Greg Lockley takes a look at some of the latest gaming peripherals available on the market

PCR’s guide to gaming peripherals

We take a look at the latest gaming peripherals designed to boost any player’s in-game performance…

RAZER NAGA MOLTEN

SRP: £69.99

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: Effortlessly access more abilities and macros than ever before with 17 mouse buttons including the revolutionary Razer Naga thumb grid. The Razer Naga Molten Special Edition’s driver software allows you to easily organise your key binds and character abilities for any game.

SPECS: 17 fully-programmable MMO buttons, 5600dpi laser sensor, 1000Hz ultrapolling, 1ms response time, zero-acoustic ultraslick feet.

CHERRY MX-BOARD 3.0 KEYBOARD

DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech

SPECS: Removeable cable, rubber feet, Red MX modules, ‘N’ Key rollover, Win-Lock key.

THEY SAY: This keyboard’s MX series key modules have been tested to 50 million operations per key and are extensively used in gaming keyboards by many manufacturers. The keyboard also comes with an integrated metal plate and extensive anti-slip protection.

SPECS: Removeable cable, rubber feet, Red MX modules, ‘N’ Key rollover, Win-Lock key.

TRUST GXT 35 WIRELESS LASER GAMING MOUSE

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: The GXT 35 Wireless Gaming mouse is designed for gamers. This wireless mouse comes with a USB receiver and Bluetooth connection. Along with a laser sensor, the mouse has programmable buttons. A speed selection button lets you move from a 100 dpi resolution to 5,600 dpi for incredible accuracy.

SPECS: Up to 6m wireless range, onboard memory for storing profiles, 11 buttons, speed select button.

STEELSERIES SIBERIA V2

SRP: £69.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech

THEY SAY: The SteelSeries Siberia v2 full-size headset was developed in cooperation with professional gamers to ensure that the soundscape and design would meet the demand of gamers and audiophiles.

SPECS: Passive noise reduction. Invisible, uni-directional microphone. 50mm drivers. In-line volume control.

GUNNAR OPTIKS

SRP: £90

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: Gunnars increase contrast, comfort and focus while minimising eye fatigue and visual stress for anyone who spends long hours staring at digital screens. You’re the last one from your clan to log off each night. Your gaming rig cost as much as your car. A £400+ graphics card? You don’t even blink twice. Now it’s time to get the most out of your most critical piece of equipment… your eyes.

OTONE ECLIPSE 2.1 GAMING SPEAKERS

SRP: £49.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: With sweeping curves and vibrant graphics, the funky Eclipse 2.1 computer speakers integrate perfectly into the modern gaming environment.

SPECS: 40W total RMS power, 70Hz – 20KHz frequency response, two- inch satellite drivers, AC power supply.

CARBON GT RACING WHEEL

SRP: £49.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt

THEY SAY: With the Carbon GT Racing Wheel, you’ll take the curves in your stride on the PC and PlayStation 3. The non-slip racing wheel with its quick-access shifter paddles and realistic pedals makes it feel like you’re sitting behind the wheel of an actual racing car – and you’ll feel all the action in the game too.

SPECS: 1.8m USB cable, large 250 degree steering lock, precision digital d-pad and seven front buttons, four quick-access shifter paddles, realistic, non-slip pedals, force-vibration effects.

LOGITECH G600 MMO GAMING MOUSE

SRP: £69.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: With 20 buttons, the Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse is the most customisable and easy to use mouse specifically designed for mastering your favourite MMOs.

SPECS: Three memory profiles, 20 MMO-tuned buttons, G-Shift function, DPI shift button, gaming- grade laser sensor, low friction feet, 1ms response time.

CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER TACTIC 3D WRATH HEADSET

SRP: £99.99

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: Unleash the power of Sound Blaster and THX TruStudio Pro without the wires. The special edition Sound Blaster Tactic3D Wrath Wireless Headset combines the legendary Sound Blaster audio quality with a slick design, featuring illuminated ear cups, powerful 50mm Full Spectrum Speakers and a removable microphone.

SPECS: Frequency response 20Hz – 20KHz, 40-Ohm impedance, 102dB sensitivity.

QPAD 5K LE GAMING MOUSE

SRP: £75.00

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: The QPAD 5K LE is designed to fulfil the needs of gamers with the highest standards regarding both feel, precision and customisation options. Depending on the type of game you play, the features you seek from a gaming mouse will vary greatly – something the 5K LE can provide.

SPECS: 200-8200 true CPI resolution, 30G acceleration speed, 30 x 30 pixel sensor 12,000 fps, seven buttons, gold plated USB connection.

