Introduction:

We’ve been teasing the ASUS ROG Claymore review for a while now, and I’m excited to say that the wait is finally over and the review is here! The ASUS ROG Claymore is a full sized mechanical keyboard which has some very unique features. The very first of which is a detachable numeric keypad. And not only does the Claymore feature a detachable numeric pad, ROG took it to the next level by giving you the option to attach the numeric keypad on the other side. How often do you get to see that? It also sports MX RGB mechanical switches from the renowned company known as Cherry. And to top it off, ASUS ROG also implemented some very unique hotkeys on the keyboard like CPU OC, Memory OC and more.

A little briefing about the company. I’m sure you must have heard of the brand ASUS as they’ve been manufacturing computer components for about 30 years. And it is also one of the brands that’s easily available in Pakistan. ROG, short for Republic of Gamers, founded in 2006, is a sub brand of ASUS that handles the PC gaming oriented hardware.

ASUS ROG Claymore Unboxing:

So we get the ASUS ROG Claymore in a giant rectangular box. I’ve reviewed a few mechanical keyboard in past on a different website, but never have I seen a keyboard box of such size. On the front, we have a picture of the keyboard, with RGB LEDs enabled, and I would guess in the wave effect. Above the keyboard picture, we have the product name. On the left side, we have some features mentioned like it supports Aura Sync, got Cherry MX Red RGB switches, and that it even won the reddot 2016 award. Below that we have the ASUS logo, meanwhile, the Republic of Gamers logo is present on the top right side.

Flipping over the box, we have some more features listed here like the detachable numerical keypad, the switches, 11 customizable lighting effects etc. On the left, we have the product name once again and on the right, we have a unit information sticker and some standard markings.

On the back of the box, we have some detailed specifications of the keyboard. On the left corner, we have the ASUS ROG logo followed by the product name. In the middle, we have a picture of the Claymore with pointers describing some of the secondary functions of a few keys. And at the bottom, we have a mention of the ROG Armoury software which we will cover in the review. And besides, that is the contact info of the manufacturer.

Flipping the box over one more time reveals some features of the keyboard listed in multiple languages.

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And on either side of the box, we have the ROG Claymore printed. Also, the box is opened from the sides as well, as there’s another box inside that we need to pull out.

Inside was a black sturdy cardboard box to ensure maximum damage control during overseas shipment. A ROG logo in the center would’ve been good to see.

This box features a flip design, and removing the top reveals one large compartment and one small compartment, both holding something within a cloth bag. We all know that’s the keyboard and the Numpad.

Taking out the keyboard and Numpad, you’ll see a cardboard sheet under them, removing which reveals some goodies we get along with the keyboard.

So here’s all the stuff we get with the ASUS ROG Claymore. From right to left, we have a braided cable, 2 ROG badge, a greeting card and an instruction manual. If you’re wondering what the black piece underneath the badges is, it’s a small box. All the stuff, other than the cable was inside it.

This is what the greeting card says.

ASUS ROG Badge

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Here’s a close up of the ASUS ROG Badge. It has double-sided tape behind it so you can attach it to anything.

And this is the braided USB to microUSB cable used for connecting the keyboard to PC. It’s about 1.8-2 meters in length.

ASUS ROG Claymore USB Cable

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On one side of the USB end, we have the USB logo. And on the other side, we have the ROG branding. And if you haven’t noticed, it features a polygonal design. And on the microUSB end, we have a similar situation, with USB logo on one end and ROG on other and the same polygonal design.

ASUS ROG Claymore Cloth Bags

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Now let’s take a look at the keyboard bags. We have ASUS ROG branding on both cloth bags, however, they are somewhat smudged.

And as anyone would have guessed, we had the Keyboard and the Numpad inside the cloth bags. So now let’s have a closer look at the keyboard and the detachable numeric keypad.

ASUS ROG Claymore Closer Look:

Starting with the QWERTY part of the Claymore or the core body, this is how it looks. The top frame features an aluminum construction. The aluminum construction also gives it a bit of glossy texture and talking about texture, the top frame features a Mayan-inspired detailing. Those detailing aren’t much visible in this picture, but you’ll get to see more of it down below. As for the keycaps, they have some secondary functions printed along the main function while some more are present at the front bottom. The front bottom prints can be seen clearly from the position one would use the keyboard, so that’s a nice touch in my opinion. And the top prints are translucent so the LED effects would pass through them easily. Then we also seem to have an ASUS ROG logo present at the mid-bottom. And the ROG Logo also features RGB LEDs.

