Tips for selecting a new mouse and keyboard?
Tips for selecting a new mouse and keyboard?
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for some expert insights and assistance. I’m considering upgrading my mouse and keyboard and have a few options in mind. I’m a bit uncertain about whether the reviews truly reflect what I’d experience. Since I mainly play FPS games and enjoy multiplayer online, I want to make sure I’m making an informed choice.
Here are the three mice I was thinking about:
- Corsair Sabre Pro Champion series
I appreciate the polling rate and the ability to adjust DPI in small increments. It’s not clear if that really matters for performance, but it does feel precise. I sometimes get frustrated when I can’t fine-tune the settings easily.
- EVGA X12
This model offers a solid polling rate and has two buttons on each side. It could be useful depending on what you need.
- Razer Death Adder V3
I prefer Razer products, though I’ve been using a Basilisk V3 for nearly two years now. The Death Adder V3 has a decent sensor and optical buttons. I’m open to trying all three but would like to know if there’s a better reason to exclude any of them.
Regarding keyboards, here are some thoughts:
- EVGA Z20 RGB
Reviews are mixed for this model, but it seems to perform well within its price range. Optical switches and 4000Hz polling are appealing features.
- Mizar MZ60 Luna 60% optical red
Available in yellow and silver, but I haven’t tried them yet. I prefer linear and fast response times, which this model offers. Gateron optical switches are a plus.
- ROCCAT Vulcan Pro Linear Optical
A different option compared to EVGA, with lower polling rates but solid reviews. It’s more suited for gaming, as I type on an ergonomic keyboard.
- Steel Series Apex Pro
I can’t afford a high-end keyboard right now and would prefer not to spend too much on this one.
I’m still trying to gauge whether the reviews are reliable enough to guide my decisions. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
No one can provide a definitive answer because people perceive KB/mice differently and prioritize various metrics.
Your most reliable choice is to examine reviews, where KB/mice have been evaluated by the same individual. This would highlight quality variations between the two models, but that’s essentially all you’ll gain. How KB/mice feels when pressed, the force required for key presses, and the sound level are all personal preferences and shouldn’t influence your decision when selecting a keyboard.
All related peripherals and PC cases depend heavily on individual taste and experience, making it difficult to recommend accurately by others.
For instance, my own preference includes:
KB – mechanical design with 45g actuation force, such as Cherry MX Red or MX Silent. I chose MX Silent for its quieter operation (~30% less noise) and because I don’t need macro keys on my keyboard. However, I require a full-sized keyboard with a standard QWERTY layout.
Current setup: Corsair Strafe RGB paired with Cherry MX Silent switches and a Nordic layout.
Specs: [link](https://www.corsair.com/eu/en/p/keyboard...9000121-na)
Mice – optical sensors with at least 1000 Hz polling rate and a minimum of five programmable buttons beyond the standard three. I also need a thumb rest. Previously, I used Corsair Sabre RGB but switched to Corsair Nightsword RGB for a better feel. Weight is irrelevant to me; I prefer a lightweight mouse around 100g.
Specs: [link](https://www.corsair.com/eu/en/p/gamers-k...9306011-eu)
Since I use peripherals within the Corsair ecosystem, I can quickly set up game-specific macro profiles that activate immediately upon launching a game. This greatly simplifies setup compared to relying on default profiles or constantly adjusting settings.
The above situation is one part I do lament about the slow elimination of brick and mortar stores with decent selection. Nothing like walking down that aisle and trying each one in person.
+1 on
@Aeacus
feedback.
Focusing on what you mentioned, as it appears that is the main point you're after.
Mice - Razer DeathAdder V3
Keyboard - EVGA Z20
The Razer DeathAdder V3 stands out as one of the top mice available and would be my choice over the others if I had to pick just one. In my own opinion, I’d go with a
Pulsar X2
or
LAMZU Atlantis
mouse instead of the ones on your list. The Pulsar X2 is launching soon with an upgraded 4K (or possibly even 8K) model.
I’ve used the EVGA Z20 keyboard initially when it first launched, and EVGA offered a discount for members. It performed well and was reliable. Now that I’ve moved into custom mechanical keyboards, I’ve switched to those instead. It’s still kept in my storage for future use if needed.
This was how I decided on Cherry MX Red/Silent. On paper, Cherry MX Brown seemed appealing with its tactile bump, but in real store experience it didn’t appeal to me. Cherry MX Black felt too stiff for my preference, so I chose Cherry MX Red instead—it felt most comfortable. One level up was Cherry MX Silent, which was only available on Corsair KBs at the time. That’s why I opted for my Strafe RGB.
From a cost perspective, it was a significant jump. I moved from €10 for membrane PS/2 KB to €178 for mechanical USB KB.
I still believe I spent more than my budget would suggest. But its durability is outstanding and it comes with many useful features, which makes me feel confident about the price.
Acknowledgeably, I’m likely the final person to inquire about "nice" keyboards and mice. My last enjoyable game-oriented keyboard was a MS Sidewinder. I regret the way I handled that one (cleaning it wrong). I usually purchase Dell Business Class composites. Currently, Logitech offers corded models under $13 that function adequately; when they fail, they become too grimy, labels fade, and they end up in the trash, needing replacement.
My home setup supports multiple devices, so I switched to a multi-device Logi Craft and a Flow type mouse. It works well, though it may not suit everyone.
I mostly play on an Xbox controller now—about 100%, so there’s no point in continuing.
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Kailh Brown.
Avoids anti-ghosting issues across all keys.
I invested around 85 euros.
A more affordable option existed, but I hesitated and it disappeared.
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There seems to be an issue with editing my earlier comment. I'm still confused about whether antighosting works for all buttons.