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Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack review: earns its place

7:00 pm | January 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: PC, RTX | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: one-minute review

When I sent a picture of my Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack review unit to my editor, he called it a “ridiculous product”. He meant it flatteringly, of course - how could anyone not want a chunk of a fighter jet’s cockpit ripped out and placed on their desk? That’s exactly what’s on offer with the catchily titled Mission Pack (which sounds like Flight Sim DLC as opposed to a peripheral).

To get the important thing out of the way, though, there’s no stick included here. You can, of course, connect up any traditional flight stick, but for $549.99 / £449.99, it’s worth remembering you’ll still need one.

That plus the price tag puts this firmly in ‘enthusiast’ territory for many, and yet as soon as you take the hefty unit out of the box, it’s hard not to let out a small gasp at just how neat it is. From the switches, to the throttle and its assorted inputs, it only gets cooler when you plug it in and engage the backlights throughout.

There are a staggering 64 buttons included on this 1:1 model, and it’s possible to get even more out of it with some remapping. It’s in a nice spot where it’s approachable (as long as you can afford it) because you can plug it in and most games will recognize it almost instantly, but there’s the potential for some light tweaking with adjustable lights and friction that mean it can be as smooth as you’d like.

The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack won’t be for everyone, but if you’re in the target demographic, you’ll likely already have an order placed.

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: price and availability

List price: $529.99 / £449.99
Available worldwide
Very much in premium territory

The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack, as mentioned above, doesn’t come with a flight stick but it does come in three different configurations if you’d like to keep costs down.

The first is the throttle, which is available solus, while the second is just the control panel of switches and the like. Finally, you can get the complete version that we’re reviewing here, but if you already have a throttle and just want some switches, or vice versa, the option is there.

Still, there’s no getting around that price tag, but there are much more affordable options available for newer pilots - we’ll come to those shortly.

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: specs

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: design and features

Sturdy construction means it won’t move
Adjustable friction
Plenty of inputs

What struck me when removing the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack from its box was just how weighty it is. It’s not necessarily what I’d describe as heavy for heavy’s sake, but it’s got enough heft to it where you can tell it’s been made of materials that will last.

It arrives fully assembled, but with the option to adjust the friction. I found it a little too easy to push at first, and lacking in dramatic effect, but in order to engage afterburner or idle your in-game engine, you’ll need to lift the throttle over a sort of 'hard stop' which adds a fun mechanical feel. Once you then dial in the friction, it just feels right.

There’s even a 'slap button' which can trigger flares with your backhand, which is a nice touch, and then you have a whole bunch of buttons and knobs on the throttle handle. There’s comfortable, if overwhelming at first, and relative novices (that’s me) will likely not press them often, but we’ll come to mapping shortly.

For the panel, you get an adjustable green backlight once you plug it in (there’s a USB-C port at the front), and every switch has a satisfying click when engaged. Add to that the variety of knobs that are easy to turn but don’t get too close to the throttle, and there’s plenty of space for some quick maneuvers.

I also really like the landing gear switch, which you can’t accidentally nudge because it has to be lifted before it can be moved. When I started playing Elite Dangerous I was on Xbox, playing with a controller, fumbling with modifier buttons and all sorts to get my landing gear up. Having a bespoke switch now is a testament to how wide the gamut of flight sim control options are.

If the game you’re playing supports an eject button, you’ll find one of those, too - here’s hoping you never need it.

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: performance

Plug and play
Customizable elements
T.A.R.G.E.T software feels a little dated

Thrustmaster recommends using its T.A.R.G.E.T software, but I barely dabbled with it in my testing.

It’s a small install, but outside of using it to install drivers, I found the interface a little too dated to use for button remapping. Still, you can set up various premade layouts within it, mimicking the behaviour of real aircraft, if that’s your thing,

I’m more a space ace myself, so I was keen to test it at two ends of the spectrum: Star Wars Squadrons and Elite Dangerous.

The former was nice and easy, with the game instantly recognizing my stick as one input, and the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack as a secondary one. Within minutes I was chasing ‘Rebel scum’ in my TIE Fighter, locking on and looping the loop.

Elite Dangerous is a slower-paced space sim, but again it was easy enough to get going after switching my input method over in the settings. After a quick auto-launch procedure, I was out space trucking in comfort, safe in the knowledge I was able to react to any situation.

Naturally, sim-based games will have more use for many of the panel’s various switches and knobs. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dropped during testing, and I found much more use for the array of inputs there than I did in more sci-fi settings.

Should you buy the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack?

Buy it if...

You want to take your flight sim setup to new heights
This is as close as you can get to flying a real aircraft at your desk, and could elevate your entire setup.View Deal

You’re happy to get your hands dirty
With customizable friction and lighting, as well as extensive button mapping.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want a flight stick
The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack is additive, but you’ll still need a stick.View Deal

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.

Turtle Beach VelocityOne
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne is a much more affordable stick, which might make it an ideal companion to the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack.

It has plenty of buttons and a nice OLED screen for data, while also offering a comfortable flight experience. We’d have liked it to be slightly heavier, though, so it’s less likely to move across a desk.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach VelocityOne reviewView Deal

Logitech T Flight Hotas One
Looking to get a throttle and stick combo that’s built for beginners? This option has a comfortable stick and detachable throttle.

It’s not as weighty, but it is a fantastic beginner product thanks to its competitive price and the ability to use it on PC and Xbox consoles.

For more information, check out our full T Flight Hotas One reviewView Deal

How I tested the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack

Tested over multiple weeks
Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070Ti
Tested using Elite Dangerous, Star Wars Squadrons and Microsoft Flight Simulator

I’ve been using the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack for a couple of weeks now, switching between multiple titles.

While I enjoyed using it for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, I primarily tested it using Elite Dangerous, an expansive space sim, and Star Wars Squadrons for testing tight turns and dogfighting, as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator for longer, more realistic flying sessions.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: One-minute review

Look, it’s hard to make one of the best racing wheels at an affordable cost. Compromises have to be made in order to hit a lower price point, and there are no good options when it comes to what to jettison.

In the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex, Hori has managed to retain decent build quality and even an impressive wireless function that far pricier wheels don’t feature, but after a few hours of use it’s clear that this is a Pyrrhic victory - the driving experience makes you miss the features it’s gone without.

Specifically: a longer brake pedal actuation, a sturdier pedal base that stays in place, and - although it’s a stretch at the price - force feedback. With these elements missing, the fundamental fun and increased precision you gain from inputting via a wheel is unfortunately offset by too much fiddling and repositioning with the pedals, and an unsatisfying on/off feel to braking.

Of course, that’s the sim racer in me talking, with an awareness of how far more expensive direct drive setups feel in the best racing games. If you put this wheel in the hands of a younger gamer whose curiosity for racing might not warrant sinking two grand on a Fanatec direct-drive rig quite yet, they’ll likely just appreciate the pros and won’t miss the cons too much.

The same goes for casual players whose appetite for racing is infrequent and who just want to try a different style of controlling their vehicles in game. Ultimately, then? The Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex's quality hinges entirely on the use case, and the audience. Just know that there are dramatically better options out there for only a small amount of extra cash.

The side profile of the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex.

(Image credit: Future)

HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Price and availability

List price: $119.99 / £159.99 / around AU$319
As budget-friendly as you’ll find for a racing wheel
Logitech’s G29 is only £40 more now in UK, and offers force feedback

You can’t fault Hori’s ability to achieve a really attractive entry-level price point – in fact, you’ll struggle to find a cheaper model from a reputable brand. This pricing alone makes the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex worth considering.

It’s up against dominating competition from an old stalwart, the Logitech G29, in the UK which is now going for £199 and offers force feedback, superior build qualit,y and functionality. In the US, where the G29 still costs $299, the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex seems a lot more reasonable.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Specs

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Design and features

Smart appearance
Ergonomic layout
Flawed pedal design

You’ll find even less metal here than at the Teen Choice Awards, but this wheel’s finish and aesthetic do a lot to flatter the plastic construction materials. This being a PlayStation wheel officially licensed by Sony, you’ll find all the buttons from a DualSense Wireless Controller mapped around the centre of the wheel in a sensible ergonomic layout. Behind them are two plastic paddle shifters, and above the central PlayStation logo are a couple of toggle switches for PS4 / PS5 / PC compatibility.

It’s an attractive peripheral for the price, and the chromed plastic on the lower half does a lot to elevate the look. The gold centre band is a useful touch that adds some motorsport cred to the design, and all the face buttons feel really nice to press – perhaps owing to Hori’s chops in the fight stick market.

I also appreciated the rubberized grips, which added a lot to the feel during a race and kept my hands exactly where I needed them, even in sweatier sessions.

The button layout of the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex. — (Image credit: Future)

Down at your feet though, the design fares less well. There’s no hiding how plasticky that throttle and brake are, nor how insubstantial they feel to operate.

A lot of this comes down to the design. The base just isn’t big enough to distribute your stamping force across a wide enough surface area to prevent the pedals from shifting or twisting under your feet. Even if you push the unit right up against a wall so it can’t move backwards, you still feel a twist if you brake hard. There’s not much that can be done about this - there are no mounting holes for a racing seat, and the rubber stays aren’t sticky enough to keep it in place on carpets or hard floors.

Time for the ace up the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex’s sleeve, though: wireless operation. Alright, not totally wireless - you still need to connect the wheel to the pedals, via an old-school modem-like input (like the ones Thrustmaster and Fanatec use in bases). But from wheel to console or PC, it’s cable-free.

Up to 10 hours of battery life is promised on the spec sheet, and pairing it to the USB-A dongle is a simple procedure. It’s a genuinely impressive addition, although you can’t help but wonder if the overall experience might have benefitted from that expense being spent on the driving feel instead.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Performance

Functional but basic
Limited steering angle and brake actuation
Centering spring hampers car feel

There are two ways to appraise this wheel. Given that it’s aimed squarely at the beginner end of the market, the first is to simply weigh up the merits of using a wheel input versus a controller – the increased precision offered, the way you can catch those spins quicker and correct them more easily. The advantage of holding a consistent steering angle through a corner is something that’s much trickier when you’re trying to be precise with a tiny analog stick. It won’t make you faster straight away, but in the long run, you’re always going to feel the benefits of a wheel peripheral over a pad.

The second approach – and this is where Hori is sweating – is to evaluate this wheel against similarly priced competitors. And that’s where it struggles to make a compelling argument.

Here are the elements that hamper your performance: firstly, the brake pedal. In addition to the issues with keeping the pedal base in place, the brake pedal itself has a tiny amount of actuation, and that creates the sensation that you’re pressing the brake button, rather than applying progressive pressure to the brakes. In other words, it negates the benefits of braking using a pedal instead of a trigger on a pad.

