Beantown Review

Boston's Digital Lifestyle & Consumer Tech Site

  • Technology
    • For the Home
    • Computing
      • Hardware
      • Software
    • Automotive Tech
  • Sight & Sound
    • HDTV, 4K & Beyond
      • For Your Eyes Only
    • Hear This
      • Headphones
      • Speakers
    • Lights, Camera
  • Mobility
    • Apps
    • Phones & Phablets
    • Case Protection
    • Laptops
    • Wearables
    • Apparel & Bags
  • Beantown Gaming
    • Consoles
    • Gaming Hardware
    • Game Reviews
  • Entertainment
    • The Interviews
    • Blu-Ray Releases
    • Film Reviews
    • Digital Hollywood
      • Cable TV
      • Network TV
      • Streaming Services
    • Kool Stuff
    • Ping Pong Time
    • Toying Around
  • Lifestyle
    • Clothing
  • Giveaways
You are here: Home / 2016 / Archives for March 2016

Archives for March 2016

Review: Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

03/10/2016 By Hakan Can

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo review

There’s one thing all PC Gamers can agree on, and that’s PC Gaming is not cheap! It’s especially true if you want a decent system. For the millions of you who indulge in this hobby, activity, or career, you already know this. For those of you who aren’t gamers, allow me to indulge you. Let’s begin building a gaming PC.  If I summed up the cost of a Nvidia GTX970 (or greater) graphics card, an Intel Core I7 CPU, a 480GB SSD, and 32GB of DDR4 RAM, you’re looking at a starting price close to $1K. And as you know, there’s more to a system that this. It won’t be long before you appreciate what Tt esports has to offer. Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this (Red Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo review.

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

Image Credit: Thermaltake Technology Co.

Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo Review

It’s no surprise so many gamers stick with a gaming console like Microsoft’s Xbox One S or Sony’s PlayStation 4. They’re a fraction of the price, at least, 2-3x less expensive when compared to a PC system.

If you’re anything like me, the components we choose last are the following: keyboard, mouse, and headphones.

This is mainly because we think about the internal hardware first, external hardware second. Plus, there’s the issue of going over budget after purchasing the aforementioned internal hardware.

Purchasing an amazing keyboard and mouse can collectively set a gamer back close to $200. Toss in an amazing headset and you’re now looking at $300 or more. Sometimes, we get lucky and catch a sale. We can thank the retailers, like Best Buy and others, for Black Friday (and real holiday) sales to lessen the blow to our wallets.

Fortunately, when it comes to the Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo, we don’t have to wait for a great price on a keyboard and mouse. It lists for $30 all year long. Now, don’t go reaching for Q-tips to unblock those ears. You heard me correctly the first time, it lists for $30, sometimes selling for less on the above-mentioned holidays.

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo
Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

Design, Features, and Layout of the Commander Keyboard

The Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo (Red Light) keyboard itself is beautiful, with a unique aesthetic that I haven’t seen before. The keys themselves have a rubber coating which gives the keyboard a finished feel. There’s a nice contrast going on here with the polished keys versus the matte finish of the keyboard chassis. Did I forget to mention the chassis metal-like edges?

The keys when pressed give an audible click, which to me is quite satisfying. The Tt Type II plunger switches provide a mechanical tactile feel. These plunger switches provide the benefits many (mechanical) gaming keyboards have these days. Keystroke lifecycle is 15 Million. Caps are replaceable.

The bottom row of the keyboard has larger keys than the rest of the board. This is something you don’t see all that often and takes a little getting used to.

The 104-key full-size keyboard is fully backlit with a lush red color. It has 5 brightness levels: Off, ¼, ½, ¾, and fully lit. It also has 2 different light settings: a slow pulse mode and continuous light. If red is not your color of choice, there’s a (Blue Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo available. Neither the blue or red light Commander keyboard options change color. Don’t fret. There’s a blue-red-purple color changing option available. It’s the (Multi Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo and it lists for $35.

The Commander keyboard comes with a non-detachable 6 Foot (1.8 Meter) long cable which connects via a single USB port. The cable is of a braided design and quite sturdy.

Drain holes are included in the Commander keyboard to minimize damage from liquid spills getting inside the chassis. Nonetheless, I don’t recommend testing it.

Read:   Trident Introduces Two New Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Cases

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

Graphics Credit: Thermaltake Technology Co.

The keyboard comes with its own shortcuts via 16 special “Fn” buttons. These shortcuts are to the calculator, an internet browser, email, media player controls, and brightness. One of these 16 shortcuts is (Fn + W) that switches WASD to the arrow keys and vice versa. Another is (Fn + Q) which adjusts the repeat rate. There’s a 17th shortcut (Fn + Win) to lock out the entire keyboard from input in the event you want to clean and/or vacuum it.

