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Thermaltake Introduces Two Latest Pre-built White LCGS at Best Buy

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On April 6th, 2023, the folks at Thermaltake introduced their latest “pre-built high-performance gaming PCs to the LCGS (Liquid Cooling Gaming System) product line, the Avalanche i477T, and Quartz 360T.” Both models come in white, better known as “snow” within the Thermaltake brand, and offer their all-in-one liquid cooling technology and high-end hardware components. These two pre-built models are available exclusively at Best Buy.Thermaltake LCGS Avalanche i477T and Quartz 360T

Thermaltake Introduces Two Latest Pre-built White LCGS at Best Buy

Per Michael Guo, VP of Thermaltake USA, “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Best Buy for this launch. Best Buy’s good reputation as a trusted online e-tailer is the key to offering better service and a guarantee that our customers can trust. This partnership also gives us a launching point to bring more high-end LCGS gaming PC models to Best Buy; stay tuned!”

The Avalanche i477T is powered by the Intel 13th Generation Core i7-13700KF and features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics card within the Thermaltake Divider 300 TG Snow ARGB Mid Tower Chassis. The Quartz 360T is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X and features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics card Thermaltake S200 TG Snow ARGB Mid Tower Chassis. I can personally attest to the quality of these cases as I own both a Divider 300 TG Snow ARGB and an S200 TG Black ARGB chassis.

Read:   Car and Driver AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Review

Key Specifications of Thermaltake Avalanche i477T AIO LCGS PC

Product NameAvalanche i477T AIO Liquid Cooled Gaming PC- 13th Gen i7-13700KF-32GB Memory-NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti-2TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Model NumberD3AV-Z790-47T-LCS
Processor ModelIntel 13th Gen Core i7-13700KF
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
Storage2 TB SSD
System MemoryKingston Fury DDR5 32 GB
CaseThermaltake Divider 300 TG Snow ARGB Mid Tower
Cooling SystemsThermaltake AIO Liquid Cooling 360mm ARGB
Operating SystemWindows 10
Manufacturer's WarrantyParts/Labor 1 Year Limited

Key Specifications of Thermaltake Quartz 360T AIO LCGS PC

Product NameQuartz 360T AIO Liquid Cooled Gaming PC- AMD Ryzen 7 7700X-16GB Memory-NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti-1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Model NumberS2QT-B650-36T-LCS
Processor ModelAMD Ryzen 7 7700X
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Storage1 TB SSD
System MemoryKingston Fury DDR5 16 GB
CaseThermaltake S200 TG Snow ARGB Mid Tower
Cooling SystemsThermaltake AIO Liquid Cooling 360mm ARGB
Operating SystemWindows 10
Manufacturer's WarrantyParts/Labor 1 Year Limited

Pricing has been set at $2,299,99 for the Avalanche i477T and $1,699.99 for the Quartz 360T.

FTC Disclosure: This writer’s is not a paid product ambassador for Best Buy or Thermaltake.

For additional information, photographs, etc., on all Thermaltake’s pre-built LCGS models at Best Buy, please visit their website at the link provided.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Thermaltake © 2023.

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

Car and Driver AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Review

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If you’ve been following the weather this past week, then you already know how cold it was in much of this country. Where I live in New England, we saw (and felt) cold temperatures that we haven’t seen in decades. With that said, the timing could not have been better to try out the new Car and Driver AIRX™ 300 portable tire inflator. How did it fare in a -20°F environment? Is it the best portable tire inflator in 2023? Let’s take a closer look at this Car and Driver AIRX 300 tire inflator review.

Car and Driver AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Full Image

Read:   Cooler Master MasterBox TD300 Mesh Case Review

Car and Driver AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Review

Key Features

  • Portable, cordless design
  • Digital display
  • Ease of menu
  • Battery charged
  • Built-in flashlight
  • Sturdy, protective case
  • USB-A & USB-C charging connections

Specifications

BrandCar and Driver
ManufacturerSummit Electronics LLC
ModelAIRX 300 Digital Inflator
External MaterialsAluminum, ABS Plastic
Product Dimensions8" x 1.9" x 1.9"
Product Weight18 ounces / 0.5 kg
Power Input5 V / 2.4 A
Power Output5 V / 2 A
Power Consumption54 Watts
Charging Capacity5000 mAH
Charging Time< 3 Hours
Pressure Range0 - 120 PSI
Air Flow16 LPM Max
Noise Level80 dB Max
Charging Port (Power Input)USB-C
Charging Output (Power Output)USB-A
Read:   Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

Car and Driver AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Case Image

Last month, I was invited to the Car and Driver Tech showroom at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. As someone who likes working on cars and playing with the latest in automobile technology, how could I resist? Of their four new product offerings, the AIRX™ 300 was the one I could immediately put to use.

AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Construction and Design

The first thing you notice when you open the box is that the AIRX™ 300 is quite a handsome product. Its exterior is made from aluminum and ABS plastic. It’s sturdy yet weighs just over one pound. An air hose port and flashlight are located on the top, while on the bottom, there are USB-A and Type C charging connectors.

Along the front is a digital display with a 5-button menu. This menu is so easy to comprehend that many of you won’t need to refer to the user manual. On the very top line are three items, two of which you may rarely see. They are the air leakage, the overheating warning, and the battery power indicators.

The second line is the product category that you’re about to inflate. Press the middle button (M) until you come to the product category you’re looking for. These categories are auto, motorcycle, bicycle, ball, and others.

Under that line, you’ll see the default pressure value for each category. And yes, pressure is adjustable via the up and down buttons. If you need to adjust the unit of pressure, hold the M button down until PSI flashes. Now you can select any of the other three units (BAT, KPA, Kg/cm²). This pretty much rounds out the menu.

Along with the tire inflator, you’ll receive a zippered storage case, an air hose, a Type C charging cable, and a handful of valve adapters and sealing rings.

AIRX 300 Tire Inflator Performance

As I stated in the opening paragraph, we had some very cold days here last week. The kind of cold temperatures that break records. And what happens in cold temperatures to a car, more specifically its tires? Well, to phrase it simply, tires lose their pressure. And right on cue, mine did. Nonetheless, I still had to get out of the house and drive to wherever need be that week.

When I received the Car and Driver AIRX™ 300, it was put to use the very next day, and twice the following week during the cold stretch. And each time, it worked like a charm. It arrived fully charged thus I was able to fill all four of my Honda Accord’s 235/45 R18 tires to their recommended pressure of 32 psi, and with nearly half a charge left over. But the big test was the following week.

During the subzero temps, the two rear tires fell to 23-24 psi while the fronts only fell to about 29 psi. I’m not entirely sure why they didn’t drop in unison, but I suspect it has something to do with the valve stems. Nonetheless, on the -30°F to -20°F sunny Saturday morning, it took no more than 2 minutes to fill each of the fronts and about 6-7 minutes to fill each of the rears. But I did encounter a problem. Just as I was about to charge the first tire, I accidentally hit the flashlight button. Not realizing my error, it remained on for the duration. And because of this, the battery charge went to zero. Suffice it to say, I was lucky that morning. I’ve also noticed that if you’re not careful, the strap on the storage case when released could also activate the flashlight. A future solution to this problem could be delayed activation after holding down the button. This is how the power button operates.

I should say that on my second car, the front driver’s side tire was 15 psi. This tire took over 10 minutes to fill.

Now you may be asking yourself, ‘why didn’t he just take his car to a gas station and fill it there?’ After all, there are three air-filling locations within a mile of my home.

