9 July 201711 July 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

AZIO Retro Classic Mechanical Keyboard Preview

Here at Benchmark Reviews, we’ve tested several AZIO keyboards and been impressed with the quality of their construction and the bang for the buck they offer. So when AZIO offered us the chance to take a look at a prototype of their project “MK Retro Pro” keyboard, we jumped at the chance– even though a retail version of this product is some months in the future. An evolution of AZIO’s existing “MK Retro” typewriter-themed keyboards, later renamed Retro Classic, ups the ante with a new design and new features.

4 July 201721 August 2017PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Corsair K68 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

What is the main reason to spend money on a “gaming” mechanical keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the K68 live up to these expectations? We’ll find out in this article for Benchmark Reviews.

25 June 201725 June 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Cherry MX Board Silent Keyboard Review

Being the successor to the classic G80-3000, the Cherry MX Board Silent G80-3000 comes equipped with genuine Cherry MX Silent switches. The MX Board Silent features a standard 104 international key layout and a simple exterior design. Built for an office environment, the MX Silent switches provide silent keystrokes to keep keyboard noise down to a minimum. This keyboard does come in two flavors: MX Silent Red and MX Silent Black. Cherry has sent Benchmark Reviews the one with MX Silent Black switches. Let’s take a look at what this keyboard has to offer.

12 June 20174 August 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Roccat Leadr Gaming Mouse Review

Roccat has gone wireless with its Leadr optical gaming mouse. The Leadr includes a few new features, like the Owl-Eye 12000 DPI optical sensor (PixArt 3361). This is a modified version of the PixArt 3360 with improved responsiveness and manual surface calibration. With a body design similar to the Roccat Tyon, the Leadr also includes RGB lighting, an elegant charging dock, and customizable settings and profiles via the Swarm software. It does have a 20 hours battery life, which should set some great expectations for long gaming sessions. Benchmark Reviews has a chance to review the Roccat Leadr with its new Owl-Eye optical sensor, so let’s jump in to a quick overview of this wireless gaming product.

30 May 20172 June 2017PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Corsair GLAIVE RGB USB Gaming Mouse Review

If your hunt is for a very nice corded USB gaming mouse that meets and exceeds expectations, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article for Benchmark Reviews we dive deep into the Corsair GLAIVE RGB’s features. We’ll be testing DPI responsiveness, its customization, and real world everyday use for both gaming and other mouse intensive tasks such as Photoshop.

22 May 20176 August 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum Keyboard Review

Most of us are familiar to standard mechanical switches found in popular gaming keyboards. Standard Cherry, Kailh, and TTC switches share similar designs using physical metal on metal contacts to register a keystroke. With the Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum, this keyboard utilizes optical key switch technology. Each key uses an infrared sensor to detect when the key is registered. This design eliminates metal on metal contacts and boosts the keystroke life cycle from 50 million to an insane 100 million. It also has per key back lighting, a spill and rust resistant design, and internal drill holes in case of spills. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, let’s a look at the Tesoro Excalibur SE Spectrum with blue optical switches.

10 April 201730 November 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Roccat Kone EMP Gaming Mouse Review

Being the successor to the Kone XTD, the Kone EMP (Empowered) brings a few new things to the table. The Kone EMP weights less than its predecessor and maintains the same body shape as before. It also includes the new Owl-Eye 12000 DPI optical sensor, known as the PixArt 3361 optical sensor. This is a modified version of the PixArt 3360 with improved responsiveness and manual surface calibration. The Kone EMP now features RGB lighting along with customizable profiles via the Swarm software. Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the Roccat Kone EMP with its new Owl-Eye optical sensor, so let’s jump in to a quick overview of this mouse.

17 March 201717 March 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Corsair Sabre RGB Gaming Mouse Review

Any serious gamer needs a serious gaming mouse, and there are certainly a lot of them on the market to choose from. Premium vendor Corsair offers no fewer than five such mice, ranging from entry-level (for Corsair) items to multi-button mice for MOBA gaming. Today Benchmark Reviews has in hand one of what Corsair refers to as part of their “lightweight gaming mice” lineup, the Corsair Sabre RGB wired USB gaming mouse, equipped with a 10,000dpi optical sensor and multi-zone RGB lighting.

