Archives for July 2019

Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

07/28/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

The Patriot Viper V765 is Patriot’s intermediate level gaming keyboard, and with programmable per-key RGB lighting, it’s sure to look good on any gamer’s desk. Featuring the innovative Kailh Box White switches, the V765 is also partially water and dustproof. The Kailh Box lineup of clicky switches also features a different click mechanism, which gives it a distinctive feel that is different from a traditional Cherry MX Blue style switch. At $89.99 at the time of writing, it is one of the lesser expensive mechanical keyboards on the market and is sure to attract many budget-conscious gamers. However, is that low price-point too good to be true, or is it truly a good keyboard? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Patriot Viper V765 gaming keyboard review.

Key Features of the V765 Keyboard

Kailh mechanical box switches for superior durability and quicker response time
Water and dust resistant to IP56 rating
Full spectrum RGB, 16.8 million color backlighting
Dedicated multi-media controls
Volume wheel w/mute function
N-key rollover and anti-ghosting
Removable magnetic palm rest
Aircraft grade aluminum chassis

Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

First Impressions

The packaging is well-put together and shows off the keyboard.
It’s a medium weight keyboard, and its thinner cable makes transport easier if desired.
The RGB implementation bright and will illuminate any setup nicely.
It has a very simplistic design and is sure to fit on any desk.

The Switches and Typing Experience

The Kailh Box White switch is one of my favorite switches on the market right now, behind some of Kailh’s other clicky options. The click feels very pronounced, and its design even offers some water and dust proofing for minor accidents; nevertheless, your experience may differ with spills. Though this isn’t a keyboard I recommend having if you’re super messy and spill liquids everywhere. The keycaps feel decent for a $90 keyboard and are definitely passable. The legends have that “gamer” aesthetic but are still rather neutral if you aren’t going for a gamer aesthetic. However, the wrist rest wasn’t long enough for me, and I found my hands on the table instead of on the comfortable rubber grip that the wrist rest offers.

Read: Gaming: Patriot Viper V570 Mouse Review

Aesthetic

While I appreciate the nice RGB integration, the red Viper logo in the center of the keyboard seems badly placed considering that it may clash with many setups. Overall, the keyboard has a very simple design and it will fit on most desks. The software that Viper provides also gives a lot of customization which means you can coordinate your keyboard with your setup very nicely. However, it doesn’t sync up with other Viper hardware and the fact that it uses separate software from other Patriot components is an element that can be improved.

Read: Gaming: Patriot Viper V361 & V370 Headsets Review

Build Quality

The V765’s build quality is outstanding for a keyboard under $100. The body is entirely metal and will last a long time under heavy use. Overall, I have no concerns the build quality.

Specifications

• Key Switch:
• Cable:
• Switch Lifecycle:
• Dimensions:
• Weight:
• Polling Rate:
• Profile Keys:
• Programmable Keys:
• Multimedia Keys:
• Graphical User Interface:

• Kailh Box White mechanical switches
• 1.8m, braided
• 50 Million
• 1.1 in. x 18.4 in. x 6.4 in.
• 2.5 lbs
• 1000 Hz
• Yes, 5
• Yes, 103
• Yes
• Yes, Viper Software

Conclusion

Pros:
• Kailh Box White switches feel very nice and feel high-quality
• Build quality is very sturdy and will last a long time
• Price is under $100
• Detachable wrist-rest is very comfortable
• Software is very intuitive and easy to use

Cons:
• Wrist-rest is too short and doesn’t fit my palms
• Key-caps feel meh at best
• The software isn’t well integrated with other Viper products

Patriot Viper has created a solid budget keyboard that integrates just the right amount of features that gamers desire. The on-keyboard lighting profiles, as well as the Patriot Viper keyboard software, make it easy to control your lighting profiles. If you take into account all the features of this keyboard, which include its great switches, RGB lighting, design, etc., the Viper V765 is one of the best keyboards I’ve ever tested, even competing with those above $120.

