Tag Archives: Keyboard

Apple settles Butterfly Keyboard lawsuit for $50 million!

Apple settles Butterfly Keyboard lawsuit for $50 million!

Apple just agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class action lawsuit over the controversial butterfly keyboard used in its MacBook laptops!

 

Apple Sued For Controversial Butterfly Keyboard!

Apple introduced the controversial butterfly keyboard mechanism to their MacBook laptops from 2015 to 2019, to make them slimmer.

The butterfly mechanism uses mirrored switches that expand like wings, unlike the typical scissor mechanism used in laptop keyboards which uses two interlocking switches that click together when the key is pressed.

While the butterfly mechanism made the keys thinner, they also made the keyboard prone to trapping dust and debris, resulting in sticky and/or easily broken keys.

Apple added a membrane to the butterfly mechanism, in an effort to make it quieter while keeping debris out; but it didn’t help. Small design changes in 2019 also did little to improve the keyboard.

The Wall Street Journal even printed a famous typo-ridden column to demonstrate the butterfly mechanism’s issues in 2019.

Two law firms – Girard Sharp LLP, and  Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP – then bought on a class action lawsuit, claiming that Apple was aware of the problem but failed to rectify the problem and do enough in supporting customers who experienced the problem.

 

Apple Settles Butterfly Keyboard Lawsuit For $50 million!

On July 18, 2022, Apple filed a $50 million settlement in San Jose, California, to settle the class action lawsuit over its butterfly keyboard.

If approved by a judge, the law firms can claim up to $15 million out of the $50 million settlement, for legal fees. Apple denied any wrongdoing, and did not offer any comments.

The rest of the settlement would be used to pay customers who bought a MacBook, MacBook Air, and most MacBook Pro laptops between 2015 and 2019 in seven US states :

  • California
  • Florida
  • Michigan
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Washington

Under the proposed settlement, customers who had issues with their butterfly keyboards in those states will receive :

  • up to $395, for those who had to replace multiple keyboards
  • $125 for those who had a single keyboard replacement
  • $50 for those who had to replace key caps

Apple dumped the butterfly keyboard for the more traditional scissor mechanism keyboard in 2019, with the introduction of the 16-inch MacBook Pro and the Magic Keyboard.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Computer | BusinessTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

2021 MacBook Pro Restores 4 Features Jony Ive Threw Out!

The 2021 MacBook Pro restored four great features that famed designer, Jony Ive threw out!

Well, isn’t it fortunate that he left Apple?

 

2021 MacBook Pro Restores 4 Features Jony Ive Threw Out!

Famed designed Jony Ive did many things right, but he also screwed up the MacBook Pro for many years.

In his obsessive quest for ever THINNER form factors, Sir Jony dumped four great features that MacBook Pro users loved.

  • Physical function keys
  • SDXC card reader
  • MagSafe charging port
  • HDMI port

The good news is – the 2021 MacBook Pro restores all four features that Jony threw out!

Magic Keyboard With Physical Function Keys!

Jony Ive introduced the butterfly keyboard mechanism because it was THINNER. However, it has less key travel (of course) and was prone to failure.

Apple finally gave up on the butterfly keyboard after Jony left, when they introduced the Magic Keyboard with a scissor mechanism in the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019).

But it was with this new 2021 MacBook Pro that nailed the coffin shut for the Touch Bar, which many MBP users considered an expensive boondoggle.

FINALLY, MacBook Pro users have a proper keyboard with physical function keys that provide tactile feedback!

SDXC Card Reader + HDMI Port Are Back!

Many MacBook Pro users are photographers who loved how their MBPs had an integrated SDXC card reader. They can just slot in their SD cards and get to work.

Many users also loved the convenience of an integrated HDMI port, which allowed quick and easy video output to an external monitor or even a projector.

Unfortunately, Jony Ive sacrificed both the SDXC card reader and the HDMI port on the altar of a THINNER profile, forcing users to use USB card readers and dongles.

Well, the good news is the 2021 MacBook Pro restored both the SDXC card reader and the HDMI port!

MagSafe 3 Charging!

Another stupid decision Apple made with their 4th Gen MacBook Pro was to remove the MagSafe charging connector.

Not only does the MagSafe prevent damage if anyone trips over the cable, it also has a very nifty indicator light that quickly tells you its charging status.

Fortunately, Apple just introduced MagSafe 3 in the 2021 MacBook Pro. It is now slimmer, and can support up to 140 watts of power delivery!

Don’t worry – you can still use USB-C charging if you want to.

 

2021 MacBook Pro So Much Better After Jony Ive Left

Now, I do not mean to disparage Sir Jony Ive’s excellent design work. I just think he went overboard with his obsession with THINNESS.

How much functionality is worth trading away to shave off an extra millimetre or two? Never enough in Jony’s book, from what I can tell.

Even with all that gone, he couldn’t even get the MacBook Pro to be thinner or lighter than the Dell XPS 13… so what was the point of removing them???

Hence, it is fortuitous for MacBook Pro users that he is no longer in charge of the design work at Apple.

The restoration of these four long-missed features arguably makes the 2021 MacBook Pro far more functional than its fancy mini LED display or M1 Pro / Max processor could achieve.

Read more : 100% Correct : MagSafe 3, SDXC + HDMI 2.0 In 2021 MBP!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Computer | Tech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

How Fast Can You Type On The Galaxy Tab S7 Keyboard?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ come with a Book Cover with an integrated kickstand, S Pen compartment and keyboard.

While most tablets offer keyboard options, you will be surprised at just how fast you can actually type on the Galaxy Tab S7 keyboard! Take a look…

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Keyboard : What Is It?

The Samsung Book Cover Keyboard is an accessory for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ tablets.

It protects the tablet from damage, and comes with an integrated kickstand, S Pen compartment and keyboard.

Its two-piece design transforms your Galaxy Tab S7 or Tab S7+ tablet into a laptop, that quickly turns into a tablet whenever you want.

It is available for both Galaxy Tab S7 models. They only differ in their sizes (prices as of 14 December 2020):

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard for Galaxy Tab S7+

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard for Galaxy Tab S7

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Keyboard : How Fast Can You Type On It?

To showcase how fast you can type on the Book Cover Keyboard, Samsung brought in expert stenographer Jongheon Im.

Stenographers are trained to type as fast as a person speaks, so they need to be very fast!

In this video, Im is asked to transcribe a minute of speech on two regular keyboards, and then on the Galaxy Tab S7+ with the Book Cover Keyboard.

While Im is most comfortable with the special stenography keyboard, she felt that it was more comfortable to type on the Book Cover Keyboard, than an actual laptop keyboard.

In the end, she managed to type at around 700 strokes per minute on the Book Cover Keyboard, compared to 670 strokes on a laptop keyboard.

Frankly, most of us would expect to type faster on a laptop keyboard than a tablet keyboard… but as our review pointed out – the Book Cover Keyboard is really nice to type on, especially with its 26% larger keycaps and 18.3 mm key pitch.

We highly recommend it for anyone who purchases the Galaxy Tab S7 or Galaxy Tab S7+ tablet.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Mobile Devices | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


Galaxy Tab S7 Book Cover Keyboard Review : A Must Get!

Find out why the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard is a must-have accessory for the new Galaxy Tab S7+ and Galaxy Tab S7 tablets!

 

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard : Galaxy Tab S7 | Tab S7+

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ and Galaxy Tab S7 are both premium laptops powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+.

Many of their key features are similar. The larger Tab S7+ however comes with a larger and better display, with a larger battery.

Here in Malaysia, they both come bundled with an ultra-low latency S Pen, and the Book Cover Keyboard. But in countries where the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard is optional, this is a must-get accessory.

 

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard : Price + Availability

The Samsung Book Cover Keyboard is available for both Galaxy Tab S7 models. They only differ in their sizes :

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard for Galaxy Tab S7+

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard for Galaxy Tab S7

 

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard for Galaxy Tab S7+ : Unboxing

The Samsung Book Cover Keyboard comes in a separate retail box. Here is our unboxing video.

 

Samsung Book Cover Keyboard : A Must-Have!

The Samsung Book Cover Keyboard uses a two-piece design – a front keyboard cover, and a back cover that doubles as a kickstand.

It transforms your Galaxy Tab S7 or Tab S7+ tablet into a virtual laptop, thanks to its integrated keyboard and touchpad.

The kickstand with its “free stop hinge” lets you freely adjust the angle of the tablet all the way to 165°.

But the downsides with a kickstand design – it takes up more space, and works best on a flat surface.

It is rather heavy at 502 grams, but gives you not just a keyboard but a large trackpad as well. In fact, its trackpad is much larger than the trackpad from the Galaxy Tab S6‘s Book Cover Keyboard.

It also has 26% larger keycaps than the Tab S6 version, with a 18.3 mm key pitch. However, its odd-shaped Enter key will get some getting used to.

The Book Cover Keyboard also has an S Pen compartment which nicely fits over its dock, ensuring that you will never lose it.

This compartment is cleverly locked magnetically, and flips open when you need to take out the S Pen, or put it back.

The back cover is thick enough to properly protect the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+’s camera bump.

But that’s really not an issue because the S Pen compartment bulge conveniently keeps the camera bump off any surface you place it on.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Mobile Devices | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


Alienware AW410K : Everything You Need To Know!

Dell just announced the Alienware AW410K RGB mechanical keyboard, and here is its key features, specifications, price and availability!

 

Alienware AW410K : Game With A Greater Touch

The new Alienware AW410K is an RGB mechanical keyboard, featuring a floating key architecture with Cherry MX keys, in a truly iconic design.

Cherry MX Brown + Floating Key Design

The Alienware AW410K is fitted with Cherry MX Brown switches, which offer tactile feedback and quiet-click keys with a low actuation force.

Cherry MX Brown switches are highly durable, rated to last up to 100 million keystrokes. They are mounted directly on a metal top-plate with floating keys, making them easier to clean.

AlienFX Per-Key RGB Lighting

You can customise the keyboard for a more immersive gaming experience with its AlienFX per-key RGB lighting that offers 16.8 million colours.

Adjustable Ergonomics

The keyboard is designed to let you type and game comfortably, with three height-adjustment settings.

