ever since Razer first made waves in 1999 with the Boomslang mouse, they have consistently innovated in the field of gaming peripherals, coming out with keyboards, headsets, accessories, and of course, a plethora of gaming mouses. It is natural, then, that Razer would turn their attention to the mouse’s closest companion: the mouse pad. Today, I’ll be giving you a look at their latest offering in mousing surfaces, the Goliathus mouse mat.

In order to meet the requirements of all sorts of gamers, Razer offers the Goliathus in three sizes and two different surface types. I’ll be looking at the Goliathus Control Edition, a mid-sized mat aimed at gamers looking for more precision in their games. Razer also offers the Control Edition pad in Alpha (large) and Omega (small) configurations, as well as a slick Speed Edition in all three sizes for those looking for reduced drag.

Packaging

The packaging of the Goliathus is nothing too fancy. Basically it is just a box that protects the surface from wear and tear during shipping and storage. Normally we would like to see a little more protection for the product in question, but it is a mouse pad and will not suffer in any way from being thrown around a little.

The Goliathus comes in a fairly compact box, with Razer’s usual green-on-black color scheme. The Goliathus logo is printed on with a reflective material that will catch your eye immediately.On one side, we see testimonials from a trio of professional gamers, all of whom compete as part of Razer-sponsored teams. The back of the box features a short description of the product, faithfully replicated into ten different languages. The side of the box shows a few more details about the pad, as well as providing a window for feeling the pad’s texture without taking it out of the box. rather handy for those of us that like to see something in the store before we make a purchase.

Introduction and First Impressions:

The Avatar is the first entry into the field of gaming mice of NZXT, normally known for producing high-quality PC enclosures for the LAN gaming market. This is not an atypical pattern; other manufacturers (recently, SilverStone) have branched out from computer enclosures and PSUs into gaming mice with unusual form factors. SilverStone’s was solid but unspectacular, filling a peculiar ergonomic niche for those with extra-large hands… could this be the Next Big Thing, or will it just be another middle-of-the-road mouse for people with – this time – narrow hands? Or left hands — the Avatar already has something going for it, in that it is totally ambidextrous, save the LED sensitivity readout. But that’s not a control, and I’ve yet to find one of those that’s really useful.

Of particular relevance to this discussion is mouse grips – how people actually hold the mouse in the hand. Here, Razer has probably spent the most time introspecting and quantifying just what it is to hold a mouse; I will be using their definitions as they are a common point of reference. Not to give you the impression that the Avatar is a ripoff; it does not compare directly with anything we could find and its shape is unique in the narrow, high arched back and long finger-rest buttons. When I finally got my hands on it, the first thing that struck me was that the Avatar was meant to be tucked up into the pit of the hand. From here, it can be used either in a comfortable palm-down grip, or with the fingertips resting vertically on the buttons in a claw grip; either way, the pinkie and thumb rest in the hollows on either side of the mouse under the shiny silver forward/back buttons. Fingertip grip was immediately obvious as an ergonomic disaster, as even my long thin fingers couldn’t comfortably reach the buttons while floating the mouse between them. I also had an unfortunate tendency to grab the Avatar by the side buttons this way. This may be a dealbreaker for some, but if you have read that and not been frightened off yet, keep reading – this puppy may be just the ticket to fragging and bragging.

Packaging

The Avatar came packed in a gloss-on-matte printed black box with a fold-open cover; the cover contains the manual and driver CD protected by a foam insert. Flipping it open, we find a key diagram on the back of the cover, and the mouse itself deeply recessed on the right, just above a brushed metal (real metal, not magnetic) NZXT badge stuck to the cardboard. Maybe this is a case badge to go next to the ones provided by your motherboard, processor, and video card providers? Unfortunately, the mouse sits too deep in the box to get a good feel without removing it… so that’s just what I did. The Avatar itself s a wasp-waisted mouse with serious science-fiction design cues, from the slighly projecting main buttons that flow smoothly out of the rubberized surface, to the rear ‘hammerhead’ that spreads the weight onto two very slick Teflon pads. Trying these out on a proper mousing surface, the Evo-G MP2, made me realize something – this is easily the slickest mouse I’ve ever felt. I don’t know what they did to the teflon, or whether it will do anything to its service life, but whatever they did I was impressed. Pulling the manual and driver disc out of the cover, both were concealed by a closed-cell foam insert that slid out from the case. Nothing here was enough to get points docked from the score, and that wonderfully slick teflon and great rubberized grip was enough to earn a half point already.

