Customer Reviews

Razer Diamondback Salamander Red 1600 DPI Gaming Mouse

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I'm not a gamer.

I bought this mouse for ergo reasons. And because I spend enough of my life at the computer that there's no reason to have anything other than the hottest equipment.

I switched from the Logitech MX-510, the other hot gamer's mouse series. They're functionally very similar, but the Razer Diamondback has been far superior (for me) in practice! Here's the breakdown:

Razer Diamondback pros:
- Better ergo I: Smaller size that fits more naturally in your palm, in better "at rest" position, than the Logitech. (At least for my desk and my hand.)
- Better ergo II: Also, the way your fingers rest on the (slip-proof) main mouse buttons is more relaxed. In particular, it feels like I'm easily using my whole finger. The Logitech in comparison was awkward, felt like I was using only part of my finger, or never quite was settled right.
- More buttons, or at least more buttons available for reasonable use.
- Left and Right side buttons much more comfortable to click.
- More programmable? At least in practice, more easily programmable, so I did customie more.
- Great driver and control panel applet to set options for the mouse. This really helped me get more use out of it.
- Nice work on software details; e.g. "on-the-fly sensitivity" adjustment, without going back to Control Panel, just with controls on the mouse.

Logitech MX-510 pros:
- The Logitech has two buttons, one each above and below the scroll wheel, that mean "keep scrolling in that direction." So you roll the wheel in one direction, and when your finger hits the end of the roll, you can just move to the button right there to say "keep going." Nice. I'll miss that. (But I've already adjusted the scroll speed conveniently several times on the Razer to where I'll miss it less; I never (or at most once?) adjusted the scroll speed on the Logitech.)

These kinds of choices can be very personal. But in my experience, you couldn't get me to go back to the Logitech now.

The first thing I noticed about this mouse was how smooth it was, and how easily it glided across my desk. The Teflon pads on this mouse really do take you by surprise with the slickness they provide to even the slightest movement - but therein lies the first problem for me. So slick is the response, that even the most negligible hand/arm movement results in a positive movement of the mouse. The slight 'drag' afforded by cheaper devices, actually helps me keep the pointer exactly where I want it, yet with the Diamondback, button clicks on the mouse can force the pointer off target by more than a few pixels. This may not sound like much, but if you're a serious gamer, or you copy & paste a lot of text, you will soon feel the effect. Copying & Pasting text was particularly difficult, as the release of the left mouse button alone caused a backlash of the actual mouse position by at least one character, resulting in a re-selection needing to be made.

Having said that, if the sensitivity/speed of the mouse is set to a sensible lower rate, the compound resolution and accuracy of movement is quite remarkable. No matter how fast the mouse is moved, you're constantly aware of the lack of lag or 'skip', as would be felt with nearly all other types of inferior mouse. This is felt most during gaming, where fast accurate movement is paramount. The 1600 DPI and phenomenally rapid sample rate, truly separates this device from virtually any other type. That apart, brings me to my second gripe: that of the Side Buttons.

Now truthfully, the Diamondback has been developed with Right & Left handed users in mind, and the layout of the side buttons reflects this. It's specified as a seven button device, but in true operation, access to the four side buttons is realistically limited to two side buttons only - the left two if you're right-handed, or the right two buttons if you're a sinister left hander :) So basically, in real-world terms, the Diamondback is a 5 button mouse, but with an extra 2 side buttons to accommodate ambidextrousness. While in use, it's almost impossible to operate the 2 side buttons with your little finger without skitting the mouse quite badly. So there we are - the Diamondback is a 5 button mouse for left or right handed users.

My last and most serious gripe - the software doesn't work/install on all versions of Windows XP. The RazerZone.com site does explain some work-arounds for this, but some are so complicated and involved (delete this, re-booting, run this, install that, clear the Cache for this, create a file named . . . etc . . .), that most users wouldn't even bother. Besides, the mouse will work without the software, and will quite happily work at it's basic level with the generic Windows mouse drivers, so you can use the mouse at 1600 DPI straight off just by inserting it into a USB port. You can still adjust all the most important parameters for the mouse from the standard mouse settings from the Windows Control Panel. If you can't install the Razer software, you just won't be able to access gizmos like the on-the-fly sensitivity settings. This sort of thing may be useful to some gamers for instance, but I'm sure I'll survive without it.

ACTUALLY USING IT: Well, I've had it a few days now, and it was definitely a learning curve for me. Most first-time users will probably take a while to warm to it, myself for one, yet others will take an instant liking to it. Personally, I've felt the most benefit from this mouse while using it for web design scenarios. The sheer accuracy of this device at low speed/sensitivity allows me to at last use the mouse as a genuine graphics tool, rather than a rough, clumsy approximation of one. I've found to my delight that pixel-by-pixel movements and alignments are an easy task with the Diamondback when set to low sensitivity/speed (compressed resolution), and this alone has decided upon my continual use of it. This is the point: - this mouse is being pushed as a 'Gaming Mouse', and while this is true, it's also a fine-tuned tool for graphic use too when used correctly. If you use this for gaming, you'll notice a marked improvement in smooth movement in-game, allowing fast, yet accurate and smooth aiming and 'looking' with no lag or jitter. If you use this mouse for graphic design, you'll soon find this mouse extremely smooth, accurate, and faithful to your movements, allowing you to draw, drag, drop and select with pixel perfection.

