Several monitors were showcased at the Samsung Wonders Unlocked event, with two of them gaming-oriented. In recent years, the manufacturer has really stepped up its gaming monitor game, with the Odyssey series nearly always delivering on display quality and performance as some of the best gaming monitors out there.
I tested two of the latest in the Odyssey series – the Odyssey OLED G60SD and the Odyssey OLED G80SD – to see how these iterations hold up. So far, I've been very pleased with the results. Not only do they look great, but they offer plenty of upgrades, quality-of-life additions, and improved specs to justify the steep price - especially the HDR 10 support, which was stunning to witness.
Odyssey OLED G60SD: price and availability
The Odyssey OLED G series has two models: the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G60SD and the 32-inch Odyssey OLED G80SD.
The G60SD is available for preorder on the Samsung online store at $899.99 / £799 / AU$1,499, while the G80SD is priced at $1,299.99 / ££1,099.99 / AU$2,058. You'll also receive a bonus of $300 in Samsung credit if you purchase one of the new monitor models.
Odyssey OLED G60SD: specs
Here are the specs for the Odyssey OLED G60SD/G80SD at a glance.
Odyssey OLED G60SD/G80SD: design
Odyssey OLED G60SD
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Odyssey OLED G80SD
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Like most other Odyssey-series gaming monitors, the Odyssey OLED G60SD and G80SD look gorgeous. They sport luscious QHD+ and UHD 4K OLED displays, respectively, both outfitted with glare-free technology that actually works - and quite well at that.
I tested it out by simply having the monitor near sunlight coming in through an open window (one of the most pervasive lighting situations for the average buyer), and light didn't wash out the screen in the slightest. Thanks to said tech, the flat shape of the monitors isn't a hindrance as they don't require the curved shape to filter out light. I'll go out on a limb and say that this is such an important feature that it'll make reviewing other monitors difficult, as glare is one of my biggest issues.
Other nifty new features that combat overheating and OLED burn-in are Samsung OLED Safeguard+ technology and the Dynamic Cooling System. These tools diffuse heat and reduce the monitor's core and surface temperatures, keeping the internal components safe from heat damage and preventing burn-in from static images like logos and taskbars.
The two monitors' vibrant white color stands out in the sea of plain black monitors on the market, especially when paired with the CoreSync and Core Lighting+ features. Those are RGB light rings in the back of the monitor that you can control through various settings. They're purely aesthetic but help brighten up your gaming desk setup in a fun and unobtrusive way.
I also appreciate how, despite the large screen sizes, it's easy to pick up both the monitor and stand, making moving them around a living space much easier. The thin displays also mean that it doesn't take up much desk real estate, an absolute boon for any gamer struggling with space issues.
Odyssey OLED G60SD/G80SD: performance
Odyssey OLED G60SD
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Odyssey OLED G80SD
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I tested out both the Odyssey OLED G60SD and G80SD gaming monitors through Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and more of the best PC games. The G60SD has a higher refresh rate at 360Hz versus the G80SD's 240Hz, while both sport a 0.03ms response time. Combined with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, you can fully eliminate choppiness, screen lag, and image tears.
No matter what title I played, the gameplay was silky smooth and made the QHD+ and UHD 4K resolution shine even more. It was also explained to me that the G80SD featured no color shifting, no added latency, and could maintain its 240Hz refresh rate at 4K - an impressive feat. It has a tool called the Samsung NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, meaning that the monitor can upscale content to nearly 4K
I was also able to try HDR10 through the G80SD and compare the image to the G60SD. We started with Red Dead Redemption 2's prologue through the wintery landscape as the protagonist navigated through a snowstorm on horseback. Not only were the colors, the whites, and the blacks far more vibrant, but the overall picture quality was much sharper and cleaner, with improved visuals.
Odyssey OLED G60SD/G80SD: early verdict
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Both the Samsung Odyssey OLED G60SD and G80SD are exceptional gaming monitors that not only boast excellent specs but also come with a host of other quality-of-life features and upgrades that enhance the gaming experience.
From a full ventilation system that prevents the dreaded OLED burn-in to HDR 10 that takes an iconic scene from a video game and elevates it to new heights to (one of my personal favorites) glare-free technology that ensures sunlight from an open window won't completely wash out your screen during a gaming session.
I'm excited to see what Samsung will churn out next, as its gaming offerings just keep getting better and better with each new year.
This year has seen MSI enter the QD-OLED gaming monitor space with several releases through its MPG series. Think of QD-OLED monitors as updated versions of OLED displays with four elements to create an image including an LED backlight, a layer of quantum dots, an LCD matrix, and color filter. Though they’ve already been popular in the high-end television space for a while, they’ve recently entered the gaming market.
The MSI MPG 271QRX is about as fine an example of what an entry-level QD-LED gaming monitor can offer, though its $800 price tag might make some balk at the term 'entry-level' in this case.
What you get for that money though is fantastic. The 27-inch display features a 1440p resolution with a 360Hz refresh rate in addition to an exceptionally fast 0.03ms response time, making it a killer esports display. On a surface level, these attributes are fairly standard for what someone would consider one of the best 1440p gaming monitors, but the QD-LED panel significantly increases image quality beyond the standard QHD display, alongside having both VESE certification for DisplayHDR True Black 400 and Clear 13000.
From enjoying the visual benchmarks set by games like Alan Wake II and Cyberpunk 2077 to competitive shooters such as Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, the MPG 271QRX does a fine job of blending high-end image quality with speedy performance. Even the color accuracy matches Apple displays in terms of creative tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop.
That doesn’t even count the loads of extras such as MSI’s OLED Care 2.0 which improves the durability of the QD-OLED screen in addition to Gaming Intelligence for enhancing the gaming experience through crosshair overlay, customizable RGB lit back panel, and KVM capabilities.
Most importantly, MSI managed to throw in a three-year burn-in warranty as well, critical for any OLED display nowadays. The accumulation of all these fine attributes makes the MSI MPG 271QRX one of the finest examples of a 27-inch 1440p gaming display available today, and well worth the price of entry.
MSI MPG 271QRX : Price & availability
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The MSI MPG 271QRX is available now in the U.S., UK and Australia for $799.99 (£999.00, AU$1,799). Through the MSI store, there are buyer links to various online stores depending on the territory. Retailers in the U.S. include MSI’s own store, Micro Center, and NewEgg among others.
Within the 27-inch 1440p OLED gaming monitor race, the MPG 27QRX’s main competitor is the $800 Alienware AW2725DF. Outside of the price difference, there isn’t a wide difference between the two as far as image quality and performance goes.
This is where feature sets come in and this will largely depend on user preference. If both MPG 271QRX and AW2725DF are too much, the KTC 27-inch standard OLED gaming monitor for $699 might be a better bet for more budget-friendly OLED panels.
Value: 4 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Design
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Various poseabilty settings
Plenty of ports
The design of the MSI MPG 271QRX is such a wonderful union of fantastic visual design and purposeful functionality in nearly every aspect. Even the setup is pretty straightforward with the base and neck design that clips into the back panel. One of the cool things about the design is that poseability is good enough to use the MPG 271QRX in a vertical position if a portrait setting is needed.
There’s a singular power port facing down near the other ports that goes straight to a plug. Meanwhile, PC gamers with multiple consoles will appreciate having a singular DisplayPort and two HDMI 2.1 ports. There’s also an additional USB-C with DisplayPort and 90w charging as well. Other ports include a USB-B for KVM capabilities with the additional two USB-A ports.
Once powered on, it's easy to notice the bright RGB logo that features customizable lighting through the in-display design. It does add a nice flair to the all-black colorway and angular back panel. Though the display is relatively thin, the center in the back panel does protrude outward for things like the head sink alongside other components.
The front of the display has thin bezels on the top and sides with the bottom displaying the MSI logo. On the bottom of the back panel is a small thumb stick that sits between the power and KVM buttons. Finally, there is the beautifully glossy QD-OLED display that also has some amazing anti-glare and anti-reflective coating. Without even turning the MPG 27QRX on, it stands out visually among even the best gaming monitors.