The Viper V765 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is available for purchase on Amazon for under $100 (see link below) as well as on the Patriot Store at a list price of $99. All-in-all, this is a well-designed RGB mechanical gaming keyboard which easily earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Patriot Viper V765 gaming keyboard 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to Patriot’s Viper Gaming page to see their newest products. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. The Viper V765 keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Patriot Memory/Viper Gaming provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Viper V765 gaming keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Viper V550 Gaming Mouse Review

07/25/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

The Patriot Viper V550 Gaming Mouse is touted in Viper’s intermediate lineup as an ambidextrous mouse. The V550 sports a Pixart 3325 optical sensor that can achieve up to 5,000 DPI. It also flashes two RGB strips at the bottom of each side, and features four programmable side buttons as well as an on-the-fly DPI wheel. For $40 on Amazon at the time of writing, it is one of the least expensive gaming mice on the market. Can it stand up to other tried-and-tested giants in the mice field? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Patriot Viper V550 gaming mouse review.

Key Features

Ergonomic, ambidextrous design
Fully customizable
Multi-zone full-spectrum RGB
Nine buttons, eight programmable

Specifications

Sensor: Pixart 3325 optical sensor
DPI: 5,000 DPI, adjustable up to 10,000 through software
RGB: Yes, multi-zone and full-spectrum
Buttons: 9 buttons, 8 programmable
Switches: Omron, 10 million clicks
Cable: Braided, 1.8m USB cable
Mouse feet: PTFE
Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Viper V550 Gaming Mouse Review

Mouse Shape and Construction

The Viper V550 is described as an ambidextrous mouse that’ll work for anyone. The mouse shape itself is rather comfortable but could use improvement. Unlike many ambidextrous mice (such as the Zowie FK-series and the Glorious Model O) that go for a less deep comfort grip for the thumb, the V550 has a deep comfort grip on both sides. As a right-handed person, this makes my pinky feel very awkward whenever I’m trying to rest my hand. I would have preferred if they had gone for a safer shape with less deep grips. The fact that that the V550 has four side buttons makes it easy to remap every key that you’ll need in an MMO to a side button. As soon as you get the mouse, I recommend you change the keybind on one side of the mouse to something else, as I often found myself accidentally pressing buttons on the other side. At a $40 price point, this was a very good attempt at an ambidextrous mouse.

The V550 isn’t a heavy mouse, which makes it easy to use over extended periods while using it for productivity, or making flick-shots in FPS games a breeze. The mouse clicks were very crisp, and I never found myself misclicking the right or left mouse buttons. The DPI switch button was somewhat weirdly placed, and its lack of firmness often made me misclick it and miss a shot due to the shift in DPI.

Aesthetically, the V550 is a good looking mouse. The RGB Viper logo, mouse wheel RGB, and side glow will be sure to accent any setup that you have.

Gaming Performance

As previously mentioned, the V550 uses the Pixart 3325 sensor which can achieve up to 5,000 DPI mechanically, and 10,000 DPI through software. The Pixart 3325 is a very good sensor, and I never found it to miss any flick shots or track unreliably. The size of the side buttons was very good as well and was easy to reach during games. As mentioned above, the fact that there are two side buttons on each side makes it easy to misclick one; however, you can either unbind this in the Viper software or map it to a different keybind. All of the buttons felt good and were never misclicked, except for one of the side buttons.

The PTFE mouse feet didn’t feel like pure PTFE for some reason, which led to less smooth gliding. I will say that these feet glide better than most mice and won’t need any aftermarket modifications.

One thing I didn’t like was the cord, as it felt stiff and often caught on objects on my desk. I would definitely recommend a mouse bungee for the V550.

Conclusion

Pros:
• Attractive price point at $40
• Ambidextrous design
• PTFE feet allow for smooth movement
• Semi-lightweight design

Cons:
• The cord is stiff and catches on desk
• Side grooves are a tad too deep
• Side buttons often misclicked

Overall, the V550 is a good attempt at an ambidextrous mouse with its 8 programmable buttons and multi-zone RGB, though it falls a bit short in terms of its design. The side grooves were just too deep for me. The mouse was also too small for me; thus, it didn’t fit well to my hands too well. Though if your hands are smaller, the V550 should work and fit just fine for you.

The Viper V550 RGB ambidextrous gaming mouse is available for purchase on Amazon for under $40 (see link below) as well as on the Patriot Store at a list price of just under $50. All-in-all, this is a decently-designed RGB gaming mouse which earned a 3.5 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Patriot Viper V550 gaming mouse 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to Patriot’s Viper Gaming page to see their newest products. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. The Viper V550 mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Patriot Memory/Viper Gaming provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Viper V550 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard Review

07/24/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

With the inclusion of the Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard in the Level 20 series, it sure seems to be promising being grouped in the Thermaltake “Premium” Series and bearing the name of its flagship case, the Level 20. With its impressive RGB side glow and numerous RGB installations on its top plate, it’s sure to turn some heads and make a statement on any PC. But for $150 (at the type of writing), is it worth that price point? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Thermaltake Level 20 RGB gaming keyboard review.

