Entered CNET Catalog: 11/15/2005
SKU: 0021165103702
Manufacturer: Saitek
Manufacturer description
Cutting edge design and double the precision of conventional mice solely developed for hyper-fast gaming action. High-performance optical technology - up to 1600dpi for lethal accuracy and perfect game control. Total of 6 physical buttons optimized for fast gaming action. Turbo-Key to toggle between 800dpi and 1600dpi mouse resolution. Rubberized wheel for easy and smooth scrolling. Translucent, illuminated rim, which flashes when mouse is moved. Bright LED within the unit to backlight the Turbo-Key with laser printing to indicate the status at a glance. Teflon feet for smooth motion over any surface.Product summary
The good: 1,600dpi sensor; three programmable buttons; easy-to-use software.
The bad: Uncomfortable for left- and right-handed users; button to change sensitivity is just out of reach when gaming and isn't programmable.
The bottom line: The Saitek 1600dpi Desktop Gaming Mouse suffers from an awkward design and odd button placement, but its programmable buttons and sensitivity adjustment make it a viable budget-price option for gamers.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/08/2005
The Saitek 1,600dpi Desktop Gaming Mouse has some nice features including three programmable buttons and a sensitivity switch button. The $19.95 Desktop Gaming Mouse could be a viable option for gamers on a tight budget, but if you're not afraid to spend a few more beans, the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse provides superior comfort, a plethora of programmable buttons, and removable weights for a more substantial feel.
The attractive Saitek Desktop Gaming Mouse has an ergonomic shape. A translucent strip around the mouse glows bright blue and matches the glowing sensitivity button on top. Both sides of the mouse curve inward, almost symmetrically, and the left side of the mouse sports two thumb buttons, while the right side has one. Unfortunately, though it looks comfortable to hold, it's not. The right side of the mouse curves in at a slightly sharper angle, making it more comfortable for right-handed users, but it's still awkward. Since both sides curve inward, there no comfortable resting spot for the last two fingers, and without a comfortable resting spot, our hand grew weary during long hours of gaming. The left side of the mouse has two programmable buttons, and the right side has one, and though they're easily accessible with a thumb, the buttons on the opposite side are difficult to reach. The sensitivity button on top of the mouse is also difficult to hit and requires some finger contortions.
The Saitek 1600dpi Desktop Gaming Mouse works as a plug-and-play device, but once you install the included Gaming Mouse software, you can program the three extra buttons to open applications, macros, and Web browsers. Unlike with other gaming mice we've seen, you can't program the sensitivity button--you're stuck with the preset 1,600 and 800 dots per inch (dpi), which are good for most gaming situations, but we'd prefer to set our own dpi levels.
In our tests, the Saitek Gaming Mouse performed quite well. Its sensor is sharp, and its Teflon feet slide smoothly. The sensitivity toggle switch provided a noticeable amount of change, and the programmable buttons never failed to function correctly. The Saitek weighs a mere 3.5 ounces, and it felt a bit light under the hand; most gamers will prefer a heavier mouse.
Saitek backs the 1600dpi Desktop Gaming Mouse with a two-year warranty--a year longer than the industry standard. Support is available on Saitek's Web site in the form of user forums, downloadable drivers and manuals, and FAQs. You can also e-mail or call Saitek's tech-support team.