It’s not all bad, though. To the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex’s credit, there’s a decent amount of resistance to the spring on the brake, slightly more than on the throttle, which feels just about resistant enough. And which, crucially, has just about enough travel.

The pedals of the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex. — (Image credit: Future)

Next performance-limiting issue: the centering spring strength of the wheel. This is not a force feedback peripheral, so there’s no tarmac rumble, no dynamic resistance to turn-in, and no steering wheel snaps when your back end hits traction loss and steps out. That’s fair enough. This is a budget wheel, and implementing both the hardware and the software compatibility for force feedback aren’t cheap.

So in its place is a simple spring which brings the wheel back to its centre point when you’re not exerting steering inputs to the left or right. The amount of tension when you’re moving the wheel from centre to a degree of rotation feels fine, and likewise when you’re moving it back from that rotated position. But as it hits the centre point, the wheel snaps into position so aggressively that it affects a car’s stability in-game.

There’s also the 270-degree rotation range to consider. It’s enough angle to enjoy the feeling of sending a car through a corner in most scenarios, but it’s quite limited by the standards set by its peers and situations will crop up where you’ll wish for more angle. Taking the hairpin at Monaco in F1 24, for example, or trying to park in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Many wheels offer up to 900 degrees, and truthfully I’ve sometimes felt like I could get away with much less until I used this Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex.

And that leads to the final point about this wheel. It’s not to be knocked or ruled out of contention, because the build quality and features are decent for the price. But that caveat is crucially important. It’s the only context in which such a wheel makes sense.

And that means you should consider if this wheel is going to satisfy your needs in the long run, or whether you’ll probably end up buying a more expensive upgrade later down the line that adds in the features you’ll miss here.

Should I buy the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex?

The complete Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex setup. — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re new to racing peripherals
The pricing and feature set are aimed squarely at the entry level of the market, making the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex a low-cost way to see if wheel peripherals are for you.

You’re buying for a younger gamer
The smaller size of the pedals and wheel would suit a junior racer who’s newer to the genre.

You’re not going to upgrade later
Spending slightly more could unlock access to wheels with force feedback, more rotation, better pedals and sturdier construction, so be sure that this is all you’re going to need.

Don't buy it if...

You're an Xbox racer
The Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex is PS5, PS4, and PC-compatible, so if you want a Forza rig you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You want force feedback
You get a lot more information from a force feedback wheel which helps you to improve as a racer in the long run.

You’ve got a heavy foot
The small pedal base, plastic construction and limited brake actuation aren’t ideal for heavy brake or throttle inputs.

Also consider...

If the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex doesn’t meet your need (for speed), these similarly priced rivals are worth a look.

Thrustmaster T248
A decent all-rounder with sturdy build quality, gratifying magnetic shifter paddles and a lot of torque generated by a dual-motor force feedback servo.

For more information, check out our full Thrustmaster T248 review

Logitech G920
The elder statesman of racing wheels remains as dependable and feature-complete as ever, even if its position in the Logi G hierarchy is confusing following the G923’s arrival.

For more information, check out our full Logitech G920 review

How I tested the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex

One week of regular use during testing
Tested with PC and PS5
Racing sims and arcade titles tried

Since the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex's pedal base can’t be mounted to a sim racing rig, my Playseat gathered dust for a week while I clamped this wireless rig to my desk and put in the hours with Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and The Crew Motorfest.

I’ve been testing wheels since the early 2010s when the Logitech G27 sat resplendent on the sim racing throne, and in the intervening year,s I’ve taken hairpins and sent many a purple sector with high-end direct drive models and budget offerings alike.

As a point of comparison, I dug out Thrustmaster’s similarly priced T128 wheel for a feature, build quality and driving feel reference, setting aside my usual Thrustmaster T-GT II belt-driven wheel (and the sim rig it’s attached to) for a while

HTC Vive Focus Vision: two-minute review

As a professional device I can see the appeal of the Vive Focus Vision. The simultaneously standalone and high-end PCVR headset offers a versatility its rivals don’t – which will be well suited to the diverse needs of a work environment. Plus its easy-to-clean material, intuitive controls, and eye-tracking for automatic lens adjustments will benefit a use case in which different people (of different VR experience levels) will be jumping in and out of the headset’s experiences – and who may not have their own dedicated machine.

However, I’m not reviewing this headset as a professional device.

Instead, I’m tasked with looking at whether it stands up as a consumer headset, and whether it does enough to justify its $999 / £999 price tag and convince people to buy it over the Meta Quest 3 (or Quest 3S, or a non-Meta alternative). TL;DR, I don’t think Vive makes a compelling enough case.

The two main options for VR headsets are PCVR headsets (those which connect to a PC and serve as effectively a wearable display, as the processing is done by a computer) or standalone headsets (which are all-in-one units with displays and their own processing power). Most standalone headsets can also be used for PCVR, but with typically less impressive displays they aren't as good for this purpose as proper PCVR headsets.

With its effective 5K display resolution and DisplayPort compatibly via the Wired Streaming Kit (which facilitates improved data transfer rates for higher image quality) the Vive Focus Vision attempts to market itself as a full-on hybrid of the two VR headset types. Unfortuantely, it also has several flaws that are impossible to ignore, and which mean it's neither an excellent standalone or PCVR headset, or even an excellent hybrid.

I’ll get into the problems in more detail in this review, but briefly, the headset isn’t the comfiest, boasts outdated specs which feels a little odd for a 2024 flagship, and (most importantly) doesn’t have a software catalogue that comes close to rivalling that of the Meta Quest. And fundamentally, what’s the point in paying more for a headset that (for consumers) does less than a cheaper alternative?

I was supremely excited to try the Vive Focus Vision because of the jack-of-all trades approach it promised, but unfortunately it has simply proven itself a master of none.

HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Price and availability

Headset costs $999 / £999
Available since October 2024
Look out for deals which including the excellent Streaming Kit for free

The HTC Vive Focus Vision launched on 18 October 2024 and is available to buy now. You can pick up the Vive Focus Vision headset on its own for $999 / £999, with the Wired Streaming Kit coming in at an additional $149 / £159.

The headset comes with a battery, straps, controllers, 30W power adapter and charging cable and a lens-cleaning cloth as standard, while the Streaming Kit adds a DisplayPort-compatible cable and converter.

That Streaming Kit is a massive benefit for PCVR, so unless you need the headset immediately or don't mind paying extra, I’d recommend waiting for a deal which bundles the two together for no extra cost. We’ve seen this deal before, so it’s likely to return; stay patient and keep an eye out for it if you want to save a not-insignificant amount.

Value score: 3/5

HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Specs

HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Design

Rechargeable battery is a nice touch
Heavier than Quest 3
Not comfortable for long sessions

Out of the gate the Vive Focus Vision makes some excellent design choices. The adjustable plastic strap ensures the headset maintains a stable position on your head, its removable battery allows you to easily swap in a new one if you want to extend your play sessions without waiting for a recharge, and the padding is an easy-to-clean PU leather material which makes this device perfect for sharing with friends or family – or working out in VR.

Beyond this, the Vive Focus Vision boasts a decidedly standard design, rather than following the more interesting headset/glasses transforming setup of the Vive XR Elite. This in and of itself is nothing to complain about, but despite chasing a more typical build, the Vive Focus Vision makes a few disappointing mistakes.

The Vive Focus Vision strap with battery inserted — (Image credit: Future)

At 785g the headset is heavier than the Quest 3 (515g), but lighter than PCVR headsets such as the Valve Index (810g) and Pimax Crystal Light (815g). That extra weight vs the Quest is noticeable, and while the issue could have been mitigated with a well-balanced weight distribution and sufficiently padded cushions, the Focus Vision ultimately doesn’t do a good enough job in these regards.

While it does well with the former by moving the battery to the back of the strap, so it serves as a counterbalance to the display unit sitting on your face, the padding isn’t sufficient. The pad on the back of the head strap feels paper-thin – providing effectively zero cushioning from the solid battery housed inside – and it simply isn’t comfy for extended periods of time (I’m talking 15 minutes or more).

The other issue is the fresnel lens choice. Fresnel lenses are bulkier than their increasingly popular pancake lens rivals, leading to a thicker front box on your face. What's more, fresnel lenses cause visual distortion at the fringes of the lens. This means you need to physically turn to see virtual objects at your periphery, rather than simply moving your eyes like you would in real life, which can be immersion-breaking.

The Vive Focus Vision from the side — (Image credit: Future)

I’m also not a fan of the controllers. While they’re fundamentally very similar to those on basically all other modern VR handsets (with regards to the button placements) they felt unnecessarily chunky and the long handle always felt kinda clunky next to the streamlined Meta Quest 3 or Pico 4S controllers.

Design score: 3/5

HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Performance

Last gen chipset is disappointing
DisplayPort is a major upgrade...
...but comes at an added cost

For PCVR, the Vive Focus Vision’s DisplayPort compatibility via its Streaming kit was something I was excited to experience. This more direct connection with your PC’s graphics card allows for higher frame rates and resolutions, because you’re not as restricted as you might be via a typical HDMI- or USB-C-to-USB-C connection.

It was also very simple to set up by simply following the Vive Hub app’s instructions – so don’t be put off by the various connector cables in the box, it will all make perfect sense when you do it.

The end result is a PCVR experience that takes full-advantage of the roughly 5K combined resolution of the 2,448 x 2,448 pixel-per-eye displays. It's noticeably better overall than any other standalone headsets I’ve relied on previously, including the Meta Quest 3 – which not only lacks DisplayPort compatibility, but which only boasts two 2064 x 2208 pixel-per-eye displays. The only downside of this tool is it is an added expense at $149 / £159, which is a significant additional cost on an already pricey headset. Although as I say above, you can sometimes find it bundled with the headset for free.

It’s worth noting, too, that the PCVR experience will be determined by your PC’s specs. With aged hardware, the DisplayPort upgrade won’t seem as significant as it will for someone running an Nvidia RTX 40-series GPU.

Unfortunately I don't have as many positives to levy at the headset’s standalone performance. That’s because the Vive Focus Vision relies on the now years-old Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 1 chipset – the previous model of the chipset found in the Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Pico 4 Ultra, to name a few.

The Vive Focus Vision wired streaming kit — The wired streaming kit (Image credit: Future)

Seeing this in the specs sheet was a massive surprise, so much so that when I first wrote about the Focus Vision I unconsiously added a “Gen 2” at the end because I was so used to only seeing the most recent model in new headsets.

