Introduction:

OCZ Eclipse Double Laser Gaming Mouse

Having a good gaming PC is more than just about having a good CPU, GPU or motherboard. Having the proper input peripherals is also key to your success on the gaming battlefield. With keyboards and mice seemingly becoming commodity products, with some prices in the single digit dollar amounts, this may not seem to be the case, but the increasing market for gaming-oriented peripherals has helped move along what otherwise would be a stagnant market.

Specifically, the market for gaming mice has had a two-fold effect: Besides pushing along the development of new feature, gaming mice have also kept alive the wired mouse. While many have switched to wireless mice, it seems that the gamer audience is not yet convinced. OCZ has been in the market for gamer-oriented peripherals for some time now, and one of their latest products, the Eclipse Double-Laser Gaming Mouse, promises to push the envelope even further. Can it deliver?

Specifications:

The specifications for the Eclipse gaming mouse appear to be top-notch. The DPI resolution of the double-laser engine can be adjusted from 100 DPI all the way up to 2400 DPI; while we have seen higher resolution sensors, it remains to be seen whether this is helpful or not. On the other hand, it remains to be seen whether the double-laser engine has any effect as well. The USB polling rate can be set as high as 1000 Hz, comparable with other gaming mice.

• Full Specifications

The OCZ Eclipse doesn't stop there with just those technical merits, as it sports some other useful features. An adjustable weight system, similar to what was first seen on Logitech mice, is included. Furthermore, the mouse is completely driverless - while you need a special program to adjust and customize the button functionality, the profile data is directly saved to the mouse and the customized commands are replayed from there. No special software is needed on the host PC, unlike with most other mice that support customized commands. Additionally, the DPI settings and adjustments are done in hardware as well, without the need for special software for things to work so you can switch DPI settings on-the-fly easily.

The OCZ Eclipse Double Laser Gaming mouse comes in a fairly standard package. Opening it up, we find a pretty spartan arrangement of items, with just the mouse, a detailed manual and a mini-CD with the software used to configure the mouse. (The adjustable weights are already placed within the mouse)

OCZ Eclipse Mouse.

Back of package.

Contents.

Looking at the mouse, it appears to be ambidextrous, but in reality the two thumb buttons (forward/back by default) on the left side make this a righty-only mouse in practice. The cable is 1.5m long, which should be enough for most setups; while some may scoff at a wired mouse in this age of wireless device, the fact is that the wired setup easily allows for the advanced profile storage and customization options stored directly on the mouse itself.

Cable is 1.5m long.

Bottom with profile button.

Thumb buttons.

There are a total of seven buttons on the OCZ Eclipse, or eight if you include the Profile switch button on the bottom. This doesn't set any records, but for most it'll be more than enough. You get the standard L/R/middle, along with the forward/back thumb buttons. Finally, there is a rocker switch that can be pushed up or down to increase/decrease the DPI resolution. These are the default functions, as all of these buttons (except for the left and profile buttons) can be customized to suit your needs with the included software.

Right side.

Left/Right buttons are big.

Entire mouse is contoured.

The overall shape of the mouse is contoured to fit your grip, with a slight inward curve on the side to support your thumb. The entire mouse is also covered in a rubber like material that ensures a proper grip during intense gaming sessions. Holding the mouse feels fairly natural, though the palm rest area feels little too high/arched at times.

Palm rest comes off.

Weight cartridge stored underneath.

4 weights.

The adjustable weight cartridge can be accessed by removing the top of the palm rest. Underneath, you'll find the cartridge, with capacity for four 4.5g weights, which are included. This allows you to adjust the additional weight from 0 to 18g. This is a nice feature, as some people prefer a heavier mouse for a more "solid" feel, but it may not be for everyone.

DPI settings LEDs.

DPI adjustment rocker switch.

Side translucent stripes.

The DPI adjustment switch can be pushed forward or backward to increase or decrease the DPI resolution. Directly below the switch is a series of four blue LEDs; these LEDs light up in order to indicate which DPI setting you're using, as up to four separate settings from 100 to 2400 DPI are supported. It's a nice touch, and one we've seen on mice before. However, your view of the LEDs may be obstructed, not because they're covered by your hand/fingers but because of the angle you have when looking at the mouse; the index finger tends to block the view.

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