Thursday 26 July 2012

Gigabyte Osmium & Krypton Gaming Gear!

Up now are two of Gigabyte’s latest gaming peripherals, the Krypton mouse and the Osmium mechanical keyboard. As always Gigabyte like to name their equipment weird science fiction titles.

  • Interface: USB
  • Tracking system: Advanced Gaming Laser Sensor
  • Resolution: Real 8200dpi
  • FPS(Frame rate per second): 12000 frames/second
  • Maximum acceleration: 30g
  • Maximum speed: 150 inches/ second
  • Switch Life: 10 million times
  • Onboard memory: 32KB GHOST™ Macro Engine
  • Certificate: CE/ FCC/ BSMI/KCC
  • Cable Length: 1.8m nylon braided / Gold-plated USB connector
  • Dimension: (L)128.0*(W)67.0*(H)41.5 mm
  • Weight: 110g ~149g adjustable
  • Accessory: Weight Adjustment Case(includes 10 weights)/ Metal Weight Removal Device/ interchangeable Mouse Chassis(Speed+Control) / Spare Teflon Feet Pads
  • Support OS: Windows XP/ Vista/ Windows 7
The mouse comes in quite an elegant package; however it is very unfriendly if you’re the type who likes to keep their packaging nice and tidy. You literally have to rip off the external cardboard print wraparound to get to the actual units box.

Lifting the cover off reveals the mouse just sitting there in its plastic case. The inner roof of the lid is protected with black hard foam. Lifting the mouse out reveals the bottom half which contains a small case for the CD and a larger box with a lid which contains the added accessories like weights, mouse base plate and a little tweezer-like picker used to move around the weights (a somewhat useless addition).

The mouse comes with a feature which allows you to change the bottom of it depending on which surface you’re on to allow for smooth mouse operation. By default it comes with the standard 'Control Base' which utilizes an ultra smooth Teflon foundation found in literally every other high performance mouse. You'll also find a 'Speed base' which features an abrasion free ceramic foundation focused on quick movements and immediate reaction.
There is also the option to put in weights in the mouse in a more specific way. There are weight slots along the back and down the sides as well, so if you like a bit of weight on the sides of the mouse, this will come as a big feature for you! Basically it allows you to shift the center of gravity of the mouse to suit your gaming style.
The mouse is ambidextrous and features a button on the mouse which automatically switches the profile to suit the left hand, pretty nifty! There are enough lighting effects on the mouse to keep any sleep deprived gamer entertained for minutes on end.

The mouse looks all cool and comes with plenty of features but unfortunately performance wise, I could never get used to it. It just did not sit on my hands comfortably wether I clawed or palm gripped it. It just did not feel right in my hands no matter how long I tried for. I think it may have been a matter of hand size though. I’m guessing here that small handed users might find it more comfortable to use than some of us other larger handed gentlemen.

Overall though the mouse is not too bad, yes it was outrageously uncomfortable for me but should be pretty good for many others.

Mouthful of words indeed it is. Let’s take a look at the list of its features:
  • Interface: USB 2.0
  • Activation: Cherry Red Mechanical Switch
  • Switch life: 50 million times
  • Key Profile: Standard
  • Travel distance: 4mm to the bottom
  • Pre-travel: 2mm to actuation point
  • Peak force: 45g
  • USB Hub: USB3.0 + USB2.0
  • Report Rate: 1000Hz
  • Audio: Microphone-in/ Earphone-out
  • Weight: 1500g ±10%
  • Dimension: 454(L)* 257(W)*45(H) mm
  • Cable length: 2.0m ±10%
  • Colour: Black
Let's have a look at some of the keyboards main features:
* Superior Cherry MX Mechanical Key-switch
* Supports USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (Via Motherboard)
* Absoloute Anti-Ghosting Multi-Key Press capability
* 45g Key Force
Now, this is a mechanical USB2 keyboard but features a USB3.0 hub. Basically you need to connect the USB2.0 cable coming from the keyboard to any port and the USB3.0 cable defined by the blue socket connector to a USB3.0 port which purely acts as a pass through for the USB slot on the keyboard. This allows you to use the USB port on the keyboard at full potential speeds. In regards to the cabling, one negative is the fact the cables are all braided together. So basically coming out of the keyboard you have one thick cable which branches out to 2x USB cables, and 2x audio jack cables, A bit unnecessary as many people will just be using one of the cables.
Looking at the keyboard, it is a pretty one! There are G keys along the top which are programmable within the software with two rollers which control the key light brightness of the backlit keys and a volume controller. A quick note about the backlit keys, they are BRIGHT! They are the brightest I’ve seen in any keyboard and are simply awesome. So bright they are it actually glows out and illuminate the sides of the keys giving off an amazing effect. On the right hand side there is also a lit Aivia logo which also doubles up as a button. When pushed it changes the colour of the logo and also switches any profiles you have set up. Each profile is colour coded allowing you to stay in control of your keyboard and know what you have active.
 
The keyboard is a breeze to use. The Cherry MX keys are very comfortable to use and is lightning quick to react! I’m really impressed with this one as I’m not too much of a fan of mechanical keyboards. It is a bit loud but I’m told by others it is quieter than ones they’ve played with and are impressed by the sound on it, clearly i am nitpicking a bit. The supplied wrist rest is durable and a solid piece of plastic. it easily attaches and detaches so you don't need to sit their for a period of time trying to take it off or on.
 
Overall i am impressed with the keyboard. The previous Aivia's were a bit of a let down with their build quality and overall design but it seems like Gigabyte have learned and learnt fast! I'd expect many gamers to be impressed with the Osmium and would forward to future Gigabyte gaming peripherals!

sahin.s@centrecom.com.au

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