13 March 201722 March 2017PeripheralsBy David Shields

Bloody B820R RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we’ll take a closer look at the Bloody B820R Light Strike RGB Animation Gaming Keyboard, and determine if this latest offering has what it takes to set itself apart from the rest of the mechanical keyboard market.

13 March 201713 March 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Corsair Lapdog Game Control Center Review

Real gamers – and you are a real gamer, right? – know that consoles cannot provide the performance and graphics quality of a good PC-based gaming rig. But giant 4K televisions provide an excellent canvas for immersive game play. You can set up a PC connected to your TV, but those console controllers just don’t cut it if you’re using to a good gaming keyboard and mouse. Too bad there’s no way to really use a keyboard and mouse on your lap. Or… is there?

7 March 2017PeripheralsBy Joe Gulczinski

AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard Review

AZIO has provided innovative and unique peripherals for over 17 years, focusing on three core aspects of accessibility, convenience, and entertainment. One of their latest products featured is a deviation from the average offerings commonly found in keyboards, focusing more on pure typing facets versus gaming. The MK Retro possesses a definite characterized feel and look that has not been approached (yet) by other manufactures, employing tactile Blue type switches beneath carefully crafted keys. Even the common LED indicators are tube-like white lit domes, embracing the retro feel.

1 March 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Corsair K70 LUX RGB Keyboard Review

No matter what type of keyboard you need, Corsair will have one for you. You can choose from a very broad array of products with a smorgasbord of mechanical switch types, lighting, and other features; from “fairly ordinary” to “has more computing power than your desktop rig did 10 years ago.” Benchmark Reviews has previously tested the K70 RGB Rapidfire gaming keyboard and found it to be a premium product; for this article we’re testing the Corsair K70 LUX RGB Cherry MX Red mechanical gaming keyboard.

17 February 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Azio Armato Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

Azio Corporation says that their name derives from “A to Z, Input to Output”, While their products are manufactured in Taiwan, they’re designed in California (sound familiar?) In any case Benchmark Reviews has in hand their Armato Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, model MGK-ARMATO-01. As a single-color backlit mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches, it might seem as if there’s little to distinguish it from the many other similar products available. But first appearances can be deceiving, as we’ll find out in this review.

14 February 2017PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Keyboard Review

What is the main reason to spend money on a “gaming” mechanical keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the K95 Platinum live up to these expectations? We’ll find out in this article for Benchmark Reviews.

9 February 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Gamdias Hermes E1 & Demeter E2 Review

We got our hands on the Hermes E1 mechanical gaming combo, which comes with the Hermes E1 mechanical keyboard, the Demeter E2 optical mouse, and a free NYX E1 mouse pad. The Hermes E1 features Gamdias certified blue mechanical switches, red illumination, and 21-key rollover. The Demeter E2 has an adjustable 3200 DPI optical sensor with lighting effects, and the cloth textured NYX E1 lets you game right out of the box. Benchmark Reviews will be reviewing the Hermes E1 combo, so let’s go through a quick overview of this product.

17 January 201717 January 2017PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Corsair Scimitar Pro Gaming Mouse Review

If your hunt is for a very nice corded USB gaming mouse that meets and exceeds expectations, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article for Benchmark Reviews we dive deep into the Corsair Scimitar Pro’s features. We’ll be testing DPI responsiveness, its customization, and real world everyday use for both gaming and other mouse intensive tasks such as Photoshop.

11 January 20174 August 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Gamdias Zeus P1 RGB Mouse Review

The Zeus P1 RGB optical gaming mouse is part of a new RGB gaming peripheral line from Gamdias. It comes with a 12000 DPI optical sensor with eight programmable buttons. Textured rubberized side grips allow the user to better grip the mouse, and the double level RGB customizable streaming lighting design adds a unique appearance. The standard body shape design looks nothing like its predecessor but it is still suitable for users with medium to large hands. Here at Benchmark Reviews, we will take a look at the Gamdias Zeus P1 RGB optical gaming mouse and compare it to the competition.

