Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Logitech G700s Review

Hullo!
What's going on guys, I'm back again with the review of my new Logitech G700s. This is the 2nd mouse I've reviewed and very I'm excited about it. I hope you enjoy reading this review "Beam Style" as much as I enjoy writing it!
edit: if you don't bother reading all these, feel free to watch my review of it on youtube.. Link here (new one!)

Out of The Box

Unlike Razer's Packaging, Logitech's wasn't so "classy" meaning that the unboxing was simple... or not? Unlike many mouse unboxings, instead of opening from the top, you just simply pull the whole thing out from the case (when you open from the front). Everything will be in there; the mouse, the charger, the mini receiver (1000 Hz) which is real small, so make sure you don't lose it, and a receiver extension cable to extend the range of the receiver in case you're using the mouse from a PC, not a laptop. Along with those, there's also a quick startup guide, the intros to where to get the driver software installation, and other legal stuff. To my disappointment, there's no carrying case despite it being a wireless mouse. But apart from that, simple, easy to take out packaging is good.
At first it was an Eneloop.. really.
At first it was an Eneloop battery.. Moving from that to the mouse itself, it comes with an Eneloop battery which really impresses me, but I did change it later for better battery capacity for extended battery life. Next to the battery, there's an empty slot which I found out to be the slot that the receiver will fit in snugly for portability and ease of transportation (you'll know what I mean from the image...). The Logitech G700s is a successor of it's old version; the G700. The changes, to my opinion, are very minor (though I don't own a G700, I did some research). Some noticeable changes are: the new "Hydrophobic" coating on the mouse which repels sweat and water. the ergonomic thumb rest and pinkie rest is coating with some kind of "grip" which I somewhat felt that it's sandpaper... But it repels sweat and easier to clean than normal rubber... though not the most comfortable thing ever... It uses a "Gaming Grade" Laser sensor for more accuracy and less acceleration speed. Depending on one's taste, you may or may not like it... for me, it makes no difference because I never game above 2,400 DPI with acceleration... 

Fits in snugly.. :D

Day 1

When I started using it, I'm not fond with the Logitech Gaming Software, so there were some difficulties setting up stuff for all the "G" keys. The major issue was the left click responds as a right, and the right wasn't working. This happens occasionally for the first few day. This is fixed by temporarily by taking out the battery out and putting it back (reset maybe..?) And successfully solved by re-installing Logitech gaming software. Then all was good. Although the tactile response from the "G" keys were very very very very minor if not noticeable at all... But after a few weeks of usage, you will be able to feel it. By minor I mean no sound (the 'click' sound) produced from clicking; unlike the DeathAdder's 'clickey clicks' from their 'hyper-response' buttons. The G700s consists of 13 buttons altogether; 4 on the thumb side, the left, right, scroll wheel, scroll click, scroll tilt buttons, middle buttons, 3 left-side-of-the-left-click-buttons, and a Logitech exclusive 2 function scroll wheel lock which changes a normal "clickey" scrolling to free spin and vice versa. It's actually too may buttons for me to use... but I managed to find a use for all keys afterwards. The ergonomic right hand design, although from the first look looks uncomfortable and more left-handed, it felt really comfortable. The weight, however is pretty heavy but pretty much unavoidable because the body itself is pretty light, but the battery added most of the  weight. Moving on to the wireless receiver, it served really well and the signal range is impressively far and the response is very fast. The thing that bugs me most is the charger/information transfer cable. It is very stiff and hard and bulky and not so flexible, and most of all.. it's rubber; the one used on HDMI-ish cables... but not that big of an issue for me because I don't really charge when gaming. I prefer to charge overnight or when I'm not using it.
Mini Signal reciever... so kawaii!

Care and Maintenance

Since it's a mouse, you'll touch it a lot, which means that there might be lots of germs, sweat and oil. I advise you guys to clean it with micro-fiber cloth (the one you use on mobile phones, glass lens, etc...) to clean it once in a while. And when not using for a long time, store it in a bag along with the mini receiver stowed away in the slot provided in the slot provided to keep away the dust and dirt.

Until now...

Until today, after owning for nearly a month, everything's great and after the apocalyptic bug on my mouse, evverythign is fine. The charging, I managed to get over it by wrapping around the neck of my headset hanger. Although still stiff. The battery is really durable, I left it on for over 3 days and well, only some of the battery consumed.

Summary

Pros: Ergonomic, Durable, Wireless, Rechargeable, small receiver ideal for laptops, 2 function scroll, lots of keys for media, gaming, etc...
Cons: Somewhat ugly, sandpaper-ish side grips, heavy, no carrying case, stiff recharging cable.

Wrapping up, this mouse has lots of buttons, non-fancy look, nice wireless systems but bad charging cable. Good ergonomics but not that good side grips. High-end and durable batteries included are also good. And the best of all, it's Logitech! It's SUPER DURABLE! *mumbles* Not like some mouse I've reviewed previously... 

Should I buy it..?

This is a great mouse if you're into quality and durability, not design and awesomeness in terms of look and flashy light. This is one ideal mouse if you're looking for a 'truly wireless' mouse in my terms, meaning that it is really portable and could be carried anywhere, especially if you're a laptop gamer... like me.

Score + Rating

For me, I'd give it 8.65/10. 0.5 deducted from the design, another 0.5 from the charging cable, 0.25 from the sandpaper side grips, and 0.1 from no carrying case.

Can't tell who wins... But I think Logitech PWN'ed it on performance.
Well, that's pretty much it guys, if you have any questions for me, feel free to leave a comment below and I'll reply ASAP.