Specifications of the Commander Keyboard

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

Graphics Credit: Thermaltake Technology Co.

The keyboard does not come with special software, so it is not programmable. There are no macro keys or game profiles. These two feature sets are available on many higher-end Tt eSports keyboards.

Read:   Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

Design, Features, and Layout of the Commander Mouse

The Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo mouse is equally as beautiful as its keyboard counterpart. Like the keyboard, the mouse lights up red. It has a cool design with a rubberized top and plastic sides. It comes with 4 customizable DPI (some say CPI) settings: 800, 1200, 1800 and 2400. The DPI button is located top and center on the mouse. In front of the DPI button is the tire-treaded scroll wheel.

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

Graphics Credit: Thermaltake Technology Co.

In addition to top left and right buttons, the mouse has two thumb buttons on its left side. While the mouse fits comfortably in my hand, it’s a little on the small side. The mouse is not a weight-in design. The mouse was tested on a laminated wood surface, and it operated as designed.

If red is not your color of choice, there’s the earlier mentioned (Blue Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo. Neither the blue nor the red light mouse change color. For the blue-red-purple color changing option, you’ll want the previously mentioned (Multi Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo.

Specifications of the Commander Mouse

Tt eSports Commander Gaming Gear Combo

Graphics Credit: Thermaltake Technology Co.

The mouse is not programmable. There are no macro keys or game profiles. These two feature sets are available on many higher-end Tt esports mice.

Read:   Patriot Viper 4 DDR4 Series RAM - 64GB & 128GB Kits

A Little Nitpicking

The keyboard works well in both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. However, the mouse doesn’t work in USB 3.0, which is a bit odd. Another issue is the mouse occasionally stops functioning for about 3 seconds, then fixes itself, leaving you stranded in a video game. While it doesn’t occur frequently, it definitely happens.

My main complaint is when the computer is turned off. The keyboard lights shut off, but the mouse lights do not. My computer is in my bedroom and I can’t sleep with any lights on. So I have to reach behind the computer and unplug the darn thing. Then, plug it back in every morning.

Final Thoughts on a Budget-Friendly Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Whoever said a great keyboard and mouse combo had to cost $100 or more was definitely wrong here. Even with the minor issues mentioned above, we were and continue to be pleased with the (Red Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo. They’ve put together a great budget-minded keyboard and mouse combo full of mid-level features.

 

You can purchase the (Red Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo from a variety of sellers such as Amazon and Thermaltake’s own store. Amazon currently charges $30 for this combo. Tt esports offers a wide range of gaming keyboards, mice, and more for all types of users across multiple price points.

Tt esports has put together a great budget-minded keyboard and mouse combo full of mid-level features. Click To Tweet

What do you think of this (Red Light) Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Tt esports on Twitter
• Follow Tt esports on Facebook
• Follow Tt esports on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Tt esports homepage to see their current line-up of products. The Tt esports Commander Gaming Gear Combo comes with a 2-Year Warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, click on this link. If you’re in need of accessories such as metal cap sets or backpacks, click on the link.

 

This review was co-written with my nephew Zachary who tested and later kept the keyboard and mouse combo.

FTC Disclosure: Thermaltake Technology Co. did not provide Beantown LLC with any product for review purposes. We purchased it ourselves. Our writers opinions are 100% their own.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Thermaltake Technology Co. and/or Beantown LLC.

Read:   Silicon Valley Season 2 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware Tagged With: Gaming, gaming keyboard, gaming m, Thermaltake, tT eSports 08/20/2017

Trident Case Introduces Two New LG G5 Cases

03/04/2016 By Hakan Can

Trident LG G5 Case

Eleven days ago at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Catalonia Spain, the folks at LG Electronics introduced their latest flagship mobile phone series–the LG G5. Within a day, a handful of case manufacturers followed suit and introduced new products of their own for use with the latest model. Of these, we at Beantown have our favorites, and among them, comes the latest from Trident Case. So without further adieu, we’d like to introduce to you, the newest two Trident LG G5 case designs.

Trident LG G5 Case

Updated Dec 2016. As part of Trident Case’s holiday campaign, everything site wide is 40% off, plus free shipping with Coupon Code Holiday40. If interested, act quickly as this discount only lasts through December 31, 2016.

New Trident LG G5 Case Models

Last week, Trident Case introduced two models for the upcoming LG G5: Aegis Pro and Krios. Each model is geared toward a different user.