The first answer is to never operate your car on low-pressure tires as you may damage them. The second answer is sometimes those air-filling machines don’t work in the cold, especially in extreme cold. Sometimes they’re broken, awaiting repair. This happens to these three machines all the time, the closest of which is still broken. And third, in your haste to fill the tires, you may forget to bring the change required to operate these machines provided they’re operational. Who hasn’t left their house without their wallet?

There are two more items I want to mention with respect to performance. The first is that each time I exhausted the battery on the AIRX 300, it took two hours to fully recharge. The literature states three hours, so I was pleasantly surprised. Second, if you’ve powered the device on and haven’t put it to use, there’s a fail-safe mechanism built in. If unused for 100 seconds, the device will automatically power down. This latter feature comes in most handy.

Read:   MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Ventus 6G OC Review

Conclusion

Pros:

• Portable, lightweight design
• Durable body
• Simple, straightforward menu
• 5000 mAh battery

Cons:

• Price of $129.99 may be too high for some
• Product availability is limited to the Amazon store
• Buttons should be some color other than black
• Flashlight button placement could be better

Now and then we receive a product at the right time to give it a proper workout, and this one hit on the nail. Since I’m the type of person who loves to work on and maintain his cars, this product was a must to review. Time is money to me. As someone who likes to save both, filling up tires in my driveway which I do on weekly is far better than traveling to and from one of the local gas stations. Sure there’s an upfront expense in purchasing a tire inflator, but the time saved is more valuable to me.

Since this product is only available on the Amazon store, I got to see plenty of competition in this product category. Amazon just loves to show competitors. The high majority of portable tire inflators (all but two) were from brands I’ve never heard of and wouldn’t trust regardless of price. And many of them were approximately half the price of the best two in this category.

Even though the AIRX™ 300 is priced at $129.99, I have seen it as low as $99.99 on the Amazon store, so check occasionally.

This well-designed product has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Car and Driver Digital Inflator 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.

Read:   Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Car and Driver Tech website as well as their Amazon store to see their other auto-related product offerings. To learn more about product support, click Support at the top or bottom of their website. The AIRX™ 300 comes with a one-year warranty which is located on the back pages of its user manual.

FTC Disclosure: Car and Driver provided Beantown with one (1) AIRX™ 300 digital inflator sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown © 2023.

Cooler Master MM731 Gaming Mouse Review

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Late last year, Cooler Master introduced their MM730 and MM731 gaming mice. Available in two color patterns (Black and White/Gray), these mice boast premium features such as the 19,000 DPI PixArt PAW 3370 optical sensor and left/right OMRON switches with 70M+ keypress lifespans. It also arrives with a lightweight design with a RGB illuminated logo and compatibility with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the MM731 has an MSRP of $69.99. How does the MM731 mouse compare to other premium offerings such as the Glorious Model O, the upcoming Model O Pro, and the Razer Viper Ultimate and Viper V2 Pro? Is the MM731 worth purchasing over the competition? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Cooler Master MM731 Gaming Mouse review.

Read:   Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

Cooler Master MM731 Gaming Mouse Review

Key Features

  • Hybrid wireless technology: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, or a wired connection
  • Ergonomic, lightweight right-hand hourglass design
  • “Pro-grade” PixArt PAW 3370 sensor
  • LK 2.0 optical micro switch (70M)
  • RGB illumination on CM halo, 16.7M colors
  • Smooth and large PTFE mouse feet
  • Mouse grip tape included
  • Fully customizable using MasterPlus+ software

Specifications

Product NameMM731 Mouse
Product NumbersMM-731-KKOH1
MM-731-WWOH1
Grip TypeClaw, Palm
MaterialABS Plastic, Rubber, PTFE
Mouse FeetPTFE
ColorBlack, White
LEDRGB on logo
CPI/DPI7 Levels: 100 to 38K with MasterPlus+
Tracking Speed400 ips
Lift Off Distance< ~2 mm, Adjustable
Polling Rate4 Options: 125, 250, 500, and 1000 Hz
Angle SnappingYes
Mouse Acceleration50 g
L/R Micro SwitchLK 2.0 Optical
Lifespan of L/R Switches70M+
Buttons6
ConnectivityWired, 2.4GHz, BT 5.1
Battery Capacity500 mAh
Battery Life72 Hours in 2.4 GHz mode, 190 Hours in BT mode
SoftwareMasterPlus+
ChargingWired
Cable Length1.8 Meter, Detachable
Weight< 60 grams
Dimensions (LxWxH)4.81" x 2.72" x 1.54"
Warranty2 years
Read:   Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

Construction and Design

Have you gamers noticed that all the top gaming hardware brands have either built or are developing a sub 60 gram mouse in 2022?

Per Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager, “The MM730 and MM731 are our first super lightweight gaming mice that retain the classic holeless mouse aesthetic of traditional gaming mice. Our engineers have truly found an ingenious way to keep the weight low while still keeping an ergonomic shape that can appeal to both creative professionals and gamers.”

As you can see from the photos, the MM731 is a smooth, lightweight, right-handed mouse in the classic hourglass shape. Unlike the MM710 and MM711, this mouse is devoid of any holes. Let’s break it down.

The MM731 gaming mouse uses a right-handed ergonomic design that works well for claw and palm grippers. The shape and feel of the mouse are extremely comfortable but weren’t always so when I switched from using the MM711. It took a number of sessions on the desktop computer to get reacclimated to the new mouse. Once I did, I realized that my ring finger rests better on the MM731 than it currently does on the MM711. For reference, my hand is about 4 inches wide with the thumb included and nearly 7.5″ in length from the base of the wrist.

The weight of the mouse (minus the dongle and ultraweave cable) comes in at 59 grams, which is on the light end for a mouse in 2021 or 2022. For comparison’s sake, it’s identical to the Razer Viper V2 Pro mouse which also weighs in at 59 grams. Looking at some other competitors, the wireless Glorious O and O- weigh in at 69 and 65 grams, respectively. And the forthcoming Glorious O Pro comes in at the winning weight of 55 grams. Will anyone notice the 4-gram difference when doing a side-by-side comparison? I wonder.

As I stated in the MM711 review, when you factor in the shape and lightweight of the MM731 mouse, you get a mouse that can let your dominant hand go all day. I’ve been using this mouse for a month and have not encountered any fatigue or wrist pain. And I’m on this mouse for up to 12 hours per day surfing the web, editing photos and videos.

This mouse has the standard forward and backward buttons on its left side, left and right clickers, and a scroll mouse with wheel click, but no DPI cycle switch on the body. The DPI cycle switch is programmable via the MasterPlus+ software as are all the aforementioned buttons and clickers. There’s also an illuminated logo on the body. The LED modes, brightness, and speeds are adjustable and customizable via the MasterPlus+ software. Sadly and unlike the MM711 and Glorious Model O and O- mice, the scroll wheel does not illuminate. Oh, how I wish it did.

And let’s not forget the PixArt PAW 3370 sensor with its 19K resolution, which can get up to 32K with the use of wait, wait for it…the MasterPlus+ software. One final bit of information, the underbody also has a removable cover that stores the 2.4 GHz/Bluetooth wireless dongle.

Read:   Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

Cooler Master MM711 mouse multiple views

Did I mention that there’s grip tape and an extension adapter included?

Performance

One of the upfront questions I always ask when doing these hardware reviews is “Who is this product targeted to?”

According to the folks at Cooler Master, the target audience here is two-fold. First and foremost you’ve got the FPS/MOBA gamers. Without these folks, we might not have brands like Cooler Master and the innovative products that come from them. Secondly, and this is the category I fall under, there are the content creators and office folks. Now, I’m not certain which category of users is greater in number but both are well into the millions, and that’s just in North America alone. When in front of my desktop computer, I’m primarily a writer and photo/video editor. In fact, I’m using the Cooler Master SK653 and MM731 to craft this review. As I’ve stated before, we writers and editors need a mouse that doesn’t yield hand or wrist pain. No one wants a repetitive stress injury regardless of their profession.

