Installation and Testing

Installation is a piece of cake, so I won't go into too much detail. The thumb buttons, "Triple Threat" button and DPI switching work without installation of any driver software, though you can install the optional "Equalware" software to customize the button's functions. It's nice to have all the advertised features of a mouse work out-of-the-box, without any resource-hogging driver utilities needed.

I mainly tested the Equalizer in gaming environments - mostly with CS: Source, FEAR and a little Command & Conquer 3. I also used it quite a bit in desktop applications, such as regular web-browsing, and image editing. Overall, it was quite accurate and I was satisfied with its performance, though there were a few drawbacks.

But first, I'll hit upon what I liked. Tracking was very accurate, and the wide range of DPI settings (600-2500 DPI) should be enough for anyone. It feels like a quality unit, and glides well, as the thin cord doesn't interfere much. The side grips along with the textured-thumb area make this mouse stand out from regular ones. As mentioned before, this review is of the mobile-sized version, and I definitely recommend the desktop-sized one (no matter what you're using it for), as I found the smaller size less comfortable than most mice.

The buttons are placed very well on the Equalizer, as they're all within easy reach and you don't have to contort your hand to reach any of them. They're also easy to distinguish, as they aren't too close to one another. All of the buttons provided good feedback, and I never found myself accidentally pressing one of them, which can be a problem on mice with a lot of buttons. This good button placement comes at the cost of the Equalizer being only for right-handed usage.

DPI switching is very useful in FPS games, though it takes some time to get used to. My only complaint is that switching between so many settings can be a little tedious, but at least the LED behind the wheel indicates what the current setting is. The "Triple-Threat" button, which seems a little tacky, was somewhat helpful in CS:Source. While you'd think that it would be most helpful with pistols, I actually found it was best at firing 3-round bursts from a weapon like the AK-47. This helped control recoil and improve accuracy.

One major point to note is that although the Equalizer goes up to 2500 DPI, its polling rate is only the USB default of 125 Hz. This is in stark contrast to other gaming mice, such as the Logitech G3 (500 Hz) and the Razer Copperhead (1000 Hz). Personally, I had a tough time telling the difference in real-world tests, but after doing some intense side-by-side comparisons with the G3, I noted that the G3 had a slight advantage. This may affect your performance if you're a good CS:S player, which I am not.

Conclusion

The OCZ Equalizer is a solid gaming mouse. The ease-of-use, extra buttons, and wide range of DPI settings (all in hardware) are features that one can't ignore. Additionally, the Equalizer's creature comforts such as the "Triple Threat" button and the side/thumb grips make the mouse stand out in a crowded market. Performance is accurate, and the DPI switching will be a benefit not only in games but also on the desktop. However, the Equalizer's 125 Hz polling rate hurts it when compared to some other high-end gaming mice. Having said that, this mouse can be had for less than those other gaming mice, and compared to regular desktop mice, the Equalizer blows them all away. If you opt for one, be sure to pick up the desktop-sized version, and you'll be good to go.

Pros:

• Accurate

• Lightweight and easy to move

• DPI settings on-the-fly

• Wide DPI range

• All buttons easily accessible

• Extra thumb buttons and Triple-click

• Quality-built, and backed with a 6-year warranty

Cons:

• Polling rate lower than G3 and Copperhead mice

• Right-handed usage only

• Mobile-version is too small

• No tilt wheel

Thanks go out to OCZ Technology for making this review possible.

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