Peripherals News - Page 1

AVerMedia's new Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350) is "the world's first USB condenser microphone custom-tuned by DIRAC," providing a professional recording experience in a simple package. If you've spent time dealing with recording and audio, you might know that DIRAC and its patented audio tuning solutions have been hailed for their quality. If not, then you do.

A closer look at AVerMedia's new Live Streamer MIC 350, image credit: AVerMedia.

The new Live Streamer MIC 350 features DIRAC Audio Tuning Technology for quick access to various templates and audio setups, which is matched with inbuilt noise reduction and pop filter and dual microphone pickup patterns so you can switch between cardioid or omnidirectional modes. Plus, pristine recording with 24-bit 96 kHz audio. And you've got onboard controls to switch between the patterns, mute, adjust mic gain, and more.

An excellent choice for streaming, podcasting, and recording vocals for music without the need for additional equipment - the Live Streamer MIC 350 is now available with an MSRP of USD 199.99. The introductory price includes a shock mount, pop filter, and Live Streamer MIC 350. A package valued at USD 267.97.

A few months ago, we reported on Syntech's new 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for Steam Deck, which is packed with features and sports a compact and great look. As a 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station, it features 4K 60Hz output over HDMI 2.0, a Gigabit Ethernet input for fast transfer, three USB-A 3.0 outputs, and USB-C 3.0 for full-speed charging.

Syntech 6 in-1 Docking Station for Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, image credit: Syntech.

And now we can add ASUS ROG Ally support, alongside Valve's Steam Deck, with this docking station now being a great choice for ASUS's Windows-based portable gaming handheld. The high-end ROG Ally is powered by the impressive Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor capable of playing modern PC games on its 1080p display.

And with devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally being designed for portable PC gaming, something like the Syntech 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is great for those looking for an easy way to connect either handheld to a TV or gaming display for some big-screen action. Plus, you can benefit from not worrying about battery life and pushing the ROG Ally to its performance limit.

Corsair's latest gaming mouse is all about performance, with the new DARKSTAR WIRELESS featuring a tried and true ergonomic shape and the addition of a side button configuration that stands out.

Corsair DARKSTAR WIRELESS, image credit: Corsair.

With 15 programmable buttons, this one is aimed at MMO and MOBA players looking for deep customization and plenty of options for additional buttons on their go-to gaming mouse. The six buttons on the side of the mouse are arranged in a circular pattern that we haven't seen before, and based on images, look large enough to make knowing what to press and when a breeze.

Performance-wise, the DARKSTAR WIRELESS uses Cirsair's 2,000Hz hyper-polling sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS technology for high-end responsiveness with the addition of Bluetooth for versatility in the devices it can connect to. Closing out the top-line features is the impressive 80-hour battery life and play-and-charge functionality over USB.

The first thing you'll notice when looking at the new Razer Kitsune arcade controller designed for fighting games like the recently released Street Fighter 6 is that it doesn't have a traditional joystick. Instead, you get four buttons to represent up, down, left, and right - which Razer notes "eliminates joystick mishaps, heralding a new era of precise, unambiguous gameplay."

Razer Kitsune All-Button Optical Arcade Controller, Chun-Li Edition, image credit: Razer.

Designed alongside the competitive fighting game community, with input from Capcom, too, odds are it works as intended - though it's still a little word to see and an arcade stick controller without an arcade stick. Either way, this premium arcade controller with each button uses Razer's Low-profile Linear Optical Switches with shorter actuation heights and fast response times.

Razer notes that the design abides by all Capcom Pro Tour standards and rules for hardware, making the Kitsune a great choice for tournaments alongside those simply looking to rekindle some of that arcade magic in the living room.

If it falls under the PC gaming umbrella, then there are at least a dozen or more examples to see at Computex 2023, including gaming keyboards. If I had to choose one that impressed me regarding build quality, style, and feel, it must be Ducky's ProjectD Outlaw 65.

Ducky's ProjectD Outlaw 65.

It's not only built like a tank (with the weight to match, seriously, it's probably the heaviest keyboard we've ever picked up) but could even launch with a price point upwards of USD 599 (or somewhere in the region of USD 499). Pricing comes down to its 'spare no expense' construction and full customization. This isn't an off-the-shelf keyboard; it's a DIY kit you'll need to assemble.

