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.

9 January 2017StorageBy David Ramsey

Samsung 960 PRO NVMe SSD Review

Samsung’s 950 PRO m.2 PCIE SSD set new benchmark records when we tested it here a few months back at Benchmark Reviews. The performance picture got even better we configured a RAID-0 array with two of these drives. Now they’ve introduced the new Samsung 960 PRO NVMe SSD, with upgraded NAND and a new controller, promising even more spectacular performance.

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.

27 December 2016StorageBy David Ramsey

MyDigitalSSD BOOST 1TB External SSD Review

Today Benchmark Reviews has their new entry in the growing field of external, USB-connected solid state drives, the MyDigitalSSD BOOST 1TB external drive. Comprising two TLC SATA III 512GB SSDs in a RAID 0 internal array, the BOOST 1TB drive promises performance that exceeds that of SSDs connected to a SATA port, with maximum read and write speeds of 830MB/s and 730MB/s, respectively…but these speeds are only achievable if your computer has a USB Type C SuperSpeed+ port.

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.

5 December 20164 December 2016CasesBy Jason Maxfield

Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5T Review

In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I’ll be going over the differences between the Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5T mid-tower computer case compared to the rest of the MasterCase series. The MasterCase Maker 5T is the current flagship of the series. I’ll be showcasing this mid-tower with a build to demonstrate the features of this sleek case. How will the MasterCase Maker 5T fair? Let’s find out.

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.

8 November 201622 November 2016AudioBy Jason Maxfield

Cooler Master MasterPulse Pro Headset Review

In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I’ll be putting the Cooler Master MasterPulse Pro corded USB gaming headset head-to-head with the Corsair Void Surround headset. Both headsets feature 7.1 virtual surround sound. How will the MasterPulse Pro stack up? Let’s find out.

24 October 201625 February 2018CasesBy Meng Vang

NZXT S340 Elite ATX Case Review

The NZXT S340 Elite computer case expands from the original S340 with its improved cable management system, VR capabilities, and a large tempered glass side panel. Because the Elite is geared towards VR, extra USB ports with an HDMI port are located on the front. Included with the S340 Elite is a magnetic cable management puck to store VR or audio headsets for easy access. A side mounted bracket for a 2.5″ SSD is located on the side of the power supply housing and the tempered glass side panel can show off the internal components. Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the NZXT S340 Elite in Matte Black.

24 October 201622 November 2016AccessoriesBy David Ramsey

Archeer Foldable Solar Charger Review

So, maybe you’re an avid outdoors person, or just an occasional camper. Perhaps you just want to dip your toe into solar power generation, or ensure there’s a way to charge your phone during a power outage. Well, Archeer has something for you: an inexpensive, folding solar charger, the Archeer AR-SC-21, that purports to be able to charge up to two USB-chargeable devices at 1.8 amps each. Benchmark Reviews will check out this charger to see if it can live up to its claims.

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.

11 October 201622 November 2016ReviewsBy Olin Coles

ARCHEER QC 2.0 Car Charger USB Adapter Review

Practically every vehicle has a 12V cigarette lighter receptacle, but most lack sufficient USB power outlets. That’s where Archeer car chargers come in, utilizing Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology on adapters with as many as three USB ports and power output up to 5 volts/3.0 amps. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test a pair of Archeer QC 2.0 chargers for fast-charge functionality while on a week-long road trip.

6 October 201622 November 2016Headsets, AccessoriesBy Jason Maxfield

Kworld S25 Earphones Review

The S25 Elite Mobile Gaming Earphones are gold in color, have 9mm drivers, and look very similar to a bullet casing. A very stylish look that had some people turning their heads when I was wearing them out in public, as it appeared I had a couple of 9mm rounds stuffed into my ears. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I’ll be putting the Kworld S25 Elite Mobile Gaming Earphones to the test. Do these golden bullets live up to Kworld’s claims? Let’s find out…

5 October 201622 November 2016StorageBy David Ramsey

Toshiba OCZ VX500 SSD Review

Benchmark Reviews has previously tested both the budget OCZ Trion SSD and the premium OCZ RD400 m.2 PCIe SSD; the new VX500 represents the middle of Toshiba/OCZ’s SSD range. At the time of our reviews, the 512GB RD400 was $309.99 while the 480GB Trion 150 was $139.99; with a price of $154.99, the OCZ VX500 SSD is only slightly more than the budget Trion 150 (whose price has since dropped), but it’s still much less expensive than the RD400. Let’s see how the performance and features compare.

3 October 201622 November 2016AccessoriesBy Aidan Moore

Kingston Action Camera microSD Card Review

Action camera recordings take place in wet, dirty and extreme temperature conditions. Clearly there is a need for confidence in the reliability of the SD card recording media, and Kingston Technologies has targeted their new Action Camera SDCAC/64GB microSD card directly at this kind of usage, and thrown in high data rate recording for 4K video as well. In this article for Benchmark Reviews we’ll look at the construction and performance of the 64GB version of the Kingston SDCAC microSD and see how it performs with speed benchmark and environmental testing.

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.

9 September 201622 November 2016CoolingBy Olin Coles

MasterLiquid Pro 240 Cooler Review

Cooler Master recently announced their new MasterLiquid series of all-in-one liquid CPU coolers, built using a special “FlowOp” technology that analyzes how heat is absorbed and dissipated to construct a better cooling solution than the competition. The end result was a dual chamber design that improved the cooling performance, but also dramatically extended the product’s functional lifetime. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Pro 240 CPU cooler (MLY-D24M-A20MB-R1) to see how well it performs.

7 September 201622 November 2016StorageBy Jason Maxfield

Kingston Industrial Temperature MicroSD Review

The Kingston Industrial Temperature MicroSD card is designed specifically for harsh environments with temperature extremes, from -40C to 85C. Its high insertion rating is ideal for applications in which the card will be frequently accessed and removed from devices. On top of that, Kingston extensively tests the Industrial SD cards. Industrial Temperature MicroSD cards are water, shock, vibration, and airport x-ray proof.

7 September 201622 November 2016CasesBy Meng Vang

Lian Li PC-M25A Micro-ATX Case Review

The Lian Li PC-M25A comes in a small form factor design with support for micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. It is a server case as it has the ability to support up to seven 3.5″ HDDs; five of which are hot-swappable. Graphics cards as long as 410mm can be installed for GPU intensive applications. With a powerful graphics card, there is also room to install a standard ATX power supply. The body of the case is built from aluminum, which promotes durability and gives the case a clean look all around. Benchmark Reviews will take a look at the Lian Li PC-M25A, so let’s jump into a quick overview of this product.

30 August 201622 November 2016StorageBy David Ramsey

Transcend ESD400 Portable USB3 SSD Review

Transcend Information Inc. was founded in Taiwan in 1988, and the company prides itself on “organizing your digital life.” Their new ESD400 series of external USB SSDs is their entry into the market for portable, USB-powered SSDs that aims to replace the mature 2.5″ hard drive that’s dominated the small external drive market for years. With sequential read and write speeds both spec’d in the range of 400 megabytes per second, the rated performance of this drive is vastly better than any spinning hard drive. Benchmark Reviews checks out the 256GB version of the ESD400 in this review.