First Impressions

The packaging displays most of the features of the keyboard.
Its thick braided cable will last a long time but will make the regular movement of the keyboard from place to place difficult.
Its hefty weight also forms the impression that its build quality is superior to many others on the market right now, however, makes the regular movement of the keyboard difficult.
The RGB implementation bright and will illuminate any setup nicely.
The aggressive design is too tacky for me, however, it may interest some.

Read: Patriot Viper V770 Gaming Keyboard Review

The Switches and Typing Experience

While the Cherry MX Silver isn’t my favorite switch in world, its light activation force is sure to be a favorite for light typists. Nevertheless, the decreased travel distance makes me constantly bottom out (hitting the bottom of the keystroke) instead of being able to release the key after actuation (when the keystroke registers). This bottoming out effect led to soreness after extended periods of gaming, especially in my middle finger due to it often hitting the W key too hard. I did eventually adjust to the speed switches and was able to type without too much soreness, but I’d much prefer a switch with a fuller travel distance. Luckily, the Level 20 RGB is also offered in the Cherry MX Blue, though it will be too loud for some users.

Unfortunately, the keycaps weren’t of the best quality. I would have liked to see double-shot (two separate pieces of plastic) keycaps instead of the pad printed keycaps (ink rolled on top of the plastic) as then the legends on the keycaps will never wear away. Nonetheless, the legends are beautiful and feature a seamless typeface which is very clean looking.

These keycaps don’t produce too loud of a noise. I’m not worried that this Level 20 RGB Titanium keyboard will be louder than the run-of-the-mill mechanical keyboard. If you feel the sound is an issue, you can purchase o-rings at any major online retailer to dampen the noise.

The mappable macro keys serve useful for many users. The fact that you can map a key to any combination of keystrokes is helpful to gamers and even professionals alike who have too many shortcuts.

Read: Gaming: Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 Headphones Review

Aesthetic

While I don’t like the look of the RGB strip in the middle of the board, it is truly a statement piece and will illuminate any desk setup nicely. And while the large bezels look nice, I feel it’s more form over function. The extra desk space the bezels take up could be used for the mice, and concerning gamers, desk space is truly precious. Overall, I would say that this is an attractive aesthetic for those who like the Level 20 RGB keyboard; however, it isn’t for everyone.

Build Quality

The Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Edition sports a full-metal body, giving it unyielding weight, thus staying on one’s desk for a while. But this weight makes it less portable, which may be a downside for those LAN party players but will work well for those who keep it on their desktop setup. The flip-down feet are considerably stable and have a robust tactile response when they flip down.

Final Thoughts

While this gaming keyboard is one of the best boards you can get, for $150 I feel like you could get another of similar quality for less and have more money to put elsewhere in your setup. It does have all the bells and whistles a gamer could need though, such as macro buttons, voice control, a mic, and USB passthrough. The software is nothing spectacular, though it easily gets the job done via customization and integrating easy setup of macro keys.

There is one thing I do wish Thermaltake offered, and this would be a TKL version. For most gamers, desk space for their mouse is precious, and on a gaming-oriented keyboard, I would have liked to see a more compact version or even this same layout but without its large bezels.

While the Thermaltake Level 20 offers tons of features and a very high-tech look, I can’t recommend the Level 20 for gamers due to its humongous footprint. The Level 20 doesn’t even fare well for general productivity, as the aggressive design and RGB implementation wouldn’t look good in any professional setting. The Thermaltake Level 20 earns a modest 3 out of 5 stars.

Read: Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

The Thermaltake Level 20 RGB gaming keyboard is available for purchase on Amazon for $149.99 (see link below.)

What do you think of this Thermaltake Level 20 RGB gaming keyboard 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Thermaltake homepage to see their current line-up of products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click on their Support tab. The keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Thermaltake provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Level 20 RGB Titanium gaming keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own, and not a paid product ambassador.

Read: Gaming: HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review

Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

07/20/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

Just a few days ago, Cooler Master introduced their GS750 “Desktop Hub.” According to Bryant Nguyen, the Peripheral General Manager at Cooler Master, “[Cooler Master] wanted to make a product that would serve multiple functions while also decluttering your space.” The GS750 is more than just a headphone stand, sporting many integrated features into the stand itself. Some of these features include an RGB LED base as well as a USB hub that is sure to reduce desktop clutter. At $79.99 MSRP, how does it stand up to competitors such as the Corsair ST100 or the Razer Base Station Chroma both which list at $20 less? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub review.