This is a major disappointment, as it means the standalone apps don’t look as visually impressive as they would on rival VR headsets – which is a shame, because while even the XR 2 Gen 2 wouldn’t be able to take full advantage of the Focus Vision’s screens, it would at least do a better job than its Gen 1 sibling.

While I understand the Vive Focus Vision does boast some other enhancements – more on that in a second – it's borderline inexcusable for a 2024 standalone headset with a price of $999 / £999 to not have the most recent XR2 chipset.

At least the Vive Focus Vision boasts a few neat extras, including eye-tracking – which facilitates automatic IPD adjustments, and eye-tracking support in compatible games – and full-color mixed reality.

On that topic, the mixed reality is in a word: fine. It’s neither noticeably worse nor better than what’s offered by a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, which is to say it’s definitely not life-like, but it's believable enough when you’re distracted by engaging with virtual objects.

Lastly, I’ll add here that the Vive Focus Vision is compatible with optional additional facial and external trackers for full-body rigging to bring a virtual avatar’s face and body to life. I haven’t tested this feature, but it is an option you’ll be able to take advantage of in apps like VRChat if you want to.

Performance score: 3/5

HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Software

Full access to Vive and Steam VR software on PC
Standalone software library is disappointing
Clean operating system

For PCVR the Vive Focus Vision should be able to facilitate the vast majority of experiences given its feature set, with the deciding factor being your PC’s specs – though this is true of most PC-compatible VR headsets.

Where this VR headset shows its weaknesses is when it comes to standalone software. The titles it offers are fine – you’ll find a few delightful options across the full range of VR game and app genres – but it simply doesn’t compete with the biggest name in the space: Meta’s Horizon OS.

Two hands building a VR model train scene — Toy Trains VR was fun, but it's not an exclusive (Image credit: Something Random)

The Vive system, unfortunately, doesn’t have meaningful rivals to titles such as Batman: Arkham Shadow, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and so many more other found in Meta's store. Many of these are either only available on Quest headsets, or are on a few other VR devices but skip Vive’s.

This is a problem for every non-Meta headset, admittedly, but it immediately relegates devices such as the Vive Focus Vision to at best second-place – because it’s impossible to recommend a headset when you know a different VR device can offer a wider range of better experiences.

In the Focus Vision's case, it's in an even worse place – because even if it did have some solid Meta alternatives, the weaker specs would make it an inferior option for people after standalone XR excellence. Some modern titles might even be completely incompatible.

At least the Vive headset’s operating system is generally clean and as intuitive to navigate as other VR headsets I’ve tried.

Software score: 3/5

Should you buy the HTC Vive Focus Vision?

Buy it if

You want a hybrid
The Vive Focus Vision’s strength is as a headset for both PCVR or standalone VR experiences, rather than being a master of either.

You want to share the headset
Eye-tracking makes it easy to adjust the IPD settings, and the easy-to-clean materials make wiping this headset down a breeze – so it’s perfect as a headset that’s shared between people.

Don’t buy it if

You’re not getting the Streaming Kit
The DisplayPort connection compatibility afforded by the Wired Streaming Kit is easily the Vive Focus Vision’s best PCVR feature.

You want the best standalone headset
With outdated specs and a lackluster library of software, this isn’t the headset to buy if you want a premium standalone VR experience.

How I tested the Vive Focus Vision

I tested the Vive Focus Vision for a couple of weeks, using it to play a handful of standalone and PCVR apps across various play sessions. I also made sure to boot it up alongside my Meta Quest 3 (which I use frequently), so I could easily swap between the headsets to compare their abilities.

For my PCVR gameplay, I used a PC equipped with an Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti 16GB.

Chuwi LarkBox S mini PC review

5:02 pm | December 14, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: CPU, OS, PC, RAM | Comments: Off

Chuwi LarkBox S: 30-second review

Picking up the LarkBox S, you can instantly tell that it’s a little different from your standard entry-level mini PC. Firstly, the build quality of this small machine is extremely high, with a mix of plastic and metal used for the outer casing, which instantly positions it at a much higher price level than it actually is.

Looking over the casing, everything is nicely finished, with four rubber feet on the base, a good selection of ports on the front and back, and plenty of ventilation for the i3 processor. As a mini PC, its looks and specifications mark it out as a perfect option for most offices or day-to-day home use. Even on a generous day, this won't be the best mini PC for heavier workloads. With its basic entry-level Intel i3 processor, it has enough power to handle all Microsoft Office apps as well as a little bit of multimedia production, as long as you don’t push it too hard.

In use, the LarkBox S proves to be decent enough at running all office applications. Excel loads quickly, and handling large but not overly complex documents is not an issue. Likewise, opening Edge and browsing, with a bit of streaming highlights how well it can handle 4K video streaming without issue. Additionally, connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is fast enough to keep up with demands.

Surprisingly, for this level of machine, even loading up DaVinci Resolve and working with some standard H.265 footage from a Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV was manageable for basic edits. However, output render times were quite significant for a 10–15 minute edit. Then as effects or more complex edits are applied, the machine begins to struggle.

Returning to the design, there are a few interesting highlights, such as the discreet graphic design on the top case and the LED light array that surrounds the front ports. These features are more common with gaming mini PCs than office PCs but are a nice touch and add a sense of fun.

Overall, as an office machine or one to use for day-to-day admin tasks at home, the LarkBox S is an extremely good option. The build quality is well above that of most entry-level PCs, and the choice of the internal hardware is pretty decent for non-intensive applications.

Chuwi LarkBox S: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From £250 / $250
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Chuwi.com or Amazon.com

While the LarkBox S is directly aimed at the entry-level market, it isn’t the cheapest option available. This is reflected in the quality of the build as well as the higher-end components used. It retails for around $250 / £250 and is available directly through the CHUWI website or major online retailers such as Amazon.

Value: 4 / 5

Chuwi LarkBox S: Specs

CPU: Intel Core i3-1220P (10 Cores, 12 Threads, 12 MB cache, up to 4.4 GHz)
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (Dual-channel SO-DIMM Slots, Expandable up to 64GB)
Storage: 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD (1× M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD Slot, Expandable up to 1TB)
Rear Ports: 2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Ports, 2× USB 2.0 Type-A Ports, 1× HDMI 2.0 Port, 1× HDMI 1.4 Port, 1× 1000Mbps LAN Jack, 1× DC-In Jack
Front Ports: 1× Full-featured Type-C Port, 1× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Port, 1× 3.5mm Audio Jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1
Audio: 3.5mm Audio Jack
Camera: Not specified
Size: 118 × 118 × 41.3 mm
OS installed: Windows 11 Home
Accessories: 1× LarkBox S Mini PC, 1× VESA Mount, 6× Screws, 1× Power Adapter, 1× User Manual, 1× Warranty Card, 1× Inspection Report

Chuwi LarkBox S: Design

The LarkBox S is an entry-level mini PC, and its design style is both minimalistic and compact. Compared with other mini PCs, it is just a touch smaller at 118 × 118 × 41.3mm and weighs only 478 g. While most entry-level mini PCs are quite lightweight and plasticky, there’s absolutely nothing plastic-feeling about the LarkBox S.

The outer casing is made of a robust mixture of plastic and metal, giving it the durability to withstand the occasional knock during transport.

The satin effect finish is another really nice touch, reinforcing a slightly premium feel for what is essentially a relatively inexpensive machine. Similarly, the quality of the inlay around the ports, both front and back, shows that the machining and moulding are about as good as it gets for mini PCs.

While the design is stylish and understated, it’s interesting to note the inclusion of subtle inlay graphics on the top of the casing. These add a touch of design flair, visible only when the light catches them. Additionally, there’s an LED array on the front that changes colour as it operates. This is reminiscent of many gaming PCs but is more of a fun, decorative touch on what is otherwise aimed at office use which is a bit odd.

The general layout of the machine is well thought-out. On the front, there's a 3.5 mm audio jack, two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, and the power button. Both sides feature plenty of venting, as does the back, which houses the AC input, two HDMI ports, a LAN port, and two additional USB Type-A ports.

One of the standout features of this mini PC is the ability to upgrade both the RAM and SSD. For RAM, it uses DDR4 dual-channel SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to two 32 GB sticks, and it comes with 16 GB as standard. Storage-wise, as an entry-level machine, the hard drive is relatively modest at 512 GB. This is a PCIe 3.0 SSD, but if 512 GB feels too small, it can be upgraded with an M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD of up to 1 TB, so still not huge.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Chuwi LarkBox S: Features

Starting with the size, this small machine measures 118 x 118 x 41.3 mm, making it one of the smaller mini PCs out there, although it’s relatively heavy at 478 g, which just reinforces the fact that it is made of high-quality materials.

When it comes to the internal hardware, there's an Intel Core i3-1220P with 10 cores, 12 threads, 12 MB of cache, and up to 4.4 GHz. This is supported by standard Intel UHD graphics and 16 GB of DDR4 3200 MHz RAM. The motherboard is dual-channel, so if you want to upgrade that RAM, then you can install two 32 GB sticks as mentioned before, taking you up to 64 GB, which will be useful if you are thinking about doing any multimedia editing. When it comes to storage, this is limited to a 512 GB PCIe 3.0 SSD, and again there's only a single slot for this on the motherboard. You can install an M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, and that's expandable up to 1TB.

As an entry-level machine, it comes with Windows 11 Home installed, which will give you all of the normal functions and features. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, so it is not the latest technology, but it still offers good, solid performance. There is also an Ethernet option if you are using a wired network that supports up to 1000 Mbps.

When it comes to ports, you have one full-feature Type-C port, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, one HDMI 1.4 port, one 1000 Mbps LAN port, one 3.5 mm audio jack, and the DC-in.

Even as an entry level machine you can connect up to three displays through the two HDMI ports alongside one of the USB Type-C ports, which is the fully featured port. From the USB Type-C, you can run one 4K resolution monitor at up to 144 Hz. Through the HDMI 2.0 port, you can run one 4K monitor at up to 60 Hz, and through the HDMI 1.4 port, you can run a monitor at 4K up to 30 Hz.

As one final point on the feature set, as is now standard with most mini PCs, the computer also comes with VESA support, so if you do want to mount it on a wall or behind your monitor, then that is perfectly possible.

Features: 4 / 5

Chuwi LarkBox S: Performance

The design of the LarkBox S makes it extremely quick and easy to get started, with the ports on the back being easily accessible for plugging in the HDMI and the two USB Type-As to connect monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Pressing the power button boots up into Windows 11 Home, and you can run through the usual setup process, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

While the processor and GPU are relatively low-powered, they are more than sufficient to handle Windows 11 Home, providing a smooth experience from the outset, even when connected to a 4K monitor. Once Windows has finished the set-up, you can proceed to install the applications you need. For us, this included benchmarking software, a few games, Microsoft Office, and multimedia tools such as DaVinci Resolve for video editing and Adobe Photoshop for photography.