Audio technology has had its share of incredible breakthroughs with Surround sound including 5.1 to 7.1 systems to wireless speaker systems. The computer gamers of today are enjoying games with audio technology which further enhance their gaming experience such as EAX and Dolby audio technology. The longest time I have always had a speaker system connected to my PC which would shake the windows of the house, but this system was always a pain when it came to packing up to go to a friend’s place for a LAN party. The speaker system was always cumbersome and above all else when I did get to my friends place, I couldn’t turn it up because of a wife, a neighbor would complain. Later, I was traveling a lot for work and decided to pick up a nice set of headphones to listen to music while on the plane and ended up using them for LAN parties. This headset was nice for hearing the gaming, but since this headset didn’t have a microphone I couldn’t communicate with my team over team speak, so I had to pick up a microphone… Our friends at Creative have solved my dilemma with a new product from their Fatal1ty series. While attending CES 2009 the TWL team was all introduced to Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel who handed over his signature series USB Gaming Headset. Since we were handed this gift to review there hasn’t been a day that has gone by where this headset hasn’t been listened to. So let us take a closer look.

There are countless gaming headsets on the market today some ranging from $50 to upwards of $200+. Some of these headset we have reviewed include Genius HS-03U, Genius HS-04V, AOpen HP-590 and the Razer Barracuda: HP-1, all which have their positive and negatives, in price, features ans comfort, but the Fatal1ty headset has by far the best comfort and incredible sound of those. Like most things price doesn’t dictate quality of the product or what it can do as far as features and in the case the quality of sound. So with that being stated, let us take a look at Creative’s take:

This headset was designed with Fatal1ty’s sitting down with the engineers of Creative to hammer out a pair of headphones which are not only superior in sound quality and technology but also a pair of headphones that can be worn for hours in comfort. Let’s take a closer look at this headset’s specifications.

Photo Gallery:

Front of Box	Inside Flap of Front of box
Back of Box

As mentioned prior, this headset was handed over to us at CES 2009 just after our interview with Fatal1ty (Video of the interview here). Since we flew out to Las Vegas to attend CES the team had very little space left in our luggage to take items home. So we made a make shift photo gallery out of the hotel room’s towels to snap off some shots of the box the headset can in and the contents their in. The headphones were package very well in a molded plastic jacket to hold the contents in place during shipping and display. After these pictures were taken we dropped the headphones in the provided leather bag with its stamped “Creative” logo along with the detachable microphone and CD ROM.

Contents	Removable Microphone port
Microphone jack	Signature Series

The contents included a CD-ROM, headphones, manual, detachable microphone and a leather bag for hold the headset while your traveling to your next LAN party. The headset comes with a very long USB cable with an in-line volume and Microphone on/off switch which clips to your cloathing. The microphone comes with a simple mono plug which is very easy to install or remove in a matter of seconds. Also the ear cushions are made of plush velvet which assists with comfort while using the headset over many hours of game play. Also since this headset is designed and built by Creative the technology that is built into their Sound Blaster cards is relayed to the headset and dispensed into the gamers ears in its entirety, so you can be sure you are not missing out on anything. Now, for the longest time I have used my speaker system on my home system while gaming at the expense of my roommate not being able to hear his game. Since I have been using the Fatal1ty USB headset, I have been able to play games and listen to music for hours without my ears getting hot or getting a headache because of the headset squeezing my head too tightly. This headset’s spacial audio is incredible to say the least. The first couple of nights while wearing the headset, I had my theater speaks shut off at the power button and even the window Vista default beep had me pause for a few seconds while I confirmed that my theater speakers were still powered off. I also got goose bumps and the hair to stand up on my arms and the back of the neck while playing F.E.A.R. with the games audio drenching me in such sounds that make you question your surroundings (For a gaming experience like none other, play F.E.A.R in a dark room while wearing this headset). Playing any massive multi-player games like World or War Craft and teamed games like Team Fortress 2 the noise canceling microphone worked flawlessly. The microphone on past headsets had picked up my breathing out of my nose no matter where the microphone was placed, but the Fatal1ty USB headset microphone didn’t pick up the breathing or most to all other noises in the room, including my rommate running the vacuum cleaner while I was playing with friends online.

