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    Gaming Peripherals Roundup

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by SumX, Apr 28, 2012.

  1. SumX

    SumX Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello everybody.
    Well this is the deal, i want to collect reviews from Gaming Hardware manufacturers because i want to buy a new setup including Mouse, Headset, Mousepad, Keyboard.
    Wich one do you think offers the best combo?
    i think that Razer / Steelseries / Roccat are the best looking ones with good quality, i think.
     
  2. awakeN

    awakeN Notebook Deity

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    I would go for Steelseries; from what I've heard, their products are more reliable than Razer's but a little more expensive.
     
  3. Hirohata

    Hirohata GBF Danchou

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    Razer and Roccat have good mice. Steelseries has good headsets and keyboards. Price-wise Razer will burn a hole in your wallet. Can't really go all single brand if you want the best setup possible. Hope this helps.
     
  4. NotEnoughMinerals

    NotEnoughMinerals Notebook Deity

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    No love for Logitech? Their products are less flashy but some the best on build quality and performance.
     
  5. Ghold

    Ghold Notebook Evangelist

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    All of it depends on you personally and what sort of games your playing. If your big into MMO's, or something that needs a lot of key binds, you might want to opt for a Razer Naga, or keyboard that has a lot of programming functions. On the other hand, if you want a more simple approach, a Logitech G500 is very nice. Headsets can very, but not by much. Generally in the upper price range, most headsets will have simulated surround sound (5.1/7.1) which are alright for FPS if you want to attempt to pinpoint someone, but they are really not that much better then a stereo headset. Stereo headsets also allow you to listen to music without getting all of the clutter of sounds. Stick to stereo, preferable stick a good pair of headphones instead of a headset. Mouse pads again depend on you personally. I use a high DPI on my mouse, so I get away with just a small mouse pad and its k.
     
  6. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    I've mostly owned Razer and Logitech gear. Generally, you're not going to find a significant difference in overall quality; you just have to figure out what you like, especially for very personally subjective things like mice. I think the Razer DeathAdder is one of the greatest mice ever built, others swear by the Logitech G400.
     
  7. LegendaryKA8

    LegendaryKA8 Nutty ThinkPad Guy

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    I've got strange tastes, but I swear by my Logitech G700 enough to have bought another one when my last one was lost. I love the fact it can be used as either a wired or wireless mouse, the button selection is perfect(I have mine set to control my media player and Web browsing as well as DPI adjustments), it tracks well and fits my hand like a glove. The only gripe is that the battery doesn't last an incredible amount of time, but I usually use it wired. I mostly play FPS titles so I don't have much use for macros; however the G700 would likely be great for MMOs and the like.

    Another strange choice is my keyboard; I use a 1986-vintage IBM Model M. If you do a lot of keyboard work besides gaming(writing, coding, whatever) I would highly recommend a mechanical keyboard such as one of these; the feedback and typing accuracy is unparallelled. Also it'll end up lasting through years of abuse; after 26 years my M works perfectly. There are more modern reproductions and even purpose-made gaming keyboards out there that use the same mechanical buckling spring design. Look at the Razer Black Widow or Corsair Vengeance.
     
  8. Zenithan

    Zenithan Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a Logitech G35 surround sound headset and a Logitech G500 mouse, and I can recommend them confidently after a over a year of use on each. With Razer, you do get quality, but you're also paying for looks. If you don't mind the more utilitarian design of Logitech products, they'll serve you well.
     
  9. oan001

    oan001 Notebook Evangelist

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    How about Corsair? Their headsets /keyboards and mice have gotten good reviews.

    Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
     
  10. Vogelbung

    Vogelbung I R Judgemental

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    I've had a *lot* and the setups I use most is:
    Microsoft Sidewinder X6 + Cooler Master Spawn
    Sidewinder X4 + CM Spawn
    Topre Realforce + yes you guessed it, CM Spawn.

    My "Mouse philosophy" is that they shouldn't be weighted, they should track faultlessly given a suitable surface and all switchgear should 'just work'. I'm surprised by how many highfalutin' mice fail even the last two basic requirements. The optical Spawn has been practically faultless in both regards over extended use. I've adapted to the claw hold of the Spawn and I find the shape pretty comfortable. The lack of significant dpi adjustment has not been a handicap in gaming.

    I don't mind the Corsair keyboards. You could definitely do worse. My preference runs to the K90, but as a FPS / minimalist user you might like to check out the 60.

    However I prefer the Sidewinder X4 and X6 above the Cherry / Topre keyboards.