DIY mechanical keyboard kits are always more expensive, like buying a car's parts and trying to assemble them. Okay, it's not that drastic. But, the luxury car world has partly inspired Ducky's ProjectD Outlaw 65, and at Computex 2023, we saw all 11 layers of the impressive keyboard on display. Let's break them down.

At Computex 2023, ASUS lifted the lid on its latest wireless gaming keyboard to drool over (or try not to) with the ROG Strix Scope II 96. After a brief hands-on with the keyboard at ASUS's HQ in Taipei, this is on track to be just as impressive as the ASUS ROG Azoth Mechanical Keyboard we recently reviewed.

The new ROG Strix Scope II 96 wireless gaming keyboard is coming soon.

The 96 in the naming refers to its compact 96% form factor, meaning it retains all function keys and the numerical keypad without taking up too much desk space.

Under the hood sits ASUS's new pre-lubed hot-swappable ROG NX Snow switches with fast actuation and a linear keystroke feel. The top housings are polycarbonate (PC), with the bottom housings made of polyoxymethylene (POM) composite and POM. Interestingly ASUS will offer two styles of keycaps, the always impressive PBT double shot or new UV-coated ABS keycaps.

HDMI 2.1 is well and truly here in the gaming space, with PC graphics cards supporting the latest spec since the arrival of the GeForce RTX 30 Series alongside the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. HDMI 2.1 is about increased bandwidth to support a smooth 8K60 and 4K120 signal with HDR for consoles and up to 4K 144Hz with HDR and VRR on PC.

The new Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) and the Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575), image credit: AVerMedia.

And with that, it makes sense that AVerMedia's new HDMI 2.1 Game Capture Card range at Computex 2023 turned a few heads because they are the first of their kind - and on track for launch around August of 2023.

The new Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) and the Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) both support 4K 144Hz HDR and VRR passthrough, with capture of up to 1080p at 240fps and 4K at 60fps. We might have to wait a little longer before seeing a 4K 144Hz HDR capture card.

G.Skill has decided it wants to compete with Elgato's immensely popular Stream Deck with its own version called the WigiDash PC Command Panel.

G.Skill had the WigiDash on display at Computex 2023, and officials from the company ran me through all of its specifications, use cases, and what the company plans on achieving with its release. The WigiDash is a simple, yet diverse product as it sports a customizable 7-inch touch-display at a resolution of 1024 x 500 pixels, and with G.Skill's software, which is still in development, users will be able to change the size of each of its on-screen widgets.

Essentially, the WigiDash is meant to act as a gamer assistant, displaying all of the necessary system specifications, such as component clock speeds, temperatures, etc. G.Skill explained to me that buyers will be able to add a multitude of widgets to the WigiDash, depending on the widget support. Notably, the WigiDash comes with a USB 2.0 connection and requires at least Windows 10, preferably Windows 11 (64-bit).

SteelSeries has partnered with Blizzard to release a new collection of limited-edition gaming gear inspired by the Diablo universe to celebrate the release of Diablo IV. The gear sees award-winning SteelSeries products given the Diablo treatment, from the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset to an Aerox gaming mouse, mousepad, and even a very cool Artisan Keycap.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Diablo IV Edition, image credit - SteelSeries.

With only 2,160 of the Diablo-inspired keycaps being produced, those will likely be snapped up quickly.

And those that purchase the Diablo IV-themed Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, Aerox 5 Wireless, or Thumbsticks Collector's Edition will get access to an exclusive in-game item - a Mount Trophy - explicitly created for this Blizzard and SteelSeries collaboration.

Gaming chairs can be an expression of style in addition to offering the sort of ergonomic support required for those long sessions, and it's that idea that sits at the heart of Vertagear's new PL1000 gaming chair - which arrives in a stylish pink and white finish.

Vertagear's new PL1000 ergonomic gaming chair.

It's a striking look, and right off the bat, you'll know if it's something for you by simply taking a quick look at the images provided by Vertagear. The form factor follows the standard gaming chair ergonomics across the industry but is backed up by an impressive build with a high backrest and industrial-grade metal base.

The Vertagear PL1000 pink and white gaming chair also has an adjustable memory foam neck pillow for added comfort and support. It features a wide-seat design with ultra-premium Dual Layer Hybrid Foam that will contour and shape according to how you sit.