The MM731 uses a very reliable and high-end PixArt PAW 3370 optical sensor which goes up to 32,000 DPI when adjusted with the MasterPlus+ software. Also in the software, one can add and tune the mouse to a new surface. This is a terrific feature to have.

Read:   Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

The side mouse buttons are conveniently placed, but in a higher position than I’ve become accustomed to. On the MM711, my right thumb rests in part on the two side buttons. With the MM731, I have to move my thumb up a quarter-inch to click the closer of the two buttons and up and forward a half-inch to click the farther of the two. I had no problem whatsoever going back and forth between web pages. All the buttons were clicky and provided a good tactile response. The attached 1.8-meter cord never caught on my standing desk, the nearby speakers, or anything else for that matter. As stated before in an earlier mouse review, it felt like there was no cord present.

The scroll wheel with its linear tread design moved nicely, and the three PTFE feet allowed the mouse to glide very well. Visually speaking, I think the treads on the wheel are too narrow and a bit much in quantity. I would prefer the treads to be more pronounced with wider spacing. Yet with that said, my index finger grabbed the mouse wheel very well. In fact, my index finger held this wheel better than that of the MMM711.

Another feature of the MM731 mouse is something called Hybrid Wireless Technology. On the underside of the mouse, there’s a storage locker that holds the included wireless dongle. Once the dongle is plugged into one of your computer’s USB ports, you’ve got 2.4 GHz action. I’ve used the 2.4 GHz and wired connections and I can report that both work flawlessly. I was unable to use the Bluetooth 5.1 mode as my motherboard lacks that wireless capability.

Finally, when the MM731 is in need of a firmware upgrade, refer to the quick start guide for further information, or better yet watch the video below. I could explain the process but that would be boring and a waste of your time. The video from Cooler Master explains the process very well. It’s what I used.

MasterPlus+ Software

Cooler Master uses their MasterPlus+ software to control the MM731’s DPI button, lighting, performance, macros, and profiles as seen in some of the screenshots below. There’s so much that one can do with this software.

In wireless mode, polling rates of 125, 250, 500, & 1000 Hz are available with the software.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Ergonomic, classic design for right-handed users
• No fatigue or wrist pain after many hours of use
• Three connectivity modes
• Lightweight at 59 grams
• Price of $70

Cons:

• No illuminated wheel
• No DPI switch on the body
• No holes

I’m going to get right to the point. The Cooler Master MM731 mouse is one high-quality mouse, and it’s been a joy to use. For my needs, the MM731 is pretty darn good and I highly recommend it.

Cooler Master’s MM731 is available for purchase on Amazon for around $70, see the Affiliate links here. When it comes to price, the MM731 is slightly less expensive than the Glorious Model O and O- mice, $30 less than the forthcoming Glorious Model O Pro, and quite a bit less expensive than the two Razer Viper mice discussed above.

This well-designed wired/wireless combination mouse has earned a 4.25 out of 5-star rating. As a right-handed user, its feature set is rivaled only by a few more expensive mice and only loses fractional points for its lack of an illuminated wheel and lack of holes. I’ve become fond of holes in a mouse.

What do you think of this Cooler Master MM731 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.

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master website to see their latest peripherals like the MM730 and MM731 gaming mice. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master MM731 mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master MM731 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Cooler Master Technology Inc. © 2021-2022.

Cooler Master MasterBox TD300 Mesh Case Review

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Back in late January of this year, Cooler Master introduced three new cases. Normally, we would see such products introduced at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. But like last year, many brands pulled out for valid reasons. Of the three cases, the one we’re reviewing is the MasterBox TD300 Mesh case. This 2022 mini-tower case is the smaller sibling of the mid-tower MasterBox TD500 Mesh case  introduced the previous year. Available in two colors (Black and White), the TD300 Mesh case boasts premium features such as a polygonal mesh front (hence the name), dual Sickleflow fans, and an ARGB/PWM hub. The case is also compatible with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the TD300 Mesh has an MSRP of $109.99. Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Cooler Master TD300 Mesh case review.

Read:   Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

Cooler Master TD300 Mesh Case Review

Key Features

  • Polygonal shaped mesh front cover
  • ARGB/PWM control hub
  • Two Sickleflow 120mm PWM ARGB fans
  • Tempered glass side panel
  • Removable top and side panels
  • Adjustable drive cage
  • Lighting is customizable using MasterPlus+ software

Specifications

Product NameMasterBox TD300 Mesh
Product NumbersTD300-KGNN-500
TD300-WGNN-500
ColorsBlack, White
MaterialsBody: Steel, Mesh, Plastic
Left Side: Tempered Glass
Overall Dimensions
L x W x H		433 x 210 x 421 mm
Motherboard SupportMini-ITX, Micro-ATX
Expansion Slots4
Drive BaysTwo 2.5" SSD
Two 2.5"/3.5" Combo
Input/Output PanelTwo USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)
3.5mm Audio Jack
3.5mm Mic Jack
ARGB/PWM Hub
Fans (Pre-installed)Two Sickleflow 120 ARGB (White or Black)
Fan SupportTop: Two 120mm or 140mm
Front: Three 120mm or Two 140mm
Rear: One 120mm
Radiator SupportTop: 120/140/240/280mm
Front: 120/140/240/280mm
Rear: 120mm
CPU Cooler Clearance166mm
Power Supply Clearance325mm (w/0 front radiator and drive cage)
140mm (drive cage in backmost position)
Graphics Card Clearance344mm
Cable Routing18-22mm behind motherboard tray
Dust FiltersFront, Top, Bottom
Power Supply SupportBottom Mount, ATX
Read:   Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

Construction and Design

As you can see from the photos and specs above, the Cooler Master TD300 Mesh case is one handsome, versatile case. The folks at Cooler Master describe its appearance as “postmodern elegance.” It’s hard to disagree with that description.

When I first saw images of the mesh front, I wasn’t that impressed. For years I’ve seen mesh offerings that I’ve considered low-quality. With respect to the TD300 Mesh, I can no longer say so. This mesh front cover is attractive, sturdy, and well assembled. Remove the front cover (bottom first) and you’ll see how well it’s fastened. I’d love to see a video on how it was manufactured.

Directly behind the cover comes two Sickleflow 120mm PWM ARGB fans. While this Sickleflow is a decent fan, I would have preferred to see the MasterFan MF120 Prismatic fan as part of this case. I think the lighting effect from the crystalline outer loops would have further enhanced the 3D effect of the polygonal diamond-cut mesh. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make this change as the MasterFan MF120 Prismatic fan only comes in black. If I had the black TD300 Mesh case, you’d see photos of that build. I hope the folks at Cooler Master consider making the prismatic fans in white.

On the front frame, you’ll notice six sets of slots, three on each side, plus an extra set at the very top. Here you’re able to adjustably mount 120mm or 140mm fans to either side of the frame. You can also mount a radiator as large as 280mm to the backside. There’s one caveat here, if you want to use three 120mm fans, you’ll have to mount them on the backside of the frame, then forgo the radiator. Decisions, decisions. This is the very reason why I wish the case was an inch taller.

Making our way over to the top, we have the standard strip of inputs and outputs, see the Specifications above. This is followed by the removable top which is absent in the two photos below. Being able to remove this top makes a world of difference when assembling a build. The removable top comes with a large magnetic mesh dust cover that’s nearly the length of the case. It also accommodates two 120mm/140mm fans and a radiator up to 280mm.

