Pros: Design, GameSense activation, software, full programmable
Cons: Lack of accessories, QS1 key switch feels like a membrane rubber dome keyboard, price
Build Quality & Accessories: 8/10
Design & Look: 8/10
Software: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Performance: 8.5/10
My final Rating: 8.5/10
Review Date: August 2015
Review Price: £140 / $190
After having previously reviewed the original Apex gaming keyboard, I was very much intrigued to see how the new RGB mechanical keyboard, that utilises SteelSeries’ very own QS1 switch would compare and furthermore stack up against other mechanical keyboards out there on the market, namely those using Cherry MX switches.
I would like to thank SteelSeries for yet again sending me the keyboard for review.
The Apex M800 can be found for around £140 on AmazonUK and around $190 on AmazonUSA. I should note the version I got sent has the UK Layout keyboard.
Before getting into my written review, here’s my video review of the Apex M800:
Pros: Display, build quality, connectivity & functionality, boot-up time, Nahimic audio software
Cons: Price, overall performance, big bezels, audio jack placement, in-built speakers
Build Quality: 9/10
Design & Looks: 8/10
Display Quality: 10/10
Performance in relation to its price: 4.5/10
Sound Quality: 3/10
Sound Quality with Nahimic audio software: 7/10
Value: 4/10
My final Rating: 5/10
Review Date: May 2015
Review Price: £1300
First of all I would like to thank MSI for sending me out the MSI 24GE 2QE for a trial review. I got to keep the all-in-one (AIO) PC for a set time, where I put it through its paces and tested it on a daily basis to see how it compared to my actual desktop PC.
The MSI 24GE 2QE can be bought for near £1300 or around $1300 for the basic version and $1600 for the version with a few more features.
The AIO comes in different shapes and forms, where the GPU, screen and even the additional extras can differ.
Before going into my written review here’s my video review:
First of all I would like to thank SteelSeries for sending me their headset for review. After having previously reviewed the Siberia Elite, I was interested to see how the newer version would compare, both in terms of sound and overall value.
I however had a problem with the recording quality of the headset, where the microphone would pick up a sort of “clipping” sound. I complained to SteelSeries and they sent me two additional pairs, one of which was from a newer non-pre sample batch. Unfortunately the issue persisted throughout my test.
After looking on Google, it was funny to see that several months ago SteelSeries also identified the issue as a known problem on Reddit.
SteelSeries explained the issue on Reddit: “The issue is 100% the soundcard and we have implemented a fix that has been in production for some time now.”
Despite their best efforts and my patience of 3 months (as I held out publishing the review, until I was sent a newer revision of the headset) – the issue is still present.
SteelSeries might have fix it after this review goes live, however for the time being all I can say is that I was sent a brand-new headset, after having 2 sets that had the problem, which came from a brand-new batch.
If my headset comes from a brand-new batch, I can’t being to think what batches resellers across the world have. Of course you can always return the headset after purchasing it, but I’m sure that’s not what you would have in mind for a gift or a headset you wish to buy – so let this introduction to the headset serve as a warning.
In terms of purchasing information, it can be bought from AmazonUK for around £180 and on AmazonUSA for around $200 (prices do fluctuate, but those are the unit prices that I had back in February and will be basing my review on).
As there’s a lot of similarities with the original Siberia Elite, there might be a few sections that are identical to the previous review.
For more information about the headset and its specifications can be found on SteelSeries’ website.
Pros: Build quality, lows, can be used with the PS4 & Xbox One
Cons: Mids, highs, isolation, sound quality is limited by your on-board soundcard, no volume/recording control
First of all I would like to thank Creative for sending me the Inferno headset for review – I wasn’t holding any expectations with the headset that sits at around £35-45, but I couldn’t have been any more wrong about me pre-judgements of the headset!
For more information about the headset and its specifications can be found on Creative’s website.
I should also note that as there is a fluctuation in prices, I’ll be taking the mid-ground and reviewing the headset at the £40 price tag – such as on AmazonUK. It can also be found on AmazonUSA for $43.
Pros: Cherry MX Brown, ergonomics, software, small size, backlit keys
Cons: Availability of the older revision with the better switch Cherry MX switch, price, niche functionality, lack of a removable cable
Build Quality: 9/10
Design & Look: 9/10
Software: 10/10
Value: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
My final Rating: 8.5/10
Purchase Date: November 2014
Purchase Price: £90
First of all I would like to thank Razer for sending me the keyboard for review.
The Orbweaver has been updated, and I was sent the older revision of it (with Cherry MX Browns) – the newer version has Razer’s “own” switch, which is in fact produced by Kailh, a Chinese manufacturer that has copied Cherry’s design, that presumably makes the switches for a lower cost and therefore gives Razer better profit margins. Either way, I am reviewing the MX Brown version – which is a slight problem,a s despite being sent this in November 2014, it has already been replaced and therefore the Orbweaver that has Cherry MX switches is extremely hard to find, especially the MX Brown version.
I’ll therefore try to write this review in a way that people looking at the newer revision of the Orbweaver can use this review as a basis to decide if they need it or not. I’ll talk about the MX Brown switches briefly.
The MX Brown version is quite hard to find – I was only able to find the Blue switch variant of the keypad.
I chose to based the review off the £90 price tag, and it can be found fro a variety of prices around the web, for example on AmazonUK for £95. You can also find the blue switch version for $110 on AmazonUSA and also the new Razer green switch version for $112.
Some more information about the Orbweaver can be found on Razer’s website (again bear in mind the link goes to the newer revision of the Orbweaver, not the 2013 version with the Cherry MX switches).
Before getting into my written review, here’s my video review of the Razer Orbweaver Stealth:
