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For years now, since its initial release, I
simply could not part with my modded Logisys dual optical mouse. Featured in
two magazines and websites across the world, this is personally one of the
best optical mice ever released. However, if there is one product we
have reviewed here that has quickly gained the interest of many enthusiast
as well as those in the gaming community, it is the mice put out by Razer. Their high performance mice have truly gained the respect deserved
based on their innovative design and unmatched performance. We have had the
pleasure of taking a look at two of their most popular mice in the past,
both of which earned our very highest recommendation as well as high marks
from many other respected review sites. We were left wondering with what
they would come up with next? Well, they have done their homework and
have just released a new limited edition mouse that is sure to grab
everyone's attention, including those in the modding community. The new
Razer Diamondback Plasma touches on both overall aesthetics and performance.
Today, we not only take a look at this new mouse, but also offer our loyal readers
an opportunity to win one of these beauties!
Packaging & Contents
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As with their other Diamondback mice, the
Chameleon Green and Salamander Red, the box includes a bonus neoprene LAN bag and
driver CD.
Design
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The
Plasma is a Limited Edition model. I found that a majority of online
stores will only be provided with limited quantities and they may not be
able to re-order additional stock. In fact, many have already sold
out. This new model comes with a translucent black shell and "ice blue" LEDs.
But what really does make this mouse unique is the method chosen for optics. Razer
was not only one of
the first to be bold enough to release a 1600dpi mouse, but have taken it a
step further with the plasma and have added the first ever infrared optical sensor for
optics powered by Razer Precision. Yes, that means it is invisible.
No more red glow emanating from the bottom of the mouse. The bottom
features some rather large Teflon feet for smooth tracking on any surface.
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The
level of comfort is something that will honestly depend on the user.
With that said, I can only give you my personal opinions on its overall
comfort level. While I don't find it near as comfortable as most of
the excellent mice from Logitech, I really do like the extra-large buttons
and feel of the scroll wheel. If you are right-handed and looking for
the ultimate in comfort, perhaps you should throw in the Logitech MX 518
into consideration as well. Keep in mind though, that these are the
only two mice on the market that feature a 1600dpi "Gaming-Grade" optical
engine. However, the Razer has an edge over the MX 518 due to its
clever ambidextrous design. It has been designed for both right
and left-handed users. The Diamondback Plasma
has a total of 7 buttons that are independently programmable, four of which
are located on each side of the mouse. As Tom has stated in our previous
review of the Diamondback Chameleon, the buttons may be located too far back
for some people. I didn't find the top-left side button to be a
problem at all. It is the buttons located on the right and further
back that certainly may be an issue. I'm also not fond of the small
plastic grooves used to help locate the two buttons. This is mainly because it is really just one
piece of plastic rather than two individual buttons. I would have preferred two independent, low-profile buttons.
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Other than its new ice blue glow, appealing black shell, and first ever
infrared optical sensor, the overall design and specs are identical to their
previous Diamondback models.
Specifications
-Infrared Optical engine powered by Razer PrecisionTM
1600 DPI, TWICE THAT of conventional high performance sensors
-Ultra large non-slip mouse buttons, tactile response design
-Award winning Razer drivers featuring On-the-Fly sensitivityTM adjustment
-Frame rate over 6400 frames per second (5.8 megapixels per second)
-16 bit data path, as compared to 8 bit and 12 bit data paths
used by other conventional mice
-Always On Mode – the optical sensor never powers down -
provides instantaneous response at all times during gameplay
-High speed motion detection, up to 40ips and 15g
-Buttons – 7 physical buttons optimized for gaming response and
independently programmable
-Non-slip side rails and new ergonomic ambidextrous design
-Zero acoustic Teflon feet for smooth motion over any surface
-Gold plated USB connector for maximum conductivity
-Size: 5.04" length x 2.5" width x 1.54" height
-7 foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord
-Comes with custom designed Razer DiamondbackTM Lan-Pack for storage and
transport.
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