Until next time, stay healthy and game hard.
BeamS.


Razer Electra Headphone/Headset Review

Hello! Long time no see!
Thanks for your support to my blog all along.. I'm back and running now. Today, I'll write a review of my Razer Electra...
Which I'm currently wearing right now! Time to review it "Beam's Style"!
Edit: see the Unboxing of it here: http://youtu.be/n3DLaVXq0cA
See the review of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmBB9zsLigs

Out of the box

Well,  as anyone... or any Razer fans will know, the packaging of any Razer product is... wow. So awesome, so sleek and so cool. You can see the unboxing of the Razer Electra HERE from Unboxholics. The unboxing process took me about 15 minutes and a few tearing... But everything is intact including the headphone/headset itself. The things included in the packaging are: The headphone/headset, 2 cables; one with a mic and another without. Razer's "welcome to the cult" note, quick start guide, and of course, everyone's favorite: the sticker. Unfortunately, There's no carrying case included whatsoever.... :(. The headphone/headset itself, unlike the Razer Kraken Pro, this headphone/headset's shape is somewhat rectangle/trapezoid-ish kinda shape... you'll know what I mean later. This headphone/headset has a black matte finish which looks really sleek and virtually finger print free. The headband at the top is eye-bleeding neon green which says "Razer" at the top. Which could draw attention to you across the room.. but not really as attractive in color as the Kraken, but the Electra sure looks more formal and sleek. 
the headband

The two cables and the logo

Day 1

The first time I tested it, I had to compare it with the Razer Kraken (my friend's Kraken 7.1) and well, the Electra PWN'ed the Kraken in the aspects of mids and high... considerably clearer and vocals and small details like whistles in songs could be heard easily from the Electra, but not the Kraken 7.1 nor Hammerhead Pro. You guys might start questioning me since the title why do I call it a "Headphone/Headset". Why? Because this Headphone/Headset has interchangeable cable! One for Audio only, another for audio and mic combined... I still dunno why though :/. This headset has a 40 mm Neodymium driver meaning that the bass response is good but the mids and highs aren't drowned by these traits. Gold plated 3.5 mm connectors and soft foamy ear cushions also add up the awesomeness of this ... I'll call it Headset. The bass response it really good, especially when you listen to those small footprint sounds and when used with Razer Surround programs, creates the awesome 7.1 surround headset in everyone's dream for only 60 bucks. Very nice for the Price.
Great for music and gaming.

Features

- 40 mm Neodymium magnet which gives off the awesome bass quality
- Green rubber round large cable which isn't so durable but the signals and stuff is pretty neat
- Matte plastic body and foamy leatherette padding with the Green Razer logo on each side, Razer neon green headband which is very cool and comfy but might get muggy in your ears if wore for long period with temperature more than 27C (Thailand... for example)
- Omnidirectional in line mic. which kinda sucks but doesn't look awkward when you're calling/ talking via phone outside.
- Not that good noise isolation... (Similar but poorer noise isolation than the Beats Studio without the active noise cancelling).
-2.0 stereo but up-gradable to 7.1 surround with the help of Razer Surround.
a wider view.


Caring and Maintenance

Nope.. no need to maintain anything.. just don't rip the leatherette padding and the headband... Beam's advice: go buy a hard carrying case! And remember... water and moist are a NO for leather. and they also stink over time if kept in high humidity. And maybe get a headset stand to preserve the foamy-ness of the headband. Maybe make one.. if you really want to.. like me; I made mine from PVC tubes with sponge cusion so I don't leave a dent on the headset when hung on for long periods.
Da mighty PVC headset stand.

Fold-able but still no case...


Until Now...

Until now, this headset have served me very well, both when playing music and gaming. For music, every single note and the small details was picked up, thumping bass but clear mids and highs. For gaming, with the Razer's 7.1 software, this is the beast and the beauty everyone fears and love at the same time. Personally, I think this headset is even better than the Beats Studio since I have tried one already I think it is better in terms of price (yes... nearly 5 times cheaper) and the durability, but it loses the Studio in terms of noise isolation and the brand awesomeness when you wear it around.
this is me.... :P Just to show the size of the headset.

Summary + Score

This headset is good for both hardcore gamers and audiophile. I think it is a very great bargain if you want high-end headphones or a decent price... but if you want the awesomeness and the better looks, I do recommend the Razer Adaro Stereos. They look a lot better and more portable. But still... 0.5 points taken from NO CARRYING CASE I could pay 10 more bucks  if Razer included a carrying case in here.... :)
Pros: Awesome bass, cool design, clear mids and high, low price, both for audiophile and hardcore gamers
Cons: Not that good noise isolation, somewhat big and bulky, round cable (don't know what I expected...)

Should I buy it?

If you ask me, I'd say yes especially if you're a hybrid of gamer and audiophile... like me. But if you want a more portable headphone but costs more and doesn't have a microphone, try the Razer adaro stereos, they're neat looking and cheaper than Beats, even the solo, or the UrBeats.

Score Rating

I'd give it 9/10 0.75 point taken from the bulky design and another 0.25 from no carrying case. Very cheap, plastic, but looks cool and luxury. I very very recommend this.


Thank you so much for reading this article. I hope you enjoy it, please leave a comment below if you have anything to say, or recommend me another gaming gear review or maybe a tutorial on how to make the headset stand? :) Again, thank you so much guys, you rock! The next review which might be out in 3 weeks is the Logitech G700s Wireless gaming mouse review!

Until next time, stay healthy and game hard!
BeamS.