Professional’s Score
Professionals
- Modern controls
- Fast-strike buttons and optical switches
- Quick 2.4 GHz radio and Bluetooth
- A number of programmable buttons
Cons
- Tilt controls take some getting used to
- Costly
- So-so battery life
Our Verdict
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi mouse presents a spread of controls and options that may swimsuit even probably the most demanding players. Nonetheless, it has a mediocre battery life and a excessive price ticket.
On the planet of gaming mice, the place many fashions are virtually indistinguishable from one another, the Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi stands out with its hanging design and spectacular technical specs. However how does it evaluate to the competitors?
Futuristic aesthetics
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi has a futuristic look, harking back to the universe of the sport Cyberpunk 2077. RGB lighting is built-in with the Corsair emblem on the underside half, while the LED strips within the center and the mouse wheel convey it to life.
Corsair
Playfully mild
Measuring 13 x 7 x 4cm (L x W x H), the Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi is an analogous measurement to many rivals, however its a lot lighter at 96g. This weight distinction could make a big affect in fast-paced video games like Counter-Strike. Clean dealing with is supported by mouse skates manufactured from 100 per cent PTFE.
Friedrich Stiemer
A technological powerhouse
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi’s technical specs are simply as spectacular as its design. Its customised “Corsair Marksman” sensor presents a most decision of 26,000 DPI and lightning-fast sign transmission because of a 2.4 GHz wi-fi connection through a USB nano dongle, which allows a latency of lower than 1 millisecond.
Corsair calls this wi-fi know-how Slipstream. Because of good frequency modifications and prioritisation of knowledge visitors, the connection must be extra secure and quicker than typical 2.4 GHz options – I discovered this to be true. Bluetooth connectivity can also be supported, which implies the gaming mouse can be used with many different units.
15 programmable switches and 6-button cluster
The Corsair Darkstar has a cleverly conceived ergonomic design with a six-part aspect button cluster that’s optimally positioned to minimise hand pressure, and a textured thumb grip that makes longer gaming classes snug.
Moreover, with 15 totally programmable buttons, together with a tilting scroll wheel, the mouse presents intensive customisation choices, making all important gaming instructions and actions simply accessible.
Friedrich Stiemer
Precision and pace
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi presents two very spectacular controls: the Quickstrike characteristic and optical switches. Quickstrike, a way of biasing the left and proper mouse buttons, minimises the gap between the buttons and the precise switches, leading to virtually prompt suggestions when pressed. Spring rigidity reduces resistance when clicking, delivering a smoother, extra environment friendly clicking expertise.
The left and proper buttons of the Darkstar Wi-fi are additionally geared up with the newest optical switches from Omron. These switches depend on infrared mild to detect clicks as an alternative of conventional steel contacts. This leads to very quick triggering and minimal latency.
On the similar time, the optical switches are mentioned to make sure exceptional sturdiness and reliability. Together, these two options create distinctive responsiveness to clicks, which show to be a bonus in intense gaming conditions.
Friedrich Stiemer
Computerized lift-off detection
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi has a exceptional characteristic – it instantly recognises when it’s lifted (lift-off). That is particularly fascinating for FPS players who typically must reposition their mouse and don’t need the lift-off from the mouse pad to end in motion on the display screen. The normal technique is to measure the gap from the sensor to the floor after which cease scanning.
Nonetheless, the Darkstar Wi-fi goes a step additional and implements a gyroscope that detects the minimal rotational motion that happens when repositioning begins. This stops monitoring instantly and the crosshairs stay unchanged, leading to better in-game precision.
Tilt gestures for extra instructions
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi makes use of its 6-axis gyroscope not just for lift-off detection, but in addition for tilt gestures. With these gestures, the consumer can set off extra instructions by tilting the mouse to the left, proper, entrance or again.
Friedrich Stiemer
These gestures will be programmed to carry out any motion, from in-game actions to on a regular basis duties like taking screenshots or switching between home windows. This opens up a wealth of prospects for customising the mouse and encourages experimentation with new management strategies.
Highly effective, however power-hungry
One of many downsides of the Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi is its battery life. With RGB on, it solely lasts about 20 hours, whereas with out lighting it stays operational for as much as 65 hours.
For those who depart the RGB lighting deactivated and solely use the mouse through Bluetooth, the battery life will increase to as much as 80 hours. However in comparison with rivals, a few of which supply as much as 300 hours of battery life, it falls nicely wanting expectations right here.
Simple customisation, excessive versatility
Because of Corsair’s iCUE software program, customising the Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi is a breeze. It permits you to remap the 15 programmable buttons, modify the RGB lighting and fine-tune the DPI sensitivity for 5 totally different onboard profiles.
Value, availability and verdict
The Corsair Darkstar Wi-fi MMO prices $169.99/£149.99, and is out there from Corsair within the US and the identical web site within the UK.
That is on the extra premium finish of gaming mice, and while it presents a spread of customisable buttons and spectacular options, the battery life isn’t the most effective. Nonetheless, in case you’re a severe gamer, then it is best to think about including this to your setup – particularly in case you’re a fan of the futuristic look.
This overview has been translated and localised. You may learn the unique over on PC Welt.