Read: Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

Key Features

Qi Wireless Charging Base
USB Hub with Two USB 3.0 Ports
Onboard 7.1 Surround Sound
Customizable RGB Beam Lighting
13 LEDs around the edges for endless customizability
Software Customization
16.7 million colors via software control

Build Quality

The GS750’s build quality is one of the features that make it the most distinctive across other headphone holders. Its aluminum neck for the headphone holder allows it to securely hold any pair of gaming headphones, ranging from the heavy Sennheiser GSP600 to the Cooler Master MH751. Even when applying pressure on the stand with my arms, I never felt as if it was going to break; thus, it should be able to hold any headphones you’ll ever own. The plastic base plate feels sturdy as well, and even functions as a coaster, if you’re lazy. This sturdiness is one of the GS750’s advantages over the Base Station Chroma, as the Base Station Chroma is only a plastic build with no metal in it.

Read: Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

Onboard 7.1 Surround Sound

The GS750 sports an integrated headphone/microphone jack on the right side of its base. This jack allows it to provide 7.1 surround sound and is useful in many open-world games. When combined with the MH751 headset, I didn’t notice any discernible difference when using surround versus stereo sound from the computer’s motherboard. I’m not sure if this was an issue with how I was using it. Nonetheless, this would surely help in open-world games such as GTA V or the Battlefield series.

Cable Management Features

The onboard USB 3.0 ports’ purpose is for providing easy cable management; however, I didn’t find them to be all that useful for its intended purpose. For my mouse/keyboard, I found that their cords were too long to be helpful and would produce a mess of cables on my desk.

Notwithstanding, it was super useful for putting in flash drives, as my computer is in a hard to reach location. It may also be beneficial for the MH752 with its USB sound card; however, we don’t have an MH752 to test with. I would have also preferred seeing a Type-C port to provide future compatibility.

I’m not sure if the plate on the back of the neck is for cable management, but if so, it would also prove to be useful to coil up your headset cable when not in use. Though, I found myself thinking it would take too much time as opposed to just popping my headset onto the neck.

Another thing to mention is that the included USB Type A to USB Type Micro B 3.0 cable is a little too short for my particular desk. The distance the cable covers is about 1 meter. This distance isn’t enough for me to go from my computer (on the top of my desk on the right) to the left side of my desk. I would have also preferred seeing a USB Type C to connect to the GS750, though there may be some requirement that necessitated the use of the Micro B that I’m not aware of.

Compared to the other headset stands out there, the USB ports aren’t all that dissimilar than the competition. Most of the other headset stands offered at least two USB 3.0 ports.

Read: SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset Review

Qi Charging

Qi Charging on the GS750 was one of the reasons why I was so interested in this headset stand. When testing the Qi Charger on my Samsung S9+, I only got about 500mA of charging current which isn’t much compared to most 2.4 amp cable chargers. It took a while to charge my S9+, though if you game for most of the day, there won’t be an issue charging it throughout the day. The base is also a tad bit too short for my S9+, which means similarly sized large mobile phones will have difficulty charging if aligned horizontally. The Qi charger is also centered around the Cooler Master logo, so your phone will only charge if its receiver is close to that logo. If you turn your phone horizontally, larger phones shouldn’t have an issue with charging.

Software

Cooler Master’s Portal software integrates all of its products in one software package, which is convenient. While I do not have any other Cooler Master RGB products to test with, it should be pretty easy to sync up your all your Cooler Master RGB products. I also never had any issues with changing RGB LEDs or the volume on the integrated audio codec. You can also change the 7.1 surround sound audio settings in Portal, allowing for super easy customization of your headset.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Cooler Master GS750 is in a little bit of a weird spot. Priced at $79.99, it only offers a few more features than its competitors. While it’s a good first attempt, I don’t know if I would be willing to spend $79.99 on a headset holder. It offers a host of features that may be worth it by itself. The Qi charger and integrated 3.5mm jack were things that were found to make my life much more comfortable. If you desire a headset holder and have the additional money, this is one of the best headset holders out there. For more budget-oriented consumers, it may be worthwhile to look into more reasonable headset holders.

