Max Builds a PC Series Part VIII: Input Devices

Posted By: Max Zuckerman | Jan 7th @ 8:25 AM

I know what you're thinking: we're getting so close to the end you're already starting to see blinking LEDs and hearing the tranquil whir of a semi-silent case fan! (If this is literally happening, you’re having a stroke and you should probably get to a hospital soon…)

Here’s what we have covered so far:

· The Case

· The CPU

· The RAM

Next up is deciding the input devices for this beast. Some of you have already seen my post about the Microsoft Reclusa keyboard being my new favorite—especially coupled with the Microsoft Habu mouse—and a few of you even agreed that it would be a very nice addition to our Build a PC series. So I’m throwing my vote in the pool for the Reclusa and Habu since I like them so much.

Another set to consider is the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 since it is, obviously, wireless and a very well designed set. Personally, however, I prefer wired so I never have to deal with charging or batteries. And no matter how miniscule it may be, ANY lag whatsoever is unacceptable to me whether I’m gaming, working on some graphics, or surfing the web. I’m very picky when it comes to input devices… so don’t mess!

What say you?

Tags: habu, max builds a pc series, microsoft habu, microsoft reclusa, reclusa, wireless desktop 8000

Rating:

Views (2,147)

Comments (26)

Downloads

Trix

I would go with the Razer Deathadder, it feels great with ultra precision.....and the Razer Lycosa.

I am also a fan of the Microsoft/Razer Habu, but I much prefer the Deathadder. Wireless is alright and all, but I hated changing the batteries, and with the Microsoft sets, I ran into this issue. Razer makes great stuff, you can buy stuff from their shop at decent prices, plus all their stuff has upgradeable firmware, which I find pretty neat.

Your suggestion of the reclusa and the Habu are very similar, I just think you can up that with newer, better models. If we were to decide on the Reculsa and Habu route, I would have no problem with that.

Lloyd_Humph

BRRRR

Logitech G15, I have one right in front of me, I love it and I'd never go without it. It's soft to type on, and the screen'n'G Keys are the most useful things ever. With the programmable screen, I can have anything on there. Hello Battlefield 2412 stats!

Also, I'd go for the Logitech MX Revolution.. easily the comfiest mouse I've half used in a display case Big Smile

those are my two favourite peripherals, I'll be getting an MX whenever I can afford one, but I don't mind for now because my MS Laser 6000 is adequate... unless somebody wants to trade *A*

My vote goes to the G15 and the MX Revolution

Or the diNovo edge since I love it Big Smile

campusK0der

As an owner of an MX Revolution and a laptop NX version: I think MX Rocks!

I am also the one that caries MX with him to work everyday; and a smaller NX to school, travel and conferences [smaller desk space usually] always in my laptop bag. Sometimes two days or more on one charge. Logitech software for it is pretty good.

Pros:
FreeSpin is the greatest!
Very good sensetivity and precision for a wireless mouse!
Charge dock. [Last all day without charge]

I love the programmable wheel modes. [Set how fast of scrolling would activate FreeSpin]
I can code with one setting, browse with another and so on - all automatic.

Cons:
Most other mouses feel incompetent after few minutes of use of MX...
Does not have on-deman buttons for selecting sensitivity. [I saw one mouse that did and loved the idea.]

Nikita

PS: I saw it at BestBuy for $50 on BlackFriday and walked by it since I had it and was kinda pissed it was that cheap completely disregarding a rare opportunity...like an idiot still kicking myself for not getting another one or two! It can be found online for about $70 now days. My original retails was insane, but so worth it.

aeoth

In Australia, the following (and availability) of Razer products is somewhat lower (until the last year or so), so I'll have to admit I'm a bit of a Logitech fanboy. Their G15 keyboard and G5 ("2007 edition") or G9 mice would be my preference. The LCD on the G15 is gimmicky, but is useful in some games/situations. To be honest, I'd probably have tried other brands if the LCD was on them/wasn't on the G15.

Failing that, the Wireless Desktop 8000 would get my next vote. It has a high geek factor.

End of the day, it comes down to personal preference - some prefer a 'long travel' of keys, while others prefer the nearly nonexistant travel that laptop keyboards (and the newish Apple keyboard) provide. If I was given a new computer, I have a strong feeling I'd probably replace all the peripherals within a year for something that matches me or my wife perfectly (rather than having 'the best DPI', or other debatable features), and give away whatever came with it.

platinumacetric

the logitech g5 mouse has been my favorite for a long time. i have seen the microsoft/razer mouse but never used. something about the design just looks off to me. The Microsoft Reculsa keyboard is my dream keyboard, and from what i have heard and seen it is worth every penny with it.

Really with the mouse i don't really care what type it is as long as i can switch dpi's on the device itself, i am more than comfortable with any choice the others have. And yeah the G5 is old but it's so so comfortable plus it's one of the first mice to have an editors choice award by almost all tech enthusiast. ohh just make sure what ever you choose has at least 2000 dpi.

nvm.. it was not the habu mouse i was talking about but rather the sidewinder

JKrebo

I don't know what the deal is with the comment system, but it seems to be grabbing only every other comment I post (FF 2.0.0.x). Maybe it's something with Live?

Anyways, I've never been a fan of wireless, and if this is going to be used for anything serious at all, the peripherals all have to be wired. I'm much more of a subscriber to "if it works, use it" than going for anything fancy, but I've always done well with the Logitec mice and a keyboard that doesn't suck. Perhaps the Reclusa or Tarantula or--dare I say--the Optimus? Don't listen to me--I'm still using a PS/2 keyboard.

How 'bout we throw in a nice Wacom tablet (Intuos or Graphire) to make use of Vista's handwriting recognition features or for other general purpose photo editing/manipulation? That would really sweeten the deal for me... (Plus, Crayon's going Gold soon...gotta have a tablet for that).

Trix

I had the Logitech G7, which is very similar to the G5 platinumacetric was talking about. It is also a great mouse, very comfortable, but I have since switched to the deathadder and it is like night and day. The Logitech is quite precise, but it is a night and day difference between that and the deathadder. The material that Razer uses is also neat, it is almost like a rubber. The Lycosa and Deathadder have it.

Max

Alright with all the Razer votes out there I checked out the Deathadder and Lycosa and I have to say.... they look exactly like the Reclusa and Habu. Now I'll admit I'm partial to those because I have a set on my desk, but do you guys really think there's a difference worth going one over the other or are you just smitten by their fancy website? (it is pretty nice...)

littleguru

I can only agree with JKrebo. I'm so no fan of wireless when it comes to keyboards and mice. I'm a big fan of the Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 (the one with the cable). It's the first mouse in ages that really works like i want it to work. I had wireless (and wired) Logitech mice but all of them didn't work properly. After a year or more they started to have issues. The 6000 isn't having any of them and I have it for over 2-3 years now (don't remember exactly). It's still working as on the first day.

As for keyboard I don't have any preference. I'm used to work with notebooks whereas I always use the build in one...

To come back to my annoyance of wireless stuff: it's only because they seem to have issues when the battery status comes down to a certain level - and you always need to remember to recharge them or even buy new batteries. Waste of money and time - in my eyes.