Avatar NZXT 2600 DPI Gaming Mouse Review

I’m a console gamer by nature. I prefer the comfort of a controller in my hands and the positioning of every button right where I need them. There is no awkward stretch of the hand when I play a console game. When playing on the PC I find myself needing to stretch my fingers all over the place in order to press buttons. At times I even have to look at the keyboard just to make sure I’m pressing the right button.

I wasn’t sure at first if I was the right person to be reviewing a gaming mouse. Yet I’ve found this nifty little device provides just what I need for my gaming habits. It isn’t crowded with buttons, but has just enough that you can tie a variety of keys to it and open your keyboard hand up to other lesser commands in more comfortable positions.

The first thing of note is the simple ergonomic design. In some ways it takes getting used to, but it’s built to fit comfortably for left and right handed players. With the exception of the LED lights to inform you how sensitive the mouse is reading, it is an entirely symmetric device. Each side has an additional button, allowing the thumb to use one for, say, jump, while the ring finger can use the other for crouching. Beneath the scroll wheel, which can also be clicked down as a button, are two macro buttons for any other use. Frequently used weapons or other abilities in the game are a perfect example. It is best to tie a function that doesn’t require use of the left-click, however, as using one’s middle finger to access these buttons feels awkward. For playing Half-Life 2 I’d likely tie one as the use key and the other two as the crowbar and physics gun.

Switching the mouse’s sensitivity is quite simple as well. Just hold down the left-side button while using the scroll wheel and the LED light will reflect the new adjustment. The mouse can do 2600 DPI, reflected by all three lights being lit, 1800 DPI, 1200 DPI and 600 DPI, the last reflected by none of the lights being lit. There is a sweet spot for everyone.

Even outside of gaming the additional buttons have uses. In Firefox the two side buttons act as Back and Forward, allowing easy navigation between pages. Tying other such functions could speed up time in any frequently used program even for non-gaming computer users.

The only real problem I can think of is having to adjust to the clicking of the mouse, being much deeper and more mechanical than I am used to, and the price tag. However, while fifty or sixty bucks for a mouse may seem expensive, I’ve also seen plenty of gaming mice go for well over a hundred. Considering the precision options, comfortable placement of buttons and ergonomic design, I’d say fifty or sixty bucks is a worthwhile investment for what is essentially a great price. Be it inside our outside of gaming, this is a pretty nifty mouse that any buyer would be happy with.