If Cooler Master dropped the MSRP by at least $10, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this. However, for $79.99, I can only give the GS750 3.5/5 stars. For the GS750’s features and nothing else, I wouldn’t hesitate to give this 4.5/5 stars. If you have the money and want a great headset holder, get the GS750. However, if you don’t have so much money, I recommend looking into other options.

What do you think of this Cooler Master GS750 desktop hub 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master press page to see their newest products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click here for their Service-Support page. The GS750 Desktop Hub comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) GS750 desktop hub sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Read: 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

X-MEN DARK PHOENIX 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD Release Date Announced

07/16/2019 By Hakan Can

Available this September on store shelves and online everywhere comes X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX Blu-ray™ + Digital release date as well as that for the 4K Ultra HD™ + Blu-ray™ + Digital combo pack is set for September 17, 2019. This film arrives to Movie Anywhere on September 3rd. List pricing has yet to be announced.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Release Date is set for September 17

PRESS RELEASE

Per the press release: “Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence fire up an all-star cast in this spectacular culmination of the X-Men saga! During a rescue mission in space, Jean Grey (Turner) is transformed into the infinitely powerful and dangerous DARK PHOENIX. As Jean spirals out of control, the X-Men must unite to face their most devastating enemy yet — one of their own.”

TRAILER:

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD Special Features

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Simon Kinberg and Hutch Parker*:
⦁ Edwards Air Force Base
⦁ Charles Returns Home
⦁ Mission Prep
⦁ Beast MIA
⦁ Charles Says Goodbye
Rise of the Phoenix: The Making of Dark Phoenix (5-Part Documentary)
Scene Breakdown: The 5th Avenue Sequence**
How to Fly Your Jet to Space with Beast
Audio Commentary by Simon Kinberg and Hutch Parker

* Commentary available on Blu-ray, iTunes Extras and Movies Anywhere only
** Available on Digital only

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX 4K Ultra HD™ Technical Specifications

Street Date: September 17, 2019
Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (2.39:1)
Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS 5.1
Subtitles: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Spanish, French
Total Run Time: 114 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX Blu-ray™ Technical Specifications

Street Date: September 17, 2019
Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (2.39:1)
Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Spanish, French
Total Run Time: 114 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX DVD Technical Specifications

Street Date: September 17, 2019
Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (2.39:1)
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Spanish, French
Total Run Time: 114 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13

All photos and video are the courtesy and property of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Marvel & Subs.

Corsair M65 PRO RGB Mouse Review

07/08/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

The Corsair M65 PRO RGB is one of the oldest mice on the market right now, being over 3 years old, even being succeeded by the Elite version of the M65. Boasting plenty of RGB, a magnificent sensor and a tuneable weight system, it was one of the most revolutionary mice at the time. However, can it still stand up to some of the more popular mice today such as the Logitech G502, Zowie FK-series, and the new Glorious Model O? So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Corsair M65 PRO RGB mouse review.

Key Features

Two Zone RGB
DPI adjustment switch
Sensor with accuracy up to 12,000 DPI
Two side buttons and DPI-switch buttons
Tuneable weights
High-quality construction using aircraft grade aluminum
Smooth and large PTFE mouse feet

Specifications

Corsair M65 PRO RGB Mouse Review

Mouse Shape and Construction

The M65 is touted as a premium gaming mouse featuring an aluminum body and six programmable buttons (left/right click, mouse wheel button, back/forwards on browsers, and a sniper button). With these six buttons, I found it easy to game in most FPS games. However, those who play MMO-style games may find it more challenging to play as opposed to a mouse with more buttons. One gripe I had with the side buttons was their position and size. The fact that they are located on the very top and are super small makes it difficult to identify them in the middle of an intense team fight. In addition to the mouse buttons placement issue, the cord is also rather stiff and doesn’t feel too good while gaming, nevertheless, this may be fixed by using a mouse bungee.

The biggest issue I had with the M65 PRO was its weight. It is supposed to weigh 115g without the three weights, yet it felt much heavier than that. When placed on a scale, I found it to be significantly heavier at 130g, which is most likely attributed to the cord. The mouse clicks also felt slightly cushioned and were very heavy, making it not ideal for those with a light touch.

One of the most prominent redeeming factors of the M65 PRO was its great shape and aesthetic design. I found it to fit very comfortably in my hands (which are a medium size) when using a palm grip. The fact that the hump is at the back of the mouse will allow for palm grippers to more comfortably rest their palms on the mouse as opposed to the mouse pad. However, the size of the mouse will present an issue for fingertip or claw grippers. It may be alright for those who have above average-sized hands.