The Krios dual case is aimed at those who like a clean, clear looking mobile phone. It takes a minimalist design approach to protection, which is just fine for many of us.

The Aegis Pro series case is geared towards those who want (and likely need) some ruggedness when it comes to case protection. It also adds some color in the palm of your hand.

Read:   Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

The Stylish and Durable Aegis Pro

The Aegis case line has been around since August 2013 when it was first introduced for no less than 100 mobile products. It wasn’t until September 2015 when we consumers were introduced to the first Aegis Pro case. Although there have been some 200 models in the Aegis line, the Aegis Pro line exists for only 5 mobile phones: the Apple 6/6S, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge.

The construction of this Aegis Pro case is very much like that for Apple’s iPhone 6/6S. The ruggedness is intact. The Military standards (shown below) for drop and vibrations are intact. The polycarbonate and a thermoplastic elastomer construction are intact.

The same cannot be said when compared to the Aegis case for the LG G4. The G4 case is noticeably different than the current Aegis Pro G5 model. Although materials of construction are the same, the actual construction is not. Angled corners have been replaced with rounded edges. The somewhat-squarish look has been replaced with a smooth, modern one. Plus, the color schemes have improved. In our opinion, the new case is much better looking than its predecessor.

Worried about the Aegis Pro’s ruggedness? Don’t be. Just look at the passed military standards of this case:

  • Drop (Mil-STD-810F, Method 516.5) – 26 drops onto concrete from 4 feet.
  • Vibration (Mil-STD-810F, Method 514.5) from 20-2000Hz across 3 different axes for a total of 18 hours.
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case
  • Trident LG G5 Case

Features of the Aegis Pro Case include the following:

  • Drop protection of 4′ per MIL-Standard.
  • Hardened bio-enhanced Polycarbonate shell construction.
  • Shock-absorbing Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) interior construction.
  • Textured and padded interior.
  • Dust and moisture filters via waterproof meshing.
  • Power and audio ports protection.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Aegis Pro Series™ cases are available for pre-order now with a starting ship date of March 28. The series come in 3 unique colors: black, bubblegum pink, and classic blue, and list for $29.99. The blue and pink versions are softer, less colorful than those offered for the G4.

Read:   Review: The House of Marley Smile Jamaica Earbuds
[Tweet “Worried about the Aegis Pro’s ruggedness? Don’t be. Just look at the passed military standards of this case.”]

The Clear-As-Day Krios Dual Case

The Krios case line has been around since November 2014 when it was first introduced for the Apple iPhone 6. It wasn’t until 5 months later in March 2015 when we consumers started to see clear versions of the Krios case. These Krios Gel cases were designed for then-current Samsung products only. Twenty models later, it’s February 2016 and 3 more Krios models are introduced, two for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, with the 3rd going to the LG G5.

When comparing this Krios Dual case against the Gel case, you’ll notice similarities like the thin, lightweight design, and the use of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material. You’ll also notice differences such as the smooth surface on the Krios Dual case whereas each Gel case has a textured interior grip. There’s also a slight increase in price with the Trident LG G5 case model.

Trident LG G5 Case
Trident LG G5 Case
Trident LG G5 Case

Features of the Krios Dual Case include the following:

  • Impact-resistant outer body.
  • Clear, hardened bio-enhanced polycarbonate body.
  • Clear Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) shock-absorbing edges.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Lightweight protection.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Krios Series™ Dual case is available now and lists for $19.99.

Read:   Trident Introduces Two New Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Cases

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen above, Trident Case has a bit of everything to offer to all.

If Trident Case’s offering match your needs, you may want to order a case today. As mentioned above, they’re offering a 40% off deal, plus free shipping with Coupon Code Holiday40. If interested, act quickly as this discount only lasts through December 31, 2016.

To see the latest on the Trident Case LG G5 case lines, click here. Feel free to follow Trident Case on Twitter and Facebook as well as this blog on Twitter and Facebook.

All photos and video are courtesy and property of PR PhotoNews/LG/Trident Case.

Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

Filed Under: Case Protection Tagged With: Aegis Pro, Krios, LG G5, Trident Case 12/05/2016

Trident Introduces Two New Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Cases

03/03/2016 By Hakan Can

Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge case

Ten days ago at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Catalonia Spain, the folks at Samsung Mobile introduced what are arguably the greatest mobile phones created thus far–the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Within a day, and by no means a coincidence, nearly a dozen case manufacturers followed suit and introduced new products of their own for use with Samsung Mobile’s latest creations. Of these, we at Beantown have our favorites, and among them, comes the latest from Trident Case. So without further adieu, we’d like to introduce to you, the newest two Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge case designs.