Built For Gaming

The Alienware AW410K has fully programmable keys, with onboard memory to let you customise and set your macros and shortcuts.

It is also 100% anti-ghosting with NKRO (N-Key Rollover) to ensure the best possible gaming experience.

Integrated USB Passthrough

Its integrated USB passthrough lets you plug in your gear (mouse, headset, smartphone) directly, instead of to your PC.

 

Alienware AW410K : Specifications

Specifications Alienware AW410K
Keyboard Type Mechanical
Switch Type Cherry MX Brown
Switch Durability 100 million clicks
Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Backlight AlienFX Per-Key RGB lighting
(16.8 million colours)
Height Adjustment 3 Steps
Chassis Build 5000 Series Aluminium
Cable Nylon Braided (2 Metres)
Software Alienware Command Centre
Dimensions 46.71 cm wide
15.62 cm deep
3.54 cm tall
Weight 1.01 kg
Warranty 2 Years

 

Alienware AW410K : Price + Availability

The Alienware AW410K is available only in the Dark Side of the Moon colour, with a 2-year warranty.

It will be made available for sale starting 4 August 2020, with a recommended retail price of US$129.99 / ~£104 / ~A$187 / ~S$181 / ~RM 556.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Computer | GamingHome

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Mechanical TKL Keyboard Review!

The HyperX Alloy FPS family of mechanical gaming keyboards is designed for FPS players. They even created a lean and mean Alloy FPS Pro model for the truly dedicated FPS player.

Join us for a close look at the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) keyboard and see if this is the gaming keyboard for you!

 

The HyperX Alloy FPS Family

The HyperX Alloy FPS family currently consists of two models – a full-sized Alloy FPS (US | UK | AU | MY) keyboard, and a tenkeyless (TKL) HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY).

They are both very similar in features, differing only in two aspects – the presence of the numeric keypad, and a second USB port. Here is a table comparing their specifications :

SpecificationsHyperX Alloy FPS ProHyperX Alloy FPS
ModelHX-KB4RD1 (Cherry MX Red)HX-KB1RD1 (Cherry MX Red)
HX-KB1BR1 (Cherry MX Brown)
HX-KB1BL1 (Cherry MX Blue)
DesignCompact tenkeyless mechanical keyboardCompact full-sized mechanical keyboard
BuildSolid Steel FrameSolid Steel Frame
Numeric KeypadNoYes
Switch TypeCherry MX Red linear switch (45 cN)Cherry MX Switches
- Red linear switch option (45 cN)
- Brown tactile switch option (45 cN)
- Blue click switch option (50 cN)
- Guaranteed for more than 50 million keystrokes
BacklightingYes, only Red LED lighting
5 built-in lighting modes
1 custom lighting mode
Yes, only Red LED lighting
5 built-in lighting modes
1 custom lighting mode
N-Key Rollover (NKRO) CapabilityYes, up to 6 keysYes, up to 6 keys
Connection TypeUSB 2.0 (one USB connection)USB 2.0 (two USB connections)
USB PassthroughNoYes, mobile phone charging only
USB CableDetachable, braided cable (1.8 m)Detachable, braided cable (1.8 m)
Dimensions358.14 mm wide
129.38 mm deep
35.59 mm high
441.65 mm wide
129.38 mm deep
35.59 mm high
Weight900 g1,049 g
[adrotate group=”1″]

 

Unboxing The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) comes in a heavy but compact cardboard box. There is no doubt that this is the smaller, tenkeyless (TKL) Pro model. A sticker on the upper right corner makes sure you know what type of switch it uses – Cherry MX Red.

When you unbox the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY), you will find the following items :

  • One HyperX Alloy FPS Pro mechanical gaming keyboard
  • One micro USB to USB Type A braided cable (1.8 m)
  • One set of HyperX welcome card and Quick Start Guide

In case you are wondering, no, it does not come with a key cap puller.

Next Page > HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Up Close + Key Features

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Up Close!

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) is a tenkeyless keyboard. That means it lacks the numeric keypad of a full-size keyboard.

The term is a misnomer because the there are really 17 keys in the numeric keypad. Let’s take a look at its key features in this video.

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is designed to be compact. To keep the base thin and yet rigid, it uses a solid steel frame, topped by a metal alloy plate. The thinner profile also means it does not need a wrist rest.

 

Tenkeyless Compact Design

Thanks to the removal of the numeric keypad, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) is a really compact keyboard.

At less than 36 cm in width, it is only a tad wider than the Logitech K480 (Price Check) Bluetooth keyboard designed for tablets!

The compact design gives you a lot more space to use your mouse. It also makes it easy to pack for LAN parties. In fact, the Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) was designed with travel in mind.

 

Alloy FPS Pro Keys & Switches

Like most mechanical keyboards, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) comes with double-shot keycaps. Oddly, HyperX did not provide a keycap puller. But we have our own, so we pulled one out to take a look underneath…

While HyperX offers the full-sized Alloy FPS (US | UK | AU | MY) keyboard with Red, Blue and Brown switch options, the Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) only comes with Cherry MX Red switches.

The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch without tactile feedback. The popular perception is that gamers favour this switch for its lighter, faster actuation. It is also a quiet switch, which is great for LAN parties.

The Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) does not have RGB backlighting, but the keycaps are individually back-lit. In the picture above, you can see the LED light embedded just above the switch.

[adrotate group=”1″]

 

N-Key Rollover (NKRO)

Like many gaming keyboards, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) has N-Key Rollover (NKRO) capability. HyperX also states that it is ”anti-ghosting”, which is basically the same thing.

They did not reveal just how many simultaneous keys it can register. But we tested and confirmed that it can register up to 6 simultaneous keys, making it a 6-KRO keyboard.

 

LED Backlight Modes

All of the keys on the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) have LED backlighting in a single solid colour – red. Each key has an individual LED light, which allows for some interesting backlight modes.

There are five built-in LED backlight modes, as well as a custom option :

[adrotate group=”2″]
  • Solid : Constant lighting (default)
  • Breathing : Slow blinking that mimics breathing
  • Trigger : Individual keys will light up when pressed, and slowly fade after one second
  • Explosion : A lighting effect will radiate from individual keys when pressed
  • Wave : Keys will light up from left to right in a wave pattern
  • Custom : You can choose which keys to backlight – usually the WASD keys

Don’t worry if you screw up the custom option. If you need to reset the keyboard for whatever reason, just press the Function + Escape keys together for 3 seconds to perform a factory reset. You will know you succeeded if the keyboard backlights blink.

Next Page > More Features, Our Verdict, Price + Availability

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


Detachable USB Cable

Unlike many mechanical keyboards, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) has a detachable USB cable.

The 1.8 m long cable plugs into a micro USB port located behind the last row of keys. The connectors are not gold-plated, but the cable is braided for strength and durability.

Removing the cable during transportation makes for easier packing, and will help prevent damage to the cable joint, or scratches to neighbouring items, that could occur when you carry it in a bag.

On the other hand, you could misplace the cable… and the micro USB interface could possibly loosen after repeated insertions and disconnections.

 

Rubber Feet & Stand

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) has four small rubber feet to reduce movement even during the most frenetic action. It also has two small flip stands at the back, with their own rubber feet. They raise the back of the keyboard by an additional 8 mm.

That may not be a lot, but the good news is – these flip stands are quite solidly-built, and should take a lot of wear and tear without breaking.

 

Our Verdict On The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

The tenkeyless design is really nice, if you don’t use the numeric keypad. It allows you to place your mouse closer, and a lot more real estate to use your mouse. Its slim profile also allows for a more comfortable typing experience without a wrist rest.

Because the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) is compact, and lighter than many other gaming keyboards, it is easy to slide it into a bag. The detachable cable helps too, although one must be careful not to lose it.

 

Unlike the larger Alloy FPS (US | UK | AU | MY) model, which comes with Blue and Brown switch choices, the Alloy FPS Pro only comes with the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which lacks tactile feedback. The popular perception is that gamers favour this switch for its lighter, faster actuation. However, if you prefer tactile feedback when you type, then this keyboard is not for you.

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (US | UK | AU | MY) does not come with fancy RGB backlighting, but that’s not a deal killer. The red backlights are just great in the dark, and you can customise the keyboard to only turn on backlights for certain keys.

The only downsides of the Alloy FPS Pro? If you are hoping for a software utility to configure the backlights, it doesn’t come with one. And for some reason, HyperX did not provide a keycap puller.

Otherwise, this is a really nice compact mechanical keyboard. If you are gamer who don’t need the numeric keypad, this would be a great choice, especially if you intend to bring it to LAN parties. Just make sure you like the feel of the Red linear switch!

 

Where To Buy HyperX Alloy FPS Keyboards

Here are some online purchase options for the Pro ten keyless model, and its full-size brother.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > First PageComputer | Gaming | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Revealed!

The HyperX Alloy Origins is the first full-sized gaming keyboard to feature HyperX switches and exposed RGB backlit keys.

Here is EVERYTHING you need to know about the HyperX Alloy Origins mechanical gaming keyboard!

 

HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

HyperX Alloy Origins is a compact full-sized keyboard that features custom HyperX mechanical switches with a short travel time and low actuation force.

Its key switches have exposed LEDs for brighter illumination with radiant lighting effects, and five adjustable brightness levels.

Built with a full aluminium body, the HyperX Alloy Origins is rigid and stable, and yet portable at just over 1.07 kg. It comes with a detachable USB Type C cable so you can easily take it on-the-go.

Designed for gamers, it has anti-ghosting and N-key rollover capabilities, as well as a Game Mode to ensure that you do not accidentally take yourself out of the game in key moments.

It has three adjustable tilt angles, with onboard memory for three user profiles. And you can customise the lighting effect, craft macros and adjust Game Mode with the HyperX NGENUITY software.

