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

Mouse: Logitech MX518 Mouse

Cost: $39
Months on list: 2
Price Change: $0

The choice of a mouse and keyboard combination can make or break any otherwise good gaming system. The primary user interface (mouse, keyboard, and other controllers) should be as transparent as possible, and not hinder the ability to do otherwise simple tasks. As a corded mouse, the Logitech MX518 offers a killer combo of zero lag and extreme precision. The MX518 is also geared directly toward gamers, and offers features specifically for this segment, such as on the fly sensitivity adjustments and ultra high precision.

As one of the best gaming mouse controllers 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. Priced at an affordable $39, the MX518 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 optical 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: $18
Months on list: 20
Price Change: +$1

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 is available for about $18 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.