Design 4.5 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Features
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Nice amount of screen image retention options
Game Intelligence and KVM capabilities are great
If the MSI MPG 27QRX doesn't already look jaw-droppingly gorgeous and provide silky smooth performance, its feature set is also fairly hefty.
The first is totally focused on screen image retention through a graphite film back and custom-made heatsink which eliminates the need for a fan. Then there’s MSI OLED Care 2.0 which is a system designed to reduce the OLED screen burn-in through pixel shift, panel protection through pixel refresh, and static screen detection. Carrying over from the previous OLED care system includes static multi-logo and taskbar detection. Making the deal sweeter is a three-year burn-in warranty from MSI.
Outside of standard color correction and game mode features, the MPG 27QRX has Gaming Intelligence. This includes various smart crosshair overlays alongside Optix Scope which provides a built-in aim magnifier. The most interesting one is A.I. Vision which uses deep learning to reveal more details in the dark areas of a game without messing up graphical detail. Through the same in-display menu, users can also change the color of the lit logo on the back panel.
The MPG 27QRX also offers KVM like most premium gaming monitors of the modern era. KVM allows users to use the same keyboard and mouse combo through another device connected to the display. It’s become popular for individuals who stream from one device and play on another.
For console gamers, there’s a console-specific Console mode that automatically accepts 4K signals while supporting HDR.
Features: 4 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Performance
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Image quality and performance are top notch
360Hz refresh rate makes this one of the best OLED monitors for esports
For $800, the MSI MPG 27QRX most definitely makes good on its image quality and performance. Having the QD-OLED display opens up users to bold and crisp colors in addition to deep blacks. VESE certification for DisplayHDR True Black 400 and Clear 13000 enhances HDR visuals to the stratosphere.
Playing more visually arresting games like Alan Wake II, Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Motorsport (2023), and even indie games like Children of the Sun are just beautiful visually. Color accuracy is more than respectable in terms of video and photo editing. There’s no better way to create content, game, and view videos on a 27-inch 1440p display.
Having a 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms definitely will give players a significant competitive edge in more esports games if they have the PC hardware to support it. Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III not only look fantastic but give exceptionally smooth motion without latency.
Performance: 5 / 5
MSI MPG 271QRX: Specs
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Should I buy the MSI MPG 271QRX?
Buy the MSI MPG 271QRX if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also Consider
How I tested the MSI MPG 271QRX:
For the review, the MSI MPG 271QRX was tested over a period of two weeks. During the day, most of the taks revolved around using Google Chrome and Slack. This allowed the use of Google Docs, use management software Asana alongside social media management tools like Hootsuite.
Outside of that, other software mainly used was Slack to communicate with different channels. It was here where we tested general everyday use of the gaming monitor.
In order to test out overall image quality, games played included Alan Wake II, Hogwarts Legacy, and Children of the Sun. This was done to see how games looked on technical visual levels alongside art direction. To test performance and game enhancement features, games such as Helldivers 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III were played.
I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well.
The Logitech Signature Slim K950 is billed as a keyboard that’s equally comfortable at work or at home, with sensible looks, some advanced functionality and plentiful customization options.
Typing is satisfying on the Logitech Signature Slim K950, thanks to the feel of the keys. At first touch, they feel light and tappy due to the plastic material, but the subtle dampening helps to provide more depth to presses. Logitech claims that this is a quiet keyboard, but as the clashing of the plastics generate a high-pitched sound, I would be reluctant to point this out as a highlight, even if it’s still definitely quieter than a mechanical keyboard. Similar to a laptop keyboard, the profile of the keys is low, although the spacing between them is greater – a combination I personally prefer among the many options in the best keyboards.
The default shortcuts that occupy the function keys are well chosen, too. They’re aimed at the modern worker, with hotkeys for muting a microphone or activating a dictation package, as well as for bringing up a calculator app, screenshot tool, and even an emoji menu.
These hotkeys can be modified using the Options Plus software, downloadable from Logitech’s website for free. It’s well designed and easy to use, and while it’s stable enough, I did encounter a few minor glitches and a crash on install, although this was easy to rectify.
Options Plus offers a set list of Windows and macOS system-level functions to choose from when customizing the hotkeys, which include actions such as putting your device to sleep and opening a certain app or file, to name a few. You can also create macros, which Logitech calls Smart Actions. The company provides 30 templates to choose from across a range of scenarios, which can be used as they are or edited to meet your specific requirements. Overall, many of these are well considered, although I did find that some of them failed to work as intended.
One of the new standout features in the Options Plus software is the ability to call up an AI Prompt builder, which essentially opens ChatGPT in a popup window at the press of a hotkey of your choosing. It comes with four default prompt templates for productivity purposes, but you can also create your own.
Depending on how much you use the AI chatbot in the course of your work, this is either a very useful tool or merely a gimmick to have fun with. Still, the integration works well enough, barring a few minor niggles.
There’s very little that the Logitech Signature Slim K950 doesn’t do well when it comes to being a tool for most users. The lack of rechargeable batteries, backlit keys and a few minor bugs are the only real issues with the product itself. The greater concern, though, is the cost: it’s hard to see why it’s almost double the price of its predecessor, the Logitech Signature K650, considering that the K650 offers nearly all the same functions and features, save for easy switching.
The Signature Slim K950 is available now for $79 / £79 (about AU$120). It comes in two colorways: Graphite and Off-white.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Signature K650 is another Logitech keyboard aimed at productivity, but has a larger form factor and includes a built-in wrist pad (although in our review, we noted this as an irrelevance). However, the K650 is currently available for $49 / £49 (about AU$75), which offers a considerable saving over the K950. It doesn’t support easy-device switching, but apart from that, it offers virtually everything else the K950 does.
Although the K950 is a pleasure to use for the most part, if you’re after a supreme typing experience, the Cherry Stream Desktop is a standout choice. Although it lacks many of the advanced features of the K950, the comfort and performance levels elevate it among our best keyboard picks.
Value score: 3 / 5
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Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Design
Slender profile
Forgettable appearance
No rechargeable battery or USB ports
The K950 doesn’t exactly scream style: the Graphite finish I was given to test was quite austere, and the matte plastic made it look rather anonymous. A simple and small ‘logi’ logo is the only branding that adorns the K950, which at least keeps its aesthetic minimal. The slim profile helps to impart some elegance too.
The entire construction is plastic, with no metal in sight. It feels robust enough, as do the keys themselves. They’re tightly fitted with very little play, and the lettering is ever-so slightly embossed, which I could feel under my fingertips.
The fold-out feet can raise the K950 to an 8-degree incline, which isn’t as steep as other keyboards, and there are no gradients in between. For me, this wasn’t a problem, but if you’re someone who likes a steep typing angle, then this likely won’t be enough for you.
The power switch is located on the top edge of the keyboard and hidden from view, meaning I had to feel for it every time I wanted to turn the K950 on or off. There’s a small LED in the top-right corner to indicate battery level, which flicks on momentarily when you power up the K950 – otherwise, it stays off.
There’s no backlighting for the keys, which is a shame, but does at least save on battery power. The only lights available are one on Caps Lock and three on the easy switching keys, which again only light momentarily when connecting to devices, or blink rapidly when in pairing mode.
Another small gripe I had with the K950 is the lack of LED indication for the FN lock. If you have the optional Options Plus software installed, it will display an on-screen prompt, but only when the lock is toggled. This meant I had no way of knowing if I had it activated or not without having to toggle it again. This is a small point, but one that, if you plan on using this keyboard to streamline your productivity as much as possible, may become a real thorn in your side over time.
Another notable absence is the lack of a rechargeable battery and ports. Instead, the K950 runs on two AAA batteries. Some may consider this to be an advantage, as it keeps costs down. However, it does mean that you’ll need to change the batteries once flat, and you won’t be able to charge and continue typing, as you can on keyboards with inbuilt batteries.