Gaming Performance

The Pixart 3300 sensor is one of the best on the market right now, and its performance never disappointed me. I was able to aim accurately in Overwatch and Fortnite, and never found an issue with the sensor failing. Still, as mentioned above, the mouse buttons were often challenging to reach.

The size of the side buttons has significantly increased with the newest model of the M65, the M65 Elite RGB. The sniper button is super useful and makes it easier to have a lower DPI for more precise aim when you are scoped in. As previously mentioned, the buttons were a little heavy, making it occasionally difficult to hit during games. The mouse glided smoothly using its PTFE feet (commonly found in aftermarket modifications such as Hyperglides) and felt better than most mouse feet on the market.

In addition to these mouse feet, the shape made it very comfortable to hold for extended periods while gaming. I never felt any pain in my hand, and it should also be an okay mouse for productivity as well. As previously mentioned, the weight was still very high for a gaming mouse, which makes it tiring after time to lift off. This may interfere with productivity or gaming over time, but if you’re used to heavier mice, it should be okay.

Conclusion

While the M65 is a great mouse, I found that there were many better options at its $60 price. The Logitech G502 offers a better cable which doesn’t kink or drag so easily while having a similar shape to the M65 PRO. The G502 features a similar amount of buttons and a slightly lower weight.

If you need the RGB bling and don’t mind the weight, I think that the M65 PROs sniper button is more convenient and features the iCUE lighting system. This allows you to control more than just peripherals, and I even could sync my mouse up with components in my computer. The M65 PRO RGB is succeeded by the M65 RGB Elite, and for what it is, it’s one of the best mice on the market if you want a very good sniper button and good shape for a right-handed palm gripper.

What do you think of this Corsair M65 PRO RGB mouse 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Corsair homepage to see their current line-up of products. The Corsair gaming mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Corsair did not provide Beantown LLC with a mouse sample for review purposes; it was purchased. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

07/06/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

In 2019, Is This The Best Gaming Headset Under $80?

Back around Thanksgiving 2018, the folks at Cooler Master announced their entry into the gaming headset market. Their two new over-the-ear models, the MH751 and MH752, are the first we’ve seen from the global brand. Come October 2019, we’ll see three more models, one of which is their first wireless headset. How did the MH751 it hold up to our testing? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Cooler Master MH751 gaming headset review.

Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

According to Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager at Cooler Master, “We wanted to create a headset with a focus on audio quality, mic quality, and comfort. The MH751 and MH752 are a result of this vision. Both are lightweight and can be worn hours on end providing unparalleled sound for all types of use.”

Read: Gaming: Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review

MH751 Design, Fit, & Features

The MH751 is a sleek, black headset with its only visible branding being a silver Cooler Master hexagon. This allows for a stealthy appearance, one in which I would consider wearing in public. The detachable boom mic and 3.5mm cable make portability easy, as you can toss these pieces into a bag and put them together later without the need to untangle a cord. You can also use this headset without a mic, which also leads to a stealthier appearance in public.

The minimalistic design delivers comfort and style while not being a burden on your head due to its light weight of 280 grams (0.62 pounds). The padded headband and ear-cups felt super comfortable and allowed for hours of continued use. The clamping force is also rather reasonable, and the MH751’s design should not be a concern for any eyeglass wearers.

The MH751 features an adjustable headband and swiveling ear-cups, meaning it will fit well on anyone’s head. My head felt snug in the headset, though this may vary for people with rather small or large heads. The swiveling ear-cups also allow it to contour to your head more, which is a much-appreciated feature.

However, the fact that the ear-cups swivel 90 degrees away from you does not make sense to me. If you wish to rest your headphones on your neck, you will either be stuck with the ear cups being perpendicular to your chest or the microphone resting on your chest. Neither of these positions is comfortable and make me wonder why Cooler Master didn’t have the ear cups swivel 90 degrees the other way.

The MH751 features an adjustable volume wheel and a mute slider on the cable. I personally don’t like the on-cable adjusters as it is difficult to find in the thick of a battle, especially when you’re trying to mute your microphone before someone else in your household starts trying to talk to you.

On the left side of the headphone is a detachable microphone. The mic quality is not that bad, and would undoubtedly suffice for most users’ needs, especially for dedicated gamers or just for casual Skype calls. However, if you’re seriously looking into streaming or video production, I would recommend a dedicated mic setup; however, this isn’t the fault of the headset, merely the fact that a dedicated setup will always sound better.