Starting with general admin use of the machine, it quickly becomes apparent that it has been finely tuned for day-to-day office use. The LarkBox S handles Microsoft Office and Microsoft Edge (or other browsers) well enough. One minor issue we did have was the LED light array at the front, which, while aesthetically pleasing, it can become a little distracting over time. However, it is possible to turn it off via the firmware settings, though this does require a bit of technical know-how.

Pushing the machine to a higher level of demand, we loaded up DaVinci Resolve to edit some 4K video shot on the Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV in the H.265 file format. Surprisingly, the machine handled this with relative ease for a simple 10-minute video edit. The project included multiple tracks with little grading and no effects applied. However, as soon as text or effects were added to the footage, the machine began to struggle. That said, you could still manage a 10 to 15-minute edit without too much trouble. The main point where the machine struggled was during export, as it took a significant amount of time to render the video into a file ready for upload. Still, for small video projects, this machine should suffice.

Switching to Adobe Lightroom and loading a few images, the machine performed well and was more than capable of handling basic edits to enhance your imagery for print or online use. Moving on to Photoshop with high-resolution files from the Sony A7 IV, the performance remained impressive for basic edits. The only noticeable slowdown occurred when using the brush tool for dodging and burning highlights and shadows. As layers accumulated, the processor and GPU began to struggle, revealing the machine's limitations.

The final test was to assess gaming performance. For this, we selected Tekken 8 and Hogwarts Legacy. It quickly became apparent when loading Tekken 8 that the machine was going to struggle graphically. While this program is often manageable on entry-level machines, the LarkBox S couldn't quite handle the demands. Once in the game (which took some time), even with settings reduced to a minimum and resolution down to Full HD, gameplay was possible but far from a good experience. With Hogwarts Legacy, the game was simply beyond the machine's capabilities and could not run effectively. However, less graphically and processor-intensive games, such as Portal 2 or the legacy Tomb Raider series, ran smoothly and without issue.

Performance: 4 / 5

Chuwi LarkBox S: Final verdict

Taking a look at what’s on offer here with the LarkBox S, you essentially have an entry-level machine with a premium build quality and very stylish, if discreet, looks. It also has an edge of flair about it with the LED lighting array at the front, which could easily lead you to mistake it for a gaming mini PC. In reality, this is an office machine ideally suited to everyday work with Word and Excel, as well as browsing the internet and a little bit of light multimedia editing.

While the processing and graphical power of the machine isn’t huge, as a day-to-day machine that is built to a high standard and quality, it should last you for a good number of years. The LarkBox S is a great option. Alongside the quality build and relatively decent feature set for the price, there’s also the ability to upgrade the internal SSD and RAM. While the storage capacity upgrade is limited to a maximum of 1 TB, the fact that you can upgrade the RAM to 64 GB gives you a little more flexibility for multimedia editing and handling larger Excel documents.

Overall, the LarkBox S is a great option for any business looking for a compact mini PC for office administration work. Its compact size, durability, and design mean it will fit nicely into any environment. It’s a shame that it comes with Windows Home rather than Windows Pro, but you can always upgrade if needed. As a solid, well-rounded machine with a quality build and finish, the LarkBox S is a worthwhile option that justifies the extra cost over some cheaper alternatives.

Should I buy a Chuwi LarkBox S?

Buy it if...

You want a high-quality build

If you’re looking for a machine that will withstand more than the occasional knock or can be used for van life or in a workshop, the high-quality casing and solid build should meet your needs.

You need plenty of connection options

Across the front and back, there are plenty of connection options, enabling you to connect up to three monitors as well as external hard drives and other accessories neatly and easily.

Don't buy it if...

You need large internal storage

The internal hardware used means that it’s limited to just one terabyte of internal storage with the upgrade, which isn’t a great deal. If you’re looking for a machine for video editing or multimedia, you might want something with more internal storage potential.

You want to play games

Even if you’re a casual gamer and want the option to play some of the latest games, even at reduced resolution, this machine and its integrated GPU will struggle.

For productivity desktops, we reviewed the best business computers.

Beelink EQ14 mini PC with Intel N150 review

7:17 pm | December 8, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Introduction and unboxing Mini PCs are a great way to cater to your computing needs while keeping your desk clean and minimalist. The days of old tower PCs you tuck under the desk only to take away space from your feet (collect dust) are truly over. Most people are fine with a laptop, a Mini PC, or even a powerful tablet (what's a computer, eh?). Here's where the Beelink EQ14 comes in. It's built around the very new Intel N150 - the successor to 2023's Intel N100 - a staple for entry-level systems. The Beelink EQ14 comes in this Navy Blue option and features a honeycomb pattern...

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus mini PC review

10:42 am | December 7, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: 30-second review

Every Mini PC is trying to make its mark, and now the focus seems to be on high-powered machines with mass appeal. The GMKtec NUC Box K8 Plus is an interesting option, with a spec sheet that pitches it at the mid to higher end of this style of machine. Inside, the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU and AMD Radeon 780M graphics provide ample processing and graphical power to handle day-to-day tasks, as well as a decent level of creative work such as high-resolution photo and video editing. That combination will also see you through mid-level gaming, although a few settings may need slight reductions.

However, then you come to the build quality. The main metal casing, finished in matte black, initially gives you a good impression of the machine and the high-quality. However, the transparent twist off top adds little to the design, and if anything cheapens and otherwise stylish mini PC. What this design does allow, however, is easy access to the inside in case you need to upgrade the RAM or SSD.

The outside of the machine is similarly designed with ease of use and functionality at its heart, featuring plenty of ports and even the Oculink PCIe 4.0 on the front, which enables you to plug in an eGPU to boost the graphics processing and overall performance of the machine. This makes the NUC Box K8 Plus a very different proposition from many of the best mini PCs we've reviewed and, at the price, makes it an absolute bargain. What GMKtec has done is balance absolute performance with cost, resulting in a mediocre-looking machine, due to that transparent top, that can actually hold its own against machines almost double its price.

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $424.97
When is it out? Now
Where can you get it? Widely available

The GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus is widely available and can be purchased directly from the GMKtec for £424.97

Value: 5 / 5

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: Specs

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: Design

The design of the NUC Box K8 Plus is understated, featuring the usual compact, box-like form that makes it easy to position on a desk or take with you when you need something small and portable, that has more ports and expansion options than your average laptop.

The build quality is solid, with a metal casing that gives the machine a premium feel. The transparent top, which cheapens the design, covers the large Hyper Ice Chamber 2.0 cooling system—essentially a large top and bottom fan with a copper base—that helps to keep heat in check. The transparent top is positioned slightly above the body of the machine to enable airflow. While the dark grey transparency could add to the aesthetics, it seems to lack impact here.

In terms of size, this Mini PC is about average, measuring 127 mm x 132 mm x 58 mm and weighing 640g. This compact size makes it easy to position on your desk or mount using the included VESA mount. Its weight and dimensions also make it perfectly portable for users who need a machine on the go and makes it a great Van life option.

The rest of the machine is neatly laid out. At the back, you'll find a good range of ports, including 2 x USB 2.0, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, 2 x RJ45 2.5G, USB4.0 Type-C, and a Kensington Lock for security. Below these ports is additional venting, highlighting GMKtec's focus on effective cooling. More vents appear on either side of the machine, further aiding airflow.

At the front, there's the signature green GMKtec power button, an Oculink PCIe 4.0, USB4.0 Type-C, 2 x USB3.2, and a 3.5mm audio-out for headphones. The most impressive design feature is the inclusion of the Oculink display port. While this might not be the most intuitive display connector out there, the port does offers performance and reliability that few other connectors can match, making it perfect for those working with 4K or 8K video or high end gaming where the connection of a powerful eGPU can be used.

Design: 4 / 5

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: Features

Mini PCs have recently leapt forward in performance and features, and again here, the GMKtec NUC Box K8 follows this recent trend with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU with 8 cores, 16 threads, 54W TDP, 16MB L3 Cache and 4nm processor tech. This is coupled with AMD Radeon 780M graphics which seems to be the choice for high performance mini PCs. While this mini PC is priced in the mid-range, the performance, components and features all seem to hit well above its weight. The CPU and GPU are joined by PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD, and a nice feature here is that there are dual slots, which will enable you to maximise the internal storage with the ultrafast SSDs to a maximum of 8TB, 4TB in each. Alongside the ROM is a DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM dual channel, which means that you could potentially increase the RAM to 96GB, which is again impressive for a small machine. Our review sample came equipped with a 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM.

One of the big features of the machine is the ability to connect up to four displays, two from the USB4.0 ports and one each from the HDMI 2.1 and DP (2.1). While this would have been unusual in the past, it's a feature that is becoming progressively more common. Although, it's worth noting that while three of the ports are at the back of the machine, the fourth is the USB4.0 on the front.

Connectivity for the machine is a big feature, with Intel i226V dual 2.5G LAN ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 offering plenty of connection options for both networks and gaming.

One of the issues with all this power in a small box is inevitably heat, and here is the GMKtec Hyper Ice Chamber 2.0, which is all part of the cooling system. This sees a mini fan at the top which vents air under the twist top and draws heat away from the main components, then under the main board is a larger cooling fan with a heat sink that pulls heat away from the base of the motherboard and the CPU and GPU. This cooling is essential for the smooth running of these compact machines.

When it comes to power draw, the small machine can actually be quite power-hungry in comparison with some of the latest mini PCs. However, you do have the option to adjust the power draw with different performance settings, with the sleep mode consuming 35W, compared with full performance at 70W. This makes it a great solution if you need to manage your power consumption out in the field, and it will enable you to balance computer use with performance.

If you're looking for a machine for gaming or higher-end video work, then the addition of the Oculink port is really exciting. The nature of the port means that it's more complex to use than a standard HDMI, DP or USB4.0, but the quality of the connection, as well as its versatility, is a step up. To make use of the port, however, you will need the correct type of eGPU, and while these are less common than your standard eGPUs, they are generally cheaper and easy enough to set up.

Features: 5 / 5

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: Performance

Considering this is a mid-range mini PC with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, the performance of this small machine is outstanding. When the demands on the machine increase, such as rendering 4K video in DaVinci Resolve, you can hear the fans fire up, and things start to slow slightly. However, considering how much this mini PC costs, the performance is exceptionally well-balanced and pretty close to far more expensive models.

