NZXT: Avatar Review - PAGE 1

NZXT brings a huge array of technology to PC gamers: they are probably best known for cases that fit consumer niches from the value segment, into some of the higher end levels as well. Today we take a look at a tangent venture made by the company to the gaming device market, the NZXT Avatar mouse. Like many gaming mice the Avatar packs a large array of features and buttons, but beyond that, NZXT's focus here was on design and shape. The Avatar carries a sleek look and ergonomic styling allowing left or right-handed users to use the mouse, and it uses a rubber grip with resistance to keep it comfortable without slip. Add onto this the support for those with longer hands, and adjustable DPI and this mouse starts to look promising.

The Avatar has a list of features to satisfy the semi-active gamer or enthusiast. Let’s hit the basic specifications:

• 2600 DPI Optical Sensor with the largest range of surface compatibility. Adjustable from 600, 1200, 1800 and 2600 DPI.
• Hardware developed DPI switch simplifies DPI changes on-the-fly without dealing with driver compatibility.
• Rubber grip to avoid slipping during intense gameplay.
• 7 programmable keys allowing users full customization for any FPS, MMO, or RTS game.
• Ergonomic ambidextrous design giving both right and left-handed user’s flexibility.
• LED DPI Indicator for better usage and feedback.
• 5.8 Mega Pixels/Sec maxing frame rates at 6469 frames, giving the NZXT Avatar smooth fragging and accurate sniping capabilities.
• Standard high quality Teflon feet allowing the NZXT Avatar to glide effortlessly on any surface.

The list is impressive and it borrows many innovations brought by the industry to this point. We did a side-by-side with past Logitech reviewed mice and found the size to compare on par with the Logitech G3, but the ergonomics and length to challenge the G5. The Avatar doesn’t pack a weight cartridge so the palm has a lower arch for the palm to rest on. We took a hand-to-hand feel of the lineup and felt the mouse delivers a great feel and inches ahead of the competition being one of the few ambidextrous mice with serious features.

While the specs above are a great source of info on the Avater, one thing that wasn't mentioned is the software driving the mouse. The configuration panel allows players to dial the sensor to 2600 DPI and it also holds a polling rate adjustment of 125Hz, 500Hz and 1000Hz to get the fastest response levels possible for the mouse. For gamers this is a key feature to mention as it makes a huge difference in shooters. Many users often hack lower end mice to get to that rate so having that out of the box is a great addition.