LOGITECH G710+ GAMING KEYBOARD

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: With this high- performance gaming keyboard, you can make the right moves with faster, flawless, precision. Quiet non-clicking keys with superior tactile feedback help you enter commands more rapidly – and reduce distracting noise so you can keep your ears in the game.

SPECS: High-speed and low-noise mechanical keys, adjustable dual- zone backlighting, six programmable G-keys, 110 anti-ghosting keys.

PLANTRONICS GAMECOM 780

SRP: £69.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: The Plantronics GameCom 780 USB headset with Dolby technologies transforms standard audio into a stunning 7.1 surround sound experience. The noise-cancelling microphone kills background noise so your commands are loud and clear.

SPECS: Dolby 7.1 surround sound technology, studio-quality game chat, 40mm speakers, noise cancelling microphone, USB connection.

ROXIO GAME CAPTURE HD PRO

SRP: £129.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: Capture gaming footage in HD with HDMI or component input and output. Enjoy seamless gameplay with no delays or interruption. No external power required. Stream console gameplay and commentary live directly to TwitchTV.

SPECS: Play and capture in 1080 30p/60i, stream directly to TwitchTV, video editing software included, HDMI output.

OZONE BLADE PROGRAMING KEYBOARD

SRP: £54.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt

THEY SAY: The Blade Membrane Progaming Keyboard is designed to enhance the gaming experience with its stylised and aggressive design, along with backlighted keys and other gaming.

SPECS: Multimedia gaming keyboard, dual back light, ten macro keys, five profiles, anti-ghosting capabilities.

QPAD MK-85 GAMING KEYBOARD

SRP: £110

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: Unlike your average keyboard that functions through rubber domes, forcing you to press each key all the way down in order for the stroke to register, the MK-85 feature true mechanical switches with unmatched accuracy and feel.

SPECS: Full N-key roll over, Cherry MX Red mechanical keys, individual LED back light, gold plated USB connectors, USB 2.0 ports.

QPAD QH-90 PRO GAMING HEADSET

SRP: £72.00

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: QPAD aims to broaden the experience for all gamers by bringing Hi-Fi to the gaming scene. The Hi-Fi capability of the new QPAD QH-90 will not only open a world of magical sounds for you, it also offers an advantage in many games.

SPECS: Hi-fi capable 53mm drivers, 15-25,000 Hz frequency range, detachable microphone, closed cup design, soft leather headband.

SPEEDLINK BLACK WIDOW FLIGHTSTICK

SRP: £32.49

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: A joystick for EXTREME users. This joystick was specially designed to meet high demands and offers a robust finish as well as high durability. Vibrations turn the action into a realistic experience.

SPECS: Robust and durable finish. Vibration feedback, trigger and three buttons on the stick, four large buttons on base of unit, rudder control with solid finger bar at rear of throttle lever.

RAZER TIAMAT 7.1 HEADSET

SRP: £179.99

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: The Razer Tiamat 7.1 is the world’s first circumaural gaming headset with 10 discrete drivers built- in to deliver the ultimate 7.1 Surround Sound experience. Dominate deathmatches when you can hear incoming enemy footsteps to prevent backstabs and pinpoint enemy locations through gunfire with absolute precision.

SPECS: 7.1 surround sound, all-in- one volume control, comfortable fit, noise-filtering microphone, interchangeable ear cup covers.

ROCCAT KONE MOUSE

SRP: £79.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt

THEY SAY: The XTD is powered by an astounding performance package loaded with the latest 8200 DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor, a commanding 32-bit Turbo Core V2 72MHz ARM MCU processor, and the most advanced Tracking and Distance Control Unit around – all working in clockwork unison to deliver world- beating battle ability.

SPECS: 576kb on-board memory, clip-in weight system, easy-shift duplicator button, four LED light system, eight mouse buttons and 4D wheel, adjustable dpi between 200 and 8200.

RAZER BLACKWIDOW ULTIMATE

SRP: £124.99

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: The Razer BlackWidow’s mechanical key technology provides a distinctive tactile feedback in form of a light pronounced tap to your fingers giving you an entirely new feel on your keyboard.

SPECS: Full mechanical keys, 50g actuation force, individually backlit keys, five levels of lighting, 1000Hz ultrapolling, 1ms response time, macro recording, Razer Synapse 2.0.

CYBORG R.A.T. 7 GAMING MOUSE 5600DPI

SRP: £69.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech

THEY SAY: Play to win with the R.A.T. 7. Uncompromising, unparalleled, and unmatched, the R.A.T. 7 helps you play like the pros, combining state-of-the-art technology with a jaw-dropping array of customizable features to produce the next step in the evolution of the mouse.