 

HyperX Alloy Origins Specifications

Specifications HyperX Alloy Origins
Model HX-KB6RDX
Switch HyperX Red Switch
80 million keystroke lifespan
Switch Type Linear, 45 g actuation force
Key Travel 1.8 mm to 3.8 mm
Backlighting Per-key RGB lighting
16.8 million colours, 5 brightness levels
Anti-Ghosting Yes, 100%
Key-Rollover N-key
Game Mode Yes
User Profile 3 Profiles
OS Compatibility Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7
Tilt Angles Three steps – 3° / 7° / 11°
Connection USB Type C to USB Type A
Cable Detachable, braided USB cable (1.8 m)
Dimensions 442.5 mm wide
132.5 mm deep
36.39 mm high
Weight 1075 g

 

HyperX Alloy Origins Price + Availability

The HyperX Alloy Origins mechanical gaming keyboard is available for purchase at these price points :

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Computer Hardware | GamingHome

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


ADATA XPG Infarex K10 Keyboard + M20 Mouse Launched!

ADATA Technology has just launched two new gaming accessories, the ADATA XPG Infarex K10 keyboard and the ADATA XPG Infarex M20 gaming mouse! Find out how these accessories can boost your gaming now!

 

ADATA XPG Infarex K10 Keyboard + M20 Mouse Launched!

ADATA XPG INFAREX K10 Keyboard

The ADATA XPG Infrarex K10 keyboard comes with nine stunning LED lighting that allows gamers to select the best hue to suit the games they are playing. The modes include Flowing Light, Multicolor Breathing, Seven-Color Cycle Flickering, Switchable Static, Six-Color Cycle Breathing, Red and White Breathing Cycle, Red and White Cycle Flickering, White Static, and White Breathing.

The ADATA XPG Infrarex K10 keyboard enhances games with features such as 26 anti-ghosting keys to prevent missed or accidental keypresses that cause accidental defeat. With its ergonomically curved keycaps, the ADATA XPG Infrarex K10 keyboard improves accuracy with a comfortable keypress experience.

Convenient media keys allows quick adjustments of music, sound, or other effects in the midst of gaming without having to open other programs or apps.

ADATA XPG INFAREX M20 Gaming Mouse

Utilizing OMRON switches, the ADATA XPG Infrarex M20 gaming mouse’s 20-million-clicks rating makes it a reliable mouse. A five-setting DPI adjustment button in the ADATA XPG INfrarex M20 allows the cursor sensitivity of 400 to 5,000 DPI for optimal control in different situations.

The ADATA XPG Infrarex M20 gaming mouse also features a breathing RGB effect on the XPG logo, scroll wheel, and side strips for added flair, plus an ergonomic design for long-session gaming comfort and improved control.

 

Recommended Reading

[adrotate group=”2″]

Go Back To > Computer Hardware + Systems | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Microsoft Surface Go Signature Type Cover Revealed!

To complement the new Surface Go, Microsoft is also introducing the Surface Go Signature Type Cover with luxurious Alcantara fabric!  Let’s take a look!

 

The Microsoft Surface Go Signature Type Cover

The new Surface Go Signature Type Cover is designed to offer a fast, comfortable typing experience. Lined with Alcantara fabric from Italy, it is not only elegant, it is durable and easy to care for.

Mechanical Keys

Its keyboard features the scissor key mechanism that provides 1.0 mm of mechanical and stable key travel for a more pleasant and accurate typing experience. With LED backlighting, the keyboard can be used even in dark environments.

[adrotate group=”2″]

Large Precision Trackpad

For better productivity without a mouse, its glass trackpad is not only extremely spacious, it also supports five-finger gestures!

Adds Stability

The Signature Type Cover clicks easily into the Surface Go for additional stability. Adjust the Surface Go’s kickstand to virtually any angle so you can work comfortably at your desk, on a plane or at a coffee shop.

Luxurious Alcantara Fabric

The Surface Go Signature Type Cover is wrapped in luxurious Alcatara fabric for a more comfortable typing experience. Not only is Alcantara durable and easy to care for, it is available in three rich colours – Platinum, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue!

 

Surface Go Signature Type Cover Specifications

SpecificationsSurface Go Signature Type Cover (2018)Surface Go Type Cover (2018)
CompatibilityMicrosoft Surface Go (2018)
KeyboardMechanical scissor keys with 1.0 mm of key travel
QWERTY layout with F1-F12 function keys, 4 directional keys, Windows key, brightness and media control keys
LED backlighting
TrackpadLarge glass trackpad
- five-finger multi-touch gesture support
SensorAcceleratometer
InterfaceMagnetic Surface connector
MaterialAlcantara fabric and polyurethanePolyurethane
Colour OptionsPlatinum / Burgundy / Cobalt BlueBlack
Dimensions248 mm wide x 190 mm deep x 4.6 mm thick
Weight243 g / 0.54 lbs
WarrantyOne Year Limited Hardware Warranty

 

Surface Go Signature Type Cover Availability

The Surface Go Signature Type Cover is available for pre-order from 11 July 2018 onwards in Australia, New Zealand. Pre-order in Malaysia starts from 2 August 2018.

In the coming weeks, it will be available for pre-order in Japan, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand and in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan with more markets to follow.

Go Back To > Computer Hardware + Systems | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition Keyboard Revealed!

Cooler Master just teamed up with NVIDIA to create and launch a GeForce GTX Edition keyboard for gamers and NVIDIA fans – the MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition. Here are the full details!

 

MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition

The MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition provides luminous green LED backlighting combined with a fast responsive feeling. The keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX Red switches, multiple LED lighting modes, on-the-fly macros, and profile support all in the simplistic design everyone loves topped with custom GeForce keycaps.


GeForce Keycaps

The MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition is dressed with three custom GeForce keycaps and a white steel back plate that aids the radiant green LEDs shine bright and true. Users can conveniently customize preset lighting modes without software including wave, responsive effects, breathing and have on-the-fly macro and profile support available to them.

On-the-fly System to Adjust Lighting Modes

The intuitively placed function keys layer allows you to manually adjust the lighting speed and mode to match your personal taste. To alter the lighting modes, press FN + F4 to cycle.

[adrotate group=”2″]

You can also modify the light speed by pressing FN + the up and down arrow keys with the speed icon and direction with FN + Left or right arrow. Whatever your style or preference is, it can be altered at the tip of your fingers, without the need to install or use software.

Suitable for Work and Play

The keyboard comes with a default and gaming profile modes. While working or doing homework you can disable gaming macros and lighting modes by pressing FN + ESC to enter default mode and prevent the use of any macro’s.

When you’re ready to get back into the game, use the four dedicated profiles for all your lighting and macros for a quick and easy switch to boost your performance. The Status Indicator System, by holding down the FN key, makes it easy to navigate the On-the-fly System and easily change settings and profiles by just glancing at the keyboard.

 

MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition Price + Availability

The MasterKeys Pro L GeForce GTX Edition is now available at major resellers in Malaysia, priced at RM 389 / US$ 98.

Go Back To > Computer Hardware & Systems | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare Mechanical Keyboard Revealed!

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that ROG Strix Flare, a versatile RGB mechanical gaming keyboard that improves upon a well-established formula with exceptional performance and unrivalled personalization features, is now available in select markets.

 

ASUS ROG Strix Flare Mechanical Keyboard

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare is currently offered with four different Cherry MX RGB switch types — red, blue, brown and black —to deliver the precise mechanical feel and responsiveness demanded by gamers. The keyboard also features 100% anti-ghosting technology with N-key rollover to ensure all keystrokes are registered reliably, no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously.

Unrivalled personalization

ROG Strix Flare lets gamers experience a new level of personalization with a customizable illuminated badge that can be inserted directly into the keyboard. Gamers can keep the pre-installed ROG logo badge or design their own insignia on the provided blank insert and see it flare up with Aura RGB lighting. The badge can be easily customized using paint or printed stickers, or gamers can seek professional printing or laser etching for a premium touch.

Individually backlit keys are housed in a dual-textured case displaying the signature ROG slash design, and a row of LEDs under both sides of the case creates a vibrant underglow that extends the customizable lighting beyond the keyboard.

Powered by Aura Sync, ROG Strix Flare puts the entire color spectrum and a range of dynamic lighting effects at gamers’ command, enabling them to create a unique color scheme. All onboard lighting can be synchronized with the extensive portfolio of Aura Sync-enabled devices for a truly immersive gaming environment.

Designed for convenience and comfort

[adrotate group=”2″]

While most gaming keyboards place media controls on the upper-right, ROG Strix Flare features its dedicated media keys and a smooth-scrolling volume wheel positioned on the upper left. This gives gamers instant access with their keyboard hand, eliminating the need to take their finger off the trigger to make adjustments mid-game.

The keyboard also features a handy USB passthrough port for conveniently connecting other devices and a detachable soft-touch wrist rest for extra comfort.

New ROG Armoury II configuration utility

ROG Strix Flare comes with ROG Armoury II, an enhanced, driver-based version of ROG’s peripheral configuration utility that offers improved controls while using less system resources. ROG Armoury II enables gamers to create profiles, customize colors and lighting effects, map keys, record macros, and even track hardware stats during gameplay for data analysis.

 

ASUS ROG Strix Flare Price

The ASUS ROG Strix Flare is currently priced at $179.99.

Go Back To > News | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


The Alienware Aurora R7 & Other Gaming Products Revealed!

Dell just revealed a new version of their Alienware Aurora gaming desktop – the new Alienware Aurora R7, powered by the latest 8th Generation Intel Core processor. They also revealed a bunch of other Alienware gaming products from curved gaming monitors to gaming keyboards!

 

Introducing The Alienware Aurora R7 Gaming Desktop!

Previously codenamed Coffee Lake, the 8th Generation Intel Core processors deliver 40% better performance, thanks to the addition of two processor cores over the 7th Generation processors. This greatly improved performance boosts the new Alienware Aurora R7‘s gaming performance by up to 25% over the Aurora R6.

Dell was not able to bring in the new Aurora R7, so they set-up the previous-generation Aurora gaming desktop for us to check out. The only difference between the Aurora R6 and the new Aurora R7 is the processor upgrade to the 8th Generation Intel Core processor.

The Aurora is Alienware’s smallest dual-graphics mid-tower desktop. Despite its svelte form factor, it can support CPU water cooling and overclocking, as well as two full-sized graphics cards. It also features customisable AlienFX lighting, and a steel-reinforced magnesium-alloy chassis with tool-less access for easy upgrades.

 

The Q4 2017 Alienware Gaming Products Revealed!

In addition to the new Alienware Aurora R7 gaming desktop, Charllie Cheah, Dell Consumer Brand Manager, also shared details of the new Alienware gaming products that are being launched in time for the holiday season.

