8xid_Burned: A Developers Perspective

PC Gear for Gamers

Each year developers come out with new and twisted way to "improve your gaming experience." In short this is just a way to say: If you suck at gaming maybe you need to try our product. I kind of view this stuff as premium art supplies. They really only become dangerous in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing. If you suck at FPS game (like I do) buying a 4000dpi mouse probably isn't going to help you a whole lot until you get better at using the 2000dpi mouse you already have. 2008 saw some great and strange additions to the world of PC gaming peripherals and hardware. But, in many cases I still prefer some of my tried and true hardware over their new baby brothers. Here's my picks and suggestions for the ultimate pc gamer guide.

Keyboards
Lets face it. You can't type. The only buttons you really care about are W,A,S, and D. That's fine. But you still want something that lights up, makes sandwiches and has a slew of macro buttons that you will never use.


Saitek Cyborg - By far the most bang for your buck. Running at a cool $74.99 this keyboard has all the features of an FPS and MMO styled keyboard. Users can customize the colors of each individual section of the board, make on the fly adjustments, and it even features 12 macro keys (6 on each side) for inventory items. Another cool perk is the stainless steel coated gaming keys.


Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard Revision 2 - The most expensive of the gaming keyboards. Considered the king of them all. The G15 features a digital back lit readout of in-game data on the keyboards dashboard. This keyboard allows you to dump your in-game HUD to maximize your field of vision. The board features 6 macro keys and some powerful software for creating your own macro commands. However it's the most expensive in this line up running you a cool $89.99


Wolf King - Timber Wolf Ultimate USB Gaming Keyboard - The good: This keyboard has everything you could want. It has the readouts, it has the gaming module design on the side, coated keys, great feel, awesome response time and a great price. The bad: Good luck fitting this on your desk. If your like me and you play with a keyboard tray or don't have a whole lot of desk space in your office you may not enjoy this pick. I barely got the box through my front door. Okay not really, but it IS big and ugly. However, if you do have room, this keyboard may actually change the way you play. It rounds out the bunch at $39.99

Mice
This is a subject of debate among the members of RPGX. One mans crap is another mans gold and so fourth. When it comes to gaming mice only one brand and one line has my vote, and that's Logitech.


MX518 - This is it. The breaking point. You finally have played enough games that you want a specialized mouse. This is the entry level mouse of all hardcore gamers. It's what I cut my teeth on and what you should too. Running at a smooth 1600dpi this mouse can hang with the big boys. All the standard macro buttons of the MX series AND on the fly sensitivity adjustments. After this I could never go back. Runs at about $52.99


G5 - Next in our lineup of ultimate killing machines. The g5 can dish out allot of punishment. This mouse has all the features of the MX 518 with a few upgrades. This mouse can crank out a cool 2000dpi, the grip is improved, the cord is made of braided fabric for less desk snagging, sensitivity controls are improved and fitted with an led indicator letting you know what level you are on with a glance, the addition of a "tilt" scroll wheel adding more buttons to map, and the body features a set of customizable weights that change the feel of the whole experience. With all this customization you cannot go wrong. This mouse is going to run you about $72.99


Razer Lachesis - The only mouse by this company I would ever recommend. This mouse DOES NOT have all the features of the mid level mouse. BUT it has one thing that no other mouse does... it runs at 4000dpi. If you have the chops to play at that speed, you probably don't need allot of the other goodies that the G5 offers. Look here for pro gaming with sensitivity controls. (Requires Drivers.) $79.99

Joysticks
This year I finally did it. I purchased anew joystick to replace my old sidewinder. Now I don't play allot of flight sims. But what I do play (BF2, Front Line Fuel of War) needs a certain level of control when I hop into a jet. These have been the best joystick experiences by far.


Logitech Attack 3 - This stick is going to run you about $25.00 It has all the features you would expect from a budget stick and can perform admirably in BF2. The lack of Rutter (twist) is a little disappointing. But, after everything is said and done, this is a solid and comfortable stick.


Saitek X52 Flight System - In my opinion this is the end of all joystick setups. While you may be able to find something out there crafted from an F16 dashboard, it doesn't help me get into the feel of driving a mech then jumping in a jet. If you want a generic stick that offers EVERYTHING. Here's where you get off. There are too many functions to list and all you need to know is that everything works smooth. I love the speed controls and yes there is a Rutter function. The missile button cap is annoying sometimes, but it's so cool that you never want to take it off. For the price you can't beat it. $89.88 - Also the fact that Wal-Mart carries it is very convenient.

1. Add new comment:

   Post Comment