Starting with a few easy tests, the Microsoft Office suite was loaded, and documents from Word and Excel were opened, edited, and saved. The power of this PC is more than enough to handle large multi-sheet spreadsheets with calculations without issue. Likewise, opening large Word documents as well as working on PowerPoint presentations was well within its abilities. The benchmark Windows Experience score of 8.2 mirrors the smooth use of the machine for day-to-day admin.

Digging a bit deeper into the higher-end performance and starting with the SSD: as standard, there's just one SSD installed used for the OS and base storage, and a second SSD can be added. Checking the results of the SSD and CrystalDiskMark results in scores of 5190.23MB/s for read and 4741.77MB/s for write, which demonstrate the speed at which data is accessed from the drives and made available to the applications. In DaVinci Resolve, this presented itself with fast loading times for video within the timeline along with fast render speeds, especially when converting MXF video ready for use within the application. This speed from the SSDs was apparent throughout the test.

Taking a look at the processing power, we noticed that in applications for editing video and images, the machine handled higher-resolution files with relative ease. In Photoshop, the machine didn't have an issue with applying brushes and filters as being able to handling multi-layer files. Likewise, all options in Lightroom ran smoothly. In DaVinci, scrubbing through 4K footage and editing it on the timeline was again surprisingly smooth for edits up to 10 minutes without too many graphics, text, or effects applied. When it came to more complex tasks such as applying effects and rendering videos, the multi-threads worked well, and again, while there is a bit of a wait for renders, the speeds are surprisingly fast considering the pricing of the machine.

Switching to gaming to push the abilities of the GPU, the results were interesting. In Hogwarts Legacy, with the resolution set to 1080p and medium-to-high settings, the gameplay was excellent with steady frame rates, although ray tracing was reduced. In Cyberpunk 2077, this was also playable at 1080p with low-to-medium settings without ray tracing. Finally, in Tekken 8, again at 1080p and high settings, smooth frame rates and excellent gameplay were achieved. Increasing the resolution of these games to 4K showed the system beginning to struggle. Hogwarts Legacy required all settings to be reduced, and the same was true for Cyberpunk 2077 However, both games were still very playable, while Tekken 8 ran without issue!

Performance: 5 / 5

GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus: Final verdict

The performance of the NUC Box K8 Plus for general day-to-day tasks is exceptional, handling Microsoft Office apps effortlessly, as well as browsing the internet and most other office-based applications. Taking a look at applications that require a little more processing power, the compact K8 Plus was able to handle the additional load from creative application with ease. Editing in DaVinci Resolve or Photoshop proved just how powerful this machine is. As long as you're sensible about its abilities, it packs in more than enough power for everyday editing of short-form high-resolution video. However, some render times may take a while.

When used for gaming, the performance is impressive again, with all games tested running well at 1080p and only starting to struggle as the resolution was boosted to 4K and the settings increased.

Overall, considering the price, the NUC Box K8 Plus is an exceptional machine with the bonus that the USB4.0 and Oculink ports enable a huge amount of flexibility when it comes to the upgradability of this machine.

Should I buy a GMKtec Nucbox K8 Plus?

Buy it if...

You want a machine you can upgrade

This is one of a new breed of machines that enables not just the standard upgrades of ROM and RAM but also connected devices such as eGPUs and hard drives, vastly expanding its potential.

You like the idea of Oculink

HDMI or other display ports are more complex, but what you sacrifice in convenience, you more than makeup for in performance.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a restricted budget

While the machine itself is relatively affordable, once you start to look at the upgrade and expansion options, the price will quickly rise. What initially looks like a budget-friendly option might not remain so in the long run.

It would help if you had a tidy machine.

The upgradability and expansion of this machine are key features, but this does mean it will become the heart of a larger system of connected boxes. If you prefer a neat setup, this is for someone else.

Looking for something larger? We've tested the best business PCs around.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: a super-solid analog gaming keyboard with top performance

5:40 pm | November 27, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: one-minute review

The Steelseries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is a premium gaming keyboard with analog switches, designed to provide the most accurate and tweakable gaming experience possible.

It certainly looks the part: its understated appearance doesn’t scream gaming prowess, but when you peer further, the quality is evident from every angle.

The chassis is relatively thick but not as weighty as you might expect, and it feels solid and expertly put together, easily among the best gaming keyboards around. The same is true of the wrist pad and the stock double-shot PBT keycaps, which have a slight but smooth texture that’s satisfying to touch.

The inbuilt Smart Screen sits in the top right corner, and can be used to select profiles, change the global actuation point and toggle Rapid Trigger. It can also be customized to display information pertaining to your system or popular games and apps. You can even upload your own images and GIFs too.

Further customizations can be made via Steelseries peripheral software, GG. Here, you can tinker with the actuation points further, on a global or key-by-key basis. You can also set functions to trigger on press or release, and add two binds to a single key, with each triggered at different actuation points of your choosing.

It’s a shame, though, that GG provides no visual feedback when making such adjustments, and there’s no option to emulate the joysticks or triggers of a controller, as can be done on some other analog keyboards, such as the Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro.

However, the gaming performance of the Apex Pro makes up for this omission. The switches are extremely responsive yet offer enough feedback to make hitting actuation points easy. The relatively compact layout also makes the bottom row accessible, as does the sloped nature of these keys. All keycaps are also nicely indented, making for secure presses. The only gripe I have is with the short, flat wrist rest, which caused my palm to hang off the edge when in the WASD position.

I didn’t find the Apex Pro to be as amenable for typing. However, I generally prefer shallow keycaps to glide around on, so those who prefer thicker keycaps may have no issue here.

The Apex Pro is expensive, costing the same as the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro, another analog offering. But with the high price tag comes supreme build quality and performance, and although it misses out on a few analog tweaks, it’s still well worth your consideration.

Close-up of SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 — (Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: price and availability

$219 / £209 (about AU$336)
Available now in black
Same price as Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless

The Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 costs $219 / £209 (about AU$336) and is available now. It comes in one colorway, black. It also includes a wrist rest and a keycap puller, with Steelseries selling replacement keycaps on its website.

Unsurprisingly, it’s less expensive than the wireless variant, which costs $269 – but as well as ditching the wires, that model offers multiple connectivity modes, meaning you can easily switch it between multiple devices.

The Apex Pro is certainly towards the top end of the wired gaming keyboard market. It’s the same price as the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless, for instance, which uses Hall-effect analog technology as well. That board can also be tweaked using Razer Synapse, the brand’s excellent, feature-packed peripheral software.

If you’re after a more budget-friendly analog keyboard, then the Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is a possible contender. Unlike the Apex Pro, it offers controller emulation, although its switches aren’t as precise as we would’ve liked for this purpose. Even though it has its issues, it’s still one to consider.

Value: 3 / 5

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: specs

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 with wrist rest on desk — (Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: design and features

Superlative build quality
Useful inbuilt screen
Some analog tweaks missing

The Apex Pro is a fairly imposing slab, with a thick yet sleek chassis, and its muted looks belie its gaming intentions; the RGB lighting is about the only giveaway in this regard.

The build quality is where the Apex Pro really stands out, though. It’s quite weighty, although not as heavy as you might expect, but every material and joint is exquisite. There’s also a handy compartment underneath housing the keycap puller, with a rubber flap to close it that works well.

The double-shot PBT keycaps feel premium to the touch, with a slight yet smooth texture. The overall layout is reasonably compact, but I didn’t have any issues with mispresses.

The Apex Pro also features Steelseries’ own modifier key, called the Meta key. This allows you to perform various shortcuts, such as adjusting the actuation point and selecting profile slots.

Such alterations can also be made via the Smart Screen. This uses a black and white OLED display, with navigation controlled via a scroll wheel and a small button below – both of which are just as well engineered as the rest of the Apex Pro.

You can set the global actuation point from anywhere between 0.1mm and 4mm, and toggle Rapid Trigger. The Smart Screen can also be used to display certain system information, including workloads for the CPU, GPU and RAM, which is very useful. In-game information can be displayed too, with many popular games having their own default layouts, including those for Counter-Strike 2, Minecraft, and League of Legends. You can even upload your own images and GIFs to display.

Rear of SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 — (Image credit: Future)

Further actuation settings can be adjusted in SteelSeris’ GG software. You can change the actuation of individual keys, and set keys to trigger on press or release. There’s also a dual actuation mode, letting you bind two functions to a single key, each triggered at certain actuation points of your choosing.

Other rebinding options include those for common shortcuts, media playback and system-level functions, although there aren’t as many on the latter front as some other peripheral tools offer. You can also customize the information the Smart Screen displays with a pleasing amount of depth and detail, selecting the timings for when certain information is displayed and what triggers it.

In Counter-Strike 2, for example, you can view your health, as well as your K/D ratio at the end of each round. As well as games, some apps are also integrated, such as Discord, which can display messages.

Overall, GG is easy to navigate and responsive. One aspect that is disappointing, though, is the lack of visual feedback when adjusting settings, which would’ve been useful when setting actuation points to see how your inputs actually translate in real time.

Design & features: 4 / 5

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: performance

Excellent keycaps and switches
Actuation points easy to hit
Wrist rest issues

Put simply, the Apex Pro is a joy to use. The damping of the switches is superb, feeling incredibly satisfying to use while still being snappy enough for fast movements. The indentations of the keycaps also makes them secure and easy to use, and the bottom row is easy to hit with your thumb and little fingers, thanks to the slope of these keys and the aforementioned compact layout.

Hitting certain actuation points is also much easier than I’ve experienced with other analog keyboards, as there’s enough feedback to get a good feel as to how far down you’ve pressed. Rapid trigger also works brilliantly, letting you make those twitchy movements even quicker, by dynamically raising the actuation point when repeated presses are registered.

Keycap puller compartment underneath the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 — (Image credit: Future)

My chief nag from an ergonomic standpoint, though, is with the wrist rest. Given the aforementioned thickness of the Apex Pro’s chassis, I found the rest was definitely needed. However, since it’s quite short and provides very little slope, I found that the edge of my palm would hang awkwardly off the end when in the WASD position.

Also, when it comes to typing, I didn’t find the Apex Pro to be easiest to use. However, I should say that I mostly prefer shallow, laptop-style keyboards, as I find them easier to glide around on, which the stock keycaps on the Apex Pro are not particularly conducive to. But if you’re someone who prefers thicker keycaps for typing, then you’ll likely not have an issue here.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3?

Buy it if…

You want precise analog control
The analog switches are a dream, providing plenty of feedback for accurate actuation-point hitting.

