Ergonomic precision with ROCCAT Raivo - Review

ergonomic



I recently replaced my ROCCAT Hiro after more than 9 months of amazing usage, with the sexy ROCCAT Raivo, and have now had a few weeks to test it in several games and situations. Let's get to it!

The Look

Most of ROCCATs creations have the black and blue theme, and the Raivo isn't an exception. With a giant ROCCAT logo, and the Raivo logo in the bottom left corner, you can't overlook that this is a ROCCAT product. The mousepad is a square with kind of rounded cornes. In the middle-bottom there is a grey bar, saying ergonomic precision, which we will get back to later.

The Raivo is 350 x 270 x 2 mm, which is quite a medium sized gaming mousepad, and a little "higher" than most. Mousepads, are typically a bit longer than they are high. I guess ROCCAT just want to be hipsters?

ROCCAT Raivo comes in threee different versions, each of them more simpler than the other. There's the Lightning Blue, Midnight Black and Stealth Black. 




There is not much more to say, as it's a very simple design, and afterall, it's the function and feeling that we really care about, as gamers. Right?

The Experience

The ROCCAT Raivo really brings you into the game with ergonomic precision. I've been using the Raivo with the ROCCAT Savu, a quite comfortable gaming mouse.
The minidots, that makes the granular surface have been designed with laser precision, to be much smaller. This results in an almost impossible smooth surface, that basicly makes no resistance at all when you glide your mouse over the mousepad.

And with the "battle-ship"-shape, that makes the most comfortable and natural rest for your wrist, ROCCAT did their best to make sure that you can avoid muscle strains og fatigue, in other words - You are pretty much as prepared as possible for the long battles.
Oh yeah, of course the mousepad also haves a non-slip back, which makes it stay in place no matter how tough and stressful your fights are.

Overall a nice experience with the Raivo. The only thing I sometimes get annoyed by, is the "stiff" material, which makes it a bit difficult to bring it with you to LAN-parties or maybe just on holiday. But if you have a bag that can fit the, not small, mousepad, or maybe just like to do the gaming at home, then this is not really a problem.

Final comment

Overall a really good mousepad, and I am really satisfied.
It's a good choice for anyone who likes a bit of space on their mousepad, and want to jump right into the action in any game with precision and speed.

The dirt resistance and non-slippery back is also worth noticing, if you like me have a cat that likes to walk around your desk while gaming. It can get really messy really fast.

Press: ROCCAT Syva: the Ideal Earphones for Gaming and Music Enthusiasts available now

earphones
Stockholm, April 3rd 2014 – ROCCAT™ studios, German manufacturer of high-quality gaming peripherals,
announces the availability of the Syva, a high-performance in-ear gaming headset that combines exceptional gaming style with exquisite sound quality that satisfies even the most demanding audio connoisseurs. 

Designed for the hardcore gamer and the avid music listener, the Syva delivers deep bass and crisp trebles through 10mm drivers in each ear bud.  ROCCAT’s newest earphone is the ideal choice for mobile gamers and users who want to experience remarkable audio quality while on the go.

The Syva comes with an omni-directional microphone integrated into the stylish, tangle-resistant ribbon cable that gives users the ability to answer phone calls or communicate with teammates during multiplayer gaming sessions.  It also features a call/play button and noise-canceling technology to block out background noise and enhance call clarity.

“We designed the Syva to provide outstanding mobile sound while still remaining easy and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time,” said René Korte, founder and CEO of ROCCAT.  “The Syva comes with three interchangeable ergonomic ear tips to match your ear size and is perfect for gamers who demand the utmost in comfort and sound quality.”

The ROCCAT Syva is available now for 29,99 Euro.

Links:

About ROCCAT Studios 
Founded in 2007 in Hamburg, Germany, ROCCAT Studios produces innovative, high-quality products for today’s ambitious computer gamer. Always operating in close collaboration with the gaming community, the company’s advanced input devices, headsets and accessories offer extreme precision, first-class ease-of-use and unique, eye-catching design. ROCCAT™ entered the scene with its Kone gaming mouse – a high-performance device that still ranks as one of the world’s premier gaming peripherals. A long list of international awards attests to the ingenious design and world-class quality of ROCCAT products.