Design score: 3.5 / 5
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Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Performance
Satisfying typing experience
Nice hotkey selection
Options Plus software is great
Typing on the K950 felt great to me. The keys are clacky and light, but they are also slightly dampened when you press a little firmer, making them suitable for both soft and hard typers alike. Their profile is low, so those who prefer typing on laptops will be right at home here, although the spacing between them is generally bigger compared to most laptop keyboards in my experience – something I personally consider a positive.
Logitech claims that this is a quiet keyboard to type with, but in my experience, I don’t think it’s necessarily quieter than other keyboards in its class. The plastic keys generate a higher-pitched sound, which isn’t exactly loud, but I wouldn’t say they’re dampened enough to eliminate most of the impact; they’re just ‘quiet’ compared to the best mechanical keyboards.
The easy-switching functionality between three devices worked well in my tests, whether it was between macOS, Windows, or Chromebook laptops, or whether they were connected via Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt USB wireless receiver. I did encounter a hiccup on one occasion, however, when after switching between macOS and Windows devices the hotkeys stopped working on the latter machine. A quick on/off restart of the keyboard fixed the problem, but it’s worth mentioning.
The hotkeys along the top row feature a good selection of productivity-enhancing shortcuts, including window switching, search, mute mic, as well as keys for opening the calculator app, screenshot tool, and a dictation package you have installed. There’s even an emoji menu shortcut – handy for workplace chats.
They can all be customized in the Options Plus software, which is free to download and provides plenty of additional features and functions for the K950. It displays the battery life as a percentage, and has a support menu where you can rate your experience with the app or inform Logitech of any connectivity issues you might be experiencing.
I did experience a few minor glitches with the software. It crashed on first launch after I installed it on Windows 11, but a relaunch fixed the problem. And every time I put my device to sleep, on both Windows and macOS machines, the application would close by itself.
Options Plus also launches in a window which isn’t full size, and it can’t be adjusted, which could be an issue for those who like to have their windows larger for the sake of clarity.
The hotkeys – which occupy the function and navigation keys – can be customized in the software, allowing you to choose what shortcuts they activate from a predefined list. These include simple actions, such as putting your device to sleep, as well as the ability to record keyboard shortcuts. These can be assigned globally or on an app-by-app basis, effectively letting you create profiles for every app you have installed on your device.
You can also record macros via Logitech’s Smart Actions, which again can be assigned to any of the hotkeys. These allow you to create a series of automated actions to perform certain tasks, including opening apps and recording keystrokes. Anyone who has used Apple's Shortcuts app will be in familiar territory here, as it looks and works very similarly.
Logitech has 30 templates to choose from to meet the needs of various users. There are those made for productivity and leisure, and those for developers and designers. There are also others specific to meetings and for using popular AI tools.
Although some of the templates worked well, others that I tested didn’t. For instance, one template is meant to use ChatGPT to reply to an email, by copying text you’ve selected, opening ChatGPT in Chrome, and asking it to draft a reply based on the copied text. The problem I found is that it failed to type in ChatGPT’s prompt box, as it wasn’t automatically selected after opening the page. Since Smart Actions are essentially macros, they can’t account for subtleties such as a dialog box not being selected in a home page, for instance.
Speaking of ChatGPT, one of the new headline features of the Options Plus software is the AI prompt builder. When assigned to a hotkey of your choice, this displays a small window that connects you to ChatGPT, with a selection of ready-made prompt templates (which Logitech calls “recipes”) to query it. These default recipes include drafting emails and rephrasing text. In order to make it work, you need a user account with OpenAI.
You can also create your own recipes, which involves writing a prompt and choosing two parameters from a possible four that modify the output. The four available are: word length, tone, complexity and style.
Your mileage may vary with this feature, depending on how much you employ the AI tool in the course of your work, but I found the integration to be responsive, and it functioned well for the most part, aside from a few small annoyances.
When submitting a prompt, you can’t go back to submit another via the recipes list without first closing and reopening the prompt builder menu (if you’d rather not use ChatGPT without going through the prompt builder window, then you can choose to open a window that takes you straight to the main ChatGPT prompt page instead). The prompt window remains on top of all other windows you have open, too, even when not selected.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
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Should you buy the Logitech Signature Slim K950?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Also consider
How I tested the Logitech Signature Slim K950
I tested the Signature Slim K950 on Windows, macOS and Chromebook devices for around two weeks. I used it for work, leisure and general productivity, both in the office and at home.
I tried out all the functions and features it had to offer, including the hotkeys and the customization options in the Options Plus software, to see how well it performed on these fronts.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse: Two-minute review
Along with the gaming keyboard comes the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse, which has been specially developed and tested with professional gamers in mind to make it one of the best gaming mice available – and possibly one of the best mice in general. It's a massive upgrade from the Alienware AW720M with reduced weight, better feet, and improved specs.
The DPI is still at 26,000, mainly because there is little point in increasing such an absurdly high spec. However, it features both 4KHz wireless and 8KHz wired polling rates, 0.25ms and 0.125ms response time, respectively, which is a significant leap over the 1KHz polling rate (1ms response time) of the Alienware AW720M.
The PFTE feet are additive-free and attract far less debris while moving much smoother. It still retains the previous model's ability to move over a wide variety of surfaces, which is something plenty of other gaming mice can't achieve.
An odd change is the removal of the 3D-sculpted thumb grips from the AW720M. With both sides being completely smooth now, the Alienware Pro mouse is much more susceptible to sweat, which makes it slippery during intense gameplay or if your hands sweat easily. Another odd change is the removal of the magnetic charging adapter, which was a much simpler option for recharging your mouse.
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It features magnetic-force keyplates that prevent the keys from sticking, which is absolutely vital for pro gamers who rely on button accuracy and performance during intense competition. Thanks to its much-improved weight, now just under 0.13 pounds, combined with higher polling rates, the mouse responds much faster and with much less effort required to move it.
There is one glaring downgrade between the Alienware AW720M and the Pro Wireless, though. The latter lacks buttons on the right side, which means the Pro Wireless is no longer ambidextrous, excluding an entire market of people who would be able to use it.
Ambidextrous mice are already difficult enough to find, and the AW720M was an excellent option. But the Pro Wireless removes that option, adding plenty of quality-of-life improvements but essentially gatekeeping them from left-handed gamers. This also has the drawback of removing buttons that the Pro Wireless sorely needed.
As for battery life, according to Dell, it's 32 hours at 4KHz polling or 120 hours at 1KHz polling. That is impressive, but it's a downgrade from the AW720M's 140 hours at 1KHz polling. And like the previous mouse, this one has an indicator that signals when the battery is low. The AW720M featured an Alienware logo on the front, but, the Pro Wireless moves it onto the side as a tiny light. Moving it was a good call, as your hand can no longer cover it, but the light is so small it's difficult to notice.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse: Price & availability
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How much does it cost? $149.99 / £149.99 including VAT / AU$248.60
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse is very expensive, costing a whopping $149.99 / £149.99 including VAT / AU$248.60. This is a price increase of at least $20 from the Alienware AW720M - understandable considering the work developing it and all the new features it comes with. And the fact that this is a premium gaming mouse for professional gamers.
However, the pricing does make other mice more appealing, like the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro or MSI Clutch GM51. The former is $149 (around £149 / AU$279), and the latter is $99.99 (around £83 / AU$148), both much cheaper while offering solid gaming performance in their own right. The Deathadder V3 Pro in particular is easily one of the best gaming mice on the market.
The Alienware Pro Wireless, like most Dell products, has excellent availability. It's available in the US, UK, and Australia, as well as several other regions.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse: Specs
Should you buy the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
You're left-handed Unfortunately, this mouse shed its two right buttons, making it completely inaccessible to left-handed gamers.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse: Also consider
How I tested the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse
I spent about a week testing this mouse
I tested it for gaming and productivity work
I used it extensively in both a home and office environment
I tested the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse both at home and in an office environment, seeing how well it functioned in gaming and productivity. Its gaming performance is especially important, so I used a wide variety of genres to see how reactive it is. I also carried it around in various bags to test its portability.