Updated Dec 2016. As part of Trident Case’s holiday campaign, everything site wide is 40% off, plus free shipping with Coupon Code Holiday40. If interested, act quickly as this discount only lasts through December 31, 2016.

New Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Case Models

Last week, Trident Case introduced 2 models for the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge: Aegis Pro and Krios. Each model is geared toward a different user.

The Krios dual case is aimed at those who like a clean, clear looking mobile phone. It takes a minimalist design approach to protection, which is just fine for many of us.

The Aegis Pro series case is geared towards those who want (and likely need) some ruggedness when it comes to case protection. It also adds some color in the palm of your hand.

Read:   Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

The Stylish and Durable Aegis Pro

The Aegis case line has been around since August 2013 when it was first introduced for no less than 100 mobile products. It wasn’t until September 2015 when we consumers were introduced to the first Aegis Pro case. Although there are some 200 models now in the Aegis line, the Aegis Pro line exists for only 5 mobile phones: the Apple 6/6S, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge.

The construction of this Aegis Pro case is very much like that for Apple’s iPhone 6/6S. The ruggedness is intact. The Military standards (shown below) for drop and vibrations are intact. The polycarbonate and a thermoplastic elastomer construction are intact.

The same cannot be said when compared to the Aegis case for the Galaxy S6 Edge. The Aegis S6 Edge case is noticeably different than the current Aegis Pro S7 Edge model. Although materials of construction are the same, the actual construction is not. Angled corners have been replaced with rounded edges. The geometric look has been replaced with a modern one. Plus, the color schemes have improved.

Worried about the Aegis Pro’s ruggedness? Don’t be. Just look at the military standards this Aegis Pro case has passed:

  • Drop (Mil-STD-810F, Method 516.5) – 26 drops onto concrete from 4 feet.
  • Vibration (Mil-STD-810F, Method 514.5) from 20-2000Hz across 3 different axes for a total of 18 hours.

Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Features of the Aegis Pro Case include the following:

  • Drop protection of 4′ per MIL-Standard.
  • Hardened bio-enhanced Polycarbonate shell construction.
  • Shock-absorbing Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) interior construction.
  • Textured and padded interior.
  • Dust and moisture filters via waterproof meshing.
  • Power and audio ports protection.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Aegis Pro Series™ cases are available now. The series come in 3 unique colors: black, bubblegum pink, and classic blue, and list for $29.99. The blue and pink versions are softer, less colorful than those offered for the Galaxy S6 Edge.

Read:   Review: The House of Marley Smile Jamaica Earbuds

The Completely Transparent Dual Case Krios

The Krios case line has been around since November 2014 when it was first introduced for the Apple iPhone 6. It wasn’t until 5 months later in March 2015 when we consumers started to see clear versions of the Krios case. Back in March 2015, these Krios Gel cases were designed for the Samsung Note 5, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Twenty models later, it’s February 2016 and 3 more Krios models are introduced, one each for the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and the LG G5.

When comparing this new Krios Dual case against the Gel case, you’ll notice similarities like the thin, lightweight design, and the use of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material. You’ll also notice differences such as the smooth surface on the Krios Dual case whereas each Gel case has a textured interior grip, as well as a slight increase in price with the new Galaxy S7 Edge model.

Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Trident Case Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Features of the Krios Dual Case include the following:

  • Impact-resistant outer body.
  • Clear, hardened bio-enhanced polycarbonate body.
  • Clear Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) shock-absorbing edges.
  • Quick and easy installation.
  • Lightweight protection.
  • Eco-friendly design.
  • Recyclable, degradable and compostable.

The Krios Series™ Dual case is available now with a list price of $19.99.

Read:   Catalyst Waterproof iPhone 6s Case Review

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen above, Trident Case has a bit of everything to offer to all.

If Trident Case’s offering match your needs, you may want to order a case today. As mentioned above, they’re offering 40% off site wide, plus free shipping with Coupon Code Holiday40. If interested, act quickly as this discount only lasts through December 31, 2016.

To see the latest Trident Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge case lines, click here. Feel free to follow Trident Case on Twitter and Facebook as well as this blog on Twitter and Facebook.

All photos and video are courtesy and property of PR PhotoNews/Samsung Mobile/Trident Case.

Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

Filed Under: Case Protection Tagged With: Aegis Pro, Galaxy S7 Edge, Krios, Samsung Mobile, Trident Case 12/05/2016

FOLLOW BEANTOWN

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Tweets by @BeantownReview

Amazon Deals and Promos

Copyright © 2021 Beantown LLC - All Rights Reserved