July 2005 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech MX518 Mouse

Cost: $39
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Being gamers here at SE, we are firm believers that a good mouse and keyboard combo can make or break an otherwise superb gaming system. The user's interface (mouse, keyboard and other controllers) should be as transparent as possible, and not hinder the ability to do otherwise simple tasks. Lacking the cordless transceiver of the MX1000 we recommended in the last edition of this guide, the Logitech MX518 enjoys zero lag as it is directly connected via USB. Geared directly toward the gamer, the MX518 offers a number of features that gamers can enjoy, such as on the fly sensitivity adjustments and high precision to name a few.

One of the best gaming mice on the market, the Logitech MX518 features a high 1600-dpi resolution, a 5.8 megapixel sensor, and on the fly sensitivity adjustments, all of which set it apart from other performance mouse controllers on the market. Its $39 retail price also means that it certainly won't break the bank, while its features and performance make it a great choice for our high-end gaming system.

Make sure you have a proper mousing surface with an optical mouse. Although the laser sensor improves tracking, you will still have the best luck on darker non-solid color surfaces, especially checkered or rough patterns, and specialized mouse pads from fUnc, Ratpadz, or Everglide are a good bet.

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard OEM

Cost: $17
Months on list: 19
Price Change: -$4

Here at SE we have been using split design keyboards for years, and with good reason. Split design keyboards are much more comfortable and ergonomic than standard keyboards, as they allow your hands to rest in their natural curved position while typing. The only viable and economic choice for natural style keyboards has long been Microsoft, and the result has been a recommendation for the Natural Multimedia Keyboard. An OEM version of the keyboard can be found for about $17 online with an accompanying hardware purchase.

Some would rather use a standard keyboard, and for that, we recommend the updated Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard. It has all the same functions and features as the basic Microsoft Multimedia keyboard it replaced, but adds a few new wrinkles such as a zoom slider, additional customizable buttons and an eye-catching design. It's only priced a few dollars higher than the Multimedia Natural Keyboard, and is a solid choice for those with more conventional tastes.