Razer Mamba

The Razer Mamba, a higher-end gaming mouse, boasts state-of-the-art technology, including a polling speed of 1000 Hz, a maximum resolution of 5600 dpi and a wireless mode. On-board memory saves customisations so that you can carry the mouse from computer to laptop hassle-free. Does the Mamba hold up to the hype?

Sleek, black and curvy, the Mamba mouse may look very ergonomic, but testers at "DigitalVersus" note that it is actually not comfortable for long gaming sessions (26/08/2009). It is difficult to cradle and best operated with the fingertips.

The Mamba is equipped with 7 buttons and a scroll wheel. This wheel is notched, which is great for cycling through inventory lists. It's also the only default illuminated component. This uncustomary lack of lighting is likely intended to lengthen battery life. The two extra buttons on the left enable you to adjust dpi on the fly. Simply use the driver to configure 5 different levels and then select from them via these buttons.

The driver offers a full selection of adjustments and customisation options, while remaining easy to use. Change standard resolution, sensitivity and polling rate, and assign macros to the 7 programmable buttons. You can also choose a sensor cut-off distance and set up multi-coloured illumination. Up to 5 different profiles can be stored via the Mamba's on-board memory. However, the tester from "techtree" warns that the driver is slow to apply these settings, so bring some patience along (01/12/2011).

Among these settings is a choice of 3 polling rates: 125 Hz, 500 Hz and 1000 Hz. Polling rate refers to how often the mouse informs the CPU of its position. At 1000 Hz, for instance, the mouse will be sending data every 1 millisecond. The result is a supremely accurate cursor, but this is also quite hard on the CPU - in other words, 500 Hz is probably a more clever choice.

This a hybrid mouse, which means that you have the option of using it in either wired or wireless mode. Switching from one to the other requires nothing more than swapping the USB cable from dock to mouse. However, "DigitalVersus" cautions against attempting this during play as you're sure to lose the signal for a short time (26/08/2009). Razer claims that the 1000 mAh battery delivers approximately 16 hours of continuous use. A charging dock comes bundled with the purchase of the mouse.

To sum up, the Razer Mamba is a higher-end gaming mouse that offers the wide range of customisation options serious gamers need, including dpi adjustment on the fly. It isn't the flashiest or most ergonomic product on the market, but its hybrid functionality enables you to use it in either wired or wireless mode. This is an ageing model coming down in price, so it proves a good deal for gamers who don't want to reach too deeply into their pockets.