ROCCAT Savu - Review

anti-sweat

A bit bigger than the ROCCAT Lua, the ROCCAT Savu, is a really great choice for the gamers looking for a mid-size mouse to get those extra kills with the sniper in Battlefield or just feel more comfortable when getting pentakills in League of Legends.

Once again, thanks to ROCCAT for sending us some great gaming gear, this time their gaming mouse Savu.

The Experience

So, basicly you can say that the Savu is the big brother of Lua.
You really feel comfortable when using the ROCCAT Savu, it fits really good for the average male handsize,


and the customizable buttons are placed in a way, that it makes them very natural to use, making it a bit easier to do combos, etc. in games.

As on the Lua, there is a anti-sweat material on the sides of the mouse, they might feel weird in the start, because of the rough surface, but you can really feel the difference if you are sweating alot when gaming.
With two buttons on the left side, you'll be able to make some extra combos when gaming, or making it easier to surf on the internet, kinda up to yourself, but a nice feature, I like to use.
On the right mousebutton there is a ROCCAT logo engraved in the mouse, that I personally had to get used to, because of the position, where you normally will place your finger, but it is simply to hold a bit more tight, than you would do with most other mice.

Witht he software that comes with the mouse, you can customize all buttons to do exactly what you want.. Or well, almost exactly what you want, for example, I couldn't get my scrolling wheel to make me a sandwich, but yeah, almost. Jokes aside, in the software, you can change the color of the light bar in the rear end of the mouse, you can also earn achievements, and see stats, for example, I've moved my mouse for around 4 kilometers while I have been using it.. Yep, 4 kilometers..

Overall, the ROCCAT Savu is a really comfortable and a mouse that I really enjoy to use!

The Look

A lot like the Lua, the ROCCAT Savu, haves a black surface, where the only color, basicly is the light bar in the rear bottom of the mouse. The middle of the mouse and the buttons consists of smooth plastic, where the sides are quite rough that makes them work as an anti-sweat mechanism.

There is a ROCCAT logo engraved in the right mousebutton, and we see some lines seperating the smooth and the rough surface. At the front left side there is a Savu logo, which after hours and hours of use are a bit indistinctly, but on the other hand, it is really nothing you would notice that much.


I like the look of the ROCCAT Savu, it is very anonymous, and fits great for my setup.

Final comment

Afterall, I really like the ROCCAT Savu. I really enjoy the anti-sweat sides, and that you can change the DPI for the mouse. And yeah, a great look and it fits perfectly in the hand.
I can nothing, but recommend this to anyone thinking about getting a new gaming mouse.

Read more: www.roccat.org

Valve working on OS for gamers - SteamOS

big picture
Valve have over the last many months teased gamers all over the world with some big news coming up.

And now they just announced one of the biggest updates we will see from the giant gaming company this year; the SteamOS.
With the last years Steam Big Picture, Valve showed the world that they would compete with the gaming consoles, and with the SteamOS coming up, they are really going to give Sony and
Microsoft a hard time.

The system is built on Linux and they will use the power in the open-source OS to improve the computers graphical performance significantly, they will also work on audio quality and reduce latency. According to Valve, there is already several AAA-games coming for the SteamOS.

You will be able to stream your games to your big screen in the living room, right from your computer, plus the fact that there also will be games exclusively for the living room, made for the big screen.

A new thing is Family Share, which will make it much easier for you to share games with your family, so you can play the same games and gain achievements in games that you borrowed from your friends and family, for a few days, for example.

Last, but not least, the operating system by Valve will be free to download and use, exactly as we know Steam today.

There will come more announcements from Valve in the upcoming days!

Check out the SteamOS here 

Massive Gaming Giveaway 2

computer games
Once again we have a giveaway on our Facebook page.
It is quite simple, the way you enter is by going to our Facebook page, and click on the app Giveaway, or just click right here.
You'll be able to win following games:

  • Dead Space
  • Crysis 2 Maximum Edition
  • Dead Space 3
  • Medal of Honor
  • Mirror's Edge
  • Battlefield 3
  • Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
  • Populous

ROCCAT Hiro - Review

gaming

I've had the chance to use the ROCCAT mousepad Hiro for almost two months now and to be honest, i never really did a review of a mousepad before, but let's just get to it!