From this angle, you can grasp an idea of what the Mayan-inspired detailing looks like. Also, the ROG logo seems to be wearing a film from this picture, however, it isn’t. That’s just how it looks, and my guess would be they’ve merged the LED strip with the Logo, that’s why it looks like that. Then there’s the “REPUBLIC OF GAMERS” title printed on the spacebar. You wouldn’t see something like this on many other keyboards, decorating it with small details like this is what makes the Claymore different from the others.

And from this picture, I think you can better understand what the Mayan-inspired detailing looks like. That pattern is followed throughout the top aluminum frame of the keyboard. This picture also gives a better view of the secondary function prints on the keycaps.

ASUS ROG Claymore Sides Covered

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Now one question about this keyboard, in particular, would be, how do you attach and detach the numeric keypad? Well, we have this special housing made for the detachable numeric keypad, on both sides of the keyboard. They both have these rubber covers protecting the connection points.

ASUS ROG Claymore Sides Uncovered

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Removing which reveals the connection points. Now ASUS ROG didn’t just make a detachable Numpad for the Claymore, they took it one step further by giving you the option of attaching the Numpad on both sides of the keyboard. That’s a pretty nice move.

This is how the back of the keyboard looks like. The details aren’t much visible in this picture, but we can see the information sticker at the bottom along with 3 feet and the extenders at the top corners. And unlike the top frame that had a aluminum construction, the bottom body is made out of plastic.

And I believe this is the best shot I took of the keyboard. However, this is not what you’ll buy the keyboard for. The details at the back become much clearer in this picture. The aggressive design at the back looks like something you would see in a move filled with sci-fi content. Also, if you look closely, we also have the ASUS ROG and Claymore engraving in the middle. And just below that is the insertion point for the microUSB cable. And the two cuts below the microUSB port on the left and right sides are the cable routing grooves. This is most probably the best-detailed back of a keyboard I’ve seen so far.

From this angle, you can clearly see that the microUSB cable won’t have any trouble going to the insertion point. Also visible are the interiors of the Cherry MX Red RGB Switches.

ASUS ROG Claymore Height

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Here’s a comparison of the lift the extenders at the back provides. But at the angle the keys are installed on this keyboard, I don’t think you would require those extenders. But you still have the option.

Here’s a shot of the Cherry MX RED RGB switches among the mass of other keys with keycaps. Well, that’s pretty much it about the core body, now let’s have a look at the detachable numeric keypad.

ASUS ROG Claymore Detachable Numpad

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And this is what the detachable numeric keypad looks like up close. It features the same aluminum construction and Mayan-inspired pattern throughout the frame. Then there’s a roller at the top which is used for the volume adjustment. And you can even press the roller to mute the volume. And on both ends of the roller, it seems like there are two screws, but that’s not the case, it just some detailing touch on the Numpad.

ASUS ROG Claymore Numpad Covered

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Similarly, on the numeric keypad, we have the connection points covered with rubber on both sides.

ASUS ROG Claymore Numpad Uncovered

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Removing the cover reveals the connection pins on the Numpad. And there’s one more crucial detail that the ASUS ROG didn’t forget. It’s the way the Numpad is attached to the rest of the body. If you haven’t noticed, the housing/detachable mechanism is designed in such a way that you have to insert the Numpad from above into the housing on the keyboard. Not the other way around where you would have needed to insert the connection points on the keyboard into the numeric pad from above. This would have been way too inconvenient. So, props to ASUS ROG design team for thinking it through.

Here’s a look at the roller from another angle.

This is what the back of the numeric keypad looks like. We have 3 feet in total. Then we have an information sticker, on top of which is the ASUS ROG Logo engraved onto the body. And at the top, we have the extender for the Numpad.

ASUS ROG Claymore Profiles

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So that pretty much covers the keyboard along with the detachable Numpad. These are the two profiles you can set up by attaching the Numpad to either left or right side of the keyboard. Now let’s talk about the Cherry MX Red RGB switch being used in this keyboard.