To cater to the demand of gamers this coming holidays, Alienware are introducing the following gaming products :

[adrotate group=”2″]
  • The Alienware Aurora R7 Gaming Desktop
  • 34″ Alienware Curved Gaming Monitors with NVIDIA G-SYNC
  • 25″ Alienware Gaming Monitors with either NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync
  • Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard
  • Alienware Advanced Gaming Keyboard
  • Alienware Elite Gaming Mouse
  • Alienware Advanced Gaming Mouse

 

Price & Availability

All of these Alienware gaming products are available for purchase right now, at the following prices :

  • The Alienware Aurora R7 Gaming Desktop : RM 4,999 / ~US$ 1,189 onwards
  • 34″ Alienware Curved Gaming Monitors with NVIDIA G-SYNC
    AW3418DW with the WQHD resolution of 3440 x 1440 : RM 5,599 / ~US$ 1,333
    AW3418HW with the WFHD resolution of 2560 x 1080 : RM 5,079 / ~US$ 1,209
  • 25″ Alienware Gaming Monitors with either NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync
    – AW2518H with NVIDIA G-SYNC : RM 2,699 / ~US$ 639
    – AW2518HF with AMD FreeSync : RM 2,199 / ~US$ 519
  • Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard (AW768)RM 569 / ~US$ 135
  • Alienware Advanced Gaming Keyboard (AW568)RM 369 / ~US$ 88
  • Alienware Elite Gaming Mouse (AW958)RM 429 / ~US$ 102
  • Alienware Advanced Gaming Mouse (AW558) : RM 229 / ~US$ 55

Go Back To > Events | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Gate A20 Option – The BIOS Optimization Guide

Gate A20 Option

Common Options : Normal, Fast

 

Quick Review

The Gate A20 Option BIOS feature is used to determine the method by which Gate A20 is controlled. The Normal option forces the chipset to use the slow keyboard controller to do the switching. The Fast option, on the other hand, allows the chipset to use its own 0x92 port for faster switching. No candy for guessing which is the recommended setting!

Please note this feature is only important for operating systems that switch a lot between real mode and protected mode. These operating systems include 16-bit operating systems like MS-DOS and 16-bit/32-bit hybrid operating systems like Microsoft Windows 98.

This feature has no effect if the operating system only runs in real mode (no operating system currently in use does that, as far as I know!) or if the operating system operates entirely in protected mode (i.e. Microsoft Windows XP or newer). This is because if A20 mode switching is not required, then it does not matter at all if the switching was done by the slow keyboard controller or the faster 0x92 port.

With all that said and done, the recommended setting for this BIOS feature is still Fast, even with operating systems that don’t do much mode switching. Although using the 0x92 port to control Gate A20 has been known to cause spontaneous reboots in certain, very rare instances, there is really no reason why you should keep using the slow keyboard controller to turn A20 or or off.

 

Details

The A20 address line is a relic from the past. It came about because the father of x86 processors – the Intel 8088 had only 20 address lines! That meant that it could only address 1 MB of memory. Of course, in the 8088 days, 1 MB of memory was a LOT!

When the Intel 80286 processor was introduced, it had 24 address lines. This represented a tremendous leap in the amount of addressable memory. Although there were only four extra address lines, that allowed the 80286 to address up to 16 MB of memory.

To maintain 100% software compatibility with the 8088, the 80286 had a real mode that would truncate addresses to 20-bits. Unfortunately, a design bug prevented it from truncating the addresses properly. Thus, the 80286 was unable to run many 8088-compatible software.

To solve this problem, IBM designed an AND gate switch to control the 20th address bit. This switch was henceforth known as the Gate A20. When enabled, all available address lines would be used by the processor for access to memory above the first megabyte.

In the 8088-compatible real mode, the Gate A20 would be used to clear the 20th bit of all addresses. This allowed the 80286 to function like a superfast 8088 processor with access only to the first megabyte of memory.

Even today, Gate A20 is still an important part of the computer. The processor needs to turn A20 on and off when it switches between real mode and protected mode. Since operating systems like Microsoft Windows 98 switch a lot between real mode and protected mode, relying on the understandably slow keyboard controller was not acceptable.

The motherboard chipset’s I/O port 0x92 (System Control Port A) was summarily recruited to take over the job. A lot faster than the keyboard controller, the 0x92 port allows the processor to switch much faster between real mode and protected mode. This translates into faster memory access and better system performance.

[adrotate group=”2″]

The Gate A20 Option BIOS feature is used to determine the method by which Gate A20 is controlled. The Normal option forces the chipset to use the slow keyboard controller to do the switching. The Fast option, on the other hand, allows the chipset to use its own 0x92 port for faster switching. No candy for guessing which is the recommended setting!

Please note this feature is only important for operating systems that switch a lot between real mode and protected mode. These operating systems include 16-bit operating systems like MS-DOS and 16-bit/32-bit hybrid operating systems like Microsoft Windows 98.

This feature has no effect if the operating system only runs in real mode (no operating system currently in use does that, as far as I know!) or if the operating system operates entirely in protected mode (i.e. Microsoft Windows XP or newer). This is because if A20 mode switching is not required, then it does not matter at all if the switching was done by the slow keyboard controller or the faster 0x92 port.

With all that said and done, the recommended setting for this BIOS feature is still Fast, even with operating systems that don’t do much mode switching. Although using the 0x92 port to control Gate A20 has been known to cause spontaneous reboots in certain, very rare instances, there is really no reason why you should keep using the slow keyboard controller to turn A20 or or off.

Go Back To > The BIOS Optimization Guide | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

The GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo Giveaway Contest Results

In conjunction with the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard review, GAMDIAS is sponsoring a giveaway of their Hermes E1 Combo worth US$ 79.99! Will YOU be the lucky owner of the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo?

 

The GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo

The GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo consists of the three gaming components :

  • the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 mechanical gaming keyboard
    – backlit programmable keys with 21-key rollover on USB and anti-ghosting capability
    – aluminium faceplate with quick-attach wrist rest for prolonged gaming
  • the GAMDIAS Demeter E2 optical gaming mouse
    – features an advanced 3200 DPI optical sensor, with on-the-fly DPI adjustments
    – ergonomic ambidextrous design for left- and right-handed users
  • the GAMDIAS Nyx E1 gaming mouse mat
    – fabricated using high-quality polymer for longer lifespan and a smoother glide

 

The GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo Contest Details

This giveaway contest will be based on our GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard review. So be sure to read the review before continuing! 😀

The contest is simple. All you need to do is follow these three steps :

Step 1 – Like the GAMDIAS and Tech ARP


Facebook page.

Step 2 – Share the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo Contest Facebook post on your Facebook wall.

Step 3 – Tell us at least one feature mentioned in our review that you like about the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB keyboard under the same Facebook post. (For example – I love the xxxxxxx feature in the Hermes RGB keyboard because yyyyyyy)

 

How We Will Select The Winner

[adrotate banner=”4″]

The contest will end at midnight (GMT+8) on 17 April 2017, and the winner will be randomly chosen from those who qualify.

If you are a winner, you will receive a Facebook PM requesting your mailing address and contact number. You must reply within 7 days, or we will select another winner.

The contest is only open to Malaysian residents, as the GAMDIAS distributor in Malaysia will be mailing the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo directly to the winner.

Please note that fake Facebook accounts, or Facebook accounts used for contest purposes, will be automatically disqualified.

 

The Contest Results!

After filtering the contest results, GAMDIAS selected the best entry, with a runner-up as back-up. Let’s see who won!

The winner must PM or email us with your details within 7 days of this announcement, or the prize will go to the backup winner, and so on.

  1. Full Name
  2. Mobile / Telephone Number
  3. Full Address

If you did not win this time, don’t worry – we have another contest coming right up!

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

The ASUS Cerberus V2 Headset & Cerberus Mech Keyboard Launched!

5th May, 2017 — ASUS today announced the Cerberus V2 gaming headset and Cerberus Mech RGB mechanical gaming keyboard, the latest gaming peripherals in the best-selling Cerberus series.

The Cerberus V2 features ASUS Essence drivers for improved bass-rich audio quality, a new stainless-steel headband and wrap-around ear cushions that offer improved durability and comfort, and wide compatibility with PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

The Cerberus Mech RGB mechanical gaming keyboard features durable, mechanical key switches that provide lightning-fast response and have a 70-million-click lifespan for endurance under intense gaming action. Customizable RGB illumination with seven built-in lighting effects shines in millions of vivid colors, letting gamers tailor Cerberus Mech RGB to their own individual styles. Additionally, dedicated hotkeys let gamers quickly execute custom commands while gaming.

Cerberus V2 gaming headset

Cerberus V2 features ASUS Essence drivers that deliver pristine, high-fidelity audio, taking games to immersive new heights with impactful, lifelike sound effects and cinematic music. ASUS engineers reduced the size of the drivers from 60mm in the original Cerberus to 53mm in Cerberus V2, allowing larger sound chambers for richer, more natural sound. Combined with the drivers’ wide frequency response that delivers hard-hitting bass and clear, detailed middle and high frequencies, the outstanding sound quality of Cerberus V2 makes it not only great for gaming but also for listening to music.

Cerberus V2 is built with a durable, stainless-steel outer headband, a comfortable padded inner headband and soft, wrap-around ear cushions that are ideal for long gaming and music-listening sessions. The ear cushions are 30 percent larger than the original Cerberus and provide 50-percent-better sound insulation for better gaming immersion.

An included four-pole audio/mic combined connector allows Cerberus V2 to be used with PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, and an audio/mic splitter adapter enables use with dual-port devices, such as motherboards and certain laptop models. Cerberus V2 also comes with two microphones: a detachable boom mic that provides clear communication when gaming, and an in-line microphone that is convenient for phone calls and other everyday tasks, such as smartphone voice commands.

Cerberus V2 is available in a choice of three bold colors — red, green and blue — to match gamers’ personal styles.

 

Cerberus Mech RGB gaming keyboard

Cerberus Mech RGB is built with fully mechanical Kaihua RGB switches — Red, Blue, Brown and Black — that provide tactile, lightning-fast response and have an ultra-durable lifespan of up to 70-million keystrokes. Full anti-ghosting and N-key rollover (NKRO) technology ensures that every keystroke is logged, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.