The Look

ROCCAT Hiro haves a black and blue theme. The silicone surface is black and a bit rye. On the non-slip and rubber back it is a light blue, the same color as the ROCCAT logo, which is printed in the bottom right corner, with HIRO written in white, right below.

The edges on the ROCCAT mousepad, is rounded to get a comfort feeling.
And with the size of 350 x 250 x 2.5mm, it is optimal for most gamers, even though it might be a size too large for some desks.









The Experience

So after I've been using the Hiro for more hours than I want to count I'm not entirely sure how I were able to game with another mousepad.

I had to use a bit of time to get used to the quite different material and build-way than the Steelseries QCK, but when I first got used to it, I've been really sastified with the completely silent and smooth moves when you use your mouse, also the Hiro is very comfortable, and the rounded edges means that you won't get red marks on the forearm, which I've tried with a couple of other mousepads.
Other than comfortability, the rounded edges also makes sure that the mousepad won't fray.

If you drag your fingers over the Hiro, you will realise that the surface is quite rye, but when you use the
mousepad like you are supposed to, you won't get the uncomfortable feeling, instead you will experience that it actually feels really comfortable compared to most other mousepads.
The ROCCAT Hiro, can pretty easy collect marks and such if something have been laying on it or such, but
if you just shake it a bit and then drag your hand, or a bit of cloth, over it, it almost always disappear.

The mousepad is really thin, which looks cool, and also makes it more comfortable. With the rubber back the mousepad will stay where it is, unless you decide to move it.

Final Comment

Overall, the ROCCAT Hiro is a really great mousepad, hard for me to find any disadvantages, so all I can do is to recommend this mousepad for anyone who are looking for a medium-sized mousepad.
It is very comfortable (yep, said that a few times, but it is important!), and at a price on 39,99€* it is clearly worth the money.

Rating: 9/10
Price: 39,99€
Release: Out now
Creator: ROCCAT
Product Link: www.roccat.org

*Recommended retail price: 39,99€

ROCCAT Isku FX - Review

FX

Before we start, we would like to say thanks to ROCCAT for sending us the Isku keyboard.
We're back with a review of the ROCCAT keyboard, called Isku FX. We've had some time to test it, so here you go.
Enjoy!

The Look

Let's start with the look. Isku FX looks similar to the original Isku keyboard, but the FX edition has customisable key backlightings, and extra keys. It has five macro keys to the left and multimedia shortcuts at the top of the keyboard. Roccat’s unique Thumbster keys are also here, giving you quick access to in-game shortcuts without taking your hands off the WASD or other keys.

The first thing you'll notice on the Isku FX is the trio of buttons underneath the space bar. These buttons, is called the "Thumbster keys" by ROCCAT, allow you to perform nearly any function you assign that the keyboard is capable of performing. By default, the left and right keys cycle through the five keyboard profiles, that changes the colors of the keyboard. on the top left corner of the keyboard there is some lights, P1-5 thats what profile you are on. The numpad, on the other hand, is relatively standard-fare and has no unusual features or surprises. Note here that the inclusion of the full numpad on the right side and the five macro keys on the left side of the Isku FX do not exactly contribute to keeping the form factor anywhere near the "small" category. The Isku FX is quite large.

The Software

You are required to install a software from Roccats site, if you want to customize your keyboard or do any settings.It will only take like 15 seconds after you pressed install, for the software to be completed.

The first three tabs on the Isku FX software suite are almost entirely dedicated to setting up various macros and the EASY-SHIFT[+] functionality which allows you to assign alternate actions to most of the keys in the WASD area to anything you want it to be. The third tab allows you to reassign the media keys, as well as all the function keys.

