Genre: Hardware
Publisher: Razer
Release Date: Q4 2005
During our E3 experience, we were able to meet up with hardware manufacturer Razer. Razer caters to the real gamer, the one with the twitchy hand who demands nothing less than accuracy during split-second moves that'll make your head spin. While they are known for making high quality mice, they are now going to make a gamer keyboard as well. You won't find any ps/2 mice here; the resolution of their top of the line mouse, the Diamondback Plasma, is 1600dpi so USB is a must here. Another way they distinguish themselves is their unique mouse sensor. Normally, you'd find an LED (light emitting diode) in most of your optical mice on the market, but Razer uses an infrared sensor to improve tracking precision and give you the best possible gaming experience.
)
)
Since their emphasis is on improving tracking for the hardcore gamer, they don't rely on drivers or any software for their mice to work at optimum efficiency – it's all hardware based. If you do decide to install the drivers, you can customize the mouse buttons and map them to do different things or launch applications. Left-handed gamers won't be left out in the cold, as they are with most mouse manufacturers because the mouse sports an ergonomic ambidextrous design, meaning that you'll get the same high quality gaming experience if you're left- or right-handed.
Some of you may be wondering whether or not such a high quality mouse is available in a wireless package, and sadly, it is not. The wireless technology available on the market just doesn't cut it when it comes to high performance gaming and mouse tracking. They've expressed interest in going wireless so if the situation improves and there's better wireless technology on the market that can handle such a high-performance mouse, we can hope that one will be available. Don't hold your breath, though, because by that time, they might have already gone above and beyond current mouse technology, and we'll be faced with the same problem yet again.
Razer is also branching out and beginning to make keyboards for the hardcore gamer, a natural transition for which we have high hopes. The keyboard we were shown will be available in a USB model only and sport the same high-quality design and response we have come to expect from Razer. Their keyboard line will also not require any drivers and have customizable keys if you decide to install their software driver package. The keyboard will have high tactile response for a better gaming experience, and I hope we see this keyboard on the market soon. Mine is wearing thin as we speak.
Ricardo Chimal, Jr., also contributed to this preview.