All-in-all, I'm deeply impressed with the Diamondback, particularly after experiencing 400 and 800 DPI devices - but please contact RazerZone.com if you have difficulty installing their software that comes with the mouse, and place some pressure on them to do something about it - a patch or other answer to the XP problem. In all fairness, I blame the endless Microsoft Updates (definitely needed for security) for problems such as software install failures, and software developers are probably finding it difficult to keep up with Mr. Gates and all his Windows slaves, gurus and acolytes.

My Final word - A Highly Recommended Buy. Well Done RAZER!

Pros
Good Looks, Light, Accurate, Fast, Good Tactile feel on Buttons, Easy Sensitivity Adjustment

Cons
No Phone Support, Poor Customer Service, Questionable Mouse Longevity, Two Buttons unusable

The Bottom Line
I feel compelled to give this product 4 stars, but unfortunately I consider customer service as part of any product I buy. I cannot recommend this product to anyone.

Full Review
Razer was the first to mass market mice specifically for gaming, and so their name has always stuck in my head as the premier gaming mouse. I owned one of the original Razer Boomslangs years ago, and it perform flawlessly. So when I went looking for an optical gaming mouse, Razer was my first choice. I decided upon the Razer Diamondback Plasma LE as it had a cool blue glow which would match my computer decor.

The mouse looks great, even in the dark. There is no light that emanates from the bottom of the mouse, it uses invisible wave lengths.

The cord is tangle free, thin, and light. It stays out of the way - I hardly notice its there. The mouse itself is extremely light, especially compared to my Microsoft or Cordless mice on my other machines.

The mouse tracks incredibly, even on my black desk which has a slightly reflective surface that throws off cheaper optical mice. The "on the fly" adjustment for sensitivity is invaluable when switching between gaming and application mode.

The Diamondback has 7 buttons, but it should really be marketed as a 5 button mouse. The two buttons on the right hand side of the mouse, while independently programmable, do not lend themselves to use by a right handed person. In fact, its downright impossible for me to hit them during a heated gaming session. I imagine a left handed person would find the buttons on the left hand side equally difficult to press.

My Diamondback actually developed a problem with the right mouse button during normal use. This problem developed after the stores 30 day return policy, but during Razer's 2 year warranty. I had thrown out the packaging, so the store I purchased the mouse from would not take a return. So I turned to Razer (http://www.razerzone.com) to service my mouse.

Razer informed me that I had to go through the store I purchased my mouse from in order to process the return. I explained why this was not possible, and they replied with a form requesting information about the mouse (date of purchase, serial number, etc). They stated that this information was necessary to process an item not directly purchased from them. I provided them with the details they requested as well as a copy of my receipt. This is where the ignoring started. Instead of receiving a reply within 24 hours as is stated in their terms of service, I did not receive replies at all. I replied to my support case email twice over the course of several days asking what the hold up was, and received form letters in response basically stating that they do not accept RMAs for mice not purchased from them.

Keep in mind, this is how the MANUFACTURER of this mouse is treating its relatively small customer base. I am now stuck with a mouse that does not work, and after 2 weeks of dealing with Razer I have no resolution in sight. They agreed to take the mouse back and then reneged. I will personally NOT be buying another mouse from Razer, despite genuinely liking the product.

Recommended
No

I translated Arnoldo (Arnold in English) Blanco's review to English so you could rate it fairly and read it easily. Here it is:

Please see all my reviews up to now. I have tested practically all the computer mice and always found something that bothered me. Basically, the Razer possesses everything that I'd want out of a mouse.

1. - The 2 main buttons are large and they permit me to easily click any place where they can be pressured.

2.- It is very light, so it does not generate a lot of inertia.

3.- It has super fast dpi, which allows me to manipulate it very easily and prevent it from colliding constantly against the palm of my hand.

4.- This mouse even surpassed the Logitech MX-1000's performance!!

5.- It also has an insurmountable Resolution, and even permits calibrating it's neons lights while playing games.

6.- Its' cable is thin, so I do not have that to fight with it, to have it maintain in it's place while aiming (in shooters or whatever).

7.- Excellent price.

8.- It even has a protective lining, so you even can transport it.

And to complete my review... it is a spectacular sight. After so much seeking and to testing mice, this definitely plays the best.