You want the best gaming performance
Aside from that analog control, the switches are snappy when needs be, so there’s no gaming situation that catches it out.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to use it with multiple devices
Since there’s only a wired connection, you can’t easily hotswap between multiple devices, as you can with the wireless variant.

You want to emulate a controller
Despite the analog switches, you can’t emulate controller joysticks or triggers (not natively anyway).

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: also consider

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
If you have your heart set on an analog keyboard, then the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a worthy choice (it’s our pick as the best gaming keyboard around, after all). With its excellent performance and myriad of customization options courtesy of Razer Synapse, you can’t go far wrong with this board. And since the release of version 3, the V2 can be found for a good price. Read our Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3
For $50 more, you can get the wireless version of the Apex Pro TKL, which helps to eliminate the clutter from your desk, and allows you to do some sofa gaming too. And since it features Bluetooth and wired options in addition to the 2.4GHz dongle, you can use it with multiple devices and switch between them with ease.

How I tested the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3

Tested for several days
Used for gaming, work, and general use
Over 10 years of PC gaming experience

I tested the Apex Pro for several days and used it to game, work, and browse. I used both with and without the included wrist rest.

I played games such as Counter-Strike 2, which is a great test for a keyboard’s responsiveness and accuracy. I also made sure to try out as many features as possible, and tinker with as many settings as I could using the GG software.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and I have used plenty of keyboards during that time. I have also reviewed a number of keyboards with varying price tags, sizes, and switch types.

First reviewed November 2024
Read more about how we test

Manba One review: a tweakable controller with a few design issues

5:00 pm | November 24, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Metal Gear Solid, PC | Comments: Off

Manba One: one-minute review

Back of Manba One on table — (Image credit: Future)

The Manba One is a wireless controller with an inbuilt screen for accessing the various tweaks available to tailor the gaming experience to your preferences.

Its design mimics the Xbox Wireless Controller, although the white variant features a removable transparent front cover that reveals some of the inner workings – which, along with the RGB lighting on either side, helps to make the Manba One more distinctive.

However, the relatively short grips caused me some discomfort, mainly due to the sharp angle at which they tail off towards the triggers. Those with smaller hands may be fine (although mine aren’t even that big), but I prefer the grip designs of popular controllers, such as the aforementioned Xbox controller and PlayStation’s DualSense.

The overall build quality is good: the face buttons are more akin to mouse clicks, but pleasingly tactile all the same, while the D-pad is more damped and operates smoothly. However, the rear 'M' buttons are too small and thin to be convenient, and all too easy to mispress. The bumpers are also a little awkward to reach given their thickness, and the triggers are quite short and less indented than those on some of the best PC controllers.

Worst of all, though, is that the left stick – on my unit at least – can stick in an elevated position, in turn causing it to get stuck in certain directions when using it, which is a serious problem. Thankfully, this issue was resolved easily by pressing the stick back into place, but it’s a design fault that needs to be addressed, if indeed it affects all units.

Since there’s no software for the Manba One, all adjustments are made via its onboard display, and thankfully the interface is clear and easy to use. From here, you can rebind buttons, activate turbo mode, and assign the four remappable M buttons to a series of button presses. You can also adjust trigger travel, as well as the deadzone and curve for the joysticks. Four profile slots are available to save your configurations, including one dedicated to Switch controls.

In practice, the Manba One performs well, on both PC and the Nintendo Switch. The buttons are snappy and easy to use, although the triggers don’t offer the most feedback, since their travel is quite short. However, the ability to lock the travel is a welcome addition, and proves very useful for shooters when you want to perform quick taps.

The joysticks are also precise and smooth, and the curve options do make a difference. I found that the High Performance curve, for instance, was especially useful for racing games, as it allowed for both precise micro-adjustments and full-lock steering quickly.

Given its asking price, the Manba One represents good value considering its features and performance. The official Xbox Wireless Controller is cheaper, but barebones in comparison, and it doesn’t even come with a rechargeable battery. If you’re after similar levels of customization, then you’ll usually have to part with a lot more cash. The Manba One, therefore, is a worthy choice for those after a precise, tweakable controller.

Manba One review: Price and availability

$69.99 (about £54 / AU$105)
Available now in Black and White colorways
Good price compared to the competition

The Manba One costs $69.99 (about £54 / AU$105) and is available now. It comes in two colorways, black and white, the latter of which features a transparent front cover. The joysticks are replaceable, with a taller pair included in the box. Also included is a dock for wireless charging.

It’s more expensive than the Xbox Wireless Controller, one of the best PC controllers around and a popular choice for many PC players, but not by much. It has more features than this pad, including a built-in display, four programmable rear buttons, and numerous other tweaks and customizations. However, unlike the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Manba One has no 3.5mm headphone jack.

Compared to more feature-laden controllers, the Manba One looks like a veritable bargain. The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, for example – our pick as the best PC controller for those with cash to splash – is considerably more expensive. However, this gamepad is more advanced, featuring mechanical buttons and the headset audio control.

The Manba One matches it for joystick hardware, though, as both pads use Hall effect technology – but the thumbsticks themselves can’t be switched out on the Stealth Ultra, as they can on the Manba One. Also, as mentioned in our Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra review, we weren’t fans of its companion software.

Manba One review: specs

Manba One in charging dock on table — (Image credit: Future)

Manba One review: design and features

Inbuilt screen
Snappy, tactile buttons
Some comfort issues

The Manba One adopts a rather classic controller design, with a similar shape and layout to Xbox controllers, but with a slightly more angular, aggressive appearance. There’s also some customizable RGB lighting on the sides to liven up proceedings, as well as some subtle gray accents on the white variant.

This colorway also features a transparent front cover, letting you see the exoskeleton lurking beneath, which fades to silver towards the bottom. The rear of the pad is lightly textured on the grips, but there’s no additional padding as some of the best PC controllers and best Xbox controllers feature.

The grips themselves are also quite short and curve abruptly towards the triggers. As a result, I didn’t find the Manba One as comfortable to hold as more popular controllers, such as the Xbox controller and PlayStation’s DualSense. However, those with smaller hands may have no issue.

Compared to those other controllers, the face buttons on the Manba One are less damped as well, feeling and sounding more like mouse buttons, but satisfying to use nonetheless. The D-pad, though, feels more cushioned and is smooth to operate. The sticks are average in size and feature a soft rubber material on top, offering just enough grip. A taller pair of sticks are included in the box and are easy to replace.

The triggers are another point of departure for the Manba One. They’re quite short with shallow indentations, and offer less travel and resistance than you might expect. However, the stroke lock is a clever addition, as it reduces travel considerably to allow for rapid firing.

Another welcome feature is their dotted texture, which does help with grip. This can also be found on the bumpers, although it’s a shame these are bulky with an awkward shape, as it makes them uncomfortable to use for long periods. Thankfully, the same can’t be said about the home buttons: these are positioned right at the bottom of the controller, below the D-pad and right analog stick. This keeps them out of the way, yet they’re still easy to access when needed.

The build quality of the Manba One is hard to fault – in most places. The screen is prone to micro-scratches all too easily, but more worrying is an issue I experienced on my test unit: the left analog stick managed to get stuck in a raised position, and in this state, it would in turn catch in certain directions when operating it – a cardinal sin for any joystick. Thankfully, this was a one-off problem, and simply pushing the stick back down into its original, intended seat was enough to prevent it reoccurring. However, it’s still a fault worth noting.

The included charging station matches the simple yet sleek design of the controller itself, into which the Manba One fits like a glove. It also features a compartment underneath to store the sizable Bluetooth dongle.

There’s no external software app for the Manba One on either PC or mobile: every adjustment and tweak is made via a menu displayed on its screen. There are options to rebind buttons and toggle turbo mode, as well as assign the four back M buttons to a series of up to 20 buttons in a row.

You can also adjust the deadzone for the analog sticks, as well the curve. There are four options to choose from on this front, ranging from a default, linear curve to a High Performance option, which Manba claims is ideal for racing and shooting games.

There are four profile slots to store your setups, including one dedicated to Switch controls, but unfortunately, you can’t rename them. There are also tools for testing buttons and calibrating the joysticks, triggers, and motion control (for the gyroscope when playing certain Switch games). You can set the vibration strength too, with four levels to choose from, or turn it off completely.

Manba One review: performance

Snappy and responsive
Useful adjustments
Triggers lack feel

Gaming with the Manba One is mostly an enjoyable experience. The sticks offer smooth and precise movements, while the buttons are responsive and tactile. However, the triggers fail to offer the best feedback, as their travel is too short to offer the kind of finely graded control you want from analog inputs. The underneath M buttons are also hard to use in the heat of the moment, given their small size and awkward position; you can’t use a more flat-fingered approach, as you can with a more traditional, paddle-like designs.

Personally, I’ve always preferred D-pads with separate buttons for each direction, rather than the integrated design on the Manba One, as I find they give me more control and precision in games where such inputs are crucial. I needn’t have worried, though. When playing Tekken 8, for instance, where D-pad inputs are complex, I had little issue hitting the directions I wanted to hit. That circular shape also helps to roll seamlessly between multiple directions, yet each is still easy to actuate individually without accidentally triggering adjacent directions, which can happen on D-pads with a singular component.

The various tweaks available on the Manba One also made a difference. Using the High Performance curve for racing games, for instance, was a marked improvement. When playing Assetto Corsa, it offered much better car control, as I could make minute steering corrections and drastic changes of direction equally well, depending on how far I moved the stick.

This same curve is also recommended for shooters, although I found that the default, linear curve offered less sensitive and more precise looking and aiming. The locks on the back that shorten the trigger length also work for enabling rapid shooting.

One of the great advantages of the display is the ability to adjust settings on the fly. Accessing the menu mid-game works well for the most part, although having to hold the home button for three seconds to activate it is a little inconvenient; I wish it were a little quicker.

It’s a shame also that the M buttons can’t be programmed as modifiers; to toggle the curve of the analog sticks, for instance, which would be useful for situations requiring momentary decreases in sensitivity, such as aiming, acting like a sniper button on a mouse. I found the M buttons all too easy to trigger too, especially when using the D-pad or face buttons intensely, as I naturally tightened my grip on the back of the controller.

In addition to PC, I also used the Manba One with a Nintendo Switch, connecting via Bluetooth without needing the included dongle. Like the best Nintendo Switch controllers, connecting the Manba One to the console is easy, and it worked flawlessly.

The battery life of the Manba One is claimed to be about 10 hours or more, and this was roughly in line with what I experienced, although it was hard to get an accurate measurement of battery levels, since no percentage is given on the inbuilt screen. Charging via the included dock takes about four and a half hours according to Manba, and again this proved relatively accurate.

