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

Mouse: Logitech G5 Laser Mouse

Cost: $53
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The choice of a mouse and keyboard combination has the potential to make or break an otherwise prime gaming system. The main user interface (mouse, keyboard, and other controllers) should be as transparent as possible, and not hinder the ability to perform any task. Currently, our favorite-corded mouse is without a doubt the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse.

Geared toward the gamer, this mouse has one of the best laser sensors on the market, which guarantees that you will never miss a beat, no matter how intense the action gets. The mouse touts an incredibly fine 2000 dip laser sensor, full-speed USB support, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mouse feet, on-the-fly sensitivity switching, and a set of adjustable weights. The G5 is by far the most impressive mouse we have ever used, and at only $53, it is a perfect fit to this guide.

Make sure you have a proper mousing surface with an optical/laser mouse. Although the 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: $14
Months on list: 21
Price Change: -$4

Here at SE we have been using split design keyboards for years, and with good reason. Split design models 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 been Microsoft, and the result has been a recommendation for the Natural Multimedia Keyboard. An OEM version of the keyboard is available for about $14 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.