ASUS ROG Claymore Specification:

Cherry MX Red RGB Switches:
When we talk about mechanical switches, there’s one brand that everybody knows about, Cherry. And the Claymore we are reviewing today features Cherry’s MX Red RGB switches. These switches are a product of Cherry and Corsair’s partnership and it was introduced back in 2014. The only difference between the Cherry’s MX Red and MX Red RGB is the addition of RGB LEDs.

These switches have a linear feeling, they aren’t tactile. These switches only require about 45cN force to register. Due to the linear response and low actuation force, these switches are favored by most gamers. As it makes for rapid actuation of the keys easier.

ASUS ROG Claymore Alternate Function Keys:

The ROG Claymore also comes with many hotkeys to make your life a lot easier. Some of these hotkeys are basic that you may see on most keyboards in the market, but some of them are exclusive to the ROG Claymore. Following is a list of hotkeys that the ASUS ROG Claymore has.

Brightness Level:

You can change the brightness of the LEDs by pressing Fn+ Down or Fn+Up arrow key.

Color Customization:

You can also increase the level of Red, Green and Blue colors by 10 on the go. Press Fn+Delete for Red, Fn+End for Green and Fn+PageDown for Blue.

ROG Sync:

The Claymore also features a hotkey that lets you sync the LED effects between the Claymore and the ASUS ROG Spatha mouse. However, this hotkey only works when the ROG Armoury software is activated.
To sync both mouse and keyboard, press Fn+PrintScreen button.

Windows Key Off:

This hotkey lets you disable the windows key. One of the most helpful and much-needed feature of a gaming keyboard.
To disable the Windows key, press Fn+Windows key. And same to enable it.

On the Fly Macro Recording:

The ASUS ROG Claymore, even though has a macro recording tab in the ROG Armoury setup for all the macro customization, it also features on the fly macro recording.
There are three steps to recording a macro on the go.
Step 1: Fn + Right-ALT to start recording
Step 2: Fn + Right-ALT to end recording
Step 3: assign Macro Key

Memory Overclocking:

The ROG Claymore also has a hotkey for Memory overclocking. However, this feature is exclusive to systems using ASUS ROG motherboard.
To Overclock Memory, press F12

Power On:

Also, a nice thing to have. Just press the Enter key to power on your system. Very handy when you have your system in a compact space.

Lighting Effect Switch:

To switch Lighting Effects, press Fn+Right or Fn+Left arrow key.

Profile Switch:

The ROG Claymore can hold up to 6 profiles at the time in its memory. To switch between profiles, press Fn+1/2/3/4/5/6 key.

Fan Speed Control:

Another feature exclusive to systems utilizing ASUS ROG motherboards. Also, to access this feature, you must have the ROG Armoury and Fan Xpert software activated.
To increase the fan speed, press “Fn” + “+” key and to decrease the speed, press “Fn” + “-” key.

Repeat Acceleration:

I don’t think I’ve seen this feature on any other keyboard before as well. It lets you increase the key repetition speed when you’re holding down a key on the keyboard. I don’t really see a practical use of this feature, but it’s there if you need.
Fn + F1: 1X
Fn + F2: 2X
Fn + F3: 3X
Fn + F4: 4X

CPU Overclocking:

Just like RAM overclocking, you can overclock your CPU as well just by pressing one button the ASUS ROG Claymore. However, once again, this is exclusive to systems utilizing ASUS ROG Motherboard.
To overclock your system, press F11.

Enter Into Bios:

Press Del key to enter directly into bios when your system if off.

Clear CMOS:

You can also clear CMOS in case your OC settings go wrong just by pressing CLR keys on the keyboard.

ROG Armoury Software

ASUS ROG Claymore is accompanyed by a software called ROG Armoury. You’ll need this software in order to access the maximum customization capabilities of the Claymore. To download the software, head over to the following link: ROG Armoury

The installation is pretty easy and is just like any other program you’d install.

Once you’re done with the installation and open the software, I’m sure this is what you’ll see. Since the keyboards you will buy today will most probably have older firmware. Just press OK here.

Once your firmware update is complete, this is where you’ll land. Right now, we’re in the Keyboard setting tabs. From here you can select and customize up to 5 different profiles. Also, you can enable/disable some functions from the keyboard that can be annoying in gaming mode. Also, you can link programs to different profiles by clicking on the little lock symbol in front of the Profile names. So, when you execute the said program, the keyboard will change to the profile connected with the program.