The last three tabs are somehow less functional. The fourth tab includes all the lighting-related options, as well as the extremely useful controls to turn off the scary and extremely annoying voice confirmations when changing profiles and recording macros. They're just as annoying as the ones included with ROCCAT's mices. The fifth tab is for information purposes only, and include stats on key presses, and stuff like space, enter, and apparently some kind of meta-game that rewards you trophies as you play. every time you earn a trophy that annoying and scary voice appears, The last tab lists helpful information about the currently installed software and firmware, as well as links to the ROCCAT support forums and online support. All in all, its a good software. I had great experience with it, mine installed as it should. But my friend had some issues with his mouse, but it didn't occur when i installed my mouse or keyboard.

Specifications and Features

Specifications:

Dimensions: 24.7 cm x 50.9 cm
System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7, or 8, Internet connection, USB 2.0 port
Package Contains: ROCCAT Isku FX, Quick Installation Guide, Stickers.
Art. No.: ROC-12-900

Features:

  • MULTICOLOR KEY ILLUMINATION with 16.8 million colors of your choice; with 6 brightness level.
  • 3 EASY-SHIFT[+]™ ZONES for easy key duplication
  • 36 EASY-TO-REACH MACRO KEYS including 3 Thumbster keys
  • MACRO LIVE! RECORDING with dedicated M-Rec button; 180+ macros in 5 profiles
  • 8 CONFIGURABLE MEDIA & HOTKEYS 25+ assignable functions
  • MEDIUM-HEIGHT KEYS with an optimum keystroke & pressure point; advanced anti-ghosting; 1000Hz polling rate
  • ROCCAT™ DRIVER + MACRO MANAGER incl. Sound Feedback; Macro Presets for games, multimedia and office apps
  • EXTRA-LARGE GRANULAR WRIST REST with special surface texture
  • INTEGRATED CABLE CHANNELS for better device organization
  • NON-SLIP BASE with lock-on keyboard feet
  • ULTRA-FAST PROFILE SWITCHING 5 Profile-Status LEDs
  • ROCCAT™ TALK® – SET BONUS get more out of your ROCCAT™ devices by combining their functions
  • ROCCAT™ TALK® FX translates on-screen action into sensory effects on your Isku FX

Final Comment

I really enjoyed using the ROCCAT keyboard, and I will probably keep using it. The keyboard have some great features, which gives me extra help when I'm gaming. I personally think that the Isku FX is a good-looking, and I would highly recommend this keyboard if you are a gamer that want to use shortcuts for your mail, Skype or Facebook.

Next week, a review of ROCCAT Kone Pure, will probably be out together with a review of Sony Wireless Stereo Headset. Enjoy your holidays!

Rating: 8/10
Price: 100€
Release: Out now
Creator: ROCCAT
Product Link: www.roccat.org

ROCCAT Lua - Review

clean design

I got a good chance to test out the ROCCAT Lua at a two-night LAN-party. That means I got an in-depth feel of the mouse over an extended period of continuous usage.

The Experience

I just came back from the LAN-Party yesterday, and i can already say that the mouse works very well for long gaming sessions, since it almost never gets uncomfortable. Even though the ambidextrous design pulls a bit down on the comfort level, it's not turning down the niveau of comfortability much.

 If we look at the performance, it has a variety of different settings that you can play with as you please, to make it fit exactly for the game you're playing. The ROCCAT Lua has seven, or so, different dpi-speeds, that means moving too fast or too slow won't be an issue. It has three different buttons, that can be altered to do many different mouse-related functions. It even has a setting for left-handed people, which sets the left mouse button to function as the right mouse button, and converserly.

 The ROCCAT Lua has anti-sweat sides, which means that the sides are rough and after some habituation it is really hard to live without.

Another cool thing about most ROCCAT mouses, includning the Lua, is that you can download a software, where you can customize the dpi-speeds and more.

To be honest a very impressive experience for such a simple mouse.

The Look

The ROCCAT Lua have a very simple and clean design, the two mousebuttons, the scroll-wheel and the dpi-changer right beside the scroll-wheel.

 As for aesthetics, it has a ROCCAT- logo on the piece where your palm will be resting, that lights up, and can be set to shine constantly, pulsate or be turned off completely. In addition the Lua haves a ROCCAT written on the right mousebutton, which can be annoying if you place your fingertip right at the text, but it looks good, nonetheless.

