Gaming Hardware: Mouse showdown

Left: Razer Mamba on charging dock.

First up we've got the Razer Mamba.  The Mamba features Gaming-Grade wireless technology and the option to switch to wired mode via USB.  While connected via USB the it's batteries charge automatically.  Fully charged batteries can last up to 14 hours of continuous gaming and 72 hours with normal gaming use.  Included in the Razer Mamba package is the charging dock which can also be used as a wireless receiver unit for the mouse, and offers a stylish alternative to the USB charge method.

The Mamba uses an incredible  5600DPI Razer Precision 3.5G Laser sensor with a 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response rate.  7 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons accompanied with Razer Synapse on board memory.  On board memory allows several profiles to be stored with longer macro strings without the need for software.

Specs:
● Wired/Wireless option
● On board memory
● 7 programmable buttons
● 5600DPI 3.5G laser sensor
● 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response rate
● Battery: 14 hours of continuous gaming, 72 hours of normal gaming)

 

Price: $129.99

Website: http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-mamba

 

Left: Microsoft SideWinder mouse

Next is the Microsoft SideWinder, designed for comfortable precise gaming actions it comes with interchangeable weights, which come in 5 gram increments.  The four weights included the allows the mouse weight to be adjusted between 5 and 30 grams.  On-the-Fly sensitivity switching allows players to choose between 400, 800 and 2000 DPI, while the mini LCD display shows the DPI setting and macro recording icons.  Other features include 5 programmable buttons, advanced gaming software, replaceable mouse feet, wired/wireless mode, vertical metal side buttons and a wide metal scroll wheel for better feel and response.

Specs:
● Wired/Wireless option
● 5 programmable buttons
● 2000DPI
● 500Hz polling rate
● Adjustable weights
● LCD display

 

Price: $79.95

Website: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=100&active_tab=overview

 

Left: Cyber Snipa Stringer mouse

The Cyber Snipa Stinger mouse is one of the best in the gaming industry, with many golden awards from various gaming websites.  Along with it's good looks the Stringer comes bundled with 7 removable weights of 20g each allowing the player to adjust the weight of the mouse by a total of 140g.  Along with 4 different DPI levels ranging between 400 to 3200DPI is the laser engine that operates around 7000 frames per second and provides a response rate of 1000Hz.  Further increasing the gaming experience is the Macro Manager utility used to create multiple user profiles that take advantage of the 6 macro programmable buttons.

Specs:
● On board memory
● 6 programmable buttons
● 3200DPI
● 1000Hz adjustable polling rate
● Adjustable weights
● 16 bit ultra wide data path

 

Price: $51.29

Website: http://www.cybersnipa.com/us/products/stinger-gaming-mouse.php

 

Left: Logitech G9 Laser mouse

Seeing the Logitech G9 gaming mouse as is might not impress you, that is until you take a closer look.  The interchangeable grips and weight-tuning system is only the tip of the ice berg for this tiny beast.  Taking a closer look at the mouse you'll soon find out what all the fuss is about.  If the G9's 5000DPI and 1000Hz response rate doesn't impress you I don't know what will.  Perhaps the on board memory that allows for up to 5 profiles stored directly on the mouse, thus no need for software installation if you are planning to use the mouse on other computers.  This makes the G9 more suitable for playing anywhere you please.  For the smoothest mouse movement the G9 is equipped with polytetrafluoroethylene feet which provides a fast, slick movement on nearly any surface and a weight tuning system which allows the weight of the mouse to be adjusted by 28 grams.   The on-the-fly sensitivity settings allows for the sensitivity of the mouse the be set seamlessly, and is visually presented with customizable LED's.

Specs:
● On board memory
● 5 buttons
● 1000Hz polling rate
● Adjustable weights
● DPI setting indicated by LEDs
● Customizable grips

 

Price: $99.99

Website: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/3053&cl=US,EN

 

Top: Saitek GM3200 mouse in black (left) and blue (right).

 

Now taking a look at the Saitek GM3200 Laser mouse.  Available in red, blue and black the GM3200 also has special lighting effects when in use.  But thats not the only features.  For users that prefer a more sensitive mouse the GM3200 comes with a 3200DPI laser and a 4 stage on-the-fly sensitivity switching allows a quick switch to 800, 1600 or 2400DPI.  Like the Logitech G9 the Saitek GM3200 also uses a LED status indicator.  During a game the mouse allows a instant switch between two pre-created profiles.  To fully extend the use of the 6 programmable buttons game-specific profiles can be edited with SST software.  As far as movement is concerned the GM3200 uses the Speedglide system to fine-tune the weight of the mouse using weights and interchangeable Teflon feet.

Specs:
● 6 programmable buttons
● 3200DPI
● 550Hz polling rate
● Adjustable weights
● DPI setting indicated by LEDs
● 3 available colors

 

Price: $59.95

Website: http://www.saitek.com/UK/PROD/gm3200v2.htm

 

The competition is fierce every gamer should make a choice based on personal preference and therefore I cannot make the choice for you, happy mouse hunting!

*Prices correct at time of writing, subject to change without notice.