When you think of Gigabyte the first thing that usually comes to mind is motherboards or video cards. Keyboards and mice are usually the last thing that would come to mind when thinking about Gigabyte.
In the past they have put out a few peripherals that would not get a second look from anyone. But now it seems like they are making a push with some more serious peripherals using the brand Aivia.
Here is just a small bit of information about Gigabyte:
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“GIGABYTE was founded in 1986, establishing our uncontested position in continuous technological innovation. By focusing on key technologies and achieving strict quality standards, GIGABYTE has been regarded as an innovative and trusted motherboard leader in the globe. To keep pace in a rapidly changing world, we have offered a comprehensive product line covering Graphics Cards, PC Components, PC Peripherals, Laptops, Slate Devices, Desktop PCs, Network Communications, Servers and Mobile Phones. We dedicate to building up a full-range digital life, responding promptly and sonorously to consumer desires and needs.” |
I think that it is time to take a look at some of the features found on the Aivia Krypton mouse.
Specifications
Taken from Steelseries page
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The Aivia Krypton gaming mouse features a revolutionary new dual mouse chassis design which allows for a hot-swappable mouse chassis giving the user unparalleled freedom by changing fundamental mouse movement and dynamics to best fit the application at hand. Aivia Krypton further enables maximum control and flexibility by giving users the option to customize the center of gravity and weight of the mouse. GHOST Macro engine with built-in 32KB memory for onboard Macro memorization and gaming on the go. Dual mouse chassis design which allows for a hot-swappable mouse chassis gives the user unparalleled freedom by changing fundamental mouse movement and dynamics to best fit the application at hand
Speed Chassis
The Speed Chassis features an abrasion-free ceramic foundation focused on quick movements, immediate reaction, and extraordinary speed. Control Chassis Customizable Center of Gravity
Revolutionary weight distribution system allows user to adjust the center of gravity for maximum control and flexibility. Weight Adjustment Case Intuitive GHOSTTM Macro Engine 5 gaming profiles on the go Top of the line laser sensor Quick switch between right-hand and left-hand mode
Press and hold both profile switch buttons for 3 seconds, the mouse will be switched between Left-Hand and Right-Hand operation modes.
Technical Specifications
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First Impressions
I have to say, the packaging of this mouse is hands down the best I have ever seen. It is like opening up the box on a fancy watch. Every aspect of the packaging is very elegantly done. Unfortunately when it comes down to it, the customer is paying for that fancy packaging so I wish that Gigabyte dropped the price of the mouse by $5 and shoved everything in a plain old brown unmarked box. But as-is it is still a great packaging.
Closer Look
After opening the fancy box you find yourself looking at the mouse itself. It is definately a good looking mouse although it is shaped a bit oddly. Other goodies inside the box include weights to adjust the mouse to whatever you feel the most comfortable. You are able to put the various weights in any of the slots which is quite nice.
A tool to add or remove the weights is also included. This can be very helpful if you do not want to scratch the mouse trying to rip them out with your fingers.
One of the more interesting features is an extra mouse base. This base has a completely different set of feet. The extra base is made for “speed” since it has as little area as possible that touches the mouse surface.
The mouse itself poses some questions regarding long term use. After the first time I held the mouse it sort of felt a little cheaply made. Since the base can be swapped and it comes very light out of the box with no weights installed there is a feeling that the mouse was cheaply made. However, after using it for a couple weeks that feeling goes away. It could just be due to the fact that I got used to the feeling of the mouse but you do get used to it.
The shape of the mouse is a bit weird and it does take quite a bit of getting used to. Normally a mouse will take a couple hours to get used to, worst case a day or two. But for some reason the Krypton and I did not get along very well at first. Just keep this in mind when viewing the non-standard shape of the Krypton.
Testing the Krypton took longer than what it takes for a usual mouse review. I was torn for much of the review. Part of me really liked the fact that you can change the base and add in weights, while the other part of me felt like it was a big gimmick. After more and more time of using the mouse it kind of grew on me. Sure it takes a bit getting used to, but once you find the correct weight and base combo the mouse performs very well.
It was able to easily track on various mousepad types. Cloth, plastic and black glass all tracked very well with both types of bases.
Performance in gaming was good, although personally it did not suit me the same as a smaller mouse would. If you’ve got large hands or use a palm-style grip the Krypton might be a great fit. People that use more of a claw-style of a grip can run into a big learning curve using this mouse. But after that transition time is over it is indeed a good mouse.
Verdict and Conclusion
This mouse was certainly interesting to test out. The box and packaging simply blew me away, I have not seen a company package a peripheral so beautifully before. But the mouse itself left something to be desired in how it felt. Since it is so light out of the box it feels cheaply made. While it isn’t actually made cheaply.
Gaming performance is on par with mice in its price range. The odd shape of the mouse did cause a much longer “break in” time than usual. It might feel weird at first but once your hand becomes used to the new mouse it performs in a solid manner.
Tracking with the Krypton is also good for a laser mouse. Cloth,plastic and glass mouse pads tracked well enough. Just keep in mind that there are two different bases for the mouse so depending on what sort of mouse pad you like, a different base can improve personal performance.
Shopping around the good old internet the Krypton can be found for right around $70. For that price it has some tough competition. While it does have the weights and the added base that can either be a tipping point for some customers or a gimmick to others.
If you’re a person who values the weights and the different bases the Krypton is a good value. If you just value the weights the Krypton runs into some tough competition and seems to be overpriced by about $10. If you want to run the Krypton bone stock without changing anything I would consider another mouse instead unless the shape really appeals to you, since it is in fact nothing like any other mouse I had used before.
Pros:
- Button to change mouse profiles
- Ability to change bases
- Additional weights for personalization
- Coating does not get dirty very easily
- Awesome packaging
Cons:
- Odd shape
- Feels “cheap” without weights added
Final words
Gigabyte has done a decent job with their first serious mouse design. The Krypton has alot going for it, and if you happen to find things like the ability to change the base of the mouse as well as the ability to add in weights to different parts of the mouse it is a solid buy. However, if you do not value these features there are better mice out there for the price. I do have to applaud Gigabyte on the ability to change the base of a mouse since I have not seen that before.
SCORE
8.2/10