Close-up of Manba One d-pad and left joystick — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Manba One?

Buy it if...

You want solid performance
The buttons are mostly great to use, and the Hall effect joysticks offer precise movements and different curves to choose from.

You want tweakable inputs
There are plenty of adjustments you can make on the Manba One, plus the display means you can make them on the fly.

Don't buy it if...

You want the most comfortable pad
Personally, I found the contours of the Manba One didn’t fit my hand as neatly as I would’ve liked, and the rear M buttons can get in the way.

You want console play
Although it’s compatible with the Switch, PS5 and Xbox gaming are out of the picture here.

Also consider...

If the Manba One isn't doing it for you, here's a couple of other controllers we recommend

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
As the best PC controller and best Xbox controller, the official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is hard to beat for unadulterated gaming. There’s no fancy features to be found here, but it nails the basics: it’s comfortable, practical, versatile and performs very well. It’s also reasonably priced, although a few missteps, such as no rechargeable battery as standard, go against it.

Read our Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller review

Victrix Pro BFG
If you want modularity, then the Victrix Pro BFG is hard to beat. Not only is it compatible with PC, it’s also one of the best PS5 controllers you can buy, thanks to its multiple face buttons, joystick, and D-pad upgrades – including a module designed for fighting games. There’s four reprogrammable back paddles as well. It will set you back, though.

Read our Victrix Pro BFG review

How I tested the Manba One

Tested for several days
Played a variety of genres on PC and Switch
25+ years gaming experience

I tested the Manba One for several days. During that time, I used it to play a variety of titles, including shooters, racing simulators and fighting games, in order to test every aspect of the controller. These included Black Mesa, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version, Assetto Corsa, and Tekken 8. I tested the Manba One on PCs – both Windows 10 and 11 – and the Nintendo Switch.

I also made sure to use and tweak every available feature and setting on the Manba One via the built-in display. I also tried out the included replaceable joysticks and the wireless charging dock.

I have been gaming for over 25 years across numerous platforms, all the way from the NES and other Nintendo consoles to most generations of PlayStation and PC. During that time I have used a number of controllers, from official devices to third-party ones. I’ve also tested many other gaming peripherals, including mice and keyboards.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed November 2024

Thrustmaster Heart controller review: a competent Hall effect gamepad that fails to stand out in a competitive space

4:00 pm | November 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Apex Legends, Final Fantasy, PC | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster Heart: one-minute review

The Thrustmaster Heart is being positioned by the Oregon-based hardware specialist as an entry-level, performance-focused controller for Xbox consoles and PC. But ‘entry-level’ is more of a half-truth. It’s certainly very simple and straightforward but comes in at a rather lofty price tag that betrays that description somewhat.

That’s not to say the Thrustmaster Heart isn’t necessarily a controller you should avoid; there’s really a lot to like about it. From its comfortable Hall effect thumbsticks and tactile buttons to that lovely juxtaposed aesthetic dividing black and white colors with a strip of LED lighting, it could be one of the best PC controllers or best Xbox controllers for you if you’re looking for a simple gamepad that’s a cut above the standard Xbox Wireless Controller.

On the other hand, the Thrustmaster Heart doesn’t do a whole lot to justify its price. Cheaper controllers from competing brands like GameSir and Turtle Beach have the Heart beaten on features, and the complete lack of a wireless connectivity option is genuinely quite baffling at this price point - as it is with the brand’s even more expensive eSwap range.

That being said, the things the Heart does well, it does very well. It’s an impressively responsive controller that (aside from the disappointingly spongy feel of the triggers) provides rapid actuation. The face buttons and mechanical d-pad both feel fantastic, and the Hall effect sticks are exceptionally well-designed and comfortable to rest your thumbs on.

All in all, the Thrustmaster Heart is a very solid controller, but not an absolute must when other products are offering more at significantly lower prices.

Thrustmaster Heart: price and availability

Retails at $99.99 / £89.99
Available from October 2024
Fairly pricey given its relative lack of features

The Thrustmaster Heart is available to buy now for $99.99 / £89.99. It’s purchasable at Thrustmaster’s own website, as well as Best Buy, Amazon US, and Amazon UK. It appears that it currently is not available for purchase in Australia, though.

On the overall price spectrum, the Thrustmaster Heart finds itself in a pretty awkward spot. It’s not a premium product, but certainly not budget-friendly by any means. And when you consider that other PC controllers like the GameSir Tarantula Pro are doing more for less at $69.99 / £69.99, the Thrustmaster Heart becomes a tough sell.

That said, if Thrustmaster is a go-to brand for you, then the Heart is one of its cheaper options available. Especially when you factor in the likes of the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 and its $169.99 / £169.99 sticker price. The eSwap controllers also don’t ship with Hall effect controls; you’ll need to buy a separate module for that. In that regard, the Thrustmaster Heart provides decent value over its premium siblings.

Thrustmaster Heart: specs

Thrustmaster Heart: design and features

Incredibly pleasing in the aesthetics department
Convenient on-board multifunction options
ThrustmapperX software is simple, convenient, and available on console and PC

On the design front, the Thrustmaster Heart really impresses. I’m a huge fan of the divided black-and-white look, separated down the middle by a strip of LED lighting. That strip tapers off to the left about halfway up, giving the controller’s aesthetic a stylish uneven split.

I don’t particularly care for the Thrustmaster and ‘H.E.A.R.T.’ (which stands for Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) logos plastered onto either side of the controller, but they don’t overpower the overall design here. The controller is then accentuated with some lovely textured grips that offer a comfortable fit in your hands. That said, the Heart is an extremely light controller, which lends it a hollow feel.

Otherwise, you’re getting a fairly standard Xbox Wireless Controller-esque layout with some key differences. Flanking the Menu and Share buttons are two unique buttons. One of these is a multifunction button used to switch profiles and adjust LED color and brightness. The other is a mapping button used to assign the two rear remappable buttons. The bottom of the controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a mic mute button which is a welcome addition.

The Thrustmaster Heart lacks any on-board trigger lock settings. However, trigger travel time as well as stick sensitivity can be adjusted in the ThrustmapperX software which can be downloaded for free on PC and Xbox consoles. You can also set individual profiles here which you can swap between with that aforementioned profile button.

Thrustmaster Heart: performance

Overall pin-sharp responsiveness
D-pad, face buttons, and sticks all feel fantastic
Triggers are a letdown with a bit of a spongy feel

While I’ve had some issues with the Thrustmaster Heart’s feature set and price point, few such frustrations exist with its overall performance. Thrustmaster has nailed what it sets out to do here, offering a sublime play experience with some of the best feeling Hall effect thumbsticks in the business. The amount of concavity on each stick feels just right, and there’s not even a pinch of stiffness to be found. If you’re looking for a controller with immensely precise stick movement, then the Thrustmaster Heart is it.

That same high level of quality applies to the mechanical buttons and satisfyingly tactile d-pad. The latter is quite simple in its design, but extremely effective thanks to its clicky and speedy feedback. The buttons and bumpers are similar here, with lightning-quick travel time that again will be a boon to players after utmost precision.

It’s a slight shame that the triggers are the weakest aspect of the performance package. They’re fully analog which isn’t a problem in and of itself. It’s more in how they feel - in this case, they’re a touch on the loose side, lacking that feeling of precision shared by other elements of the play experience. I think the lack of trigger locks (especially at this price) compounds this issue; it would’ve been great to have them for the option to switch to instant, digital trigger input which also would offset that overly spongy feel.

It’s also a shame that there’s no option for wireless connectivity with the Thrustmaster Heart. Like the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 - an otherwise excellent controller - the Heart is strictly wired via USB Type-C connectivity. Obviously, this is in line with the objective of peak responsiveness, but when even cheap pads like the 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth controller are offering wireless connectivity for less, I don’t see any real reason why Thrustmaster can’t either.

Should you buy the Thrustmaster Heart controller?

Buy it if...

You’re a multiplayer gamer after peak performance
It’s a joy to play online with the Thrustmaster Heart thanks to its high responsiveness and lightning-fast actuation. Titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PUBG Battlegrounds really shine with the Heart because of this.View Deal

You enjoy tactile button feedback
The Thrustmaster Heart’s d-pad and buttons simply feel excellent to press due to their mechanical nature, offering satisfyingly clicky and responsive feedback that’s seriously tough to beat.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
The Thrustmaster Heart is very expensive for what you’re getting. It provides a great play experience, but its lack of features and no wireless connectivity hurt its value proposition.View Deal

You like controllers with lots of extra features
If you enjoy features like trigger locks, multiple remappable buttons, and so on, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. Even cheaper gamepads like the GameSir Tarantula Pro seriously excel in this regard. The Heart also lacks the modular design of the eSwap range, so I’d consider that one if you’re after something more customizable.View Deal

Also consider...

If the Thrustmaster Heart isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you should also consider these other two excellent controller options.

GameSir Tarantula Pro
With a symmetrical thumbstick layout, Hall effect, tons of remappable buttons, great build quality, and a nifty button layout-switch feature, the Tarantula Pro is the full PC controller package. And it’s cheaper than the Thrustmaster Heart.

Read our full GameSir Tarantula Pro reviewView Deal

Thrustmaster eSwap X2
Thrustmaster’s premium modular controller is absolutely fantastic, and superbly accessible thanks to its swappable module layout. It is pricey, but a brilliant option for those who like to tinker with their overall controller layout in an accessible manner while retaining premium features.

Read our full Thrustmaster eSwap X2 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Thrustmaster Heart

Tested for one week
Platforms tested: Xbox Series X, PC
Played a mixture of single-player and multiplayer titles

I tested the Thrustmaster Heart controller over the course of a week across Xbox Series X and PC. On console, I played a wide variety of multiplayer games including Fortnite and PUBG Battlegrounds, finding that the controller’s pinpoint responsiveness is a perfect fit for intense multiplayer environments. Over on PC, I extensively played games like Final Fantasy 14 Online, Slitterhead, and Ys Origin to get a feel for the controller’s sublime Hall effect sticks.

Razer Kraken V4: two-minute review

The Razer Kraken V4 is the latest incarnation in Razer’s mid-range line of wireless gaming headsets, promising improvements over previous generations. True to Razer’s recent design language, the Kraken V4 keeps the gaming accouterments to a minimum, although the RGB lighting does enough to brighten the otherwise austere black colorway.

Every aspect of Kraken V4's construction feels premium, from the outer shell and swivel mechanisms to the switchgear and microphone. My one gripe is that the volume control is a little too loose, and leaning back in your chair can trigger accidental scrolls.