[adrotate banner=”4″]

Every key on Cerberus Mech RGB has individually programmable backlighting in a choice of millions of colors. Combined with seven built-in lighting effects in customizable colors, gamers can tailor their keyboard to match their personal style and enhance their gaming experiences.

Cerberus Mech RGB also features handy, dedicated hotkeys for performing frequently used and complex commands quickly with a single button press. On-the-fly macro recording makes it easy to program new hotkey commands without leaving the game. Recorded macros are stored in the keyboard, so they are available when using it with multiple PCs.

Cerberus Mech RGB also has a full set of dedicated media keys and a Windows key-lock that temporarily deactivates the Windows key to protect against accidental presses while gaming.

 

Availability & Pricing

ASUS Cerberus V2 and Cerberus Mech RGB are estimated to be available by end of Q2, 2017.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

The Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Price & Specifications

Apr. 26, 2017 — Logitech G, a Logitech brand, (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today introduced the Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Amazon).

 

The Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Designed in collaboration with top eSports athletes, the Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Amazon) is a high performance, tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard that is purpose-built for professional competition.

The keyboard features Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches, offering 25 percent faster actuation than standard mechanical keyboards, all in a switch design that delivers quiet performance. It also features a detachable cable system, making it easy to transport with customizable RGB lighting and onboard memory.

 

Romer-G Key Switches

Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches are purpose-built for pro-grade performance, responsiveness and durability offering precision and speed. With a short-throw actuation point of 1.5 mm, Romer-G switches register key presses up to 25 percent faster than standard mechanical switches and are designed for performance.

Compact, Durable Design

The Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Amazon) features a compact tenkeyless design, making it easy to pack for tournament travel and freeing up table space for low-sensitivity mouse movement. The keyboard is reinforced with a steel back plate, adding stability and rigidity for gameplay.

[adrotate banner=”4″]

Detachable Cable System

A detachable Micro-USB connector ensures that the cable won’t break at the connection point when bouncing around in a bag and transported between events. The three-pronged design features support arms for an easy, reliable data connection.

Customizable RGB Lighting

Using optional Logitech Gaming Software (LGS), players can select and personalize each individual key light from more than 16.8 million colors, and save a lighting pattern to onboard memory so it’s available for use in competition.

 

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Amazon) is expected to be available at authorized resellers in mid-April 2017 for a suggested retail price of RM629.00 (inclusive of GST) / ~US$ 139.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

The Logitech G413 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Launched

April 19, 2017 — Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, today announced the launch of an addition to its mechanical gaming keyboard lineup with the Logitech G413 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

 

The Logitech G413 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Engineered for precision and performance, the keyboard delivers unrivaled performance in a thoughtfully balanced, modern design.

The Logitech G413 features Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches, offering 25% faster actuation than standard mechanical keys, as well as a brushed anodized aircraft-grade aluminum top case, USB passthrough port and precision key backlighting for an affordable price.

The Logitech G413 comes in Carbon, featuring elemental red backlighting.

Romer-G Key Switches and Precision Key Lighting

Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches are purpose-built for pro-grade performance, responsiveness and durability. With a short-throw actuation point of 1.5 mm, Romer-G switches register key presses up to 25 percent faster than standard mechanical switches, so you can get your shots off faster than your opponent.

Romer-G switches are also purpose-designed for precise and clean lighting through the keycaps, so they are always visible but never distracting.

Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Alloy

[adrotate banner=”4″]

A brushed 5052 aluminum-magnesium alloy top case serves as the keyboard’s backbone. The result is a minimal design balanced with a full set of features. With a focus on high-end finish and performance, the Logitech G413 is crafted from the highest-grade materials.

USB Passthrough and Full Function Keys

An integrated, dedicated USB passthrough provides full power and data speed within easy reach for any USB device. Media control is also built into the Logitech G413 keyboard so you can use the FN key to control volume, play and pause, mute, game mode, lighting, etc. The FN toggle feature in Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) configures keys to perform media commands by default.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G413 Carbon Mechanical Backlit Gaming Keyboard is expected to be available at Kaira Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd beginning in April 2017, for a suggested retail price of RM 429, inclusive of GST / ~US$ 95.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

GAMDIAS Technology is a young new eSports company that focuses on PC gaming peripherals, from gaming mice to keyboards and headsets. Established in 2012, their name is an amalgam of GAM (Gaming Art in Motion) and DIAS, the Latin word for god. In short, GAMDIAS means “god of gaming“!

Despite the Latin origin of its name, GAMDIAS adopts an ancient Greek mythology theme for its products, naming them after Greek gods and goddesses. Today, we are going to take a look at the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard.

Don’t forget to join the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo Giveaway Contest!

 

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB Keyboard Specifications

For those who don’t know their Greek mythology, Hermes is the Greek god of transitions and boundaries, and a son of Zeus. GAMDIAS currently offers seven different Hermes models :

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB is their top-of-the-line model, with the following specifications :

SpecificationsGAMDIAS Hermes RGB
ModelGKB1050
OS CompatibilityMicrosoft Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / XP
Processor32-bit ARM Cortex-M3
Key Switch TypeKailh Blue
Switch Rated Lifespan50 million keystrokes
Key Backlight Capability16.8 million colours, 4 brightness levels
Customisable Light EffectsYes
N-Key RolloverYes, 6KRO (as tested)
Built-in Memory72 KB
Programmable Keys2
Multimedia Control Keys6
Profile Keys6
Additional Macro KeysNo
Other CapabilitiesDisable Windows Key
Lock All Keys
Switch WASD & Arrow Keys
Consecutive Attack Mode
Graphical User InterfaceYes, via the GAMDIAS HERA software
InterfaceUSB
Polling Rate1000 Hz
Cable Length1.8 m braided cable with gold-plated USB connector
Onboard USB portsNo
Onboard audio portsNo
Dimensions440 mm wide x 170 mm deep x 37 mm thick
Weight1.16 kg

Let’s check it out!

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

Unboxing The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB Keyboard

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard comes in a large black and white cardboard box. Let’s take a look inside!

Inside the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB box, you should find the following items :

Next Page > Key Features, Keys & Switches, RGB Backlight, Other Features

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Key Features Of The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB

Here is a quick video tour that showcases the key features of the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard.

 

The Keys & Switches

This is a mechanical keyboard targeted at gamers, so the keys and switches are, arguably, the most important components.

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB keyboard uses the Kailh Blue switches – the clicky type. This gives you great tactile feedback, but if there are people around you, they’ll not enjoy the experience quite as much. 😀

Here are the Kailh Blue switch’s key specifications :

  • Behaviour : Clicky
  • Feel : Heavy
  • Actuation Force : 60 g
  • Actuation Distance : 2 mm
  • Total Travel Distance : 4 mm
  • Sound Level : Loud
  • Rated Lifespan : 50 million keystrokes

The key caps have a more pronounced cylindrical key face, which makes it easier to touch type. This makes the Hermes RGB a really great keyboard for touch typing. But again, the audible clicks may put off people around you.

[adrotate banner=”4″]

The keys can be removed for cleaning and replacement. GAMDIAS includes a bright orange key cap removal tool for that very purpose. Just push it in until it locks into the key and then pull to remove the key.

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB keyboard has a few 6 gaming profile keys, 6 multimedia control keys, as well as special function keys :

  • Lock Keyboard – to disable all keyboard keys until they are unlocked
  • Game Mode – to lock the Windows key so there is no response when it is pressed
  • Swap WASD And Arrow Key Modes – switches the WASD keys to the arrow mode, and back again
  • On-The-Fly (OTF) Macro Recording – enables on-the-fly macro recording

 

RGB Backlight

This is the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB keyboard’s headline feature. As its name suggests, it has full RGB backlighting for its keys. Every single key is not just individually backlit, you can choose the backlight colour out of a wide spectrum of 16.8 million colours, with 4 brightness levels.

The Hermes RGB keyboard also comes with four lighting effects built-in. Using shortcut keys, you can instantly switch between those lighting effects – Wave, Rotation, Slide In, Static… and even turn off the lights completely. You can also adjust the speed and brightness levels of the backlight.

 

Other Features

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard has 1.8 meter long USB cable with a gold-plated USB connector. The keyboard has three channels, while the USB cable has two straps, for cable management.

The back of the Hermes RGB keyboard can be raised about 2 cm using the flip-stands. To prevent inadvertent movement, the flip stands have a rubber coating. There are also four rubber pads in the front of the keyboard.

Next Page > N-Key Rollover, User Experience & Verdict, Giveaway Contest

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

N-Key Rollover

GAMDIAS rates the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard as being capable of n-key rollover (NKRO). This means it can correctly register multiple keys simultaneously. This is not only important in competitive gaming where keys are rapidly being pressed, but also musical composition where multiple keys may be pressed simultaneously.

Our tests showed that the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB keyboard is capable of registering up to 6 simultaneous keys. That makes it a 6KRO keyboard. This is enough for most competitive gamers and quick typists. And like all modern mechanical keyboards, it has anti-ghosting built-in, so it won’t register false key presses.

 

User Experience & Verdict

The GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard has great tactile feedback, thanks to the Kailh Blue switches. The curvier key caps also allow for easier touch typing. Even though it’s not a true NKRO keyboard, it is more than fast enough for most competitive gamers and touch typist.

The Kailh Blue switches can be rather distracting though, especially if you are playing for fun or with other people nearby. The clicks may offer audio feedback for typing, but it takes away your suspension of disbelief while gaming. You can “fix” the former by using headphones, but there’s nothing you can do about the latter.

[adrotate banner=”4″]

The RGB backlighting is great for those who want to play in the dark, or colour-coordinate it with the LED lighting in their gaming rig. The Hermes RGB offers full control of the lighting. But if you are not into RGB lighting, then the extensive lighting options it offers will seem like overkill.

Because it’s targeted at gamers, the Hermes RGB keyboard swapped the Menu key on the right with the Windows key. Where you usually have the Windows key on the left (between the Ctrl and Alt keys) is the Function key. This allows for faster, single-handed access to the built-in function keys. The downside – the Windows shortcut keys may now require two hands (e.g. Windows + E to open Windows Explorer ).