The Alienware Pro Wireless is a gaming mouse that's meant for extensive use over the years. I made sure to quality-test it to see if it held up to those standards while maintaining maximum comfort levels.
I've tested a wide range of mice, mainly gaming, and understand how to properly rate and test them out to ensure that they reach a certain level of quality.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard: Two-minute review
Alienware has released its Pro line of both gaming keyboards and mice, focusing on making it as appealing as possible to professional gamers. In fact, they were both tested by pro gamers Team Liquid to ensure just that. The Alienware Pro gaming keyboard truly feels like a product made for such a demographic, thanks to its much smaller yet sturdier body and high-quality switches.
Like many of Alienware's other accessories and PCs, the Pro gaming keyboard comes in two colors: Dark Side of the Moon and Lunar Light. While the black keyboard is surprisingly beautiful thanks to the RGB lighting, the standard is the white model that not only stands out aesthetically but is truly enhanced by the LED lighting. The Alienware Command Center software is easily accessible and can be used to customize the color effects and most other keyboard settings.
Unlike other Alienware keyboards, which tend to be lighter, this one is much heavier and sturdier, weighing nearly two pounds. It's shocking, considering it's made with 47% post-consumer recycled plastics. It also has a long silicone strip on the underside of the chassis, which prevents it from moving around. You really have to use significant force to do so, which is ideal for intense gaming sessions.
Due to its status as a professional gaming keyboard, I tested it out in a wide variety of genres, including first and third-person shooters, platformers, action, RPGs, and more. It's incredibly stable, the keys are responsive with a good travel distance, and the switches are easy to activate.
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One of the standout features of the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard is that it no longer features Cherry MX mechanical switches. Instead, Dell has developed its own switches specifically for this Alienware keyboard. The switches are hot-swappable 5-pin PCBA and are compatible with most other 3 and 5-pin switches - in case you want to switch them out for other brands.
The actuation force is only 40g, which is quite light and well-suited for hardcore and especially professional gaming, as it puts almost no strain on your fingers to press down on each key. The stem is also made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material, meaning you avoid the often grating sound of keys rubbing against each other, adding to that extra light and almost floaty feeling when typing. Thanks to the sound-dampening silicone layers, the clean clicking sound of the switches is enhanced even further.
It's shocking how high-quality these switches are - Dell has truly knocked it out of the park. The efficiency of this TKL design is also a pleasant surprise as it manages to fit in media and arrow keys in a compact size.
The keyboard's connectivity is also great, with three ways to connect it: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired. Having these options is incredibly important depending on your needs for the keyboards, with wired the best option for hardcore gaming with no latency, while wireless and Bluetooth are solely for portability.
Battery life is also pretty solid, with about three days of life using the RGB lighting and, according to Dell, up to 798 hours with lighting turned off on 2.4GHz wireless.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard: Price & availability
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How much does it cost? $199.99 / £190 including VAT / AU$328.90
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard is incredibly expensive, costing a whopping $199.99 / £190 including VAT / AU$328.90. Of course, considering that this is a premium keyboard developed for professional gaming, the pricing makes sense. That said, this is not the keyboard to get if you don't need top-of-the-line quality and performance.
Compared to cheaper mechanical keyboards like the MSI GK50 Elite TKL starting at 64.99 (around £55/AU$100), there are other solid options for those who need it. There's also the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL, which will set you back $160 / £160 / AU$260. It's a great and slightly cheaper option as well if you're not in the market for keyboards tailor-made for professionals.
The Alienware Pro Wireless, like most Dell products, has excellent availability in the US, UK, Australia, and several other regions.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard: Specs
Should you buy the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
You need a more budget-minded keyboard Bottomline, this keyboard is extremely expensive. If you need anything cheaper, it's best to wave goodbye and let it pass.
Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard: Also consider
How I tested the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard
I spent about a week testing this keyboard
I tested it for gaming and productivity work
I used it extensively in both a home and office environment
I tested the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard in a home office environment, seeing how well it functioned in gaming and productivity. Its gaming performance is especially important, so I played a wide variety of genres to see how reactive it is. I also carried it around in various bags to test its portability.
The Alienware Pro Wireless is a gaming keyboard meant for extensive use over the years. I made sure to quality-test it to see if it held up to those standards while maintaining maximum comfort levels.
I've tested a wide range of keyboards, including mechanical and membrane ones, and understand how to properly rate and test them out to ensure that they reach a certain level of quality.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
The Opal Tadpole is an incredibly capable webcam that is well-engineered and beautifully designed. The video quality is respectable, but my lasting impression of the Tadpole was not to do with the sensor's capabilities but rather that it just felt really good to use. All of this is due to the thoughtful and well-implemented design, as well as the minimalist feature set. This should come as no surprise, considering the Opal co-team has history with Google, Uber, and Jump.
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The Tadpole, as the name suggests, is small. At only 3.5 x 4.5 cm, the unit itself sits neatly and unobtrusively at the top of any laptop screen. When I first started using it, a few people initially asked me what on earth it was, but after a while, the device just faded into the background. So, if you’re after one of the tiniest webcams on the market at the moment, then your search is over.
The small size results in an overall weight of less than 50 grams, so there’s no chance of any unnecessary strain being applied to your screen hinge. This also makes it a dream to transport around, but more on that later.
Rather than a magnetic mount, the Opal team has opted for an adjustable clip. This means that the whole unit is either on or off, rather than having a permanently located mount. I personally prefer this implementation, because there is no chance of me losing any individual parts and thereby rendering the whole piece of kit useless.
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The range of the clip is 35 degrees, which was more than adequate for my Macbook Pro and is indeed perfect for almost all laptops. One of the concerns I initially had was about damaging my laptop. I didn’t want to scratch my metal back or crack the glass of the screen. I therefore gave the clip a good look before applying it to my laptop. After seeing that the clip was primarily made of silicone rubber, I proceeded to mount it. In reality, I needn’t have been concerned. The rubber ensures that the laptop is well protected.
The build quality is high, with a painted aluminum front and an anodized aluminum back. Despite not being the most expensive webcam on the market, the Tadpole certainly feels as premium as the best. Chemically strengthened glass will help with longevity although, for obvious reasons, I didn’t test how robust the glass was.
The cable, which measures 55cm in length and 3.7mm in diameter, is woven for greater durability. I love a woven cable, so that’s a win for me. It’s just the right length for attaching to a laptop, and thanks to the magnetic end, it can be looped around your wrist as you move between meetings. Even though I appreciate the design feature, I didn’t find much use for this type of portability.
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Moving away from the design and build quality, I’m sure you're interested in knowing about the camera itself. Generally, it’s pretty good, although not as good as the built-in webcam on my MacBook Pro 2023. As a result, I’ll inevitably stick with that, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t many people who would benefit from this type of webcam - after all, many laptops have sub-par 720p webcams or no webcam whatsoever.
The Sony IMX582 RS sensor does a fantastic job of producing clean video with minimal noise, even in the shadows. Color replication is strong, with vibrant colors chosen over and above a flat profile. The image therefore pops nicely, which is exactly what you want when appearing in front of others at a meeting or when video-calling your parents.
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The f/1.8 lens is made up of six elements and is able to let in a significant amount of light, something that is particularly noticeable when using it in low light. Unfortunately, the dynamic range that is supported by the lens and its sensor is not quite wide enough. It was a real shame that during my meetings I had to put up with bright backgrounds, such as windows, that were almost completely blown out. It’s understandable that cameras like this would struggle here, but the Tadpole struggled more than I would have liked to see.
In terms of resolution, the 48 MP image is binned to 1080p, which is more than enough for most laptops. For most people, there is little point in spending more on a 4K webcam when it will make almost no difference to the visual experience - that territory is more for professional online content creators.
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As important, if not more so, is the quality of the audio. One of the biggest challenges to providing good audio from a webcam is that they’re often omnidirectional and therefore pick up way too much background noise. Some webcams overcome this by using noise filtering, but Opal has landed on a completely different solution.