One final thing–there’s a locking feature on the cord preventing from falling out of the headset.

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MH751 Gaming Performance

While playing Fortnite and Overwatch with the MH751, I found myself able to listen to the various nuances and sounds that one would need to know their surroundings. Even though I was often playing with music, I still found myself able to distinguish sounds that were on the softer end. Overall, I would say that if you are purely gaming, there should be no concerns with your performance during gaming sessions. The lightweight design and comfortable cushions will also help for extended gaming sessions.

While listening to my music, I noticed that treble accents and vocals weren’t emphasized as much as bass tones. However, this is typical of most gaming headsets, and I still had no issue listening to my music. However, if you aren’t planning to super seriously game on the MH751, I would recommend a less gaming-oriented pair of headphones.

MH751 Gaming Headset Specifications

• Driver: 40mm Neodymium
• Cable lengths: 1.5m 3.5mm connector, 0.3m dual 3.5mm cable
• Headphone frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 26 ohms
• Sound pressure level: 97 dB ± 3 dB

• Microphone frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
• Microphone pick-up pattern: Omni-directional
• Microphone sensitivity: -42 db ± 3 dB
• Weight w/cables: 280 grams (0.62 lb)
• Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.35 x 8.46 inches

Package Contents

• MH751 gaming headset
• 1.5m 3.5mm connector (removable), 3.5 mm, 4-pole jack
• Detachable microphone

• Multi-language instructions
• 0.3m dual 3.5mm cable (removable), 3.5 mm, 4-pole jack
• Black velvet carry pouch

Final Thoughts

The MH751 offers a superb gaming experience with a super comfortable design and sleek but stealthy design. For the price and the feature set it provides (including detachable cables, volume adjustment and microphone mute), it really is one of the best value gaming headsets on the market right now. Therefore, I give this a solid 4.5/5 rating due to its comfort and audio quality, only falling short due to the lack of vocal emphasis in music.

Available for purchase on the Cooler Master website at a price of $79.99, this headset is in the mid-range for gaming headsets. See our Amazon Affiliate Link at the bottom of this review.

What do you think of this Cooler Master MH751 gaming headset 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.

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FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) MH751 gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

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SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset Review

07/06/2019 By Hakan Can

Two months ago, the upstart brand SHIVR introduced their first 3D wireless noise-cancelling headset to a select number of audio reviewers. We were most fortunate to receive a pair. The NC18 boasts active noise-cancelling, spatial audio technology, and a built-in gyroscope. Engineered with closed-back dynamic 40 mm drivers, these over-ear headphones are designed to deliver varying types of audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review.

Pros:
• Comfortable fit & sharp design
• Solid construction yet flexible
• ANC & spatial audio
• Battery life of up to 20 hours
• Wear detection
• 40 mm drivers

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• Missing airline adapter
• No audio alerts when switching ANC or 3D sound on/off
• Currently only one style available

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset Review

Per the press release, “A next-generation, noise canceling 3D audio headphone had been created by us, with the idea of reinventing how sound is experienced. One will be able to savor the stunning feeling that he has never had before. We really think you don’t want to miss this. It will be a WOW, we promise.”

Here’s What You Need To Know for Operation

To pair the headphone to your mobile device, slide the power switch to the ON position. The time this takes varies based on your device. A blue light will flash in a particular order. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair to NC18.
Volume up and down is controlled by pressing the volume control to the + or – position.
The Play/Pause Button controls all music such as playing, pausing, forward and previous track, and telephone operations such as answering, ending, and rejecting calls.
When receiving or ending a call, a quick tap handles this; a 2-3 seconds tap rejects it. One tap also controls playing and pausing of music. A quick (and I do mean quick) double tap forwards one track. A quick triple tap goes to the previous track.
Playtime lasts for 20 hours. Charging the headset takes approximately 2 hours. A blinking red light will show when the battery is low, as will a voice prompt. Charging the battery will prompt a red light while a fully charged battery will light green.

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Design and Features

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a “skin-friendly protein leather.” Regardless, they’re very soft and comfortable. The quality of the workmanship is quite good.

Both the headband and ear pads contain some form of memory foam, so every time you remove the headset, they’ll return to their designed state.

Determining which side is left or right is straight-forward. Unlike some headsets, the “L” & “R” designations on the inside are large enough to read. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out, plus there are hinges to reduce the space need to fit into the hard carrying case.