From here, you can also assign different functions to the keys by pressing on the key you want to customize from the keyboard picture. Once you click on any key, and popup will open. And from here, you can assign the key different keyboard functions, mouse functions, macros etc.

And also, from the keyboard tab, you can change the LED effects of the keyboard. There are about 8 LED effects pre-programmed for the keyboard. However, Claymore also has an option for customizing your LED effects.

This is LED customization tab. From here you can assign different LED effects to every key individually. So, there’s a lot of patterns to play around with. This is also one of the most satisfying LED customization experience I’ve had with a keyboard. You can see the LEDs and customization of LED effects in action on next page.

Then beside the Keyboard tab, we have the macro tab. Recording the macro in the software is pretty simple. Just create a macro by clicking on the + symbol on the top left corner, press the record button, input your desired function and press stop. And that’s all you need to do. You can also edit the input if you’d like by pressing the right click. Now go ahead and assign the macro to a key in the keyboard settings tab.

And there’s also an option to set up default delay value. This can be accessed by pressing the gear/cog icon in front of the record button.

Besides the Macro tab, we have the Sync tab. From here, you can sync the keyboard LED effects with the ASUS motherboard and other ASUS peripherals I believe. The options in my pictures are disabled because, at the time of this review, I didn’t have any other ASUS product that utilizes this function. And having not used the Asus Aura software, I believe the keyboard should show up there as well for synchronization.

And the last tab is called Stats. As the name suggests, it keeps a track of some of the most used keys in-game like WASD. However, you need to press the record button first to keep a tab on your stats. It does not record these keys by default. Not really a practical feature in my opinion, since, let’s be honest, who has the time. But if someone’s concerned, they can surely check their key stats from this tab.

LED Effect:

What better express the LED effects than a video demonstration? So, check out the LED effects in action in the video below

User Experience and Conclusion:

I’ve been using the ASUS ROG Claymore for about 2 weeks now and the keyboard leaves me nothing more than satisfied. I really love the detachable Numpad design of the keyboard. The fact that I can remove the Numpad when I’m gaming for a better and closer hand posture is a great feat that this keyboard provides. And not only can you remove the Numpad, you can install it on either side of the keyboard. So, this also gives you the option of installing the Numpad on the right side and use it as it’s supposed to. Or, you can use the whole Numpad as a macro pad by assigning macros to the Numpad keys. This could be an amazing feat for those who require lots of macros in their daily life.

Other than the detachable Numpad, ASUS ROG has put a lot of efforts into the whole design. The whole keyboard features Mayan-inspired detailing that looks great up-close. Then the ASUS ROG logo at the bottom is sure to catch your eye multiple times. And who can forget the aggressive back design that this keyboard features? Even though you won’t be seeing it much, but that doesn’t stop ASUS ROG from design a back like that.

There’s one question may have about this keyboard. It’s that the numeric keypad has a volume roller at the top where you’d usually find the LED indicators for Num lock, Scroll lock, and Caps lock. So where are the LEDs for those? Well, there aren’t any separate LEDs for those, instead, the Num lock, scroll lock, and Caps lock button glows in white color themselves when these functions are enabled. This does get in the way of your LED effects, but it doesn’t make them look awful bad, and I think they had to make do with something, so that’s the only solution they could find without compromising the overall design.

About the volume roller, it’s a pretty awesome feature. Makes adjusting volume very easy since you don’t have to reach for a multimedia shortcut or mouse to adjust the volume. Just reach out for the volume roller and adjust it. And you can also mute the volume by pressing the roller downwards. And it does add that extra points to the aesthetics of numeric keypad.

As for the LED effects, the keyboard features some cool effects, as can be seen in the video  in the Lighting Effects section. Also, the fact that you can assign different LED effects to each key individually makes the possibility for numerous pattern. I love the LED effect that I created with the keyboard where the spectrum waves are running upwards and the WASD keys are set to breathing effect in red color.