    Mousepad, I use various Razers - they seem to be no worse / no better than anyone else's offerings, have more variety in terms of size than many and work for me.

    Headset, I usually turn to the Logitech G35 for gaming. It does surround in Dolby compatible games really well - way better than the much-vaunted/hyped Asus STX + any headphone. It is a closed phone though, not everyone likes closed phones.
     
  11. amd098

    amd098 Notebook Consultant

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    heres what i use
    mouse - logitech g9x
    mousepad - steelseries qck
    keyboard - razer blackwidow

    no 1 brand, but it all works out nicely
     
  12. TheAppleFreak

    TheAppleFreak Notebook Enthusiast

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    With my desktop, I use a Razer Deathadder and a Sidewinder X4. I love both of them quite a lot.

    I wouldn't recommend a headset; they're single-use items that (in reality) cost more than the sum total of their parts. Usually, buying a desktop mic is the best choice. If you're desperate for a good set, buy a cheap earpiece mic, some Velcro, and your headphones of choice. Strip the wires on the earpiece mic leading to the earbud, put the velcro on both items, and voila! You have a top notch headset.
     
  13. Romiyo

    Romiyo Notebook Evangelist

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    Currently using a Sidewinder x6 and G400 combo. Keyboards i can change like underwear, but mouse, very difficult, and the G400 is the best FPS mouse you can get for a palm-gripper. Waiting for a smaller form factor backlit mech keyboard with red switches, that would be sweet.
     
  14. dav_jw

    dav_jw Notebook Guru

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    Just made the switch (no pun intended) to a mechanical keyboard, a Steelseries G6V2, and I don't intend to go back! Still getting used to typing with that thing, though, but I highly recommend you at least try this kind of keyboard if you need a new one.

    For mice, I've used a few, including a Coolermaster Storm (good mouse, but didn't like the shape), a Steelseries Kinzu (minimalistic and ambidextrous, perhaps a bit small) and a Logitech MX 518 (current). I don't really know anything about mousepads, as I do not use one.

    I do not know what kind of budget you have, but as another poster suggested, avoid the 5.1/7.1 headphones and get a decent stereo kit with a separate microphone. If you prefer to keep it simple, some reputed brands have a headset version of their products, the Sennheiser PC350 is well regarded but quite expensive (200$). Personally, I use a pair of Beyerdynamics DT990, which are excellent for gaming because of their large stereo imagery and accuracy. However, not much people are wiling to spend 300+ on a pair of headphones :D.
     
  15. Rauch

    Rauch Notebook Consultant

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    It's mainly about personal preference. The build quality between Razer, Steelseries, and the newest company, Roccat, are all fantastic.

    I'm not a big fan of laser mice, dpi adjusting, weights, or fancy bells and whistles. I've went through 3 Logitech MX518's. Fantastic mouse. I just kept getting cord issues with them. I've now been using a Microsoft 3.0 for the past..... 4+ years and absolutely love it. It has a few extra bindable buttons that can help out, but aren't over the top or overpriced like other mice on the market. (Steelseries actually has a few mice very much alike the MS3.0.)

    Steelseries is a FANTASTIC company with support that can't be matched. I've went through countless headsets with them, mostly due to issues on my end. However, they would always back their product regardless of it being a product issue; or, for instance, me throwing it against the wall :/. The original 5H's had a few issues, mainly with the cord, however, the 5Hv2 corrected all that and added a much higher quality braided cord. The braided cord is nice because it helps resist tangling and gives the cord a bit more strength for daily wear and tear. I've personally had about 5-6 5H's/v2's over the past 7 years and absolutely love them. However, currently, I'm using a Sennheiser HD555 and love that equally. It's produces a bit more bass and is great for gaming, but even more exceptional for music. Overall, you can't go wrong between the two. For added convenience, the Siberia USB sound card is a great addition.

    Mousepads, mousepads, mousepads.... QCK+ Heavy and the original QCK are my choice. While the QCK+ isn't too portable, it is certainly very comfortable and great for FPS'. They hold up very well, that's all there is to it. I also have an Icemat that I like to use on occasion. It certainly gets looks from my friends when it's on my desk. Usually with the comment, "Is that a glass mousepad?!". Console gamers.... They miss out on the finer things in life :D

    Keyboards are mainly a personal preference... What do you find comfortable? Do you need extra keys? Mainly with a keyboard it's best to look for one anti-ghosting. The more keys you can use at a single time the better! Steelseries 7G is a nice keyboard, albeit a little large. I also used a Logitech G15 for a while and it was nice as well. But at the end of the day, a good ol' Microsoft keyboard can be just as efficient as the 7G.