Introduction:

   In 1996 Quake 1 was released. This to me, is one of the most important games to ever come out. Why? Because this was the First Person Shooter that I cut my proverbial teeth on for mouse aiming. Back then, a ball mouse was the only kind I used, and because I didn’t know any better, I didn’t want anything more. Then optical mice came out, and I never looked back. No dirt to clean off a ball, you could use it on your leg or the surface of a nice Lazy-boy!  What more could you want!? Over the next few years, I tried various mice, and I finally settled in on a Logitech MX-310. I liked the shape, the buttons, smooth movement. Over the next few years, I tried various mice, and I finally settled in on a Logitech MX-310. I liked the shape, the buttons and the fact that it had a very smooth operation. I played more games with that mouse than it could handle, so I bought another one. In the years that I had been using it, I still hadn’t found anything better. (Mostly due to the shape). Through all the performance mice that came out, I kept out of it. My thoughts were “blame the player not the tools”.

Then something glorious happened. Some idiot, somewhere, decided it would be a good idea to put a laser inside a mouse and see what happened. The Logitech MX-1000. Boy did I notice the difference in accuracy compared to my plain old optical. Problem is, I can’t stand the shape, and the wireless response time made fast paced gaming impossible.

Then the Razer Copperhead came out. If you want to see what I thought at the time, just read my review. After everyday use since that review, I still hold the copperhead up as the benchmark standard for others to follow.

With a tough act to follow, Fanatec has decided to venture into the market. At first, I thought that I had not heard of Fanatec before, then I checked out what else they had done. Turns out I have used their controllers many times before. They have made some very popular steering wheels for Playstation and Xbox consoles.

Stats: 

•  Latest generation Hi-Grade precision laser sensor

•  Up to 4,000 dpi (2,000 dpi native) resolution; switchable during game play

•  Ergonomic size adjustment (patent pending) - to fit any hand comfortably

•  6 buttons plus 5-way scroll wheel

•  plasmaGlyde™ mouse feet

•  Non-Slip High-Injection mold TPR rubber grip

•  

•  Joystick emulation - compatible with all racing games, flight simulations, etc.

•  Universal programming of mouse and ALL standard keyboard keys

•  8 Macros executed with correct timing, allows for purchase scripts, grenade throw, communication, looping events etc.

•  Double assignment of all keyboard keys with long-click or double-click

•  Recording of mouse movements (optional)

•  On-the-Fly Programming during game play

•  Automatic creation of profiles for all software applications

•  Auto-switching between profiles, depending on the active program

•  Advanced German Gameware™

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•  Illuminated cable arch and mouse are separately adjustable: multi-colour, brightness, and pulsing frequency

•  Advanced gliding technology through the combination of the low-friction plasmaGlyde™ mouse feet and aURa™ mouse pad

•  High-Speed USB 2.0 hub

First Impressions:

The Suitcase

Resizable

And it glows

The heäd$h0t comes inside a plastic suitcase style package, with the mouse, cables, driver CD and mouse pad. I think they meant for the case to be used as a carrying case for lan parties and such. Myself, I wouldn’t keep it, it’s just a waste of space.

USB 2.0

Cables

Drivers

The mouse pad itself, acts as a powered 3 port USB 2.0 Hub. As for the rest of the pad, it has a large gliding surface, that is very slick and has ample room for anyone who uses low sensitivity (I am NOT one of those people btw). The downside to that is, it doesn’t fit well in my setup. The other thing, is because the surface is so flat, any little speck of dust is extremely annoying.

Not monopoly money!!

Fully closed

Fully Extended

Then there is the physical shape of the mouse. There are two small screws on the bottom of the mouse (that you can turn with any dime/quarter etc), if you loosen them off a bit, you can slide the left section of the mouse in and out. That coupled with the small “wing” piece on the right side of the mouse makes this the most comfortable mouse I have ever used. I like that I can rest my pinky and ring fingers on the wing. This is not only more comfortable because you aren’t dragging them, it helps get a little bit more control.

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