We would recommend the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard to gamers who generally play alone, particularly if they prefer to use headphones over speakers. It is also a great keyboard for those who intend to do a lot of typing – the tactile feedback is similar to that of a typewriter. This is actually a great option for those who work and play on the same computer.

 

Giveaway Contest

In conjunction with the GAMDIAS Hermes RGB mechanical gaming keyboard review, GAMDIAS is sponsoring a giveaway of their Hermes E1 Combo worth US$ 79.99! Will YOU be the lucky owner of the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 Combo?

Click here for the contest details!

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

New Logitech G Prodigy Series Introduced

19 September 2016Logitech today announced the Prodigy Series, a family of gaming gear that was designed to enhance the way you play. The new series, which includes two mice, a keyboard and a headset, all share the same attributes of high-performance technology, exceptional comfort, and a sleek and modern design.

The Logitech G Prodigy Series includes the Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse, Logitech G403 Prodigy Wireless Gaming Mouse, Logitech G213 Prodigy RGB Gaming Keyboard, and the Logitech G231 Prodigy Headset.

 

Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mice

The Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse and Logitech G403 Prodigy Wireless Gaming Mouse deliver long-lasting comfort, thanks to their lightweight, ergonomic design. Rubber grips on the left and right sides give you added control, and the included 10g removable weight allows you to increase the weight if you prefer a heavier mouse.

Both mice are up to eight times faster than standard mice, which means when they are moved or clicked, the on-screen response is near-instantaneous. Each mouse has advanced button tensioning that helps keep the left and right mouse buttons primed to click, reducing the force required to click, delivering exceptional responsiveness.

These mice feature the PMW3366, the world’s most advanced gaming mouse sensor, preferred by eSports pros worldwide. Exceptionally precise and consistent, the PMW3366 gives you the confidence of quicker responses and more accurate targeting.

The mice can be used directly out-of-the-box, or with LGS you can fully configure the mouse to customize your lighting, buttons and DPI settings. Specifically, the G403 Prodigy Wireless Gaming Mouse is equipped with the same energy efficient, high performance wireless technology as the award-winning Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum.

The highly optimized 2.4GHz wireless connection has 1ms report rate for incredible lag-free responsiveness that outperforms competitive solutions, including wired ones.

 

Logitech G213 Prodigy RGB Gaming Keyboard

Designed for gamers of all levels, the G213 Prodigy keyboard features a sleek, spill-resistant design that is comfortable and durable. An integrated palm rest and adjustable feet let you set your keyboard to the ideal position, so it feels perfect during extended gaming sessions.

[adrotate banner=”4″]

The G213 Prodigy keyboard brings together the best in tactile feel and performance with keys built specifically for gamers. Each key on the G213 Prodigy is tuned to deliver ultra-quick, responsive feedback that’s up to four times faster than standard keyboards. Plus, its anti-ghosting gaming matrix is tuned for optimal gaming performance, keeping you in control when you press multiple gaming keys simultaneously.

The G213 Prodigy keyboard features five RGB illumination zones that can be personalized from a spectrum of up to 16.8 million colors. Change colors to match your setup, specific games, or showcase your favorite colors, and synchronize lighting effects with other Logitech G devices using Logitech Gaming Software (LGS). Low light leakage around each keycap means more light comes through the lettering and less spills out around the keycaps, making it easier to find your keys in the dark.

Additionally, the dedicated media controls allow you to play, pause, skip and adjust the volume of your music with a touch of a button, without having to switch out of the game.

 

Logitech G231 Prodigy Gaming Headset

Using 40 mm neodymium drivers, the G231 Prodigy Headset delivers high-quality stereo sound that keeps you immersed in your PC or console game from start to finish. The earcups are covered with carefully selected sports performance cloth for a comfortable, soft touch even after hours of use. And they slip off easily for washing to keep the headset in top shape. The earcups are also designed to be slim and light, without skimping on audio quality.

A crystal-clear unidirectional boom mic can be positioned to pick up your voice alone, ensuring that you will be heard loudly and clearly. And when not in use, the mic can be folded back into the headphones. In-line audio controls for volume and microphone mute are within easy reach on the connection cable.

 

Logitech Prodigy Series Price & Availability

The Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse, Logitech G213 Prodigy RGB Gaming Keyboard, Logitech G231 Prodigy Gaming Headset and Logitech G403 Prodigy Wireless Gaming Mouse are expected to be available in Malaysia from MCL Bhd and Kaira Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd.

Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse = RM329 / ~US$82 (inclusive of GST)
Logitech G213 Prodigy RGB Gaming Keyboard = RM349 / ~US$ 87 (inclusive of GST)
Logitech G231 Prodigy Gaming Headset = RM299 / ~US$ 75 (inclusive of GST)
Logitech G403 Prodigy Wireless Gaming Mouse = RM479 / ~US$ 120 (inclusive of GST)

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech CREATE Keyboard Case For iPad Pro 9.7 Introduced

11 August 2016 — Today Logitech announced the Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

The CREATE Keyboard Case is a toolkit that gives you everything you need to make the most of your iPad Pro; a protective case, backlit keyboard, and integrated holder for the Apple pencil all in one lightweight package. Whether you are posting an update, watching a video, or drawing a sketch, CREATE empowers you to unleash your creativity and productivity wherever you go.

Designed to work exclusively with Apple’s new Smart Connector, the CREATE Keyboard Case automatically powers on and pairs with your iPad Pro when placed in the typing position – no Bluetooth pairing needed. And because the backlit keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro, you never have to think about charging your keyboard again.

A special row of dedicated iOS shortcuts puts the commands at your fingertips, without ever taking them off the keyboard. You can get to the home screen, search your iPad Pro and the web, adjust brightness, and control audio or video playback with one tap. And an integrated holder keeps your Apple Pencil within easy reach at all times so it is there when you need it.

With careful attention to color, materials and finish, the CREATE Keyboard Case design gives you all-around protection in a beautiful form. Custom-sculpted curves provide structural integrity to help protect your iPad Pro on the inside, while on the outside the tightly woven premium fabric resists bumps, scratches and spills.

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

CREATE Keyboard Case Price & Availability

The CREATE Keyboard Case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is available beginning the end of August from MCL Bhd and Blue Logic Enterprise Sdn Bhd for a suggested retail price of RM 599 / ~US$ 149, inclusive of GST.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech K780 Wireless Keyboard Announced

Kuala Lumpur, 29 June 2016 — Today, Logitech announced the Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard, the first fully-equipped computer keyboard with a 10-key pad that also works with smartphones and tablets. With the touch of an Easy-Switch button, you can easily switch between– and type on – any three connected devices.

“When it comes to typing we can create a document quickly and comfortably on the computer, but when answering a text message on the phone we’re limited to what our two thumbs can do,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager of Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. “Now with the K780 Multi-Device, you can type comfortably at desktop speed on all the devices that you use at your desk, seamlessly switching between them with the touch of a button.”

The K780 Multi-Device offers quiet and responsive typing. The keys are large and carefully scooped for typing comfort and precision, while a convenient 10-key pad makes it easy to enter numbers. An integrated rubber slot with a soft finish securely cradles a variety of mobile devices at a perfect reading angle, from smartphones to the 12” iPad ProTM. The keyboard is slim and solidly built, designed to look good in a modern home or office environment.

Logitech K780 Multi-Device adapts to your devices, so whether you are using a Windows PC or iPhone, the key layout is familiar and you can even access your favorite shortcuts. With both a Logitech Unifying™ USB and Bluetooth Smart technology, you can choose the best way to connect to your computer, phone or tablet.

With a power-saving idle mode and an on/off switch, the K780 Multi-Device offers up to 24-months of battery life – plenty of time to get used to a new way of multi-tasking, by typing on all your devices with a single keyboard.

 

Logitech K780 Availability

Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard is available in July 2016 from MCL Berhad and M-Link System (M) Sdn Bhd for a suggested retail price of RM 369 / ~US$ 92, inclusive of GST.

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Typeeto – Using Your Mac As A Bluetooth Keyboard

How many times have you worked on both your Mac and your iPhone or iPad and you suddenly find the need to copy and paste a text from your Mac to your iPhone. You would also wish that there must be an easy way to type into your iPhone from your Mac’s keyboard!

At this point, you’re probably wishing that you can use your Mac as a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPhone Well, there is indeed a solution.

 

How to use your Mac as a Bluetooth Keyboard for the iPhone

The app that I discovered recently is Eltima’s Typeeto. Its an app that usually costs $19.99. But as of the publishing of this post, it’s currently on promotion at $9.99 on the Mac App Store. But if you do prefer to not purchase it off the Mac App Store, You can also buy it directly from Eltima’s website which offers you a trial to test it you. Then just follow this link and you’ll automatically get a special 15% off discount coupon on the retail price.

Once installed, you would need to first connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac. The Typeeto app does tell you how to do it when try to add a new device in Typeeto after you start up the app.

Typeeto on the menubar

Typeeto actually works on any device that supports using a Bluetooth Keyboard as well. The following are the list of devices that Eltima’s team has tested Typeeto against.

Typeeto supported devices

Pairing the device of your choice is simply just how you would usually do it on your Mac. The following are screenshots of me pairing my iPhone 6s to my Mac.

Pairing the iPhone in MacOS Bluetooth menu

Confirming the pairing of the iPhone

Typeeto detects a newly paired iPhone

After pairing the iPhone, or any other device, you’re ready to use Typeeto. But before that, let’s take a look at the preferences and settings that you can set with the app.

General settings

The General settings are pretty self explanatory. I would recommend setting the paste text to device shortcut key combination to something that you would be comfortable with. The default alt-cmd-v works ok but change it if there’s another key combination that you prefer. Also, turn off the sending of usage statistics if you prefer to be private.

Devices settings

The Devices settings is important too. I recommend setting a Quick Launch shortcut key to have the ability to easily switch between your devices, especially when you have more that one that you intend to use with your Mac. Otherwise you would always need to click on the device you want to connect to using Typeeto’s menu bar.

Themes

As for the last Theme settings. I don’t think I need to explain it any more than the screenshot itself. ?