Now talking about the software, the ROG Armoury software is pretty well laid out, with everything you need in their respective categories. I’ve played around with the software for a while and didn’t come across any bugs. Recording and assign the macros from the software is pretty easy, so is recording macros on-the-go on the keyboard.
Whereas this keyboard comes with some basic hotkeys like profile switch, LED effect switch etc, it also comes with some special hotkeys. The only drawback, which I think ASUS ROG can’t do anything about is that some of these Hotkeys are exclusive to ASUS ROG motherboards and peripherals like the CPU Overclocking, CLEAR CMOS etc. It would have been great to see these features in a universal usage environment.

Even though the ASUS ROG Claymore has an MSRP of $250, as available on their official store, it is going for as high as $310 on Amazon  & Newegg. And I just wouldn’t recommend or personally go for a keyboard for a price as high as that. And even at $250, it’s a bit difficult to recommend but believe me when I say this that it is one of the best keyboard money can buy. If you were to find this keyboard on sale, don’t think twice if you got a healthy wallet.

As far as the local market is concerned, The ASUS ROG Claymore is yet to be launched in Pakistan, however, it is available on some local online stores for a miraculous price point of 20500-22500. I know that sounds crazy considering the MSRP and the dollar to PKR exchange rate but that’s what the situation is like. So don’t miss this chance to score the Claymore if you’re looking for a keyboard for the long run. You can contact Easetec for local availability. Buy it on Amazon for 310$ at ASUS ROG Claymore Gaming Keyboard

In the end, considering everything we’ve talked about this keyboard in the review, I would like to give the ASUS ROG Claymore our precious Editor’s choice award.

The post ASUS ROG Claymore Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review appeared first on Gamers Navy.

Modern gaming keyboards are like luxury cars. They come in different sizes, lighting options and feature a wide range of switch types to complement your desktop setup. When buying a gaming keyboard for either work or play, you should consider these factors before making your purchase.

You may be thinking about what features you need the most for your next keyboard. Don’t worry! We will discuss everything in detail that you need to know when buying the keyboard for gaming or work.

Keyboard Size

Keyboards are used by people from all over the world and come in various sizes. There is one made to suit the precise needs of almost anyone. If you want to find yourself a new keyboard, it’s important to consider the keyboard size as the primary priority.

Full-size keyboards are normal-sized and match what you find on a desktop computer or laptop. They come with an array of keys, including number pads, arrows, and can also sometimes have macro keys and programmable keys.

Tenkeyless keyboards are available in sizes ranging from 40% to 80%. It gives you plenty of options for the best layout for your typing habits. TKL boards are also more compact and easier to transport, so if you are going to several events or playing at a friend’s house, it could be a good idea for you to invest in one. Keep in mind, that there are many Keyboards out there, however, the Best Typing Keyboards have one thing in common, quality.

Ergonomics

Many keyboards are designed with a special ergonomic layout that will help you type for longer hours, in greater comfort, and with less fatigue. Such keyboards usually come with extra features such as a curved or sloping surface, and some may even be adjustable. Additional features like wrist pads aren’t a requirement, but they’re ideal because the keyboard can get tiring, especially if you work long hours.

Switches

A switch is a piece of technology that allows a key to register when pressed down. There are two main types – mechanical and membrane, although many others exist. Mechanical switches are far superior to membrane ones because they tend to be more robust and don’t malfunction as easily or often.

Some prefer mechanical switches to the membrane as the typing feel and response are more reactive. Others favor membrane over mechanical because they are less noisy, so in the end, it comes down to your preferences.

RGB Lighting

According to GamingExpert, When picking your next keyboard, it’s best to remember the matter of that little extra. We adore nice gaming keyboards with many colored backlighting options but aren’t too fond of having them on all the time – sometimes you want a simple white light. If you don’t like RGB backlighting, some models will do without this feature, but these are your best options for turning off the lighting if you’d rather not use it.

Connectivity

A wired USB connection is the easiest way to connect a keyboard to a PC. Keyboards are plug-and-play devices, so the installation procedure is hassle-free and simple – no additional software is required. Wired connections are preferred for gaming use since they don’t have issues with lag and interference from wireless solutions and are an inexpensive alternative when compared against other connection types such as Bluetooth or RF adapters.

If you want some more flexibility with your keyboard but can’t stand the clutter that goes along with wires, it’s hard to beat a wireless setup. Wireless connections are bidirectional and can transmit data from the computer to the keyboard or from the keyboard via one of two main mediums: a USB receiver or Bluetooth.