 There is a little text saying Lua in the front bottom.

Advantages/Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Works for both left and right hand
  • Comfortable
  • Sleek design
  • Multiple different DPI-speeds
Disadvantages
  • ROCCAT logo on mousebutton is a bit misplaced

Final comment

Afterall, the ROCCAT Lua is a really great gaming mouse for those who doesn't need tons of macro keys, but will be doing fine with a tri-button mouse.
So a really great choice for almost any gamer out there, that wants a mid-size mouse.

Read more: www.roccat.org

Razer Taipan - Review

gaming


Razer is known for their products that provides the gamers with the best experience, and the ultimate gear. Their designs are marvelous, made by gamers and for gamers. Having a full Razer gear for average gamers, give them the confidence to go into a battle and believe that they can win this. I always feel the confidence when i play Shootmania and League Of Legends.

The Design


The design on Razer Taipan is just clearly amazing they made a mouse, that works for your left and righthand, which means it's completely the same design from the left and right side. It have forward and backward buttons, at the scroll it have green light, and it haves a Razer logo that lights up every time you move the mouse. 
There isn't more much to tell about the design only that its black, and have a nice designed front. 

The Buttons

  • 2x Back (in the browser)
  • 2x Forward (in the browser)
  • Left Mouse Button
  • Right Mouse Button
  • Scroll wheel

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages
  • Great design
  • Fits in every hand
  • Great quality
  • Good at gaming

Disadvantages

  • It lights up when you use it and turn off when you doesn't. But you can't see the light when you have your hand on it, which is quite stupid.

Final Comment

Overall the Razer Taipan is a really great mouse, which really gives the gamer what he wants. Personally I do like the design of the Taipan and the way it fits for my left and right hand. One of things that were really annoying and difficult to get used to was the forward and backward buttons, especially when I'm in a browser game or reading something. The best thing is that you are able to set the sensitivity on the two buttons next to the scroll. 
But anyways, I'm happy with the mouse and I would highly recommend buying it, you won't be disappointed.

Razer Taipan
Buy the Razer Taipan on Amazon.com

Steelseries Sensei - Review

clean design


Steelseries is known for their products that is made to be the best for gamers. It's much more functionality than visual focus they have, but with the Sensei i believe they managed to do both. Lets start!

The look

Even though the focus ain't the look, lets start with that anyways. The mouse is bigger than most other models, and it takes a bit of time to get used to it, but when you have been used to a mouse in that size, you just can't use a computer mouse that ain't in that size, both positive and negative. The Sensei is made for every size of hand, and works for both left- and righthanded persons. The mouse got eight buttons that you can program just the way you like with the free software Steelseries Engine provided by Steelseries.
The surface of the Sensei is silver and got black sides and a black bottom. On the back of the mouse is the logo of Steelseries. Under the mouse is there serial- and productcodes and in addition some gimmick, that is a LCD display, and you choose what the display has to show, all by yourself. The wire is braided and is good quality like everything else on the mouse.

Functions

As said earlier the mouse have 8 buttons that you can program to do almost everything. The magic happens in Steelseries Engine, that you can get from the Steelseries website.

Additionally you can change the speed and the colors of every light. 16.8 million different colors, so it can be hard to choose.

As standard the buttons are:
  1. Back (in the browser)
  2. Forward (in the browser)
  3. Leftclick
  4. Rightclick
  5. Scroll
  6. Scroll up
  7. Scroll down
  8. Change speed
You can also change what gets displayed on the LCD screen as mentioned earlier. Either you can download a picture or make one yourself on Steelseries website (link in the end of the review).

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages
  • Cool design
  • Fits in every hand
  • Customize it to be your own in every possible way
  • Great quality
Disadvantages
  • Gets easy smeared
  • Gets scratches when it's used alot 

Last comment

Overall the Steelseries Sensei is a really great mouse, that really fulfill every demand a consumer would make. It fits perfectly in your hand, you can change the speed in no time and last, but not atleast, you can make it personally by change everything about the mouse. The Sensei keeps standing, even against cola, strawberry cake and other stuff that shouldn't be there.

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