Read:   Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

Over on the backside, there are plenty of holes for ventilation and the placement of a single 120mm fan and radiator. My case has adequate cooling so I’ve gone without the use of a 120mm fan.

The left and right sides are what you typically see with cases today, see the three images below. Looking from the front, the left side incorporates one piece of smooth tempered glass covering approximately 75% of the height of the case. Now, this is a deviation from the MasterBox TD500 Mesh case. That case has tempered glass from top to bottom with a handful of etchings that didn’t quite work for me. There the designer must have gone a bit too artistic. I’m glad the etchings didn’t make it to the TD300 Mesh. Furthermore, I’d love to see an updated TD500 Mesh mid-tower case without the etchings for 2022.

Upon removing the back panel, you notice the 5-port ARGB/4-port PWM hub as well as plenty of cutouts and the adjustable drive tray.  I no longer use internal 5.25″ drives so I removed the drive tray in its entirety. Cutouts and mounting holes are well protected with rubber grommets. This is where I mounted my solid-state drive. I could have also mounted an SSD or two onto the power supply cage just below the motherboard. But this configuration is a little tricky due to the lack of space.

The left and right panels are easy to remove and put back on. Wiring and cabling were also easy to work with and maneuver.

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

MasterPlus+ Software

Should you have a motherboard introduced in the past four years, then you should all but certainly be able to utilize Cooler Master’s MasterPlus+ software to control a variety of lighting options within the TD300 Mesh. Unfortunately, my five-year old system utilizes an Intel X99 motherboard design. It is not capable of fully interfacing with the ARGB/PWM hub. So no matter how many Cooler Master MasterFan or Sickleflow fans I incorporate into my build, I won’t be able to control the lighting with the MasterPlus+ software. It sucks but I was able to adjust the fans manually with the use of the front panel reset button. I noticed 14 unique lighting patterns you can adjust by using the reset button.

I won’t have to wait long as my next build is in the works for late summer/early autumn. I’m looking forward to building an AMD AM5 system. Then I can incorporate a Cooler Master AIO CPU Cooler such as the MasterLiquid ML240 Illusion.

Conclusion

Pros:

• A handsome, “postmodern elegant” design
• The multi-port ARGB/PWM hub
• Ease of installation
• Cooling options

Cons:

• Price of $109.99 may be too high for some
• Product availability–currently it’s hard to find one
• Product height: it could have been slighter taller

Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure to review many of the latest offerings from Cooler Master. To be completely frank, I continue to use the MM711 mouse and SK653 keyboard since the time of their reviews. I’m not necessarily trying to keep my hardware within the Cooler Master ecosystem, which by the way has its advantages. I just happen to enjoy using their latest offerings that much.

There’s a downside to reviewing cases. When you come across one that perfectly or near-perfectly meets your needs, such as this TD300 Mesh, you can’t use it for very long. There’s always another case review around the corner. In my case, no pun intended, I’ve got three more to review with one of those being from Cooler Master.

If a mini-tower is what you’re looking for in 2022, please take a long look at the Cooler Master TD300 Mesh. I believe you’ll be very happy with it

The Cooler Master TD300 Mesh case is available for purchase at the Cooler Master Store website for $109.99. At the time of this writing, it was not available at Amazon or Microcenter. I attribute this lack of availability to the supply chain problems that we all hear or read about daily.

This well-designed mini-tower case has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Cooler Master TD300 Mesh case 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.

Read:   Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master website or their Discord page to see their latest products and peripherals like their CPU coolers, fans, keyboards, and mice. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master TD300 Mesh case comes with a 2-year limited hardware warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master TD300 Mesh mini-tower case sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs, charts, and diagrams are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC or Cooler Master Technology Inc. © 2021-2022.

Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

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Earlier this year, Cooler Master introduced their SK652 and SK653 flagship mechanical keyboards. Available in two patterns (Gunmetal Gray and Silver White), the SK653 boasts premium features such as TTC low-profile switches and hybrid wired/wireless via Bluetooth capabilities. The keyboard also arrives in a very appealing brushed metal finish with RGB back illumination and compatibility with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the SK653 has an MSRP of $129.99, but currently we do not see it less than $149.99. How does the SK653 keyboard compare to other low-profile mechanical switch offerings such as the Logitech G915 and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2? Is the SK653 worth purchasing over these two similar options? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Cooler Master SK653 keyboard review.Front view of SK653 keyboards

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

Key Features

  • Slim design, brushed aluminum plate
  • Ergonomic, floating keycaps
  • TTC low profile brown/blue/red switches
  • Wired/wireless-capable via Bluetooth 4
  • MS Windows, macOS, iOS, Android support
  • RGB illumination, 16.7M colors
  • Fully customizable using MasterPlus+ software

Specifications

Switch TypeTTC Low Profile Mechanical
(Red/Blue/Brown)
MaterialsAluminum & Plastic
KeycapErgonomic Low Profile
ColorsGunmetal Gray
Silver White
LED ColorsRGB 16.7M
Polling RatesWired Mode: 1000 Hz
Wireless Bluetooth Mode: 125 Hz
Response Time1 ms
MCU32bit ARM Cortez M0 64 Pin
Onboard Memory512 KB
On-The-Fly SystemYes
Multimedia Keysvia Function (FN) Keys
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth 4.0
Battery4000 mAh (2000 mAh x 2)
OS CompatibilityMS Windows 8-11
mac OS X 10.10+
Android & iOS
SoftwareMasterPlus+
Cable Length & Type1.8 Meter USB Type-C Detachable & Braided
Dimensions430 x 125 x 25mm
16.93 x 4.92 x 0.98 Inch
Weight (w/o cable)737 grams
1.62 lbs
Warranty2 Years
Read:   Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

Construction and Design

As you can see from the photos above and below, the Cooler Master SK653 keyboard is one attractive, modern-looking piece of hardware. It is lighter and smaller in footprint (16.93″ x 4.92″ x 0.98″) than every keyboard I’ve owned or reviewed before it. And unlike all but one of those previous keyboards, it’s portable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a protective carrying case. You’ll have to purchase one of those.

Whether your illuminated keycaps are white or black, the top surface comes with a brushed aluminum finish in either Silver White or Gunmetal Gray. Both versions look fantastic and should complement your desktop arrangement well. The underbelly comes in black regardless of version.

The cable connecting the keyboard to your desktop is 1.8 meters in length and is beautifully braided with a shiny finish. The keyboard end has a USB Type-C detachable connection and the desktop end, a USB 2.0 Type-A connector.

The SK653 comes with three different TTC low-profile mechanical switches to choose from: red, blue, and brown. For the purposes of this review, we received the brown and are most pleased with this choice. By using low-profile mechanical switches, the actuation is reduced by 20% from 4mm to 3.2mm. The sound the keystrokes make with the brown switches is neither loud nor soft. Yet, the feel of the keystroke is on the softer side. If you’re in an office environment and are concerned that your colleagues around you will be bothered by the sounds, you need not be.

The weight of the SK653 (minus the cable) is 1.62 lbs., and is barely noticeable.

For comparison’s sake, the Logitech G915 and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 weigh in at 2.26 and 2.38 lbs., respectively. Each of the three keyboards uses a mechanical switch from a different manufacturer. Logitech uses Kailh GL low-profile switches in red, blue, and brown, meanwhile, the Corsair uses Cherry MX low-profile switches in red and silver only. Both competitor’s keyboards are larger by length and width than the SK653, while the G915 is 1/10″ lower in height. Furthermore, both competitor’s keyboards are more expensive than the SK653, and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.