3 January 2017PeripheralsBy Tom Jaskulka

Roccat Skeltr Smart Keyboard Review

What if a device could keep you connected in both worlds, simultaneously – or at least allow you to seamlessly switch between the two with the press of a button? That’s what Roccat hopes to accomplish with their new Skeltr Smart Communication RGB Gaming Keyboard. Bluetooth connectivity and on-board switches to flip between your computer and mobile device allow a user to respond to messages and answer calls at the press of a button. Roccat Skeltr offers a heaping of features designed to keep modern gamers connected. Benchmark Reviews has an opportunity to “Master Worlds” with a Roccat Skeltr – let’s take a look.

20 December 2016PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Bloody B830 Mechanical Keyboard Review

A4Tech is a Taiwanese company whose “Bloody” gaming division was launched in 2012. Bloody produces gaming keyboards and mice using a unique switch technology: rather than metal contact points closing an electrical circuit when a key is pressed, Bloody’s mechanical switches use infrared LEDs and photosensors, which Bloody claims provides faster key response and a more reliable and durable switch. Benchmark Reviews checks out the Bloody B830 LK Optic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, equipped with next-generation “clicky” optical key switches.

14 December 201631 March 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Roccat Suora FX Keyboard Review

Without sacrificing functionality, the Suora FX maintains the same frameless design seen on its predecessor, the original Suora. This keyboard does not have any of the extra gimmicky bells and whistles seen on other mechanical gaming keyboards. Instead, the Suora FX gets directly down to the point to provide the user with functionality without compromising gaming performance. Here at Benchmark Reviews, we will take a look at the Roccat Suora FX and compare it to a few other mechanical gaming keyboards.

11 December 2016PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Bloody B840 LK Optic Mechanical Keyboard Review

A4Tech is a Taiwanese company whose “Bloody” gaming division was launched in 2012. Bloody produces gaming keyboards and mice using a unique switch technology: rather than metal contact points closing an electrical circuit when a key is pressed, Bloody’s mechanical switches use infrared LEDs and photosensors, which Bloody claims provides faster key response and a more reliable and durable switch. Benchmark Reviews checks out the Bloody B840 LK Optic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, equipped with next-generation “clicky” optical key switches.

16 November 201618 May 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Gamdias Hermes P1 Keyboard Review

The Hermes P1 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is part of a new RGB gaming peripheral line from Gamdias. It features RGB illumination with clicky TTC Blue mechanical switches on the signature Gamdias aluminum frame. Six separate profiles can store different macro functions and lighting effects. A detachable wrist rest is included for extra comfort along with a keycap puller tucked underneath the keyboard. With the Hera software, users have plenty of options to choose from to customize the keyboard. At Benchmark Reviews, we will take a look at what the Hermes P1 RGB has in store and compare it to the competition.

19 October 20164 August 2017PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Tt eSPORTS Ventus R Gaming Mouse Review

Thermaltake is bringing their Aerodynamic Engineered Air-through Ventilation System to the entry level market with the Tt eSPORTS Ventus R gaming mouse. It features an ambidextrous body shape with RGB illumination and the popular PMW3310 optical sensor with a maximum DPI of 5000. Because of the smaller body design, gamers are able to maintain a better grip of the mouse when compared to a larger and heavier mouse. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we will take a look at what the Ventus R gaming mouse has in store for us.

23 September 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Zalman ZM-K900M Gaming Keyboard Review

The Zalman ZM-K900M is a gaming mechanical keyboard featuring Kailh blue switches with RGB illumination and a slew of lighting effects. What is the main reason to spend money on a “gaming” mechanical keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the Zalman ZM-K900M live up to their own expectations? We’ll find out in this article for Benchmark Reviews.

18 August 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy Tom Jaskulka

SteelSeries Rival 700 Gaming Mouse Review

SteelSeries, a company known for many innovations and their support of eSports, has released a new weapon in the competitive gamer’s arsenal: the Rival 700. While they’ve been busy refreshing all of their product lines to update previous models with new features, the Rival 700 is a brand new entry entirely. Positioned as the premier offering in the Rival line of mice, the SteelSeries Rival 700 has a new twist – or, more appropriately, a buzz. Modular sensors, interchangeable cords, Prism RGB illumination and swap-able panels compliment a first-of-its-kind tactile feedback system and customizeable OLED display panel. Will these features justify the price of entry? Follow along as Benchmark Reviews takes a closer look at the new Rival 700.