Wearing the Kraken V4 is a pleasant experience, if a little bulky given how wide the drivers are. The headband and earcups are as plush and comfortable as many of the best wireless gaming headsets, and glasses wearers should also get on well with them. However, the inside of the drivers did press into my ears slightly, which can cause discomfort over time, but not to the extent of other headsets I’ve tried.

There are plenty of features on the Kraken V4, including various listening modes. These can be toggled via a button, or customized in greater depth using the Razer Synapse software. There are detailed EQ settings and various modes to toggle, including the near-essential Bass Boost function. There are also mic settings in a similar vein, including EQ and noise cancellation settings.

In practice, I didn’t find the various sound modes to be particularly useful. Barring Music mode, the rest reduce low and mid frequencies too much. And even with Music mode selected and Bass Boost activated, the low-end is still left wanting.

Another feature I would recommend keeping on is THX Spatial Audio. Unfortunately, this only works on PC, but it conveys a much fuller sound. Using a wired connection via USB is marginally better too. However, even with these recommendations, there are still better-sounding gaming headsets out there, such as those in Beyerdynamic’s MMX lineup.

The microphone offers good vocal quality, and the various settings are useful, especially noise cancellation, which prevents unwanted sounds from coming through with aplomb.

Battery life is good too, although as Razer indicates, it can vary wildly depending on usage. I managed to get around a couple of days worth of use out of it, which is on par with most other wireless gaming headsets.

While it’s priced slightly below the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, that headset offers bigger drivers and a longer battery life. Still, both share numerous specs, so you’re not missing out on much.

It also undercuts some of the best wireless headsets around, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, our pick as the best PC gaming headset. And if you’re happy to keep the cables, then there are wired gaming headsets out there with even better value, such as the Epos H3.

Close-up of driver on Razer Kraken V4 — (Image credit: Future)

Razer Kraken V4 review: price and availability

$179 / £179 / AU$329
Available now
Black colorway only

The Kraken V4 costs $179 / £179 / AU$329 and is available now. It comes in one colorway: black.

As wireless gaming headsets go, the Kraken V4 is priced quite well. It’s slightly cheaper than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, our pick as the best wireless gaming headset overall. However, that is a headset designed for esports, and although both feature Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless technology and HyperClear Super Wideband microphones, the TriForce titanium drivers are 50mm on the BlackShark V2 Pro as opposed to 40mm on the Kraken V4. The BlackShark also has a battery life of up to 70 hours, whereas the Kraken can only manage up to 50 hours.

If you’re after superlative sound over features, then Beyerdynamic’s MMX range of gaming headsets could fit the bill. However, these are considerably more expensive, even though the MMX 300 and 330 Pro are wired. And as we noted in our MMX 200 Wireless review, this headset suffers from awkward setup and connectivity.

If you can live with a cable-only connection, then you can’t do much better than the Epos H3, our pick as the best wired gaming headset overall.

Razer Kraken V4 review: Specs

Close-up of ear cup height adjustment on Razer Kraken V4 — (Image credit: Future)

Razer Kraken V4 review: design and features

Understated design
Relatively comfortable
Razer Synapse integration

In the flesh, the Kraken V4 is relatively understated for a piece of gaming hardware, although the key indicators are still there. The black design is illuminated by a large RGB light display on both drivers, which can be customized in-depth via Razer’s peripheral software, Synapse.

Although the oval driver design helps to keep their profile slim, the Kraken V4 is still relatively bulky thanks to the protrusion of the drivers, although the drivers do swivel 90 degrees, which makes them easier to hang around your neck and store.

The drivers themselves don’t get in the way when leaning back in your chair or sofa, but annoyingly the volume wheel does, which led to frequent accidental scrolls and made me reluctant to ever recline fully. Therefore, this isn’t a headset I could recommend for sofa players.

The padding on the headband and earcups is soft and well-cushioned, allowing for long gaming sessions, even for those who wear glasses. It also doesn’t seem like the kind of material that will flake over time, which bodes well for its longevity – although the headband isn’t replaceable should it perish.

Despite the overall comfort, I did find the inside of the drivers pressed slightly into my ears – a common problem I experience with many headsets and headphones – which can cause aching after a long time.

The build quality of the Kraken V4 is up to the usual Razer standards, with a solid yet lightweight construction and premium, easy-operating buttons. The included USB cable is braided yet thick and seems quite durable. It also doesn’t weigh down the headset, as other headset USB cables can. The aforementioned issue with the volume wheel is one of the only missteps and is mainly due to the looseness of the incremental notches.

The party piece of the Kraken V4, though, is the retractable microphone. For the most part, this is easy to operate, although it can be a little cumbersome to put back, as the gooseneck design tends to fold as you attempt to push it back in. Once you get the knack, however, it’s an elegant solution to keeping the mic stowed. Adjusting and fixing the mic into position is also easy, although the cable isn’t that long, so you may struggle to place the tip right in front of your mouth (it only managed to reach the side of my lips). Again, as with the rest of the headset, the microphone feels premium and hard-wearing. There’s no cloth tip either, removing another point of potential degradation.

Close-up of driver and mic on Razer Kraken V4 — (Image credit: Future)

As for features, the Kraken V4 includes various listening modes depending on the type of media you’re consuming, including Movie, Music and Gaming modes, which can be activated with the press of a button.

This same button can be pressed twice to quickly switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, which works quite quickly and efficiently. There’s also a mute mic button, and a button that can be held to allow for the volume wheel to adjust the balance between game and mic audio, although this implementation is somewhat awkward, and failed to work consistently during my tests. Thankfully, many of these button presses are accompanied by clear audio cues, so you’re sure when they are activated.

The Kraken V4 can be customized further using Razer Synapse. In this software, you’ll find adjustments for the RGB lighting, including options for different colors and patterns. There are also audio enhancements including bass boost and vocal clarity enhancements.

The aforementioned media modes can be altered to your liking, thanks to the 10-band EQ, letting you drag points on a graph to boost or reduce certain frequencies. This offers more in-depth sound sculpting than software from other rivals.

You can also alter mic settings, again with EQ adjustments available, although there’s only three modes to choose from here. You can also turn on monitoring to hear yourself through the headset, and there are various useful parameters to adjust thresholds for sound being picked up.

The Kraken V4 works on PC and various consoles, including the PS5 and Nintendo Switch. As the PS5 doesn't support audio over Bluetooth, the Kraken V4 can only connect wirelessly via the 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. Like the best PS5 headsets, the Kraken V4 connection is instant and works flawlessly with the console. Connecting via Bluetooth to the Switch is similarly easy and trouble-free. If you’re on Xbox, though, you’re out of luck as the Kraken V4 isn’t compatible; consider one of the best Xbox Series X headsets instead.

Close-up of Razer Kraken V4 headband — (Image credit: Future)

Razer Kraken V4 review: Performance

Tweakable in Synapse
Weak bass
High-quality mic

The Kraken V4 offers well-balanced audio for gaming, although the low-end is lacking somewhat. The different listening modes, however, can alter the sound.

In theory, these different listening modes are nice, but in practice, I found that Music mode offers the best experience for all occasions, as it provides the fullest sound with the best bass response. This makes the other modes redundant: Gaming mode sounds too weak in the lower frequencies, whereas Movie mode scoops the mid-range frequencies far too much, which makes for a frankly bizarre listening experience that I can’t imagine anyone wanting to use.

There are also various enhancements, including Bass Boost. I would recommend having this on all the time, as it noticeably increases the low end without being overbearing. However, even with this activated, the bass still lacks the impact of headphones designed for audio playback. This weakness could also be attributed to the lack of isolation from the earcups, so the sense of immersion isn’t as strong as you might expect from over-ear headphones.

You might think this could be remedied by activating THX Spatial Audio, as the Kraken V4 supports this standard. However, I wouldn’t characterize the mode as adding more space – but again, it does offer a much fuller sound with more bottom end, and without overshadowing mids and highs. It’s a shame that this mode is only available on PC and not console.

There’s no discernible difference in sound quality between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless dongle, although the latency is reduced slightly when connected via the latter. I also experienced a bug whereby the volume wheel wouldn’t work when in 2.4GHz mode on a Windows 10 machine, although this could’ve been a quirk of my particular setup. Sound is further improved when using a wired connection via USB. The bass response is fuller still, and the overall fidelity seems slightly improved as well.

The microphone quality is also good. Voices are rendered clearly, although some microphones do offer slightly better quality, such as the Beyerdynamic MMX models, but it’s still more than sufficient.

The various microphone adjustments work well too, especially the Noise Isolation and Voice Gate modes, the former of which prevents unwanted sounds and the latter lets you choose the threshold for input detection.

Battery life varies depending on usage, with a claimed maximum of up to 50 hours when the RGB lighting is turned off, or up to 35 hours when on. During my tests, I managed to get several days of use out of the Kraken V4, which is on par with other wireless gaming headsets.

Close-up of buttons on Razer Kraken V4 — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Razer Kraken V4?

Buy it if...

You want plenty of features
Thanks to its integration with Razer Synapse, you can tinker with the audio input and output, as well as the RGB lighting.

You want a retractable mic
There aren’t too many gaming headsets with a retractable mic, providing a neat solution to stowing it away.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want to look like 'a gamer'
The RGB lighting and bulky design play into the gamer aesthetic, so if that’s not your thing, there are less gaming-centric alternatives out there.

You want the best sound across media
Although the sound suffices for gaming, for music the Kraken V4 pales in comparison to some other headsets, such as Beyerdynamic’s MMX series.

Also consider...

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Razer’s other gaming headset, the BlackShark V2 Pro takes our top spot as the best wireless gaming headset, and for good reason. The sound is great, and it features slightly bigger drivers and longer battery life than the Kraken V4. It’s also not much more expensive. Read our Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review.

Epos H3
If you’re happy to go wired, then the Epos H3 is simply the best wired gaming headset in our view. It offers terrific value, considering its exceptional sound quality and comfort. The large mic and awkward volume wheel are about the only drawbacks we found with it. If you’re prepared to pay substantially more, there’s a wireless version available too. Read our Epos H3 review.

How I tested the Razer Kraken V4

Tested for several weeks
Played on PC and on consoles
20+ years gaming experience

I tested the Kraken V4 for over a week. During that time, I used it for gaming, listening to music, and watching videos. I tried to use as many features and tweak as many settings as possible using the Razer Synapse software.

I played a variety of titles on PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, including Sea of Thieves, Silent Hill 2 Remake, Counter-Strike 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I played online multiplayer in order to test the microphone in a true-to-life environment.

I have over 20 years of gaming experience and have tried numerous headphones and headsets during that time. I have also reviewed other gaming headsets.

First reviewed October 2024.
Read more about how we test

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