By using a directional microphone, the Tadpole captures only what is directly in front of the camera. The solution, in essence, creates a tunnel through which sound is funneled. As a result, any sound that doesn’t travel down this tunnel isn’t heard. It’s a genius little idea and puts the results in the hands of engineering rather than leaving it to programmers to work out.
This directional microphone does a pretty good job, with almost all low-to-medium level background noise removed. It didn’t work entirely in a crowded room but was certainly better than omnidirectional alternatives.
Another audio feature is the ability to mute calls with a single tap of the integrated capacitive button on the USB-C cable. This is a nice little feature to have, though I certainly wouldn’t buy the webcam because of it.
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One of the biggest selling points of the Tadpole is its portability. It is small, lightweight, and packs neatly into a purpose-made carry case that looks like a yoyo. The case is built well and allows the cable to neatly protrude out the side, doubling up as a loop for carrying. Simply put, this is one of the best carry cases for a webcam that I’ve ever seen. The magnetic clip makes it quick and easy to take in and out, with just enough strength to ensure it doesn’t accidentally fall out.
The Opal Tadpole is one of the best options in the mid-range webcam space. It delivers better quality than the super-budget alternatives but lacks additional features that are seen in the more expensive and premium webcams. Video quality is more than good enough for most situations, although it does sometimes struggle to deal with bright light sources. The directional mic is a nice feature that does a good job of cutting out a reasonable amount of background noise. Overall, the Tadpole is a very capable webcam.
Opal Tadpole webcam: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $129 (about £105 / AU$200)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? US with worldwide shipping
At $129 (about £105 / AU$200), the Opal Tadpole sits in the middle between the super-budget Logitech HD Webcam C310 and the eye-wateringly pricy Elgato Facecam Pro. The former lacks good image quality and feels a bit cheap in the hand, whereas the latter delivers amazing 4K video at 60 fps - for a high price.
If you want to compare like for like in terms of price, then the Tadpole is only a little more expensive than the Logitech C920, which wins the status for 'best overall' webcam in our best webcams buying guide - though it lacks the unparalleled portability of the Tadpole.
For the asking price here, you get decent video quality and some nice features, including single-tap muting. If you're after something a little better than the cheapest options on the market, then the Opal Tadpole is a respectable choice.
The Opal Tadpole ships worldwide, with associated shipping costs. For the UK, that is set at an additional $8. The yo-yo case also costs an additional $19, but it's worth the price in my opinion.
Value: 4 / 5
Opal Tadpole webcam: Specs
Should you buy the Opal Tadpole webcam?
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Buy it if...
You want one of the best-looking webcams
Opal has absolutely nailed the design of the webcam. It not only looks smart on top of any laptop but also clips securely in place even when you need to move your laptop around.
You want a travel webcam
The Tadpole packs down into a small and lightweight hard carry case, which not only protects the webcam but also makes it easy to transport around.
You want an intelligent microphone
The Tadpole comes with a direction microphone that captures only what the camera can see. Some webcams achieve this through noise filtering, but Opal makes it happen with engineering.
Don't buy it if...
You want a 4K webcam
The Opal Tadpole records 48 MP, which is fixed at 1080p. Considering this will be the display resolution of many laptops and standalone desktop monitors, it won't necessarily be an issue for you, but serious content creators may want more.
You want the cheapest webcam
The Tadpole is far from expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives around, especially if you just want something that is no thrills and just going to get the job done.
Opal Tadpole webcam: Also consider
How I tested the Opal Tadpole webcam
I used the webcam for my video calls
I tested its general performance as well as its special features
I made sure to test it under a variety of lighting conditions
As soon as it came through the door, I was keen to get the Opal Tadpol webcam out of the box and hooked onto my laptop. Everything about the design and functionality oozes quality, so I wanted to get it setup as soon as I could.
After a few minutes of getting it up and running, I spent time in video calls to test it's many features. I also made sure to give it a good run around in different lighting conditions, including bright and low-lit rooms.
With a few neat features, I also checked those out so I could determine the degree to which I would use them on a regular basis. I also used the carry case to help me transport the webcam around.
The BenQ Zowie EC2-CW is a no-frills wireless gaming mouse intended for high-level esports play. It trades flashy specs and extraneous features for supremely reliable performance and comfortable ergonomics, making it easy to recommend if you’re searching for a plug-and-play mouse specifically for use in competitive first-person shooter (FPS) titles like Counter-Strike 2. For everyone outside of that niche, however, the high asking price and plain design mean that you’re likely to be better served by more mainstream options.
A wireless version of the existing Zowie EC2-C, which is a popular pick for professional FPS players, the Zowie EC2-CW sports a highly ergonomic right-handed asymmetrical factor that fits in your palm like a glove. It remains impressively comfortable over extended periods of use, which is especially important if you’re going to be undertaking lengthy practice sessions.
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While I personally experienced the highest level of comfort with the medium-sized EC2-CW, there are also two additional models available: the EC1-CW and the EC3-CW. The EC1-CW is longer and wider and the EC3-CW is a little shorter. Each version differs by a few grams in weight but is otherwise identical in terms of features. I suspect that the EC2-CW is going to be the best option for the majority of players, but it's still excellent to see alternatives for those with bigger or smaller hands. That said, there isn’t a single model that is suitable for left-handed users at the moment which is a disappointment.
Although manufacturer BenQ declined to offer any exact details regarding the construction materials and components used in the mouse, making them seem like some kind of closely guarded trade secret, it’s safe to say that the exterior is made of a smooth black matt plastic. This means that I also can’t say for sure what kind of micro switches are used for the main buttons, but can vouch for their satisfying level of actuation depth and ability to provide accurate, clean inputs. The mouse also features two additional buttons on its left side, which are both generously sized and fit well under the thumb thanks to their slightly curved shape.
The scroll wheel is made of a rubberized material, with pronounced ribs. Scrolling uses a careful notched motion that requires a fair amount of force to turn, which took me a little while to get used to. In the long run, however, the more precise controls proved extremely beneficial and helped prevent any unfortunate accidental weapon-switches in even the most high-intensity moments of ranked Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
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Hidden just below the scroll wheel are three miniscule white LED lights. These illuminate while the mouse is receiving power, denoting the current charge level on a scale of one to three. It's a useful way to keep track of your remaining battery life which is quoted to last roughly 70 hours - a figure that I found was generally accurate no matter my choice of settings. On the underside of the mouse, you will find the mode switch (which alternates between wired and wireless mode), a report rate switch button, and a DPI switch button. LED lights positioned alongside intuitive labels show your current report rate, which can be switched between 125 Hz, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz.
There is also an RGB LED denoting your current sensitivity, which can be raised to a limit of 3,200 DPI. This is quite a modest figure, ten times lower than the 32,000 DPI of other premium mice like the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2. While this might be a dealbreaker for some, most professional Counter-Strike 2 players actually tend to favor a sensitivity as low as 400 DPI or 800 DPI. Handily, both a 400 DPI and 800 DPI mode are built-in - an essential addition when there is no available companion software meaning the mouse is restricted to its range of out-of-the-box presets.
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Another area where the Zowie EC2-CW appears to be behind the competition is in its relatively hefty weight of 2.79oz (79g). This is higher than many other wireless gaming mice at this price range, but seems to be a considered choice rather than an oversight. Playing at 800 DPI, the weight lends a fantastic level of precision that would simply wouldn’t be able to achieve otherwise. Accidental movement is almost impossible, helping you keep your sights on target in titles where one pixel of inaccuracy can cost your team the win. A replacement set of adhesive skates is also provided in the box, ensuring that you can keep the level of friction consistent if the set that comes preinstalled begins to wear out.
Even though the mouse can be charged through a front USB-C port using the lengthy cable packed in the box, which is also used for wired play, it comes packed with its own compact charging dock. The mouse connects to the dock through two metal contacts on its underside, easily slotting into place. In addition to providing easy charging, the dock doubles as a wireless receiver, reducing the potential for signal interference by drastically cutting down the distance that would be present with a traditional wireless dongle. I've suffered from the occasional signal dropout or odd moment latency using other wireless mice via a wireless dongle, but did not experience anything of the kind with the Zowie EC2-CW with its wireless receiver.