Conclusion

The Fatal1ty USB Gaming headset HS-1000 is an absolute must have for those gamers out there who are looking for an excellent pair of head phones which are designed with the sole purpose of PC gaming for hours with superior sound quality and ear comfort like nothing else on the market today. There are some competitor headset out on the shelves for quite some time now like the Razer – Barracuda gaming headset which has close to equal in sound quality, but requires several plugs to be plugged in to take advantage of all of its features and I found them uncomfortable while wearing them for a long period of time. We have used the Fatal1ty USB headset for two months at the time of this posting and we haven’t found any mojor negatives. The plush velvet was one concern with its ability to get dirty quicker than other headset cushions made of fake leather, but the ear cushions are able to be removed and thrown into the laundry with everything else. The Creative – Fatal1ty USB Gaming headset is also priced a few dollars cheaper the majority of its competitors. So, if your looking for a great headset which you can wear for hours and provides you with incredible sound quality and a detachable microphone which has unmatchable noise canceling technology built into it, you have got to check out Creative’s – Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset. You will not be disappointed!

TechwareLabs Awesome Hardware Award

Introduction:

Razer, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals, has given us the opportunity to review their Barracuda. The Razer Barracuda is a 5.1 channel surround sound headset. We have seen how well Razer has performed in the past with their superior technology, but how will they perform with their new gaming headset?

Razer’s Take:

“The Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones features eight discrete audio drivers to enable pinpoint positional accuracy essential for gaming. It features advanced noise cancellation capabilities and a built-in microphone designed specifically for in-game communications — ideal for frenzied in-game communication.”

]]> http://www.techwarelabs.com/razer-barracuda-hp-1-gaming-headset/feed/ 0 http://www.techwarelabs.com/razer-destructor/ http://www.techwarelabs.com/razer-destructor/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:01:00 +0000 Michael Lynch http://www.techwarelabs.com/?p=870 Introduction:

While at CES 2008, Razer was nice enough to give us one of their newest products. Released just under a week ago, the Razer Destructor sets new bars for precision gaming mouse pads. The Destructor has claimed to improved mouse tracking speeds up to 37%. We look forward to putting these figures to the test.

Razer’s Press Release:

Las Vegas, NV – January 07, 2008 – Razer™, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals, today unveiled the Razer Destructor™, the optimal gaming-grade mousing surface made for optical and laser mice at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center at booth number 5733 North. In response to the gaming communities search for improvements in mousing technologies, Razer has co-developed the Razer Destructor with some of the best pro-gaming teams in the world.

Packaging:

Contents:

• Razer Destructor
• Premium lightweight protective case
• Certificate of Authenticity

Features:

• Razer Fractal™ surface for high-precision gameplay
• Optimized for both optical and laser gaming-grade mice
• Ultra-wide size ideal for continuous, rapid swipes: 350mm (length) x 280mm (width) x 2.3mm (height)
• Non-slip rubber base for firm grip on smooth surfaces
• Includes a premium lightweight protective case

Product Overview:

Upon opening the package, I was able to take a closer look at the case the Razer Destructor came in. The case is reinforced to help keep the mouse pad safe and unharmed.

The mouse pad is surfaced with razer fractal technology and coated in a highly reactive gunmetal finish, this is what allows it to receive such a significant improvement over other game pads. The game pad is designed with a unique shape and constructed very well. The mouse pad is not very flexible, which allows it to sit perfectly flat at all times. The Rubber underside of the mouse pad allows it to stay in place while moving the mouse back and forth.

Testing:

There are no real benchmarks or tests that can measure the velocity(ips) of the mouse. Because there is no precise way to measure the ips, the feel of the cursor movement is the only test. I first used my mouse, the WolfKing Trooper, on a formica surface, then tried the same mouse on a gaming mouse pad by Alienware, and then finally on the Razer Destructor. I was able to tell differences between all three, but the Razer Destructor was the best by far. As i moved the mouse across the surface it slid with ease, and generates very little friction. We also prefer the larger gaming surface as opposed to a smaller standard mousepad as do most gamers. A larger mouse surface allows a wider range of movement which in conjuction with the higher dpi mouse leads to much greater accuracy. As you can see by the pictures below the Destructor while being large will not occupy your entire desk.

Conclusion:

There was a noticeable improvement when using Razer Destructor. If you are a computer gamer and need to have the best in precision gaming, then this is a must have. With a $40 price tag, this will not set you back much. Although if you are a normal computer user and don’t have the need for the precision as others may, I would recommend looking at other Razer mouse pads, such as the Razer Mantis.