Pricing

The price depends on many factors, such as the buyer’s budget for a new keyboard. Since keyboards can be bought in many price ranges, you should consider how much you have to spend and figure out exactly which keyboard you are looking for so that you don’t end up with one that you can’t afford or doesn’t suit your specific needs.

The post How to Select Keyboards In 2022 appeared first on Gamers Navy.

Finally, we have to address the main advantage. According to Tech4Gamers, the benefits of the Best Z690 motherboards, and that is their overclocking potential. CPU overclocking with Intel processors is often a very fruitful and interesting process since many modern Intel SKUs have a lot of overclocking headroom. On the flip side, the modern Intel CPUs with high core counts (such as Core i7s and i9s) have tremendous power requirements as well, as they can go well beyond their rated TDPs when they are fully unleashed. This is where the excellent VRMs on Z690 motherboards can be of your help. Most Z690 motherboards on the market are perfectly capable of handling even the Core i9 12900K at fully overclocked settings, and that is a huge selling point if you are in the market for the flagship Intel CPU.

Yes, the Z690 platform for the 12^th Gen Alder Lake processors now supports DDR5 memory, but it also does not give up support for the older DDR4 technology. Both the memory types are supported by the Z690 motherboards, but not at the same time. You will have to choose between DDR5 and DDR4 memory when buying your motherboard, as different motherboard variants support different memory types. In general, the DDR5 variants of the motherboards are quite a bit more expensive than the DDR4 variants of the same boards, so that skews the price-to-performance debate in favor of DDR4 for now. Not to mention, DDR5 memory kits are super rare and relatively very expensive as of right now.

Another fresh feature that the Z690 platform and Alder Lake in general brings to the table is PCIe Gen 5 support. The fifth generation of PCIe Express does bring with it substantial improvements in bandwidth when compared to PCIe Gen 4, but the technology does not have any particular uses as of the time of writing. There are no consumer GPUs out there yet that support PCIe Gen 5 technology, and even if there were, they would still not benefit significantly from it keeping in view the bandwidth overhead we currently have with PCIe Gen 4. As of storage devices, we currently do not have Z690 motherboards on the market that provide PCIe Gen 5 lanes to M.2 slots, but that should not really matter since we are far from taking any real advantage of PCIe Gen 4 speeds let alone the next generation.

Speaking of storage drives, another significant advantage of the new Z690 motherboards is that most of them come with a LOT of storage options, particularly in M.2 form factor. We can often spot motherboards on the market that offer three, four, or even five M.2 slots with most of them supporting PCIe Gen 4 capability. That is a huge advantage for those consumers who have a lot of storage devices or maybe they have a lot of data that they have to store on their home computer for example. The M.2 slots are often provided with large heat spreaders as well so you do not have to worry about the drives overheating as well.

All in all, the Z690 motherboard options on the market are definitely worth it if you are building a premium Intel gaming or workstation PC using the latest 12^th Gen Alder Lake CPUs. They offer a lot of unique features such as DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5, and are also perfectly capable of some serious overclocking. Some of the more premium Z690 motherboards can be a menace to your wallet, but with a bit of smart evaluation you should be able to get the perfect Z690 motherboard for your particular Alder Lake PC.

The post Are Z690 Motherboards Worth Buying? appeared first on Gamers Navy.

XPG Primer Specifications

Unboxing XPG Primer

Now that we have looked at the specifications, the next step is to start unboxing the XPG Primer. In all honesty, the mouse comes in a rather simple red box that we have grown accustomed to over the past couple of reviews but still, it does the job fine.

If you have seen our previous XPG product reviews, you can tell that he box looks a lot like those, but with a lot less black. Honestly the popping red is not something that everyone is going to like but what can we do.

Opening the flap and you are welcomed by some more information on the mouse which includes the detail about what which button is going to do, and on the right side, you have the mouse sitting under a plastic housing. Pretty simple and effective packaging from XPG.

The back of the box has some additional detail about the mouse, mainly the sensor, RGB lighting, durable Omron switches, and how it is using double shot PBT surface. There is not much to look at, and XPG has decided to keep things simple and straightforward.