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It’s a fantastic inclusion on the whole, especially when you consider that it’s quite compact and easy to fit into your setup. Although using the wireless receiver is definitely the way to go, a more conventional USB receiver and dongle extender are also included here giving you plenty of options.
If you have the budget to spend and truly value reliability and performance in competitive FPS titles above leading specs and a flashy design, it’s easy to recommend the Zowie EC2-CW. If that’s not you, however, be sure to check out some of the top alternatives listed later on.
BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $119.99 / £129.99 / AU$179
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Zowie EC2-CW costs $119.99 / £129.99 / AU$179. It is readily available in the US, UK, and Australia either directly from BenQ or via third-party retailers like Amazon. Although this is very much a high-end price tag, it comes in slightly cheaper than some of the leading alternatives such as the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition, which costs $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$189.
Given the more modest specs of this mouse, you’re definitely paying a large premium for the ergonomic shape and wireless receiver. If you’re willing to compromise on the wireless connectivity, you can pick up the wired Zowie EC2 for just $44.99 / £64.99 / AU$99 which boasts the same fantastic design. If you are set on a wireless gaming mouse, however, the comfort offered by the Zowie EC2-CW definitely makes it worth considering even at this lofty price.
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BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Specs
Should you buy the BenQ Zowie EC2-CW?
Buy it if...
You value ergonomics above all else By far the most compelling aspect of Zowie EC2-CW is its ergonomic design, which is incredibly comfortable in the hands. With three sizes to choose from, you’re likely to find the perfect fit.
You don’t mind a plain design The Zowie EC2-CW looks about as understated as they come, which could be quite appealing if you’re tired of the RGB-laden aesthetic of much of the competition.
You want a dock The wireless receiver not only cuts down on the potential for signal interference but also doubles as a convenient charging dock, making it easy to keep the Zowie EC2-CW topped up with juice.
Don't buy it if...
You’re left-handed The Zowie EC2-CW is asymmetrical and designed exclusively for right-handed users. With no left-handed option available at the moment, this is one to avoid if you need a left-handed mouse.
You want more impressive specs Although it performs fantastically, the Zowie EC2-CW doesn’t have particularly impressive specs on paper. If you want the highest possible DPI or the lightest weight, consider other options.
BenQ Zowie EC2-CW: Also consider
How I tested the BenQ Zowie EC2-CW
Tested for three months
Tested with top esports titles
Used daily for both work and gaming
I spent three whole months using the Zowie EC2-CW as my main mouse. This meant daily use for productivity tasks and internet browsing, plus a lot of gaming.
While I predominantly focused on PC esports FPS titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, I also played plenty of other games. This included lots of nefarious scheming in Evil Genius 2, a playthrough of The Caligula Effect: Overdose, some Team Fortress 2 with friends, and more. I made sure to test the mouse using its wireless receiver, in addition to its wireless dongle and a wired USB-C connection.
As a hardware writer at TechRadar covering gaming hardware, I have no shortage of hands-on experience with gaming peripherals. In addition to maintaining our guide to the best mice for CS:GO and CS2, I’m a dedicated FPS player with an almost embarrassing number of hours spent in all the latest and greatest titles.
Asus’ ROG Strix Scope II RX is nothing short of impressive. It’s the perfect culmination of clever design decisions and the latest precision switches, and is arguably one of the best-looking keyboards on the market right now. All the bells and whistles are there that you’d expect, and it doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to performance either, with impeccably accurate and rapid linear optical switches.
It’s not flawless, however. It lacks the 8,000 Hz hyperpolling that we’ve seen across a number of competing keyboards, even at this price point, and the fact that the majority of its configuration options are still tied to Asus’ Armory software is a detriment.
Don’t get us wrong, it works - you can tweak things there, but it’s very much a one-and-done experience. Armory still lacks the finer software polish of some of its rivals from the likes of Razer, Steelseries, Corsair, and Logitech. Despite this, it's still a truly stellar piece of hardware that is difficult not to recommend.
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Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX: Price & Availability
How much does it cost? $140 / £150 (around $210 AUD)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK and Australia
Asus’s ROG Strix Scope II RX comes in at just shy of $140 / £150 (around $210 AUD) at retail, although you can find it for less than that, particularly around Prime Day and Black Friday. The cheapest we’ve seen so far is around $110 in the US. In the UK it typically hovers around the £150 mark or so.
That’s a pretty sweet investment for what you’re getting. There are very few keyboards that match it on price, spec-for-spec, with NZXT’s Function 2 and Razer’s Huntsman V2 and V2 Analog being the only boards that come to mind.
Corsair has its K70 RGB Pro as well, priced similarly, which does feature some more advanced hyperpolling features, but it lacks optical switches, giving the ASUS Rog Strix Scope II RX a significant edge in that arena.
Value: 4.5
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Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX: Design
Incredible aesthetic style
Full-sized keyboard
Sound-dampened optical switches
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX is something else. This is one clean-looking board. Composed of a mix of sandblasted aluminum and plastics, the overall design is stunning. Each key switch is an optical RX linear variant of Asus’ own design, complete with a square-mount design, central RGB LEDs, and an incredible amount of sound dampening thrown in the mix.
It’s those RX switches that are the real stars of the show though. With a 1ms response, and a 100 million key switch life cycle, the top-line stats are impressive enough, but the stability provided is second to none. These are clean, quiet, and incredibly reactive to your touch. In use, it’s unlike anything we’ve tested to date. That’s no doubt thanks to Asus pre-lubing each and every switch on the board. Combine that with the in-built sound-dampening foam as well, and you’re very quickly on to a winning combo here.
Each switch itself has a transparent housing, with a small red accented scissor mechanism inside. The RGB LED sits in the middle, giving it a very unique look. When in use, and set to white, there’s a fleck of red that sparks out at you, providing a very unique look to the overall feel of the board.
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Outside of the switches, there’s an integrated media scroll wheel, along with a dedicated “multi-function” button as well, that swaps the scroll wheel’s control between the different modes. You can control volume, media playback, keyboard brightness, and a third option configurable in Asus’ Armoury software. All of which are clearly highlighted in the small LED illumination above the arrow keys. There’s a number of function keys built into the board as well. Although they’re not exactly out of the ordinary.
All the keycaps are PBT double-shot by design, and Asus also includes an additional ROG-style spacebar for you to swap out instead (if you don’t like the stock standard one). Connectivity is handled by a single USB C to USB A cable, and there’s multi-point adjustable feet in the back of the board, to help elevate the unit as well, if you need to.
Design: 4.5
Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX: Performance
USB connection only
Incredibly smooth RX switches
Hamstrung by software
We’ve already waxed lyrical about just how good these switches are to use. The RX switches come pre-lubed, and feature an impressive 1ms response time as well. Asus is keeping fairly tight-lipped on all the details here, but they feel about as easy to actuate as a Cherry MX Red, but far quicker on the press. Travel distance seems to be somewhat shallower too, similar to a low-profile switch, but with far less tactile response.
Stability is impressive, and the sound-dampening removes practically every errant ping or mechanical sound you’d otherwise expect to hear. We’re using the RX Linear variant here, so there’s far less audible feedback than with the Tactile version, but there’s still that tell-tale feedback you’d expect to hear if you bottom the key switch out, however, it’s a far softer, far more muted affair than what you’d see from some other competing boards on the market.
For the price, this board is stunning - and it easily keeps up with and often surpasses the likes of Corsair’s K70 and K100 boards, even giving Razer’s excellent Huntsman V2 a run for its money. Just bear in mind that it's not wireless, so you'll need a free USB port to connect it.