The Cooler Master SK653 utilizes the 32bit ARM Cortex M0 64Pin MCU along with two 2000 mAh batteries.

Read:   Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

Capabilities and Performance

According to the folks at Cooler Master, their target audience for the SK653 is creative professionals like myself, yet there’s plenty of reasons why it should also be aimed at and adopted by gamers.

There are three big features of the Cooler Master SK653 keyboard that you ought to know:

  1. Multi operating system (OS) capability.
  2. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and
  3. On-the-fly controls and hybrid key rollover.

The SK653 is capable of working with devices utilizing the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows (8 and above), Mac OS X, iOS, and Android. This is a huge selling feature. Switching between a PC and Mac couldn’t be simpler. Holding the Cooler Master FN button tells you what OS the keyboard is working with, and combining this with the right shift key switches the OS back and forth.

Let’s say you have both a PC and a Mac at home or the office. In theory, you would only need one keyboard between the two systems. Sadly, I cannot test this theory as I do not own an Apple computer so I’ll take Cooler Master at their word here.

Because of the hybrid design, you can operate the SK653 in one of two ways: wired or wireless, utilizing the latter with Bluetooth 4.0. According to the folks at Cooler Master, while in Bluetooth mode, “the SK653 allows users to save 3 settings with 3 individual devices and can easily switch between them.” Another great feature of this keyboard.

Finally, the SK653 has a plethora of on-the-fly controls and software: You can customize macros, profiles, and lighting schemes easily. In order to save time from discussing or listing these controls, I’ve included two diagrams that cover the on-the-fly shortcuts in detail. Visual is the better approach here.

Putting aside the SK653’s internal features and capabilities for a moment, what Apple or PC user wouldn’t want this keyboard alongside their desktop?

For additional information, please refer to the quick start or Bluetooth setup guides.

Read:   Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

MasterPlus+ Software

Cooler Master uses their MasterPlus+ software to control the SK653’s wireless, lighting, keymapping, macros, and profiles as seen in the five screenshots below. For instance, LED modes and speeds are adjustable and customizable via the MasterPlus+ software. A lot of high-quality colors radiate from this keyboard.

There is one thing I don’t like about the software and that’s when there’s an update available. It appears you are unable to use the software unless you click to update.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Beautiful, minimalistic design
• Low-profile switches yield no fatigue or finger pain after many hours of daily use
• Portability and Multi-OS support
• Terrific RGB back illumination

Cons:

• Difficulty connecting to Samsung Galaxy S Android mobile device via Bluetooth

Not long ago, I wrote a review on the Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse saying that it was “quite possibly the best mouse I’ve ever used.” Well, I’m about to top that endorsement. Whether it be a keyboard, a mouse, or some other desktop peripheral, this SK653 keyboard is my favorite desktop product of 2021. Even though I’ve got more expensive keyboards from other brands behind me to my left, I’ll be using this keyboard for years to come. I love it that much. My younger nephew, who couldn’t take his eyes off of it, will have to wait for the hand-me-down.

And I have no doubt that I’ll sort out the Bluetooth to Android connection issue shortly after this posts.

Cooler Master’s SK653 is available for purchase on Amazon for around $150, see the Affiliate link at the bottom. This well-engineered keyboard has earned a 4.75 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Cooler Master SK653 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.

Read:   Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master website to see their latest products and peripherals like their cases, keyboards, and mice. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master SK653 keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master SK653 mechanical keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Cooler Master Technology Inc. © 2021.

Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

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One year ago this month, Cooler Master introduced the MM711 mouse. Available in numerous colors, it boasts premium features such as the 16,000 DPI PixArt PAW 3389 optical sensor and left/right OMRON switches with a 20M keypress lifespan. It also arrives in a very handsome honeycomb design with RGB illumination and compatibility with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the MM711 has an MSRP of $59.99. How does the MM711 mouse compare to other premium offerings such as the Glorious Model O and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste? Is the MM711 worth purchasing over these two similarly options? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse review.

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Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

Key Features

  • Ergonomic, ambidextrous shape palm, claw, and fingertip grip
  • Honeycomb shell design
  • “Pro-grade” PixArt PAW 3389 sensor
  • RGB illumination, 16.7M colors
  • Smooth and large PTFE mouse feet
  • Fully customizable using MasterPlus+ software

Specifications

Grip TypeClaw, Palm, Fingertip
MaterialABS Plastic
Mouse FeetPTFE
ColorBlack, White, Golden Red, Blue Steel
Surface TreatmentMatte & Glossy for Black, White, and Golden Red. Metallic for Blue Steel
LEDRGB on wheel and logo
CPI/DPI7 Levels: 200 to 32K with MasterPlus+
Tracking Speed400 ips
Lift Off Distance< ~2 mm
Polling Rate4 Options: 125, 250, 500, and 1000 Hz
Angle SnappingN/A
Mouse Acceleration50 g
Processor32 bit ARM Cortex M0+
On-board Memory512 KB
Lifespan or L/R SwitchesOMRON 20M
Buttons6
SoftwareMasterPlus+
Cable Length1.8 Meter
Weight< 60 grams
Dimensions (LxWxH)4.587" x 2.457" x 1.508"
Warranty2 years
Read:   Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

Construction and Design

What happens when you combine a beehive with a pasta colander with a cheese/vegetable grater?

You get the Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse.

As you can see from the photos, the MM711 is lightweight, right-handed, ambidextrous mouse chock-full of holes so you can see that well-lit RGB illumination. That’s it in a nutshell. Now let’s break it down.

The MM711 gaming mouse uses a right-handed ergonomic design that works for claw, palm, and fingertip grippers. The shape and feel of the mouse are extremely comfortable, in fact remarkably so, thus being one of its strongest selling points. I found it to be an excellent fit for my hands. Only my ring finger rests across the right edge, yet it causes no pain. For reference, my hand is about 4 inches wide with the thumb included and nearly 7.5″ in length from the base of the wrist.

The weight of the mouse (minus the ultraweave cable) comes in at just under 60 grams, which is very light for a mouse in 2021 and 2022. For comparison’s sake, the Glorious O and O- weigh in at 67 and 58 grams, respectively. And the HyperX Pulsefire Haste also weighs in at 59 grams. So we’re talking apples to apples.

When you factor in the shape and light weight of the MM711 mouse, you get a mouse that can let your dominant hand go all day. I’ve been using this mouse for 6 weeks straight and have not encountered any fatigue or wrist pain. And I’m on this mouse for up to 12 hours per day editing photos and videos across two stints. After all, Cooler Master’s value proposition is “quicker movements, longer gaming sessions, minimal fatigue, and less wrist pain” thus working to prevent a repetitive stress injury.

This mouse has the standard forward and backward buttons on its left side, left and right clickers, and DPI cycle switch on top, and a scroll mouse with wheel click. All except for the DPI cycle switch are programmable via the MasterPlus+ software. There are also three mouse button combinations to be aware of. Please refer to the quick start guide for further information.

No less than half of the sides and two-thirds of the top and bottom incorporate the honeycomb design. This design, along with the scroll wheel illuminates. Just like the buttons, the LED modes and speeds are adjustable and customizable via the MasterPlus+ software. A lot of high-quality colors radiate from this mouse.

And let’s not forget the PixArt PAW 3389 sensor with its 16K resolution, which doubles to 32K with the use of wait, wait for it…the MasterPlus+ software. You had to know I’d go there.

Since the introduction of the MM711, Cooler Master has brought forth other versions such as the MM711 Retro and MM711 Lite.