XPG Primer Overview

Once you have taken the XPG Primer out of the box, the rest of the affair is pretty simple. You are not getting a lot of accessories, or any accessories, for that matter. Just the usual documentation and a sticker set that XPG is known to include with all their peripherals that I have reviewed so far but aside from that, there is nothing else.

While powered off, the mouse looks as unassuming as you could imagine with the XPG logo slapped on the bottom left and the RGB light strips not so subtly wrapping the sides of the mouse. There is nothing groundbreaking about how the mouse looks but at the same time, we can’t really complain about it based on the price. The mouse itself uses PBT plastic, so the grainy texture is there, which feels slightly rough to the touch but it will not get shiny with your fingerprints over time.

Plugging in the mouse reveals the real light show and the XPG Primer becomes the real star of the show as it starts to show its true colours. I was honestly expecting something a bit subtle, but hey, we are talking about a gaming mouse that ships in a red box. So the subtlety is lost here. With that said, the XPG Primer’s RGB lighting does look good, but sadly, it is currently only controlled through a button with software support promised later on. You can cycle between static, colour shift, and rainbow modes at the moment.

The left side of the mouse is flanked with two buttons that cannot be customized at the moment. However, the light strip is clearly visible with additional branding that is also backlit to give this mouse a character. The side is not rubberized but do have textured feel to it which does something for the grip but do not expect a lot.

Flip the mouse over and you are welcomed with this red bottom with the feet that I wish were a bit bigger. I honestly don’t get why XPG would go for a two tone body design rather than a single, black piece of plastic. Some might like it, I just feel that it is out of place and does not look good here.

XPG Primer Performance

Now XPG Primer, with its price tag, is geared towards gamers and that is what most people plan on doing. However, you have to understand that a lot of us are going to be using this mouse for other tasks as well. For instance, I will be using this mouse largely for gaming and other productivity tasks as well, so it has to perform good in not just gaming but everything else too. Now the star of the show is obviously the PMW 3360 sensor, and the week I’ve spent playing different games with this mouse, I can tell you that it is one of the best sensors and in extension, one fine gaming mouse, as well.

My daily driver is the Razer Basilisk Ultimate and next to that, the Primer does feel a bit cheap but then again, there is a massive price difference between both of the mice, and I am not going to go too hard on the Primer here. Needless to say, if you are looking for something that delivers exceptionally well balanced performance, the XPG Primer is definitely something that you should be looking at.

At the time of writing, you do lack some fine tuning options such as a software to record macros or adjust DPI settings to your heart’s content but we have been told that the software is going to start rolling out soon so for those who are concerned, don’t be. It will arrive soon.

I don’t have much to say about the performance, to be honest. The sensor is the heart of any mouse, gaming or otherwise, and Primer’s sensor delivers the best possible performance you can imagine. I just wish the clicks were a bit quieter because this mouse is one loud puppy when you are clicking away, something I immediately noticed the moment I made the shift from my Basilisk Ultimate.

Conclusion

Honestly though, I have been testing the XPG peripherals for some time now and I can tell you that XPG has their heart and their mind at the right place. For me, the XPG Primer hits the home run on so many great things with top of the line sensor performance, high quality construction, great choice of components, and good enough lighting that it would be a mistake not to recommend this mouse to anyone in the market.

My only issue here is that the mouse has the loudest clicks out of any mouse I have tried and let me tell you I have tried more mice than I can count. Simply put, the XPG primer delivers the performance we all want from a good gaming mouse and I am pleased to announce that you will not be disappointed.

Things I Loved

• Great sensor performance.
• Top of the line build quality.
• The coating remains grippy.
• RGB lighting looks good.

Things That Could Have Been Better

• The clicks are really loud.

The post XPG Primer Review appeared first on Gamers Navy.

PC Gaming

Let’s start with PC Gaming. PC Gaming has many advantages. Since you can have any sort of PC you want. You can select the specs according to your choice to run particular games. You can play advanced games as well as the old games on your PC. Which is a huge advantage. You don’t have to buy a whole new PC every year. You can use the latest wireless consoles, mouse, and keyboards with your PC.

Next Generation Consoles

Next Generation Consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X etc are now very much in demand. Since many games are only built for them. As a result cannot be played on PC. PS4 games like The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part 2, Bloodborne, God of War, Persona 5, Uncharted 4, Shadow of the Colossus, Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Last Guardian, and many more. These consoles are going to expensive and will become suddenly outdated. Because their new design and specs will be coming yearly. So to play the new game requiring high-end specs you will need to upgrade to the latest console.