Next Page > Using Typeeto On Your Mac, Our Verdict

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Using Typeeto on your Mac as a Bluetooth Keyboard for the iPhone

I’ve had Typeeto running on my Mac for about a week now and I’d have to say that it’s been quite interesting using it. I actually have the Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch K811 Keyboard for Mac that I’ve been using to type on both my Mac and my iPhone when I need it. However, I usually just leave the keyboard, though portable at work. So anywhere else, I would find myself missing the external bluetooth keyboard when typing long emails on my phone.

Thus the “interesting” description of Typeeto. Interesting because it works really well. I’ve used another app in the past but it didn’t work too well for me as it didn’t work most of the time. Typeeto has been pretty stable in my testing over the week so far. But since I already have the Logitech K811 external keyboard. I usually find myself just switching my keyboard over to my iPhone and I’d start typing away.

But Typeeto does have one major advantage which is its ability to paste text that’s been copied from the Mac. This is definitely a very useful feature, especially typing over complex passwords that I used for my online accounts. (Seriously guys, using 1Password to generate unique and complex passwords you can’t remember is the only way to go now).

One thing to note is that this copy-pasting feature has a maximum text length limit of 1024 characters, which actually isn’t too bad. You can copy roughly a full paragraph with it as you’ll see in the video capture I took below. The way it works is that Typeeto would basically retype for you character by character onto your device. This presents an interesting behaviour if you turn on autocorrect on the iPhone. Any wrongly typed words that are copied would be automatically corrected if possible. The video below shows this behaviour when I copied over a Lorem ipsum text from my Mac to my iPhone. This is definitely something to be aware of.

 

 

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

Our Verdict

At the usual price of $19.99, you may think that it’s a little on the pricier side. However, if you compare it with the Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch K811 Keyboard for Mac that costs close to $90 on Amazon, you basically get the same feature of the external bluetooth keyboard at a 80% discount. And if copying text and pasting it to your device is a must have feature, well, Typeeto is an obvious choice for you. That’s just something you can’t do with any external bluetooth keyboard.

Typeeto has been a solid software making the Mac as a bluetooth keyboard for any device that supports it. So if you find yourself needing it, it’s one that I would recommend quite easily.

Purchase Typeeto from this link and get a 15% discount off the retail price!

Disclosure: I was offered a press copy of the software to test and write this article that was originally posted on my blog.

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Razer Turret Keyboard Mouse Combo Launched

IRVINE, Calif.Razer today announced the much-anticipated release of the Razer Turret, a mouse and integrated keyboard and mouse surface that together deliver the power of desktop-grade gaming peripherals into the laps of gamers. The combo was originally unveiled as a prototype in early 2015.

Designed with a focus on enabling a PC gaming experience from the couch, the Razer Turret consists of a gaming grade chiclet keyboard with full anti-ghosting and a highly precise gaming mouse with a 3500 DPI sensor. The integrated magnetic mouse mat ensures the mouse will not slip even during intense gaming sessions.

“The Razer Turret brings the immense world of PC gaming to a previously impossible frontier—the living room—where only consoles have traditionally roamed until now,” says Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. “Finally, we have a perfect solution for gamers to enjoy the unrivaled precision of a mouse and keyboard combination from the comfort of the couch with the durability and reliability that PC gamers demand.”

The Razer Turret comes with dual wireless connectivity, enabling users to play lag-free when connected to a console via Bluetooth LE or to a PC via the bundled wireless 2.4 GHz adaptor. The performance of the Razer Turret rivals desktop-grade gaming hardware, providing a tactical weapon that can be unleashed on opponents from a casual environment.

The Razer Turret’s ergonomic and ultra-slim form factor is made specifically to fit on a user’s lap. A foldable hinge ensures that the lapboard is unobtrusive and dock-able, leaving it a normal part of the living room environment when not in use.

Made to withstand even the most action-packed gaming marathons, the Razer Turret has built-in high-capacity lithium polymer batteries, so a player’s kill streaks will not be interrupted by untimely battery warnings. By supporting up to four months of usage on the keyboard (an estimated 40 hours of nonstop play on the mouse), Razer Turret owners won’t have to charge their gaming weapons after every use.

[adrotate banner=”5″]

 

Razer Turret’s Keyboard

  • Anti-ghosting capability for up to 10 simultaneous key presses
  • Chiclet styled keycaps
  • Dedicated Android buttons
  • Battery life of up to 4 months – The life expectancy of this battery depends upon its usage
  • Battery type: Li-Po (1500 mAh)

 

Razer Turret’s Mouse

  • 3500 DPI laser sensor
  • 40 hours battery life for continuous use – The life expectancy of this battery depends upon its usage
  • Battery type: Li-Po (1000 mAh)

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Razer BlackWidow X Keyboards Launched

IRVINE, Calif. – Razer today announced a new line of mechanical keyboards for gamers, the Razer BlackWidow X series.

The new line of keyboards is a pared down minimalist version of the original Razer BlackWidow by removing the protective top cover and exposing the military-grade metal top plate construction that is found inside all current Razer BlackWidow keyboards. The original Razer BlackWidow with the inner metal chassis and additional protective top cover will continue to be sold as a premium model to the Razer BlackWidow X.

The stripped-down, minimalistic design of the Razer BlackWidow X line allows Razer to establish a new, lower price point for premium mechanical keyboards without compromising any of the core features for which the Razer BlackWidow is renowned.

The Razer BlackWidow X series includes models Powered by Razer Chroma technology, which unlocks customizable lighting on each key, with 16.8 million colors and a variety of lighting effects. Customized profiles can be created on the Razer Synapse software and shared with millions of other users via the Razer Chroma Workshop. In-game Chroma lighting effects are also integrated into popular game titles, including “Call of Duty: Black Ops III”, “Overwatch”, “Blade and Soul” and more.

Razer is also outfitting Razer BlackWidow X models in non-Chroma configurations. The Razer BlackWidow X Ultimate, at $99.99, with dynamic lighting effects, provides gamers a premium mechanical keyboard at a value price point.

[adrotate banner=”5″]

The Razer BlackWidow X keyboards feature the multi-award winning Razer Mechanical Switch, the world’s first key switch designed specifically for gaming. With an optimized set of actuation and reset points and increased durability of up to 80 million key strokes, Razer key switches possess almost double the lifespan of other switches on the market today.

Additionally, select models of the Razer BlackWidow and Razer BlackWidow X are now available with classic Cherry MX Blue switches to cater to the traditional mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Razer BlackWidow keyboards with Cherry switches will be available at a lower price than those with Razer Mechanical Switches and start at the price of $59.99 for the Razer BlackWidow X Tournament Edition available exclusively via RazerStore

“The Razer BlackWidow X builds on our massive success with gaming keyboards and broadens the choice of keyboard design for gamers,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “By removing the protective top cover and exposing the inner metal top chassis of the current BlackWidow, I’m pleased that we’re able to establish a new low price point for a premium, metal-chassis, mechanical keyboard with the new BlackWidow X.”

Razer BlackWidow X keyboards are shipping now. For more information on pricing and specs of each model, visit razerzone.com or see below.

 

Razer BlackWidow X Chroma

Product features:

  • Razer™ Mechanical Switches with 50 g actuation force
  • 80 million keystroke life span
  • Chroma customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
  • Individually backlit keys
  • Military-grade metal top construction
  • Razer Synapse enabled
  • 10-key roll-over anti-ghosting
  • Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
  • Gaming mode option
  • Cable management routing
  • 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
  • Braided fiber cable

Price:
U.S. $159.99 / EU €189.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – Available Now
Worldwide – Available Now (Amazon)
Layouts – US, UK, French, German, Nordics, Japanese

 

Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition X Chroma

 

Product features:

  • Razer Mechanical Switches with 50 g actuation force
  • 80 million keystroke life span
  • Chroma customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
  • Individually backlit keys
  • Compact layout
  • Military-grade metal top construction
  • Razer Synapse enabled
  • 10-key roll-over anti-ghosting
  • Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
  • Gaming mode option
  • Cable management routing
  • 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
  • Braided fiber cable

Price:
U.S. $129.99 / EU €149.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – April 2016
Worldwide – April 2016 (Amazon)
Layouts – US

 

Razer BlackWidow X Ultimate

 

Product features:

  • Razer Mechanical Switches with 50 g actuation force
  • 80 million keystroke life span
  • Individually backlit keys with dynamic lighting effects
  • Military-grade metal top construction
  • Razer Synapse enabled
  • 10-key roll-over anti-ghosting
  • Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
  • Gaming mode option
  • Cable management routing
  • 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
  • Braided fiber cable

Price:
U.S. $99.99 / EU €119.99
Cherry MX Blue Switch: U.S. $89.99 / EU € 109.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – Available Now (Amazon)
Layouts – US

 

Razer BlackWidow X Tournament Edition


Product Features:

  • Razer Mechanical Switches with 50g actuation force
  • 80 million keystroke life span
  • Compact layout
  • Military grade metal top construction
  • Razer Synapse enabled
  • 10 key roll-over anti-ghosting
  • Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
  • Gaming mode option
  • Cable management routing
  • USB pass-through
  • 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
  • Braided fiber cable

Price:
U.S. $69.99 / EU €79.99
Cherry MX Blue Switch: U.S. $59.99 / EU € 69.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – Available Now
Layouts – US

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Feb. 15, 2016 — Today Logitech introduced the Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, a spill-resistant keyboard and mouse combination with wireless connectivity and a durable design.

“The Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo provides a simple and reliable solution – with no learning curve – for desktop users,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager for Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. “Choose reliable connectivity now with the simple plug-and-play setup of this combo.”

 

The Logitech MK235

The Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard Mouse and Combo is durable, full-size and simple. It includes a reliable, wireless plug-and-play connection and extra-long battery life. Type on a familiar keyboard layout with full-size arrow keys, a number pad and easy access to 15 shortcut keys. With its spill-resistant design and anti-fading treatment on each key, the Logitech MK325 Wireless Keyboard Mouse and Combo is built to last.

 

Key Features

 Familiar Keyboard Layout: With an adjustable typing angle, the keyboard layout provides the comfort and simplicity of a traditional full-size keyboard with no learning-curve involved.