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its nine adjustable positions. My head fits well within three open notches. Button and switch placement is handled very well; never did I forget the location of anything. As it stands, the tap controller, the volume controller, and the USB-C charging port are on the right, while the ON/OFF switch, the MFC button, and the audio cable port are on the right. Overall, the construction is well done and assures high quality.

The headphones come with four Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™, aptX™ low latency, AAC, SBC.

Included in the packaging is a hard carrying case which is fabric-lined. There’s also a charging cable, an audio cable, a user manual, stickers, and a button.

The SHIVR 3D Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headset is currently available in one color. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated.

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Specifications

• Sensitivity: 115 ±3 S.P.L. at 1 kHz
• Driver Type: 40 mm Closed-Back Dynamic
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Noise-Cancelling Width: 50 Hz – 1 kHz
• Microphone Type: Omni-Directional
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™, aptX™ low latency, AAC, SBC

• Battery: 720 mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 20 Hours
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight:
• Range: 48 Feet (15 Meters) direct line of sight
• Operating Temperature: -10°C – 50°C
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

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Amazon Music Playlist

• Emile Sande – Our Version of Events
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

• Zedd – Clarity
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• The Black Keys – El Camino

Audio Performance

I repeat this time after time again when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most critical factor is the quality of sound. These over-ear SHIVR headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. When you’re testing headphones with 40 mm drivers, you expect them to deliver detailed audio reproduction.

The quality of vocal and instrumental reproduction (guitars, keyboards, drums, etc.) was impressive up to the 70-75% volume level. Once the volume got beyond this point, the audio reproduction wasn’t to my liking. I don’t like blistering audio regardless as I have tinnitus and value my ears.

Bass audio reproduction is the strong point of the SHIVR NC18. I’m amazed at how well I can hear the bass drum every time it’s struck.

Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of Ellie Goulding and Emily Sande sounded terrific. After having played albums from the artists listed above, I can report that this headset met my expectations.

When it came to the active noise cancelling, I wasn’t blown away or disappointed. The ANC on the NC18 was par for the course. After using the Libratone Q Adapt on-ear headphones (specifically for its ANC) for 2+ years, I find it difficult to switch.

The motion tracker/spatial audio technology is a most interesting feature within the SHIVR NC18 headset. For those that haven’t tried this technology before imagine moving your head left to right or from up to down. One doesn’t need to be sitting either; most of us wear headphones on the go. So as we walk and turn our heads, the audio shifts to reflect our head movement.

I enjoyed this feature much of the time when it came to the playing of music, but not always. Paradise from Lana Del Rey and The Black Parade from My Chemical Romance were a trip to listen to. Jazz from the likes of John Coltrane are well suited to this technology. On the flip side, El Camino from indie rock band The Black Keys wasn’t an improvement for me.

Each listener will take away a slightly different experience with this tech.

A Few Things I Noticed

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find a fault or two with SHIVR headset. The feature I disliked the most and needs improvement is the microphone. On the few occasions when I took a wireless call while wearing the headset, the recipient I was speaking with stated that I sounded like I was talking with a cloth over my mouth; a bit muffled. The words were clear enough to comprehend, but the lower frequencies in my voice were a bit too high. On my end, I could hear the people I was speaking with quite well. When the call was completed, the music I had been listening to kicked back on.

Another unusual thing occurred when I was unable to forward or go to a previous track on a particular track from one of the albums listed above. It was bizarre, and this never occurred with any other album. I think it’s safe to say that this is an issue with the MP3 audio, not the headset.

Extended use does create some perspiration on the earpads, but this should be expected in hot and humid conditions. So long as leather or leather-like materials are used for the earpads, this issue will persist.

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Conclusion

The feature-rich SHIVR 3D wireless NC18 headphones performed quite well. The production of vocals and solid bass up to the 70-75% volume setting was music to my ears.

These headphones are amazingly comfortable after many hours of continuous use. At $169.99, the NC18 headset is well priced in the marketplace. If you have the opportunity to demo this headset, I believe you’ll enjoy it as much as I have, and continue to do so.

What do you think of this SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the SHIVR website to see their latest announcements. The NC18 3D wireless over-ear headset comes with a one-year limited warranty. “SHIVR products are warranted against defects in materials and craftsmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase.”

FTC Disclosure: SHIVR provided Beantown with one (1) NC18 headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.