Read:   Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

Performance

According to the folks at Cooler Master, their target audience for the MM711 is FPS/MOBA gamers. While they’re correct to target such an audience, I come at this from another perspective. You see, I’m not a serious gamer. In addition to writing, which I’m doing now, I’m primarily a photo and video editor. And as I’m sure you know, we editors spend hours per day, day after day, with a computer beside us and a monitor or two in front. So we editors need a mouse that doesn’t yield hand or wrist pain too. No one wants a repetitive stress injury regardless of their profession.

The MM711 uses a very reliable and high-end PixArt PAW 3389 sensor which goes up to 32,000 DPI when adjusted with the MasterPlus+ software.

The side mouse buttons are very convenient to use, placed just above where my thumb rests. I had no problem whatsoever going back and forth between web pages. All six buttons were clicky and provided good tactile response. The attached 1.8-meter cord never did catch on my standing desk or the nearby speakers. To be blunt, it felt like there was no cord present.

The scroll wheel with its angled tread design moved nicely, and the three PTFE feet glide very well. It’s good to see a MasterPlus+ feature where one can add and tune the mouse to a new surface.

MasterPlus+ Software

Cooler Master uses their MasterPlus+ software to control the MM711’s DPI button, lighting, performance, macros, and profiles as seen in the screenshots below. There’s plenty one can do with this software.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Ergonomic, ambidextrous design for right-handed users
• No fatigue or wrist pain after many hours of use
• Lightweight at 60 grams
• Terrific RGB illumination

Cons:

• No grip tape

I’m going to get right to the point. The Cooler Master MM711 mouse is quite possibly the best mouse I’ve ever used, no joke. I’ve used gaming and non-gaming mice from all the big players in the computer hardware and peripheral industry for decades. For my needs, the MM711 is as good as it gets and I highly recommend it.

Cooler Master’s MM711 is available for purchase on Amazon for around $60, see the Affiliate link at the bottom. This well-engineered mouse has earned a 4.75 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Cooler Master MM711 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.

Read:   Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

Cooler Master MM711 Matte White Mice

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master website to see their latest peripherals like the MM730 and MM731 gaming mice. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master MM711 mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Cooler Master Technology Inc. © 2021.

Thermaltake Introduces the TOUGHAIR 310 and TOUGHAIR 510 CPU Air Coolers

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TOUGHAIR Series Banner Wide

Four months ago at the virtual CES 2021, the folks at Thermaltake announced a slew of forthcoming gaming hardware products due for release in the first half of 2021. Fast forward to today and we see the release of two new CPU air coolers, the single-fan TOUGHAIR 310 and the dual-fan TOUGHAIR 510. Priced at $39.99 and $59.99 respectively, these two CPU coolers fit well within the range of budget-conscious computer builders who are looking for excellent air-cooling performance.

Thermaltake Debuts the TOUGHAIR 310 and TOUGHAIR 510 CPU Air Coolers

Per the press release, “TOUGHAIR CPU Air Coolers utilize next-gen high static pressure fans leveraging the advanced design concept from TOUGHFAN 12 as well as providing a new level of thermal performance and reliability to the vertical heatsink tower.”

The TOUGHAIR 310 and 510 incorporate high static pressure fans that provide ~ 58 CFM at 2,000 RPM. Fan speeds are also controllable from 500 RPM up to 2,000 RPM. In order to keep the air cooler as quiet as possible, each 120 mm fan is fitted with a second generation hydraulic bearing, LCP-made fan blades, and an anti-vibration mounting system.

CPU compatibility covers a wide range of AMD and Intel sockets.

AMD: AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 «» Intel: LGA 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150

TOUGHAIR CPU Air Cooler Specifications

ModelTOUGHAIR 310TOUGHAIR 510
P/NCL-P074-AL12BL-ACL-P075-AL12BL-A
Compatibility (CPU Socket) Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150
AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 		Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150
AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
Dimension 123.6 x 71.7 x 159.5 mm23.6 x 98.8 x 159.5 mm
Heatsink MaterialAluminum Fins Aluminum Fins
HeatpipeCopper Heatpipes Φ6mm x 4 pcsCopper Heatpipes Φ6mm x 4 pcs
Fan Dimension (L x W x H)120 x 120 x 25 mm 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Fan Quantity1 pc2 pc
Fan Speed PWM 500 ~ 2000 RPM PWM 500 ~ 2000 RPM
Rated Voltage 12 V12 V
Start Voltage6 V6 V
Rated Current0.48 A0.48 A
Power Input5.76 W (one fan)5.76 W (one fan)
Air Flow58.35 CFM (one fan)58.35 CFM (one fan)
Air Pressure2.41 mm-H2O (one fan)2.41 mm-H2O (one fan)
Acoustical Noise23.6 dBA23.6 dBA
Lifetime40K Hours40K Hours
Pin Connect2510 - 4 Pin2510 - 4 Pin
Cooling Power170 W180 W
Read:   Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

The Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 310 and 510 CPU Air Coolers are available for purchase on Amazon for $39.99 and $59.99, respectively. (See Amazon Affiliate links below.)

What do you think of the new Thermaltake TOUGHAIR CPU Air Coolers? Do you plan on purchasing one? 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 USA website to see their current line-up of products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click on their Support tab. These TOUGHAIR CPU Air Coolers come with a 2-year warranty.

Read:   Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard Review

Urbanista London True Wireless Review

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Best Alternative to Apple AirPods?

London is one of those places in the world which has something for everyone. I’m hoping this analogy translates to audio products from Swedish lifestyle brand Urbanista. Recently, we got our hands on the London, its latest true wireless, active noise cancelling earbuds, and put it through its paces. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Urbanista London True Wireless Review.

Urbanista London earbuds in charging case in White Pearl

Pros:
• 5 Hrs Playtime
• 25 Hrs Battery Life
• Active Noise Cancelling
• Ambient Voice Mode
• Ear Detection
• Portable Charging Case

Cons:
• Low Volume Level
• Weak Audio Quality
• Price Tag of $149

Read:   Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

Urbanista London True Wireless Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. Upon opening the packaging, fully charge the Urbanista London true wireless earbuds within the supplied charging case. You can use a Q-certified charging pad as well.
  2. Pairing these earbuds couldn’t be easier. All one has to do is lift the lid to the charging case with the earbuds in place, and that’s it. There are no buttons that require pressing.
  3. After pairing the earbuds to your Bluetooth device, place the earbuds in your ears.
  4. To play or pause the audio, simply tap the logo at the top of the left earbud twice.
  5. To increase the volume, tap the logo at the top of the right earbud. To decrease the volume, tap the logo at the top of the left earbud. Brushing your finger along the earbud worked well for me.
  6. To answer or end a phone call, touch the logo twice on either earbud. To reject a call, touch and hold the logo on either earbud.
  7. To activate Siri or Bixby (I used this one) touch the logo on the right earbud twice.
  8. To turn Active Noise Cancelling on or off, touch and hold the logo on the right earbud for at least two seconds.
  9. To turn Ambient Voice Mode on or off, touch and hold the logo on the left earbud for at least two seconds.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Urbanista press release, “Urbanista London is designed to provide the perfect fit and is comfortable for long periods of wear.” I agree wholeheartedly with this statement.

Urbanista London comes in four colors: Midnight Black, White Pearl, Rose Gold, and Dark Sapphire. And they arrive within a hard plastic, matte-finished charging case of the same color. A four-light charging indicator is located on the front of the case.

Controls are accessed by nothing more than a touch to the logo of either earbud. Operations are listed in the proceeding section. Although there’s no right or left designation on the  earbuds, it’s near impossible to place the wrong one into the correct ear.