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The one area that does let it down somewhat however is software configuration. Armory Crate is just incredibly clunky to use. Even a basic install or update takes far too long to get on your machine, never mind navigating to the keyboard options in the app itself. It’s incredibly tedious, and a bit of a shame, particularly given how smooth Asus's own AI Suite is by comparison.
Combine that with the constant barrage of Asus Wallpaper, and login requests to access all the features, and it’s considerably off-putting as an end user. That said, although less sophisticated than its rivals, it’s still plenty usable. With lighting, multi-wheel control, and macros all easily configurable once you’re in the right place, and once you’re done with your initial setup, you can close down the program and head on out of there. There are no hardcore device settings or game-by-game auto-switching profiles to think about (although Asus does include up to 6 profile configurations if you include the default one).
Performance: 4
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Should You Buy the Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX?
Buy it if...
You want an incredible typing and gaming experience The RX linear switches are phenomenal. Combine them with an impressive sound-dampening design and you’re on to a winning combo.
You love that ROG design language The ROG Strix Scope II’s aesthetic is nothing short of awesome. The mix of metals, plastic, and impeccable RGB lighting really makes it stand out from the crowd.
Don't buy it if...
You need wireless connectivity The ROG Strix Scope II RX features USB wired connectivity only. If you need Bluetooth or Wireless you’re better off looking elsewhere.
You want a TKL-style board The Scope II RX is a full-size board only, although Asus does have a similar Scope II 96 wireless that’s a touch smaller - though without those RX switches.
You need 8,000 Hz Hyperpolling Unfortunately, the Strix Scope II is limited to the standard 1,000 Hz hyperpolling. So if you’re a serious competitive gamer, this might not be the board for you.
Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX: Also consider
If our Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX review has you looking for other options, here are two more keyboards to consider...
How I tested the Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX
I used the Asus ROG Strix Scope II RX for several days, replacing my usual at-home desktop keyboards (and now I'm a bit reluctant to let it go). I used it for everything I would normally do: typing documents and responding to emails, with some gaming sprinkled in there to get the full experience.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
Gigabyte has earned a stellar reputation for providing quality gaming monitors at an extremely approachable price like the M32UC and the Gigabyte GS32QC continues that tradition.
At $239/£251.99/AU$334.40, potential buyers will get a solid 31.5-inch display that also provides a curved 1440p screen resolution and 165Hz refresh rate. Expect a 1ms response time alongside the ability to overclock the display to 170 Hz for more in-game performance.
Beyond that, its price point also provides display features ranging from covering 109% of the sRGB color space to AMD Freesync Premium. There are even HDR capabilities, though there will be some serious settings maneuvering to get color accuracy just right, as the monitor's default settings are really flat.
Through its price point, there are some obvious sacrifices. This includes a design that prevents posability of the monitor; especially for those who need a specific viewing angle. Then there are other missing things like a lack of internal speakers and USB connectivity. Again, at this price point, those issues are excusable. That doesn’t mean that the gaming monitor is a no-frills package. It’s quite far from it.
The GS32QC does have some significant extras that’ll impress game enthusiasts outside of performance. Extras like crosshair overlay and aim stabilizer are satisfying, but on the other hand, Black Equalizer does more harm to image quality than good.
HDR image quality is flat-out horrible by default but can look somewhat decent if some color correction settings are changed. Alongside PC gamers, multi-console gamers have a few HDMI ports for good measure outside the singular DisplayPort. Thankfully, SDR image quality is good for this price.
Gamers on a sub $300 budget in need of a 32-inch 1440p display with a high refresh rate and extra gaming-centric features should look no further. The Gigabyte GS32QC does enough magic to compete with some of the best gaming monitors that sell for twice its price. Just be mindful of the caveats as one manages expectations.
Gigabyte GS32QC: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The Gigabyte GS32QC is priced at $239 (£279.99, AU$469) and is available now. Potential buyers in the U.S., UK, and AU can purchase the gaming monitor through Gigabyte’s purchasing portal, which will take you to various retailers in your region that sell the monitor where you are.
For a 31.5-inch gaming monitor with a 170 Hz max refresh rate, there aren’t a lot of rivals in its class, but if the $239 is too much, users can get the 32-inch AOC C32G2 1080p monitor that has a similar refresh rate and can be purchased for $209. Though it doesn’t have any HDR capabilities, it has better posability. Another good alternative is the 27-inch Monoprice Dark Matter 27, which you can get for just over $200.
Value 4.5 / 5
Gigabyte GS32QC: Specs
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Gigabyte GS32QC: Design
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Setting up for the Gigabyte GS32QC is pretty easy. Considering it’s also around 13 lbs, maneuverability makes the process even simpler. All users have to do is connect the stand to the neck via pre-installed screws and both to the monitor rear. The simplicity of putting the GS32QC together relates to the generally boring all-black plastic design. Don’t expect any aggressive angles or RGB lighting. This gaming monitor is meant solely for functionality. That also lends to the inputs located on the back panel.
On the right near the neck is the power port that thankfully doesn’t require a battery pack. On the far opposite side to the right are two HDMI ports, a sole DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is perfect for PC gamers who own multiple consoles as well. Considering the price, it makes sense for extras such as external speakers and USB hubs to be absent. Just understand that this is a true plug-and-play machine. One of the most significant design flaws is the fact that the GS32QC can only tilt up and down. This means there isn't any height or tilting to the side.
A small nub at the bottom of the lower bezel serves as the power button in addition to in-display controls. Holding the nub for several seconds will turn the monitor off and on. Making color changes, changing inputs, and adding crosshair overlays among others are done by clicking in the nub and going from there.
Design 3.5 / 5
Gigabyte GS32QC: Features
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Though it would have been nice to have G-Sync compatibility, the Gigabyte GS32QC does offer FreeSync Premium which is compatible with the best graphics cards from Nvidia anyway. Considering the gaming monitor is geared toward enthusiasts and more esports gamers, it's a respectable variable refresh rate solution to be offered at this price.
It doesn’t hurt that the display is HDR-compatible, too, though making changes or using features through the OSD menu controlling nub can be a bit cumbersome; especially when in the middle of a game. Having OSD software in Windows that can streamline whatever personal touches or changes need to be made is a better way to go.
The GS32QC does have three main game assist functions that will help gamers gain an advantage. The most obvious are the handful of crosshair overlays which work fine when playing games of Call of Duty, Fortnite, and other first-or-third-person shooters.
Then there’s the aim assist that reduces motion blur in speedier games like F1 2023. Be mindful that it won’t work if the refresh rate is below 100Hz and if FreeSync is activated. One way to avoid using aim assists altogether is by turning in-game motion blur off.
Finally, there is an on-screen timer which works wonders for speed runners.
Features 3.5 / 5
Gigabyte GS32QC: Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Taking a gaming-first approach, the Gigabyte GS32QC leans more on technical performance than overall image quality. PC gaming rigs that are powerful enough to reach high frame rates in games like Doom Eternal, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Fortnite, and the like will run fine on the gaming monitor.
Don’t expect any lag or legacy issues even when FreeSync is turned on. Games run fine and having assists like crosshair overlays helps with hitting targets in shooters. Anyone with a budget rig between 1080p and 1440p native resolutions should find the GS32QC a nice buttery smooth start.
General SDR image quality is more than solid for this type of budget gaming monitor. Contrast is fantastic at 3500:1 and the monitor makes the most of its 300 cd/m2 brightness.
Colors are bold and crisp while blacks are deep. Visuals pop appropriately when playing more visually arresting games like Alan Wake II. One thing users might want to avoid though is using the Black Equalizer, which causes more harm than good when it comes to image quality. However, it won’t matter much for those who are more concerned with winning than image quality anyway.
The biggest thing that holds back the Gigabyte GS32QC is the HDR. Toggling HDR in Windows monitor settings lends a flat and drab image. The only way to slightly fix that is through GPU color settings.
Using creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere, color correction was pretty much impossible. This means that creatively-minded gamers are probably going to either stick to SDR settings or look elsewhere completely.
Having a curved VA monitor does create issues with direct lighting sources like lamps and sunlight nearby since this causes glaring issues that aren’t necessarily an issue when playing in a dark to dimly lit area.
