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IT Show 2016: HWZ's picks for best mice and keyboards

By Koh Wanzi - 10 Mar 2016

IT Show 2016: HWZ's picks for best mice and keyboards

IT Show 2016: HWZ's picks for best mice and keyboards

If you’re still using one of those mushy, membrane-based keyboards, we’d strongly advise that you use this opportunity to upgrade. After all, it’s not every day that a mega tech show rolls around. This isn’t even the sole prerogative of gamers, and everyone from the hardcore PC gamer to the typing purist will benefit from a move to one of these mechanical keyboards.

And when it comes to mice, not all are created equal, for better or worse. Here are some of our top recommendations for when you head down to the show floor.

 

Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro S

Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro S

First unveiled at CES 2016, the Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro S is a tenkeyless board that offers a full range of RGB lighting. This is the first Cooler Master keyboard to offer up to 16.7 million colors, and it also comes with multiple lighting presets, including effects like color wave, breathing, and many others.

But these striking illumination options aside, the MasterKeys Pro S also stands out because of its otherwise minimalistic and elegant design. We’re used to manufacturer that pair RGB illumination with bulky, aggressive designs, and it’s nice to see Cooler Master buck the trend with a simple yet attractive look. You can get it with either red or brown switches.

Further reading: Cooler Master’s new RGB keyboards let you take your pick from up to 16.7 million colors

 

Logitech G910 Orion Spark

 

For those of you who'd like something other than Cherry MX switches, the Logitech G910 Orion Spark comes to mind. It is a fairly feature-rich keyboard that utilizes Logitech's own Romer G switches, which the company claims are more responsive than other switches on the market. In addition, it supports up to 16.7 million colors, and each backlit key can be customized according to unique functions or game commands. The surface-mounted LEDs in turn minimizes light leakage and enables more even illumination, which means you can expect some truly standout lighting effects.

Rounding out the package are a host of dedicated macro and media keys, a volume scroll wheel, as well as a wrist rest, so you will quite literally want for nothing.

Further reading: Logitech G910 Orion Spark review

 

Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum

Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum

The new Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum is a fresh take on the older Proteus Core. It retains all the key features of the Proteus Core, like the 12,000DPI optical sensor, weight and balance tuning options, and up to 11 programmable buttons, but comes with customizable RGB lighting this time.

In addition, it features textured rubber grips that should better resist dirt and grime, a scroll wheel with solid, individual notches for more precise scrolling, as well as the ability to calibrate the sensor according to various mousing surfaces.

 

Razer Diamondback

Razer Diamondback

This cult favorite is now back to stay. The resurrected Diamondback has been updated for the times, boasting a brand new 5G 16,000DPI sensor, Chroma lighting, and support for Razer’s cloud-based Synapse software.

Razer has also dispensed with the glossy plastic side grips in favor of rubberized sides, a welcome addition that will provide a better grip and keep the mouse looking cleaner for far longer. Still, some things just don’t change, and the new Diamondback sports the familiar long, slim, ambidextrous design that should endear it to fans of the old Diamondback.

Further reading: Razer revives Diamondback, announces new Orochi mouse and Kraken Mobile headset

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