Urbanista London earbuds in Midnight Black

These earbuds have in-ear detection, ambient voice mode, and active noise cancelling. The latter utilizes a BES chipset, which I’m told is quite advanced with ANC. While I never got around to utilizing the ambient voice mode, as a situation never presented itself, I can attest that the ANC worked quite well, especially so while mowing the lawn.

In other tests, the earbuds worked as they’re supposed to for playing/pausing music, accessing phone calls, and with the Bixby voice assistant.

Charging of the earbuds is handled via the supplied case and USB-C cable. To achieve play lengths of ½ hour, 1 hour, and 3 hours, charge the earbuds for 5, 10, or 30 minutes, respectively. To completely charge the case takes just over 1.5 hours.

Ear tips come in three sizes: S, M & L.

From a design and feature perspective, London from Urbanista is a solid product.

Urbanista London earbuds with charging case in Midnight Black

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $149.99
• Driver Type: 10 mm
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0
• Supported Codes: AAC, SBC
• Siri/Google Assistant/Bixby
• IPX4 Protection

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Battery Life: Up to 5 Hours
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
• Range: 10 Meters
• Charging Time: 1.52 Hours
• Available in Midnight Black, White Pearl, Rose Gold, Dark Sapphire

Urbanista London earbuds in Sapphire Blue

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Earbuds
• Charging Case
• Manual

• USB-C Charging Cable
• 3 Additional Pairs of Silicone Ear Tips

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding earbuds and headphones is sound quality, followed by fit and feel. The Urbanista London earbuds were tested across a variety of artists using my Amazon Music account.

Audio performance is where the London earbuds lose their luster. Rather than excelling in audio quality, the earbuds faltered. Regardless of the type or genre of music, and I listened to plenty, what I heard felt like layers of cloth or a muffler between my ears and the artist.  When testing a $150 product, I better be impressed, sadly I was disappointed.

Urbanista London earbuds with charging case in Rose Gold

Within the song Alone by Halsey, the finger snapping (among other things) didn’t sound right.

On the song Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey, the audio quality sounds like a blurry mess when the instruments join her vocals.

On the song Bad as the Boys by Tove Lo, the percussion doesn’t sound right. It’s too loud and unpleasant on the ears.

I could continue with less-than-stellar examples from the bands 30 Seconds To Mars, Rush, and The Black Keys, but I won’t.

The only positives I can note are from Jazz legend John Coltrane and the EDM artist Zedd. The audio quality of their albums The Ultimate Blue Train and Clarity were better on the ears, but I’ve heard more satisfying from similarly priced earbuds.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be comfortable in my ears and very portable within its travel case.

Audio life of five hours is enough to cover two day’s worth of bus or subway commutes plus lunch breaks. Sadly, the audio quality disappoints.

• Design – 4.5
• Features – 4.5

• Sound – 2.0
• Value – 3.0

What do you think of this Urbanista London True Wireless 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 Urbanista’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. The London True Wireless ANC earbuds come with a one-year limited warranty, click this Warranty Terms link for more information. To learn about returns, repairs, and technical support, click this Help Center link for more details.

FTC Disclosure: Urbanista provided Beantown with one (1) London True Wireless Earbuds sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Urbanista or Beantown LLC © 2020.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

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With CES2020 in the rearview window, headphones that we saw, heard, or read about are now becoming available. One of these models is the Philips TAPH802 Hi-Res Audio wireless over-ear headphones. Priced under $150, the Philips PH802 headphones boast passive noise isolation, Bluetooth 4.2, Hi-Res Audio when wired, and closed-back 40 mm diameter speakers. These over-ear headphones are designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Philips PH802 headphones review.

Philips PH805 Unfolded

Pros:
• Superb sound
• Very comfortable fit
• Rapid/Quick charge capable
• Battery life of up to 30 hours

Cons:
• No storage bag included
• No USB-C charging port
• Lacks wear detection
• Only one color available

Read:   Moshi Vacanza Weekend Travel Bag Review

Philips PH802 Headphones Review

What You Need To Know for Operation of the PH802

  1. To power on or off in wireless mode, press and hold the power button for three seconds. You’ll hear “Power On” or “Power Off” depending on the operation.
  2. To pair the headset to your mobile device, press and hold the power switch fully until you hear “Connected.” Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the headphones.
  3. To play and pause audio, press the button once for either action. Taking or ending a phone call is handled in the same manner.
  4. To forward or reverse a music track, press down or up, respectively, while holding for one second to complete the action.
  5. To increase or decrease the volume, push up or down the slider button, respectively.
  6. Playtime lasts for a whopping 30 hours. Charging the headphones takes approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll notice a red blinking light while charging.
  7. Note: these functions only work in wireless mode.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones where one switch controls every function. It couldn’t be any simpler.

Philips PH805 Folded Compact

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

PH802 Design and Features

Although the Philips PH802 headphones come in an all-plastic, black color scheme, the design of the headset is a fascinating one with its use of curvature and non-uniform padding.

If you haven’t already noticed, the padding on the headband and ear cuffs is not the same thickness throughout; in other words, it’s uneven, and this is a good thing. If you examine it closely, you’ll notice the headband is thickest up top, and the ear cuffs have a bit of an s-curve shape with more padding in the lower half. This allows for a softer fit up top and better-enclosed fit on the sides.

In fact, the PH802 may be the only headphones in my arsenal where the ear cuffs fully encompass my ears. I went back and looked through my collection of on-ear and over-ear headphones only to realize that all but one model had uniformity in the shape of their headbands and ear cuffs. So, I’m not surprised by its excellent fit.

The headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from polyvinyl or leather, I can’t tell which. Regardless, they’re very soft and amazingly comfortable. Both the headband and ear pads contain memory foam, so every time you remove the headset, they’ll return to their designed state rather quickly. As someone who wears glasses, you shouldn’t worry about discomfort. The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its twelve adjustable positions.

Philips PH805 Folded Flat

Determining which side is left or right is a bit confusing. Sadly, the “L” & “R” designations aren’t large enough to read.

The ear cups of the PH802 rotate 90° degrees in; thus, they lay flat when placed on a surface and approximately 10° out. Additionally, they bend inwards for better storage.

With only one button/slider and two inputs on the headset, the PH802 couldn’t be easier to operate. Placement is handled very well; never did I forget the location of anything. See the previous section for operation.

The headphones include a port for wired audio and another for charging.

Throughout hours of use, the button/slider work as advertised. One thing to remember, the button/slider doesn’t function when the headphones are wired to a mobile device.

Overall, the construction is well done and assures high quality.

Philips PH805 Button

As of today, the PH802 is available in one color–black. Should additional colors be introduced, this post will be updated.

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Specifications

• Sensitivity: 90 db
• Headphone Frequency Response: 7 Hz – 40 kHz
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm
• Range: 10 meters
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

• Battery Type: Lithium-Polymer
• Max Power Input: 30 mW
• Music Play Time: 30 Hours w/o ANC
• Standby Time: 200 Hours
• Charging Time: 1.5 Hours
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

What’s In The Box?

• PH802 Over-Ear Headphones
• Safety Sheet
• Quick Start Guide

• 48″ 2.5 mm Audio Cable
• 9″ μ-USB Charging Cable

Philips PH805 Headband

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Amazon Music Playlist

• Tove Lo – Sunshine Kitty
• Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence, Born To Die

• Halsey – Hopeless Fountain
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

Audio Performance

I repeat this all the time when reviewing headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Philips PH802 over-ear headphones were tested using the playlist listed above. Each album was sampled against a comparable well-rated $200 headset selected from my collection. When you’re testing headphones with 40 mm drivers and a frequency response of 7 Hz – 40 kHz, you expect very high-quality sound.