I am part of Apple's Student Developer program, mostly because, as a filmmaker, I am constantly pushing the limits of what Final Cut Pro, among other apps, can give me

So far, the Razer Diamondback is the best mouse I have ever used for FCP, including some of the Logitech's

PROS -

1. CONSTRUCTION --- this is often overlooked, but the rubber pads all over this mouse make it easier to control and click --- the buttons are solid, and the package is great overall

2. TRACKING --- they weren't lying about that 1600 DPI and MHZ stuff --- this thing tracks excellently! With programs like FCP, one has to be SPOT ON where there mouse is clicking, and this thing works, as advertised

3. LOOKS --- couldn't help it - but its definitely the coolest looking mouse I've ever owned

4. SCROLL WHEEL --- very solid scroll wheel, that goes with your movements and easy to grip

5. MISTAKE FREE --- there are side buttons along the mouse, but it is very difficult to touch them accidently, thus minimizing any false commands

CONS -

I'm a Mac user, and unfortunately, there are no drives available for this mouse --- that doesn't mean that it won't work, it simply means that one cannot customize any of the buttons, which is a bummer

On the other hand, the scroll wheel, right click, regular click, and tracking all work great! I definitely see a difference in how solid the tracking is, compared to a more regular mouse

Anyhoo - I highly recommend this mouse, especially for video editing or other graphics works

Thanks for reading!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Muhammad Ali Hasan

I bought both the MX1600 and this mouse. This mouse is smooth and has perfect control. I use it for Counter Strike and Battle Field 2. There is a learning curve if you turn the sensitivity all the way up, but I got the hang in little bit. If you are trying to play professionally than this is a must, but if you are just starting out than you might not see as much of a difference. I always used the cheap mouse that came with my computer, and when my friends where telling me to buy this I thought it was stupid. How can a mouse really make you better a game, but I tried it any way and they were right. I am seeing an increase in kills and a decrease in deaths. I you can get used to the speed than you will be able to acquire your targets very fast. So if you're trying to make a team try this out, you might be surprised

We have had two of these, they both stopped working. Razer pretend they will exchange them but they won't. This is bait-and-switch but they hope you won't make a fuss for a hundred bucks. This is a VERY expensive mouse for a couple of weeks' use but I am sorry to say they have guessed right - I have already wasted too much of my life on arguing about this. Moving to Logitech G5 which is not nearly so cool-sounding but might possibly not get ripped off and treated like a moron. I have to say they work great when you take them out of the box, so it's doubly a shame when they stop working after a couple of weeks and the company basically flips you the bird. This company would have done great things, and could have even survived the lousy quality of their products if support wasn't so arrogant and condescending.

I really liked my MX700 but I wanted a lighter and more portable mouse. After a fruitless search to find a light cordless mouse, so I started looking around for corded mouse and stumbled across this bad boy.

First thing I noticed when I started to install the mouse was a little piece of paper that said I need to uninstall all my mouse drivers. I use a laptop at the moment and I wasn't about to remove the touchpad drivers, so I just installed the drivers without uninstalling my currents ones. Bottomline, I have yet to have a problem. This thing is really fast and the on-the-fly sensitivity change is really handy. My reaction in CS and UT2004 is much quicker compared to the MX700 thanks to the light weight. The mouse is lower than my MX700 which I personally think is more comfortable. The scroll wheel was a bit farther forward on the mouse then I expected but it is fairly easy to get use to. The carry case is a nice bonus since I can pack the mouse up with my laptop, throw it in my bacpack, and it won't get scratched at all.

My only complaint is the side buttons. The ones on the right side are only reachable with my pinky which basically renders them useless. The ones on the left side are awkward too. Rather than have two seperate buttons, the buttons are connected and rock back and forth meaning if you press towards the middle both buttons activate and that can get a bit annoying.

I would highly recommend this mouse if you are looking for a light, portable, corded mouse that is not only functional but very cool looking too.

This mouse is impeccable, if you game, this is a must have... super accurate and sensitive... cant go wrong with this thing. Despite what you heard about the side buttons being awkwardly placed, I dont think they are! their in a perfect position for me . Worth every penny A++++++

As for amazon, they couldn't have been faster. Ordered on one day , it was at my door the next! (this was with FREE SHIPPING)... all i can say is wow

I bought this mouse because I play 1st person shooter-games a lot. (I wanted something accurate that can be used by left-handed people like me).
It has 7 buttons in total and they can all be customized, using the great driver software you get with the mouse.

Pros: This mouse is very accurate, it's a must-buy mouse if you're a gamer (or left-handed :P). It fits very well and you get used to it quickly.

Cons: (A very small one) My first reaction was that the buttons on the sides of the mouse were way too sensitive. I kept on pressing them all the time while playing online games. I learned living with that and now I don't press the buttons at all.

Overall I'm happy I bought it. I'm probably not going to change this mouse before it's worn down - if that ever happens. And then it looks great as well!