Genius, a computer peripheral manufacturer, has recently sent us their ErgoMedia 500 Game Pad.  From the first glance, this device seems to be well designed and looks as if it would be comfortable.  Genius says that the “ErgoMedia 500 is a gaming key pad that turns you into the best game player with the most clear and simple settings that you can use in various games.  For game addicts, the unique hand shape design helps support your palm for long time playing. Special keycap backlighting makes sure all keys are highly visible even at night; and you can even chat online with the built-in earphone and microphone jacks. Three different game settings help you quickly search for your weapon, equipment, or any desired target. An additional switch button lets you switch between games instantly.”  During this review we will test this device and see if it’s truly what genius claims it to be.

Packaging and Contents:

The ErgoMedia 500 came packaged in a rather stylish box. On the front, it has listed a few features along with a cutout in the cardboard allowing the customer to see the gaming device. On the back, it has a features list which in several different languages.

Contents

Ergo Media 500

User’s Manual

CD Drivers

Features:

New ergonomic designed gaming keyboard for ultra comfort

Fashionable and streamline appearance

Backlighting keycap function for late-night gaming sessions.

Complex macros with 11 programmable keys for customized and instant control.

Built-in microphone and speaker jacks for easy connection.

4-way direction button – up/down/right/left direction button.

Specifications:

System Requirements:

IBM PC Pentium compatible or higher
Microsoft Windows XP, ME, or 2000
Available USB Port
CD/DCD-ROM driver for driver installation

]]> http://www.techwarelabs.com/genius-ergomedia-500/feed/ 0 http://www.techwarelabs.com/wolfking-trooper-gaming-mouse/ http://www.techwarelabs.com/wolfking-trooper-gaming-mouse/#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 04:01:15 +0000 Michael Lynch http://www.techwarelabs.com/?p=433 Wolfking Trooper Gaming Mouse

Introduction:

Wolfking, a gaming enthusiast company who develops gaming interfaces and accessories, recently sent us their new Trooper gaming mouse to review.  At first glance, this mouse might look like many others you have seen, but it definitely has a lot more to offer.

Packaging:

The mouse comes in a fairly stylish box with a cut out so you can see the mouse inside.  On the front of the box it shows a quick overview of the mouse with little information segments, but when you flip to the back, you start to see all of the features the mouse has.

Features:

• Laser Engine
• 7 Buttons
• Full Speed USB
• Plug & Play
• Fire Button
• Adjustable Sensitivity

Specifications:

• Resolution:                         3 sensitivity levels: 800, 1600, 2200
• Image Processing:           6.4 megapixels/sec.
• Max Acceleration:           20g
• Max Speed:                        45-65 inches/sec.
• Power Supply:                   3.3 volts
• USB Data Format:            16bits/sec
• Buttons(left/right)          7 million clicks
• Feet:                                     250 kilometers
• System Requirements:  Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE or Mac OS 8.6 or later

Buttons:

Like any normal mouse, it has the left and right buttons, as well as the scroll wheel, which functions as a third button when pressed down.  Located near the thumb is two more buttons.  These are used for going forward or back while navigating through websites.  Unlike other mice, this one offers the fast click fire button and the quick change DPI setting.  These two functions each require their own button on the mouse, located just below the scroll wheel.

Testing:

For testing purposes I decided to use the mouse with the newly released game Bioshock.  First we will be testing out the multiply shot with a single click.  In my opinion this wouldn’t be very accurate because with most games, recoil occurs between each shot, making your new aim a little higher than the previous.  To test this I choose a nice flat piece of wall in the game.  I fired once so I would be able to see the bullet hole in the wall.  After shooting the wall with the various firing speeds I realized that my previous assumption was wrong, each shot was dead on accurate.

Conclusion:

Overall the mouse seemed to work very well with no lag or any skipping.  The design of the mouse allows your hand to naturally cradle it in your hand, forming a perfect fit.  The ease of changing the sensitivity was smooth, and can be done very simply without having to go into your mouse settings.  As for changing the firing speeds, the process is effortless, and at times could be very useful for burst firing.

I would have to say that Wolfking did an excellent job when designing this mouse for even the most intense gamer.  Out of all of the previous mice that I have used this would have to be among the top.

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