I didn’t need to listen to anything beyond the first album, Sunshine Kitty from Tove Lo, to know that I loved these headphones. Nonetheless, in order to provide a thorough review, I listened to all five albums.

Vocals, keyboards, drums and percussion, and electric and bass guitar across all the albums were very much to my liking. Be careful not to go beyond the 85-90% volume setting. The high volume could negatively impact your hearing ability.

Philips PH805 Ear Cup

Whether you’re listening to Geddy Lee or any of the three female singers, vocals were exceedingly clear and vivid. And it wasn’t just vocals that shined. Keyboards, drums, and guitars all sounded the way I hoped it would before hitting the play button. The beauty of sampling Sunshine Kitty first is that you get plenty of bass, keyboard, and drums in droves. Take a listen to Sweettalk my Heart or Mateo. Bass and percussion sounds were deep, rich, and layered throughout the album. None of the $200 (or less) on-ear or over-headphones in my collection produced this high-quality level of audio. Normally, I’d have to jump up to a $250 (or higher) pair of headphones to hear bass like this. With the Philips PH802, less is more.

With the ambient noise of the city being a lot lower than normal thanks to COVID19, I wasn’t able to give the passive noise isolation a thorough workout. With that said, I had no issues with it in my home. I couldn’t hear my cat’s meows while she was beside me or the audio from the television in the adjoining room.

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Conclusion

In my testing, whether it be via wireless or wired connectivity, the Philips PH802 headphones performed without a hitch, in other words, phenomenally.

Vocals, keyboards, drums and percussion, and electric and bass guitar production was very much to my liking.

While these aren’t categorized as sports headphones, I have no issue with the PH802 being worn on the gym floor or treadmill, provided your gym is open for business. Sure, you’ll sweat, but they’ll hug your head in the process.

After using these headphones extensively in my home, I can confidently say that they’re among the best sub-$150 headphones I’ve listened to in quite some time.

The headphones are quite comfortable after many hours of continuous listening, barely leaving a mark once you remove them. At a list price of $109.99, the Philips PH802 are the best over-ear wireless headphones I’ve tried this year. I’ll be listening to my Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 a lot less going forward, maybe even retiring them. And you’re worried about the price, head over to Amazon where you’ll see them for $89.99. See the link below.

I’ll be keeping this headset and adding to my reference list when comparing to future similarly-priced pairs of headphones.

Philips PH805 Wordmark

What do you think of this Philips PH802 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 Philips Support Page to see their latest on software and driver updates, registration, and warranties.

FTC Disclosure: Philips provided Beantown LLC with one (1) PH802 Hi-Res Audio headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Philips or Beantown LLC © 2020.

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Netflix 6 Underground Review

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The Netflix Film 6 Underground has just been released on the streaming service, and it’s a doozy. And I’m not using that word in a positive sense. If you’re into mind-blowing action, then you should know it’s packed full of it. But sadly, the film falls short in pretty much every other metric. So without further ado, let’s dive right into the Netflix 6 Underground Film Review.

Netflix 6 Underground Review

6 UNDERGROUND Cast

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The Backstory

The writers of this film (Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese) have done us a disservice. Outside of a few time-shifting backstories, we learn next to nothing regarding the main cast of characters. To be blunt, I’ve heard better stories in the men’s rooms of most nightclubs, and those storytellers weren’t Hollywood writers or producers. The film’s dialogue is weak, to phrase it mildly.

Ryan Reynolds is an inventor billionaire who fakes his death and, with no experience in the assassination game, starts a for-hire hitman squad. Just like in Green Lantern, Ryan’s character stalls out an airplane and crashes it.

Ryan Reynolds crew of bad guy removers are numbered 1 through 7, with of course he being number 1. Now, no one calls it a ‘suicide squad’ as those two words have already been used up by DC Comics/Warner Brothers, but that’s what they are. Heck, I’m not even sure how they’re being compensated for their dictator removal services.

6 UNDERGROUND Aerial View of Car Crash Florence Italy

So the team is made up of six individuals, one of which gets killed in the 17-minute car chase opening scene. Like most Michael Bay action films, this one involves plenty of gunfire, explosions, chases, and aerial views. It wouldn’t be a Michael Bay film if there weren’t plenty of aerial drone shots and helicopter scenes kicking up sand. I can think of at least six off the top of my head spanning the last dozen or so years, most with the word Transformers in the title. In other words, we’ve all seen this movie before.

It also wouldn’t be a Michael Bay film (or a Ryan Reynolds liquor ad) if there were some blatant product advertisements. Aviation Gin, Chopard Watches, and Hotels & Resorts are prominently featured in 6 Underground.

The Story

As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the film starts with an over-the-top 17-minute car chase through the City of Florence, Italy. Believe it or not, this is the team’s first mission, and as one would expect, it goes south quickly. There are some horrific crashes, a few of which, including the first one, don’t even make sense from a physics point of view. But who cares, it’s a Michael Bay film. Just sit back and enjoy, right?

After watching this scene, I immediately felt terrible for the stuntmen and women in this film. If crash test dummies or CGI weren’t used during this car chase, then there’s got to be some injured folks on the set. As someone who edits video as part of his living, I can say that there are a ton of special effects used here. Glitches and light leaks are easy to notice, but there are so many more that watching a behind-the-scenes feature, should one exist, would be worthwhile.

6 UNDERGROUND Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Mélanie Laurent

So the cast of characters goes like this: we got ourselves a billionaire, a doctor, a driver, a hitman, a skywalker, and a former CIA agent. Everyone here is a ghost after having their deaths faked. One of them dies for real, I won’t say who, and is replaced by an army sniper. My favorite of all these characters, and you may not agree, is the skywalker.

You know this is a bad film when 24 minutes in the main character says to the sniper, “God, it’s hard to watch.” As soon as I heard that line, I said “yup”.

The plot of this story is to topple the dictator of a fictitious country in the Middle East, then replace him with his democracy-loving brother. In other words, we’re back to nation-building, which doesn’t work so well in practice nowadays. The dictator is a real piece of shit who puts no value on human life. The brother, on the other hand, is a decent guy, but he’s locked up in the penthouse suite of a Hong Kong tower. And of course, you probably guessed it; the six ghosts have to break him out. While over-the-top, this is a pretty good action sequence.

6 UNDERGROUND Mélanie Laurent and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Once the tyrant’s brother is rescued, we’re taken to the fictitious Middle Eastern country for a violent overthrow of the government.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t find 6 Underground exciting or even enough to keep me awake after the first-hour mark. Fortunately, the second half was better and more entertaining. It was so bad that it took me two nights to complete this film.

There is one scene I need to draw attention to because the filmmakers truly screwed up. At one point in the film, the team is heading to Las Vegas. Now, this is all fine and dandy, until you notice that Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit are shown, but they aren’t in Las Vegas. As a Formula One fan, I’m confident in saying they’re in Abu Dhabi. Go figure.

Overall, the film was a disappointment for so many reasons. If you’re going to watch this turd, put aside two hours where you’re not worried if you ever get them back.

I certainly hope this is the end of the story for these six ghosts, as I don’t want to see a sequel. Watching one 6 Underground film was bad enough, we definitely don’t need a sequel.

If you’re wondering what’s worth watching on Netflix, try Love, Death & Robots, or the upcoming series The Witcher.

What did you think of the Netflix Film 6 Underground? 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 Netflix homepage to see their latest announcements.

FTC Disclosure: Netflix did not compensate us at Beantown for this review. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Netflix © 2019.

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