However, in the case of PC, you don’t need to buy a whole new one. But to change its outdated part. You can also use your PC for different tasks like chatting, streaming, Editing, and much more. We can say that the PC is a long-term investment for gaming. You might be changing your Graphic cards after three years or you are updating your RAM after five years. Also you cannot play the old games on the Consoles because they are not available. You can also use different peripherals for you PC.

The hardware state of choice is far from the only thing PC gaming has going for it. When it comes to games, you will find more variety on PC than on any console. Better yet, there is no spare monthly fee for online play unless it is a subscription-based game and sales are regular. Even famous console dealership like Final Fantasy can now be found on Steam.

It is clear that there are a variety of pros and cons for purchasing either a gaming console instead of a PC and vice-versa.

The post Next Generation Consoles vs PC Gaming: Which One Should You Pick appeared first on Gamers Navy.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike Global Offensive has nine main game modes: Competitive, Casual, Death match, Arms Race, Demolition, Wingman, Flying Scoutsman, Danger Zone, and Weapons Course. In this FPS game two opponent teams, known as the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists. They compete in game modes to complete goals. Such as securing a position to plant or defuse a bomb and saving hostages. Above all the end of each round, players are rewarded based on their respective performance. With in-game currency to spend on other armour or utility in later rounds.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty Warzone has two primary game modes: Battle Royale and Plunder. Warzone assists up to 150 players in an individual match, which surpasses the typical size of 100 players seen in other battle royale titles. The Battle Royale mode is related to other titles in the genre. In which players fight in an endlessly shrinking map to be the last one to stay. As a result Players jump onto a large game map, where they clash with other players. In Warzone, the non-playable regions become contaminated with a green gas. That consumes health and finally kills the player if they do not return to the safe playable area.

Battlefield 1

Battlefield 1 is a first-person shooter game that focuses on teamwork. It is set in the age of World War I and is also inspired by historical events. Players can use World War I weapons. Including bolt-action rifles, submachine guns, automatic and semi-automatic rifles, artillery, flamethrowers, and poison gas to fight opponents. Players can also use various armored vehicles. Like light and heavy tanks, armored trucks, cars, torpedo boats, bi, and tri-plane aircraft, an armored train, and also ride horses into the fight.

Doom Eternal

Players take on the role of the Doomguy. Who fights the unholy forces of Hell, from a first-person appearance. The game continues its predecessor’s accent on “push-forward” battle. As a result inspiriting the player to aggressively engage enemies to gain health, ammo, and armor. However the player has an approach to various firearms. Such as the Combat Shotgun, Super Shotgun, Heavy Cannon, Rocket Launcher, Plasma Rifle, Chaingun, BFG 9000, and Ballista.

Doom Eternal invites the player to create simple plans. However the game gets challenging, the player needs to use the benefit of fight arenas. They also need to settle which enemy has to be killed first and how to move on the battleground.

Far Cry 4

Far Cry 4 is a first-person shooter game. Players presume control of Ajay Ghale, a Kyrati-American who is on a mission. So that he spread his departed mother’s ashes in the fictional country of Kyrat. However Ajay may use various short and long-range firearms. For instance Consisting of pistols, revolvers, shotguns and assault rifles. Also use submachine guns, bows, a flamethrower, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and sniper rifles. However a more powerful variant of these weapons become available, after appreciable progression through the game. Throw-able weapons include atomization grenades, Molotov cocktails, and throwing knives. The game lets players take cover to avert gunfights. As a result to perform melee takedowns from above or up-close. Unlike previous episodes in the series. In addition Far Cry 4 gives players the ability to kick target and the ability to pelt the corpses of enemies.

Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx is a new virtual reality (VR) first-person shooter game. Which assist all SteamVR useable VR headsets. Like the Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest (wired through Oculus Link, or wireless using Virtual Desktop) and all Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

The game takes spot ahead of the return of Gordon Freeman in Half-Life 2. Players control Freeman’s ally Alyx Vances. As she and her father Eli Vance combat the Combine. An alien regime that has conquered Earth. Players use VR to get things they need. They use interfaces, throw a physical object, and immerse in combat.

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