Durable Construction: The spill-resistant design and anti-fading treatment provides an extra layer of protection, while the sturdy tilt legs provide stability on any surface. With a 36-month battery life for the keyboard and 12-month battery life for the mouse, this duo provides a long term, cost-effective solution.

Simple Setup: With a plug-and-play setup, no software or additional downloads are needed. Getting started is easy and fast.

Reliable Wireless Connection: Logitech’s Advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology works up to 10 meters away and a plug-and-forget USB receiver offers a simple and strong wireless connection you can depend upon.

 

System Requirements

● Windows® 7 or later
● Chrome OS™
● Linux® kernel 2.6+
● USB Port

 

Product Specifications

[adrotate banner=”4″]Dimensions of the keyboard (L x W x H):
● 435.5 mm x 137.5 mm x 20.5 mm
● Weight: 475g

Dimensions of the mouse (L x W x H):
● 97.7 mm x 61.5 mm x 35.2 mm
● Weight: 70.5g

Dimensions of the nano receiver (L x W x H):
● 18.7 mm x 14.4 mm x 6.6 mm (L x W x H)
● Weight: 2g

 

Warranty

● 2-year limited hardware warranty (EMEA, JP)
● 1-year limited hardware warranty (AP)

 

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo will be available in Malaysia from March 2016 onwards from MCL Berhad and M-Link System (M) Sdn. Bhd. The suggested retail price for the product is RM 99 (inclusive of GST) / ~US$ 23.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum Keyboard Launched

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia. — Feb 4, 2016 — Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced the Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum, a full-size RGB mechanical gaming keyboard that integrates our industry-leading technology and quality of construction in a uniquely crafted design to deliver peak performance for a pure gaming experience.

The Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches, offering 25 percent faster actuation than standard mechanical keyboards, as well as customizable RGB lighting and dedicated media controls.

“We met with dozens of gamers over the last year and a half and asked them what they wanted in a gaming keyboard,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager of Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. “The result is the G810 Orion Spectrum, a clean, sophisticated design that’s focused on delivering pure performance.”

 

Features

Pure Performance-Driven Design
Every aspect of the keyboard – from the simplest details, such as fingerprint-masking matte texture and a durable braided cable, to the most complex details, including advanced RGB lighting and ultra-fast, ultra-durable Romer-G mechanical switches – is precisely engineered.  The result is industry-leading technology and quality of construction in a uniquely crafted design.

Ultra-Responsive Romer-G Key Switches
The Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum features Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches that deliver near-instant responsiveness, registering key presses up to 25 percent faster than standard mechanical switches.

With an actuation point of 1.5 mm, Romer-G switches receive commands more quickly, helping to give you an edge in competitive games where every millisecond matters. With improved durability at 70 million keystrokes, up to 40 percent more keystroke operations than other standard key switches on the gaming peripheral market, you can play with confidence knowing that your keyboard can survive.

Customizable RGB Lighting
[adrotate banner=”4″]Using Logitech Gaming Software (LGS), select and personalize each individual key light from a spectrum of more than 16.8 million colors, and synchronize lighting effects with other Logitech G gaming gear. You can mark keys by color to keep track of spells and other commands, or change colors to match your setup.

Central backlighting makes it easier to find the right keys in game and in the dark. And LGS comes pre-loaded with custom lighting profiles for over 300 games, so all the customization is done for you out of the box.

Easy-Access Media Controls
The Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum features dedicated media controls that can be used to play, pause and mute music and videos instantly, so you can control your background track without switching out of your game. Use the roller to adjust the volume, or skip to the next song with the touch of a button.

Full Customization
Get full control of the Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum with LGS. Customize your favorite games with custom button macros on the F1-F12 keys. Control RGB lighting on individual keys and determine which keys are turned off when you turn on Game Mode.

 

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard will be available in April 2016 for the suggested retail price of RM799 (inclusive of GST) / ~US$189. The product will be available from Kaira Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. and MCL Bhd.

 

System Requirements

  • Optional LGS download works with Windows 7 and higher
  • Powered USB port
  • Internet connection for optional LGS download

 

Product Specifications

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 153 mm x 443.5 mm x 34.3 mm
  • Weight: 1180g (without cable)
  • Cable length: 6 feet

 

Warranty

  • 2-year limited hardware warranty

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech Wins Five 2015 Good Design Awards

Jan. 21, 2016 — Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced that five of its products have been named 2015 GOOD DESIGN Award winners for achievement in design and product excellence. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Logitech products have been awarded GOOD DESIGN Awards.

The awarded products include the Logitech Wireless Mouse M280, the Logitech ConferenceCam Connect, the Logitech Keys-To-Go, the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 and the Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse.

“These additional design award wins help underscore how design is at the core of what we do at Logitech,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager for Malaysia, Brunei and Philippines. “Being recognized by prestigious organizations such as GOOD DESIGN, motivates us to continue our focus on design and making exceptional products that connect people to experiences they care about.”

The GOOD DESIGN Awards are presented each year to the most innovative industrial, product and graphic designs produced around the world by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech “Be Free” & “Save The Couch Potato” Campaigns

The ‘Be Free’ and ‘Save the Couch Potato’ campaigns were created to provide solutions and meet the evolving demand of the consumer. The products featured in the ‘Be Free’ campaigns, the Logitech K480, Logitech K380 and Logitech M337, were designed specifically to address the needs of the consumers who use multiple devices with different operating systems. Additionally, the Logitech K400 Plus, was created to ‘Save the Couch Potato’ and designed for those who want to work, create and relax from the comfort of their couches.

The Logitech K480 was designed from the need to be able to connect to multiple devices with different operating seamlessly. With its Bluetooth connectivity and Easy-Switch function, consumers can ‘Be Free’ and work with up to three devices simultaneously. The Logitech K480 has received positive feedback from the general public.

Stemming from the simple idea of having the flexibility to choose, the Logitech K380 was developed following positive feedback of the Logitech K480. It’s ability to easily recognize different operating systems once connected to a device is a prime example of how Logitech aims to address the needs of the consumer who use more than a single device.

The Logitech K380 is also smaller and more compact than its predecessor which makes it more portable and easy to carry around. Additionally, the Logitech M337 also allows users to ‘Be Free’ as it easily connects to devices regardless of preferred operating system.

The Logitech K400 Plus was launched in response to the growing Smart TV and PC-to-TV Entertainment market. Aimed at saving the ‘Couch Potato’, the Logitech K400 Plus offers us the ease of controlling their TV via their PC from the comfort of their couches. In designing the Logitech K400 Plus, Logitech collaborated with other electronics manufacturers to create the perfect living room keyboard. Since it’s debut in South East Asia, the Logitech K400 Plus has received tremendous feedback.

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Logitech : Rise of Technology Within Family Households

December 15, 2015 In today’s modern society, technology plays a huge role within every household. It is an evolving lifestyle, from having bulky CRT television sets in the early 1950’s to our current day Full HD flat screen Smart TV’s. Technology is especially fast moving when it comes to mobile communication devices as they have grown far from its basic purpose of communication into a multi-functional tool with 66.8% of Malaysian users owning one smartphone while, 28.9% of users carry two.

In fact, it has become a norm for every member of the family to own a smartphone together with either a tablet, laptop or a PC – occasionally, some may own all types. While the top owned devices are smartphones with 71%, computer (desktop, laptop, notebook) with 35% and tablets with 14%, this highlights the growing popularity and necessity in our everyday lifestyle. Since a positive total of 66% of the Malaysian population uses the Internet, Strategy Analytics forecast’s that the number of devices will hit 33 billion by 2020 and the number of connections per person will more than double to 4.3.

With that being said, multiple devices are often used concurrently and for various activities. So much so, that the look and feel in today’s family household creates the effect of multi-device functionality. The reason for that is because every member of the family is entertained by technology, one way or another. For instance, Dad watches football on TV while checking live scores on his smartphone, Mom cooks up a storm in the kitchen, referring to recipes on her tablet. The children are usually on their smartphones updating social media platforms and communicating with their peers, whilst researching on e-books for their take-home assignments on their laptops.

The rise of technology within the family household also helps work-from-home parents. Recent research noted that up to 13.9% of people worked from home in 2014 and that work-from-home parents often suffer from work-care balance crisis as they need to make a living and care for their young at the same time. To achieve equal satisfaction on their work role and family role, both parents need to understand the responsibilities of both spheres which can be daunting at times. However, the number of work-from-home parents continues to grow every year due to the need to spend more quality family time together.

 

Logitech Bluetooth Keyboards

To simply life, Logitech came up with a series of multi-device Bluetooth Keyboards to assist work-at-home parents balance things between family and work. The innovative technology was designed to enable multitasking for parents on managing work and childcare. It gives parents a quicker response to switch in-between devices. An example of a situation would be, tutoring the kids on an educational programme on the tablet and switching to work agendas on the laptop or computer. The Logitech multi-device keyboards such as the Logitech K380, Logitech K480 make it easier to sync between two or three technologies at the same time. The Logitech K400 Plus on the other hand, makes it easier for parents to control their smart TV from their couch and search for educational and entertaining YouTube videos with ease.

Logitech’s ingenious multi-device keyboards can be used between the numerous gadgets in hand. They enable you to switch between your mobile, computer and tablets with just a click of a button. Type on anything with comfort and convenience of the Logitech K480 and Logitech K380 multi-device keyboards. Connect up to three devices simultaneously and simple switch of a button to start typing.

[adrotate banner=”4″]The Logitech K380 is lightweight, compact and is Bluetooth supported. The multi-platform and cross-platform Logitech K480 also works with familiar keyboard layout with all shortcut keys you can find on Windows, Mac, Andriod and iOS mobile. The Logitech K400 Plus is designed for laid-back control between PC to TV entertainment. It can navigate your TV-connected computer, from the comfort of your couch.

This technological age is moving at a speedy pace and we need to constantly upgrade ourselves with knowledge and tool skills to keep up. Being a brand that focuses on innovation and quality, Logitech designs personal peripherals to help people enjoy a better experience with the digital world. In each product category, Logitech studies how customers use their digital devices.

Observations prevail that multi-device technologies will help work at home parents balance their lifestyle and spend more quality time together. With that, the company’s designers and engineers set their sights on to create a better experience with these devices – richer, more comfortable, more fun, more productive, more convenient and more delightful time spent with your family.