September High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech MX1000 Cordless Mouse

Cost: $70
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Controller interaction is an integral part of the computing experience, and whichever device offers the most transparent and consistent link between the user and the computer is the best choice. This is one reason why we place a lot of emphasis on our choice of gaming mouse, and why we are moving to the Logitech MX1000 Cordless laser mouse as our top pick. Sporting a new laser that, unlike optical, can track to a much finer precision (up to 20x) on just about any surface, this is a much better gaming mouse than the MX700 we recommended in past guides. The MX1000 Cordless mouse feels much like the MX700 and offers a number of buttons that make navigate much more efficiently. The MX1000 has a built-in lithium-ion battery that can be recharged through a convenient base station, just like the MX700. Its only vice is the price tag, and at $70 the MX1000 not cheap, but certainly worth every penny.

Make sure you have a proper mousing surface with an optical mouse. These mice track best on darker non-solid color surfaces, especially checkered or rough patterns, and a black matte or wood grain finish is the best bet for an optical mouse. Mouse pads from fUnc, Ratpadz, or Everglide are your best bet.

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard OEM

Cost: $21
Months on list: 15
Price Change: -$2

We have been using split design keyboards for years here at SE, and with good reason. This type of keyboard is more ergonomic and much more comfortable than standard models, as these allow your hand to rest in a natural position. The only viable choice in natural style keyboards has been Microsoft, and as a result we have been recommending the Natural Multimedia Keyboard. The OEM version can be found for about $21 online with a similar hardware purchase making it a great bargain.

Some would rather use a standard keyboard, and that is understandable. For you we recommend the Microsoft Multimedia keyboard. Microsoft keyboards are our favorites, and we have been using them for quite some time without incident.