Performance 4 / 5
Should you buy the Gigabyte GS32QC?
Buy the Gigabyte GS32QC if..
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How I tested the Gigabyte GS32QC:
My two weeks with the Gigabyte GS32QC were split between business and pleasure. During the day, the monitor was used during general tasks including Google Docs, Asana, and Adobe Suite.
Adobe Suite software including Photoshop and Premiere Pro were used to look into color correction and to test image quality. To test video capabilities, various YouTube videos were played to get a play of image quality as well. As a way to test streaming and input capabilities, various picture-in-picture modes as well.
I played competitive games to test out the performance of the monitor, including Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. To test image quality, I played Hogwarts Legacy and Alan Wake II, among other titles. Tests for general tasks and gaming were done in both SDR and HDR modes.
I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well, so I know a good monitor when I see one.
Gigabyte has consistently been making gaming monitors primarily focused on the budget PC Gaming experience and the GS34WQC successfully leans into the ultrawide tier. The 34-inch 1440p display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate in addition to the ability to overclock to 135Hz. Performance aside, SDR image quality is quite stunning and looks great.
Then there’s an incredibly reasonable feature set that comes with various gaming assists such as crosshair overlay. Though there’s a nub to make various in-display settings changes, the GS34WQC can also be personalized through the OSD Sidekick app. For variable refresh rate solutions, the monitor comes packed with AMD FreeSync Premium to combat potential screen tearing.
For $329(£388, AU $549), this gaming monitor makes more than enough sense for PC gamers who want an ultrawide display that won’t break the bank. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be any sacrifices to pack all of this into that price point.
One of the most glaring issues is its HDR implementation. Even with changing settings through software or in-display, image quality is only going to look slightly average. To be honest, it’s best to avoid HDR on the GS34WQC altogether. Then there are some design problems that come in the general aesthetic alongside set-up.
Like other modern Gigabyte gaming monitors, some assists like Black Equilizer and Aim Stabilizer do more to hurt overall image quality than help in any way. PC gamers looking for more extras like speakers and USB capabilities are going to be a bit disappointed. Anyone with a solid 1440p rig looking to play games in the 120 frame rate range may walk away satisfied; more so if they also have PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The Gigabyte GS34WQC offers a quality PC gaming experience at the cost of things that individuals in the price range probably won’t care about.
Gigabyte GS34WQC: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Available now in U.S. UK and AU territories, the Gigabyte GS34WQC retails for around $329(£388, AU $549) depending on where one shops. Though available on Amazon, the gaming monitor can be grabbed at various stories depending on where one resides. In the U.S., the monitor can be purchased at Best Buy, UK residents can find it at Currys and Australian citizens can find it at MSY.
Considering the price, the GS34WQC is one of the most affordable 34 inch ultrawide gaming monitors available. RIght now on Newegg, the monitor can be purchased on sale for $289 which adds even more to its value. Users looking for a bit more extras can pay around $10 bucks more for the Dell 34 Curved Gaming Monitor that also comes with a healthy selection of USB ports. Meanwhile, the significantly more expensive AOC CU34G2X at $450 provides better HDR capabilities in addition to USB ports.
Value: 4 / 5
Gigabyte GS34WQC: Specs
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Gigabyte GS34WQC Design
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Like other Gigabyte gaming monitors, don’t expect the GS34WQC to do much in the looks department. The all-black matted material feels more acceptable in a classroom or library than next to an RGB desktop. Again, the GS34WQC is more about function than everything else.
When it comes to maneuverability out of the box, the 18 lbs gaming monitor doesn’t feel unwieldy. Set-up is where some of the problems with the design began to show up. A singular attached screen connects the stand to the neck. However, those who don’t read the monitor may run into some issues in the next steps.
The four screws already come taped to the neck that connects to the display. Be careful not to remove the tape without catching them because they will fall and can potentially get lost. Even more so, the packaging doesn’t come with a small screwdriver so users are responsible for securing the display themselves. Both height and tilt can be adjusted on the gaming monitor too.
There are a handful of ports available to get started including one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, 3.5mm headphone, and power jack. Power goes directly through the display so users won’t have to worry about a larger powerbrick. The port selection is respectable and will definitely satisfy gamers with at least two consoles. Switching between inputs is pretty easy through the nub as well. Considering the low price for this ultrawide gaming monitor, this is good enough for a multiplatform gaming set-up alongside a gaming PC rig.
Gamers who want extras like external speakers and USB hubs for connectivity are going to have to look elsewhere. Considering the max refresh rate output is 120Hz and 135Hz when overclocked, this is for lower-powered 1440p gaming rigs.
Design 3.5 / 5
Gigabyte GS34WQC: Features
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The Gigabyte GS34WQC isn’t necessarily feature-rich but does have a handful of tools to improve a user’s gaming experience. When it comes to variable refresh rate solutions, having AMD FreeSync is a great addition; even for users who have Nvidia GPUs. Then there is HDR capability but we’ll explain why it's not very good in the next section.
Those who don’t want to fiddle with the nub for settings outside of input can definitely give the OSD Sidekick app a shot. Though the app works well, it’s really a matter of preference in regards to usability. Users can make color changes in SDR and other display options but it’s also for toggling various game assists.
Three primary gaming assistance features are designed to provide gamers with a competitive edge on the GS32QC. Foremost among these are the various crosshair overlays, seamlessly enhancing gameplay in titles like Call of Duty and Helldivers 2, as well as other first or third-person shooters.
Additionally, there's the aim assist, effectively reducing motion blur in fast-paced games, though it's important to note its inoperability if the refresh rate falls below 100Hz or FreeSync is activated. To circumvent the need for aim assists entirely, players can opt to disable in-game motion blur. Finally, there's the on-screen timer, a boon for speedrunners seeking to optimize their performance.
Features 3.5 / 5
Gigabyte GS34WQC: Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
PC gamers with lower-to-mid-range rigs should feel more at home with the Gigabyte GS34WQC than more expensive gaming monitors. What the display does well is make good on its native 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Playing fast-paced online shooters like Helldivers 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was a blast in addition to running exceptionally well. Add AMD Freesync Premium into the mix, it’s clear that the GS34WQC can run with the big dogs at similar settings. As mentioned earlier, the monitor is suitable for multi-platform gamers as well considering both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can deliver a max frame-rate output of 120Hz.
When it comes to image quality, the GS34WQC is wonderful when running in SDR. Colors are bold and crisp with just the right amount of brightness. Blacks are deep and the contrast ratio looks pretty good. Just stay far away from the Black Equilizer which needs to be bumped down considerably. The game assists are supposed to make visuals clearer in darker spaces when playing a game but that can ruin emersion and can simply be fixed through in-game brightness settings. More visually arresting games like Alan Wake II and Cyberpunk 2077 look as well as they perform on the GS34WQC if one’s rig is up to snuff.
Just leave HDR completely alone on this gaming monitor. By default, HDR looks really washed out and flat. The monitor loses a lot of the colorfulness and lushness that SDR provides. Blacks look a bit too bright as well. Even when tinkering with settings, it's hard to get color accuracy. With that said creatives who use Adobe suite software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro might want to leave HDR alone when using the GS34WQC. It’s simply not good for gaming, creative work, or general computing tasks.
Performance: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Gigabyte GS34WQC?
Buy the Gigabyte GS34WQC if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also Consider
How I tested the Gigabyte GS34WQC
During the day, I used the Gigabyte GS34WQC for general computing tasks that revolved around using sites including Google Docs, Hootsuite, and Asana. Now and then, I would have to create graphics and cut video clips as well. There were also times when I took a break to watch videos on YouTube alongside other social media platforms.
For gaming, I tested out the monitor's performance by playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer alongside the current popular game of the moment, Helldivers 2. To test out overall gaming image quality, Forza Motorsport (2023), Alan Wake II, and others were played. All games played were tested in both SDR and HDR modes, for good measure.
I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well, so I know a good monitor when I use one.