SPECS: Braided USB cable, 25 – 5600DPI range, five buttons, custom weight design.

STEELSERIES APEX RAW GAMING KEYBOARD

SRP: £59.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution

THEY SAY: The SteelSeries Apex RAW is a sleek, low profile gaming keyboard, which is designed for quick reflexes. It features low profile, low action keys, whilst its raised macro keys above the F keys enable you to slide your finger from the macro key down to the F key for fast key combinations.

SPECS: Low profile keys, fast response time, ergonomically elevated F and macro keys, one colour backlighting, 15 macro keys.

THERMALTAKE LEVEL 10M TTESPORTS GAMING MOUSE

THEY SAY: The Level 10 M Mouse is a programmable gaming mouse customisable to any gamer’s needs. Specifically, the Z key can be programed to switch up to five gaming profiles. Other features such as the polling rate and the seven lighting-effect colours make the Level 10 M Mouse an ideal mouse for pro- gaming.

SPECS: 8200 DPI sensor, seven buttons, 128kb memory, eleven game profiles, customisable lighting effects.

THRUSTMASTER FERRARI CHALLENGE RACING WHEEL

SRP: £20.28

DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech

THEY SAY: The Thrustmaster Ferrari Racing Wheel is a five-in-one racing wheel that sports a central attachment system, which offers optimum stability and two Ferrari style digital gears. The progressive pedal assembly has a footrest for comfortable and precise braking and acceleration.

SPECS: Adjustable steering sensitivity, automatic re-centering, fully programmable with ‘Mapping’ function, wheel-mounted sequential gearbox, D-pad and 12 action buttons, two progressive pedals for precise acceleration and braking.

TURTLE BEACH Z SEVEN ESPORTS HEADSET

SRP: £229.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Turtle Beach

THEY SAY: The Ear Force Z SEVEN is a professional tournament grade gaming headset for the PC that is licensed and endorsed by Major League Gaming. It features 50mm speakers, surround sound via USB and a fully programmable digital signal processor.

SPECS: Programmable control unit, customisable presets, true 5.1 surround sound, sonic silencers, ear guard, adjustable sound angles, interchangeable speaker plates.

VEHO WIRELESS GAMING KEYBOARD

SRP: £89.95

DISTRIBUTOR: Westcoast

THEY SAY: The Air Keyboard Gamer is not just a wireless keyboard; it’s also a gyro mouse and wireless gamepad. With Air Keyboard Gamer, you have all the tools you need and it will be a perfect match with your HTPC and PC games.

SPECS: User definable hot keys, motion sensing air mouse, ergonomic gamepad, mini USB connection, HTPC supported.

SENNHEISER PC 360 EAR-CUP GAMING HEADSET

SRP: £179.99

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: The PC 360 features our “Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement” design, developed for high-end hi-fi headsets to channel audio signals directly into your ears. But it’s the open acoustics and intuitive controls that will really get your pulse racing.

SPECS: Open design, hi-fi sound, ultra-comfortable design, noise cancelling clarity, 15 – 28,000Hz frequency response, 50-ohm impedance.

XEOX PRO ANALOGUE WIRELESS PC GAMEPAD

SRP: £39.99

DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt

THEY SAY: The perfect synthesis of comfort, convenience and outstanding precision: the XEOX Pro Analogue Gamepad gives you a decisive tactical advantage thanks to its ultra-precise, ergonomically- positioned left stick – for professional analogue gaming on the PC.

SPECS: Rubberised non-slip coating, rapid and auto-fire functions, integrated li-polymer battery, 10m range, eight-way d-pad, eight front buttons.

CREATIVE FATAL1TY GAMING HEADSET

SRP: £39.99

DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers

THEY SAY: Creative’s Fatal1ty Gamer Headset provides power, precision and comfort for the serious gamer. The ergonomic, lightweight design, with padded velvet earpieces and headband, ensures a comfortable fit during extended gaming sessions.

SPECS: Ergonomically designed for gaming, padded headband. Swivel joint earpiece, detachable noise- cancelling microphone, in-line volume control.

CONTACTS

Beyond Technologies:

01952 916600

Entatech:

0333 101 1000

Gem Distribution:

01279 822 822

J&J Associates:

01752 336465

Meroncourt:

01462 680060

Turtle Beach:

0191 230 6650

VIP Computers:

0871 622 7500

Westcoast:

0118 912 6000

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